bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land use and land cover change based on historical space–time model
Authors: Sun Qiong , Zhang Chi , Liu Min , Zhang Yongjing
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Land use and cover change is a leading edge topic in the current research field of global environmental changes and case study of typical areas is an important approach understanding global environmental changes. Taking the Qiantang River (Zhejiang, China) as an example, this study explores automatic classification of land use using remote sensing technology and analyzes historical space–time change by remote sensing monitoring. This study combines spectral angle mapping (SAM) with multi-source information and creates a convenient and efficient high-precision land use computer automatic classification method which meets the application requirements and is suitable for complex landform of the studied area. This work analyzes the histological space–time characteristics of land use and cover change in the Qiantang River basin in 2001, 2007 and 2014, in order to (i) verify the feasibility of studying land use change with remote sensing technology, (ii) accurately understand the change of land use and cover as well as historical space–time evolution trend, (iii) provide a realistic basis for the sustainable development of the Qiantang River basin and (iv) provide a strong information support and new research method for optimizing the Qiantang River land use structure and achieving optimal allocation of land resources and scientific management.
Chaucer's Feminine Pretexts: Gendered Genres in Three Frame Moments
Authors: Saraceni Madeleine L.
Published: September 2016

In the construction of his authorial persona, Chaucer sought to identify himself with genres of literature that may have been associated with female readership in the medieval cultural imagination, including vernacular devotional writing (Pseudo-Origen's De Maria Magdalena), conduct literature (the Tale of Melibee), and hagiography (the Introduction to the Man of Law's Tale). By exploiting the cultural resonances of these stereotypically women's genres, Chaucer positioned himself as a writer for an emerging bourgeois audience and distinguished his works as compassionate and socially productive.
Performance, Memory, and Oblivion in the Parson's Tale
Authors: Matsuda Takami
Published: September 2016

This article argues that the Parson's Tale is presented as a performative instrument for self-examination, in which the proper use of memory plays a crucial part in achieving contrition and confession, the first and second stages of penitential practice that ends with satisfaction. Using the Parson's Tale as a guide, the reader is urged to reread the contents of his memory and interiorize them so that the experience of the text becomes in itself a personal penitential performance, not just the acquisition of moral knowledge. The importance of memory in this respect is particularly highlighted in the Parson's Tale's expansion of its source with regard to passages that explain memory's functions in contrition and confession. The tale prompts the reader to scrutinize his memory, remember the nature and process of sins (properly forgetting at the same time what is superfluous), and know himself as the confessing subject.
“In his old dress”: Packaging Thomas Speght's Chaucer for Renaissance Readers
Authors: Singh Devani
Published: September 2016

This article considers how Thomas Speght's Chaucer editions (1598; 1602) conceive, invite, and influence their readership. Studying the highly wrought forms of the dedicatory epistle to Sir Robert Cecil, the prefatory letter by Francis Beaumont, and the address “To the Readers,” it argues that these paratexts warrant close attention for their treatment of the entangled relationships between editor, patron, and reader. Where prior work has suggested that Speght's audience for the editions was a socially horizontal group and that he only haltingly sought wider publication, this article suggests that the preliminaries perform a multivocal role, poised to readily receive a diffuse readership of both familiar and newer consumers.
The Science of Fiction inDaniel Deronda
Authors: Taylor Brooke D.
Published: September 2016

This article revises assumptions that George Eliot's inclusion of premonitions and ghostly visions in Daniel Deronda is an aberrant foray into sensationalism for an author otherwise invested in realism. Eliot uses these anomalies in the plot to revise the concept of scientific inquiry, as defined by empirical science in the nineteenth century. Eliot revises the definitions of realism and empiricism to include phenomena that are decidedly nonempirical (or, in the words of G. H. Lewes, “extra-sensible”) and yet remain consistent with a scientific and intellectual exploration of the world. By emphasizing the measurable and real effects of “false” images, she simultaneously makes a persuasive case for the power of fiction. Empirical science (and realist fiction) must find a way to account for human perceptions of intuition and imagination, and in doing so must necessarily expand to conceive of multiple avenues to the truth.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 9, No. 10
Authors: Yu Gavin
Published: September 2016

Reviewer acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 9, No. 10, 2016
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Marketing Studies, Vol. 8, No. 5
Authors: Xiao Maple
Published: September 2016

Reviewer acknowledgements for International Journal of Marketing Studies, Vol. 8, No. 5, 2016.
Effect of Metal Can Labels on Consumer Attention through Eye Tracking Methodology
Authors: Hurley Rupert Andrew , Rice Julie Christine , Cottrell David , Felty Drew
Published: September 2016

In today’s market there are a growing number of packaged goods on the shelves that consumers have to sift through in order to make purchasing decision. To stand out from the competition, companies often times change a product’s packaging to revolutionize the product or add important information to the package. Changing the package design can be risky for repeated customers because they become conditioned to the old package design. A private canning company worked with our researchers to conduct an eye tracking study in CUshop™ at PackExpo (tradeshow) 2014 in Chicago, Il to examine the effect of newly added labels on canned creole. Through a collaborative study at this trade show, quantitative and qualitative data was collected on three different canned creole packaging. A total of 272 participants took place in this study to evaluate if adding “can facts” to the package label and litho printing the ends of the cans had an effect on consumer attention compared to the control can. Three eye tracking metrics were tested and statistical analysis yielded significant results for the can facts and litho ends compared to the control for the Total Fixation Duration (TFD) metric. Participants viewed the can fact cans and litho end cans significantly longer than the control. Survey findings found that participants preferred the litho ends 75% compared to the control and the can facts 53% compared to the control.
Prevalence of Obesity and Associated Risk Factors amongst Teaching Staff of Juba University, South Sudan
Authors: Andrew Amegovu Kiri , Micheal Mawadri , James Mading
Published: September 2016

Obesity is a significant contributing factor in the development of various chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, stroke, osteoarthritis and certain cancer accounting for 2.8 million worldwide deaths annually. Recent global figures indicate that the prevalence of obesity is not just a problem of the developed countries but is also on the increase in the developing world, with over 115 million people suffering from obesity-related problems (WHO). In Africa, 8% of adults above 20 years are obese and 27% overweight (Steyn & Mchiza, 2014), Lack of empirical data remains an obstacle in monitoring the magnitude of current and future trends of overweight and obesity in sub Saharan Africa including South Sudan. This study investigated the prevalence of obesity and associated risk factors among teaching staff; a case at University of Juba in South Sudan (Rep). A cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 196 study participants drawn from various Colleges and faculties of Juba University using multi-stage systematic random sampling of 1st selecting the College, department and 2nd stage was the selection of participants using the exiting staff list obtained from the University administration. Key variables collected includes weight/kg, height, age, sex, physical activities, feeding habits and income of the study participants, which was used to determine the prevalence of obesity and associated risk factors. STATA version 12 was used to data analyze. Chi-square statistics were used to compare equality of distribution of obesity. Out of the 196 participants, 18.4% were males (160/196) and 81.6% were females (36/196). The mean age of the participant was estimated at 37 ± 8.5 years. Prevalence of Obesity (BMI> or=30) and Overweight (BMI >25 to <=30) among teaching staff was 4.1% and 10.2%, respectively. Of those found overweight/or obese, 20% were females (4/20) and  80% were males (16/20). While the age specific prevalence indicates obesity is highest among 35-44yrs (50%), followed by 45-55 yrs+ (37.5%) and 12.5% among 25-34yrs age groups. Age was found to be associated with obesity (P-value=0.0337, p<0.05)).Meal frequency was noted to be twice a day. Walking is the main physical activities for both males and females (97.5%) and nearly half of the participants (44.9%) had incomes 7500 South Sudan Pounds (SSP) an equivalent of $1000. Income levels was associated with BMI levels (P-value=0.0222; p<0.05). However, low prevalence of obesity among teaching staff at the University of Juba is not yet of an immediate public health concern, however, earlier preventive and control measures is required as most of the staff leads sedentary lifestyle. This study recommends public awareness intervention on dietary intake and physical exercises among others in schools and institutions at all levels to curtail an otherwise gradual rise in obesity and overweight in the near future.
The Incidence of Tuberculosis Transmission among Family Members and outside Households
Authors: Kozińska Monika , Augustynowicz-Kopeć Ewa
Published: September 2016

Introduction: The risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) infection is correlated with the concentration of infectious particles and exposure time. In closed populations, healthy people staying in very frequent, close and prolonged contact with a smear-positive person, become infected and represent another link in the chain of transmission of the disease. Therefore, in the fight against tuberculosis, an important element is quick identification of the patient and potentially infected people from his environment. In epidemiological investigation of tuberculosis (TB), family members are brought under special control as they are particularly exposed to transmission of infectious diseases. Material and methods: The study included 150 patients with bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis who were members of 59 families. In the years 2003−2013 this population represented all TB cases detected in Poland in a family environment.Three PCR-based genotyping methods: spoligotyping, IS6110-Mtb1-Mtb2 PCR and MIRU-VNTR typing were used. Results: Of 150 patients, 138 could be assigned to intra-household transmission on the basis of identical DNA fingerprints upon a combined typing approach. For 12 patients in 6 households, the M. tuberculosis isolates were clearly distinct in individual analysis—IS6110-Mtb1-Mtb2 PCR, spoligotyping or MIRU-VNTR typing or in three genotyping methods, suggesting that these patients were infected by the sources in the community. Conclusions: The analysis confirmed the transmission of tuberculosis among members of 53 families. In the remaining 6 families the source of infection were people outside the households. In all families with young children, strains isolated from them have identical DNA patterns as strains obtained from their adult caregivers. To confirm the transmission of TB in the study population of patients, epidemiological analysis required the addition of a genotyping methods characterised by high discriminatory power.
The Role of the TGF-SMAD Signalling Pathway in the Etiopathogenesis of Severe Asthma
Authors: Koćwin Marcelina , Jonakowski Mateusz , Przemęcka Marcelina , Zioło Jan , Panek Michał , Kuna Piotr
Published: September 2016

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory heterogeneous disease of the lower respiratory tract characterised by the occurrence of bronchial hyper-responsiveness and paroxysmal, changeable bronchial obstruction. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is one of the cytokines involved in mediating airway inflammation and remodelling. The level of TGF-β1 gene expression correlates with severity of symptoms. Alterations in the main SMAD signal transmission, overexpression of TGF-β genes and changes in the transcriptome cause excessive secretion of TGF-β and its increased expression in target cells, which clinically induces a moderate-severe or severe course of asthma as well as an earlier and faster disease progression. Knowledge of these processes allows clinicians to assess immune responses in patients, which affects adequate disease control and prevention of remodelling.
Desastres ambientais e impactos socioambientais: inundações no município de Itaóca- SP: Bacia Hidrográfica como unidade de planejamento e gestão de riscos / Environmental disasters and environmental impacts: floods in county Itaóca- SP (...)
Authors: Dickel Mara Eliana Graeff , Berríos Godoy Manuel Baldomero Rolando
Published: September 2016

A temática de desastres ambientais figura na centralidade das discussões no período da contemporaneidade. A recorrência destes eventos de ordem hidrometeorológica alerta para a necessidade de um realinhamento das linhas de pensamento, principalmente no que concerne à gestão de riscos e desastres. Nesse sentido, o presente artigo busca defender a importância da adoção de uma nova escala de análise e planejamento sobre a bacia hidrográfica, conforme delimitado na lei 12.608 de 10 de abril de 2012. Para tal, exemplificou-se a situação tomando por base o evento ocorrido no mês de janeiro de 2014, na região do Vale do Ribeira (SP) e, de forma mais expressiva, no município de Itaóca, o qual resultou em 23 óbitos, além de um impacto de ordem ambiental, estrutural e social imensurável. Reconhecemos, também, a dificuldade encontrada para a consecução deste realinhamento; no entanto, a consideramos imprescindível para esta efetiva mudança, a qual se tornou urgente e necessária. 

Palavras-chave: Riscos. Gestão de Riscos. Bacia Hidrográfica.Vale do Ribeira

Abstract

The environmental disasters theme figures in the centrer of the discussions in the contemporary period. The recurrence of these hydrometeorological order of events highlights the need for a realignment of lines of thought, especially with regard to risk management and disaster. In this sense, this article seeks to defend the importance of adopting a new scale of analysis and planning on the watershed, as defined in the law 12 608 of 10 April 2012. To this end, exemplified is the situation while building on the event occurred in January 2014, in the Ribeira Valley region (SP) and, more significantly, in the municipality of Itaóca, which resulted in 23 deaths, as well as an impact on environmental, structural and social immeasurable. We also recognize the difficulty in achieving this realignment; however, we consider it essential to this effective change, which has become urgent and necessary. Keywords: risk, risk management, watershed, Ribeira Valley.

Keywords: Risk, Risk management, Watershed, Ribeira Valley.
O Programa Minha Casa Minha Vida e as desigualdades socioespaciais: uma análise a partir da cidade de Marabá, Pará / The ‘Minha Casa Minha Vida’ Program and socio-spatial inequalities: an analysis from Marabá city in Pará state
Authors: Rodrigues Jovenildo Cardoso
Published: September 2016

O início do século XXI vem sendo marcado por um conjunto de transformações econômicas e socioespaciais em escala mundial, como desdobramento de determinações inerentes à crise econômica mundial desencadeada a partir do ano de 2008. Na escala do território brasileiro, considerando a possibilidade de evitar possíveis implicações da referida crise e atender a pressões de segmentos sociais historicamente não contemplados pelos programas habitacionais, o Governo Lula lançou o Programa Minha Casa Minha Vida (PMCMV), no ano de 2009. Em escala local, a cidade de Marabá passou a inserir-se como espaço estratégico no âmbito dos investimentos do PMCMV, fato que repercutiu em processos de revalorização do espaço construído desta cidade. Com efeito, o presente artigo, objetiva analisar como o PMCMV interfere na produção das desigualdades socioespaciais na cidade média de Marabá, Pará. Defendemos a ideia de que o PMCMV em Marabá vem contribuindo para a ratificação do padrão de desigualdades socioespaciais na escala local. Para efeito de desenvolvimento da referida pesquisa, efetuamos levantamento e análise bibliográfica, pesquisa de campo, entrevistas semiestruturadas, observações sistemáticas qualitativas e registros fotográficos.

Abstract

The early twenty-first century has been marked by a set of economic and socio-spatial transformations on a global scale, as determinations of unfolding inherent in the global economic crisis triggered from the year 2008. In the Brazilian territory scale, considering the possibility to avoid possible implications of that crisis and attend the pressures of social segments historically not covered by housing programs, the Lula government launched the 'Minha Casa Minha Vida' Program (PMCMV), in 2009. At the local level, the city of Marabá started to be inserted as strategic space under the PMCMV investments, a fact reflected in the revaluation process of the built space in this city. Indeed, this article aims to analyze how the PMCMV interferes with the production of socio-spatial inequalities in the city of Marabá in Pará state. We defend the idea that the PMCMV in Marabá has contributed to the default of the ratification socio-spatial inequalities at the local scale. For the said research development effect, survey and literature review, field research, semi-structured interviews, qualitative systematic observation and photographic records were made.

Keywords: Socio-spatial inequalities, Minha Casa Minha Vida Program, Marabá, Amazon.
A difusão urbana no espaço periurbano entre as cidades de Ouro Preto e Itabirito / Urban spread in the periurban space between the cities of Ouro Preto and Itabirito
Authors: Conti Alfio , Sosa Florencia , Andrade Amanda Oliveira
Published: September 2016

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo investigar o processo de difusão urbana em curso no espaço regional entre as cidades brasileiras de Itabirito e Ouro Preto. Este espaço geográfico foi escolhido por ser um espaço dinâmico, com a presença de novas urbanizações que são o resultado do processo de difusão urbana norteado pelo processo de crescimento de Ouro Preto e Itabirito. Para possibilitar esta investigação, após a contextualização do espaço em estudo dentro do espaço perimetropolitano de Belo Horizonte e dentro do aglomerado urbano de Ouro Preto, Mariana e Itabirito, é feita a análise das suas características ambientais, morfológicas e funcionais, e são investigados as novas urbanizações com a análise dos aspectos morfológicos funcionais, detalhando a tipologia e o papel que cada uma tem dentro do espaço regional em estudo. Para finalizar são estudados os processos em curso na escala regional e, destacando o papel estratégico que este espaço possui para as cidades de Ouro Preto e Itabirito, é apontado como seja importante, para garantir um crescimento equilibrado para as duas cidades, estruturar um sistema de planejamento conjunto em âmbito inter-municipal.

Palavra-chave: cidades médias, espaço periurbano, difusão urbana.

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the ongoing urban diffusion process at a regional space between the Brazilian cities of Ouro Preto and Itabirito. This geographical area was chosen because it is a dynamic space with the presence of new urban centers that are the result of urban diffusion process guided by the growth process of Ouro Preto and Itabirito. To enable this investigation, after the contextualization of the space under study within the perimetropolitan area of Belo Horizonte and within the urban area of Ouro Preto, Mariana and Itabirito, is made the analysis of its environmental characteristics, morphological and functional, and are investigated new urban centers with the analysis of the functional morphology, detailing the type and the role that each has within the regional area under study. Finally it is studied the ongoing processes in the regional scale, highlighting the strategic role that this space has for the cities of Ouro Preto and Itabirito, is named as it is important to ensure balanced growth for the two cities to structure a system joint planning in inter-municipal level.

Keywords: medium size cities, peri-urban space, urban diffusion.
Rede e território: reflexões sobre a rede agroindustrial do tabaco, circuito espacial de produção e círculos de cooperação na região sul do Brasil / Network and territory: reflections on the tobacco agro-industrial network, spatial circuit (...)
Authors: Silveira Rogério Leandro Lima da
Published: September 2016

Atualmente a principal característica estrutural da atividade agroindustrial é a afirmação de uma racionalidade organizacional que simultaneamente valoriza a especialização, a articulação e a interconexão de distintos atores sociais que se localizam e operam no território desde diferentes níveis escalares. Tal compreensão permite pensar a organização e funcionamento dos complexos agroindustriais a partir do conceito de rede, e estimula também refletir sobre a dinâmica relacional entre rede e território. A reflexão aqui proposta aborda o uso do conceito de rede na compreensão analítica e metodológica, das relações existentes entre um dado complexo agroindustrial, que se organiza e funciona sob a forma de uma rede, e o território. Buscamos avançar empiricamente essa reflexão cotejando-a com a constituição e funcionamento da rede agroindustrial do tabaco na região Sul do Brasil, através da análise de seus circuitos espaciais de produção e círculos de cooperação.

Abstract

Nowadays the main structural characteristic of the agro-industrial activity is the affirmation of an organizational rationality that simultaneously valorizes the specialization, the articulation and the interconnection of distinct social actors that are located and operate in the territory from different scalar levels. Such comprehension permits to think the organization and functioning of the agro-industrial complexes through the network concept, and also stimulates to reflect upon the relational dynamics between network and territory. The reflection that is proposed here approaches the use of the network concept in the analytical and methodological comprehension of the existing relations between certain agro-industrial complex, which is organized and functions under a network form, and the territory. We seek to advance empirically in this reflection, comparing it with the constitution and functioning of an agro-industrial tobacco network inSouth Brazil, through the analysis of its spatial production circuits and cooperation circuits. 

Key-words: Network, Territory, Agro-industrial Complex, Tobacco, South Brazil.

 
Análise dos impactos ambientais da Urbanização sobre os recursos hídricos na sub-bacia do Córrego Vargem Grande em Montes Claros-MG
Authors: Da Silva Renato Ferreira
Published: September 2016

O presente estudo trata do diagnóstico da influencia do crescimento urbano na área da sub-bacia hidrográfica do rio Vargem Grande em Montes Claros-MG e os impactos ambientais que esse crescimento vem causando nos recursos hídricos. As analises feitas revelaram que o rápido crescimento da mancha urbana vem causando o comprometimento da quantidade e qualidade da água dessa sub-bacia através de atividades antropicas realizadas no local como: loteamentos , retirada da vegetação natural além  lançamento de resíduos sólidos nos cursos d’água ou próximo deles.
Calprotectin: Clinical Applications in Pediatrics
Authors: Herrera Oscar R. , Christensen Michael L. , Helms Richard A.
Published: September 2016

As seen over the past 20 years, calprotectin has evolved as a novel, non-invasive biomarker of gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation. We present this review of calprotectin in pediatrics. This article will focus on studies using calprotectin concentrations from different body fluids to monitor inflammation in different disease states and conditions. The ultimate goal of our group is to lay down a foundation as we consider using calprotectin prospectively as a marker of intestinal inflammation that could lead to further testing and possibly a marker of preparedness for feeding. We surveyed all published studies in English of calprotectin in neonates, infants, children, and adolescents through February 2014. We will discuss calprotectin's basic properties and analysis such as characteristics, identification, presence in body fluids, and maturational development. In addition, calprotectin's use in inflammatory diseases exploring both GI and non-GI conditions will be evaluated and compared with other serum markers presently available. Finally, a summary of our findings and discussion of future work that could be undertaken in order to render calprotectin as a more useful monitoring tool to the medical research community will complete the review.
Does Combination Therapy With Vancomycin and Piperacillin-Tazobactam Increase the Risk of Nephrotoxicity Versus Vancomycin Alone in Pediatric Patients?
Authors: McQueen Katherine E. , Clark Dana W.
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVES: To determine if the incidence of nephrotoxicity is higher in pediatric patients treated with the combination of vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam, compared to patients treated with vancomycin alone. Secondary objectives were to determine if admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), higher serum vancomycin trough concentrations (>15 mg/L), or receipt of other nephrotoxic agents were related to the development of nephrotoxicity.

METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center, cohort study of 79 patients treated with vancomycin and 106 patients treated with vancomycin and pipracillin/tazobacatam (TZP). Serum creatinine was trended to determine if patients had nephrotoxicity, which was defined as at least a 100% increase in serum creatinine or an increase of ≥0.5 mg/dL from the baseline value. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the incidence of nephrotoxicity in the vancomycin group to the combination group. Secondary objectives were evaluated by using relative risk (RR).

RESULTS: Nephrotoxicity developed in 3 of 79 patients (3.8%) in the vancomycin group and in 25 of 106 patients (23.6%) on combination therapy (p = 0.0001). In patients receiving only vancomycin, there was no statistically significant increase in nephrotoxicity for patients in the ICU (RR 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.175–19.62, p = 0.61), those with higher vancomycin troughs (RR 2.32, CI 0.226–23.86, p = 0.48), or those receiving other nephrotoxic medications (RR 2.94, CI 0.2779–31.05, p = 0.37). In the combination group, having higher serum vancomycin trough concentrations increased the risk of nephrotoxicity (RR 5.22, CI 2.407–11.306, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy with vancomycin and TZP is potentially more nephrotoxic than vancomycin alone. ICU admissions, high vancomycin troughs (>15 mg/L), and concomitant nephrotoxic medications cannot be excluded as risk factors for the observed increase in nephrotoxicity in patients receiving vancomycin and TZP.
Pharmacist-Led Model to Reduce Hospital Readmissions in Medically Complex Children
Authors: DaCosta Alison M. , Sweet Courtney B. , Garavaglia Lisa R. , Casey Francis L. , Lancaster Jeffrey D.
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVES: This pilot study investigated the feasibility and effect on health care utilization of medically complex children participating in a pharmacist-led model for care coordination. Quality of life and satisfaction with care were secondarily assessed for each patient.

METHODS: Four medically complex children were enrolled and contacted by the pharmacist weekly for 5 consecutive months. Time for each encounter with a patient was collected. Each patient's hospital admissions, days of stay, emergency department visits, and clinic visits were recorded. At enrollment and at the end of the study, each caregiver completed the PedsQL 4.0 questionnaire to evaluate the child's quality of life and the Patient Assessment of Care for Chronic Conditions questionnaire to assess satisfaction with care. Patients aged 5 years and older completed an age-appropriate version of the PedsQL 4.0 as well.

RESULTS: The pharmacist spent on average 60 to 80 minutes per patient per week. Hospital admissions and days of stay decreased for 3 patients and increased for 1 patient during this study. Quality of life increased for 2 patients and decreased for 2 patients and satisfaction with care increased for all 4 caregivers.

CONCLUSIONS: This model was feasible for a pharmacist to coordinate and required frequent physician involvement. Health care utilization varied between patients, but overall decreased for the 4 patients pooled. Changes in quality of life varied and may be attributed to using a survey that was not specific to medically complex children. Overall, caregivers were highly satisfied with this service and the health care their child received.
Meropenem-Induced Neutropenia in a Neonate
Authors: Van Tuyl Joseph S. , Jones Aubrey N. , Johnson Peter N.
Published: September 2016

Postmarketing surveillance has associated meropenem with the development of hematologic abnormalities, including agranulocytosis, neutropenia, and leukopenia, but the exact incidence in children is unknown. The case describes a full-term, 26-day-old neonate admitted for a sepsis workup. She was found to have a blood culture positive for Enterobacter cloacae and suspected meningitis and was initiated on meropenem 40 mg/kg/dose intravenously every 8 hours. On day 14 of antibiotic treatment, the patient developed an isolated neutropenia with an absolute neutrophil count of 288 cells/mm3. Meropenem was discontinued on hospital day 20, and a follow-up complete blood cell count 2 months later confirmed resolution of the hematologic abnormality. Clinicians should monitor complete blood cell counts diligently in children who receive large doses and prolonged courses of meropenem.
The Efficacy and Safety of Tetrachlorodecaoxide in Comparison with Super-oxidised Solution in Wound Healing
Authors: Parikh Romil , Bakhshi Girish , Naik Madhushree , Gaikwad Bhargav , Jadhav Kavita , Tayade Mukund
Published: September 2016

Background Some of the relatively newer, more efficacious, and potent topical wound dressing solutions include tetrachlorodecaoxide and super-oxidised solution. This study compares the efficacy and safety of these two drugs.

Methods This is a block-randomised, double blind, parallel-arm, post-marketing study. One hundred fifty patients with ulcers (75 blocks uniform for sex, ulcer aetiology, diabetes mellitus, and wound area score) were randomised into the two treatment arms. Patients were observed for eight weeks with weekly assessments. One hundred and twenty patients completed the study. Wound healing was objectively assessed by measurement of wound area, scoring of wound exudation and tissue type, and using the pressure ulcer scale of healing Tool (validated for multiple wound aetiologies). Subjective improvement in pain was noted using a visual analogue scale. Both groups were compared using Mann–Whitney U test on all indicators.

Results Difference in change in wound tissue type in the two groups was significant (α=0.05) by intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis at the end of week two (ITT and PP, P<0.001) and week four (ITT, P=0.010; PP, P=0.009). P-values for other comparisons were not significant (P>0.05). No study-related adverse events were observed.

Conclusions Both drugs are efficacious. Tetrachlorodecaoxide yields healthy granulation tissue earlier. Both drugs appear to be safe for application.
Reconstruction of Large Defects in the Perineal Area Using Multiple Perforator Flaps
Authors: Sung Ki Wook , Lee Won Jai , Yun In Sik , Lee Dong Won
Published: September 2016

Background Perineal defects are commonly encountered during the treatment of conditions such as malignancy, infectious disease, and trauma. Covering large defects in the perineal area is challenging due to its complicated anatomy and the need for functional preservation.

Methods Fourteen patients who underwent reconstructive surgery with multiple perforator flaps for defects >100 cm2 in the perineal area were included in this retrospective cohort study. Characteristics of the perforator flap operation and postoperative outcomes were reviewed.

Results Reconstruction was performed using 2 perforator flaps for 13 patients and 3 perforator flaps for 1 patient. Internal pudendal artery perforator flaps were mainly used for covering the defects. The average defect size was 176.3±61.8 cm2 and the average size of each flap was 95.7±31.9 cm2. Six patients had minor complications, such as wound dehiscence and partial necrosis of the flap margin, which were corrected with simple revision procedures.

Conclusions Multiple perforator flaps can be used to achieve successful reconstructions of large perineal defects that are difficult to reconstruct with other coverage methods.
Synthesis of Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) via Industrially Preferred Route
Authors: R. Ahmed  , K. Ali Syed
Published: September 2016

The assigned study is dedicated to the synthesis, improvement and characterization of acrylic-based superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) which can be used in versatile applications notably in disposable diapers and pharmaceutics. The industrially preferred solution polymerization route and low cost monomers were used to synthesize SAPs. Homopolymer and copolymer based SAPs were prepared with varying amount of cross-linker and initiator concentrations and compared for swelling rate with a commercially available SAP sample. Swelling capacity linearly decreases with increase in cross-linker content for both the synthesized SAPs samples whereas it first increases and then decreases with initiator content for the synthesized copolymer SAP. Swelling kinetics of the synthesized and commercial SAPs were modelled using model equation proposed by Omidian et al. Both the synthesized SAPs showed substantial increase in swelling capacity whereas copolymer SAP exhibited the highest swelling rate (rate parameter 2.78 min) when compared to homopolymer SAP and the commercially available SAP samples. Accordingly, the copolymer SAP may find its application in disposable diapers or pharmaceutics where the higher swelling rate is of prime importance. Copolymer and commercially available SAPs depicted significant decrease in swelling capacity even at very low saline solution concentration (0.01 %).
The CanLit Dinner Party: Feasting on Books in the Literature Classroom
Authors: Boyd Shelley , Hollinson Nicole
Published: September 2016

This article examines the “CanLit Dinner Party”, a multimedia exhibition undertaken in an undergraduate seminar on Canadian literature where food was the central topic. Modelled in part after Judy Chicago’s art installation The Dinner Party, this 24-hour exhibition featured interpretive plates inspired by literary food scenes. As a form of experiential learning, the classroom assignment was designed to enhance the students’ critical appreciation for the art of storytelling through food, to think across disciplines, and to synthesize food-related themes studied over the course of the semester. A departure from essay-writing assignments typically found in English literature courses, the “CanLit Dinner Party” underscored food’s role as a cultural idiom by requiring students to engage with its material dimensions.
“Through their own efforts”: Nutrition Studies and Interventions in Early 20th-Century Northern Newfoundland and Southern Labrador
Authors: Hanrahan Maura
Published: September 2016

A small but significant spate of health and nutrition studies was completed in Northern Newfoundland and Southern Labrador in the first third of the 20th century. Published in peer-reviewed journals, such as the Journal of the American Medical Association and the Irish Journal of Medical Sciences, the research was sponsored by the International Grenfell Association (IGA), led by zealous Christian missionary and physician Wilfred Grenfell. The paper contributes to Canadian food studies by providing insights into the challenging social and economic conditions faced by the people of the region and the persistence of European food ways, despite the vastly different geophysical setting. It demonstrates that the studies had widespread impacts as they advanced the understanding of deficiency diseases. Yet the interventions had limited local benefits and were not generally successful over time. In keeping with contemporary approaches, the IGA’s nutrition research restricted community development by maintaining and institutionalizing patron-client relationships. This methodology likely led to missed opportunities in terms of community health and development.
Ce cuisinomane, il est fou, dis !? – Opinions sur un néologisme et anticipation de son implantation dans l’usage
Authors: Saint Elizabeth C.
Published: September 2016

L’innovation et les nouvelles tendances que connait le milieu culinaire donnent naissance à de nouveaux concepts, comme c’est le cas de foodie, en anglais. Au Québec, où la Charte de la langue française a fait du français la seule langue officielle de la province, l’Office québécois de la langue française a récemment proposé « cuisinomane » pour remplacer ce terme étranger. La présente étude, qui contribue à une meilleure compréhension des facteurs qui favorisent ou non l’implantation des termes dans l’usage linguistique, relève sur Twitter les opinions initiales des utilisateurs du réseau social au sujet du terme « cuisinomane ». Les résultats révèlent que les discours sur les termes auraient lieu sur une courte période après leur publication et comportent des indices qui éclairent sur les raisons de leur acceptation ou de leur rejet. En outre, les sentiments négatifs envers « cuisinomane » l’emportent sur les positifs, mais les raisons de ces sentiments diffèrent selon la langue dans laquelle les locuteurs s’expriment. Finalement, les sentiments positifs sont généralement associés à un désir de voir foodie remplacé par un autre terme.
Amygdala-ventral striatum circuit activation decreases long-term fear
Authors: Correia Susana S , McGrath Anna G , Lee Allison , Graybiel Ann M , Goosens Ki A
Published: September 2016

In humans, activation of the ventral striatum, a region associated with reward processing, is associated with the extinction of fear, a goal in the treatment of fear-related disorders. This evidence suggests that extinction of aversive memories engages reward-related circuits, but a causal relationship between activity in a reward circuit and fear extinction has not been demonstrated. Here, we identify a basolateral amygdala (BLA)-ventral striatum (NAc) pathway that is activated by extinction training. Enhanced recruitment of this circuit during extinction learning, either by pairing reward with fear extinction training or by optogenetic stimulation of this circuit during fear extinction, reduces the return of fear that normally follows extinction training. Our findings thus identify a specific BLA-NAc reward circuit that can regulate the persistence of fear extinction and point toward a potential therapeutic target for disorders in which the return of fear following extinction therapy is an obstacle to treatment.
Wavelength extension beyond 1.5 µm in symmetric InAs quantum dots grown on InP(111)A using droplet epitaxy
Authors: Ha Neul , Mano Takaaki , Wu Yu-Nien , Ou Ya-Wen , Cheng Shun-Jen , Sakuma Yoshiki , Sakoda Kazuaki , Kuroda Takashi
Published: September 2016

By using a C
3v
symmetric (111) surface as a growth substrate, we can achieve high structural symmetry in self-assembled quantum dots, which are suitable for use as quantum-entangled-photon emitters. Here, we report on the wavelength controllability of InAs dots on InP(111)A, which we realized by tuning the ternary alloy composition of In(Al,Ga)As barriers that were lattice-matched to InP. We changed the peak emission wavelength systematically from 1.3 to 1.7 µm by barrier band gap tuning. The observed spectral shift agreed with the result of numerical simulations that assumed a measured shape distribution independent of the barrier choice.
Reproductive ecology and isolation ofPsittacanthus calyculatusandP. auriculatusmistletoes (Loranthaceae)
Authors: Díaz Infante Sergio , Lara Carlos , Arizmendi María del Coro , Eguiarte Luis E. , Ornelas Juan Francisco
Published: September 2016

Background

Relationships between floral biology and pollinator behavior are important to understanding species diversity of hemiparasiticPsittacanthusmistletoes (c. 120 species). We aimed to investigate trait divergence linked to pollinator attraction and reproductive isolation (RI) in two hummingbird-pollinated and bird-dispersedPsittacanthusspecies with range overlap.

Methods

We investigated the phylogenetic relationships, floral biology, pollinator assemblages, seed dispersers and host usage, and the breeding system and female reproductive success of two sympatric populations ofP. calyculatusandP. auriculatus, and one allopatric population ofP. calyculatus. Flowers in sympatry were also reciprocally pollinated to assess a post-mating component ofRI.

Results

Hummingbird assemblages differed betweencalyculatuspopulations, while allopatric plants ofcalyculatusopened more but smaller flowers with longer lifespans and produced less nectar than those in sympatry. Bayesian-based phylogenetic analysis indicated monophyly forcalyculatuspopulations (i.e. both populations belong to the same species). In sympatry,calyculatusplants opened more and larger flowers with longer lifespans and produced same nectar volume than those ofauriculatus; populations shared pollinators but seed dispersers and host usage differed between species. Nectar standing crops differed between sympatric populations, with lower visitation incalyculatus. Hand pollination experiments indicated a predominant outcrossing breeding system, with fruit set after interspecific pollination two times higher fromcalyculatustoauriculatusthan in the opposite direction.

Conclusions

Given the low genetic differentiation betweencalyculatuspopulations, observed trait divergence could have resulted from changes regarding the local communities of pollinators and, therefore, expected divergence for peripheral, allopatric populations. UsingRIestimates, there were fewer heterospecific matings than expected by chance inP. calyculatus(RI4A= 0.629) as compared toP. auriculatus(RI4A= 0.20). When considering other factors of ecological isolation that affect co-occurrence, theRI4Cvalues indicate that isolation by hummingbird pollinators was less effective (0.20) than isolation by host tree species and seed dispersers (0.80 and 0.60, respectively), suggesting that host usage is the most important ecological isolation factor between the two species. Accordingly, the absolute and relative cumulative strength values indicated that the host tree species’ barrier is currently contributing the most to maintaining these species in sympatry.
Enzymatically crosslinked gelatin hydrogel promotes the proliferation of adipose tissue-derived stromal cells
Authors: Yang Gang , Xiao Zhenghua , Ren Xiaomei , Long Haiyan , Qian Hong , Ma Kunlong , Guo Yingqiang
Published: September 2016

Gelatin hydrogel crosslinked by microbial transglutaminase (mTG) exhibits excellent performance in cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. We examined the gelation time and gel strength of gelatin/mTG hydrogels in various proportions to investigate their physical properties and tested their degradation performancesin vitro. Cell morphology and viability of adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) cultured on the 2D gel surface or in 3D hydrogel encapsulation were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. Cell proliferation was tested via Alamar Blue assay. To investigate the hydrogel effect on cell differentiation, the cardiac-specific gene expression levelsof Nkx2.5, Myh6, Gja1, and Mef2c in encapsulated ADSCs with or without cardiac induction medium were detected by real-time RT-PCR. Cell release from the encapsulated status and cell migration in a 3D hydrogel model were assessedin vitro. Results show that the gelatin/mTG hydrogels are not cytotoxic and that their mechanical properties are adjustable. Hydrogel degradation is related to gel concentration and the resident cells. Cell growth morphology and proliferative capability in both 2D and 3D cultures were mainly affected by gel concentration. PCR result shows that hydrogel modulus together with induction medium affects the cardiac differentiation of ADSCs. The cell migration experiment and subcutaneous implantation show that the hydrogels are suitable for cell delivery.
A direct CO2control system for ocean acidification experiments: testing effects on the coralline red algaePhymatolithon lusitanicum
Authors: Sordo Laura , Santos Rui , Reis Joao , Shulika Alona , Silva Joao
Published: September 2016

Most ocean acidification (OA) experimental systems rely on pH as an indirect way to control CO2. However, accurate pH measurements are difficult to obtain and shifts in temperature and/or salinity alter the relationship between pH andpCO2. Here we describe a system in which the targetpCO2is controlled via direct analysis ofpCO2in seawater. This direct type of control accommodates potential temperature and salinity shifts, as the target variable is directly measured instead of being estimated. Water in a header tank is permanently re-circulated through an air-water equilibrator. The equilibrated air is then routed to an infrared gas analyzer (IRGA) that measurespCO2and conveys this value to a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller. The controller commands a solenoid valve that opens and closes the CO2flush that is bubbled into the header tank. This low-cost control system allows the maintenance of stabilized levels ofpCO2for extended periods of time ensuring accurate experimental conditions. This system was used to study the long term effect of OA on the coralline red algaePhymatolithon lusitanicum. We found that after 11 months of high CO2exposure, photosynthesis increased with CO2as opposed to respiration, which was positively affected by temperature. Results showed that this system is adequate to run long-term OA experiments and can be easily adapted to test other relevant variables simultaneously with CO2, such as temperature, irradiance and nutrients.