bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Access: A Proposal to Create a Database for the Probate Records at the Borthwick Institute
Authors: Webb C C , Hemingway V W
Published: November 2010

The Borthwick Institute has the largest collection of probaterecords outside the PRO, consistingofaround 500,000 to 750,000probates. These include therecords ofthe Prerogative Court ofYork, the ExchequerCourt of York, and more than thirty peculiar jurisdictions. The geographical range is huge, while the temporal range is the largest anywhere; the Institute holds the earliest series of registered wills in England and Wales. It also houses some of the earliest and, later on, the best qualityprobate inventories.

At present the finding aids are inadequate; there are finding aids of different sorts compiled at different times from the eighteenth century onwards, but such aids as exist are angled towards family historians. There is an urgent need to compile adequate finding aids covering all the probate material (includinginventories) in a way that makes the materials accessible for both family historians and academic researchers.

A database was the obvious choice for doing this, andfor a variety ofreasons Paradox for Windows was chosen for a pilot project.
Entanglement Entropy of AdS Black Holes
Authors: Cadoni Mariano , Melis Maurizio
Published: November 2010

We review recent progress in understanding the entanglement entropy of gravitational configurations for anti-de Sitter gravity in two and three spacetime dimensions using the AdS/CFT correspondence. We derive simple expressions for the entanglement entropy of two- and three-dimensional black holes. In both cases, the leading term of the entanglement entropy in the large black hole mass expansion reproduces exactly the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy, whereas the subleading term behaves logarithmically. In particular, for the BTZ black hole the leading term of the entanglement entropy can be obtained from the large temperature expansion of the partition function of a broad class of 2D CFTs on the torus.
A Modal Logic of Epistemic Games
Authors: Lorini Emiliano , Schwarzentruber François
Published: November 2010

We propose some variants of a multi-modal of joint action, preference and knowledge that support reasoning about epistemic games in strategic form. The first part of the paper deals with games with complete information. We first provide syntactic proofs of some well-known theorems in the area of interactive epistemology that specify some sufficient epistemic conditions of equilibrium notions such as Nash equilibrium and Iterated Deletion of Strictly Dominated Strategies (IDSDS). Then, we present a variant of the logic extended with dynamic operators of Dynamic Epistemic Logic (DEL). We show that it allows to express the notion IDSDS in a more compact way. The second part of the paper deals with games with weaker forms of complete information. We first discuss several assumptions on different aspects of perfect information about the game structure (e.g., the assumption that a player has perfect knowledge about the players’ strategy sets or about the preference orderings over strategy profiles), and show that every assumption is expressed by a corresponding logical axiom of our logic. Then we provide a proof of Harsanyi’s claim that all uncertainty about the structure of a game can be reduced to uncertainty about payoffs. Sound and complete axiomatizations of the logics are given, as well as some complexity results for the satisfiability problem.
Measurement of Secondary Products During Oxidation Reactions of Terpenes and Ozone Based on the PTR-MS Analysis: Effects of Coexistent Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Ishizuka Yusuke , Tokumura Masahiro , Mizukoshi Atsushi , Noguchi Miyuki , Yanagisawa Yukio
Published: November 2010

Continuous measurements using proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) can be used to describe the production processes of secondary products during ozone induced oxidation of terpenes. Terpenes are emitted from woody building materials, and ozone is generated from ozone air purifiers and copy machines in indoor environments. Carbonyl compounds (CCs) are emitted by human activities such as smoking and drinking alcohol. Moreover, CCs are generated during ozone oxidation of terpenes. Therefore, coexistent CCs should affect the ozone oxidation. This study has focused on the measurement of secondary products during the ozone oxidation of terpenes based on the use of PTR-MS analysis and effects of coexistent CCs on oxidized products. Experiments were performed in a fluoroplastic bag containing α-pinene or limonene as terpenes, ozone and acetaldehyde or formaldehyde as coexistent CCs adjusted to predetermined concentrations. Continuous measurements by PTR-MS were conducted after mixing of terpenes, ozone and CCs, and time changes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) concentrations were monitored. Results showed that, high-molecular weight intermediates disappeared gradually with elapsed time, though the production of high-molecular weight intermediates was observed at the beginning. This phenomenon suggested that the ozone oxidation of terpenes generated ultrafine particles. Coexistent CCs affected the ozone oxidation of α-pinene more than limonene.
3D-QSAR and Molecular Docking Studies on Derivatives of MK-0457, GSK1070916 and SNS-314 as Inhibitors against Aurora B Kinase
Authors: Zhang Baidong , Li Yan , Zhang Huixiao , Ai Chunzhi
Published: November 2010

Development of anticancer drugs targeting Aurora B, an important member of the serine/threonine kinases family, has been extensively focused on in recent years. In this work, by applying an integrated computational method, including comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA), comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA), homology modeling and molecular docking, we investigated the structural determinants of Aurora B inhibitors based on three different series of derivatives of 108 molecules. The resultant optimum 3D-QSAR models exhibited (q2 = 0.605, r2pred = 0.826), (q2 = 0.52, r2pred = 0.798) and (q2 = 0.582, r2pred = 0.971) for MK-0457, GSK1070916 and SNS-314 classes, respectively, and the 3D contour maps generated from these models were analyzed individually. The contour map analysis for the MK-0457 model revealed the relative importance of steric and electrostatic effects for Aurora B inhibition, whereas, the electronegative groups with hydrogen bond donating capacity showed a great impact on the inhibitory activity for the derivatives of GSK1070916. Additionally, the predictive model of the SNS-314 class revealed the great importance of hydrophobic favorable contour, since hydrophobic favorable substituents added to this region bind to a deep and narrow hydrophobic pocket composed of residues that are hydrophobic in nature and thus enhanced the inhibitory activity. Moreover, based on the docking study, a further comparison of the binding modes was accomplished to identify a set of critical residues that play a key role in stabilizing the drug-target interactions. Overall, the high level of consistency between the 3D contour maps and the topographical features of binding sites led to our identification of several key structural requirements for more potency inhibitors. Taken together, the results will serve as a basis for future drug development of inhibitors against Aurora B kinase for various tumors.
Comparison of Microwave-Assisted and Conventional Hydrodistillation in the Extraction of Essential Oils from Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Flowers
Authors: Wang Hong-Wu , Liu Yan-Qing , Wei Shou-Lian , Yan Zi-Jun , Lu Kuan
Published: November 2010

Microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) is an advanced hydrodistillation (HD) technique, in which a microwave oven is used in the extraction process. MAHD and HD methods have been compared and evaluated for their effectiveness in the isolation of essential oils from fresh mango (Mangifera indica L.) flowers. MAHD offers important advantages over HD in terms of energy savings and extraction time (75 min against 4 h). The composition of the extracted essential oils was investigated by GC-FID and GC-MS. Results indicate that the use of microwave irradiation did not adversely influence the composition of the essential oils. MAHD was also found to be a green technology.
Changes of Flavan-3-ols with Different Degrees of Polymerization in Seeds of ‘Shiraz’, ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ and ‘Marselan’ Grapes after Veraison
Authors: Liu Yan-Xia , Pan Qiu-Hong , Yan Guo-Liang , He Jian-Jun , Duan Chang-Qing
Published: November 2010

Flavan-3-ols consist of flavan-3-ol monomers and polymers with different degrees of polymerization (DP). In this study, flavan-3-ol extracts from grape seeds were well separated into three fractions including monomers, oligomers (2 < DP < 10) and polymers (DP > 10), by means of normal-phase HPLC-MS. The different patterns of these three fractions were analyzed in three Vitis vinifera cultivars (‘Shiraz’, ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ and ‘Marselan’) seeds from veraison to harvest. The results showed: (1) polymers were the main form of flavan-3-ols in grape seeds and monomers accounted for only a small proportion; (2) the contents of flavan-3-ol monomers in the seeds of three grape cultivars all exhibited a gradually decreasing trend with a little fluctuation, whereas the patterns of the change of contents of oligomers and polymers were extremely different among grape cultivars; the contents of flavan-3-ol oligomers were enhanced in the seeds of ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’, but were reduced in the other two cultivars; (3) with regard to the proportion of flavan-3-ols with a certain DP to total flavan-3-ols, both flavan-3-ol monomers and flavan-3-ols with low DP fell in proportion, while the flavan-3-ols with high DP increased correspondingly. These findings indicate that flavan-3-ol polymerization in developing seeds is variety-dependent and may be genetically regulated.
Small Volume Dissolution Testing as a Powerful Method during Pharmaceutical Development
Authors: Scheubel Emmanuel , Lindenberg Marc , Beyssac Eric , Cardot Jean-Michel
Published: November 2010

Standard compendia dissolution apparatus are the first choice for development of new dissolution methods. Nevertheless, limitations coming from the amount of material available, analytical sensitivity, lack of discrimination or biorelevance may warrant the use of non compendial methods. In this regard, the use of small volume dissolution methods offers strong advantages. The present study aims primarily to evaluate the dissolution performance of various drug products having different release mechanisms, using commercially available small volume USP2 dissolution equipment. The present series of tests indicate that the small volume dissolution is a useful tool for the characterization of immediate release drug product. Depending on the release mechanism, different speed factors are proposed to mimic common one liter vessel performance. In addition, by increasing the discriminating power of the dissolution method, it potentially improves know how about formulations and on typical events which are evaluated during pharmaceutical development such as ageing or scale–up. In this regard, small volume dissolution is a method of choice in case of screening for critical quality attributes of rapidly dissolving tablets, where it is often difficult to detect differences using standard working conditions.
Spirituality as a Resource to Rely on in Chronic Illness: The SpREUK Questionnaire
Authors: Büssing Arndt
Published: November 2010

The SpREUK questionnaire (SpREUK is an acronym of the German translation of "Spiritual and Religious Attitudes in Dealing with Illness") was developed to investigate how patients with chronic diseases living in secular societies view the impact of spirituality in their dealing with illness (in terms of reactive coping). The aim was to operationalize and quantify patients’ search for a transcendent source of support; their reliance on such a source of help; and whether they regard their illness as a chance for reflection and subsequent change of life and behavior. The contextual 15-item SpREUK has very good internal consistency estimates (ranging from 0.86 to 0.91), and differentiates three factors, i.e., Search (for Support/Access), Trust (in Higher Guidance/Source), and Reflection (Positive Interpretation of Disease). It avoids exclusive religious terminology and appears to be a good choice for assessing patients’ interest in spiritual/religious concerns, which is not biased for or against a particular religious commitment. This reliable and valid instrument is suited for patients in secular and also in religious societies.
A Comparison between Two Heterodyne Light Sources Using Different Electro-Optic Modulators for Optical Temperature Measurements at Visible Wavelengths
Authors: Twu Ruey-Ching , Lee Yi-Huan , Hou Hong-Yao
Published: November 2010

In this paper we have successfully demonstrated a z-propagating Zn-indiffused lithium niobate electro-optic modulator used for optical heterodyne interferometry. Compared to a commercial buck-type electro-optic modulator, the proposed waveguide-type modulator has a lower driving voltage and smaller phase variation while measuring visible wavelengths of 532 nm and 632.8 nm. We also demonstrate an optical temperature measurement system using a homemade modulator. The results show that the measurement sensitivities are almost the same values of 25 deg/°C for both the homemade and the buck-type modulators for a sensing light with a wavelength of 632.8 nm. Because photorefractive impacts are essential in the buck-type modulator at a wavelength of 532 nm, it is difficult to obtain reliable phase measurements, whereas the stable phase operation of the homemade one allows the measurement sensitivity to be improved up to 30 deg/°C with the best measurement resolution at about 0.07 °C for 532 nm.
Compact Electromagnetic Bandgap Structures for Notch Band in Ultra-Wideband Applications
Authors: Rotaru Mihai , Sykulski Jan
Published: November 2010

This paper introduces a novel approach to create notch band filters in the front-end of ultra-wideband (UWB) communication systems based on electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structures. The concept presented here can be implemented in any structure that has a microstrip in its configuration. The EBG structure is first analyzed using a full wave electromagnetic solver and then optimized to work at WLAN band (5.15–5.825 GHz). Two UWB passband filters are used to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the novel EBG notch band feature. Simulation results are provided for two cases studied.
Detection of Greenhouse Gas Precursors from Diesel Engines Using Electrochemical and Photoacoustic Sensors
Authors: Mothé Geórgia , Castro Maria , Sthel Marcelo , Lima Guilherme , Brasil Laisa , Campos Layse , Rocha Aline , Vargas Helion
Published: November 2010

Atmospheric pollution is one of the worst threats to modern society. The consequences derived from different forms of atmospheric pollution vary from the local to the global scale, with deep impacts on climate, environment and human health. Several gaseous pollutants, even when present in trace concentrations, play a fundamental role in important processes that occur in atmosphere. Phenomena such as global warming, photochemical smog formation, acid rain and the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer are strongly related to the increased concentration of certain gaseous species in the atmosphere. The transport sector significantly produces atmospheric pollution, mainly when diesel oil is used as fuel. Therefore, new methodologies based on selective and sensitive gas detection schemes must be developed in order to detect and monitor pollutant gases from this source. In this work, CO2 Laser Photoacoustic Spectroscopy was used to evaluate ethylene emissions and electrochemical analyzers were used to evaluate the emissions of CO, NOx and SO2 from the exhaust of diesel powered vehicles (rural diesel with 5% of biodiesel, in this paper called only diesel) at different engine rotation speeds. Concentrations in the range 6 to 45 ppmV for ethylene, 109 to 1,231 ppmV for carbon monoxide, 75 to 868 ppmV for nitrogen oxides and 3 to 354 ppmV for sulfur dioxide were obtained. The results indicate that the detection techniques used were sufficiently selective and sensitive to detect the gaseous species mentioned above in the ppmV range.
MQ-MAC: A Multi-Constrained QoS-Aware Duty Cycle MAC for Heterogeneous Traffic in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Monowar Muhammad Mostafa , Rahman Md. Obaidur , Hong Choong Seon , Lee Sungwon
Published: November 2010

Energy conservation is one of the striking research issues now-a-days for power constrained wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and hence, several duty-cycle based MAC protocols have been devised for WSNs in the last few years. However, assimilation of diverse applications with different QoS requirements (i.e., delay and reliability) within the same network also necessitates in devising a generic duty-cycle based MAC protocol that can achieve both the delay and reliability guarantee, termed as multi-constrained QoS, while preserving the energy efficiency. To address this, in this paper, we propose a Multi-constrained QoS-aware duty-cycle MAC for heterogeneous traffic in WSNs (MQ-MAC). MQ-MAC classifies the traffic based on their multi-constrained QoS demands. Through extensive simulation using ns-2 we evaluate the performance of MQ-MAC. MQ-MAC provides the desired delay and reliability guarantee according to the nature of the traffic classes as well as achieves energy efficiency.
Metaphase FISH on a Chip: Miniaturized Microfluidic Device for Fluorescence in situ Hybridization
Authors: Vedarethinam Indumathi , Shah Pranjul , Dimaki Maria , Tumer Zeynep , Tommerup Niels , Svendsen Winnie E.
Published: November 2010

Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) is a major cytogenetic technique for clinical genetic diagnosis of both inherited and acquired chromosomal abnormalities. Although FISH techniques have evolved and are often used together with other cytogenetic methods like CGH, PRINS and PNA-FISH, the process continues to be a manual, labour intensive, expensive and time consuming technique, often taking over 3–5 days, even in dedicated labs. We have developed a novel microFISH device to perform metaphase FISH on a chip which overcomes many shortcomings of the current laboratory protocols. This work also introduces a novel splashing device for preparing metaphase spreads on a microscope glass slide, followed by a rapid adhesive tape-based bonding protocol leading to rapid fabrication of the microFISH device. The microFISH device allows for an optimized metaphase FISH protocol on a chip with over a 20-fold reduction in the reagent volume. This is the first demonstration of metaphase FISH on a microfluidic device and offers a possibility of automation and significant cost reduction of many routine diagnostic tests of genetic anomalies.
A Study on Software-based Sensing Technology for Multiple Object Control in AR Video
Authors: Jung Sungmo , Song Jae-gu , Hwang Dae-Joon , Ahn Jae Young , Kim Seoksoo
Published: November 2010

Researches on Augmented Reality (AR) have recently received attention. With these, the Machine-to-Machine (M2M) market has started to be active and there are numerous efforts to apply this to real life in all sectors of society. To date, the M2M market has applied the existing marker-based AR technology in entertainment, business and other industries. With the existing marker-based AR technology, a designated object can only be loaded on the screen from one marker and a marker has to be added to load on the screen the same object again. This situation creates a problem where the relevant marker should be extracted and printed in screen so that loading of the multiple objects is enabled. However, since the distance between markers will not be measured in the process of detecting and copying markers, the markers can be overlapped and thus the objects would not be augmented. To solve this problem, a circle having the longest radius needs to be created from a focal point of a marker to be copied, so that no object is copied within the confines of the circle. In this paper, software-based sensing technology for multiple object detection and loading using PPHT has been developed and overlapping marker control according to multiple object control has been studied using the Bresenham and Mean Shift algorithms.
Deliberative Ecological Economics for Sustainability Governance
Authors: Zografos Christos , Howarth Richard B.
Published: November 2010

We discuss the recent emergence of ‘deliberative ecological economics’, a field that highlights the potential of deliberation for improving environmental governance. We locate the emergence of this literature in the long concern in ecological economics over the policy implications of limited views of human action and its encounter with deliberative democracy scholarship and the model of communicative rationality as an alternative to utilitarianism. Considering criticisms over methods used and the focus of research in deliberative decision-making, we put forward a research agenda for deliberative ecological economics. Given the promising potential of deliberative processes for improving the effectiveness and legitimacy of environmental decision-making, work in this area could help advance both theory and practice in environmental governance.
Introduction to a Quantum Theory over a Galois Field
Authors: Lev Felix M.
Published: November 2010

We consider a quantum theory based on a Galois field. In this approach infinities cannot exist, the cosmological constant problem does not arise, and one irreducible representation (IR) of the symmetry algebra splits into independent IRs describing a particle an its antiparticle only in the approximation when de Sitter energies are much less than the characteristic of the field. As a consequence, the very notions of particles and antiparticles are only approximate and such additive quantum numbers as the electric, baryon and lepton charges are conserved only in this approximation. There can be no neutral elementary particles and the spin-statistics theorem can be treated simply as a requirement that standard quantum theory should be based on complex numbers.
Tetanus Toxin C-Fragment: The Courier and the Cure?
Authors: Toivonen Janne M. , Oliván Sara , Osta Rosario
Published: November 2010

In many neurological disorders strategies for a specific delivery of a biological activity from the periphery to the central nervous system (CNS) remains a considerable challenge for successful therapy. Reporter assays have established that the non-toxic C‑fragment of tetanus toxin (TTC), provided either as protein or encoded by non-viral naked DNA plasmid, binds pre-synaptic motor neuron terminals and can facilitate the retrograde axonal transport of desired therapeutic molecules to the CNS. Alleviated symptoms in animal models of neurological diseases upon delivery of therapeutic molecules offer a hopeful prospect for TTC therapy. This review focuses on what has been learned on TTC-mediated neuronal targeting, and discusses the recent discovery that, instead of being merely a carrier molecule, TTC itself may well harbor neuroprotective properties.
Targeted Toxins in Brain Tumor Therapy
Authors: Li Yan Michael , Hall Walter A.
Published: November 2010

Targeted toxins, also known as immunotoxins or cytotoxins, are recombinant molecules that specifically bind to cell surface receptors that are overexpressed in cancer and the toxin component kills the cell. These recombinant proteins consist of a specific antibody or ligand coupled to a protein toxin. The targeted toxins bind to a surface antigen or receptor overexpressed in tumors, such as the epidermal growth factor receptor or interleukin-13 receptor. The toxin part of the molecule in all clinically used toxins is modified from bacterial or plant toxins, fused to an antibody or carrier ligand. Targeted toxins are very effective against cancer cells resistant to radiation and chemotherapy. They are far more potent than any known chemotherapy drug. Targeted toxins have shown an acceptable profile of toxicity and safety in early clinical studies and have demonstrated evidence of a tumor response. Currently, clinical trials with some targeted toxins are complete and the final results are pending. This review summarizes the characteristics of targeted toxins and the key findings of the important clinical studies with targeted toxins in malignant brain tumor patients. Obstacles to successful treatment of malignant brain tumors include poor penetration into tumor masses, the immune response to the toxin component and cancer heterogeneity. Strategies to overcome these limitations are being pursued in the current generation of targeted toxins.
Urinary tract infection due to Aeromonas spp., a lesser known causative bacterium
Authors: Mandal Jharna , Dhodapkar Rahul , Acharya N Srinivas , Sastry Apurba , Parija Subhash C
Published: November 2010

This item has no abstract. Follow the link below to access the full text.
Exposure to risk factors for Hepatitis B and C viruses among primary school teachers in Karachi
Authors: Mustufa Muhammad Ayaz , Memon Ashfaque Ahmed , Nasim Sadia , Shahid Anjum , Omar Sobiya Mohiuddin
Published: November 2010

Introduction: The study aimed to determine hepatitis B vaccination status and assess the exposure of risk factors for hepatitis B and C among primary schoolteachers in Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: in Two hundred school teachers from 30 primary schools in Karachi participated in the study between January and June 2008 by completing an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Exposure to and knowledge of hepatitis B and C were assessed, as well as mode of transmission and prevention. The percentage of vaccinated and non-vaccinated teachers was also estimated. Results: Only 73 (36.5%) respondents were vaccinated against HBV. Nine percent (17) of the teachers had received more than 10 therapeutic injections while about 56% (101) took between 5-10 injections per annum. Fifteen (8%) of the teachers confirmed they had been injected with re-used syringes. More than 8% (17) of participants' family members were suffering from hepatitis B or C, while 10% (20) of family members had died of liver diseases without any known history. More than 13% (27) of participants shared razors, brushes, cigarettes and hukahs. Statistically significant difference was also observed in risk factors of hepatitis B and C among male and female respondents. Conclusion: Hepatitis B vaccination among school teachers of Karachi was around 37% with a high use of therapeutic injections and syringe reuse. Health awareness programs and educational workshops are needed for teachers, who can later educate the children.
Modeling the Transmission Dynamics of HIV/AIDS epidemics: an introduction and a review.
Authors: Akpa Onoja Matthew , Oyejola Benjamin Agboola
Published: November 2010

Introduction: One of the greatest causes of morbidity and mortality in the Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among young adults, is HIV/AIDS. Many mathematical models have been suggested for describing the epidemiology as well as the epidemiological consequences of the epidemic. A review of some these models would aid researchers in applying them to better understand and control the incidence and distribution of the disease in their countries. Methodology: This study reviews some of the models proposed by various authors for describing the epidemiology as well as the epidemiological consequences of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and how some of them could be modified to suit the situations in other countries. We also discuss the limitations and the place of such models in the fight against the HIV epidemic. Results: A clear explanation of the premises and assumptions on which the models were based was reached by reviewing the models across different scenarios. Conclusion: Mathematical models have been very useful in HIV research, particularly for empirical studies on people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). These models make predictions that generate questions of social and ethical interest.
Serological pattern of anti-HBc alone infers occult hepatitis B virus infection in high-risk individuals in Iran
Authors: Ramezani Amitis , Banifazl Mohammad , Eslamifar Ali , Aghakhani Arezoo
Published: November 2010

Introduction: Anti-hepatitis B core antibody (Anti-HBc) alone is defined as the presence of anti-HBc in the absence of HBsAg and anti-HBs. The significance of this serological pattern as a predicting factor for occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains largely unknown. This study aimed to assess the significance of anti-HBc alone in predicting occult HBV infection in high-risk and low-risk individuals. Methodology: A total of 926 individuals were enrolled in this study, including 289 hemodialysis (HD) and 106 HIV-infected patients who were considered as a high-risk group and 531 blood donors who were considered as low-risk. HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc were tested in all subjects. The presence of HBV-DNA was determined quantitatively in patients with anti-HBc alone by real-time PCR. Results: Of the 395 high-risk patients, 40 cases (10.13%) had anti-HBc alone, while 11 subjects (2.07%) out of 531 blood donors had anti-HBc alone. HBV-DNA was detected in 12 out of 40 (30%) high-risk patients and none of the blood donors with anti-HBc alone. Conclusion: Our study showed that the serological pattern of anti-HBc alone could reflect occult HBV infection in high risk cases but did not presume occult HBV infection in low-risk individuals.
Validation of a particle gel immunoassay for Trypanosoma cruzi antibody detection using plasma samples collected with capillary tubes
Authors: Kawai Marlene MY , Salas Jose AP , Tavares Luiz AP , Fontes Cor JF
Published: November 2010

Introduction: The Chagas disease particle gel immunoassay (PaGIA-Chagas) is a simple, fast and practical test used for the diagnosis of the chronic Chagas disease and is based on anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibody detection in serum. This study aimed to validate the PaGIA-Chagas on plasma collected with capillary tubes. Methodology: Serum samples from 74 T. cruzi-infected and 26 non-infected individuals were tested by conventional indirect immunofluorescence and PaGIA-Chagas. Later, plasma specimens collected with capillary tubes from these same individuals were tested by PaGIA-Chagas. Results from serum samples tested by IFA and PAGIA- Chagas were considered as the reference standard to determine the accuracy parameters of the particle gel tested on plasma samples. The inter-test agreement of T. cruzi antibody detection by PaGIA-Chagas on serum and plasma was calculated using Kappa index. Results: The PaGIA-Chagas performed on plasma collected with capillary tubes had sensitivity and specificity of 99% and 100%, respectively. The crude agreement observed with the results of the PaGIA-Chagas on plasma and serum was 99% and the Kappa index was 0.975 (CI95%: 0.782 - 1.000). Conclusion: PaGIA-Chagas for anti-T. cruzi detection on plasma collected with capillary tubes is accurate and might be indicated to reduce fieldwork time and materials in epidemiological screening of chronic Chagas disease.
Ten-year surveillance of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates in central Turkey prior to the introduction of a conjugate vaccine
Authors: Percin Duygu , Ay Altintop Yasemin , Sumerkan Bulent
Published: November 2010

Introduction: The aim of this study was to characterize the serotypes and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates in central Turkey. Methodology: A total of 332 invasive S. pneumoniae isolates were identified, serotyped and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by routine microbiological methods. Results: The most common serogroups/serotypes were 1, 19, 3, 18, 6, 14, and 7 in rank order. Serogroup/serotype coverage of the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine, and the 7-, 10-, and 13-valent conjugate vaccines were 96%, 44%, 78.6%, 96.4%, respectively. Overall, 20 (6%) of the isolates were resistant to penicillin, 1 (0.3%) to cefotaxime, 20 (6%) to erythromycin, 13 (4%) to cloramphenicol, and 120 (36%) to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxasole. Among cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) isolates, 20 (18.5%) were resistant to penicillin (26.3% and 11.5%, respectively, of child and adult meningitis cases; p≥0.05). Conclusions: Although the seven-valent conjugate vaccine is expected to protect less than half of children younger than three years of age, of the incorporation of this vaccine into the routine immunization program of Turkey is advised to continue. However, the 13-valent conjugate vaccine, including serotypes 1, 3, 5, and 7, has the most potential prevent the highest burden of invasive pneumococcal diseases in this age group.
Detection of gyrA Mutation Among Clinical Isolates of Campylobacter jejuni Isolated in Egypt by MAMA-PCR
Authors: Said Mayar Maged , El-Mohamady Hanan , El-Beih Fawkia M. , Rockabrand David M. , Ismail Tharwat F. , Monteville Marshall R. , Ahmed Salwa F. , Klena John D. , Salama Mohamed S.
Published: November 2010

Introduction: Campylobacter spp are the major cause of enteritis in humans and more than 90% of reported infections are caused by Campylobacter jejuni. Fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin are the antibiotics of choice for treatment.  An increase in the frequency of ciprofloxacin-resistant Campylobacter has been reported globally due to a single base mutation (C-257 to T) in codon 86 of the quinolone resistance determining region (QRDR) of the gyrA gene altering the amino acid sequence from threonine at position 86 to isoleucine (Thr-86 to Ile).  Methodology: Campylobacter spp (n = 118) were selected from a collection of Egyptian isolates spanning 1998 to 2005.  The presence of C. jejuni gyrA gene was confirmed in each isolate by a PCR assay amplifying 368bp portion of the gyrA gene.  C to T alteration was detected by the mismatch amplification mutation assay MAMA PCR. The MIC of nalidixic acid (NA) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) was determined by E-test. Results: C. jejuni gyrA gene was detected in 100 of the Campylobacter spp studied; the other 18 isolates were found to be Campylobacter coli by lpxA PCR. The mutation was detected in 89 C. jejuni resistant isolates with MIC values (NA; 8 - >256μg/ml) and (CIP; 4 - >32μg/ml). The other 11 sensitive C. jejuni isolates with MIC values (NA; 0.38 - 3μg/ml) and (CIP; 0.03 - 0.125μg/ml) were not amplified by the MAMA primers. There was 100% congruence with MAMA PCR, MIC results and gyrA gene sequence analysis. Conclusions: In Egypt the main mechanism for resistance to fluoroquinolones is an alteration in the gyrA QRDR.  MAMA PCR provides an economical and rapid means for screening fluoroquinolone resistance.
Evidence of Cellular Immune Response to Outer Membrane Protein ofSalmonella typhimuriumin Patients with Enthesitis-related Arthritis Subtype of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: SINGH YOGESH PREET , SINGH AMIT KUMAR , AGGARWAL AMITA , MISRA RAMNATH
Published: November 2010

Objective.

Enthesitis-related arthritis subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA-ERA) clinically resembles reactive arthritis (ReA). In patients with ReA the immune response is targeted at the outer membrane protein (OMP) ofSalmonella typhimurium. We studied the immune response in JIA-ERA toS. typhimuriumOMP.

Methods.

Synovial fluid mononuclear cells (SFMC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from blood and SF of patients with JIA-ERA. Lymphocyte transformation test was done withS. typhimuriumOMP and crude bacterial lysates ofYersinia enterocolitica,Shigella flexneri, andS. typhimurium. IgG and IgA ELISA were performed in serum and SF usingS. typhimuriumOMP as antigen and compared with sera from healthy controls.

Results.

In PBMC samples (n = 25) an antigen-specific proliferative response was seen in 13 patients and a cross-reactive response in 6. Among these 19 patients, 12 showed response to OMP. In SFMC (n = 15) antigen-specific responses were seen in 3 patients and cross-reactive responses in 9. Among these 12 patients, 11 showed response to OMP. The IgG and IgA anti-OMP antibody concentrations in serum and SF were similar in patients and controls.

Conclusion.

In JIA-ERA, OMP is the major antigenic target recognized by both SFMC and PBMC. Response to OMP is independent of specific bacterial response, suggesting that OMP is the immunodominant antigen. In these patients, absence of significant humoral response suggests response to OMP is mainly T cell mediated.
Les attributions judiciaires du Conseil du roi
Authors: Barbiche Bernard
Published: November 2010

Dans l’ancienne France, le Conseil du roi est, sous l’autorité du monarque, le centre du pouvoir dans toutes ses composantes, législative, exécutive et judiciaire. Mais son activité tout entière est d’essence judiciaire. Le Conseil était organisé en plusieurs formations : conseils restreints de gouvernement présidés par le roi, conseils en formation plénière présidés par le chancelier. Dans tous les cas, ses arrêts étaient réputés rendus par le roi. Le Conseil privé ou Conseil des parties était le garant du bon fonctionnement de la justice. Il prononçait entre autres des évocations, des cassations et des règlements de juges. La pratique de la cassation, relativement rare jusqu’à la fin du règne de Louis XIV, s’est considérablement développée sous Louis XV.
La procédure de cassation au XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Godin Xavier
Published: November 2010

La cassation est un moyen destiné à mettre en œuvre la nullité d’un arrêt rendu en dernière instance et qui viole la loi. Progressivement ouverte aux justiciables, la procédure est exercée par le Conseil d’État privé et suit le règlement du 28 juin 1738. Sont ici présentés l’introduction et la réception de l’instance ainsi que l’instruction et le jugement de l’affaire. Parce qu’est exigée une contravention « claire et littérale » à une loi, la probabilité de voir aboutir une telle demande en cassation se révèle assez rare.
Les évocations, entre régulation juridique et arbitrage politique
Authors: Leyte Guillaume
Published: November 2010

Les évocations sont une des voies de recours de l’ancien droit, permettant notamment aux parties de récuser un juge afin qu’un autre leur soit assigné. Si leur fondement le plus fréquent est celui de la parenté d’un juge avec une des parties, cette même technique est utilisée par la royauté afin de dessaisir une juridiction. Au-delà de la technique, il s’agit d’un mode de régulation de la justice permettant, par l’exercice de la justice retenue, de délicats arbitrages politiques.
Évocations et cassations : l'attitude du parquet face aux décisions du Conseil du roi au XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Feutry David
Published: November 2010

Évocations et cassations furent à l’origine de nombreuses querelles entre le parlement de Paris et la couronne. Le parquet du Parlement joua un rôle essentiel dans ces luttes, notamment avec le procureur général Guillaume-François Joly de Fleury (1675-1756). Critique face à ces procédures, il mit en place des moyens pour limiter les évocations et les cassations, en faisant intervenir le Parlement, gardien des lois, ou le chancelier d’Aguesseau, chef de la justice.
Cassations et évocations dans les remontrances des parlements au XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Chaline Olivier
Published: November 2010

Si deux périodes (les années 1730 et la première moitié de la décennie 1750) concentrent la plupart des remontrances dénonçant les cassations et les évocations dans les parlements de Paris, Rouen et Rennes, il n’en demeure pas moins que ces questions n’occupent en définitive qu’une place limitée dans l’ensemble de la production de tels textes. Les enjeux des querelles ont changé, passant des limites du temporel et du spirituel à la défense des degrés de juridiction et à l’affirmation que chaque parlement est le maître incontesté de son ressort. Entre la justice déléguée aux magistrats et celle, retenue, du roi en son conseil, la tension reste intermittente.
Balzac revisité. Portrait social des familles au XIXe siècle d'après les « souvenirs » de la comtesse Marie de Raymond
Authors: Soula Laurence
Published: November 2010

Les « souvenirs » manuscrits de la comtesse de Raymond, descendante de Montesquieu, nous dévoilent l’intimité et la destinée sociale des familles qui ont tenu à Agen la première place au XIX e siècle. Prenant pour base d’étude cette fresque typiquement balzacienne, l’article apporte un éclairage sur les structures et la fonction sociale des familles. L’on y découvre les mœurs provinciales d’une bourgeoisie gouvernée par l’idéal nobiliaire, où le « rang », déterminé par l’appartenance familiale, dirige les fréquentations et les alliances matrimoniales. Dans ce siècle caractérisé par le renouvellement des élites, il apparaît également comme un facteur prépondérant d’ascension sociale.
Compter les morts de Crimée : un tournant sur l'identité professionnelle des médecins de l'armée française (1865-1882)
Authors: Fredj Claire
Published: November 2010

La médecine militaire française connaît, tout au long du XIX e siècle, une crise de recrutement dénoncée par le corps de santé de l’armée. L’assimilation aux grades de l’armée et l’autonomie par rapport à l’intendance sont particulièrement revendiquées. Si la première est à peu près acquise en 1860, c’est la loi du 16 mars 1882 qui accorde vingt ans plus tard la seconde aux médecins militaires. Dans l’intervalle, les arguments la réclamant s’appuient sur des exemples pris dans les conflits qui se succèdent au cours des années 1855-1870, illustrant les inconvénients de la subordination du service de santé à l’intendance en campagne. La guerre de Crimée est particulièrement mise en avant dans le discours visant à l’amélioration statutaire des médecins de l’armée, surtout à partir de 1865, lorsque la publication par le médecin principal Jean-Charles Chenu du Rapport au Conseil de santé des armées sur les résultats du service médico-chirurgical aux ambulances de Crimée et aux hôpitaux militaires français de Turquie pendant la campagne d’Orient en 1854-1855-1856  fait découvrir à un public relativement large que plus de 95000 soldats français sont morts au cours de ce conflit dont environ 75000 de maladies, des chiffres proportionnellement plus importants que dans l’armée anglaise. L’organisation des services de santé expliquerait ces mortalités différenciées. Le discours met également en avant le service de santé des troupes américaines au cours de la guerre de Sécession, reposant sur le même principe de liberté. À partir de 1865, l’efficacité des services de santé anglo-saxons et les lourdes pertes françaises sont donc largement reprises dans la presse, médicale ou non et deviennent des lieux communs du discours politique lorsque, au début de la Troisième République, se pose la question de la réorganisation du corps de santé.
Adult Pornography, Male Peer Support, and Violence Against Women
Authors: DeKeseredy Walter S. , Olsson Patrik
Published: November 2010

It is estimated that there are over a million pornographic sites on the Internet, with as many as 10,000 added every week. In addition to having a major financial impact, adult pornography is strongly associated with various types of violence against women, especially sexual assault. Some studies have found that the contribution of pornography to woman abuse in dating, marriage, and during or after separation/divorce is related to male peer support, which refers to the attachments to male peers and the resources they provide that perpetuate and legitimate woman abuse. The main objective of this chapter is twofold: (1) to review the extant social scientific research on the relationship between violence against women, male peer support, and adult Internet pornography and (2) to suggest new directions in empirical work on the association between these three social problems.
Improving the Quality of Life of Senior Citizens by Preventing and Reducing their Social Discrimination through Interactive Television and Ubiquitous Computing
Authors: Santana Pedro C. , Acosta-Díaz Ricardo , Contreras-Castillo Juan , Damián-Reyes Pedro
Published: November 2010

The problem of providing appropriate and effective medical care to the elderly has gained importance in recent years because of the exponential growth of people older than 65 years. This research work proposes using interactive television embedded in a ubiquitous computing environment to help mitigate some of the effects of discrimination and provide health services to older adults living alone in their homes who require timely medical attention.
Using ICT to Foster Human Rights Defense Processes for Mexican Immigrants
Authors: Silva Maria Alejandra Rocha , Contreras-Castillo Juan , Acosta-Díaz Ricardo
Published: November 2010

Frequently, Mexicans who cannot find solutions for their financial problems migrate to the United States hoping to improve their quality of life. However, they usually face abuses, mostly because they are illegal aliens, but also because they arrive to a society which is not their own. These migrants are mainly excluded from American society not only because of their race and religion, but also because they do not speak English in most cases, do not have studies higher than primary school, and are not proficient in using information and communications technologies (ICT). With this panorama in mind, the Colimenses sin Fronteras Web Portal becomes a tool to support and help them overcome the adaptation process, which might help reduce the discrimination that many of them face upon arriving to the receiving country. It also provides migrants with information about the abuses they might suffer and how to file a legal complaint.
Web-Based Multi-User Distributed and Collaborative Environment Supporting Emergency and Relief Activities
Authors: Habib Maki K.
Published: November 2010

This chapter presents the conceptual development, design requirements and functional descriptions of a team based multi-user, web-based and global telecooperative system as a new multidisciplinary collaborative paradigm. This system uses as a foundation the distributed and collaborative intelligent environment (DCIE) developed by the author. Distance, time, and distribution are the main attributes of the telecooperative system and its applications. The developed system aims to carry out cooperative plans and processes over geographically distributed locations that lead to make well-informed decisions, better utilization of resources, enhance safety and reduce cost. In addition, this article foresees the role of Internet, information and communication technologies (ICTs) to support and enhance emergency management and relief activities in relation to natural and human made disasters, and human assistance activities. As an example of human made disasters, landmine disaster and humanitarian demining needs are introduced, and the core collaborative functional requirements are presented to support the integration of wide range of humanitarian demining activities, cooperation and coordination between all relevant parties at global, regional and local levels.
Designing Usable Security Feedback for Web-Filtering Systems
Authors: Mendoza-González Ricardo , Arteaga Jaime Muñoz , Rodríguez Francisco Álvarez
Published: November 2010

Currently, many powerful applications designed to combat social deviations are available, like the web-filtering systems, which measure the content of a website before submitting it to the user, notifying whether the content of the website presents (or not) information related to pornography, violence, racism, among others, and prompting the user to not accessing the site, or even blocking access to the website. Nevertheless, frequently the feedback of these systems is not well-designed, which may confuse users and lead to mistakes, disappointments, and misunderstandings. In order to reduce this concern, a method is provided to developers with guidance in designing usable security notifications to be incorporated in web-filtering systems. The method is structured through a library of user interface design patterns which integrates essential concepts of security and usability. The authors show the effectiveness of the patterns by using an illustrative example as a proof-of-concept together with a preliminary study.