bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Le temps des consommations comme oubli du présent
Authors: Le Garrec Sophie
Published: October 2011

Résumé Les nouvelles mutations en cours depuis quelques décennies dans nos sociétés ne sont pas sans effets sur les rapports aux temporalités et plus particulièrement celles des jeunes. Incertitude et précarité face à l’avenir, positionnement liminal dans le présent, génèrent craintes et pressions pour cette partie de la population en phase de construction identitaire. En outre, les perceptions et regards stigmatisants drainés par les mondes des adultes à leur égard ne facilitent guère la quête d’une confiance assurée et la mobilisation de ressources pour « faire face ». Le présent, largement indexé sur un avenir à structurer et composer, est ressenti alors comme une pesanteur. Dans ces contextes, les effets des addictions sont ressentis comme des temps de parenthèses permettant d’occulter les pressions du quotidien et d’effacer momentanément, par l’oubli, les craintes. Au vu de ces résultats, les logiques de prévention des pratiques alcoolo-toxico-tabagiques – encore largement axées sur une vision médicalisée – questionnent dès lors l’efficience des actions et des médiations avec ce « public cible ».
In Vino Vieillissimo : au temps du « plus jamais », dernier plaisir ou ultime tabou ? À propos des vieux addictés
Authors: Griner-Abraham Véronique
Published: October 2011

Résumé Parler d’addiction et de temporalité au grand âge semble presque indécent. Et pourtant, l’épidémiologie et la clinique sont éloquentes et rentrent en résonance avec le silence des prises en charge adaptées à cette classe d’âge. Pourquoi ce déni de la réalité, ce désinvestissement du dépistage et des soins ? L’addiction a un sens dans la psychopathologie du vieillissement. Les conduites de dépendance des sujets âgés semblent à relier aux problématiques de deuils et de pertes auxquelles on ne peut plus se soustraire. Face à l’inéluctable, la tentation des soignants est de battre le rappel de la sagesse des désirs pour n’évoquer que besoin et plaisir afin de mettre l’angoisse à distance. À l’époque où la révolution de la longévité se heurte à celle de la communication, dans des temporalités pour le moins différentes, la souffrance de ces vieux addictés semble majorée par l’absence de solutions sociétales adaptées et illustre malheureusement les inégalités croissantes des politiques de santé.
Hyperactivité, addictions et perspectives thérapeutiques
Authors: Hautefeuille Michel
Published: October 2011

Résumé L’auteur propose, en partant de la notion de temps, d’aborder les problèmes de l’hyperactivité telle qu’elle existe chez l’adulte, même si elle a été décrite tout d’abord chez l’enfant. Il décrit certains cas de patients consommateurs de cocaïne, qui sont en fait d’anciens enfants hyperactifs non diagnostiqués. Quelques pistes thérapeutiques concernant certaines formes de cocaïnomanies sont alors envisagées.
Organización y legitimidad de los programas de bienestar. Análisis comparado de once países de la OCDE
Authors: Calzada Inés
Published: October 2011

El objetivo principal de este artículo es analizar la relación entre la institucionalización del estado del bienestar (eb) y su legitimidad, es decir, hasta qué punto la forma de organizar el eb afecta a las percepciones que los ciudadanos desarrollan sobre el mismo y, de esta manera, modifica el tamaño y composición de sus bases de apoyo. A fin de cumplir con este objetivo el artículo se estructura de la siguiente forma: en primer lugar presentamos un panorama de la variación internacional en las actitudes hacia tres programas de bienestar (sanidad, pensiones y desempleo). Seguidamente estudiaremos de dónde proviene el apoyo extra que algunos programas consiguen, centrándonos específicamente en comprobar si una alta legitimidad se logra mediante la construcción de consensos inter-clases o inter-ideologías. terminaremos evaluando qué características organizativas concretas son las que correlacionan con el nivel de apoyo popular que un programa recibe.
Deep-Sea Mining: Economic, Technical, Technological, and Environmental Considerations for Sustainable Development
Authors: Sharma Rahul
Published: October 2011

AbstractMining of minerals such as polymetallic nodules from the deep-sea floor has been “on-hold” as a result of several factors such as current availability of Cu, Ni, Co and Mn from terrestrial sources and their fluctuating prices. Nonetheless, exploration
for new resources from deep-sea areas and development of technologies for deep-sea mining have been progressing consistently. These, coupled with recent projections of deep-sea minerals as the alternative source for metals and granting of licenses for exploration and mining of seafloor massive
sulfides to private entrepreneurs, indicate the continuing interest and support the perception that such deposits may serve as sources of metals in the 21st century. However, there are several considerations for the sustainable development of deep-sea mining.A typical area of
75,000 km2 with an estimated nodule resource of >200 million tonnes is expected to yield about 54 million tonnes of metals (Mn + Ni + Cu + Co), and the gross in-place value of the metals is estimated to be ∼$21‐42 billion (depending upon the annual rate of mining)
in the 20-year life span of a mine site. The decision on the timing to resume mining of these deposits will be based on the prevalent metal prices and rate of returns on the estimated investment of $1.95 billion as capital expenditure and $9 billion as operating expenditure for
a single deep-sea mining venture.In view of high investment, technological challenges and economic considerations, private-public cooperation could be an effective means to make deep-sea mining a success. This paper analyzes the current status and discusses the economic, technical, technological,
and environmental issues that need to be addressed for sustainable development of deep-sea minerals.
Unusual Cause of Childhood Anemia: Imerslund Grasbeck Syndrome
Authors: Laxminarayana Kishan Prasad Hosapatna , Yeshvanth Sunil Kumar , Shetty Jayaprakash K , Permi Harish S , Rao Chandrika
Published: October 2011

Imerslund Grasbeck syndrome (IGS) is a rare autosomal recessive childhood disorder characterized by selective Vitamin (vit) B 12 malabsorption with asymptomatic proteinuria without any structural renal pathology. The patients stay healthy for decades with life-long parenteral vit B12. We report a case of young female who presented with pancytopenia and proteinuria, evaluated in local hospitals as chronic hemolytic anemia (autoimmune cause), finally diagnosed as IGS on complete evaluation. She was treated with injectable vit B12 (1000 μg cyanocobalalmin) and showed drastic recovery. IGS should be considered in patients with megaloblastic anemia not responding to oral vit B12 and associated proteinuria.
Two Cases of Eosinophilic Variant Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma, with a Rare Association of Right Atrial Myxoma in One of them
Authors: Yeshvanth Sunil Kumar , Permi Harish S , Laxminarayana Kishan Prasad Hosapatna , Shrinivas Teerthanath , Shetty Jayaprakash K
Published: October 2011

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma is a relatively uncommon variant of renal cell carcinoma. Eosinophilic variant of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (EVCRCC) is still less frequent and is composed predominantly of small to medium-sized cells with abundant granular eosinophilic cytoplasm. We report two cases of EVCRCC, with one having a rare association of right atrial myxoma. We present these cases, due to the rarity of EVCRCC and an unusual association of right atrial myxoma in one of them. Both patients recovered well after surgery, with no recurrence or metastasis after 2 years of follow-up.
Atypical Presentation of Visceral Leishmaniasis in a HIV-positive Patient from a Nonendemic Area
Authors: Vyas Dhara H , Shah Parul D
Published: October 2011

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), though widely prevalent in India, is not seen in the Rajasthan where the dry, hot and arid climatic conditions create a hostile environment for the growth of the parasite or its vector, the sandfly. We present a case of VL in a patient co-infected with HIV from this region. A 34-year-old known case of a HIV-positive patient presented to the skin department of our hospital with multiple, nontender, erythematous, papulonodular lesions all over the body for 6 months with history of weight loss and low-grade fever. Important examination findings were pallor, inguinal lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory findings included anemia, leucopenia, hypergammaglobulinemia and altered leucocytes to erythrocyte ratio. Buffy coat examination and bone marrow aspirates showed the presence of leishman bodies inside monocytes and macrophages respectively as well as extracellularly also. The patient was treated with amphotericin B intravenously and responded well to the treatment.
Diagnostic Performance of Ultrafast 3-Dimensional Ultrasound on the Small Bowel: Single Center Experience
Authors: Elwagdy Salah , Ramadan Mokhtar Ragab , Farag Mohamed A. , Farag Manal , Eladawy Sahar , A-Karim Hosni , Soliman Gamal M. , Ibrahim Ali , Salah Shabban , Elgargani Abdel Hamid
Published: October 2011

Background

Increased speed and resolution of ultrasound have made it a first-line modality for the abdominal examination. During the last 5 years trans-abdominal ultrasonography has been used increasingly, for assessment of patients with small bowel (SB) diseases. Around 350 such examinations are performed annually in the diagnostic imaging department at Azhar University Hospital. Hence, the aim is to determine if the ultrafast three-dimensional ultrasound (U3D US) is potent for optimal examination of SB diseases.

Patients and Methods

Tap-water intake has been used to distend the SB. All patients have been examined in supine position. The U3D US data of 198 patients with SB diseases were assessed. The proximal and distal SB image quality along with the evaluation of bowel distention, motility and lesions were reported.

Results

Image quality was good in all examinations. Adequate demonstration of the proximal and distal SB was obtained in all of U3D US examinations. The inclusive diagnostic accuracy of U3D US was precise in 92.3%. Proximal SB was, however, less frequently involved, particularly in patients below the age of 30 years ( P = 0.050).

Conclusion

The diagnostic accuracy of U3D US enterography is valuable for detecting SB lesions. This modality is widely available, inexpensive and easy technique, can be used as an initial investigation in the evaluation of patients with SB disorders.
Further Possible Mechanisms of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors to Decrease Blood Glucose in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Koshiyama Hiroyuki
Published: October 2011

Recently, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors have been launched into clinical use for type 2 diabetes in Japan. Shortly after its use, several cases have been reported, in which the co-administration of DPP-4 inhibitors with sulfonylureas caused severe hyperglycemia in Japan. Additionally, the efficacy to improve glycemic control was greater than expected. Taken together, it is suggested that DPP-4 inhibitors may have other action mechanisms than to stimulate insulin secretion in glucose-dependent manner. I present here several possible mechanisms of DPP-4 inhibitors to reduce blood glucose in type 2 diabetes; first, to inhibit glucagon secretion, second, to stimulate glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) secretion, which may regain its action to stimulate insulin secretion when hyperglycemia has been improved, third, to recover the response to sulfonylureas by restoring pancreatic ATP levels, fourth, to stimulate glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) secretion directly from the intestine, and finally to inhibit the action of DPP-4 as an adipokine.
Health Risk Behaviors of Afghanistan and Iraq War Veterans Attending College
Authors: Widome Rachel , Laska Melissa Nelson , Gulden Ashley , Fu Steven S. , Lust Katherine
Published: October 2011

Purpose.

The population of military veterans attending college is rapidly growing as veterans return from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF). We sought to describe patterns of student veterans' health-related behaviors and how they might differ from their nonveteran peers.

Design.

We analyzed data from the 2008 Boynton College Student Health Survey (CSHS).

Setting.

CSHS participants completed an anonymous online survey.

Subjects.

The CSHS sampled students (n = 8651) attending public, private, 2-year, and 4-year postsecondary educational institutions in Minnesota.

Measures.

The CSHS included items on substance use (including alcohol and tobacco), safety, nutrition, and physical activity.

Analysis.

We described demographics of OEF/OIF veteran, non-OEF/OIF veteran, and nonveteran students and used Poisson regression to compute adjusted relative risks (ARBs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to characterize associations between veteran status and health behaviors.

Results.

After controlling for demographics, veteran students reported more safety-, tobacco-, and alcohol-related risk behaviors compared to nonveteran students. For instance, compared to the nonveteran reference group, the ARR for past year smokeless tobacco use and physical fighting among for OEF/OIF veterans was 1.76 (95% CI = 1.31–2.35) and 1.48 (95% CI = 1.22–1.79) respectively. Veteran and nonveteran students display similar weight-related behaviors, though OEF/OIF veteran students were more likely to engage in strengthening exercises.

Conclusions.

There are specific health risk behaviors that are particularly relevant for veterans attending postsecondary institutions. As veterans enroll in postsecondary education, there is a unique window of opportunity for health promotion in this population.
Assessing Digital Literacy in Web-Based Physical Activity Surveillance: The WIN Study
Authors: Mathew Merly , Morrow James R. , Frierson Georita M. , Bain Tyson M.
Published: October 2011

Purpose.

Investigate relations between demographic characteristics and submission method, Internet or paper, when physical activity behaviors are reported.

Design.

Observational.

Setting.

Metropolitan.

Subjects.

Adult women (N = 918) observed weekly for 2 years (total number of weekly reports, 44,963).

Measures.

Independent variables included age, race, education, income, employment status, and Internet skills. Dependent variables were method of submission (Internet or paper) and adherence.

Analysis.

Logistic regression to analyze weekly odds of submitting data online and meeting study adherence criteria. Model 1 investigated method of submission, model 2 analyzed meeting study's Internet adherence, and model 3 analyzed meeting total adherence regardless of submission method.

Results.

Whites, those with good Internet skills, and those reporting higher incomes were more likely to log online. Those who were white, older, and reported good Internet skills were more likely to be at least 75% adherent online. Older women were more likely to be adherent regardless of method. Employed women were less likely to log online or be adherent.

Conclusion.

Providing participants with multiple submission methods may reduce potential bias and provide more generalizable results relevant for future Internet-based research.
The climatology, propagation and excitation of ultra-fast Kelvin waves as observed by meteor radar, Aura MLS, TRMM and in the Kyushu-GCM
Authors: Davis R. N. , Chen Y.-W. , Miyahara S. , Mitchell N. J.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Wind measurements from a meteor radar on Ascension Island (8° S, 14° W) and simultaneous temperature measurements from the Aura MLS instrument are used to characterise ultra-fast Kelvin waves (UFKW) of zonal wavenumber 1 (E1) in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) in the years 2005–2010. These observations are compared with some predictions of the Kyushu-general circulation model. Good agreement is found between observations of the UFKW in the winds and temperatures, and also with the properties of the waves in the Kyushu-GCM. UFKW are found at periods between 2.5–4.5 days with amplitudes of up to 40 m s−1 in the zonal winds and 6 K in the temperatures. The average vertical wavelength is found to be 44 km. Amplitudes vary with latitude in a Gaussian manner with the profiles centred over the equator. Dissipation of the waves results in monthly-mean eastward accelerations of 0.2–0.9 m s−1 day−1 at heights around 95 km, with 5-day mean peak values of 4 m s−1 day−1. Largest wave amplitudes and variances are observed over Indonesia and central Africa and may be a result of very strong moist convective heating over those regions. Rainfall data from TRMM are used as a proxy for latent-heat release in an investigation of the excitation of these waves. No strong correlation is found between the occurrence of large-amplitude mesospheric UFKW events and either the magnitude of the equatorial rainfall or the amplitudes of E1 signatures in the rainfall time series, indicating that either other sources or the propagation environment are more important in determining the amplitude of UFKW in the MLT. A strong semiannual variation in wave amplitudes is observed. Intraseasonal oscillations (ISOs) with periods 25–60 days are evident in the zonal background winds, zonal-mean temperature, UFKW amplitudes, UFKW accelerations and the rainfall rate. This suggests that UFKW play a role in carrying the signature of tropospheric ISOs to the MLT region.
Sensitivity to deliberate sea salt seeding of marine clouds – observations and model simulations
Authors: Alterskjær K. , Kristjánsson J. E. , Seland Ø.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Sea salt seeding of marine clouds to increase their albedo is a proposed technique to counteract or slow global warming. In this study, we first investigate the susceptibility of marine clouds to sea salt injections, using observational data of cloud droplet number concentration, cloud optical depth, and liquid cloud fraction from the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) instruments on board the Aqua and Terra satellites. We then compare the derived susceptibility function to a corresponding estimate from the Norwegian Earth System Model (NorESM). Results compare well between simulations and observations, showing that stratocumulus regions off the west coast of the major continents along with large regions in the Pacific and the Indian Oceans are susceptible. We then carry out geo-engineering experiments with a uniform increase of 10−9 kg m−2 s−1 in emissions of sea salt particles with a modal radius of 0.13 μm. The increased sea salt concentrations and the resulting change in marine cloud properties lead to a globally averaged forcing of −4.8 W m−2 at the top of the atmosphere, more than cancelling a doubling of CO2 concentrations. The forcing is large in areas found to be sensitive by using the susceptibility function, confirming its usefulness as an indicator of where to inject sea salt for maximum effect. Results also show that the effectiveness of sea salt seeding is reduced because the injected sea salt provide a large surface area for water vapor and gaseous sulphuric acid to condense on, thereby lowering the maximum supersaturation and suppressing the formation and lifetime of sulphate particles. In some areas, our simulations show an overall reduction in the CCN concentration and the number of activated cloud droplets decreases, resulting in a positive globally averaged forcing.
Response of the equatorial ionosphere to the total solar eclipse of 22 July 2009 and annular eclipse of 15 January 2010 as observed from a network of stations situated in the Indian longitude sector
Authors: Paul A. , Das T. , Ray S. , Das A. , Bhowmick D. , DasGupta A.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Dual-frequency GPS TEC monitors have been used to study the response of the ionosphere to the solar eclipses of 22 July 2009 and 15 January 2010. The receivers were located at three stations, Calcutta, Kharagpur and Baharampore which are situated outside the umbra zone in the Indian longitude sector with each baseline being ~200 km. Effects of obscuration of the solar disc were noted in the ambient TEC recorded at the three stations. A series of depletions in TEC along the track of a GPS satellite and associated wave-like structures were identified on some GPS links during both the eclipses.
Anomalous foreshock field-aligned beams observed by Cluster
Authors: Meziane K. , Hamza A. M. , Wilber M. , Mazelle C. , Lee M. A.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. We report occasional observations of two simultaneously distinct ion foreshock components recorded by the Cluster spacecraft upstream of the Earth's bow shock. In most occurrences, the lower-energy population originates as a field-aligned beam (FAB) associated with quasi-perpendicular regions, which loses energy as the IMF rotates into oblique geometries. A second beam, with energies in excess of ~10 keV, appears sometimes in association with the onset of ultra-low frequency (ULF) waves, and sometimes ahead of the appearance of the latter. Measurements from the mass spectrometer indicate that both beams consist of protons. While the lower-speed beam is well-accounted for by a known reflection mechanism, the non-radial IMF orientations as well as other arguments seem to rule out magnetosheath or magnetospheric sources for the higher energy component. The wave characteristics are typical of the oblique foreshock and we have found that they are in cyclotron-resonance with the low speed beam (FAB). These observations constitute a theoretical challenge since conventional mechanisms described in the literature cannot account for the production of beams at two different energies.
Towards accounting for dissolved iron speciation in global ocean models
Authors: Tagliabue A. , Völker C.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The trace metal iron (Fe) is now routinely included in state-of-the-art ocean general circulation and biogeochemistry models (OGCBMs) because of its key role as a limiting nutrient in regions of the world ocean important for carbon cycling and air-sea CO2 exchange. However, the complexities of the seawater Fe cycle, which impact its speciation and bioavailability, are simplified in such OGCBMs due to gaps in understanding and to avoid high computational costs. In a similar fashion to inorganic carbon speciation, we outline a means by which the complex speciation of Fe can be included in global OGCBMs in a reasonably cost-effective manner. We construct an Fe speciation model based on hypothesised relationships between rate constants and environmental variables (temperature, light, oxygen, pH, salinity) and assumptions regarding the binding strengths of Fe complexing organic ligands and test hypotheses regarding their distributions. As a result, we find that the global distribution of different Fe species is tightly controlled by spatio-temporal environmental variability and the distribution of Fe binding ligands. Impacts on bioavailable Fe are highly sensitive to assumptions regarding which Fe species are bioavailable and how those species vary in space and time. When forced by representations of future ocean circulation and climate we find large changes to the speciation of Fe governed by pH mediated changes to redox kinetics. We speculate that these changes may exert selective pressure on phytoplankton Fe uptake strategies in the future ocean. In future work, more information on the sources and sinks of ocean Fe ligands, their bioavailability, the cycling of colloidal Fe species and kinetics of Fe-surface coordination reactions would be invaluable. We hope our modeling approach can provide a means by which new observations of Fe speciation can be tested against hypotheses of the processes present in governing the ocean Fe cycle in an integrated sense
Distribution of typical denitrifying functional genes and diversity of the nirS-encoding bacterial community related to environmental characteristics of river sediments
Authors: Huang S. , Chen C. , Yang X. , Wu Q. , Zhang R.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Denitrification in river sediments leads to nitrate removal from the aquatic system; therefore, it is necessary to understand functional diversity of denitrifier communities in the system. Sediment samples (0–25 cm depth) were collected from three typical locations along the Pearl River. The real-time PCR approach was used to measure the abundance of nitrate (narG), nitrite (nirS, nirK and nrfA), and nitrous oxide (nosZ) reductase genes from the sediment samples. Assemblages of nirS, nirK and nosZ indicated that complete denitrification occurred in sediment cores, with the greatest number of gene copies from 5–15 cm depth. Dissimilatory nitrate reduction appeared to be important below 15 cm depth, based on increasing gene copies of narG and nrfA with sediment depth. There was a close match (78–94 %) between the nirS sequences recovered from the Pearl River sediment and those detected in estuarine and marine sediments as well as active sludge, suggesting that the nitrogen source in the Pearl River sediment was affected by domestic sewage inputs and irregular tides. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that the spatial distribution of denitrifying bacteria was highly correlated with dissolved inorganic nitrogen (including NH4+, NO2− and NO3−) concentrations in sediment. It was concluded that the difference in dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations along the sediment profile influenced the distribution of denitrifying genes and the nirS-encoding denitrifier community in the river sediment. In addition, a variety of novel denitrifying bacteria were revealed in the river sediment.
Contribution of non-carbonate anions to total alkalinity and overestimation of pCO2 in New England and New Brunswick rivers
Authors: Hunt C. W. , Salisbury J. E. , Vandemark D.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Total alkalinity (TAlk) has long been used to evaluate the buffering capacity of aquatic systems. TAlk has also been used, together with measurements of either pH or dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), to indirectly estimate the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) in inland waters, estuaries, and marine systems. These estimates typically assume that carbonate and bicarbonate ions comprise nearly all the species contributing to TAlk; however, other inorganic and organic acids have the potential to contribute significant non-carbonate alkalinity. To evaluate the potential for error in using TAlk to estimate pCO2, we measured pH, TAlk, and DIC in samples of river water. Estimates of pCO2 derived from TAlk and pH measurements were higher than pCO2 estimates derived from DIC and pH by 13–66%. We infer that this overestimate is due to the presence of significant non-carbonate alkalinity (NC-Alk). This study also describes the relative proportions of carbonate- and non-carbonate alkalinity measured in 15 river systems located in northern New England (USA) and New Brunswick (Canada). NC-Alk represents a significant buffering component in these river systems (21–∼100% of TAlk), and failure to account for NC-Alk (which cannot directly contribute to pCO2) leads to the overestimation of carbon dioxide release to the atmosphere.
Novel applications of carbon isotopes in atmospheric CO2: what can atmospheric measurements teach us about processes in the biosphere?
Authors: Ballantyne A. P. , Miller J. B. , Baker I. T. , Tans P. P. , White J. W. C.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Conventionally, measurements of carbon isotopes in atmospheric CO2 (δ13CO2) have been used to partition fluxes between terrestrial and ocean carbon pools. However, novel analytical approaches combined with an increase in the spatial extent and frequency of δ13CO2 measurements allow us to conduct a global analysis of δ13CO2 variability to infer the isotopic composition of source CO2 to the atmosphere (δs). This global analysis yields coherent seasonal patterns of isotopic enrichment. Our results indicate that seasonal values of δs are more highly correlated with vapor pressure deficit (r = 0.404) than relative humidity (r = 0.149). We then evaluate two widely used stomatal conductance models and determine that the Leuning Model, which is primarily driven by vapor pressure deficit is more effective globally at predicting δs (RMSE = 1.6‰) than the Ball-Woodrow-Berry model, which is driven by relative humidity (RMSE = 2.7‰). Thus stomatal conductance on a global scale may be more sensitive to changes in vapor pressure deficit than relative humidity. This approach highlights a new application of using δ13CO2 measurements to validate global models.
Simulation of the time-variable gravity field by means of coupled geophysical models
Authors: Gruber Th. , Bamber J. L. , Bierkens M. F. P. , Dobslaw H. , Murböck M. , Thomas M. , van Beek L. P. H. , van Dam T. , Vermeersen L. L. A. , Visser P. N. A. M.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Time variable gravity fields, reflecting variations of mass distribution in the system Earth is one of the key parameters to understand the changing Earth. Mass variations are caused either by redistribution of mass in, on or above the Earth's surface or by geophysical processes in the Earth's interior. The first set of observations of monthly variations of the Earth gravity field was provided by the US/German GRACE satellite mission beginning in 2002. This mission is still providing valuable information to the science community. However, as GRACE has outlived its expected lifetime, the geoscience community is currently seeking successor missions in order to maintain the long time series of climate change that was begun by GRACE. Several studies on science requirements and technical feasibility have been conducted in the recent years. These studies required a realistic model of the time variable gravity field in order to perform simulation studies on sensitivity of satellites and their instrumentation. This was the primary reason for the European Space Agency (ESA) to initiate a study on ''Monitoring and Modelling individual Sources of Mass Distribution and Transport in the Earth System by Means of Satellites''. The goal of this interdisciplinary study was to create as realistic as possible simulated time variable gravity fields based on coupled geophysical models, which could be used in the simulation processes in a controlled environment. For this purpose global atmosphere, ocean, continental hydrology and ice models were used. The coupling was performed by using consistent forcing throughout the models and by including water flow between the different domains of the Earth system. In addition gravity field changes due to solid Earth processes like continuous glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) and a sudden earthquake with co-seismic and post-seismic signals were modelled. All individual model results were combined and converted to gravity field spherical harmonic series, which is the quantity commonly used to describe the Earth's global gravity field. The result of this study is a twelve-year time-series of 6-hourly time variable gravity field spherical harmonics up to degree and order 180 corresponding to a global spatial resolution of 1 degree in latitude and longitude. In this paper, we outline the input data sets and the process of combining these data sets into a coherent model of temporal gravity field changes. The resulting time series was used in some follow-on studies and is available to anybody interested.
Factors Associated with Healthcare Services Utilization and Pharmacological Treatment in Individuals with Diabetes Diagnosis: Lessons from a Nationwide Program for Diabetes Mellitus Detection in Brazil
Authors: Fischer Maria Isabel , Toscano Cristiana Maria , Mengue Sotero Serrate
Published: October 2011

The Brazilian Nationwide Population Screening Program for Diabetes, conducted in 2001, diagnosed 346,168 new cases. Although unexpected, approximately 65,000 previously diabetic individuals participated. We describe their characteristics compared to new cases, based on data obtained by a follow-up study of a subsample of 4991 positively screened from a representative sample of 90,106 individuals. Two groups were analyzed regarding factors associated with adherence to treatment, healthcare services utilization, and compliance to pharmacological treatment: 497 with newly diagnosed diabetes and 257 individuals with previous diabetes diagnosis who were not under treatment at the screening program. For this group, healthcare service utilization was lower when compared with the new cases (OR = 0.06; 95% CI: 0.03–0.12). Diabetes status (OR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.14–0.37), a healthy behavior score (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.34–0.83), and glucose levels at screening (altered, OR = 5.01; 95% CI: 2.38–10.6 and likely and very likely DM OR = 11.2; 95% CI: 6.85–18.4) were independently associated with pharmacological treatment.
Powering Multiparameter Homotopy-Based Simulation with a Fast Path-Following Technique
Authors: Vázquez-Leal Héctor , Castañeda-Sheissa Roberto , Rabago-Bernal Felipe , Hernández-Martínez Luis , Sarmiento-Reyes Arturo , Filobello-Niño Uriel
Published: October 2011

The continuous scaling for fabrication technologies of electronic circuits demands the design of new and improved simulation techniques for integrated circuits. Therefore, this work shows how the hypersphere technique can be adapted and applied to trace a multiparameter homotopy. Besides, we present a path-following technique based on circles (evolved from hypersphere), which is faster, and simpler to be implemented than hypersphere technique. Last, a comparative analysis between both techniques applied to simulation of circuits with bipolar transistors will be shown.
Development of a Standardized Clinical Protocol for Ranking Foods and Meals Based on Postprandial Triglyceride Responses: The Lipemic Index
Authors: O'Reilly Erin M. , Holub Bruce J. , Laidlaw Maggie , Garrioch Colin , Wlodek Mike G
Published: October 2011

Postprandial triglyceride levels are being increasingly recognized as an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is a need for developing a standardized clinical protocol which allows foods and meals to be ranked based on the resulting postprandial triglyceride response. This pilot study offers a novel approach to standardize such testing based on equicaloric intakes, allowing for increased flexibility in comparing different food and meal offerings, as well as a high potential for public knowledge transfer. Our laboratory has developed a standardized 2100 kJ beverage, consisting of fat, protein, and simple carbohydrates (LIXR) with the goal of eliciting a reference postprandial triglyceride response. As we hypothesized, a certain commercial product which gave favourable glycemic responses yielded significantly higher triglyceride responses than our reference solution, indicating an important gap in current methods of identifying low-risk foods for subjects at risk for CVD. The lipemic index may eventually be used in combination with other nutritional tools to provide an enhanced overall assessment of health risks associated with consuming certain foods.
Addressing Female Iron-Deficiency Anaemia in India: Is Vegetarianism the Major Obstacle?
Authors: Rammohan Anu , Awofeso Niyi , Robitaille Marie-Claire
Published: October 2011

Objectives. We examined the influence of vegetarian diet on the risk of developing anaemia among Indian women and suggest initiatives for addressing diet-related iron-deficiency anaemia.Methods. We analysed data on diet, social class, and haemoglobin levels from the nationally representative Indian National Family and Health Survey 2005/06 for a sample of 81,301 women aged 15–49 years using logistic regression models.Results. After controlling for individual-level factors and household level socioeconomic characteristics, daily consumption of meat, fish, and eggs was associated with lower odds of being moderately or severely anaemic. Our analysis also revealed that economic characteristics such as being from higher wealth quintiles, being in paid employment, and rural residence reduced the odds of having iron-deficiency anaemia among Indian women.Discussion. As a large proportion of Indians subsist on iron-poor vegetarian diets for religious, economic, and cultural reasons, large-scale iron supplementation and fortification of commonly consumed vegetarian foodstuffs constitute a feasible, culturally appropriate, and cost-effective strategy for addressing this major public health problem. Consumption of cheap iron-rich foodstuffs should be promoted. Effective poverty alleviation and hookworm prevention programs are also important. Large-scale cohort and intervention studies are urgently required to further define the influence of vegetarianism on iron deficiency anaemia in India.
Retracted: Antimicrobial action of chemically modified cotton fabric with cyclodextrin
Authors: Gupta Pamila
Published: October 2011

The following article from Advances in Polymer Technology, “Antimicrobial action of chemically modified cotton fabric in cyclodextrin” by Pamila Gupta, published online on 31 October, 2011 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor in Chief, Avraam I. Isayev, and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The retraction has been agreed due to overlap with a previously published paper, “Loaded cyclodextrin‐grafted‐cotton fabric with excellent antimicrobial property”, co‐authored by M. Bajpai, Pamila Gupta and S. K. Bajpai in Fibers and Polymers, Vol. 11, No. 1, 8‐13, 2010.
Recycling of aged ABS from real WEEE through ABS/PC blends in the ABS‐rich compositions
Authors: Barthes Marie‐Lise , Mantaux Olivier , Pedros Matthieu , Lacoste Eric , Dumon Michel
Published: October 2011

Recycled aged acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) does not recover the impact strength of virgin ABS mainly due to polybutadiene degradation or the presence of flame retardants (FR). So, ABS/PC (polycarbonate) blends were elaborated to obtain a recycled material with resilience at least equivalent to neat ABS and within the range of composition of real waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) deposits. ABS/PC blends were first made from virgin polymers to reach optimal processability and composition. Performing Charpy impact strength tests and morphological studies allowed us to evaluate influence of extrusion temperature and PC content on blends. Experimental results indicate that the impact strength of ABS/PC blends is higher when morphology is fibrillar‐like or co‐continuous. A virgin ABSFR/PC blend (70/30) with an impact strength greater than neat ABS has been obtained. But, with an equivalent composition, this result is not reached for recycled blends. So, to achieve efficient blends rich in recycled ABS, compatibilization is necessary. Recycled ABS/PC (70/30) blends compatibilized with 5% PP‐g‐MA prove to be more resilient than virgin ABS. However, a compatibilizing agent has a limited efficiency when it is used in the presence of a FR or subjected to a high residence time during injection. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 31: 343–353, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20257
Preparation of new optically active heat‐resistant polyesters with improved solubility
Authors: Mehdipour‐Ataei Shahram , Ehsani Sara
Published: October 2011

A novel diacid isophthalic acid bis‐(carboxyphenyl methyl) ester (IBE) containing optically active center and bulky pendent groups was successfully synthesized and used to prepare a series of aromatic polyesters. IBE was prepared via a reaction of R‐(–)‐mandelic acid with isophthaloyl chloride in the presence of potassium hydroxide. Direct polycondensation reactions of this monomer with various aromatic diols using para‐toluenesulfonyl chloride (p‐TsCl) via a Vilsmeier adduct resulted in the preparation of new optically active polyesters. Polyester showed reasonable molecular weight based on gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and inherent viscosity methods. Other physical and thermal properties of the polymers, including solubility, thermal behavior, thermal stability, and crystallinity in addition to optical activity, were studied. These heat‐resistant polymers showed optical activity and presence of bulky groups improved their solubility. According to the X‐ray diffraction patterns, the polyesters were almost amorphous. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 31: 354–363, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20258
Excessive daytime sleepiness and vascular events: The Three City Study
Authors: Blachier Martin , Dauvilliers Yves , Jaussent Isabelle , Helmer Catherine , Ritchie Karen , Jouven Xavier , Tzourio Christophe , Amouyel Philippe , Besset Alain , Ducimetiere Pierre , Empana Jean‐Philippe
Published: October 2011

Objective:

We assessed whether excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) at baseline was associated with subsequent coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke events.

Methods:

The Three City Study, a French population‐based multicenter prospective study, included 7,007 subjects aged ≥65 years with no personal history of CHD, stroke, or dementia, and self‐rated EDS as never, rare, regular, or frequent in response to a face‐to‐face questionnaire. Hazard ratios (HRs) for the first episode of stroke and CHD over 6 years were estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model with age as the time scale.

Results:

The mean age of the cohort was 73.7 years (standard deviation, 5.37), 63% were women, and 13.3% and 4.3% reported regular and frequent EDS, respectively. After a median follow‐up period of 5.1 years, 372 subjects experienced a first event, either stroke (122 subjects) or a CHD event (250 subjects). The increased risk of CHD and stroke was confined to the group with frequent EDS, and was 1.73× as much as in the group that reported never having EDS (HR, 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–2.60), after adjustment for confounding and mediating factors. This association was seen in those without hypertension but not in those with hypertension at baseline (p for interaction = 0.01). Moreover, the association with frequent EDS was statistically significant for stroke (HR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.13–3.89) but not for CHD (HR, 1.51; 95% CI, 0.87–2.61).

Interpretation:

The current study suggests that frequent EDS is independently associated with future vascular events and stroke in particular in healthy community‐dwelling elderly subjects. ANN NEUROL 2011.
Modification of poly(propylene) by grafted polyester‐amide‐based dendritic nanostructures with the aim of improving its dyeability
Authors: Sari Morteza Ganjaee , Moradian Siamak , Bastani Saeed , Stribeck Norbert
Published: October 2011

Fiber‐graded poly(propylene) was modified by polyester‐amide‐based dendritic nanostructures with the aim of improving its dyeability. Two different dendritic polymers were used and the dendritic nanostructures were formed in situ via reactive blending with maleic anhydride‐modified poly(propylene). Samples were chosen exploiting a 4‐component mixture design. Thermal, morphological, and rheological characterizations showed domains with different size and distribution were formed and primary properties of the dendritics determined the characteristics of the resulted domains. Morphological parameters were quantified by digital analysis of scanning electron microscope images. Thermal and rheological behavior also demonstrated good agreements with the inferred morphology of the formed dendritic domains. The modified samples were then dyed with dispersed dyestuffs. A variety of substantivities were obtained, and some of the modified samples showed a significant enhancement in dyeing properties. A predictive model was developed for K/S ratio, where K and S are absorption and scattering coefficients of the Kubelka‐Munk one constant theory, respectively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Process behavior of compatible polymer blends
Authors: Navarro R. , López J. , Parres F. , Ferrándiz S.
Published: October 2011

It is a common industrial practice to blend virgin polymer with the same polymer recycled from scrap plastic that, in general, has not undergone relevant degradation. In this article, the influence that incorporating recycled material has on injection processes, especially on the rheological behavior of the material was studied. With this aim in mind, a mixture of two materials with the same nature or composition and similar viscosity was used, which is the system that is most commonly seen in industry. The mixture studied is composed of virgin PP (polypropylene) typically found in injection processes, and recycled copolymer PP from scrap plastic. A complete characterization of the materials and applied existing models was carried out to predict the mechanical behavior of the mixtures. A model to predict the behavior of the mixtures during processing, based on the rheological characteristics of the materials used was developed. This predictive model has been experimentally validated using filling tests in injection molding machines, as well as by specific simulation software. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of hybridization and compatibilization on the mechanical properties of recycled polypropylene‐hemp composites
Authors: Ramezani Kakroodi Adel , Leduc Simon , Rodrigue Denis
Published: October 2011

Hemp fibers and particles, with different sizes and contents, were used to make hybrid composites based on recycled polypropylene (PP). In particular, the effect of maleated polypropylene (MAPP) addition on the morphology and mechanical properties is reported. The results show that better adhesion is obtained with MAPP addition. In general, fiber content and size had a substantial effect on the tensile, flexural, torsion, and impact properties of the resulting composites. Although, adding MAPP to the samples improved the impact strength of the composites, the values were always lower than neat PP. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Contribution of matrix metalloproteinase 2 to joint destruction in group B Streptococcus–induced murine arthritis
Authors: Puliti Manuela , Momi Stefania , Falcinelli Emanuela , Gresele Paolo , Bistoni Francesco , Tissi Luciana
Published: October 2011

Objective

To assess the role of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2) in the evolution of septic arthritis induced by group B streptococci (GBS) in mice.

Methods

Mice deficient in MMP‐2 (MMP‐2−/−) and wild‐type controls were injected intravenously with 1 × 107 colony‐forming units of type IV GBS (strain 1/82). Levels of MMP‐2, mortality rates, evolution of arthritis, bacterial clearance, joint histopathologic features, and production of cytokines and chemokines were examined in both experimental groups of mice on days 3, 6, and 9 after infection.

Results

MMP‐2 was produced during GBS infection. Disruption of the gene for MMP‐2 resulted in a decrease in the incidence and severity of arthritis, as demonstrated by both clinical and histologic findings, without affecting mortality rates. Amelioration of arthritis was accompanied by a dramatic reduction in the local production of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP‐1α), and MIP‐2 and a reduced bacterial burden.

Conclusion

MMP‐2, produced early during GBS infection in mice, is involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix components at the level of the joint. This degradation is the first step in a cascade of events (joint invasion by GBS, extravasation and accumulation of inflammatory cells, proinflammatory cytokine production), all of which contribute to the damage of articular tissue. Thus, MMP‐2 should be regarded as a potential therapeutic target in GBS‐induced arthritis.