Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Closer
Kinds of Closer Terms modified by Closer Selected AbstractsBringing Communities Closer: The Role of the Alliance of Civilizations (AoC)1CROSSCURRENTS, Issue 3 2010Thomas Uthup First page of article [source] Closer to the Shifting Ground: The Rise of Relationship in God-TalkDIALOG, Issue 3 2005By Paul R. Sponheim Abstract:, The article argues that God-talk has changed significantly over the last fifty years and identifies the rise of the notion of relationship (reflecting postmodern dissatisfaction with modernity) as a key factor in this change. That factor is cited in Trinitarian studies, the Creator's relationship with and to the creatures, the science and religion conversation, the connection with context, and the increasing recognition of the adjectival character of theology. In closing the author looks ahead to further relational work in soteriology, anthropology and metaphysics. [source] Closer: Performance, Technologies, Phenomenology.HYPATIA, Issue 3 2010By SUSAN KOZEL First page of article [source] Integrating Biosensors and Drug Delivery: A Step Closer Toward Scalable Responsive Drug-Delivery SystemsADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 6 2009Han-Kuan Anthony Tsai A miniature biosensor immobilized on the backside of a gold lid is protected inside a microfabricated vial. To activate the protected biosensor, the conjugated polymer/gold lid is opened by the application of 800,mV. Both independent sensing and drug delivery from the microvalves are demonstrated. [source] Coupled damage and plasticity modelling in transient dynamic analysis of concreteINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL AND ANALYTICAL METHODS IN GEOMECHANICS, Issue 1 2002Fabrice Gatuingt Abstract In a concrete structure subjected to an explosion, for example a concrete slab, the material is subjected to various states of stress which lead to many modes of rupture. Closer to the explosive, a state of strong hydrostatic compression is observed. This state of stress produces an irreversible compaction of the material. Away from the zone of explosion, confinement decreases and the material undergoes compression with a state of stress, which is slightly triaxial. Finally, the compression wave can be reflected on a free surface and becomes a tensile wave, which by interaction with the compression wave, produces scabbing. We present, in this paper, a model aimed at describing these three failure modes. It is based on visco-plasticity and rate dependent damage in which a homogenization method is used in order to include the variation of the material porosity due to compaction. The model predictions are compared with several experiments performed on the same concrete. Computations of split Hopkinson tests on confined concrete, a tensile test with scabbing, and an explosion on a concrete slab are presented. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] On the effect of the local turbulence scales on the mixing rate of diffusion flames: assessment of two different combustion modelsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 10 2002Jose Lopes Abstract A mathematical model for the prediction of the turbulent flow, diffusion combustion process, heat transfer including thermal radiation and pollutants formation inside combustion chambers is described. In order to validate the model the results are compared herein against experimental data available in the open literature. The model comprises differential transport equations governing the above-mentioned phenomena, resulting from the mathematical and physical modelling, which are solved by the control volume formulation technique. The results yielded by the two different turbulent-mixing physical models used for combustion, the simple chemical reacting system (SCRS) and the eddy break-up (EBU), are analysed so that the need to make recourse to local turbulent scales to evaluate the reactants' mixing rate is assessed. Predictions are performed for a gaseous-fuelled combustor fired with two different burners that induce different aerodynamic conditions inside the combustion chamber. One of the burners has a typical geometry of that used in gaseous fired boilers,fuel firing in the centre surrounded by concentric oxidant firing,while the other burner introduces the air into the combustor through two different swirling concentric streams. Generally, the results exhibit a good agreement with the experimental values. Also, NO predictions are performed by a prompt-NO formation model used as a post-processor together with a thermal-NO formation model, the results being generally in good agreement with the experimental values. The predictions revealed that the mixture between the reactants occurred very close to the burner and almost instantaneously, that is, immediately after the fuel-containing eddies came into contact with the oxidant-containing eddies. As a result, away from the burner, the SCRS model, that assumes an infinitely fast mixing rate, appeared to be as accurate as the EBU model for the present predictions. Closer to the burner, the EBU model, that establishes the reactants mixing rate as a function of the local turbulent scales, yielded slightly slower rates of mixture, the fuel and oxidant concentrations which are slightly higher than those obtained with the SCRS model. As a consequence, the NO concentration predictions with the EBU combustion model are generally higher than those obtained with the SCRS model. This is due to the existence of higher concentrations of fuel and oxygen closer to the burner when predictions were performed taking into account the local turbulent scales in the mixing process of the reactants. The SCRS, being faster and as accurate as the EBU model in the predictions of combustion properties appears to be more appropriate. However, should NO be a variable that is predicted, then the EBU model becomes more appropriate. This is due to the better results of oxygen concentration yielded by that model, since it solves a transport equation for the oxidant concentration, which plays a dominant role in the prompt-NO formation rate. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Critical Pedagogy for the Present Moment: Learning from the Avant-Garde to Teach Globalization from ExperiencesINTERNATIONAL STUDIES PERSPECTIVES, Issue 3 2003André C. Drainville Closer to us in what it integrates and in its consequences, global politics still gets conceptualized as if it belonged to a realm of its own, disembedded and abstracted beyond quotidian experiences of power. Still folded in a supernatural world that cannot be of their making, as far from experience as their cold war predecessors were, international studies (IS) students are as alienated and find it as hard to work with critical imagination. To teach students to be more than mere technicians of whatever new world order may be born of present circumstances, we have to unmake the political separation that still exists between the study and teaching of global politics and everyday life in the world economy. This article presents a record of a decade-long teaching experiment conducted in the department of political science at Laval University in Québec City. Borrowing techniques and inspiration from the "historical avant-garde," I have worked to reinvent my pedagogical practice to create "situations" in which students can be full, unalienated subjects in the learning process. [source] Ecohydrology of a seasonal wetland in the Rift Valley: ecological characterization of Lake SolaiAFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Tanguy De Bock Abstract The following research describes through an ecohydrological approach, the first assessment of the ecology of Lake Solai, with a particular emphasis on the vegetation. Lake Solai is located 50 km north of Nakuru in the Rift Valley in Kenya at E36°80,,36°84, to N00°05,,00°08,. It is a shallow lake that follows a very peculiar seasonal water regime, and that faces conflicts between agriculture and conservation water users. In the upper catchment, an overview of the agricultural practices was implemented and river water uses were identified to assess river flows. Crops/grassland and woodland/shrubland were the major land uses, covering c. 65% of the catchment. Closer to the lake, vegetation samples were collected around the lake together with samples of environmental factors such as soil and water quality. Thirteen vegetation communities were identified within four main zonations: forest, grassland, river inlet and rocky outcrop. These communities showed abundance, distribution and diversity determined mostly by the human pressures, the flooding periods and the salinity. Cynodon, Cyperus and Sporobolus genera were the most abundant. Résumé La recherche suivante décrit, par une approche éco-hydrologique, la première évaluation de l'écologie du lac Solai, en insistant particulièrement sur la végétation. Le lac Solai est situéà 50 km au nord de Nakuru, dans la vallée du Rift kényane, et ses coordonnées sont 36°80,,36°84E à 00°05,,00°08,N. C'est un lac peu profond qui est soumis à un régime hydrique saisonnier très particulier et qui est confrontéà des conflits entre acteurs agricoles et de conservation de la nature. En amont du bassin, une étude des pratiques agricoles a été effectuée, puis les utilisations de l'eau identifiées pour évaluer les débits des rivières. Les cultures/prairies et les forêts/broussailles étaient les principales utilisations des terres et couvraient environ 65% du bassin versant. Plus en aval, des échantillons de végétation ont été récoltés le long du lac, en même temps que des échantillons de facteurs environnementaux tels que le sol et l'eau. Treize communautés végétales ont été identifiées au sein de quatre zones principales: forêt, prairie, rivière entrante et affleurement rocheux. Ces communautés présentaient une abondance, une distribution et une diversité qui étaient principalement déterminées par les pressions humaines, les périodes d'inondation et la salinité. Les genres Cynodon, Cyperus et Sporobolusétaient les plus abondants. [source] Dual-frequency antenna for RFID tags with complementary characteristicMICROWAVE AND OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 6 2007Jieh-Sen Kuo Abstract A novel dual-frequency Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) antenna with complementary operation mechanisms (two different operation mechanisms: near field and far field operation) is proposed. The proposed antenna is obtained by printing a rectangular-spiral-shaped and a meander-shaped line, which is placed above on a rectangular microwave substrate as a RFID tag's antenna where its ground plane is at the bottom of substrate. The proposed antenna is fed by a 50 , microstrip line printed on the same substrate, and the antenna's two resonant frequencies can be excited with good impedance matching. Closer to omni-directional radiation patterns and the lower cross-polarization levels (at least 25-dB) are also obtained. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 1396,1398, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI.10.1002/mop.22426 [source] Fluctuation conductivity analysis on the Bi-based superconductors processed under same conditionsPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 9 2006F. Ben Azzouz Abstract We report electrical conductivity fluctuation measurements on different Bismuth-based granular samples synthesized under same processing conditions.Using the fluctuation conductivity ,, as a function of the reduced temperature , in the range ,7 < ln , < 1, we identified Gaussian and critical fluctuation conductivity in (Bi,Pb)-2223 and Bi-2212 samples. Within the mean field region, samples show predominately two dimensional (2D) behaviour with exponent , = ,1. Closer to critical temperature TC, we have observed a crossover of , from ,2/3 to ,1/3 in the critical region. The obtained exponents are consistent with 3D-XY model predictions. The regime with the critical exponent ,2/3 is dominate in the case of (Bi,Pb)-2223 sample. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Re-founding Representation: Wider, Broader, Closer, DeeperPOLITICAL STUDIES REVIEW, Issue 2 2010Lucy Taylor This article challenges conventional understandings and methodologies associated with the study of political representation. It imagines representation as a power relationship and shifts attention from elections to a closer examination of the interface between representatives and those they claim to represent. It argues for the need to make representation studies wider, moving our focus to study polities beyond the confines of prosperous, established democracies. Secondly, we should broaden our understanding of representation agents in two ways. We should consider how non-voters are represented and we should include diverse forms of social organisations, problematising relationships of representation within these groups and taking their political-representational role seriously. Thirdly, we should move closer, conducting not only macro-level analyses but also micro-level studies, exploring representation among and between individuals and groups in order to understand the complex relationships, motives and dynamics of power at work. Finally we need to go deeper, looking at our own subject positions as scholars critically and challenging the neutrality of the ideas and assumptions that we use as intellectual tools. Moreover, we should promote deeper relationships of representation, reconnecting it to ideas and practices of participation, and promoting the role of accountability in ,closing the loop' and enhancing democracy. [source] Study on the formation defect of nano imprinted optical waveguide devices and nano-indentation detectionPOLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 12 2008Y.-J. Weng Abstract In this study, we try to discuss the formation defects found in the application of air-assisted soft mold UV-cured nano imprint lithography technology in the manufacture of optical waveguide devices, and find a solution. Meanwhile, we try to utilize the nano-indentation technology in the material quality detection for optical waveguide devices. The results tell us that there is a corresponding relationship between the indentation hardness and procedure parameters under nano-meter level depth. For example, the indentation tends to be harder when it is lowly loaded and shallow in depth. Closer it gets to the edge of waveguide's turning, lower the indentation hardness will be. At the same time, different exposal process results in different structural intensity. Therefore, the high structural intensity without forming defects of optical waveguide with less optical loss and better optical transmission. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Latest news and product developmentsPRESCRIBER, Issue 20 2007Article first published online: 26 NOV 200 GPs and pharmacists to work more closely Closer working between GPs and community and primary-care pharmacists ,could further improve prescribing quality and therapeutic outcomes for patients', according to a report by the London School of Pharmacy and Alliance Boots. The report suggests that the expansion of primary-care centres and the increasing complexity of care they offer mean that community pharmacists will increasingly need to take on some GP roles. It foresees an increase in shared premises and calls for closer interdisciplinary working between GPs, pharmacists and nurses. Variation in PCT commissioning of enhanced services from pharmacies has resulted in ,a fragmented system of postcode pharmaceutical care rationing'. Full read-write access to patients' records will be essential if the benefits of electronic prescribing are to be realised. How pharmacists can support commissioners The NHS Alliance and Primary Care Pharmacists' Association have published a guide for practice-based commissioners on making the most of primary-care pharmacists. Prescribing Support and Prescribing Advice for Practice Based Commissioners , A Guide for Commissioning Groups and GPs illustrates how pharmacists can support commissioners at all levels of medicines use. Copies are free to NHS Alliance members and cost £10 for others. Directory website aids diabetes management The National Diabetes Support Team is developing a website that brings together different datasets and tools for diabetes management. The Diabetes Data Directory (www.yhpho.org.uk/diabetesdatadirectory/introddd.asp) summarises what other online databases can provide and lists the tools that can be used to answer specific questions. The first edition is now online, providing direct links to the appropriate sites. Flu vaccine efficacy in older people challenged US reviewers have questioned the effectiveness of flu vaccine in older people (Lancet Infect Dis online: 24 September; doi: 10.1016/ S1473-3099(07)70236-0). They were unable to confirm a reduction in flu mortality since 1980, concluding that biased patient selection and nonspecific end-points such as all-cause mortality may have exaggerated the benefits of vaccination in clinical trials. The Department of Health is encouraging younger people in at-risk groups to be vaccinated against flu this winter; last year, 58 per cent of under-65s at risk were not vaccinated. OC cervical cancer risk probably overestimated Recent evidence that oral contraceptives may be associated with a small increase in the incidence of cervical cancer probably overestimates the risk, says the Clinical Effectiveness Unit of the Faculty of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care (www.ffprhc.org.uk). A recent study in the BMJ reported a 12 per cent reduced overall risk of cancer associated with oral contraceptives but an increased risk of cervical cancer of 38 per 100 000 woman-years after at least eight years' use. The FFPRHC says this study was conducted before the UK cervical screening programme was established, and at a time when the average Inhaled insulin ,unlikely to be cost effective' Inhaled insulin (Exubera) is safe and effective but costs so much more than injected insulin that it is unlikely to be cost effective, according to a new Health Technology Assessment (2007;11:No.33.www.hta.nhsweb.nhs.uk). The review included nine trials (seven of Exubera), in which the only significant difference between inhaled and injected soluble insulin was in patient preference. However, most of the trials used syringes for insulin injection rather than pens. The extra cost of inhaled insulin is put at between £600 and £1000 per year. New topics for NICE The Secretary of State for Health has referred the novel antihypertensive aliskiren (Rasilez) for appraisal by NICE; aliskiren is the first direct renin inhibitor to be introduced. Other referrals to NICE include five clinical guidelines (multiple pregnancy, transient loss of consciousness, lower UTI in men, post-ITU rehabilitation and colorectal and anal cancer). Topics for technology appraisals include cetuximab (Erbitux) for colorectal and head and neck cancers. QOF statistics for 06/07 GPs in England averaged 96.3 per cent of the maximum points available for the clinical domain of the Quality and Outcomes Framework in 2006/07 compared with 97.1 per cent previously, official statistics show. Mean practice scores for most clinical areas were in the mid-90 per cent range, but highest for obesity (100 per cent) and lowest for depression (81 per cent), palliative care (90 per cent), mental health and epilepsy (<95 per cent). NICE consulting on type 2 diabetes guideline NICE is consulting on its draft clinical guideline for the management of type 2 diabetes. Comments should be submitted online by 22 November; publication is scheduled for April 2008. The drug of first choice for glycaemic control is metformin, which should be considered even for patients who are not overweight; a sulphonylurea is an alternative or adjunctive agent if glycaemic control is not achieved with metformin alone. If these regimens fail, a glitazone may be added. Exenatide (Byetta) is recommended only for obese patients for whom other oral treatments have failed. The guidance will update and replace clinical guidelines E, F, G and H, and technology appraisals 53, 60 and 63. Glitazones increase risk of HF but not CV death A new meta-analysis , this time of seven trials involving a total of 20 191 patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance treated with a glitazone , has concluded that these agents are associated with an increased risk of heart failure but not cardiovascular death (Lancet 2007;370:1129,36). Compared with comparator drugs, glitazones were associated with an increased risk of congestive heart failure (2.3 vs 1.4 per cent; relative risk, RR, 1.72; number needed to harm over 30 months, 107). There was no heterogeneity between studies, showing that this is a class effect. However, the risk of cardiovascular death was not increased for either rosiglitazone (Avandia) or pioglitazone (Actos). Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Are We Closer to the Clinical Use of Blood Substitutes?ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 2 2009Paul S. Malchesky D. Eng. No abstract is available for this article. [source] Moving Closer to an Operational Definition for ED CrowdingACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 4 2007Jessie M. Pines MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Current density mapping approach for design of clinical magnetic resonance imaging magnetsCONCEPTS IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE, Issue 3 2002Stuart Crozier Abstract Novel current density mapping (CDM) schemes are developed for the design of new actively shielded, clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnets. This is an extended inverse method in which the entire potential solution space for the superconductors has been considered, rather than single current density layers. The solution provides an insight into the required superconducting coil pattern for a desired magnet configuration. This information is then used as an initial set of parameters for the magnet structure, and a previously developed hybrid numerical optimization technique is used to obtain the final geometry of the magnet. The CDM scheme is applied to the design of compact symmetric, asymmetric, and open architecture 1.0,1.5 T MRI magnet systems of novel geometry and utility. A new symmetric 1.0-T system that is just 1 m in length with a full 50-cm diameter of the active, or sensitive, volume (DSV) is detailed, as well as an asymmetric system in which a 50-cm DSV begins just 14 cm from the end of the coil structure. Finally a 1.0-T open magnet system with a full 50-cm DSV is presented. These new designs provide clinically useful homogeneous regions and have appropriately restricted stray fields but, in some of the designs, the DSV is much closer to the end of the magnet system than in conventional designs. These new designs have the potential to reduce patient claustrophobia and improve physician access to patients undergoing scans. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts in Magnetic Resonance (Magn Reson Engineering) 15: 208,215, 2002 [source] Physiological and Behavioral Differences in Magellanic Penguin Chicks in Undisturbed and Tourist-Visited Locations of a ColonyCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2005BRIAN G. WALKER corticoesterona; ecoturismo; perturbación humana; Spheniscus magellanicus Abstract:,Studies examining anthropogenic effects on wildlife typically focus on adults and on behavioral responses rather than the physiological consequences of human disturbances. Here we examined how Magellanic Penguin ( Spheniscus magellanicus) chicks living in either tourist-visited or undisturbed areas of a breeding colony were affected by human visitation by comparing the baseline and stress-induced levels of corticosterone during three periods of the breeding season. Newly hatched chicks in visited areas had higher corticosterone stress responses than newly hatched chicks in undisturbed areas (p =0.007), but baseline levels were similar (p =0.61). By 40,50 days of age and around fledging time, both visited and undisturbed chicks showed a robust corticosterone stress response to capture. Tourist-visited chicks did not flee when approached by humans, however, whereas undisturbed chicks fled significantly sooner (i.e., when approached no closer than 9 m; p < 0.0001). Although it is unknown whether Magellanic Penguin chicks raised in visited areas suffer negative consequences from the elevation of the corticosterone stress response at hatching, they do exhibit behavioral habituation to human contact by the time they are ready to fledge. Unlike adults living in tourist areas, however, fledging chicks in visited areas do not have a decreased stress response to capture and restraint. Our results show that the coupling of behavioral and physiological habituation in Magellanic Penguins is complex and life-history context may greatly affect the ability of wildlife to adapt to anthropogenic disturbances. Resumen:,Los estudios de los efectos antropogénicos sobre la vida silvestre se centran típicamente en adultos y en las respuestas conductuales en lugar de las consecuencias fisiológicas de las perturbaciones humanas. Aquí examinamos el efecto de la visita de humanos sobre pollos de pingüino (Spheniscus magellanicus) en áreas visitadas por turistas o no perturbadas mediante la comparación de los niveles, base e inducidos por estrés, de corticoesterona durante tres períodos de la temporada reproductiva. Los pollos recién eclosionados en áreas visitadas tuvieron mayor respuesta de la corticoesterona al estrés que los pollos recién eclosionados en áreas no perturbadas (p =0.007), pero los niveles básicos fueron similares (p =0.61). A los 40,50 días y en la etapa de volantón, los pollos visitados y no perturbados mostraron una marcada respuesta de la corticoesterona al estrés al ser capturados. Sin embargo, los pollos visitados por turistas no huyeron cuando se les acercaron humanos, mientras que los pollos no perturbados huyeron significativamente antes (i.e., acercamiento a más de 9 m; p < 0.0001). Aunque se desconoce si los pollos de pingüino criados en áreas visitadas sufren consecuencias negativas por la elevación de la corticosterona en respuesta al estrés al eclosionar, si presentan acostumbramiento conductual al contacto con humanos al momento que están listos para dejar el nido. Sin embargo, a diferencia de adultos que viven en áreas turísticas, los pollos volantones en las áreas visitadas no tienen una disminución en la respuesta al estrés cuando son capturados y sujetados. Nuestros resultados muestran la complejidad de la combinación del acostumbramiento conductual y fisiológico en Spheniscus magellanicus y que el contexto de la historia de vida puede afectar a la habilidad de la vida silvestre para adaptarse a las perturbaciones antropogénicas. [source] Taking Stock of Corporate Governance Research While Looking to the FutureCORPORATE GOVERNANCE, Issue 3 2009Igor Filatotchev ABSTRACT Manuscript Type: Editorial Research Question/Issue: This essay identifies some key issues for the analysis of corporate governance based on the articles within this special review issue coupled with our own perspectives. Our aim in this issue is to distil some research streams in the field and identify opportunities for future research. Research Findings/Results: We summarize the eight papers included in this special issue and briefly highlight their main contributions to the literature which collectively deal with the role and impact of corporate boards, codes of corporate governance, and the globalization of corporate governance systems. In addition to the new insights offered by these reviews, we attempt to offer our own ideas on where future research needs to be targeted. Theoretical Implications: We highlight a number of research themes where future governance research may prove fruitful. This includes taking a more holistic approach to corporate governance issues and developing an inter-disciplinary perspective by building on agency theory while considering the rich new insights offered by complementary theories, such as behavioral theory, institutional theory and the resource-based views of the firm. In particular, future corporate governance research needs to be conducted in multiple countries, particularly in emerging economies, if we want to move closer to the journal's aim of producing a global theory of corporate governance. Practical Implications: Our analysis suggests that analytic and regulatory approaches to corporate governance issues should move from a "one-size-fits-all" template to taking into account organizational, institutional and national contexts. [source] Changes over time in homicides by women: a register-based study comparing female offenders from 1982 to 1992 and 1993 to 2005CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 5 2008Hanna Putkonen Background,The contribution of women to violent offending, including homicide, may be increasing as society changes. Aims,The aim of this paper was to test for trends in homicide by women in Finland. Methods,A retrospective register-based study was conducted by comparing two national cohorts: one from 1982 to 1992 and the other from 1993 to 2005. Results,There was a small increase in the proportion of homicides committed by women over time, but the most striking difference between the cohorts was in the significantly higher frequency of alcohol abuse/dependence in the later cohort and of being under the influence of alcohol during the crime. Fewer perpetrators were regarded as lacking or being of diminished responsibility in the later cohort. The victims of the earlier cohort were emotionally closer to the offender than those of the later one. Conclusions,In Finland, there have been changes in characteristics of women who commit homicide and their crimes over time, with the apparent development of a subgroup of women who kill who are much more like men who kill than women in the 1980s and early 1990s. Preventing substance abuse and marginalization are likely to be important ways of preventing homicide by both female and male perpetrators. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Dilaceration of maxillary central incisor: a literature reviewDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2010Nikolaos Topouzelis In early developmental stages, the permanent tooth germ of the maxillary incisor is situated palatally and superiorly to the apex of the primary incisor and gradually changes direction in a labial direction with its crown coming closer to the resorbing primary root. For reasons of this close relationship between the permanent tooth germ and the apex of the primary incisor, it is believed that an acute trauma to the primary predecessor can cause dilaceration of the long axis of the permanent successor. Clinically, dilaceration can be revealed by palpation high in the labial sulcus or in the hard palate, while its radiographic view is characteristic. The therapeutic approach to the dilacerated maxillary central incisors has to be carefully planned and needs the cooperation of several specialities to attain the final objective. [source] Risk evaluation and type of treatment of multiple dental trauma episodes to permanent teethDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2000U. Glendor Abstract , Studies have shown that some children and adolescents are effected only once with a dental trauma, while others seem to be accident-prone and suffer from multiple dental trauma episodes (MDTE). Studies have also shown that dental traumas mostly affect upper permanent and medial incisors. Less is known about treatment consequences related to teeth with repeated dental trauma episodes. The aim was therefore to evaluate the risk of MDTE to permanent teeth among children and adolescents by age and gender and to compare types of dental treatment modalities used for patients with one episode and those with MDTE and with single and repeated traumatized teeth. The study was based on a random sample of 83 Danish 6,18-year-old children and adolescents born in 1970 who suffered from dental trauma episodes. All patients were followed during a 12-year period (1976,1988). Forty-one of the patients were registered with MDTE with a range of 2,7 episodes and a mean of 2.9 episodes/patient (SD=1.1). The mean age at single and MDTE was 11.4 years (SD=3.6) and 8.6 years (SD=2.1), respectively. No significant differences were found between age at first episode and the number of MDTE per patient. The number of patients with MDTE was significantly higher among those who suffered their first trauma episode in the age interval 6,10 years than in the age interval 11,18 years (P<0.001). A survival analysis showed that the risk of sustaining another trauma episode increased by 14.9,30.3% when the first trauma occurred before the age of 11, compared to 0,7.4% after the age of 10. The risk of sustaining multiple injuries was 8.4 times higher when the first trauma episode occurred at 9 years of age, compared with those occurring at age 12. The survival analysis also showed that for every new trauma episode, the interval between them became closer. Forty-five per cent of the MDTE affected teeth had already sustained an injury. With an increased number of trauma episodes per patient followed an increase in the number of follow-ups, filling therapy, information and prosthetics, whereas the rates of endodontics, surgery, and consultations were unchanged or even decreased. [source] GLOBAL BIOETHICS: UTOPIA OR REALITY?DEVELOPING WORLD BIOETHICS, Issue 2 2008SIRKKU K. HELLSTEN ABSTRACT This article discusses what ,global bioethics' means today and what features make bioethical research ,global'. The article provides a historical view of the development of the field of ,bioethics', from medical ethics to the wider study of bioethics in a global context. It critically examines the particular problems that ,global bioethics' research faces across cultural and political borders and suggests some solutions on how to move towards a more balanced and culturally less biased dialogue in the issues of bioethics. The main thesis is that we need to bring global and local aspects closer together, when looking for international guidelines, by paying more attention to particular cultures and local economic and social circumstances in reaching a shared understanding of the main values and principles of bioethics, and in building ,biodemocracy'. [source] Genomic profiling of Mixer and Sox17, targets during Xenopus endoderm developmentDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 2 2006Kari Dickinson Abstract The transcription factors Mixer and Sox17, have well-characterized roles in endoderm specification during Xenopus embryogenesis. In order to more thoroughly understand the mechanisms by which these endodermal regulators act, we expressed Mixer and Sox17, in naïve ectodermal tissue and, using oligonucleotide-based microarrays, compared their genomic transcriptional profile to that of unaffected tissue. Using this approach, we identified 71 transcripts that are upregulated by Mixer or Sox17,, 63 of which have previously uncharacterized roles in endoderm development. Furthermore, an in situ hybridization screen using antisense probes for several of these clones identified six targets of Mixer and/or Sox17, that are expressed in the endoderm during gastrula stages, providing new and regional markers of the endoderm. Our results contribute further insight into the functions of Mixer and Sox17, and bring us closer to understanding at the molecular level the pathways that regulate endoderm development. Developmental Dynamics 235:368,381, 2006. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Unlocking the opportunity of tight glycaemic controlDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 2005Inhaled insulin: clinical efficacy Numerous attempts have been made to develop novel routes of insulin delivery that are both effective and tolerable. Of all the potential non-invasive delivery options, pulmonary delivery is the most clinically viable. Early studies demonstrate that the inhaled insulin is rapidly absorbed and is closer to biological insulin than standard subcutaneous insulin (SC). To date, inhaled insulin (Exubera®) has been clinically assessed in more than 3500 patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, some treated for more than 7 years. Several phase 3 studies of 24-week duration have demonstrated comparable glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) control in patients with type 1 diabetes treated with Exubera® vs. SC insulin. Similar results have also been recorded in patients with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, Exubera® has shown clinical superiority to oral agent regimens in patients with type 2 diabetes who failed to achieve their target HbA1c using lifestyle modification and oral agents. Exubera® was well tolerated and treatment satisfaction was high, with Exubera® being the preferred insulin therapy in all studies. The results of these trials, and others, suggest that Exubera® may be a valuable tool to help a wide variety of patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes reach their recommended goals for glycaemic control, irrespective of their current therapy. [source] Postprandial hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes: pathophysiological aspects, teleological notions and flags for clinical practiceDIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue S2 2004Eleni I. Boutati Abstract Type 2 diabetes subjects carry an excess risk for micro- and macrovascular disease and a higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rate. The beneficial impact of tight glycaemic control,evidenced by the integrated marker of fasting glucose and postprandial glucose values, the HbA1c,for the prevention of microvascular complications is definitely confirmed. Over the past few years, several studies have identified postprandial hyperglycaemia as a better predictor of cardiovascular or even of all-cause mortality, as well as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. The continuous glucose monitoring could offer a rationale means for the detection of postprandial hyperglycaemia and ultimately for its effective management. Advances in technology keep a promise for a reliable, convenient and closer to the idea of the artificial endocrine pancreas glucose sensor. Subcutaneous glucose levels charted by one of the new sensors were found to be well correlated with venous glucose measurements. Intervention for a healthy lifestyle is frequently hampered by patients' poor compliance. The availability of diverse antidiabetic agents provides options for targeting the glycaemic goal and a choice more fitted to the particularized pathophysiology of each individual subject. Drugs targeting postprandial glycaemia may prove to represent the ,sine qua non' for the ,return' of postprandial glucose values at a ,non-deleterious' threshold, either as monotherapy for the early stages of the disease or as combination therapy later in the progression of diabetes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Psychological effects of the November 1999 earthquake in Turkey: an epidemiological studyACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2003Objective: This study assessed the traumatic stress symptoms and related factors in two towns affected by two earthquakes, which killed 20 000 people in 1999 in Turkey. Method: A total of 430 people in selected households were seen 18 months after the earthquake. They were given a self-report questionnaire assessing post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and depressive symptoms, demographics and trauma exposure. Results: The rates of PTSD and depression were higher in the site closer to the epicenter. The traumatic stress symptom checklist scores were predicted by fear during earthquake, loss of friends and neighbours, female gender, lower education and living in rented accomodation. Depression was predicted by study site, death of relatives and past psychiatric illness. Conclusion: These results show that severe earthquakes can cause long-lasting morbidity. Our previous findings that showed a differential prediction for depressive and traumatic stress symptoms after earthquakes are also supported. [source] A review of basal insulinsDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 11 2003Anthony H. Barnett Abstract Tight glycaemic control (ideally, HbA1c < 7%) is central to reducing the risk of long-term complications of diabetes. This approach, for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, commonly involves the use of basal insulin, and must be achieved with minimal risk of hypoglycaemia (particularly nocturnal episodes). Indeed, concern around hypoglycaemia is a major barrier to achieving tight glycaemic control, and is a common problem with those protracted-acting insulins most frequently used in clinical practice for basal insulin supply. Other drawbacks include inter- and intra-patient variability that compromises dosing reproducibility and unsuitability for single daily dosing. New long-acting human insulin analogues with action profiles designed to overcome these problems are now available in clinical practice or are under evaluation in clinical trials. Clinical evidence suggests efficacy and safety advantages for these analogues over NPH insulin (the most commonly used basal insulin), and may bring closer the goal of tight glycaemic control in patients with diabetes. [source] Spatial congruence between ecotones and range-restricted species: implications for conservation biogeography at the sub-continental scaleDIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 3 2009Berndt J. Van Rensburg ABSTRACT Aim, To examine whether at a sub-continental scale range-limited species tend to occur close to areas of transition between vegetation boundaries more often than expected by chance. Location, South Africa and Lesotho. Methods, We examined the relationship between the distance of a grid square to ecological transition areas between vegetation types and both avian and frog range-limited species richness in the quadrat. We used quadrats at a spatial resolution of quarter degree (15, × 15,, 676 km2). Spatial congruence between areas representing range-restricted species and those representing ecological transition zones was assessed using a random draw technique. Results, Species richness and range size rarity are generally negatively correlated with distance to transition areas between vegetation communities when analysed for the whole region for both groups. Although this relationship becomes weaker after controlling for environmental energy and topographical heterogeneity, the explanatory power of distance to transition areas remains significant, and compared to the different biomes examined, accounts for most of the variation in bird richness (20%), frog richness (18%), range-restricted bird species (17%) and range-restricted frog species (16%) in the savanna biome. The random draw technique indicated that areas representing range-restricted species were situated significantly closer in space to those areas representing transition areas between vegetation communities than expected by chance. Main conclusions, We find that at the sub-continental scale, when examined for South Africa, areas of transition between vegetation communities hold concentrations of range-limited species in both birds and frogs. We find that South African endemic/range-limited birds and frogs are located closer to ecological transition zones than endemics and non-endemics combined. This has important implications for ongoing conservation planning in a biogeographical context. [source] Elephants and water provision: what are the management links?DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 6 2007I. P. J. Smit ABSTRACT In a recent paper we demonstrated that elephant bull groups and mixed herds exhibited spatial and resource segregation across the Kruger National Park. It was found, inter alia, that both bull groups and mixed herds occurred more frequently closer to rivers than expected if they were randomly distributed, but that only bull groups occurred more frequently closer to the artificial waterholes. Although Chamaillé-Jammes et al. (2007) accepted these results, they disagreed with our interpretation regarding the potential effect that closure of artificial waterholes might have. Here we address some of the specific concerns expressed and provide a broader context regarding water provision and elephant management. Although water provision can influence elephant density and distribution, we argue that the effectiveness of surface-water manipulation as a management tool will depend on (1) natural surface-water availability, (2) forage quality, (3) elephant densities, (4) position of a population on its growth trajectory, and (5) management objectives. Even though elephants are water-dependent, the effectiveness of water provision as a management tool will therefore be area- and population-specific and will depend on management objectives. [source] Typological thinking and the conservation of subspecies: the case of the San Clemente Island loggerhead shrikeDIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 4 2000Michael A. Patten Abstract. ,Hybridization with closely related taxa poses a significant threat to endangered subspecies (e.g. outbreeding depression, inbreeding) and confounds efforts to manage and conserve these taxa through a loss of taxonomic identity, in part because of the practical necessity of defining subspecies in a typological manner. We examined nine morphological characters in 167 post-juvenile museum specimens to determine if loggerhead shrikes Lanius ludovicianus Linnaeus 1766 on San Clemente Island (off the coast of California) remain diagnosable as L. l. mearnsi Ridgway (1903); an island endemic listed as endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Four recent shrike specimens from the island were compared to historical specimens using a bivariate scatter plot and a discriminant function (the latter was used to classify recent specimens post hoc). The few recent specimens were not diagnosable as L. l. mearnsi, but instead appear to be intergrades between L. l. mearnsi and L. l. anthonyi Mearns 1898 (the subspecies endemic to Santa Cruz, Santa Catalina, Santa Rosa and Anacapa islands), and are perhaps closer to pure anthonyi. Our data and the species' natural history and distribution suggest that shrikes currently on San Clemente Island are the result of genetic ,swamping' of mearnsi by anthonyi. Under a necessarily typological definition of a subspecies, it is evident that mearnsi is probably no longer diagnosable. However, we conclude that protection of the entire Channel Islands population of the loggerhead shrike would be the best management strategy, as the species has declined drastically throughout the islands. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||