Rikostutkinta Kaakkois-Suomen rajavartiostossa ja siihen liittyvä erityispiirteet

Tutkielmassa tarkastellaan Kaakkois-Suomen rajavartioston näkökulmasta rajavartiolaitoksen esitutkintaan liittyviä toimivaltuuksia sekä esitutkinnan ja ulkomaalaislain mukaisten toimenpiteiden vaikutuksia rikosprosessiin. Lisäksi selvitetään uuden hallituksen esityksen vaikutuksia rajavartiointia koskevan lainsäädännön muuttamisesta. Tutkielma täydentää aikaisempia tutkimuksia tuomalla esiin systemaattiseen tarkasteluun koko rikosprosessin vaiheet nykyisen esitutkinnan aloittamisesta aina ulkomaalain mukaisiin hallinnollisiin toimenpiteisiin saakka. Luonteeltaan tutkielma on rikosoikeustieteellinen. Tutkielmassa käytetty tutkimusmenetelmä on lainoppi. Tutkielmaa varten haastateltiin yhteistyöviranomaisten edustajia Kaakkois-Suomen rajavartioston koko rikosprosessin toimittamiseen liittyen. Työn tuloksissa esitetään keskeiset esitutkintatoimintaan ja rikosprosessiin vaikuttavat tekijät, tutkintaan liittyvät eri-tyispiirteet ja yhteistyöviranomaisten näkemys Kaakkois-Suomen rajavartioston tutkintatoiminnasta.

Keinotekoiset järjestelyt ulosottomenettelyssä

Ulosotolla tarkoitetaan velallisen tuloon ja omaisuuteen kohdistuvaa pakkotäytäntöönpanoa laiminlyötyjen maksujen ja muiden velvoitteiden hoitamiseksi. Ensisijaisesti ulosmittaus tapahtuu velallisen julkisesta omaisuudesta. Mikäli velallinen on keinotekoisia järjestelyjä hyödyntäen siirtänyt omaisuuttaan lähipiirin omistukseen toimien silti tosiasiallisen omistajan tavoin, voidaan omaisuus ulosmitata Ulosottokaaren 4:14 §:n perusteella. Tutkimuksessa on esitelty keinotekoisiin järjestelyihin liittyviä piirteitä ja niiden käsittelyä ulosotossa. Kyseessä on lainopillinen tutkimus, jossa on myös käytetty oikeustapauksia ja tilastoja antamaan syvyyttä ja selvyyttä aiheeseen. Tutkimuksessa saatiin selville, että keinotekoisilla järjestelyillä on paljon yhteistä velallisen rikosten ja keinotekoisten järjestelyn kanssa. Tutkimuksessa havaittiin myös, että asianosaisten oikeuksien toteutumiseen pakkotäytäntöönpanossa on kohdistettava erityistä huomiota. Lisäksi todettiin, että ulosottomenettelyn summaarisen luonteen vuoksi tutkinnallisesti haastavat keinotekoiset järjestelyt on järkevää tarvittaessa siirtää erikoisperinnän käsiteltäväksi. Erikoisperintä toimii ulosottolaitoksen tutkinnallisena osastona tapauksille, joihin normaalissa täytäntöönpanossa eivät riittäisi aika ja resurssit. Keinotekoisia järjestelyjä tutkittaessa kokonaisarvionti ja asianmukainen huolellisuus on tärkeää. Pelkät yksittäiset tunnusmerkit ja indisiot järjestelyn keinotekoisuudesta eivät ole riittäviä sen sivuuttamiseksi. Tutkimuksen perusteella on todettavissa, että keinotekoisen järjestelyn sivuuttamiseen ei lähdetä helposti, koska vaarana on asianosaisten oikeuksien loukkaaminen. Säännös keinotekoisista järjestelyistä on tutkimuksen perusteella erittäin tärkeä ulosottotoimen uskottavuuden turvaamiseksi.

Assessment of the electrocardiogram in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis

As myocarditis and arrhythmias have been shown to occur in both human beings and dogs with leishmaniasis, electrocardiograms of 105 dogs serologically positive for this disease were assessed for rhythm disturbances and changes in ECG waves. A few expressive alterations were seen, including sinus arrest, right bundle branch block, and atrial premature beats in 14.3%, 4.8%, and 4.8% of the studied subjects, respectively. Also, the analysis of ECG waves showed changes suggestive of left atrium and ventricle enlargements, and myocardial hypoxia in some animals. Although cardiac compromise has been previously reported in dogs with leishmaniasis, only a small subset of dogs showed any alteration in the electrocardiogram, which cannot support the occurrence of myocarditis in this investigation.

Cardiothoracic ratio and vertebral heart size (VHS) to standardize the heart size of the tufted capuchin (Cebus apella Linnaeus, 1758) in computerized radiographic images

Abstract: The VHS and CTR were assessed using computerized thoracic radiographs of ten clinically healthy tufted capuchin monkeys (five males and five females) from the Wild Animal Screening Center in São Luís (Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres de São Luís-MA-CETAS). Radiographs were taken in laterolateral and dorsoventral projections to calculate the cardiothoracic ratio (VHS) and vertebral heart size (CTR). The VHS showed mean values of 9.34±0.32v (males) and 9.16±0.34v (females) and there was no statistical difference between males and females (p>0.05). The CTR showed mean values of 0.55±0.04 (males) and 0.52±0.03 (females) and there was no statistical difference between the sexes (p>0.05). There was positive correlation between VHS and CTR (r=0.78). The thoracic and heart diameters showed mean values of 5.70±0.48cm and 2.16±0.40cm in the males, respectively. In the females they measured 5.32±0.39cm and 2.94±0.32cm. There was no statistical difference between the sexes. Our results show that the high correlation found between VHS and CTR permitted the verification with similar clinical precision between the two methods to estimate alterations in the heart silhouette by radiographic examination of tufted capuchin, making it an easy technique to apply that can be considered in the investigation of heart problems for this wild species.

Myosin V and iNOS expression is enhanced in J774 murine macrophages treated with IFN-gamma

Actin-based motor protein requirements and nitric oxide (NO) production are important features of macrophage activity during phagocytosis or microbicidal processes. Different classes of myosins contribute directly or indirectly to phagocytosis by providing mechanical force for phagosome closure or organelle movement. Recent data have shown the presence of myosins IC, II, V and IXb in phagosomes of bone marrow-derived murine macrophages. In our investigation we demonstrated the presence of different classes of myosins in J774 macrophages. We also analyzed the effect of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), with or without calcium ionophore or cytochalasin B, on myosins as well as on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and NO production. Myosins IC, II, Va, VI and IXb were identified in J774 macrophages. There was an increase of myosin V expression in IFN-gamma-treated cells. iNOS expression was increased by IFN-gamma treatment, while calcium ionophore and cytochalasin B had a negative influence on both myosin and iNOS expression, which was decreased. The increases in NO synthesis were reflected by increased iNOS expression. Macrophages activated by IFN-gamma released significant amounts of NO when compared to control groups. In contrast, NO production by calcium ionophore- and cytochalasin B-treated cells was similar to that of control cells. These results suggest that IFN-gamma is involved in macrophage activation by stimulating protein production to permit both phagocytosis and microbicidal activity.

Serum antigliadin antibody levels as a screening criterion before jejunal biopsy indication for celiac disease in a developing country

The objective of the present study was to determine the efficacy of detection of antigliadin immunoglobulins G and A (IgG and IgA) for the diagnosis of celiac disease in a developing country, since other enteropathies might alter the levels of these antibodies. Three groups were studied: 22 patients with celiac disease (mean age: 30.6 months), 61 patients with other enteropathies (mean age: 43.3 months), and 46 patients without enteropathies (mean age: 96.9 months). Antigliadin IgG and IgA ELISA showed sensitivity of 90.9 and 95.5%, respectively. With the hypothetical values of prevalence ranging from 1:500 to 1:2000 liveborns, the positive predictive value varied from 8.5 to 2.3% for IgG and from 4.8 to 1.1% for IgA. Considering the patients without enteropathies, specificity was 97.8 and 95.7% for IgG and IgA, respectively. In patients with other enteropathies, specificity was 82.0 and 84.1%, respectively. When patients with and without other enteropathies were considered as a whole, specificity was 88.8 and 91.6%, respectively. The specificity of positive IgG or IgA was 93.5% in children without enteropathies and 78.7% in the presence of other enteropathies. The negative predictive value for hypothetical prevalences varying from 1:500 to 1:2000 liveborns was 99.9%. Thus, even in developing countries where the prevalence of non-celiac enteropathies is high, the determination of serum antigliadin antibody levels is a useful screening test prior to the jejunal biopsy in the investigation of intestinal malabsorption.

Effects of losartan combined with exercise training in spontaneously hypertensive rats

We investigate whether combined treatment with losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, and exercise training (ET) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) would have an additive effect in reducing hypertension and improving baroreflex sensitivity when compared with losartan alone. Male SHR (8 weeks old) were assigned to 3 groups: sedentary placebo (SP, N = 16), sedentary under losartan treatment (SL, N = 11; 10 mg kg-1 day-1, by gavage), and ET under losartan treatment (TL, N = 10). ET was performed on a treadmill 5 days/week for 60 min at 50% of peak VO2, for 18 weeks. Blood pressure (BP) was measured with a catheter inserted into the carotid artery, and cardiac output with a microprobe placed around the ascending aorta. The baroreflex control of heart rate was assessed by administering increasing doses of phenylephrine and sodium nitroprusside (iv). Losartan significantly reduced mean BP (178 ± 16 vs 132 ± 12 mmHg) and left ventricular hypertrophy (2.9 ± 0.4 vs 2.5 ± 0.2 mg/g), and significantly increased baroreflex bradycardia and tachycardia sensitivity (1.0 ± 0.3 vs 1.7 ± 0.5 and 2.0 ± 0.7 vs 3.2 ± 1.7 bpm/mmHg, respectively) in SL compared with SP. However, losartan combined with ET had no additional effect on BP, baroreflex sensitivity or left ventricular hypertrophy when compared with losartan alone. In conclusion, losartan attenuates hypertension and improves baroreflex sensitivity in SHR. However, ET has no synergistic effect on BP in established hypertension when combined with losartan, at least at the dosage used in this investigation.

Novel word learning ability in chronic post-stroke aphasia : variability and modality effects

Novel word learning has been rarely studied in people with aphasia (PWA), although it can provide a relatively pure measure of their learning potential, and thereby contribute to the development of effective aphasia treatment methods. The main aim of the present thesis was to explore the capacity of PWA for associative learning of word–referent pairings and cognitive-linguistic factors related to it. More specifically, the thesis examined learning and long-term maintenance of the learned pairings, the role of lexical-semantic abilities in learning as well as acquisition of phonological versus semantic information in associative novel word learning. Furthermore, the effect of modality on associative novel word learning and the neural underpinnings of successful learning were explored. The learning experiments utilized the Ancient Farming Equipment (AFE) paradigm that employs drawings of unfamiliar referents and their unfamiliar names. Case studies of Finnishand English-speaking people with chronic aphasia (n = 6) were conducted in the investigation. The learning results of PWA were compared to those of healthy control participants, and active production of the novel words and their semantic definitions was used as learning outcome measures. PWA learned novel word–novel referent pairings, but the variation between individuals was very wide, from more modest outcomes (Studies I–II) up to levels on a par with healthy individuals (Studies III–IV). In incidental learning of semantic definitions, none of the PWA reached the performance level of the healthy control participants. Some PWA maintained part of the learning outcomes up to months post-training, and one individual showed full maintenance of the novel words at six months post-training (Study IV). Intact lexical-semantic processing skills promoted learning in PWA (Studies I–II) but poor phonological short-term memory capacities did not rule out novel word learning. In two PWA with successful learning and long-term maintenance of novel word–novel referent pairings, learning relied on orthographic input while auditory input led to significantly inferior learning outcomes (Studies III–IV). In one of these individuals, this previously undetected modalityspecific learning ability was successfully translated into training with familiar but inaccessible everyday words (Study IV). Functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed that this individual had a disconnected dorsal speech processing pathway in the left hemisphere, but a right-hemispheric neural network mediated successful novel word learning via reading. Finally, the results of Study III suggested that the cognitive-linguistic profile may not always predict the optimal learning channel for an individual with aphasia. Small-scale learning probes seem therefore useful in revealing functional learning channels in post-stroke aphasia.

Thermal inactivation of polyphenoloxidase and peroxidase in Jubileu clingstone peach and yeast isolated from its spoiled puree

The thermal inactivation of yeast isolated from spoiled Jubileu peach puree and that of polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) in cv. Jubileu, which is widely cultivated in southern Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, were studied. PPO and POD were extracted using the protein powder method and submitted to partial purification by precipitation followed by dialysis. The enzymatic activity was determined measuring the increase in absorbance at 420 nm for PPO and 470 nm for POD. The yeast used in this investigation was isolated from spoiled Jubileu peach puree at 22 °Brix, with total initial microbial count of 22 × 10² UFCmL- 1. Stock cultures were maintained on potato dextrose agar (PDA) slants at 4 °C and pH 5 for later use for microbial growth. In all cases, kinetic analysis of the results suggests that the thermal inactivation was well described by a first-order kinetic model, and the temperature dependence was significantly represented by the Arrhenius law. Both enzymes were affected by heat denaturation, and PPO was more thermostable. PPO was also more thermosTable than the yeast isolated from peach puree. The D60-values were 1.53 and 1.87 min for PPO and yeast isolated from spoiled Jubileu peach puree, respectively.

The Construction of ‘Disciplinary’ Violence Against Children — Social Workers’, Police Officers’ and Parents’ Rationales

This dissertation examines parental disciplinary violence against children in authority records and in the criminal procedure in Finland. The main aim is to analyze disciplinary violence, how it is defined, and how it is constructed as a crime by social workers, the police, and parents. This dissertation consists of four sub-studies and a summary article. In the first sub-study, I examine how disciplinary violence appears in child welfare documents and analyze the decision-making processes and measures taken by the child welfare workers. The second sub-study, utilizing police interview data, examines police officers’ perceptions of disciplinary violence, its criminalization, and its investigation. In addition to this analysis of police officers’ own perceptions, in the third sub-study, I use reports of crime and pre-trial investigation documents to look at what a typical suspicion of disciplinary violence coming to the attention of the police is and examine the decision-making processes of the police. Utilizing authority data, the fourth sub-study analyzes how parents rationalize the use of disciplinary violence to the authorities investigating these suspicions. The research provides findings that are unprecedented in Finland. Firstly, it was shown that social workers’ decision-making processes in suspicions of disciplinary violence follow three pathways of reasoning, with many factors taken into consideration; and in less than one-third of the cases, a request for criminal investigation has been made to the police. Secondly, it was verified that police officers hold different perceptions of disciplinary violence, and these perceptions have multiple effects on the investigation of these cases and the construction of disciplinary violence as a crime. Thirdly, the analysis of the reports of crime and pre-trial investigation documents showed that almost two-thirds of the cases of disciplinary violence had been sent to a prosecutor by the police and, thus, defined as a crime. However, in many cases, acts of disciplinary violence were often seen as ‘educational, petty one-off incidents’ and a possible trial and punishment for the perpetrator were seen as unreasonable. Fourthly, it was found that parents often try to neutralize and rationalize the violence they have used against their children, for example, either by denying the victim, the criminal intent, or the entire act, or relying on the necessity of the forbidden act. The dissertation concludes that disciplinary violence is defined and constructed in authority policies and practices, first and foremost, by the severity of the act, the nature of the act as continuous or singular, the perceived harm caused by the act to a child, and the perceptions of authorities regarding physical punishment of children. The asymmetrical power setting present in disciplinary violence and parents’ legitimized right to raise and discipline their children partly seem to explain why criminal-law processing of these suspicions of violence and understanding these as crimes is difficult. Finally, this research calls for more coherent and consistent authority practices and policies, achieved by educating authorities and increasing awareness on disciplinary violence, questions the need for a concept like ‘disciplinary’ violence, and suggests more emphasis on unambiguous perceptions of a child’s best interest.

A preliminary study of the MDH variability in Lemna minor - Lemna turionifera /

Lemna minor is a small aquatic polyploid angiosperm which reproduces apomictically and has a worldwide distribution. This study was vmdertaken to characterize the extent and nature of phenotypic variability. The techniques of starch gel electrophoresis were used in this investigation and. MDH phenotypes of several populations from Ontario, USA and Africa were examined and compared. Heat stability, molecular weight and cell fractionation analyses were also done to identify locus specific MDH bands. The results of the population surveys suggest that there is little genetic variability present both within and between Lemna minor/Lemna turionifera . Evidence of correlation of physiological and seasonal variation patterns was found.

A comparative study of chitin synthase activity in two Mortierella species

An in vitro investigation of some important factors controlling the activity of chitin synthase in cell-free extracts of two Mortierella species has been carried out. Mixed membrane fractions from mycelial homogenates of Mortierella candelabrum and Mortierella pusilla were found to catalyse the transfer of N-acetylglucosamine from UDP-N-acetylglucosamine into an insoluble product characterized as chitin by its insolubility in weak acid and alkali, and the release of glucosamine and diacetylchitobiose on hydrolysis with a strong acid and chitinase, respectively. Apparent Km values for UDP-GlcNAc were 1.8 mM and 2.0 mM for M. pusilla and ~ candelabrum, respectively. Polyoxin D was found to be a very potent competitive inhibitor with values of the constant of inhibition, Ki' for both species about three orders of magnitude lower than theKm for UDP-GlcNAc. A divalent cation, Mg+2 , Mn+2 or Co+2 , was required for activity. N-acetylglucosamine, the monomer of chitin, stimulated the activity of the enzyme. The crude enzyme preparation of ~ candelabrum, unlike that of ~ pusilla, showed an absolute requirement for both Mg+2 and N-acetylglucosamine. Large differences in response to exogenous proteases were noted in the ratio of active to inactive chitin synthase of the two species. A fifteen fold or greater increase was obtained after treatment with acid protease (from Aspergillussaitoi) as compared to a two- to four-fold activation of the M. pusilla membrane preparation treated similarly. During storage at 4°C over 48 hours, an endogenous activation of chitin synthase of ~ pus ilIa was achieved, comparable to that obtained by exogenous protease treatment. The high speed supernatant of both species inhibited the chitin synthase activity of the mixed membrane fractions. The inhibitor of ~ pus ilIa was effective against the pre-activated enzyme whereas that of M. candelabrum inhibited the activated enzyme. Several possibilities are discussed as to the role of the different factors regulating the enzyme activity. The suggestion is made from the properties of chitin synthase in the two species that in vivo a delicate balance exists between the activation and inactivation of the enzyme which is responsible for the pattern of wall growth of each fungus.

Radiation-induced changes in the export of photoassimilated carbon /|nBarry Jess Shelp. -- 260 0 St. Catharines, [Ont. : s. n.],

Low levels of ionizing radiation induce two translocation responses in soybean: a reduction in photoassimilate export from leaves and a change in the distribution pattern of exported photoassimilate within the plant. In this investigation these responses have been further studied specifically to ascertain the site of radiation damage and to better understand the physiological responses observed. Experimentally the primary data was obtained from studies in which a mature trifoliate leaf of a young soybean plant (Glycine ~ L. cultivar Harosoy '63) is isolated in a closed transparent chamber and allowed to photoassimilate 14C02 for 15 minutes. This is followed by an additional 45 ~_il'1;ute period before the plant is sectl.o ne d an d 14 C-ra dl' oactl.v.l ty d eterml. ne d'l n a 11 parts. Such 14c data provides one with the magnitude and distribution pattern of translocation. Further analyses were conducted to determine the relative levels of the major photosynthetic products using the techniques of paper chromatography and autoradiography. Since differences between control and irradiated P 1 ants were not 0 b serve d l' n t h e par tl't"lo nlng 0 f 14 C between the 80% ethanol-soluble and -insoluble fractions 14 or in the relative amounts of C-products of photosynthesis, the reduction in export in irradiated plants is not likely due to reduced availability of translocatable materials. Data presented in this thesis shows that photoassimilate export was not affected by gamma radiation until a threshold dose between 2.0 and 3.0 krads was reached. It was also observed that radiation-induced damage to the export process was capable of recovery in a period of 1 to 2 hours provided high light intensity was supplied. In contrast, the distribution pattern was shown to be extremely radiosensitive with a low threshold dose between .25 and .49 krads. Although this process was also capable of recovery,lt" occurred much earlier and was followed by a secondary effect which lasted at least for the duration of the experiments. The data presented in this thesis is interpreted to suggest that the sites of radiation action for the two translocation responses are different. In regards to photoassimilate export, the site of action of ionizing radiation is the leaf, quite possibly the process of photophosphorylation which may provide energy directly for phloem loading and for membrane integrity of the phloem tissue* In regards to the pattern of distribution of exported photoassimilate, the site is likely the apical sink, possibly the result of changes of levels of endogenous hormones. By the selection of radiation exposure dose and time post-irradiation, it is possible to affect independently these two processes suggesting that each may be regulated independent of the other and involves a distinct site.

Adenovirus-based exogenous gene expression in mammalian cells

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Brock University, 2010.

Physical Activity and Fitness in Children with Developmental Disorder

Introduction: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a prevalent condition characterized by poor motor proficiency that interferes with a child‟s activities of daily living. Children with DCD often experience compromised health-related fitness components such as cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Purpose: To better understand the physical activity and fitness characteristics of children with probable DCD (pDCD), with a particular focus on CRF. Specifically: (1) to present a synopsis of current literature; (2) to determine the longitudinal trajectories of CRF; (3) to compare the submaximal CRF of children with and without pDCD. Methods: A comprehensive, systematic literature review was conducted of the recent available data on fitness and physical activity and pDCD (Chapter 2). This review provided the background for the other two studies included in this thesis. In Chapter 3, a prospective cohort design was used to assess how CRF in children with pDCD changes over time (56 months) relative to a group of typically developing controls. Using a nested-case control design, 63 subjects with pDCD and 63 matched controls from the larger sample were recruited to participate in the lab-based component of the study (Chapter 4). In this investigation CRF was examined using the oxygen cost of work (VO2) during an incremental test on a cycle ergometer. Results: The literature review showed that fitness parameters, including CRF and physical activity levels, were consistently reduced in children with pDCD. Chapter 3 demonstrated that the difference in CRF between children with pDCD and typically developing children is substantial, and that it tends to increase over time. Results from VO2 assessments showed that children with pDCD utilized more oxygen to sustain the same submaximal workloads compared to typically developing children. Conclusions: Findings from this thesis have made several important contributions to our understanding of children with pDCD. Since differences in CRF between children with and without pDCD tend to worsen over time, this adds to the argument that interventions intended to improve CRF may be appropriate for children with motor difficulties. This thesis also presented the first evidence suggesting that DCD involves higher energy expenditure, and could help explain why children with pDCD perform poorly on tasks requiring CRF.