bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estado comparativo de las masas de Pinus uncinata Ram. potencialmente protectoras frente a aludes de una zona de Andorra y Cataluña
Authors: Blanco R. , Pemán J. , Rodríguez F. , Aunós Á.
Published: May 2013

Se aborda el estudio comparativo entre las masas de Pinus uncinata Ram., localizadas en la parroquia La Massana de Andorra y en el Pirineo catalán, desde la perspectiva de su potencial papel protector frente a aludes. La base de datos dasométricos se obtuvo, en el primer caso, de un inventario ad hoc, y en el segundo, de la información proporcionada por el Tercer Inventario Forestal Nacional. Los resultados sugieren que las masas de ambos entornos geográficos ofrecen aspectos comunes en cuanto a que muestran tendencia hacia la irregularidad, con una regeneración no ligada a las otras variables de masa y con una espesura poco condicionada por el gradiente altitudinal y que escasamente incide en la mortalidad. Las diferencias advertidas se centran en que en las masas de Cataluña se aprecia menores niveles de espesura, aunque aparecen estructuras capitalizadas en existencias volumétricas ausentes en Andorra, y que de modo general, ofrecen peores características en cuanto a su papel protector frente al desencadenamiento de avalanchas.
Viabilidad del hábitat y del reforzamiento poblacional de Capra pirenaica en la Reserva Nacional de Caza de Os Ancares
Authors: Prada C. , Herrero J.
Published: May 2013

La cabra montés, Capra pirenaica, ha sido reintroducida en la Cordillera Cantábrica en León (Riaño y Ancares). Con el fin de evaluar la viabilidad del hábitat y del reforzamiento poblacional en la Reserva Nacional de Caza de Os Ancares (RNCA, Lugo) llevamos a cabo: (i) una reconstrucción de su historia natural en el NO de la Península Ibérica; (ii) una recolección de citas y determinación de la distribución actual en Ancares; (iii) el análisis del uso del espacio a partir de revisión de experiencias similares; (iv) un desarrollo de cartografía para definir su hábitat potencial y v) una zonificación de la RNCA en función de la calidad del hábitat. Los resultados indican la existencia de un área adecuada de 1.250 ha que podría albergar una población de 40 ejemplares considerando una densidad de 3 cabras km-2. La gestión de esta población debería estar coordinada con la de la parte leonesa del macizo, de mayor calidad y superficie que la parte lucense. El crecimiento actual de la población existente permitirá a la especie colonizar todo el macizo de forma natural.
Diferencias en la evolución del paisaje entre dos municipios Prepirenaicos: Alquézar y Valle de Lierp, en la segunda mitad del siglo XX
Authors: Lasanta T. , Beltrán O. , Vaccaro I.
Published: May 2013

Se evalúa el impacto territorial de la actividad del esquí en los Pirineos españoles (Pirineos Aragoneses y Alto Pirineo Catalán). A partir del análisis de los cambios registrados en la dinámica y estructura demográfica y de las prácticas económicas, desde la instalación de las estaciones de esquí, se identifica, en primer lugar, una tendencia urbanizadora emergente y, en segundo lugar, que dicha tendencia se manifiesta en dos modelos diferentes: en el Pirineo aragonés se limita a las cabeceras de los valles, mientras que en el Pirineo Catalán se expande a los fondos de valle y cabeceras comarcales. De esta manera, la actividad del esquí contribuye a redefinir las zonas rurales periféricas, teniendo en cuenta las necesidades urbanas. Los pueblos próximos a las estaciones de esquí en Aragón y de los fondos de valle en Cataluña han crecido hasta convertirse en pequeños núcleos de una gran red que expande la influencia física, económica y cultural de las ciudades de las tierras bajas hacia las montañas españolas.
Democritus and Epicurus on Sensible Qualities in Plutarch’s Against Colotes 3-9
Authors: Castagnoli Luca
Published: May 2013

Through a close reading of Plutarch’s Against Colotes 3-9, the paper reconstructs and interprets (1) the original Epicurean criticism against Democritean epistemology and ontology, and in particular against Democritus’ theory of sensible qualities, and (2) Plutarch’s twofold criticism of (2a) Epicurean epistemology, on similar grounds, and of (2b) the questionable exegetical and argumentative manoeuvres used by the Epicurean Colotes. In the process of interpreting Plutarch’s text, (3) the paper reflects on the nature, motivation and plausibility of Plutarch’s own exegetical and argumentative strategies. Finally, (4) the paper suggests that a careful reading of Against Colotes will help us to put into focus the important question of whether, independently of their apparently opposite claims about the “reality” of secondary qualities, Democritus and Epicurus shared either a form of radical relativism or a form of commonsense “intersubjectivism” in their evaluations of ascriptions of such qualities to macroscopic objects.
Plutarch's Adversus Colotem and the Cyrenaics: 1120C-1121E
Authors: Warren James
Published: May 2013

Lecture du Contre Colotès de Plutarque
(1120C-1121E), avec des références aux autres témoignages conservés
sur l’épistémologie cyrénaïque. Cette contribution examine en
particulier deux affirmations de Plutarque : (1) que Colotès a raison
d’affirmer que les Cyrénaïques sont incapables d’offrir un mode de vie
viable fondé sur leur épistémologie et (2) que les Épicuriens tels que
les définit Colotès sont eux-mêmes dans une position similaire.
Plutarque juge et partie : à propos des débats entre l’Académie, le Jardin et le Portique
Authors: Lévy Carlos
Published: May 2013

In questo articolo, cerco di
mostrare che:1. L’indicazione di Plutarco (Adv. Col. 1121E-1122A) di un certo
numero di presocratici, fra cui Eraclito, non permette di trarne che
questo pensatore fosse incluso dalla Nuova Academia fra i filosofi
giudicati come propri predecessori sulla via della sospensione del
giudizio.2. Il passo (1122A-F) sulle critiche rivolte da Colote e
da altri filosofi contro la sospensione del giudizio della Nuova
Academia non permette di dedurre che la risposta a queste critiche,
così come è riportata da Plutarco, provenisse dal solo Arcesilao e che
avesse un carattere assertivo. Pare più ragionevole considerarla come
un pastiche costruito da Plutarco sulla base di materiali diversi e
con una pronunciata coloritura dialettica.3. La polemica
antiepicurea (1123A-1124C) condotta da Plutarco conduce a presentare
l’epicureismo come una sorta di scetticismo paradossale che poggia,
non sul timore di ingannarsi, ma sulla certezza che i sensi non
ingannano mai. Stando a Plutarco, il principio della verità di tutte
le sensazioni dovrebbe spingere gli Epicurei, se fossero conseguenti,
all’afasia, ossia a una posizione che li avvicinerebbe alla forma più
radicale di pirrronismo.
“Storm Landscape”: from the reality effect to the moralized mimesis. The examples of Apollonius Rhodius and Quintus of Smyrna.
Authors: André Laury-Nuria
Published: May 2013

The ancient lanscape as represented in the hellenistic epic and later is a privileged field of investigation to examine the role and evolution of the ancient concept of mimesis. An epic landscape in particular, that of the sea storm, will hold our attention: the transition at the Symplegades in Apollonius Rhodius (Argonautica II, 549-610) and the final storm which closes the Posthomerica of Quintus Smyrnaeus offer one of the most significant comparative studies. Indeed, the landscape of the Symplegades, landscape of extremes, is a place where all elements are reversed, and the poet portrays a scene of chaos, near the unrepresentable. Yet to reread the passage, we can see that it is anything but chaotic: very constructed through regular narrative rhythm organized in three phases that mimic the movements of the waves, it creates a real “reassuring” carried by a prosody and style that rewrites Homer. Mimesis, reality effect, and rewriting Homer are related in this stormy landscape of Apollonius.However, Quintus offers a landscape of storm which uses a different mimetic working: the final storm that closes the Posthomerica who want to rewrite the Iliad and the Odyssey, depends much more on the Hellenistic intertext that on Homer’s one. The storm is thought as a divine punishment, a nemesis to punish the hubris of the conquerors: the description assumes an axiological vocabulary that soon makes this epic landscape opened to philosophical thoughts. Mimesis is no longer synonymous with reality effect but mimesis is now close to an ethical dimension as it moves away from rewriting Homer.How to understand now that the power to evoke the reality effect performed by mimesis (in the sense of imitatio) and constituting the epic landscape, is no longer expressed by a “landscape in motion” presenting in a pathetic way the violence and the death, but expressed by a pathos that is not visible except through the use of axiological vocabulary and philosophical thoughts? This communication intends to show how the concept of mimesis evolves from a sense of imitation with a reality effect to a more ethical and moralized understanding in late antiquity. The landscape is therefore one of the most privileged field of research so as to focus on the mimesis evolution during the Hellenistic period and later.
Mining Social Media and Web Searches for Disease Detection
Authors: Yang Y. Tony , Horneffer Michael , DiLisio Nicole
Published: May 2013

Web-based social media is increasingly being used across different settings in the health care industry. The increased frequency in the use of the Internet via computer or mobile devices provides an opportunity for social media to be the medium through which people can be provided with valuable health information quickly and directly. While traditional methods of detection relied predominately on hierarchical or bureaucratic lines of communication, these often failed to yield timely and accurate epidemiological intelligence. New web-based platforms promise increased opportunities for a more timely and accurate spreading of information and analysis. This article aims to provide an overview and discussion of the availability of timely and accurate information. It is especially useful for the rapid identification of an outbreak of an infectious disease that is necessary to promptly and effectively develop public health responses. These web-based platforms include search queries, data mining of web and social media, process and analysis of blogs containing epidemic key words, text mining, and geographical information system data analyses. These new sources of analysis and information are intended to complement traditional sources of epidemic intelligence. Despite the attractiveness of these new approaches, further study is needed to determine the accuracy of blogger statements, as increases in public participation may not necessarily mean the information provided is more accurate.
Customized Noise-Stimulation Intensity for Bipedal Stability and Unipedal Balance Deficits Associated With Functional Ankle Instability
Authors: Ross Scott E. , Linens Shelley W. , Wright Cynthia J. , Arnold Brent L.
Published: May 2013

Context:

Stochastic resonance stimulation (SRS) administered at an optimal intensity could maximize the effects of treatment on balance.

Objective:

To determine if a customized optimal SRS intensity is better than a traditional SRS protocol (applying the same percentage sensory threshold intensity for all participants) for improving double- and single-legged balance in participants with or without functional ankle instability (FAI).

Design:

Case-control study with an embedded crossover design.

Setting:

Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Twelve healthy participants (6 men, 6 women; age = 22 ± 2 years, height = 170 ± 7 cm, mass = 64 ± 10 kg) and 12 participants (6 men, 6 women; age = 23 ± 3 years, height = 174 ± 8 cm, mass = 69 ± 10 kg) with FAI.

Intervention(s):

The SRS optimal intensity level was determined by finding the intensity from 4 experimental intensities at the percentage sensory threshold (25% [SRS25], 50% [SRS50], 75% [SRS75], 90% [SRS90]) that produced the greatest improvement in resultant center-of-pressure velocity (R-COPV) over a control condition (SRS0) during double-legged balance. We examined double- and single-legged balance tests, comparing optimal SRS (SRSopt1) and SRS0 using a battery of center-of-pressure measures in the frontal and sagittal planes.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Anterior-posterior (A-P) and medial-lateral (M-L) center-of-pressure velocity (COPV) and center-of-pressure excursion (COPE), R-COPV, and 95th percentile center-of-pressure area ellipse (COPA-95).

Results:

Data were organized into bins that represented optimal (SRSopt1), second (SRSopt2), third (SRSopt3), and fourth (SRSopt4) improvement over SRS0. The SRSopt1 enhanced R-COPV (P ≤ .05) over SRS0 and other SRS conditions (SRS0 = 0.94 ± 0.32 cm/s, SRSopt1 = 0.80 ± 0.19 cm/s, SRSopt2 = 0.88 ± 0.24 cm/s, SRSopt3 = 0.94 ± 0.25 cm/s, SRSopt4 = 1.00 ± 0.28 cm/s). However, SRS did not improve R-COPV over SRS0 when data were categorized by sensory threshold. Furthermore, SRSopt1 improved double-legged balance over SRS0 from 11% to 25% in all participants for the center-of-pressure frontal- and sagittal-plane assessments (P ≤ .05). The SRSopt1 also improved single-legged balance over SRS0 from 10% to 17% in participants with FAI for the center-of-pressure frontal- and sagittal-plane assessments (P ≤ .05). The SRSopt1 did not improve single-legged balance in participants with stable ankles.

Conclusions:

The SRSopt1 improved double-legged balance and transfers to enhancing single-legged balance deficits associated with FAI.
Psychosocial Aspects of Athletic Injuries as Perceived by Athletic Trainers
Authors: Clement Damien , Granquist Megan D. , Arvinen-Barrow Monna M.
Published: May 2013

Context:

Despite the Psychosocial Strategies and Referral content area, athletic trainers (ATs) generally lack confidence in their ability to use this information.

Objective:

The current study's primary purpose was to determine (a) perceived psychological responses and coping behaviors athletes may present to ATs, (b) psychosocial strategies ATs currently use with their athletes, (c) psychosocial strategies ATs deem important to learn more about, and (d) ATs' current practices in referring athletes to counseling or sport psychology services.

Design:

 Mixed-methods study.

Setting:

Online survey containing both quantitative and qualitative items.

Patients or Other Participants:

  A total of 215 ATs (86 male, 129 female), representing a response rate of 22.50%.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

The Athletic Training and Sport Psychology Questionnaire.

Results:

Stress/anxiety (4.24 ± 0.82), anger (3.70 ± 0.96), and treatment adherence problems (3.62 ± 0.94) were rated as the primary psychological responses athletes may present upon injury. Adherence and having a positive attitude were identified as key determinants in defining athletes' successful coping with their injuries. The top 3 selected psychosocial strategies were keeping the athlete involved with the team (4.57 ± 0.73), using short-term goals (4.45 ± 0.67), and creating variety in rehabilitation exercises (4.32 ± 0.75). The top 3 rated psychosocial strategies ATs deem important to learn more about were understanding motivation (4.29 ± 0.89), using effective communication (4.24 ± 0.91), and setting realistic goals (4.22 ± 0.97). Of the sample, only 59 (27.44%) ATs reported referring an athlete for counseling services, and 37 (84.09%) of those who had access to a sport psychologist (n = 44) reported referring for sport psychology services.

Conclusions:

 These results not only highlight ATs' current use of psychosocial strategies but also their desires to increase their current knowledge and understanding of these strategies while caring for injured athletes.
Reasons given by hypertensive patients for concurrently using traditional and Western medicine at Natalspruit Hospital in the Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Lotika Atileombolo A. , Mabuza Langalibalele H. , Okonta Henry I.
Published: May 2013

Background: In 2007, a large number of hypertensive patients seen at Natalspruit Hospital had poor adherent to their anti-hypertension treatment which manifested itself through poor blood pressure control. On enquiry, they revealed that they were also taking traditional medicines.Objectives: To explore the reasons given by hypertensive patients for concurrently using traditional and Western medicine.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted amongst nine purposefully selected participants attending treatment at the hospital. Interviews were conducted in the Southern Sotho and IsiZulu languages and were audio-taped. The exploratory question was: ‘Would you tell us why you are taking traditional medicine together with the antihypertensive medicine your arereceiving at this hospital?’ The transcribed and translated transcriptions were analysed using the ‘cut and paste’ method to identify themes.Results: Themes that emerged were that traditional medicine was readily accessible; traditional healers displayed knowledge and confidence in their medicine; traditional medicine was perceived to counteract the side-effects of western medicine; the two streams were perceived to complement each other and both streams could lead to a ‘cure’. Patients were disappointed at the perceived bad attitude of the hospital staff.Conclusion: The reasons given by hypertensive patients for their concurrent use of traditional and Western medicine centred around patients’ relatively favourable perception of traditional medicine and its practitioners. Western medicine health care practitioners should continue health education on antihypertensive medication in a manner acceptable to patients.
Novel magnetic resonance imaging scoring system for diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis: A preliminary report
Authors: Krishna Chandrasekhar Yandrapati Bala Venkata , Rajesh Alugolu , Purohit Anirrudh Kumar , Rani Yarralgadda Jyotsna
Published: May 2013

Background: There exists a lot of ambiguity in the preoperative diagnosis of the various vertebral lesions. Mostly in thesepatients tuberculosis of spine (TB) is suspected due to endemicity of the disease in the Indian subcontinent. However, nodefinite guidelines are available to diagnose tuberculous (TB) vertebral lesions in the current literature. Study Design: Thisprospective study was conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, from August2009 to March 2012. Aim of the Study: To formulate non invasive methods to diagnose tuberculous vertebral lesionsconfidently so that the dependency on histopathologic diagnosis can be reduced. Material and Methods: Spinal MRIimages of 45 patients suspected of having tuberculosis aetiology were included in the study prospectively. Results: A totalof 64 patients were analysed and 19 patients were excluded due to lack of regular follow up or histological proof. The patientswere divided into two groups; those with TB of the spine and those with some other condition affecting the spine (nonTB spine) based on the final diagnosis. Of the 45 patients males were 30 (66.6%) and females were 15 (33.3%). There wasno significant difference in the mean age of presentation. For TB patients this was 41 ± 15.56 years and in Non TB was43 ± 18.27 years. All patients presented with backache in either group. There was epiphyseal involvement (100%), discheight reduction (71.42%) and pedicle destruction (42.82%) in plain X‑rays in the TB group. Lumbar spine was the mostcommon affected region in our study (26.31% in non TB and 34.6% in TB group of patients). Significant P value and the OddsRatio was found for T1 hypo intensity, T2 hyper intensity, epiphyseal involvement, disc involvement, pedicle involvement,anterior subligamentous extension, paraspinal extension and no spinous process involvement (eight parameters). Theeight parameters were tested among both the groups and it was noted that scores ≥ 6 favored a tuberculous pathologywhereas ≤4 were suggestive of non tuberculous etiology. Conclusions: The eight point MRI criteria of the vertebrallesions are likely to enhance the diagnostic ability of tuberculous and non tuberculous pathologies thereby reducing thedependency on histopathologic diagnosis or invasive method for early initiation of therapy.
Development of a cognitive screening instrument for tribal elderly population of Himalayan region in northern India
Authors: Raina Sunil Kumar , Raina Sujeet , Chander Vishav , Grover Ashoo , Singh Sukhjit , Bhardwaj Ashok
Published: May 2013

Introduction: Cognitive impairment, characteristic of dementia, is measured objectively by standard neuropsychological (cognitive) tests. Given the diversity of culture and language in India, it is difficult to use a single modified version of MMSE uniformly to Indian population. In this article, we report methods on the development of a cognitive screening instrument suitable for the tribal (Bharmour) elderly (60 years and above) population of Himachal Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: We used a systematic, item‑by‑item, process for development of a modified version of MMSE suitable for elderly tribal population. Results: The modifications made in the English version of MMSE and the pretesting and pilot testing thereof resulted in the development of Bharmouri version of cognitive scale. Discussion: The study shows that effective modifications can be made to existing tests that require reading and writing; and that culturally sensitive modifications can be made to render the test meaningful and relevant, while still tapping the appropriate cognitive domains.
Evaluation of spinous process wiring techniques for accidental canal penetration
Authors: Adeolu Augustine A , Azeez Abiodun L
Published: May 2013

Background and Objective: Accidental canal penetration with attendant complications constitutes one of the reasons for abandoning the use of wires for posterior spinal fusion techniques. However, there is dearth of information on this risk when the wire is introduced through the base of spinous process as against sublaminar passage. This study was designed to evaluate hardware‑related postoperative complications, especially canal penetration, in our patients who had spinal process wiring in two types of posterior wiring techniques. Materials and Methods: Patients who had either of two spinous process wiring techniques formed the population for the study. The clinical records were reviewed and the following data were extracted: Age, sex, diagnosis, operation (fusion type), preoperative neurological status, postoperative neurologic deterioration, other postoperative complication and radiologic evidence of canal encroachment. Results: One hundred and seventy four spinous processes were instrumented in 42 patients. The age of the patients ranged from 11 to 78 years while male to female ratio was 2.5:1. Majority of the spinal wiring were for trauma (29 patients; 69.0) while the remaining were tumor (6; 14.3%), degenerative diseases (4; 9.5%) and infections (3; 7.1%). The Rogers technique was performed in 16 (38.1%) patients while 26 (61.9%) underwent Adeolu et al. technique. One patient (2.3%) had neurologic deterioration while 5 patients (11.1%) had varying type of complications from wound infection to fracture of spinous processes. There was no patient with radiological or clinical evidence of canal compromise. Conclusion: Spinous process wiring techniques for posterior spinal stabilization appears to be safe as demonstrated in this study.
Psychological impact of cerebral palsy on families: The African perspective
Authors: Olawale Olajide A , Deih Abraham N , Yaadar Raphael KK
Published: May 2013

Background: Psychological stress associated with cerebral palsy (CP) is known to be one of the most depressing conditions of families. In the traditional African society, some peculiar factors may contribute to the stress. Aims: The aims of this study were to identify and describe, from the African perspective, the psychological impact of CP on families and determine the strategies adopted by families in coping with it. Settings and Design: The study was a cross‑sectional descriptive survey conducted in the Physiotherapy Department of a tertiary hospital. Materials and Methods: Participants were 52 parents of children with CP. They completed a questionnaire designed to determine the degree of psychological stress on the families and strategies adopted to cope with the stress. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics were used to show responses in graphical formats. Results: Respondents agreed that having adequate knowledge of CP would help them cope well with the demands of taking care of children with CP. 38.5% of respondents said that people in the society accused them of some wrongdoing that has made their children to have CP. Personal problems experienced include loss of job, lack of concentration at work, loss of family joy, and derangement of financial affairs of the family. 26 (50%) of them resort to religious/spiritual intervention as an alternative or complementary mode of treatment for their children while 28% resort to dependence on the extended family system for support. Conclusion: Families caring for children with CP generally have a positive attitude towards their children. However, there is need to educate the public on the causes of CP and treatment options available to families.
Neuroprotective effect of olive oil in the hippocampus CA1 neurons following ischemia: Reperfusion in mice
Authors: Zamani M , Hassanshahi J , Soleimani M , Zamani F
Published: May 2013

Introduction: Transient global ischemia induces selective, delayed neuronal death of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA1. Oxidative Stress is considered to be involved in a number of human diseases including ischemia. Preliminary studies confirmed reduction of cell death in brain following treatment with antioxidants. Aim: According to this finding, we study the relationship between consumption of olive oil on cell death and memory disorder in brain ischemia. We studied the protective effect of olive oil against ischemia‑reperfusion. Material and Methods: Experimental design includes three groups: Intact (n = 8), ischemic control (n = 8) and treatment groups with olive oil (n = 8). The mice treated with olive oil as pre‑treatment for a week. Then, ischemia induced by common carotid artery ligation and following the reduction of inflammation [a week after ischemia], the mice post‑treated with olive oil. Nissl staining applied for counting necrotic cells in hippocampus CA1. Tunnel kit was used to quantify apoptotic cell death while to short term memory scale, we apply y‑maze and shuttle box tests and for detection the rate of apoptotic and treated cell, we used western blotting test for bax and bcl2 proteins. Results: High rate of apoptosis was seen in ischemic group that significantly associated with short‑term memory loss. Cell death was significantly lower when mice treated with olive oil. The memory test results were adjusted with cell death results and bax and bcl2 expression in all groups’ comparison. Ischemia for 15 min induced cell death in hippocampus with more potent effect on CA1. Conclusion: Olive oil intake significantly reduced cell death and decreased memory loss.
Pitfalls associated with the diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis
Authors: Vachalová Ivana , Kyavar Leila , Heckmann Josef G
Published: May 2013

Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) still remains a serious illness with high morbidity and mortality. The characteristic presentation of HSE usually consists of fever, headache, and altered mental function. We present three patients with atypical features of HSE. First, a 48‑year‑old man with symptomatic posttraumatic epilepsy, who developed a gastrointestinal infection, seizures, and fever. After significant clinical improvement, the patient had fever again and developed a status epilepticus, which led to the diagnosis of HSE. Second, an 84‑year‑old woman with hyperactive delirium after levofloxacin intake. Cranial computed tomography (CCT) revealed hypodense temporal changes, prompting lumbar puncture and diagnosis of HSE. Third, a 51‑year‑old diabetic woman presented with fever and acute confusion. As CCT and cell count of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were normal, infection and hyperglycemia as initial diagnoses were postulated. Due to aphasic symptoms, the differential diagnosis of a stroke was taken into account. Thus a second lumbar puncture led to the correct diagnosis of HSE. These atypical presentations need a high grade of suspicion and a high willingness to reconsider the initial working diagnosis, in order to prevent a diagnostic delay.
Reversible diencephalic dysfunction as presentation of deep cerebral venous thrombosis due to hyperhomocysteinemia and protein S deficiency: Documentation of a case
Authors: Hassan Kaukab Maqbool , Kumar Dheeraj
Published: May 2013

A 45‑year‑old man presented with global headache, vomiting and abnormal behavior after cross‑country run at high altitude. There was no seizure, loss of consciousness, fever or head injury. He was conscious, abulic and uncooperative with normal vitals. There was no focal neurological deficit. Non contrast computed tomography scan of head was normal. Magnetic resonance imaging of brain showed venous infarct in bilateral thalami, left basal ganglia and periventricular white matter. Magnetic resonance venography revealed thrombosis involving internal cerebral veins, septal veins, thalamostriate veins, vein of Galen and proximal portion of straight sinus. His condition steadily improved on low molecular weight heparin bridged with oral anticoagulation for one year. At two months, serum homocysteine was 31.51 μmol/l (5.46‑16.2 μmol/l) and protein S was 49.00% (77‑143.00%). He received methylcobalamin, pyridoxine and folic acid. After 16 months, he was asymptomatic with partially recanalized deep cerebral veins and serum homocysteine falling to 16.50 μmol/l (5.46‑16.2 μmol/l).
Lumbar extradural dumbbell cavernous hemangioma: A rare lesion
Authors: Shukla Dinesh , Rao Vinjamuri Srinivasa , Rajesh Alugolu , Uppin Megha Shantveer , Purohit Anirrudh Kumar
Published: May 2013

A 52‑year‑old female presented with slowly progressive left lower limb polyradiculopathy. MRI of the lumbar region revealed an extradural dumbbell mass at L3 vertebral level, isointense on T1W and hyperintense on T2W images with homogenous contrast enhancement and extending into paraspinal region through left L3/4 foramen. L2 to L 4 left hemilaminectomy and excision of intraspinal part of tumor was performed. Histopathological examination revealed presence of cavernous hemangioma. This case is reported because of its rarity, unusual dumbbell shape of lesion and difficulty in making a preoperative diagnosis without a coexisting bone lesion.
Quantification of freeze–thaw related structure in cultivated topsoils using X-ray computer tomography
Authors: Taina Ioana A. , Heck Richard J. , Deen William , Ma Eddie Y. T.
Published: May 2013

Taina, I. A., Heck, R. J., Deen, W. and Ma, E. Y. T. 2013. Quantification of freeze–thaw related structure in cultivated topsoils using X-ray computed tomography. Can. J. Soil Sci. 93: 533–553. The aim of this work was to test the utility of various CT procedures for the investigation of topsoil microstructural features formed under the influence of annual freeze–thaw processes in an agricultural Orthic Gray Brown Luvisol. Assuming that various tillage systems have different propensity to develop and preserve these features, soil cores were collected, prior to spring tillage, from plots characterized by no-till, moldboard plow and disc tillage systems. Micromorphological characterization of CT imagery indicated that soils from no-till treatments exhibited clearly developed platy structures. However, for two of these treatments, quantitative determinations of porosity in binary imagery did not reveal the presence of fine planar mesovoids associated with platy structures. Semivariograms of attenuation, in the three orthogonal axes of the CT imagery, revealed a higher dissimilarity in the vertical direction than in either horizontal direction in all the treatments that were most affected by freeze–thaw processes. The variability of the grayscale values along the soil vertical and horizontal directions were also employed to establish morphometric indices for the platy structure.
Hygroscopic properties of the Paris urban aerosol in relation to its chemical composition
Authors: Kamilli K. A. , Poulain L. , Held A. , Nowak A. , Birmili W. , Wiedensohler A.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Aerosol hygroscopic growth factors and chemical properties were measured as part of the MEGAPOLI "Megacities Plume Case Study" at the urban site LHVP in the city center of Paris from June to August 2009, and from January to February 2010. Descriptive hygroscopic growth factors (DGF) were derived in the diameter range from 25 to 350 nm at relative humidities of 30, 55, 75, and 90% by applying the summation method on humidified and dry aerosol size distributions measured simultaneously with a humidified differential mobility particle sizer (HDMPS) and a twin differential mobility particle sizer (TDMPS). For 90% relative humidity, the DGF varied from 1.06 to 1.46 in summer, and from 1.06 to 1.66 in winter. Temporal variations in the observed mean DGF could be well explained with a simple growth model based on the aerosol chemical composition measured by aerosol mass spectrometry (AMS) and black carbon photometry (MAAP). In particular, good agreement was observed when sulfate was the predominant inorganic factor. A clear overestimation of the predicted growth factor was found when the nitrate mass concentration exceeded values of 10 μg m3, e.g. during winter.
Authigenic phases and biomass contents drive Zr, Hf and REE distributions in anoxic lake sediments
Authors: Censi P. , Saiano F. , Zuddas P. , Nicosia A. , Mazzola S. , Raso M.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. REE, Zr and Hf distributions in seafloor sediments collected from the hypersaline, anoxic Thetis, Kryos, Medee and Tyro deep-sea basins from the Eastern Mediterranean were determined in light of their mineralogical composition, and biomass contents. Mineralogical investigations demonstrate that all the studied sediments show a similar mineralogy. Detritic assemblages mainly consist of quartz, gypsum and calcite with Mg contents ranging from 0 to about 7%, often of a bioclastic nature. On the contrary, authigenic parageneses are formed by halite, bischofite, dolomite and calcite, with Mg contents up to 22%. Textural evidences of biological activity were also identified. In sediments from the Medee and Tyro basins, REE, Zr and Hf distributions were analysed in the fraction soluble in nitric acid, whereas in materials coming from the Thetis and Kryos basins, the water-soluble sediment fraction had been previously removed and REE, Zr and Hf distributions were investigated in the residue. This approach evidenced that shale-normalised REE patterns of the whole fraction soluble in nitric acid show strong intermediate REE (MREE) enrichments that give way to positive Gd anomalies once water-soluble minerals are removed. Y/Ho ratios are clustered around chondritic values justified by the occurrence of detritic minerals whereas Zr/Hf values span a~wider range from slightly subchondritic to superchondritic terms. Negative Gd anomalies, subchondritic Y/Ho and Zr/Hf values are found in Mg-carbonate rich samples suggesting that authigenic Mg-carbonates partition Ho and Hf with respect to Y and Zr during their crystallization from brines. Textural observations and biomass analyses highlighted effects of biological activities in sediments involving Zr and Hf enrichments and the highest Zr/Hf values according to the preferential Zr removal onto biological surfaces, without partitioning Y with respect to Ho. These first data suggest that Zr/Hf ratio and REE distributions can represent tracers of biological activity in sediments.
Orbital changes, variation in solar activity and increased anthropogenic activities: controls on the Holocene flood frequency in the Lake Ledro area, Northern Italy
Authors: Vannière B. , Magny M. , Joannin S. , Simonneau A. , Wirth S. B. , Hamann Y. , Chapron E. , Gilli A. , Desmet M. , Anselmetti F. S.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Two lacustrine sediment cores from Lake Ledro in northern Italy were studied to produce chronologies of flood events for the past 10 000 yr. For this purpose, we have developed an automatic method that objectively identifies the sedimentary imprint of river floods in the downstream lake basin. The method was based on colour data extracted from processed core photographs, and the count data were analysed to capture the flood signal. Flood frequency and reconstructed sedimentary dynamics were compared with lake-level changes and pollen inferred vegetation dynamics. The results suggest a record marked by low flood frequency during the early and middle Holocene (10 000–4500 cal BP). Only modest increases during short intervals are recorded at ca. 8000, 7500, and 7100 cal BP. After 4500–4000 cal BP, the record shows a shift toward increased flood frequency. With the exception of two short intervals around 2900–2500 and 1800–1400 cal BP, which show a slightly reduced number of floods, the trend of increasing flood frequency prevailed until the 20th century, reaching a maximum between the 16th and the 19th centuries. Brief-flood frequency increases recorded during the early and middle Holocene can be attributed to cold climatic oscillations. On a centennial time scale, major changes in flood frequency, such as those observed after ca. 4500/4000 and 500 cal BP, can be attributed to large-scale climatic changes such as the Neo-glacial and Little Ice Age, which are under orbital and possibly solar control. However, in the Bronze Age and during the Middle Ages and modern times, forest clearing and land use probably partially control the flood activity.
Dynamic coupling of regional atmosphere to biosphere in the new generation regional climate system model REMO-iMOVE
Authors: Wilhelm C. , Rechid D. , Jacob D.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. The main objective of this study is the coupling of the regional climate model REMO to a 3rd generation land surface scheme and the evaluation of the new model version of REMO, called REMO with interactive MOsaic-based VEgetation: REMO-iMOVE. Attention is paid to the documentation of the technical aspects of the new model constituents and the coupling mechanism. We compare simulation results of REMO-iMOVE and of the reference version REMO2009, to investigate the sensitivity of the regional model to the new land surface scheme. An 11 yr climate model run (1995–2005), forced with ECMWF ERA-Interim lateral boundary conditions, over Europe in 0.44° resolution of both model versions was carried out, to represent present day European climate. The result of these experiments are compared to multiple temperature, precipitation, heat flux and leaf area index observation data, to determine the differences in the model versions. The new model version has further the ability to model net primary productivity for the given plant functional types. This new feature is thoroughly evaluated by literature values of net primary productivity of different plant species in European climatic regions. The new model version REMO-iMOVE is able to model the European climate in the same quality as the parent model version REMO2009 does. The differences in the results of the two model versions stem from the differences in the dynamics of vegetation cover and density and can be distinct in some regions, due to the influences of these parameters to the surface heat and moisture fluxes. The modeled inter-annual variability in the phenology as well as the net primary productivity lays in the range of observations and literature values for most European regions. This study also reveals the need for a more sophisticated soil moisture representation in the newly developed model version REMO-iMOVE to be able to treat the differences in plant functional types. This gets especially important if the model will be used in dynamic vegetation studies.
EMPOL 1.0: a new parameterization of pollen emission in numerical weather prediction models
Authors: Zink K. , Pauling A. , Rotach M. W. , Vogel H. , Kaufmann P. , Clot B.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Simulating pollen concentrations with numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems requires a parameterization for pollen emission. We have developed a parameterization that is adaptable for different plant species. Both biological and physical processes of pollen emission are taken into account by parameterizing emission as a~two-step process: (1) the release of the pollen from the flowers, and (2) their entrainment into the atmosphere. Key factors influencing emission are: temperature, relative humidity, the turbulent kinetic energy and precipitation. We have simulated the birch pollen season of 2012 using the NWP system COSMO-ART, both with a parameterization already present in the model and our new parameterization EMPOL. The statistical results show that the performance of the model can be enhanced using EMPOL.
Water-use dynamics of a peat swamp forest and a dune forest in Maputaland, South Africa
Authors: Clulow A. D. , Everson C. S. , Price J. S. , Jewitt G. P. W. , Scott-Shaw B. C.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Peat swamp forests are the second rarest forest type found in South Africa while dune forests have been under severe threat through mining and agriculture. Both forest types exist in the conservation area, and World Heritage site, known as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park on the East coast of South Africa. The area is prone to severe droughts (Taylor et al., 2006) and recent attempts to understand the local water balance revealed that there was insufficient information on the water use of the indigenous forests of the area. The peat swamp forest and dune forest sites studied in this research were located within close proximity to each other, yet, are characterised by different landscape positions in terms of water availability. The coastal dune forest soil profile was generally dry and sandy and the tree roots did not have access to the water table. In contrast the peat swamp forest is located in an interdunal wetland where the trees have permanent access to water. The climate at both sites is subtropical with a mean annual precipitation of 1200 mm yr−1. However, over 20 months of measurement, the first summer (October 2009 to March 2010) was drier (424 versus 735 mm) than the second summer (October 2010 to March 2011) emphasising the variability of the rainfall in the area and providing a wide range of conditions measured. The sap flow of an evergreen, overstory Syzygium cordatum and a semi-deciduous, understory Shirakiopsis elliptica were measured in the peat swamp forest using the heat ratio method. The Syzygium cordatum water use was not highly seasonal and the daily maximum water use ranged from approximately 30 L d−1 in winter to 45 L d−1 in summer whereas the \\textit{Shirakiopsis elliptica} water use was more seasonal at 2 L d−1 in winter and 12 L d−1 in summer. The water use of the Syzygium cordatum was not influenced by seasonal rainfall variations and was actually higher in the drier summer (October 2009 to March 2010). Three trees of different heights were monitored in the same way in the dune forest and the water use found to be highly seasonal. Over the entire measurement period, the water use was highest for an emergent Mimusops caffra (5 to 45 L d−1), whereas the water use of the Eugenia natalitia (2 to 28 L d−1) and Drypetes natalensis (1 to 4 L d−1) was lower. At the dune forest, the water use was highest in the wetter summer due to the reliance of the trees on rainfall to recharge the soil water. A split-line regression showed that on average, soil water limited tree water use 64% of the time over the measurement period at the dune forest. For modelling tree water use at the dune forest, it was concluded that a two-stage model, taking soil water content into account (from multiple sampling points), would be necessary.
Trends in adverse weather patterns and large wildland fires in Aragón (NE Spain) from 1978 to 2010
Authors: Cardil A. , Molina D. M. , Ramirez J. , Vega-García C.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. This work analyzes the effects of high temperature days on large wildland fires during 1978–2010 in Aragón (NE Spain). A high temperature day was established when air temperature was higher than 20 °C at 850 hPa. Temperature at 850 hPa was chosen because it properly characterizes the low troposphere state, and some of the problems that affect surface reanalysis do not occur. High temperature days were analyzed from April to October in the study period, and the number of these extreme days increased significantly. This temporal trend implied more frequent adverse weather conditions in later years that could facilitate extreme fire behavior. The effects of those high temperatures days in large wildland fire patterns have been increasingly important in the last years of the series.
Hume's Correlationism: On Meillassoux, Necessity and Belief
Authors: O'Mahoney Paul
Published: May 2013

The article argues that Meillassoux's 'After Finitude' underestimates the nature and profundity of Hume's sceptical challenge; it neglects the fact that Hume's scepticism concerns final causes (and agrees fundamentally with Bacon and Descartes in this respect), and that in Hume even the operations of reason do not furnish entirely a priori knowledge. We contend that Hume himself institutes a form of correlationism (which in part showed Kant the way to counter the sceptical challenge via transcendental idealism), and sought not merely to abolish the 'principle of sufficient reason' but to salvage it in a weak form, in turning his attention to the grounds for our beliefs in necessity. We argue further that the 'mathematizability' of properties is not a sufficient criterion to yield realist, non-correlational knowledge, or to demonstrate the 'irremediable realism' of the 'ancestral' statement. Finally, we contend that Meillassoux himself relies on a certain 'Kantian moment' which exempts the reasoning subject from otherwise 'omnipotent' chaos, and that ultimately the 'speculative materialist' position remains exposed to the original Humean sceptical challenge.
Keeping it Intimate: A Meditation on the Power of Horror
Authors: Beardsworth Sara
Published: May 2013

The paper is a reading of Julia Kristeva, The Severed Head. It first interprets a dual historical element in Kristeva's text on "capital visions," her selection of exemplars of the artistic representation of severed heads. On the one hand, there are the aesthetic trajectories themselves, from skull art to artistic modernism. On the other hand, there is an implicit history of "horror" in psychoanalysis in this text, going from Freud through Lacan to Kristeva. The paper then indicates the tone of possibility and invitation that inhabits Kristeva’s treatment of horror in capital visions, which suggests that she does not divide aesthetics off from ethics. Finally, I underline the note of humor that enters into the psychoanalytic and aesthetic treatment of horror, once Kristeva has linked it to the feminine.
Book Review: Tamsin Jones, A Genealogy of Marion's Philosophy of Religion: Apparent Darkness
Authors: Trakakis N. N.
Published: May 2013

A review of Tamsin Jones, A Genealogy of Marion's Philosophy of Religion.
Retinoblastoma with Unusual Association of Postaxial Polydactyly
Authors: Mishra Deepak , Ranjan Pratyush , Sinha Bibhuti P. , Baijal Vijay , Bhadauria Madhu
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Retinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy of childhood, arising from retinal progenitor cells. The most common presenting feature is leucocoria, followed by strabismus, defective vision, and rarely nystagmus. The unusual associations reported with retinoblastoma are well-differentiated liposarcoma and lipomatous tissues, chromosome breakage syndromes, and the myriad findings of rare 13q deletion syndrome.

Methods

Case report.

Results

An 8-year-old boy presented with features of retinoblastoma, having leucocoria in the left eye and an unusual association of postaxial polydactyly in the left hand.

Conclusions

Postaxial polydactyly should be considered as an association of retinoblastoma.