bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A disputatio sobre os rituais de magia na História natural
Authors: Basilio Vieira Ana Thereza
Published: June 2016

O séc. I d.C. é uma época prolixa em obras de cunho técnico-científico. Nesse meio literário, Plínio o Velho compõe a História natural, obra em que tenta delinear todas as ciências em voga à sua época, como a medicina aliada às práticas mágicas. O autor busca questionar este uso, frequentemente utilizado por povos estrangeiros, sob um olhar de acusação e, ao mesmo tempo, de defesa dos direitos romanos. Pretendemos, portanto, analisar alguns trechos que justamente nos revelam esse olhar inquiridor de Plínio sob os rituais mágicos.
Agón e tragédia grega: esclarecimento terminológico, formas e significações em Ésquilo, Sófocles e Eurípides
Authors: Lemaire Nathalie
Published: June 2016

Com este trabalho, pretendemos, primeiramente, estudar a tragédia como um confronto, não somente em sua estrutura, que opõe, em dois espaços separados, coro e personagens, mas também nas relações conflituosas dos personagens entre si. Então, em um segundo momento, pretendemos mostrar que a tragédia, como arte singular produtora de sentido, utiliza o agón para interrogar-se sobre situações reais fora da ficção dramática. Por fim, pretendemos afinar nosso estudo, mostrando que cada um dos tragediógrafos gregos elabora, pelas suas cenas de confronto, sua própria concepção de linguagem e de relação com a realidade.
Mujer y maternidad: antiguos tropiezos y nuevos malestares
Authors: Rodríguez Rendo María del Carmen
Published: June 2016

Este texto contiene un breve relato clínico. El motivo de incluirlo ha sido aprovecharlo como metáfora sobre la que apoyar algunas reflexiones sobre las dificultades y tropiezos de la mujer en relación con el lugar que ha
ocupado dentro del discurso social antes y ahora.
El eje del texto pasa por un intento de recuperar algunos aspectos del discurso de la histeria, intentando apartarlo de la categoría despreciativa que ha llegado a tener (en frases tales como “no te pongas histérica”). Recuperarlo
como subversivo frente al discurso de un Amo representado en los imperativos socio-culturales; con la intención de preguntarnos hasta qué punto lo que en su día fue un giro subversivo se ha vuelto en contra de la mujer empujándola, bajo otros paradigmas, a retornar al lugar de ser todo para el otro.
La (imposible) conciliación de la vida familiar y laboral en la universidad norteamericana: problemas de fondo
Authors: Ortiz Ceberio Cristina
Published: June 2016

El siguiente trabajo analiza el panorama actual de las mujeres en la academia norteamericana, y contextualiza las cifras de esa situación en relación a la conciliación de la vida familiar y laboral, y las consecuencias que esta situación tiene para las
mujeres.
Las mujeres en la formación superior: elección de carrera versus estereotipos de género y neosexismos
Authors: Martínez del Valle Mónica , Villuendas Giménez María Dolores
Published: June 2016

En este trabajo se realiza una revisión de la literatura acerca de los estereotipos de género y sus implicaciones en las mujeres en la elección de una carrera universitaria, las nuevas formas de discriminación hacia las mujeres y los vínculos entre estereotipos y prejuicios. Se analizan concepciones tales como el neosexismo, caracterizado como la manifestación de un conflicto entre los valores igualitarios y los sentimientos residuales negativos hacia las mujeres, también relacionado tradicionalmente con los sentimientos de amenaza hacia los intereses colectivos y con las actitudes hacia los programas de acción afirmativa. Igualmente se exponen recientes investigaciones que han estudiado la evolución de los estereotipos de género y su relación con la elección de carrera y con el neosexismo. Las revisiones realizadas permiten concluir acerca del estado actual de los estereotipos de género y de la influencia de los mismos en la asimetría de mujeres y hombres en determinadas carreras, así como replantear nuevas líneas necesarias de investigación.

 
Paramedian forehead flap for nasal tip reconstruction after Mohs surgery
Authors: Cerci Felipe Bochnia
Published: June 2016

The paramedian forehead flap is a great option for restoring complex nasal defects. Its main indications are large and deep wounds located on the distal third of the nose (tip and ala). For full-thickness defects, the paramedian forehead flap may be used alone or in combination with other methods. We presented a patient with a nodular basal cell carcinoma on the nasal tip and collumela treated by Mohs micrographic surgery and repaired with a paramedian forehead flap. Prior to reconstruction, it is essential that surgical margins are completely evaluated and free of tumor. For optimal paramedian forehead flap results, adequate surgical planning and meticulous technique are imperative.
El relativismo cultural: desafíos y alternativas
Authors: Aguirre García Juan Carlos
Published: June 2016

Este artículo intentará ofrecer algunas alternativas a los interesantes desafíos que plantea el relativismo cultural. Para ello, comenzaré señalando brevemente la caracterización del relativismo cultural y sus consecuencias; después, expondré tres casos que ilustran posturas extremas de las cuales se puede inferir la imposibilidad de criterios para juzgar objetivamente entre modos diversos de comportarse, modos diversos de evaluar criterios y modos diversos de legislar. Posteriormente se presentarán alternativas a esos, aparentemente, insolubles modos. El trasfondo de esta discusión está apoyado en lo alcanzado por algunos pensadores que adscriben al realismo, toda vez que esta posición epistemológica ha confrontado con mayor atención el problema.
"La justicia con togaâ€ de Ronald Dworkin: Â¿los jueces son filósofos o son intérpretes moderados?
Authors: Agudelo Agudelo Carlos Alberto
Published: June 2016

Este texto señala el debate sobre el concepto de derecho en la obra â€œLa justicia con togaâ€. En segundo lugar, se presenta la idea general del debate que Dworkin tiene con el pragmatismo. En el tercer punto, está la incertidumbre de Dworkin acerca de la contribución de las teorías del derecho en las cortes. La cuarta parte, presenta la moral de Dworkin para defender sus tesis y finiquitar la polémica con los poshartianos. Finalmente, se exponen las ideas acerca de la interpretación resultado de la práctica judicial.
La traducción de los marcadores del discurso en la ficción epistolar
Authors: RIVAS CARMONA María del Mar
Published: June 2016

Los marcadores discursivos (adverbios, conectores, reformuladores, etc.) son expresiones de la lengua natural que los hablantes emplean con la intención de guiar el proceso de interpretación y comprensión por parte de los oyentes. Por este motivo, el estudio de los mismos tiende a enfatizar su papel fundamental en el proceso de interpretación de las relaciones de coherencia que hay en los textos (Sanders et al. 1992). En conversación, la coherencia no es solamente una propiedad inherente al texto, sino que es, además, el resultado de un proceso dinámico entre los hablantes (Lenk 1998). Por su parte, en los discursos monologados diafónicos, tales como las cartas, se ha de tomar en consideración la presencia implícita de un interlocutor ficticio o real para poder interpretar dichas relaciones de coherencia. El objeto de este trabajo es comparar la versión original en español del cuento “Estío” de Isaac Montero y su traducción al inglés, siguiendo una clasificación de las relaciones de coherencia que da cuenta de las similitudes y diferencias entre ambas versiones.
Hacia una taxonomía de los equipos y sistemas técnicos empleados en la interpretación simultánea
Authors: RUIZ MEZCUA Aurora
Published: June 2016

El mundo de la interpretación ha cambiado radicalmente desde la aparición de las tecnologías que han propiciado el surgimiento de la interpretación simultánea. Esta es una profesión joven que se basa en el uso de material tecnológico. A pesar de tratarse de un modo de interpretación que prácticamente depende de la utilización de un equipo técnico que habilite la escucha y la producción oral “al mismo tiempo”, los trabajos científicos que se le han dedicado son escasos. El propósito de este artículo reside en analizar la tipología de los equipos de interpretación que pueden encontrarse en el mercado profesional en la actualidad.
Dorothy Osborne: sensibilidad e ironía epistolar
Authors: LÓPEZ FOLGADO Vicente
Published: June 2016

Abordamos en este trabajo los aspectos más destacados de la personalidad de la escritora epistolar Dorothy Osborne, quien, aunque considerada "menor" por lo parvo de su obra, sienta un claro precedente en la literatura "realista" posterior profusa en grandes autores ya clásicos. Sterne, Smollett, Richardson o Fielding, son los iniciadores de la novela dieciochesca, basada, en gran medida, en la correspondencia epistolar entre personajes de ficción. Estas 84 cartas personales de Dorothy escritas a su amigo y prometido Sir W. Temple entre 1652 y 1654, rezuman una gran sensibilidad literaria, con un estilo personal, desenfadado y emotivo, al tiempo que una ironía ante hechos y acontecimientos sociales y políticos de su tiempo.
William Wordsworth y sus traductores franceses
Authors: DÍAZ ALARCÓN Soledad
Published: June 2016

Trabajo que analiza la influencia de los poetas "lakistas" en el escritor francés Saint-Beuve, fundamentalmente de Wordsworth, y en el que se estudian tres de los sonetos imitados: "I am not one who much or oft delight", "Scorn not the sonnet" y "It is a beauteous evening, calm and free". En un segundo término la de otros traductores franceses amantes y difusores en Francia de la poesía inglesa de la segunda mitad del XVIII y principios del XIX: Émile Legouis y André Koszul.
José Siles Artés, traductor de los poetas lakistas
Authors: TORRALBO CABALLERO Juan D. D.
Published: June 2016

Este artículo se centra en las traducciones de los poetas “lakistas” realizadas por José Siles Artés. En primer lugar, se desglosa una breve semblanza del traductor y luego se analiza su traducción del conocido poema de Wordsworth “Ode. Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood”. Finalmente se alude al resto del legado creativo del autor.
La influencia melancólica de los poetas prerrománticos ingleses en Francia
Authors: DÍAZ ALARCÓN Soledad
Published: June 2016

El presente trabajo pone de manifiesto la relevancia de la epístola y la heroida en la literatura francesa del siglo XVIII, en gran parte debido a la influencia de insignes poetas ingleses como Alexander Pope, quien tomando como tema para su composición poética la legendaria historia de Eloísa y Abelardo, supo encumbrar este drama mediante la maestría de elementos clave como la melancolía y el lirismo. La traducción al francés de esta obra correrá a cargo de autores como Aimé Ambroise Joseph Feutry, gran conocedor de la literatura inglesa del siglo XVIII y Charles Pierre Colardeau, creador del término “héroïde”. En este estudio realizamos un análisis de las traducciones francesas y aportamos nuestra traducción al español.
Pilot-scale study of powdered activated carbon recirculation for micropollutant removal
Authors: Meinel F. , Sperlich A. , Jekel M.
Published: June 2016

Adsorption onto powdered activated carbon (PAC) is a promising technique for the removal of organic micropollutants (OMPs) from treated wastewater. To enhance the adsorption efficiency, PAC is recycled back into the adsorption stage. This technique was examined in pilot scale in comparison to a reference without recirculation. Coagulation with Fe3+ was carried out simultaneously to adsorption. Extensive OMP measurements showed that recirculation significantly increased OMP eliminations. Thus, significant PAC savings were feasible. The PAC concentration in the contact reactor proved to be an important operating parameter that can be surrogated by the easily measurable total suspended solids (TSS) concentration. OMP eliminations increased with increasing TSS concentrations. At 20 mg PAC L−1 and 2.8 g TSS L−1 in the contact reactor, well-adsorbable carbamazepine was eliminated by 97%, moderately adsorbable diclofenac was eliminated by 92% and poorly-adsorbable acesulfame was eliminated by 54% in comparison to 49%, 35% and 18%, respectively, without recirculation. The recirculation system represents an efficient technique, as the PAC's adsorption capacity is practically completely used. Small PAC dosages yield high OMP eliminations. Poorly-adsorbable gabapentin was eliminated to an unexpectedly high degree. A laboratory-scale biomass inhibition study showed that aerobic biodegradation removed gabapentin in addition to adsorption.
Information Disclosure, Social Responsibility, Trust, and Attitude Affect Loyalty to Housing Agents
Authors: Lee Chun-Chang , Wu Yun-Ling , Huang Wen-Hsin , Lee Yu-Chen , Chen Pei-Ru , Lee Hsin-Rou , Chang Ya-Wen
Published: June 2016

We applied a linear structural equation model to explore the impact of information disclosure, social responsibility, trust, and attitude on consumers' loyalty to housing agents. Participants were 466 consumers and potential consumers of housing agency industry services, who completed
a survey assessing the variables of interest. Results showed that information disclosure had a direct and significant impact on trust, and an indirect impact on trust through the mediator of corporate social responsibility (CSR), and that trust had an indirect and significant impact on loyalty
through the mediator of attitude. The structural relationships among information disclosure, CSR, trust, and attitude should be acknowledged when discussing consumers' loyalty to housing agents.
Impact of Childcare Arrangements on Developmental Outcomes of Korean Children in Their First 2 Years
Authors: Lee Yoon H. , Lee Jiyun
Published: June 2016

We investigated whether center-based care has a positive impact on children's development in comparison to in-home care or activity programs, such as music, physical, play, and sensory experience classes. Using nationally representative data gathered from 2,078 families with children
in South Korea, whom we monitored from birth to the age of 2 years, we utilized linear regressions and a propensity score matching method to examine the impact of center-based care on the children's development. Results suggested that participation in center-based care positively affects only
the child's development of gross motor skills, whereas in-home care and activity programs showed a broader positive influence on children's development, such as their communication and problem-solving skills. The benefit from center-based programs was much smaller compared to that of other
care arrangements. On the basis of these results, we suggest the use of various forms of publicly funded childcare services, including more active utilization of in-home care, with service quality assurance measures. We expect our investigation to provide possible directions for childcare
policies across cultures.
Acculturation and Leisure Benefits in Korean Students Returning from the United States
Authors: Ryu Won Shick , Kim Min Jeong , Lee Chul Won
Published: June 2016

Most researchers of acculturation have focused on immigrants' acculturative problems and situations in a Western context. In contrast, we conducted a qualitative investigation of the relationship between acculturation and leisure benefits in 7 Korean students returning to Korea after
studying abroad in the United States. Among the 4 types of acculturation strategies, the participants, who had been living in the US for a minimum of 5 years, used integration during their time as exchange program students in Korea, and assimilation when living in the United States. We found
that most participants experienced acculturative stress, which they reduced with leisure activities. Further studies should be conducted on the value of leisure activities for Korean students returning to Korea from other countries, after an early study abroad experience.
Combined Effect of Mental Contrasting and Implementation Intention on College Students' Book Reading
Authors: Wang Guoxia , Gai Xiaosong
Published: June 2016

The combining of mental contrasting with implementation intention (MCII) as a selfregulation strategy for goal pursuit enhances goal attainment. Our aims in this study were as follows: (a) confirm the effect of MCII in this context, and (b) explore how the features of MCII affect goal-pursuit
behaviors in a book-reading task. We randomly assigned 90 college students to either an MCII intervention condition or a control condition. The results showed that participants in the MCII intervention group did not exert more effort in reading the book than did the participants in the control
condition. However, analysis within the MCII intervention condition group showed that the number of written words in the MCII exercise phase (quantity), the integrity of the participants' implementation intention, and the mental contrasting specificity (quality) of MCII affected the participants'
reading behavior and achievement. Finally, further analysis of mental contrasting content revealed that, compared with participants for whom the obstacles to completing the assigned reading were internal, such as lack of self-control or lack of interest in the subject matter, participants
who identified external obstacles, such as the need to complete other study assignments or to work in part-time employment, spent more time on reading the assigned book. These findings suggest that the features of MCII have a vital influence on behavior and achievement.
Atrasentan Reduces Albuminuria by Restoring the Glomerular Endothelial Glycocalyx Barrier in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Boels Margien G.S. , Avramut M. Cristina , Koudijs Angela , Dane Martijn J.C. , Lee Dae Hyun , van der Vlag Johan , Koster Abraham J. , van Zonneveld Anton Jan , van Faassen Ernst , Gröne Hermann-Josef , van den Berg Bernard M. , Rabelink Ton J.
Published: June 2016

Atrasentan, a selective endothelin A receptor antagonist, has been shown to reduce albuminuria in type 2 diabetes. We previously showed that the structural integrity of a glomerular endothelial glycocalyx is required to prevent albuminuria. Therefore we tested the potential of atrasentan to stabilize the endothelial glycocalyx in diabetic apolipoprotein E (apoE)–deficient mice in relation to its antialbuminuric effects. Treatment with atrasentan (7.5 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks reduced urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios by 26.0 ± 6.5% (P < 0.01) in apoE knockout (KO) mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes consuming an atherogenic diet, without changes in gross glomerular morphology, systemic blood pressure, and blood glucose concentration. Endothelial cationic ferritin surface coverage, investigated using large-scale digital transmission electron microscopy, revealed that atrasentan treatment increases glycocalyx coverage in diabetic apoE KO mice from 40.7 ± 3.2% to 81.0 ± 12.5% (P < 0.05). This restoration is accompanied by increased renal nitric oxide concentrations, reduced expression of glomerular heparanase, and a marked shift in the balance of M1 and M2 glomerular macrophages. In vitro experiments with endothelial cells exposed to laminar flow and cocultured with pericytes confirmed that atrasentan reduced endothelial heparanase expression and increased glycocalyx thickness in the presence of a diabetic milieu. Together these data point toward a role for the restoration of endothelial function and tissue homeostasis through the antialbuminuric effects of atrasentan, and they provide a mechanistic explanation for the clinical observations of reduced albuminuria with atrasentan in diabetic nephropathy.
Adipocyte-Specific Deletion of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Protects From Diet-Induced Obesity Through Increased Mitochondrial Uncoupling and Biogenesis
Authors: Han Yong Hwan , Buffolo Márcio , Pires Karla Maria , Pei Shaobo , Scherer Philipp E. , Boudina Sihem
Published: June 2016

Obesity and insulin resistance are associated with oxidative stress (OS). The causal role of adipose OS in the pathogenesis of these conditions is unknown. To address this issue, we generated mice with an adipocyte-selective deletion of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). When fed a high-fat diet (HFD), the AdSod2 knockout (KO) mice exhibited less adiposity, reduced adipocyte hypertrophy, and decreased circulating leptin. The resistance to diet-induced adiposity was the result of an increased metabolic rate and energy expenditure. Furthermore, palmitate oxidation was elevated in the white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue of AdSod2 KO mice fed an HFD, and the expression of key fatty acid oxidation genes was increased. To gain mechanistic insight into the increased fat oxidation in HFD-fed AdSod2 KO mice, we quantified the mitochondrial function and mitochondrial content in WAT and found that MnSOD deletion increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption and induced mitochondrial biogenesis. This effect was preserved in cultured adipocytes from AdSod2 KO mice in vitro. As expected from the enhanced fat oxidation, circulating levels of free fatty acids were reduced in the HFD-fed AdSod2 KO mice. Finally, HFD-fed AdSod2 KO mice were protected from hepatic steatosis, adipose tissue inflammation, and glucose and insulin intolerance. Taken together, these results demonstrate that MnSOD deletion in adipocytes triggered an adaptive stress response that activated mitochondrial biogenesis and enhanced mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, thereby preventing diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance.
Pancreatic β-Cells From Mice Offset Age-Associated Mitochondrial Deficiency With Reduced KATP Channel Activity
Authors: Gregg Trillian , Poudel Chetan , Schmidt Brian A. , Dhillon Rashpal S. , Sdao Sophia M. , Truchan Nathan A. , Baar Emma L. , Fernandez Luis A. , Denu John M. , Eliceiri Kevin W. , Rogers Jeremy D. , Kimple Michelle E. , Lamming Dudley W. , Merrins Matthew J.
Published: June 2016

Aging is accompanied by impaired glucose homeostasis and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, culminating in the failure of insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. To investigate the effects of age on β-cell metabolism, we established a novel assay to directly image islet metabolism with NAD(P)H fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM). We determined that impaired mitochondrial activity underlies an age-dependent loss of insulin secretion in human islets. NAD(P)H FLIM revealed a comparable decline in mitochondrial function in the pancreatic islets of aged mice (≥24 months), the result of 52% and 57% defects in flux through complex I and II, respectively, of the electron transport chain. However, insulin secretion and glucose tolerance are preserved in aged mouse islets by the heightened metabolic sensitivity of the β-cell triggering pathway, an adaptation clearly encoded in the metabolic and Ca2+ oscillations that trigger insulin release (Ca2+ plateau fraction: young 0.211 ± 0.006, aged 0.380 ± 0.007, P < 0.0001). This enhanced sensitivity is driven by a reduction in KATP channel conductance (diazoxide: young 5.1 ± 0.2 nS; aged 3.5 ± 0.5 nS, P < 0.01), resulting in an ∼2.8 mmol/L left shift in the β-cell glucose threshold. The results demonstrate how mice but not humans are able to successfully compensate for age-associated metabolic dysfunction by adjusting β-cell glucose sensitivity and highlight an essential mechanism for ensuring the maintenance of insulin secretion.
Pediatric occipitocervical fixation: radiographic criteria, surgical technique, and clinical outcomes based on experience of a single surgeon
Authors: Martinez-del-Campo Eduardo , Turner Jay D. , Rangel-Castilla Leonardo , Soriano-Baron Hector , Kalb Samuel , Theodore Nicholas
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

If left untreated, occipitocervical (OC) instability may lead to serious neurological injury or death. Open internal fixation is often necessary to protect the neurovascular elements. This study reviews the etiologies for pediatric OC instability, analyzes the radiographic criteria for surgical intervention, discusses surgical fixation techniques, and evaluates long-term postoperative outcomes based on a single surgeon's experience.

METHODS

The charts of all patients < 18 years old who underwent internal OC fixation conducted by the senior author were retrospectively reviewed. Forty consecutive patients were identified for analysis. Patient demographic data, OC junction pathology, radiological diagnostic tools, surgical indications, and outcomes are reported.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 20 boys and 20 girls, with a mean age of 7.3 years. Trauma (45% [n = 18]) was the most common cause of instability, followed by congenital etiologies (37.5% [n = 15]). The condyle-C1 interval had a diagnostic sensitivity of 100% for atlantooccipital dislocation. The median number of fixated segments was 5 (occiput–C4). Structural bone grafts were used in all patients. Postsurgical neurological improvement was seen in 88.2% (15/17) of patients with chronic myelopathy and in 25% (1/4) of patients with acute myelopathy. Preoperatively, 42.5% (17/40) of patients were neurologically intact and remained unchanged at last follow-up, 42.5% (17/40) had neurological improvement, 12.5% (5/40) remained unchanged, and 2.5% (1/40) deteriorated. All patients had successful fusion at 1-year follow-up. The complication rate was 7.5% (3/40), including 1 case of vertebral artery injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Occipitocervical fixation is safe in children and provides immediate immobilization, with excellent survival and arthrodesis rates. Of the radiographic tools evaluated, the condyle-C1 interval was the most predictive of atlantooccipital dislocation.
Back pain improvement after decompression without fusion or stabilization in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and clinically significant preoperative back pain
Authors: Crawford Charles H. , Glassman Steven D. , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Knightly John J. , Asher Anthony L.
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

The relief of leg symptoms by surgical decompression for lumbar stenosis is well supported by the literature. Less is known about the effect on back pain. Some surgeons believe that the relief of back pain should not be an expected outcome of decompression and that substantial back pain may be a contraindication to decompression only; therefore, stabilization may be recommended for patients with substantial preoperative back pain even in the absence of well-accepted indications for stabilization such as spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, or sagittal malalignment. The purpose of this study is to determine if patients with lumbar stenosis and substantial back pain—in the absence of spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, or sagittal malalignment—can obtain significant improvement after decompression without fusion or stabilization.

METHODS

Analysis of the National Neurosurgery Quality and Outcomes Database (N2QOD) identified 726 patients with lumbar stenosis (without spondylolisthesis or scoliosis) and a baseline back pain score ≥ 5 of 10 who underwent surgical decompression only. No patient was reported to have significant spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, or sagittal malalignment. Standard demographic and surgical variables were collected, as well as patient outcomes including back and leg pain scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and EuroQoL 5D (EQ-5D) at baseline and 3 and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The mean age of the cohort was 65.6 years, and 407 (56%) patients were male. The mean body mass index was 30.2 kg/m2, and 40% of patients had 2-level decompression, 29% had 3-level decompression, 24% had 1-level decompression, and 6% had 4-level decompression. The mean estimated blood loss was 130 ml. The mean operative time was 100.85 minutes. The vast majority of discharges (88%) were routine home discharges. At 3 and 12 months postoperatively, there were significant improvements from baseline for back pain (7.62 to 3.19 to 3.66), leg pain (7.23 to 2.85 to 3.07), EQ-5D (0.55 to 0.76 to 0.75), and ODI (49.11 to 27.20 to 26.38).

CONCLUSIONS

Through the 1st postoperative year, patients with lumbar stenosis—without spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, or sagittal malalignment—and clinically significant back pain improved after decompression-only surgery.
Associations of renin-angiotensin system genetic polymorphisms and clinical course after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Griessenauer Christoph J. , Tubbs R. Shane , Foreman Paul M. , Chua Michelle H. , Vyas Nilesh A. , Lipsky Robert H. , Lin Mingkuan , Iyer Ramaswamy , Haridas Rishikesh , Walters Beverly C. , Chaudry Salman , Malieva Aisana , Wilkins Samantha , Harrigan Mark R. , Fisher Winfield S. , Shoja Mohammadali M.
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) genetic polymorphisms are thought to play a role in cerebral aneurysm formation and rupture. The Cerebral Aneurysm Renin Angiotensin System (CARAS) study prospectively evaluated associations of common RAS polymorphisms and clinical course after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

METHODS

The CARAS study prospectively enrolled aSAH patients at 2 academic centers in the United States. A blood sample was obtained from all patients for genetic evaluation and measurement of plasma angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) concentration. Common RAS polymorphisms were detected using 5′exonuclease genotyping assays and pyrosequencing. Analysis of associations of RAS polymorphisms and clinical course after aSAH were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 166 patients were screened, and 149 aSAH patients were included for analysis. A recessive effect of allele I (insertion) of the ACE I/D (insertion/deletion) polymorphism was identified for Hunt and Hess grade in all patients (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.17–6.50; p = 0.0206) with subsequent poor functional outcome. There was a similar effect on delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) in patients 55 years or younger (OR 3.63, 95% CI 1.04–12.7; p = 0.0439). In patients older than 55 years, there was a recessive effect of allele A of the angiotensin II receptor Type 2 (AT2) A/C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on DCI (OR 4.70, 95% CI 1.43–15.4; p = 0.0111).

CONCLUSIONS

Both the ACE I/D polymorphism and the AT2 A/C single nucleotide polymorphism were associated with an age-dependent risk of delayed cerebral ischemia, whereas only the ACE I/D polymorphism was associated with poor clinical grade at presentation. Further studies are required to elucidate the relevant pathophysiology and its potential implication in the treatment of patients with aSAH.
Numerical investigation on vibration isolation by softer in-filled trench barriers
Authors: Saikia Ankurjyoti
Published: June 2016

This paper deals with a 2-D finite element study in PLAXIS 2D on isolation of steady-state surface vibrations by softer backfilled trenches in an elastic, isotropic, and homogeneous half-space. Effects of barrier geometric features and infill material characteristics on reducing vertical and horizontal components of surface displacements are investigated. This study adopts a non-dimensional approach where the geometric parameters are normalized against the Rayleigh wavelength of vibration in half-space and backfill shear wave velocity is expressed as a ratio of that of parent soil. Softer barriers of shear wave velocity ratios less than unity are considered as they are found significantly effective than stiffer barriers. Effects of the parameters participating on wave isolation are extensively discussed and some guidelines are framed regarding their optimal selection. Non-dimensional charts are developed which would provide a sound basis for designing such barriers in actual engineering practice. The design charts are validated with some documented results and close agreement is obtained.
Neuropathy and Diabetic Foot Syndrome
Authors: Volmer-Thole Maren , Lobmann Ralf
Published: June 2016

Diabetic foot ulceration is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus worldwide and the most common cause of hospitalization in diabetic patients. The etiology of diabetic foot ulcerations is complex due to their multifactorial nature; in the pathophysiology of diabetic foot ulceration polyneuropathy is important. Proper adherence to standard treatment strategies and interdisciplinary cooperation can reduce the still high rates of major amputations.
Hyper IgE in Childhood Eczema and Risk of Asthma in Chinese Children
Authors: Ng Chantel , Hon Kam , Kung Jeng , Pong Nga , Leung Ting-Fan , Wong Chun
Published: June 2016

Background: Atopic eczema is a common childhood disease associated with high IgE and eosinophilia. We characterized the clinical features associated with hyper-IgE (defined as IgE > 2000 IU/L) in eczema. Methods: Nottingham Eczema Severity Score (NESS), family and personal history of atopy, skin prick test (SPT) for common food and aeroallergens, highest serum IgE ever and eosinophil counts were evaluated in 330 children eczema patients. Childhood-NESS (NESS performed at <10 years of age) and adolescent-NESS (NESS performed at >10 years of age) were further analyzed. Results: IgE correlated with NESS (spearman coefficient 0.35, p < 0.001) and eosinophil percentage (spearman coefficient 0.56, p = 0.001). Compared with IgE ≤ 2000IU/L (n = 167), patients with hyper-IgE (n = 163) were associated with male gender (p = 0.002); paternal atopy (p = 0.026); personal history of atopic rhinitis (p = 0.016); asthma (p < 0.001); dietary avoidance (p < 0.001); use of wet wrap (p < 0.001); traditional Chinese medicine use (TCM, p < 0.001); immunomodulant use (azathioprine or cyclosporine, p < 0.001); skin prick sensitization by dust mites (p < 0.001), cats (p = 0.012), dogs (p = 0.018), food (p = 0.002); eosinophilia (p < 0.001); more severe disease during childhood (p < 0.0001) and during adolescence (p < 0.0001), but not onset age of eczema or maternal atopy. Logistic regression showed that hyper-IgE was associated with personal history of asthma (exp(B) = 5.12, p = 0.002) and eczema severity during childhood and adolescence (p < 0.001). For patients <10 years of age, dust mite sensitization (p = 0.008) was associated with hyper-IgE. For patients >10years of age, food allergen sensitization was associated with hyper-IgE (p = 0.008). Conclusions: Hyper-IgE is independently associated with asthma, more severe atopy and more severe eczema during childhood and adolescence. IgE > 2000 IU/L may be a tool to aid prognostication of this chronic relapsing dermatologic disease and its progression to asthma.
Bioaccumulation and Subchronic Toxicity of 14 nm Gold Nanoparticles in Rats
Authors: Rambanapasi Clinton , Zeevaart Jan , Buntting Hylton , Bester Cornelius , Kotze Deon , Hayeshi Rose , Grobler Anne
Published: June 2016

Colloidal suspensions of 14 nm gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were repeatedly administered intravenously at three dose levels (0.9, 9 and 90 µg) to male Sprague Dawley rats weekly for 7 weeks, followed by a 14-day washout period. After sacrificing, the amount of gold was quantified in the liver, lungs, spleen, skeleton and carcass using neutron activation analysis (NAA). During the study, pre- and post (24 h) administration blood samples were collected from both the test and control groups, the latter which received an equal injection volume of normal saline. General health indicators were monitored together with markers of kidney and liver damage for acute and subchronic toxicity assessment. Histopathological assessments were done on the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs and spleen to assess any morphological changes as a result of the exposure to AuNPs. The mass measurements of all the groups showed a steady increase with no signs of overt toxicity. The liver had the highest amount of gold (µg) per gram of tissue after 56 days followed by the spleen, lungs, skeleton and carcass. Markers of kidney and liver damage showed similar trends between the pre and post samples within each group and across groups. The histopathological examination also showed no hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. There was accumulation of Au in tissues after repeated dosing, albeit with no observable overt toxicity, kidney or liver damage.
Acoustic Sensor Design for Dark Matter Bubble Chamber Detectors
Authors: Felis Ivan , Martínez-Mora Juan , Ardid Miguel
Published: June 2016

Dark matter bubble chamber detectors use piezoelectric sensors in order to detect and discriminate the acoustic signals emitted by the bubbles grown within the superheated fluid from a nuclear recoil produced by a particle interaction. These sensors are attached to the outside walls of the vessel containing the fluid. The acoustic discrimination depends strongly on the properties of the sensor attached to the outer wall of the vessel that has to meet the requirements of radiopurity and size. With the aim of optimizing the sensor system, a test bench for the characterization of the sensors has been developed. The sensor response for different piezoelectric materials, geometries, matching layers, and backing layers have been measured and contrasted with FEM simulations and analytical models. The results of these studies lead us to have a design criterion for the construction of specific sensors for the next generation of dark matter bubble chamber detectors (250 L).
Wavelet-Based Visible and Infrared Image Fusion: A Comparative Study
Authors: Sappa Angel , Carvajal Juan , Aguilera Cristhian , Oliveira Miguel , Romero Dennis , Vintimilla Boris
Published: June 2016

This paper evaluates different wavelet-based cross-spectral image fusion strategies adopted to merge visible and infrared images. The objective is to find the best setup independently of the evaluation metric used to measure the performance. Quantitative performance results are obtained with state of the art approaches together with adaptations proposed in the current work. The options evaluated in the current work result from the combination of different setups in the wavelet image decomposition stage together with different fusion strategies for the final merging stage that generates the resulting representation. Most of the approaches evaluate results according to the application for which they are intended for. Sometimes a human observer is selected to judge the quality of the obtained results. In the current work, quantitative values are considered in order to find correlations between setups and performance of obtained results; these correlations can be used to define a criteria for selecting the best fusion strategy for a given pair of cross-spectral images. The whole procedure is evaluated with a large set of correctly registered visible and infrared image pairs, including both Near InfraRed (NIR) and Long Wave InfraRed (LWIR).
A New Method to Increase Ultrafiltration in Peritoneal Dialysis: Steady Concentration Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Pérez-Díaz Vicente , Pérez-Escudero Alfonso , Sanz-Ballesteros Sandra , Rodríguez-Portela Guadalupe , Valenciano-Martínez Susana , Palomo-Aparicio Sofía , Hernández-García Esther , Sánchez-García Luisa , Gordillo-Martín Raquel , Marcos-Sánchez Hortensia
Published: June 2016

Background

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) has limited power for liquid extraction (ultrafiltration), so fluid overload remains a major cause of treatment failure.

Methods

We present steady concentration peritonal dialysis (SCPD), which increases ultrafiltration of PD exchanges by maintaining a constant peritoneal glucose concentration. This is achieved by infusing 50% glucose solution at a constant rate (typically 40 mL/h) during the 4-hour dwell of a 2-L 1.36% glucose exchange. We treated 21 fluid overload episodes on 6 PD patients with high or average-high peritoneal transport characteristics who refused hemodialysis as an alternative. Each treatment consisted of a single session with 1 to 4 SCPD exchanges (as needed).

Results

Ultrafiltration averaged 653 ± 363 mL/4 h — twice the ultrafiltration of the peritoneal equilibration test (PET) (300 ± 251 mL/4 h, p < 0.001) and 6-fold the daily ultrafiltration (100 ± 123 mL/4 h, p < 0.001). Serum and peritoneal glucose stability and dialysis efficacy were excellent (glycemia 126 ± 25 mg/dL, peritoneal glucose 1,830 ± 365 mg/dL, D/P creatinine 0.77 ± 0.08). The treatment reversed all episodes of fluid overload, avoiding transfer to hemodialysis. Ultrafiltration was proportional to fluid overload ( p < 0.01) and inversely proportional to final peritoneal glucose concentration ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This preliminary clinical experience confirms the potential of SCPD to safely and effectively increase ultrafiltration of PD exchanges. It also shows peritoneal transport in a new dynamic context, enhancing the influence of factors unrelated to the osmotic gradient.
Shortage of Appendicular Skeletal Muscle is an Independent Risk Factor for Mortality in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Jin Sanli , Lu Qian , Su Chunyan , Pang Dong , Wang Tao
Published: June 2016

Background

Limited data are available on clinical outcomes among peritoneal dialysis patients with shortage of appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the shortage of ASM is an independent risk factor for mortality in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients.

Methods

Adult patients undergoing CAPD between March and August 2007 in a single center in China were recruited in this prospective cohort study. Body composition, protein/energy intake, clinical, and biochemical data were collected at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. End points were all-cause mortality by 12 September 2014. The mean follow-up time was 60.21 (± 24.45) months (11.00 – 89.00).

Results

Compared with the baseline, the mean value of ASM in CAPD patients decreased at 12 months (19.40 ± 5.60 vs 21.85 ± 6.14, p < 0.001). According to the estimation of patient survival by Kaplan-Meier, patients with a shortage of ASM had a worse survival rate than those with normal ASM (χ 2 = 16.588, p < 0.001). In the Cox's proportional hazards model, patients’ survival was independently associated with a shortage of ASM (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.318, p = 0.024, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.116 – 4.812). Standard daily protein intake (stDPI) and standard daily energy intake (stDEI) in patients with a shortage of ASM were significantly lower than those in patients with normal ASM in the first follow-up year ( t = 2.067, p = 0.041; t = 3.673, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

A shortage of ASM is an independent risk factor for mortality in CAPD patients. Further studies are needed to demonstrate that nutritional intervention helps with improving muscle mass and, consequently, the survival of CAPD patients.
NARROW-LINE X-RAY-SELECTED GALAXIES IN THE CHANDRA-COSMOS FIELD. II. OPTICALLY ELUSIVE X-RAY AGNs
Authors: Pons E. , Elvis M. , Civano F. , Watson M. G.
Published: June 2016

In the Chandra-COSMOS (C-COSMOS) survey, we have looked for X-ray-selected active galactic nuclei (AGNs), which are not detected as such in the optical, the so-called elusive AGNs. A previous study based on XMM-Newton and Sloan Digital Sky Survey observations has found a sample of 31 X-ray AGNs optically misclassified as star-forming (SF) galaxies at

, including 17 elusive Sy2s. Using Chandra observations provides a sample of fainter X-ray sources and so, for a given X-ray luminosity, extends to higher redshifts. To study the elusive Sy2s in the C-COSMOS field, we have removed the NLS1s that contaminate the narrow-line sample. Surprisingly, the contribution of NLS1s is much lower in the C-COSMOS sample (less than 10% of the optically misclassified X-ray AGNs) than in Pons & Watson. The optical misclassification of the X-ray AGNs (

) can be explained by the intrinsic weakness of these AGNs, in addition to, in some cases, optical dilution by the host galaxies. Interestingly, we found the fraction of elusive Sy2s (narrow emission-line objects) optically misclassified as SF galaxies up to

to be 10% ± 3% to 17% ± 4%, compared to the 6% ± 1.5% of the Pons & Watson work (up to

). This result seems to indicate an evolution with redshift of the number of elusive Sy2s.
THE WIDE-ANGLE OUTFLOW OF THE LENSED z = 1.51 AGN HS 0810+2554
Authors: Chartas G. , Cappi M. , Hamann F. , Eracleous M. , Strickland S. , Giustini M. , Misawa T.
Published: June 2016

We present results from X-ray observations of the gravitationally lensed z = 1.51 active galactic nucleus (AGN) HS 0810+2554 performed with the Chandra X-ray Observatory and XMM-Newton. Blueshifted absorption lines are detected in both observations at rest-frame energies ranging between ∼1 and 12 keV at ≳99% confidence. The inferred velocities of the outflowing components range between ∼0.1c and ∼0.4c. A strong emission line at ∼6.8 keV that is accompanied by a significant absorption line at ∼7.8 keV is also detected in the Chandra observation. The presence of these lines is a characteristic feature of a P-Cygni profile supporting the presence of an expanding, outflowing, highly ionized iron absorber in this quasar. Modeling of the P-Cygni profile constrains the covering factor of the wind to be ≳0.6, assuming disk shielding. A disk-reflection component is detected in the XMM-Newton observation accompanied by blueshifted absorption lines. The XMM-Newton observation constrains the inclination angle to be <45° at 90% confidence, assuming that the hard excess is due to blurred reflection from the accretion disk. The detection of an ultrafast and wide-angle wind in an AGN with intrinsic narrow absorption lines (NALs) would suggest that quasar winds may couple efficiently with the intergalactic medium and provide significant feedback if ubiquitous in all NAL and broad absorption line (BAL) quasars. We estimate the mass-outflow rate of the absorbers to lie in the range of 1.5–3.4 M
⊙ yr−1 for the two observations. We find that the fraction of kinetic to electromagnetic luminosity released by HS 0810+2554 is large (ϵ
k = 9

), which suggests that magnetic driving is likely a significant contributor to the acceleration of this outflow.
Parler clair et raison garder sur la question du genre
Authors: Chiland Colette
Published: June 2016

On parle à tort et à travers du genre et de la théorie du genre. Il est stupéfiant que personne, ni les dictionnaires ni les auteurs de livres entièrement consacrés au genre, ne se soucie de la manière dont gender , après avoir été emprunté par l’anglais au français gendre au xiv e siècle, est réapparu en anglais en 1955 avec un sens ancien réactualisé. On ne cite pas le texte fondateur écrit par John Money . Certes, pour diverses raisons, Money est maintenant voué aux gémonies. Mais surtout il est commode de disposer d’un mot joker qu’on peut employer comme on veut pour justifier son idéologie. Ce sera tantôt le rapport entre les sexes, tantôt la condition féminine, tantôt la critique des normes sociales ; ce sera le déni de la réalité biologique, qui fait que la procréation humaine est sexuée. Le genre est simplement le statut social en fonction du sexe construit par toutes les sociétés, qu’elles reconnaissent deux sexes ou davantage. Ce statut comporte de l’arbitraire. En particulier « une valence différentielle » a conduit à l’infériorisation de la femme. On ne saurait pour autant nier l’existence de la différence des sexes : l’inégalité des droits commence seulement quand on hiérarchise les différences. On ne peut pas changer de sexe biologique ; on peut inventer des statuts pour les situations difficiles , d’origine biologique ou autre, qui font souffrir les personnes : troubles du développement du sexe, transsexualisme, etc. Mais prétendre que choisir son sexe est un droit humain est une aberration.
La complexité des sexes. Construire son identité sexuée ?
Authors: Lippe Didier
Published: June 2016

La construction de l’identité sexuée s’inscrit dans le cours du développement de l’individu et appelle à des repères identificatoires et différenciateurs, certains invariants et d’autres pas, qui puisent leurs sources dans les trois domaines anatomo-biologique, sociétal et psychique, en interactions étroites. Cette construction est en lien avec l’évolution humaine et ses progrès ( pma ...) qui ré-interrogent aujourd’hui la place de l’hétérosexualité et des genres dans la société. Il en résulte une plus grande diversité des sexualités, et peut-être aussi des sexes, mais également certaines problématiques identitaires nouvelles.