bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Particle Size, Different Corn Stover Components, and Gas Residence Time on Torrefaction of Corn Stover
Authors: Medic Dorde , Darr Matthew , Shah Ajay , Rahn Sarah
Published: April 2012

Large scale biofuel production will be possible only if significant quantities of biomass feedstock can be stored, transported, and processed in an economic and sustainable manner. Torrefaction has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of transportation, storage, and downstream processing through the improvement of physical and chemical characteristics of biomass. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of particle size, plant components, and gas residence time on the production of torrefied corn (Zea mays) stover. Different particle sizes included 0.85 mm and 20 mm. Different stover components included ground corn stover, whole corn stalk, stalk shell and pith, and corn cob shell. Three different purge gas residence times were employed to assess the effects of interaction of volatiles and torrefied biomass. Elemental analyses were performed on all of the samples, and the data obtained was used to estimate the energy contents and energy yields of different torrefied biomass samples. Particle density, elemental composition, and fiber composition of raw biomass fractions were also determined. Stalk pith torrefied at 280 °C and stalk shell torrefied at 250 °C had highest and lowest dry matter loss, of about 44% and 13%, respectively. Stalk pith torrefied at 250 °C had lowest energy density of about 18–18.5 MJ/kg, while cob shell torrefied at 280 °C had the highest energy density of about 21.5 MJ/kg. The lowest energy yield, at 59%, was recorded for stalk pith torrefied at 280 °C, whereas cob and stalk shell torrefied at 250 °C had highest energy yield at 85%. These differences were a consequence of the differences in particle densities, hemicellulose quantities, and chemical properties of the original biomass samples. Gas residence time did not have a significant effect on the aforementioned parameters.
Repeated-Batch Ethanol Production from Sweet Sorghum Juice by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Immobilized on Sweet Sorghum Stalks
Authors: Ariyajaroenwong Pongthep , Laopaiboon Pattana , Jaisil Prasit , Laopaiboon Lakkana
Published: April 2012

Sweet sorghum stalks were used as a low cost carrier for immobilization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae NP 01 to produce ethanol from sweet sorghum juice. The effects on ethanol production of carrier size (6 × 6 × 6 to 20 × 20 × 20 mm3) and initial cell concentrations (5 × 107 to 2 × 108 cells mL−1) for cell immobilization were investigated. The ethanol production medium was the juice containing 230 g L−1 of total sugar without nutrient supplementation. The fermentations were carried out under static conditions in 500-mL air-locked Erlenmeyer flasks at 30 °C. The results showed that the optimum size of sorghum stalk pieces for repeated-batch ethanol production was 6 × 6 × 6 mm3, while the optimum initial cell concentration for the immobilization was 1.0 × 108 cells mL−1. The immobilized yeast under these conditions could be used for at least eight successive batches without any losses of ethanol production efficiencies. The average ethanol concentration, productivity and yield of the eight successive batches were 99.28 ± 3.53 g L−1, 1.36 ± 0.05 g L−1 h−1 and 0.47 ± 0.03 g g−1, respectively.
Field Experiments of PV-Thermal Collectors for Residential Application in Bangkok
Authors: Nualboonrueng Thipjak , Tuenpusa Pongpith , Ueda Yuki , Akisawa Atsushi
Published: April 2012

This study presents experimental results on Photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) solar systems, the commercial photovoltaic (PV) panels used as solar absorbers in PVT collectors, which are amorphous and multi-crystalline silicon. Testing was done with outdoor experiments in the climate of Bangkok corresponding to energy consumption behavior of medium size Thai families. The experimental results show that the thermal recovery of amorphous silicon PVT collector is almost the same as that of multi-crystalline silicon PVT collectors while electricity generation of multi crystalline silicon PVT is 1.2 times as much as that of amorphous silicon PVT. The maximum of heat gain from the PVT systems were obtained in March in summer. It was found that PVT collectors of unit area annually produced 1.1 × 103 kWh/m2 .year of heat and 55–83 kWh/m2.year of electricity, respectively. The results show that annual average solar factor of hot water supply is 0.45 for unit collector area. Economical evaluation based on energy costs in Thailand was conducted, which estimated the payback time would be 7 and 14 years for a-Si PVT and mc-Si PV, respectively.
Preparation and Characterization of Micronized Artemisinin via a Rapid Expansion of Supercritical Solutions (RESS) Method
Authors: Yu Huimin , Zhao Xiuhua , Zu Yuangang , Zhang Xinjuan , Zu Baishi , Zhang Xiaonan
Published: April 2012

The particle sizes of pharmaceutical substances are important for their bioavailability. Bioavailability can be improved by reducing the particle size of the drug. In this study, artemisinin was micronized by the rapid expansion of supercritical solutions (RESS). The particle size of the unprocessed white needle-like artemisinin particles was 30 to 1200 µm. The optimum micronization conditions are determined as follows: extraction temperature of 62 °C, extraction pressure of 25 MPa, precipitation temperature 45 °C and nozzle diameter of 1000 μm. Under the optimum conditions, micronized artemisinin with a (mean particle size) MPS of 550 nm is obtained. By analysis of variance (ANOVA), extraction temperature and pressure have significant effects on the MPS of the micronized artemisinin. The particle size of micronized artemisinin decreased with increasing extraction temperature and pressure. Moreover, the SEM, LC-MS, FTIR, DSC and XRD allowed the comparison between the crystalline initial state and the micronization particles obtained after the RESS process. The results showed that RESS process has not induced degradation of artemisinin and that processed artemisinin particles have lower crystallinity and melting point. The bulk density of artemisinin was determined before and after RESS process and the obtained results showed that it passes from an initial density of 0.554 to 0.128 g·cm−3 after the processing. The decrease in bulk density of the micronized powder can increase the liquidity of drug particles when they are applied for medicinal preparations. These results suggest micronized powder of artemisinin can be of great potential in drug delivery systems.
Rhinacanthus nasutus Extracts Prevent Glutamate and Amyloid-β Neurotoxicity in HT-22 Mouse Hippocampal Cells: Possible Active Compounds Include Lupeol, Stigmasterol and β-Sitosterol
Authors: Brimson James M. , Brimson Sirikalaya J. , Brimson Christopher A. , Rakkhitawatthana Varaporn , Tencomnao Tewin
Published: April 2012

The Herb Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz, which is native to Thailand and Southeast Asia, has become known for its antioxidant properties. Neuronal loss in a number of diseases including Alzheimer’s disease is thought to result, in part, from oxidative stress. Glutamate causes cell death in the mouse hippocampal cell line, HT-22, by unbalancing redox homeostasis, brought about by a reduction in glutathione levels, and amyloid-β has been shown to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Here in, we show that ethanol extracts of R. nasutus leaf and root are capable of dose dependently attenuating the neuron cell death caused by both glutamate and amyloid-β treatment. We used free radical scavenging assays to measure the extracts antioxidant activities and as well as quantifying phenolic, flavonoid and sterol content. Molecules found in R. nasutus, lupeol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol are protective against glutamate toxicity.
A DNA Network as an Information Processing System
Authors: Santini Cristina Costa , Bath Jonathan , Turberfield Andrew J. , Tyrrell Andy M.
Published: April 2012

Biomolecular systems that can process information are sought for computational applications, because of their potential for parallelism and miniaturization and because their biocompatibility also makes them suitable for future biomedical applications. DNA has been used to design machines, motors, finite automata, logic gates, reaction networks and logic programs, amongst many other structures and dynamic behaviours. Here we design and program a synthetic DNA network to implement computational paradigms abstracted from cellular regulatory networks. These show information processing properties that are desirable in artificial, engineered molecular systems, including robustness of the output in relation to different sources of variation. We show the results of numerical simulations of the dynamic behaviour of the network and preliminary experimental analysis of its main components.
Synthesis and Cytotoxic Activity of Some Novel N-Pyridinyl-2-(6-phenylimidazo[2,1-b]thiazol-3-yl)acetamide Derivatives
Authors: Ding Huaiwei , Chen Zhe , Zhang Cunlong , Xin Tian , Wang Yini , Song Hongrui , Jiang Yuyang , Chen Yuzong , Xu Yongnan , Tan Chunyan
Published: April 2012

A series of novel compounds bearing imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole scaffolds were designed and synthesized based on the optimization of the virtual screening hit compound N-(6-morpholinopyridin-3-yl)-2-(6-phenylimidazo[2,1-b]thiazol-3-yl)acetamide (5a), and tested for their cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines, including HepG2 and MDA-MB-231. The results indicated that the compound 2-(6-(4-chlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]thiazol-3-yl)-N-(6-(4-(4-methoxybenzyl)piperazin-1-yl)pyridin-3-yl)acetamide (5l), with slightly higher inhibition on VEGFR2 than 5a (5.72% and 3.76% inhibitory rate at 20 μM, respectively), was a potential inhibitor against MDA-MB-231 (IC50 = 1.4 μM) compared with sorafenib (IC50 = 5.2 μM), and showed more selectivity against MDA-MB-231 than HepG2 cell line (IC50 = 22.6 μM).
Simultaneous Determination of Salidroside and Its Aglycone Metabolite p-Tyrosol in Rat Plasma by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Guo Na , Hu Zhiwei , Fan Xiaoxu , Zheng Jian , Zhang Dehui , Xu Tao , Yu Tao , Wang Yang , Li Haiying
Published: April 2012

Salidroside and its aglycone p-tyrosol are two major phenols in the genus Rhodiola and have been confirmed to possess various pharmacological properties. In our present study, p-tyrosol was identified as the deglycosylation metabolite of salidroside after intravenous (i.v.) administration to rats at a dose of 50 mg/kg, but was not detectable after intragastric gavage (i.g.) administration through HPLC-photodiode array detection (PDA) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Next, an accurate and precise LC-MS/MS method was developed to quantitatively determine salidroside and p-tyrosol in rat plasma samples. Samples were analyzed by LC-MS/MS on a reverse-phase xTerra MS C18 column which was equilibrated and eluted with an isocratic mixture of acetonitrile-water (1:9, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The analytes were monitored by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) under the negative electrospray ionization mode. The precursor/product transitions (m/z) were 299.0→118.8 for salidroside, 137.0→118.9 for p-tyrosol and 150.1→106.9 for the internal standard (IS), paracetamol, respectively. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration ranges of 50–2,000 ng/mL for salidroside and 20–200 ng/mL for p-tyrosol. The inter- and intra-day accuracy and precision were within ±15%. The method has been successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study and the oral bioavailability was calculated.
Microfluidic-Based Synthesis of Hydrogel Particles for Cell Microencapsulation and Cell-Based Drug Delivery
Authors: Wan Jiandi
Published: April 2012

Encapsulation of cells in hydrogel particles has been demonstrated as an effective approach to deliver therapeutic agents. The properties of hydrogel particles, such as the chemical composition, size, porosity, and number of cells per particle, affect cellular functions and consequently play important roles for the cell-based drug delivery. Microfluidics has shown unparalleled advantages for the synthesis of polymer particles and been utilized to produce hydrogel particles with a well-defined size, shape and morphology. Most importantly, during the encapsulation process, microfluidics can control the number of cells per particle and the overall encapsulation efficiency. Therefore, microfluidics is becoming the powerful approach for cell microencapsulation and construction of cell-based drug delivery systems. In this article, I summarize and discuss microfluidic approaches that have been developed recently for the synthesis of hydrogel particles and encapsulation of cells. I will start by classifying different types of hydrogel material, including natural biopolymers and synthetic polymers that are used for cell encapsulation, and then focus on the current status and challenges of microfluidic-based approaches. Finally, applications of cell-containing hydrogel particles for cell-based drug delivery, particularly for cancer therapy, are discussed.
Land Reforms and the Tragedy of the Anticommons—A Case Study from Cambodia
Authors: Loehr Dirk
Published: April 2012

Most of the land reforms of recent decades have followed an approach of “formalization and capitalization” of individual land titles (de Soto 2000). However, within the privatization agenda, benefits of unimproved land (such as land rents and value capture) are reaped privately by well-organized actors, whereas the costs of valorization (e.g., infrastructure) or opportunity costs of land use changes are shifted onto poorly organized groups. Consequences of capitalization and formalization include rent seeking and land grabbing. In developing countries, formal law often transpires to work in favor of the winners of the titling process and is opposed by the customary rights of the losers. This causes a lack of general acknowledgement of formalized law (which is made responsible for deprivation of livelihoods of vulnerable groups) and often leads to a clash of formal and customary norms. Countries may fall into a state of de facto anarchy and “de facto open access”. Encroachment and destruction of natural resources may spread. A reframing of development policy is necessary in order to fight these aberrations. Examples and evidence are provided from Cambodia, which has many features in common with other countries in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa in this respect.
Chemistry of polyhalogenated nitrobutadienes, 10: Synthesis of highly functionalized heterocycles with a rigid 6-amino-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane moiety
Authors: Zapol’skii Viktor A , Namyslo Jan C , de Meijere Armin , Kaufmann Dieter E
Published: April 2012

The nitropolychlorobutadienes 3, 4 are valuable building blocks for various amination and successive heterocyclization products. Nucleophilic substitution reactions of the partially protected, bioactive amines 1, 2 with either vinyl, imidoyl or carbonyl chlorides result in the formation of the enamines 11, 12, 13, 16, 25, the amidine 6, and the amides 20, 21, respectively. In the following, cyclization to the highly functionalized pyrazoles 27, 28, pyrimidine 26 and pyridopyrimidine 24 succeeded. Deprotection of 21, 12 and 28 proved to be only partially feasible.
THE ROLE OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE IN URBAN SITES OF LITHUANIA / ARCHEOLOGIJOS PAVELDO VAIDMUO LIETUVOS URBANISTINĖSE VIETOVĖSE
Authors: Jurevičienė Jūratė
Published: April 2012

The present paper aims to reveal current tendencies of archaeological heritage research as well as their presentation and interpretation in public spaces of historic centres of cities and towns in Lithuania. Such archaeological heritage is distinctive by its abundance, variety and authenticity. There are still many possibilities to reveal and present its value. Unfortunately, systematic and thorough archaeological investigations have not been conducted during the last two decades. The status of the state protected heritage site does not guarantee preservation of features that have cultural value. Archaic objects of archaeological heritage – such as castle mounds in historic centres of towns – require a more effective approach to integral preservation of both cultural and natural features. Discovered fragments of field-stone pavements are especially typical to excavations carried out during last decades. Nowadays, such preserved pavements serve their purpose in open spaces of urban centres. Presentation and interpretation of archaeological heritage still remain the most problematic aspects of preserved archaeological remains. The lack of systematic research, indeterminate responsibility for maintenance of public spaces, and private interests of investors result in poor reflection of archaeological value in the present architectural image particular to squares and streets of many historic urban sites of Lithuania. Santrauka Nagrinėjamos archeologinio paveldo istoriniuose Lietuvos miestų ir miestelių centruose urbanistinės kraštovaizdinės vertės išsaugojimo, eksponavimo ir interpretavimo problemos. Analizuojami pastarųjų kelerių metų svarbesnieji archeologinių objektų ir kompleksų Lietuvos miestuose ir miesteliuose tyrimų bei tvarkybos pavyzdžiai. Atskleidžiami archeologinių darinių vertės aspektai, lemiantys urbanistinėje aplinkoje išlikusio archeologinio paveldo kultūrinį pažintinį potencialą. Siekiama atskleisti dabartiniame Lietuvos miestų ir miestelių istorinių branduolių formavimo laikotarpiu archeologinėms kultūrinėms vertybėms iškylančias grėsmes ir jų pritaikymo galimybes kuriant darnią aplinką.
THE TRANSFORMATION OF LITHUANIAN HERITAGE PRESERVATION SYSTEM IN 1987–1995 YEARS: BETWEEN VISION AND REALITY / 1987–1995 M. PAVELDOSAUGOS TRANSFORMACIJOS: TARP VIZIJOS IR TIKROVĖS
Authors: Medvedevienė Daiva
Published: April 2012

The article analyses the Lithuanian system of the cultural heritage preservation and it's transformations from the 1987 to 1995. It was evident, that the system, formed during the Soviet era, does not ensure the preservation of the Lithuanian culture heritage. Consequently, after regain of Lithuania independence, the first aim was to form the completely new system of the cultural heritage preservation. The set up goals in this article are to ascertain the factors, which encouraged Lithuanian society to consider the necessity of the formation the new system, to define the initial vision, which in the beginning was seen by the heritage preservationists, to explore the process of the development of the modern Lithuanian heritage preservation system, to define the final results and to compare them with the primary vision. The main question is, did the embodied system correspond to the initial concept?

Santrauka

Straipsnyje nagrinėjama Lietuvos paveldo apsaugos sistemos reformavimo 1987–1995 m. problematika. Sovietiniais metais veikusi paveldo apsaugos sistema buvo neefektyvi ir neužtikrino Lietuvos kultūros paveldo įvairovės išsaugojimo. Todėl jau atgimimo laikotarpiu buvo suvoktas paveldosaugos sistemos reformavimo būtinumas. Straipsnyje siekiama atskleisti, kokios priežastys paskatino visuomenę prabilti apie sistemos reformos būtinumą, kokia buvo regima naujoji paveldo apsaugos sistema ir kaip pavyko ją įgyvendinti, ar galutiniai reformos rezultatai atitiko pradinę viziją?
THREE STORIES FROM THE MARGINS OF LITHUANIAN HERITAGE PROTECTION / IŠ LIETUVIŠKOS PAVELDOSAUGOS PARAŠČIŲ: TRYS ISTORIJOS
Authors: Lukšionytė Nijolė
Published: April 2012

The article discusses three objects of Kaunas architectural heritage, which represent different cases of heritage treatment in the years of independence. In Soviet times, a building of the Communist Party Committee blocked the gothic church of St Gertrude to an enclosed yard. This building was demolished by the civic initiative organised by the Sąjūdis movement in 1989. The church was restored using the state funds in 1991–1994.

A small wooden suburban manor was built in Baritonai Street in the middle of the 19th century. It had belonged to the Petravičiai family for one hundred years. The house has been deserted since 1994. The local authority of Kaunas has been working on privatisation documents for so long that the house has entirely crumbled.

A detached house of the famous architect Vytautas Landsbergis-Žemkalnis represents the interwar modernism. After restoration of independence, it was returned to his family. The family sold the house. Although it was included to the Register of Cultural Property and declared protected by the state, the new owners have transformed the exterior of the house completely in 2004–2005.

The two last-mentioned examples symptomatically reveal a crisis of values in Lithuanian heritage protection. A punctilious legalism enables institutions responsible for heritage protection to hide under the veil of law-making rather than bother with alternative possibilities of preservation.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje aptariami trys Kauno architektūros paveldo objektai, reprezentuojantys skirtingus elgesio su paveldu atvejus nepriklausomybės metais. Gotikinę Šv. Gertrūdos bažnyčią į uždarą kiemą užblokavęs komunistų partijos komiteto pastatas buvo nugriautas Atgimimo sąjūdžio organizuotos visuomenės iniciatyva 1989 m., o pati bažnyčia 1991–1994 m. restauruota valstybės lėšomis. Medinis XIX a. vidurio priemiesčio dvarelis Baritonų g. 6, šimtą metų priklausęs Petravičių šeimai, nuo 1994 m. stovi tuščias, miesto savivaldybė tol rengė dokumentus privatizacijai, kol namas visai sugriuvo. Žymaus architekto Vytauto Landsbergio-Žemkalnio kotedžas, reprezentuojantis tarpukario modernizmą, atkūrus nepriklausomybę buvo grąžintas šeimai. Jos nariai namą pardavė, naujieji savininkai 2004–2005 m. visiškai pertvarkė išorę, nors objektas jau buvo įtrauktas į Kultūros vertybių registrą ir paskelbtas valstybės saugomu. Šie du pavyzdžiai simptomiškai atskleidžia vertybių krizę Lietuvos paveldo apsaugos srityje. Utilitarus legalizmas leidžia paveldosaugos institucijoms prisidengti įstatymo formule ir nesivarginti ieškant alternatyvių išsaugojimo galimybių.
THE SPIRIT OF THE PLACE – THE PROBLEM OF (RE)CREATING / VIETOS DVASIOS KŪRIMO (ATKŪRIMO) PROBLEMA
Authors: Markevičienė Jūratė
Published: April 2012

The presented research focuses on sociocultural ability to (re)create spirit of a heritage site. The author defines a human habitat as a socio-cultural rhizome, and genius loci – as an intangible quality of a material site, perceived both physically and spiritually. Genius loci sites are identified as physical realities, and as mediators and media of societal interactions at the same time; they possess a distinguishable set of fundamental framework attributes: integrity, complementarity, continuity, a touch of eternity, nonevidence, being both a reality and an entity, and rhizomatousness. From this theoretical perspective the author defines conservation as an arboric, and sustenance of continuity – as a rhizomatic phenomenon, and makes a comparative identification of basic attributes, qualities, objectives, activities, and outcomes of the both systemic phenomena. The research resulted in two basic conclusions. First, that – though, due to on-going cultural shift in interactions with history, reconstructions gain in popularity – genius loci sites cannot be created or re-created intentionally, because they are happenings, and not creations. Second, that heritage conservation cannot substitute sustenance of traditional habitats, however, nowadays it plays an irreplaceable crucial role in safeguarding of tangible heritage, and this way becomes a cradle for emerging future cultural traditions.

Santrauka

Pateikiamame tyrime nagrinėjamos sociokultūrinės galimybės (at)kurti paveldo vietų ir vietovių dvasią. Autorė apibrėžia žmogaus buveines kaip sociokultūrines rizomas, o genius loci – kaip nematerialią materialios vietovės savybę, kurią suvokiame tiek fiziškai, tiek dvasiškai. Genius loci vietovės yra identifikuojamos tiek kaip fizinė tikrovė, tiek kaip socialinių interakcijų tarpininkai ir terpė; šioms vietovėms būdinga išskiriančių pamatinių savybių sankaupa: integralumas, papildomumas, tęstinumas, amžinybės dvelksmas, neakivaizdumas, buvimas realybe ir esiniu vienu metu, rizomiškumas. Šiuo teoriniu rakursu autorė apibrėžia paveldo saugą kaip medžio pavidalo (angl. arboric) sistemos, o tąsos palaikymą – kaip šakniagumbinės (rizominės) sistemos reiškinį, identifikuoja bei lygina abiejų sisteminių reiškinių požymius, savybes, siekinius, veiklą ir padarinius. Remiantis tyrimo rezultatais daromos dvi išvados. Pirma, nors dėl vykstančios kultūros slinkties ir kintančios sąveikos su istorija populiarėja atstatymas ir atkūrimas, genius loci vietovės negali būti tikslingai sukurtos arba atkurtos, nes yra ne kūriniai, bet atsitikimai. Antra, paveldo sauga negali būti tradicinių žmogaus buveinių tąsos palaikymo pakaitalas, tačiau mūsų laikais ji atlieka esminį ir niekuo nepamainomą vaidmenį – išsaugo materialųjį paveldą ir taip tampa ateityje galinčių atsirasti kultūrinių tradicijų lopšiu.
Load Reduction in Lead–Lag Dampers by Speed-Scheduled Aperture and Modulated Control of a Bypass Valve
Authors: Bottasso Carlo L. , Cacciola Stefano , Croce Alessandro , Dozio Lorenzo
Published: April 2012

Existing hydraulic dampers are passive devices, and their damping characteristics cannot be adapted to the varying damping needs of each different flight condition of a rotorcraft. Therefore, dampers and their interfaces to the rotor system are constantly subjected to large damping
forces, which contribute to their damage and wear. In this work, we consider the possible use of a bypass valve as a means to reduce loads while still providing the required amount of damping for safe flight. Two different policies for the use of the bypass are considered: In the first and
simplest of the two, the valve is opened of a constant amount, which varies only as a function of the vehicle flight speed, whereas in the second the valve aperture is modulated as a function of blade azimuth using a higher harmonic feedback law. The investigation on the load-reduction capabilities
of the bypass augmented damper is conducted by using validated mathematical models of the A109E Power helicopter and of its damper. It is found that both policies are capable of delivering the required level of damping at substantially reduced loads, which for the speed-scheduled aperture
drop at values that range between 30% and 60%, depending on the flight condition, of the loads generated by the standard passive device, and for the higher harmonic modulated law at values around 20%–25%.
Die etiek van sending as anti-Kyriargale bemagtiging en liefdesdiens: ‘n Fokus op 1 Tessalonisense en mag of bemagtiging
Authors: Kok Jacobus
Published: April 2012

The Christian concept ‘mission’ is experienced by some as a negative term in the post- modern age of relativism and sensitivity with regard to the perspective and the rights of others. In this article it is postulated that the term ‘mission’ is only negative when mission is understood as an aggressive propagandistic persuasion of others from a position of power (moral high ground). This definition however, is a result of a male-dominated, Kyriarchal (male dominated) perspective, and by implication is ethnocentric and reductionistic in nature. Feminist and postcolonial perspectives open the way for an alternative definition of ‘mission’, which can open up fresh perspectives about mission and ethics in the early Church and these could be considered and in turn could have far-reaching implications for the manner in which the Christian mission is understood in a post-modern context. In this article it is investigated in which way the early Christian ethics of mission created the space within which traditional imperial dominance, gender, race and ethnicity was transformed with an alternative symbolic universe resulting from a reconceptualisation of power or empowerment and loving service from a Christological perspective.
Excessive Muscle Paralysis Due to Pulmonary Carcinoid –-A Case Report
Authors: Tryfon Stavros , Parisis Valantis , Ioannis Kakoulidis , Saroglou Maria , Leonidas Sakkas , Despina Dimopoulou , Asterios Karagyannis , Alexandros Garyfallos
Published: April 2012

We present the case of a 58-year-old woman with a renin secreting typical bronchopulmonary carcinoid. This patient showed hypotension, constipation and fatigue due to extensive hypokaliemia (K = 1.9 meq/L). Aldosterone (102.7 ng/100 mL) and renin (46 ng/mL) were excessively elevated at that time, but cortisol level was normal. Routine chest roentgenography and computed tomography revealed a nodular lesion in the upper left lung lobe, which was suspicious for a neurosecretory pulmonary tumor. The final diagnosis was made by using bronchoscopic procedures and the histologically diagnosis was compatible as a typical pulmonary carcinoid. The tumor was resected curatively, and the renin and aldosterone level became normal. A year after the patient looks healthy.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover, Dose-Ranging Multicenter Study to Determine the Effect of Sublingual Nitroglycerin Spray on Exercise Capacity in Patients with Chronic Stable Angina
Authors: Thadani Udho , Wittig Thomas
Published: April 2012

Background

Sublingual nitroglycerin increases exercise duration in patients with stable angina. Brief results from this study were published previously in German. Here, we more fully describe the study methodology, patient characteristics, and detailed results.

Methods

This double-blind, crossover study enrolled 51 patients with stable angina. Patients were randomized to 1 of 5 treatment sequences and were administered placebo or nitroglycerin spray (0.2 mg, 0.4 mg, 0.8 mg, or 1.6 mg). Patients carried out 1 control exercise tolerance test (ETT) and 1 investigational ETT at each visit.

Results

Dose-dependent increases in time to onset of angina, time to onset of moderate angina, and the occurrence of a minimum 1.0-mm ST-segment depression were seen following administration of nitroglycerin spray.

Conclusions

These results support the use of sublingual nitroglycerin spray in patients with stable angina who are being managed with medical therapy and in patients who have persistent angina post-revascularization.
Primary Extra-gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of Retroperitoneum
Authors: Casella Claudio , Villanacci Vincenzo , D'adda Filippo , Codazzi Manuela , Salerni Bruno
Published: April 2012

Background

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. More rarely neoplasms with histology and immunohistochemistry similar to GISTs may occur outside the gastrointestinal tract (omentum, mesentery and retroperitoneum) and are so-called Extra-gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (EGISTs). EGISTs arising in the retroperitoneum are extremely rare: to date, only 58 cases have been reported in the literature.

Case Report

We herein report a case of a primary EGIST of the retroperitoneum surgically treated. The pre-operative radiological evaluation showed a retroperitoneal mass, placed in left paravertebral region.

Results

Morphological and immunohistochemical features led to a diagnosis of extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumor (intermediate-low risk form).

Conclusions

As a result of the rarity of reports of primary EGISTs of retroperitoneum we need to analyze the data of reported cases in order to gain a better understanding about the pathogenesis, prognosis and optimal treatment of this disease.
Clinical Use of Tolterodine Extended Release in Overactive Bladder
Authors: Adli Oussama El Yazami , Corcos Jacques
Published: April 2012

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common problem whose prevalence increases with advancing age and compromises health-related quality of life. Tolterodine was the first antimuscarinic drug specifically designed to treat OAB.

Through MEDLINE, we reviewed articles, standardization reports and meeting abstracts, published between 2001 and 2011, on the efficacy and tolerability of Tolterodine extended release (ER). Our search terms included Tolterodine, extended release, overactive bladder, therapeutic use, efficacy, tolerance, and adverse events.

Tolterodine ER, via steady drug release during the daytime, gives the benefit of constant serum concentration and thus better efficacy and tolerability in comparison to Tolterodine immediate release, even in elderly patients with co-morbid conditions.
Promoter Sequences Prediction Using Relational Association Rule Mining
Authors: Czibula Gabriela , Bocicor Maria-Iuliana , Czibula Istvan Gergely
Published: April 2012

In this paper we are approaching, from a computational perspective, the problem of promoter sequences prediction, an important problem within the field of bioinformatics. As the conditions for a DNA sequence to function as a promoter are not known, machine learning based classification models are still developed to approach the problem of promoter identification in the DNA. We are proposing a classification model based on relational association rules mining. Relational association rules are a particular type of association rules and describe numerical orderings between attributes that commonly occur over a data set. Our classifier is based on the discovery of relational association rules for predicting if a DNA sequence contains or not a promoter region. An experimental evaluation of the proposed model and comparison with similar existing approaches is provided. The obtained results show that our classifier overperforms the existing techniques for identifying promoter sequences, confirming the potential of our proposal.
Article Commentary: Lessons Learned from the September 11th Disaster: A State Health Agency Perspective
Authors: Lin Shao , Mauer Matthew P. , Jones Rena , Herdt-Losavio Michele L. , Hwang Syni-An A. , Fitzgerald Edward F.
Published: April 2012

The New York State Department of Health has conducted a number of studies over the past 10 years investigating health impacts related to the September 11, 2001 (9/11) disaster among New York City residents and New York State World Trade Center (WTC) responders. Efforts to evaluate the health effects of WTC exposures in these cohorts presented numerous challenges, including study design and associated concerns about bias, identifying the affected populations, gaining community support and participation, and determining the most appropriate clinical testing and follow-up approaches. The unique position of a state public health agency provided multiple points of support for these efforts. An overview of what was found and the lessons learned during the response to the 9/11 disaster is presented, from the viewpoint of a state public health agency.
Clinical Performance of a Novel Portable epoc™ Analyzer for Arterial Blood Gas and Electrolyte Testing in Operating Rooms
Authors: Sugino Shigekazu , Ishioka Yoshiya , Tachibana Shun-suke , Hayase Tomo , Yamakage Michiaki
Published: April 2012

Background

A new blood gas analyzer (epoc™, Epocal Inc.) has recently been developed for the ambulatory monitoring of respiration and electrolyte balance. However, the accuracy of this instrument has not been fully elucidated. The present study compares the performance of the epoc™ analyzer and a conventional bench-top analyzer in operating rooms.

Materials and Methods

Fifty blood samples were collected from anesthetized surgical patients and three samples were collected from volunteers into syringes containing lithium heparin. pH, pCO2, pO2, Na+, K+ Ca2+, glucose, lactate and hemoglobin levels were measured using both the epoc™ and calibrated ABL700™ analyzers (Radiometer). Data were statistically analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots.

Results

Results showed excellent agreement between the values measured using the epoc™ analyzer and those obtained using the ABL700™ analyzer, except for Na+.

Conclusions

The epoc™ analyzer is useful in clinical settings, including operating rooms.
A semilinear problem with a $W^{1,1}_0$ solution
Authors: Boccardo Lucio , Croce Gisella , Orsina Luigi
Published: April 2012

We study a degenerate elliptic equation, proving the existence of a

W^{1,1}_0

distributional solution.
Local integrability for solutions to some quasilinear elliptic systems
Authors: Leonetti Francesco , Petricca Pier Vincenzo
Published: April 2012

In this paper we prove local integrability for weak solutions

u

of quasilinear elliptic systems whose off-diagonal coefficients are small when

|u|

is large.
Some remarks concerning the rank of mapping tori and ascending HNN-extensions of abelian groups
Authors: Amoroso Francesco , Zannier Umberto
Published: April 2012

Let

A

be a matrix in GL

_d(Z)

of infinite order. In a recent paper, G. Levitt and V. Metaftsis prove that for any sufficiently large integer

n

the matrix

A^n

is not conjugated to a companion matrix. We first prove a local version of this theorem. Then, we give an effective statement, using diophantine methods. We also discuss several related problems.
Compactified Jacobians of Néron type
Authors: Caporaso Lucia
Published: April 2012

We characterize stable curves

X

whose compactified degree-

d

Jacobian is of Néron type. This means the following: for any one-parameter regular smoothing of

X

, the special fiber of the Néron model of the Jacobian is isomorphic to a dense open subset of the degree-

d

compactified Jacobian of

X

. It is well known that compactified Jacobians of Néron type have the best modular properties, and that they are endowed with a mapping property useful for applications.
Hip Precautions following Primary Total Hip Replacement: A National Survey of Current Occupational Therapy Practice
Authors: Drummond Avril , Coole Carol , Brewin Catherine , Sinclair Emma
Published: April 2012

Background:

The aim of this research was to investigate the day-to-day work of occupational therapists with patients following elective total hip replacement (THR). The research question was ‘What is routine practice in United Kingdom (UK) occupational therapy in advising on hip precautions following primary THR?’

Method:

A questionnaire was designed and piloted. Following minor revisions, 263 questionnaires were posted to occupational therapists in the UK.

Results:

Responses were analysed from 174 occupational therapists from 65 counties in the UK. There was generally consensus from therapists about which movements should be avoided postoperatively, on the activities discussed and practised with patients and on the equipment supplied. However, there was variation in the reasons given to justify precautions, on the timescales for precautions to be followed and on the amount of time spent with patients, in relation to both face-to-face contact and administration.

Discussion and conclusion:

Although more is now known about the content of occupational therapy following THR, this research has highlighted areas of disagreement and a lack of consensus in the reasoning behind using precautions. There is now a need to evaluate whether precautions are effective in preventing dislocation and this study provides an important first step in doing so.
Self-Management of Upper Limb Recovery after Stroke: How Effectively Do Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists Train Clients and Carers?
Authors: Bower Kylie , Gustafsson Louise , Hoffmann Tammy , Barker Ruth
Published: April 2012

Aim:

A self-management approach to upper limb management following stroke has received little attention in the literature. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of occupational therapists' and physiotherapists' standard practice on clients' and carers' self-management of upper limb recovery.

Method:

Fifteen clients, 7 carers, 11 occupational therapists and 7 physiotherapists were recruited. Therapists described five self-administered tasks they expected clients and carers were doing, using the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). For each task, clients' and carers' performances were then evaluated using the GAS and their self-efficacy was rated on a 10-point Likert scale. A survey questionnaire investigated their perceptions of the training provided, with respect to a self-management approach.

Results:

At least a quarter of the self-administered tasks related to upper limb activity, strengthening and secondary prevention were performed below therapists' expectations. In contrast, mean self-efficacy ratings across these tasks were high (clients = 7.8–9.5, carers = 8.5–8.9). Seventy per cent of the self-management training strategies listed in the survey questionnaire were considered missing by more than 40% of carers.

Conclusion:

There is a need for therapy resources that enhance the content and delivery of self-management training related to upper limb management following stroke, particularly for carers.
Independence: An Analysis of a Complex and Core Construct in Occupational Therapy
Authors: Bonikowsky Sarah , Musto Amanda , Suteu Kerry Ann , MacKenzie Sherry , Dennis Donna
Published: April 2012

Introduction:

Independence is a core concept in occupational therapy, but there is little consensus within the profession upon a universal definition. The present study employed a critical interpretive synthesis to examine two fundamental research questions: ‘How is independence conceptualised in quantitative and qualitative research within occupational therapy?’ and ‘How does the term “independence”, in its present use, critically impact occupational therapy policy and practice?’

Method:

Articles pertaining to occupational therapy and contributing to the definition of independence within the profession were examined. Three successive levels of coding — open, axial and selective — were used to analyse 19 final articles.

Findings:

From the literature, nine definition themes emerged: function, autonomy and competence, control, context, culture, environment, personal attributes and safety. These themes were then organised into three categories: personal factors, environmental factors and continuum, which were synthesised together to create a model that addresses all factors critical to the composition of independence. In addition, four clinical themes developed: goal of occupational therapy, client-therapist relationship, variable definitions in occupational therapy practice and limitations of present practice.

Conclusion:

Through the formalisation of the integral components of independence, this study enables a standardised foundation for the examination of this core concept across the profession.
Considering Violence: The Dark Side of Occupation
Authors: Twinley Rebecca , Addidle Gareth
Published: April 2012

This opinion piece discusses current thinking on, and approaches to, violence from the fields of occupational therapy, occupational science and criminology. A change in how occupation is both defined and examined is anticipated, rather than considering only prosocial occupations. The authors propose the need for an increase in work that explores the impact of antisocial occupations upon other occupations and upon health and wellbeing; occupational therapists and scientists must, therefore, develop their theory, practice and research to include due consideration of antisocial occupations. Owing to the primary author's interests, there is a focus upon the antisocial occupation of violence.
Fear Culture II
Authors: Mert Miss Nevin
Published: April 2012

What is fear? Is it something innate or learned or ever something very complex to understand? Fear takes an important place in human lives, and it also has different definitions. Even though we experience and use the concept such as fear, we do not exactly know what fear ever means. However, why do we experience fear? So, this research is done in order to understand the concept of fear in more detailed. The purpose of the study is to see what kind of fear types do we have, and where fear ever comes from. In the research we explain fear in terms of developmental, humanistic, behaviourist, social aspects and also in terms of public relations. Since this study is done in Turkey, the issues are taken according to Turkish culture as well. However, the aim of the study is to make observation on the issue whether Turkey experiences fear or not. On the other words, whether Turkey is a “fear culture” in its own. In order to observe it (whether Turkey is a fear culture or not), we used the cultural aspects of the particular regions such as the observations of West and East parts of the country. The findings showed that even though the fear does exist, the types and reasons of fear show huge differences. Keywords: Fear; Fear Types; Turkey as a Fear Culture
SME Lending: A Long Term Commitment towards the Development of Industry
Authors: Hassan M. Taimoor , Zaid Mudassar , Waqas Muhammad , Rafique Sayyida Rahat , Tathir Muntaha , Tanveer Aiman , Hameed Asma , Anwar Abia
Published: April 2012

Purpose: The basic purpose is to find out the impacts of SME lending on their development. While conducting the research, a clear objective was established in order to explore the relationship between SME lending and its ultimate impact on the development of SME sector in Bahawalpur, considered as SME Concentrated market of the economy. Design/methodology/approach: The research have been conducted utilizing the actual data with the help of a questionnaire based on the literature studies extensively on SME’s lending and the impact on its development to explore the attributes which leads towards the establishment of SME’s lending in Bahawalpur region. A new dimension is added by conducting research on SME’s lending and the impact on its development in Bahawalpur region, taking sample of 100 respondents from 20 banks and their customers. Findings: Factors abstracted from the market concentration, commercial vs. SME’s lending, issues of SME’s lending, Term of loan, size of enterprises, self employment in SME sector that  they are significantly associated with SME’s establishment. Research limitations/ implication: The results found are based on available material being studied. A structured questionnaire has been used to collect data from a sample of 100 SMEs being financed by financial institutions of Bahawalpur region. Practical implications: The financial institutions in Pakistan are needed to take initiative in creating awareness about SME’s lending and providing more effective services to their customers. The results can be generalized on over all SME lending practices in Bahawalpur region. The facilities to cottage industry could be made from the effective use of findings in this paper. Originality/ value: This is one of the very first researches on SME’s lending and the impact on its development conducted in Bahawalpur region and could be very useful for countries adopting SME’S lending. Key words: SME lending, SME’s establishment, Cottage industry, SME Financing, Small Loans.
A Political Economy of the African School as a Learning Organization
Authors: Noah AOK
Published: April 2012

Total enterprise and the marketization of schooling as implied and currently practiced hold no good for the poor African child. The poor African needs to be protected from the consequences and excesses of the free market. The paper concludes that learning organization is a pseudonym for marketization and intellectual pauperization.