bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of the Main Bioactive Components of San-ao Decoction and Its Series of Formulations
Authors: Shu Xiaoyun , Tang Yuping , Jiang Chenxue , Shang Erxing , Fan Xinshen , Ding Anwei
Published: November 2012

A high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method with diode array detection (DAD) was established for simultaneous determination of seven main bioactive components in San-ao decoction and its series of formulae (San-ao decoction, Wu-ao decoction, Qi-ao decoction and Jia-wei San-ao decoction). Seven compounds were analyzed simultaneously with a XTerra C18 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 µm) using a linear gradient elution of a mobile phase containing acetonitrile (A) and a buffer solution (0.02 mol/L potassium dihydrogen phosphate and adjusted to pH 3 using phosphoric acid) (B); the flow rate was 1.0 mL/min. The sample was detected with DAD at 210, 254 and 360 nm and the column was maintained at 30 °C. All the compounds showed good linearity (r2 > 0.9984) in the tested concentration range. The precisions were evaluated by intra-day and inter-day tests, and relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) values within the range of 0.83%–2.53% and 0.64%–2.77% were reported, respectively. The recoveries of the quantified compounds were observed to cover a range from 95.34% and 104.82% with R.S.D. values less than 2.72%. The validated method was successfully applied for the simultaneous determination of seven main bioactive components including ephedrine (1), amygdalin (2), liquiritin (3), benzoic acid (4), isoliquiritin (5), formononetin (6) and glycyrrhizic acid (7) in San-ao decoction and its series of formulae. The results also showed a wide variation in the content of the identified active compounds in these samples, which could also be helpful to illustrate the drug interactions after some herbs combined in different formulations.
The Effects of Davallic Acid from Davallia divaricata Blume on Apoptosis Induction in A549 Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Cheng An-Sheng , Chang We-Chang , Cheng Yu-Hsiang , Chen Kai-Yu , Chen Kai-Hsien , Chang Tsu-Liang
Published: November 2012

Traditional or folk medicinal herbs continue to be prescribed in the treatment of various diseases and conditions in many cultures. Recent scientific efforts have focused on the potential roles of extracts of traditional herbs as alternative and complementary medications for cancer treatment. In Taiwan, Davallia divaricata Blume has been traditionally employed in folk medicine for therapy of lung cancer, davallic acid being the major active compound of D. divaricata Blume. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory activity of davallic acid on the proliferation of A549 lung cancer cells. Davallic acid was extracted from D. divaricata Blume, and its effects on cell viability, cell cycle distribution, ROS level, and apoptotic protein expression in A549 cells were determined. Davallic acid significantly induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation as well as caspase-3, -8, and -9 activation, thereby repressing A549 cell growth and elevating apoptotic activity. Since lung cancer has a high incidence of recurrence, these results indicate that davallic acid may have the potential to be a natural anti-lung cancer compound, and may provide a basis for further study of its use in combating cancer.
Enhancement of Epimedium Fried with Suet Oil Based on in Vivo Formation of Self-Assembled Flavonoid Compound Nanomicelles
Authors: Cui Li , Sun E , Zhang Zhen-Hai , Tan Xiao-Bin , Wei Ying-Jie , Jin Xin , Jia Xiao-Bin
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this work was to research the enhancement of Epimedium fried with suet oil based on the in vivo formation self-assembled flavonoid nanomicelles. Taking icariin as the representative, under the action of suet oil, self-assembled nanomicelles were prepared under simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions and were characterized by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The experiments with icariin self-assembled nanomicelles without suet oil were done according to the above. The influence of suet oil on the transportation of icariin across Caco-2 cell monolayers and the absorption in rat intestine of self-assembled nanomicelles were evaluated. The particle size of icariin self-assembled nanomicelles with suet oil was smaller than without suet oil. The nanomicelles seemed to be monodisperse spherical particle with smooth surfaces. The icariin entrapment efficiency of self-assembled nanomicelles with suet oil was increased from 43.1% to 89.7%. In Caco-2 cell monolayers, the absorptive permeability, secretory permeability and efflux ratio of icariin self-assembled nanomicelles with suet oil was 1.26 × 10−6 cm/s, 5.91 × 10−6 cm/s and 4.69, respectively, while that of icariin self-assembled nanomicelles without suet oil was 0.62 × 10−6 cm/s, 3.00 × 10−6 cm/s, and 4.84, respectively. In rat intestinal perfusion experiments, the permeability coefficient of icariin self-assembled nanomicelles with suet oil in duodenum was higher than the value of icariin self-assembled nanomicelles without suet oil (p < 0.05). With the action of suet oil, icariin self-assembled nanomicelles were more stable and the entrapment efficiency was higher than that without suet oil, which could increase the solubility of icariin and improve its intestinal absorption. Therefore, suet oil plays a role in its enhancement.
Improving the Endosomal Escape of Cell-Penetrating Peptides and Their Cargos: Strategies and Challenges
Authors: Erazo-Oliveras Alfredo , Muthukrishnan Nandhini , Baker Ryan , Wang Ting-Yi , Pellois Jean-Philippe
Published: November 2012

Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) can deliver cell-impermeable therapeutic cargos into cells. In particular, CPP-cargo conjugates tend to accumulate inside cells by endocytosis. However, they often remain trapped inside endocytic organelles and fail to reach the cytosolic space of cells efficiently. In this review, the evidence for CPP-mediated endosomal escape is discussed. In addition, several strategies that have been utilized to enhance the endosomal escape of CPP-cargos are described. The recent development of branched systems that display multiple copies of a CPP is presented. The use of viral or synthetic peptides that can disrupt the endosomal membrane upon activation by the low pH of endosomes is also discussed. Finally, we survey how CPPs labeled with chromophores can be used in combination with light to stimulate endosomal lysis. The mechanisms and challenges associated with these intracellular delivery methodologies are discussed.
Strategic Environmental Assessment of Port Plans in Italy: Experiences, Approaches, Tools
Authors: Cerreta Maria , De Toro Pasquale
Published: November 2012

Evaluation is increasingly important in decision-making processes for the sustainable planning and design of port plans. It acts as a support for plan preparation, for making values, interests and needs explicit, and for exploring the components of the decision-making process itself. Evaluation can be likened to an “implicit tool” that can integrate approaches, methodologies and models, adapting to the many needs revealed during the decision-making process. New sustainability challenges call for new approaches to creating frameworks for the analysis and evaluation of plans and projects that allow the integration of multidimensional goals and values. Utilizing some selected case studies of port plans in six Italian cities, this paper explores how environmental assessment can become a tool for dialog and interaction among different fields of expertise to support dynamic learning processes, knowledge management and the creation of shared choices, using suitable approaches and tools. In this view, Integrated Spatial Assessment (ISA) can be useful in supporting decision-making processes on different scales and institutional levels to stimulate dialog between technical and political evaluations, referring to complex values that are part of conflicting and changing realities in which it has become imperative to operate according to sustainability principles.
Scorpion Toxins Specific for Potassium (K+) Channels: A Historical Overview of Peptide Bioengineering
Authors: Bergeron Zachary L. , Bingham Jon-Paul
Published: November 2012

Scorpion toxins have been central to the investigation and understanding of the physiological role of potassium (K+) channels and their expansive function in membrane biophysics. As highly specific probes, toxins have revealed a great deal about channel structure and the correlation between mutations, altered regulation and a number of human pathologies. Radio- and fluorescently-labeled toxin isoforms have contributed to localization studies of channel subtypes in expressing cells, and have been further used in competitive displacement assays for the identification of additional novel ligands for use in research and medicine. Chimeric toxins have been designed from multiple peptide scaffolds to probe channel isoform specificity, while advanced epitope chimerization has aided in the development of novel molecular therapeutics. Peptide backbone cyclization has been utilized to enhance therapeutic efficiency by augmenting serum stability and toxin half-life in vivo as a number of K+-channel isoforms have been identified with essential roles in disease states ranging from HIV, T-cell mediated autoimmune disease and hypertension to various cardiac arrhythmias and Malaria. Bioengineered scorpion toxins have been monumental to the evolution of channel science, and are now serving as templates for the development of invaluable experimental molecular therapeutics.
Mechanism of Higher Plant Gravity Sensing
Authors: Hashiguchi Yasuko , Tasaka Masao , Morita Miyo T.
Published: November 2012

Higher plants have developed statocytes, specialized tissues or cells for gravity sensing, and subsequent signal formation. Root and shoot statocytes commonly harbor a number of amyloplasts, and amyloplast sedimentation in the direction of gravity is a critical process in gravity sensing. However, the molecular mechanism underlying amyloplast‐dependent gravity sensing is largely unknown. In this review, we mainly describe the molecular basis for the gravity sensing mechanism, i.e., the molecules and their functions involved in amyloplast sedimentation. Several analyses of statocyte images in living plant organs have implied differences in the regulation of amyloplast movements between root and shoot statocytes. Amyloplasts in shoot statocytes display not only sedimentable but upward, saltatory movements, but the latter are rarely observed in root statocytes. A series of genetic studies on shoot gravitropism mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana has revealed that two intracellular components, the vacuolar membrane (VM) and actin microfilaments (AFs), within the shoot statocyte play important roles in amyloplast dynamics. Flexible VM structures surrounding the amyloplasts seem to allow them to freely sediment toward the bottom of cells. In contrast, long actin cables mediate the saltatory movements of amyloplasts. Thus, amyloplasts in shoot statocytes undergo a dynamic equilibrium of movement, and a proper intracellular environment for statocytes is essential for normal shoot gravitropism. Further analyses to identify the molecular regulators of amyloplast dynamics, including sedimentation, may contribute to an understanding of the gravity sensing mechanism in higher plants.
Reliability and Longitudinal Validity of Computer-assisted Methods for Measuring Joint Damage Progression in Subjects with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: POH MERVYN QI WEI , LASSERE MARISSA , BIRD PAUL , EDMONDS JOHN
Published: November 2012

Objective.

To compare the metric properties of a computer-assisted erosion segmentation volume measurement with scoring using the Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (RAMRIS) in a longitudinal cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

Thirty-two sets of baseline and 2-year followup magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of metacarpal phalangeal 2–5 joints of patients with RA were scored using RAMRIS and segmented using OSIRIS software. The smallest detectable difference (SDD), standardized response mean (SRM), and paired t-test were used to evaluate the sensitivity to change. Eleven of the 32 patients’ MRI were segmented by both readers to evaluate interreader agreement. The 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) and Sharp erosion scores further evaluated construct and longitudinal validity.

Results.

Reliability of erosion progression by computer-assisted volume measurement was superior to RAMRIS [intrareader interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.97 (0.94–0.99) vs 0.52 (0.22–0.73)] and interreader ICC of volume measurement was 0.85 (0.53–0.96). Computer-assisted volume measurements identified 10 of 32 patients who progressed more than the SDD progression, whereas RAMRIS identified only 4 of 32 patients (p = 0.0013). By a paired t-test, however, all MRI measures progressed significantly over 2 years (irrespective of treatment arm) and there was little difference by SRM. Construct correlational validity of the MRI methods was 0.47–0.90 for status scores and 0.33–0.81 for progression. There was no relationship between the average DAS28 and erosion progression by any imaging method.

Conclusion.

Computer-assisted measurement of erosion volume has good performance metrics. It had excellent intrareader and interreader reliability and was more sensitive to change than RAMRIS in this group of patients.www.ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT00451971.
Development and Assessment of Users’ Satisfaction with the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 Responder Index-50 Website
Authors: TOUMA ZAHI , GLADMAN DAFNA D. , MacKINNON ANNE , CARETTE SIMON , ABU-SHAKRA MAHMOUD , ASKANASE ANCA , NIVED OLA , HANLY JOHN G. , LANDOLT-MARTICORENA CAROLINA , TAM LAI-SHAN , TOLOZA SERGIO , NIKPOUR MANDANA , RIDDELL CLAIRE , STEIMAN AMANDA , EDER LIHI , HADDAD AMIR , BARBER CLAIRE , UROWITZ MURRAY B.
Published: November 2012

Objective.

To describe the development of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 Responder Index-50 (S2K RI-50) Website (www.s2k-ri-50.com) and to assess satisfaction with its training and examination modules among rheumatologists and rheumatology fellows.

Methods.

The development of the Website occurred in 3 phases. The first was a deployment phase that consisted of preparing the site map along with its content. The content included the S2K RI-50 training manual, the tests and corresponding question bank, and the online adaptive training module, along with the extensive site testing. The second phase included the participation of rheumatologists and trainees who completed the Website modules. The third was a quality assurance phase in which an online survey was developed to determine the satisfaction level of its users. Further modifications were implemented per participants’ recommendations.

Results.

The site has been online since it was registered in September 2010. Fourteen rheumatologists and rheumatology trainees from different centers reviewed and completed the material contained in the Website. The survey revealed acceptance among rheumatologists for the Website’s content, design, and presentation. The Website was rated as user-friendly and useful in familiarizing investigators with the S2K RI-50. After completion of the training and examination modules, participants reported a suitable level of preparation to implement the S2K RI-50 in clinical trials and research settings in a timely manner.

Conclusion.

The Website includes training and examination modules that familiarize rheumatologists with the S2K RI-50 and assesses their competence to use the index. This prepares them for the use of the S2K RI-50 in clinical trials and research settings.
Biomarkers of Radiographic Progression in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Report from the GRAPPA 2011 Annual Meeting
Authors: FITZGERALD OLIVER , RITCHLIN CHRISTOPHER T. , MEASE PHILIP J.
Published: November 2012

Clinical markers of radiographic progression have been studied in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and results have clearly confirmed the progression of radiographic damage over a 2-year period. Biomarkers of radiographic progression damage (erosion and new bone formation) have also been identified as a critical research issue in these patients. At the 2011 annual meeting of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA), members discussed development of a pivotal observational study (PsA Biodam study) to determine the validity of several soluble biomarkers in predicting structural damage in patients with PsA receiving standard therapies. Specific protocol issues discussed were the inclusion criteria, selection of candidate biomarkers, timing of sample collection, the primary radiographic outcome measure, radiographic scoring methods, possible substudies, and funding strategies.
Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Video Project: An Update from the GRAPPA 2011 Annual Meeting
Authors: CALLIS DUFFIN KRISTINA , ARMSTRONG APRIL W. , MEASE PHILIP J.
Published: November 2012

Numerous physical examination instruments are used to assess and measure severity of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in practice and in clinical trials. The Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) has developed several online training modules used by GRAPPA members and investigators participating in psoriasis and PsA research. At the 2011 GRAPPA meeting, attendees were updated on the ongoing development of the training modules. Several Internet-based multimedia presentations for psoriasis and PsA assessments have been completed. Available psoriasis modules include the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Body Surface Area, one 5-point and two 6-point Physician Global Assessments, the original and modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index, the Palmar-Plantar Pustular Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, the Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index, and the Total Plaque Severity Score. Rheumatology modules that demonstrate evaluation of swollen and tender joints, enthesitis, and dactylitis are now available, and an axial disease evaluation module is near completion. Each video includes the background and rationale for each measure, demonstration videos of select examinations, diagrams, and photographs to emphasize teaching points, and for most dermatology modules, an optional test to assess competence. Preliminary data generated by a pilot study of pre- and post-education PASI scoring by experienced and naive physicians and patient assessors were presented, revealing improved accuracy of scoring after viewing the PASI video. Attendees agreed that additional patient examples with more diverse skin types and psoriasis phenotypes, translation to languages other than English, and further validation studies are needed.
On Defining Musculoskeletal Inflammation: A Report from the GRAPPA 2011 Annual Meeting
Authors: GARG AMIT , GLADMAN DAFNA D. , MEASE PHILIP J.
Published: November 2012

At the 2011 annual meeting of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA), members discussed the need to develop a framework for defining inflammatory arthritis, enthesitis, dactylitis, and spondylitis, particularly as they relate to psoriatic arthritis (PsA). GRAPPA members first addressed this subject at their 2010 meeting, where the CASPAR (ClASsification of Psoriatic ARthritis) criteria were discussed. Although these are classification criteria, the CASPAR are also often applied as a diagnostic measure by clinicians screening for PsA, particularly its core criterion: recognizing the presence of inflammatory musculoskeletal disease. In breakout group discussions, GRAPPA members discussed the difficulties in recognizing overlapping or mimicking features that may result in underdiagnosing or misdiagnosing PsA.
Le recours à l'assistance : un risque?
Authors: Lima Léa
Published: November 2012

Résumé Au Québec, depuis le milieu des années 1990, on assiste, dans un contexte de « chasse » aux dépenses sociales, à un changement de paradigme dans le traitement des jeunes assistés sociaux. Fondées sur le modèle de l’acteur rationnel, les mesures de prévention considèrent la demande d’assistance comme un « comportement à risque » devant être traité comme tel. Ce faisant, les politiques de prévention essentiellement tournées vers les jeunes apparaissent inscrites dans une rationalité de la responsabilité qui repose sur deux vertus morales cardinales : la prudence et la prévoyance. Du même coup, elles amènent à reconsidérer le droit à l’aide sociale sous l’angle de l’efficacité.
En faire son métier : de l'animation occasionnelle à l'animation professionnelle
Authors: Camus Jérôme
Published: November 2012

Résumé Le continuum qui relie l’animation « occasionnelle » à l’animation « professionnelle » ne prend sens que pour ceux qui l’empruntent effectivement. Pourtant, une bonne partie des animateurs « occasionnels » ne fera pas carrière dans l’animation. L’acquisition de manières de faire et de dire spécifiques à l’animation et leur reconnaissance sous forme d’« expériences » n’explique dès lors qu’en partie le passage d’un secteur à l’autre. Pour le comprendre, il semble qu’il faille considérer la totalité du processus qui conditionne l’entrée sur le marché du travail d’un ensemble relativement homogène d’agents.
« Jeunes » et « vieux » : les relations intergénérationnelles en question
Authors: Caradec Vincent
Published: November 2012

Résumé Cet article soulève la question de la coexistence des générations au sein des sociétés contemporaines et cherche à appréhender les enjeux sociaux des rapports entre les « jeunes » et les « vieux ». À quelles réalités ces catégories, profondément relatives, renvoient-elles Comment penser les relations entre ces générations dans l’espace social et familial Après avoir mis en lumière la relativité des frontières entre les « jeunes » et les « vieux », l’auteur s’interroge sur leurs rapports, du double point de vue de l’âge et de la génération, pour enfin proposer quelques réflexions sur les défis et les limites de l’« être ensemble » de ces générations dans les sociétés actuelles.
L'indépendance des autorités de régulation économique à l'égard du pouvoir politique
Authors: Eckert Gabriel
Published: November 2012

Résumé La régulation économique est marquée par une profonde évolution du fondement, des modalités et des limites de l’indépendance des autorités de régulation à l’égard du pouvoir politique. S’agissant de ses fondements, si le principe de séparation des fonctions entre l’opérateur et le régulateur en a traditionnellement été la justification, il s’y ajoute progressivement, voire s’y substitue, une préoccupation plus générale tenant à l’efficacité de la régulation sectorielle. Les modalités de l’indépendance du régulateur économique présentent une certaine hétérogénéité dans la mesure où il n’existe pas de modèle institutionnel commun et trans‑sectoriel. Il peut cependant être observé un renforcement des exigences du droit de l’Union européenne qui vient conforter des législations internes françaises traditionnellement très protectrices de l’indépendance du régulateur. Enfin, cette dernière a pour contrepartie un contrôle parlementaire dans la mesure où les autorités de régulation doivent s’inscrire dans un cadre démocratique. Mais le rôle du Parlement est de plus en plus encadré par l’intervention des institutions européennes, tout au moins dans les secteurs ouverts à la concurrence par le droit de l’Union.
L'indépendance des autorités de régulation financière à l'égard du pouvoir politique
Authors: Kovar Jean-Philippe
Published: November 2012

Résumé L’Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et l’Autorité des marchés financiers bénéficient à l’égard du pouvoir politique, et principalement du Gouvernement, d’une indépendance organique et fonctionnelle. Cette indépendance, inhérente à leur statut d’autorité administrative ou publique indépendante, s’avère toutefois variable. Si l’indépendance organique des autorités de régulation bancaire et financière procède de choix convergents concernant la composition et le régime de leurs membres, leur indépendance fonctionnelle repose sur des solutions divergentes. Le législateur a ainsi choisi la formule de l’autorité publique indépendance dotée de la personnalité morale pour l’Autorité des marchés financiers et celle de l’autorité administrative indépendante adossée à la banque centrale pour l’Autorité de contrôle prudentiel.
L'indépendance de l'autorité des marchés financiers
Authors: Douvreleur Olivier
Published: November 2012

Résumé L’Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) voit l’indépendance de ses instances délibérantes et de leurs membres (Collège et Commission des sanctions) protégée par un ensemble de règles relatives, notamment, à la prévention et au traitement des conflits d’intérêts, aux incompatibilités professionnelles, aux déclaration d’intérêts, à l’abstention et à la récusation. À ce dispositif, s’ajoute le bénéfice du statut original d’« autorité publique indépendante » sous lequel l’a placée la loi du 1 er août 2003 : la personnalité morale dont est dotée l’AMF, son mode particulier de financement – qui repose sur des contributions prévues par la loi et perçues sur les acteurs et les activités régulés –, la grande souplesse de gestion et de fonctionnement qui lui est reconnue peuvent être considérés comme confortant son indépendance.
Dépendance ou indépendance des agences de régulation brésiliennes ? Une contribution à l'étude de la légitimité des agences de régulation
Authors: Reis Tarcila
Published: November 2012

Résumé Le but de ce travail est d’expliquer le contenu et la dynamique des justifications du pouvoir exercé par les agences de régulation au Brésil. L’article suggère que les agences de régulation jouissent d’une double légitimité : l’une dérivée du pouvoir politique et l’autre propre aux agences. À partir d’études de cas, il montre que la prise des décisions au sein des agences peut conduire à la fois à des formes de confrontation et à des formes conformation à l’égard de la volonté exprimée par les autorités politiques. Il constate que la prévalence effective du pouvoir politique au détriment des décisions prises à l’initiative des agences révèle que ces dernières sont, en fait, dépendantes. Enfin, il avance que la double source de légitimité des agences leur fournit la possibilité, lorsque ces deux sources se combinent et trouvent un point d’équilibre, de jouir d’une « super légitimité ».
Dexmedetomidine to Treat Lisdexamfetamine Overdose and Serotonin Toxidrome in a 6-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Akingbola Olugbenga A. , Singh Dinesh
Published: November 2012

A 6-year-old girl displayed symptoms of serotonin syndrome after accidental ingestion of Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate). Dexmedetomidine was administered because of persistent neuromuscular hyperactivity and severe agitation despite initial therapy with benzodiazepines. Some children show a paradoxical reaction to benzodiazepines, and dexmedetomidine has a possible role in the treatment of serotonin syndrome.
Patients’ Characteristics Associated With Readmission to a Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Timmers T. K. , Verhofstad M. H. J. , Moons K. G. M. , Leenen L. P. H.
Published: November 2012

Background

Readmission within 48 hours is a leading performance indicator of the quality of care in an intensive care unit.

Objective

To investigate variables that might be associated with readmission to a surgical intensive care unit.

Methods

Demographic characteristics, severity-of-illness scores, and survival rates were collected for all patients admitted to a surgical intensive care unit between 1995 and 2000. Long-term survival and quality of life were determined for patients who were readmitted within 30 days after discharge from the unit. Quality of life was measured with the EuroQol-6D questionnaire. Multivariate logistic analysis was used to calculate the independent association of expected covariates.

Results

Mean follow-up time was 8 years. Of the 1682 patients alive at discharge, 141 (8%) were readmitted. The main causes of readmission were respiratory decompensation (48%) and cardiac conditions (16%). Compared with the total sample, patients readmitted were older, mostly had vascular (39%) or gastrointestinal (26%) disease, and had significantly higher initial severity of illness (P = .003, .007) and significantly more comorbid conditions (P = .005). For all surgical classifications except general surgery, readmission was independently associated with type of admission and need for mechanical ventilation. Long-term mortality was higher among patients who were readmitted than among the total sample. Nevertheless, quality-of-life scores were the same for patients who were readmitted and patients who were not.

Conclusion

The adverse effect of readmission to the intensive care unit on survival appears to be long-lasting, and predictors of readmission are scarce.
Diophantine Approximation for Certain
Algebraic Formal Power Series in Positive
Characteristic
Authors: Ayadi K. , Hbaib M. , Mahjoub F.
Published: November 2012

In this paper, we study rational approximations for certain algebraic power series over a finite field. We obtain results for irrational elements of strictly positive degree satisfying an equation of the type

where (A, B, C) ∊ (𝔽q[X])2 × 𝔽*q [X]. In particular, under some conditions on the polynomials A, B and C, we will give well approximated elements satisfying this equation.
Usability of optical spectrum analyzer in measuring atmospheric CO2 and CH4 column densities: inspection with FTS and aircraft profiles in situ
Authors: Kawasaki M. , Yoshioka H. , Jones N. B. , Macatangay R. , Griffith D. W. T. , Kawakami S. , Ohyama H. , Tanaka T. , Morino I. , Uchino O. , Ibuki T.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. The practical usefulness of a desktop optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) for measuring atmospheric CO2 and CH4 column densities at surface sites was examined in two separate measurement campaigns. The first comparison involved operating the OSA in parallel with a high resolution Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTS) situated at the University of Wollongong in Australia. Scale factors for the OSA were assigned for the column average volume mixing ratios of xCO2 and xCH4 by comparing with the well-studied FTS. The second method is a calibration against aircraft CO2 profiles in situ over Tsukuba in Japan obtained during a GOSAT validation campaign carried out from 28 January to 7 February 2011. The xCO2 values in the campaign, deduced by use of a derived OSA scale factor, were in excellent agreement with the integrated aircraft profiles.
Ground-based millimeter-wave observation of stratospheric ClO over Atacama, Chile in the mid-latitude Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Kuwahara T. , Nagahama T. , Maezawa H. , Kojima Y. , Yamamoto H. , Okuda T. , Mizuno N. , Nakane H. , Fukui Y. , Mizuno A.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. We have performed ground-based measurements of stratospheric chlorine monoxide (ClO) during the summer in 2009 over the Atacama highland, Chile, a new observing site in the mid-latitude region in the Southern Hemisphere, by using a millimeter-wave spectroscopic radiometer. The radiometer, equipped with a superconducting receiver and a digital Fourier spectrometer, was developed by Nagoya University, and the new observing system provides us high sensitivity and stable performance to measure the very weak ClO lines. The receiver noise temperature of the superconducting receiver is 170 K in DSB. To reveal the diurnal variation of ClO, we retrieved the vertical mixing ratio profiles by the weighted-damped least-squares algorithm applied for the spectral data at 203 GHz obtained between 5 and 16 December 2009. The total error on the retrieval is estimated to be 20% to 30% in an altitude range from 40 km to 50 km. The amplitude of the diurnal variation is estimated as 33% of the daytime average at 40 km. The observed time variation shows a pattern similar to that of the previous works observed in the northern mid-latitude region.
Biases caused by the instrument bandwidth and beam width on simulated brightness temperature measurements from scanning microwave radiometers
Authors: Meunier V. , Löhnert U. , Kollias P. , Crewell S.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. More so than the traditional fixed radiometers, the scanning radiometer requires a careful design to ensure high quality measurements. Here the impact of the radiometer characteristics (e.g. antenna beam width, receiver bandwidth) and atmospheric propagation (e.g. curvature of the earth and refractivity) on the scanning radiometer measurements are presented. A forward radiative transfer model that includes all these effects to represent the instrument measurements is used to estimate the biases as differences between the measurement with and without these characteristics for three commonly used frequency bands: K, V and W-band. The receiver channel bandwidth errors are not so important in K-band and W-band. Thus, the use of a wider bandwidth to improve detection at low signal-to-noise conditions is acceptable. The impact of the antenna beam width is higher than the receiver bandwidth, but, for V-band where they are of similar importance. Using simple regression algorithms, the effects of the bandwidth and beam width biases in liquid water path, integrated water vapor, and temperature are also examined. The largest errors in liquid water path and integrated water vapor are associated with the beam width errors.
Silicon stable isotope distribution traces Southern Ocean export of Si to the eastern South Pacific thermocline
Authors: de Souza G. F. , Reynolds B. C. , Johnson G. C. , Bullister J. L. , Bourdon B.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. The cycling and transport of dissolved silicon (Si) in the ocean may be traced by its stable isotope composition, δ30Si. We present a dataset of δ30Si values along 103° W in the eastern South Pacific Ocean, ranging from the Antarctic Zone of the Southern Ocean (62° S) to the equatorial Pacific (12° S). At high southern latitudes, the uptake and associated isotope fractionation of Si by diatoms results in highly elevated δ30Si values (up to +3.2‰) in the summer mixed layer. High δ30Si values (+2‰) are also preserved in the high-latitude fossil winter mixed layer, documenting the efficient export of diatom opal beyond the maximum depth of winter convection. This elevated winter mixed layer δ30Si signature is introduced into the ocean interior by the subduction of Subantarctic Mode Water (SAMW) and Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW), whose northward spreading results in a strong isopycnal control on lower-thermocline and intermediate δ30Si values in the well-ventilated eastern South Pacific. Values of δ30Si are strongly conserved along SAMW and AAIW density levels as far north as 26° S, documenting the importance of the export of preformed Si from the surface Southern Ocean to lower latitudes. In contrast, in the equatorial Pacific, depressed δ30Si values in the mesopelagic ocean are observed, most likely documenting the combined influence of a North Pacific Si source as well as the accumulation of remineralized Si within the eastern equatorial Pacific shadow zone. At depth, δ30Si values in the South Pacific remain indistinguishable from deep Southern Ocean values of +1.25‰, even within Si-rich and oxygen-poor deep waters returning from the North Pacific. This homogeneity implies that the dissolution of opal plays a negligible role in altering the δ30Si value of deep waters as they traverse the deep Pacific Ocean.
The regional aerosol-climate model REMO-HAM
Authors: Pietikäinen J.-P. , O'Donnell D. , Teichmann C. , Karstens U. , Pfeifer S. , Kazil J. , Podzun R. , Fiedler S. , Kokkola H. , Birmili W. , O'Dowd C. , Baltensperger U. , Weingartner E. , Gehrig R. , Spindler G. , Kulmala M. , Feichter J. , Jacob D. , Laaksonen A.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. REMO-HAM is a new regional aerosol-climate model. It is based on the REMO regional climate model and includes most of the major aerosol processes. The structure for aerosol is similar to the global aerosol-climate model ECHAM5-HAM, for example the aerosol module HAM is coupled with a two-moment stratiform cloud scheme. On the other hand, REMO-HAM does not include an online coupled aerosol-radiation nor a secondary organic aerosol module. In this work, we evaluate the model and compare the results against ECHAM5-HAM and measurements. Four different measurement sites were chosen for the comparison of total number concentrations, size distributions and gas phase sulfur dioxide concentrations: Hyytiälä in Finland, Melpitz in Germany, Mace Head in Ireland and Jungfraujoch in Switzerland. REMO-HAM is run with two different resolutions: 50 × 50 km2 and 10 × 10 km2. Based on our simulations, REMO-HAM is in reasonable agreement with the measured values. The differences in the total number concentrations between REMO-HAM and ECHAM5-HAM can be mainly explained by the difference in the nucleation mode. Since we did not use activation nor kinetic nucleation for the boundary layer, the total number concentrations are somewhat underestimated. From the meteorological point of view, REMO-HAM represents the precipitation fields and 2 m temperature profile very well compared to measurement. Overall, we show that REMO-HAM is a functional aerosol-climate model, which will be used in further studies.
An ecohydrological sketch of climate change impacts on water and natural ecosystems for the Netherlands: bridging the gap between science and society
Authors: Witte J. P. M. , Runhaar J. , van Ek R. , van der Hoek D. C. J. , Bartholomeus R. P. , Batelaan O. , van Bodegom P. M. , Wassen M. J. , van der Zee S. E. A. T. M.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. For policy making and spatial planning, information is needed about the impacts of climate change on natural ecosystems. To provide this information, commonly hydrological and ecological models are used. We give arguments for our assessment that modelling only is insufficient for determining the impacts of climate changes on natural ecosystems at regional scales. Instead, we proposed a combination of hydrological simulations, a literature review and process-knowledge on climate-hydrology-vegetation interactions, to compile a sketch map that indicates climate change effects on a number of ecosystems in the Netherlands. Soon after a first version of our sketch map was published by a Dutch professional journal, copies appeared in policy documents, and also in a commercial and popular atlas of the Netherlands. Moreover, the map led to a question in the Dutch parliament about the sustainability of bog reserves under the future climate. Apparently, there was an urgent need for the information provided by the map. The map shows that climate change will presumably have the largest influence on ecosystems in the Netherlands that depend on precipitation as the major water source, like heathlands, dry grasslands, rain-fed moorland pools and raised bogs. Also highly susceptible are fens in reserves surrounded by deeply drained polders, because such fens depend on the inlet of surface water, of which quality is likely to deteriorate upon climate change. While the map is indicative for directions of change, in view of the uncertainties of our study, no conclusions should be drawn that may have far-reaching consequences, such as giving up certain nature targets that might no longer be feasible in the future climate. Instead, we advise to anticipate the potential threats from climate change by taking a number of adaptation measures that enhance the robustness of nature reserves. To improve climate change projections on hydrology and ecosystems, future research should especially focus on feedbacks of vegetation on the water balance, on processes that directly influence plant performance and on the ecological effects of weather extremes.
Seasonality of intermediate waters hydrography west of the Iberian Peninsula from a 8-yr semiannual timeseries of an oceanographic section
Authors: Prieto E. , González-Pola C. , Lavín A. , Sánchez R. F. , Ruiz-Villarreal M.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Seasonality of hydrographical properties at depth in the western Iberian margin (Eastern North Atlantic) is analysed from a 2003–2010 timeseries of a semi-annual oceanographic section extending ~ 200 nm off Cape Finisterre (43° N). All waters masses down to the whole extent of the permanent thermocline (2000 dbar) show a consistent seasonal signature in their termohaline properties and there is a notable asymmetry between the slope region and the outer ocean (in the surroundings of the Galicia Bank). There is overall cooling and freshening of East North Atlantic Central Waters in summertime, which is larger and deeper-reaching on the slope. In summertime, Mediterranean Water gets tightly attached against the slope and is uplifted, reinforcing its thermohaline signature and diminishing its presence at the outer ocean. In wintertime the situation reverses, MW seems to detach from the slope and spreads out to the open ocean, even developing a secondary branch around the Galicia Bank. Thermohaline seasonality at depth shows values up to 0.4 °C and 0.08 in salinity at the lower MW, of the order of 20 % of the overall interannual variability observed during the whole period. Decomposition of thermohaline changes at isobaric levels to changes along isoneutral surfaces and changes due to vertical displacements helps to analyse the physical processes behind the observed seasonality in terms of (1) the large-scale seasonality of the subtropical gyre in response to the seasonal migration of the subtropical high pressure system and subsequent anomalies in Ekman transport and wind stress curl, (2) the continental slope dynamics, characterized by summer upwelling, winter development of the Iberian Poleward Current and Mediterranean Water spreading and (3) the possible influence of seasonal changes of water mass properties at their formation sources.
Presentación No.66 2012
Authors: Rivas Alvaro
Published: November 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/wani.v66i0.882 Wani No.66 2012 pp.1
Inventario de sitios arqueológicos en el municipio de Rosita
Authors: Hodgson Kevin E González , Rigby Edwin Taylor
Published: November 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/wani.v66i0.884 Wani No.66 2012 pp.11-19
Revitalizacion de las artesanías en TasbaPri
Authors: Lentch Marcos , Davis Raúl
Published: November 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/wani.v66i0.887Wani No.66 2012 pp.22-25
Foro de Arquitectura Tradicional Costeña
Authors: Chávez Edwin Matamoros
Published: November 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/wani.v66i0.889 Wani No.66 2012 pp.30-34
Naturismo Ulwa en Karawala
Authors: Knight Leonzo
Published: November 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/wani.v66i0.895 Wani No.66 2012 pp.54-56
Plantas medicinales para tratar enfermedades primarias en tres comunidades tuahkas
Authors: Meléndez Dixon José De la Cruz
Published: November 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/wani.v66i0.896 Wani No.66 2012 pp.57-60
La fiesta del Minstrel Show en Laguna de Perlas
Authors: Dash Gerda Bendliss
Published: November 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/wani.v66i0.897Wani No.66 2012 pp.61-63
Política Cultural de las Regiones Autónomas del Caribe Nicaragüense Principales Lineamientos y Componentes del Plan de Desarrollo Cultural
Authors: Editor El
Published: November 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/wani.v66i0.900 Wani No.66 2012 pp.70-79
Modeling Performance of High-Temperature Biomass Gasification Process
Authors: Mhilu C. F.
Published: November 2012

Biomass utilization is becoming a subject of increasing interest as an alternative to clean fuel. A novel gasification process using highly preheated air gasifier using agricultural residue such as sugar bagasse, rice husks, and palm stem widely available in Tanzania is presented. The study examines, irreversibilities making the gasifier the least efficient unit in the gasification process employing a thermodynamic equilibrium model allowing predicting the main product gas composition CO, CO2, H2, and CH4. The derived model equations are computed using the MAPLE process simulation code in MATLAB. The gasification regime is investigated at temperatures ranging from 800 K to 1400 K and at equivalence ratio (ER) values between 0.3 and 0.4. The results obtained conform to the second law efficiency based on chemical exergy yielding maximum values for the types of biomass materials used. These results indicate that the application of preheated air has an effect on the increase of the chemical exergy efficiency of the product gas, hence reducing the level of irreversibility. Similarly, these results show that the combined efficiency based on physical and chemical exergy is low, suggesting that higher irreversibilities are encountered, since the exergy present in the form of physical exergy is utilized to heat the reactants. Such exergy losses can be minimized by altering the ratio of physical and chemical exergy in the syngas production.
A Kinetic Model for Tribological Surface Transformations Occuring on the Railroads: Irreversible Near-Surface Metallurgical Transformations
Authors: Antoni G.
Published: November 2012

During the manufacturing processes or the operational phases, some materials are liable to undergo metallurgical phenomena known as irreversible solid-solid phase transformations or Tribological Surface Transformations (TSTs). The treads of several rails in the French railroad network have been affected by TSTs. The kinetic model presented in this paper describes the initiation of TSTs and their development near the rail surface.
Effect of Material Property in Foundation during Earthquake on the Embankment
Authors: Gordan Behrouz , Adnan Azlan Bin
Published: November 2012

The dynamic analysis process started after any loss of embankment with associated huge damages like cracks during the earthquake. Literature review indicated that the maximum displacement during the earthquake is conducted to the crest and interface between the embankment with water reservoir, and foundations were cased. This paper evaluated the effect of material properties of the foundation for the two conditions so the result is related at the end of construction with supplying water. Numerical analyses of models were performed by finite element with plane strain method and ANSYS13 software. Earthquake recording as Nagan with 5.02 seconds and peak ground acceleration equal to PGA=0.65 is used. Results indicated that with a comparison of horizontal and vertical displacement, shear strain and shear stress so nonisotropic behavior of embankment especially in the up to part of the structure was obvious. It is required to consider an improvement of dynamic settlement with reinforcement structure in the future.
Risk Factors of Antibiotic Misuse for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Children: Results from a Cross-Sectional Knowledge-Attitude-Practice Study in Greece
Authors: Panagakou Sotiria G. , Papaevangelou Vassiliki , Chadjipanayis Adamos , Syrogiannopoulos George A. , Theodoridou Maria , Hadjichristodoulou Christos S.
Published: November 2012

Background. Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are common in children. The cause of URTIs is usually viral, but parents’ attitudes often contribute to inappropriate prescription of antibiotics, promoting antibiotic resistance. The objective of this study was to identify possible risk factors associated with antibiotic misuse in Greece, a country with high levels of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. Methods. A knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) questionnaire was developed and distributed to Greek parents caring for children who were 5-6 years old, between January and July of the same school year. Results. The sample of the study contained 5312 parents from all geographic areas of Greece. The risk factors of being a father, having low education, having immigrant status, being a single parent, having low income, having <2 or >3 children, living in the islands, and being without experience in recurrent URTIs were significantly associated to inadequate knowledge, inappropriate attitudes, and wrong practices. Conclusions. This study has identified the main groups of parents that should be targeted in future intervention programs.