bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent Unconsciousness and the Use of Assisted Nutrition and Hydration
Authors: Henke Donald E.
Published: November 2012

The subject of this article is the medical condition popularly known as the persistent vegetative state or PVS. Because, as many have noted, including Pope John Paul II in 2004, the term “vegetative” carries with it such pejorative connotations, I will try to avoid using it as much as possible and will substitute the term “persistent unconsciousness” in place of it. I have divided the subject into two main sections, the medical and the moral, with several smaller divisions in between. My intended purpose in this article is twofold. First, it will clarify several major lacunae in the popular knowledge of persistent unconsciousness itself, and second, it will examine some recent developments in the Church's moral teaching regarding the care of such patients. It is my hope that this approach will help to shed some light on the common misconceptions regarding persistent unconsciousness and to clearly present the Church's moral tradition as it serves to address the needs of these individuals.
Camillus de Lellis (1550–1614), Patron Saint of Hospitals
Authors: Donnelly John Patrick
Published: November 2012

Camillus de Lellis was an Italian nobleman born in 1550 who served as a soldier fighting the Turks. Three times between 1571 and 1584 his abscessed leg forced him to seek care in a Roman hospital; each time he worked there during and after his treatment. He was disgusted by the bad care in the hospital and decided a religious order devoted to helping the sick was the best way to better physical and spiritual care. In 1585 he founded the Ministers of the Sick, today called the Order of Saint Camillus. It gained full papal approval as a religious order in 1591. By 1607 it had 242 members working in ten leading Italian cities.
Clonal evolution and devolution after chemotherapy in adult acute myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Parkin Brian , Ouillette Peter , Li Yifeng , Keller Jennifer , Lam Cindy , Roulston Diane , Li Cheng , Shedden Kerby , Malek Sami N.
Published: November 2012

The frequent occurrence of persistent or relapsed disease after induction chemotherapy in AML necessitates a better understanding of the clonal relationship of AML in various disease phases. In this study, we used SNP 6.0 array-based genomic profiling of acquired copy number aberrations (aCNA) and copy neutral LOH (cnLOH) together with sequence analysis of recurrently mutated genes to characterize paired AML genomes. We analyzed 28 AML sample pairs from patients who achieved complete remission with chemotherapy and subsequently relapsed and 11 sample pairs from patients with persistent disease after induction chemotherapy. Through review of aCNA/cnLOH and gene mutation profiles in informative cases, we demonstrate that relapsed AML invariably represents re-emergence or evolution of a founder clone. Furthermore, all individual aCNA or cnLOH detected at presentation persisted at relapse indicating that this lesion type is proximally involved in AML evolution. Analysis of informative paired persistent AML disease samples uncovered cases with 2 coexisting dominant clones of which at least one was chemotherapy sensitive and one resistant, respectively. These data support the conclusion that incomplete eradication of AML founder clones rather than stochastic emergence of fully unrelated novel clones underlies AML relapse and persistence with direct implications for clinical AML research.
Impaired thrombin-induced platelet activation and thrombus formation in mice lacking the Ca2+-dependent tyrosine kinase Pyk2
Authors: Canobbio Ilaria , Cipolla Lina , Consonni Alessandra , Momi Stefania , Guidetti Gianni , Oliviero Barbara , Falasca Marco , Okigaki Mitsuhiko , Balduini Cesare , Gresele Paolo , Torti Mauro
Published: November 2012

In the present study, we used a knockout murine model to analyze the contribution of the Ca2+-dependent focal adhesion kinase Pyk2 in platelet activation and thrombus formation in vivo. We found that Pyk2-knockout mice had a tail bleeding time that was slightly increased compared with their wild-type littermates. Moreover, in an in vivo model of femoral artery thrombosis, the time to arterial occlusion was significantly prolonged in mice lacking Pyk2. Pyk2-deficient mice were also significantly protected from collagen plus epinephrine-induced pulmonary thromboembolism. Ex vivo aggregation of Pyk2-deficient platelets was normal on stimulation of glycoprotein VI, but was significantly reduced in response to PAR4-activating peptide, low doses of thrombin, or U46619. Defective platelet aggregation was accompanied by impaired inside-out activation of integrin αIIbβ3 and fibrinogen binding. Granule secretion was only slightly reduced in the absence of Pyk2, whereas a marked inhibition of thrombin-induced thromboxane A2 production was observed, which was found to be responsible for the defective aggregation. Moreover, we have demonstrated that Pyk2 is implicated in the signaling pathway for cPLA2 phosphorylation through p38 MAPK. The results of the present study show the importance of the focal adhesion kinase Pyk2 downstream of G-protein–coupled receptors in supporting platelet aggregation and thrombus formation.
Association of genetic variations in GNB1 with response to peginterferon plus ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C in a Chinese population in Taiwan
Authors: Lim Yun-Ping , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Liao Wen-Ling , Tien Ni , Hung Dong-Zong , Peng Cheng-Yuan , Wan Lei
Published: November 2012

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether polymorphisms in the guanine nucleotide binding (G protein), beta polypeptide 1 (GNB1) gene are associated with a rapid virological response (RVR) among HCV genotype 1 (HCV-1) and 2 (HCV-2) infected patients receiving peginterferon plus ribavirin treatment (PEG-IFNα-RBV).

Methods

We analyzed the association between RVR to PEG-IFNα-RBV therapy and 4 tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of theGNB1gene. This study included 265 HCV-1 and 195 HCV-2 infected patients in a Chinese population in Taiwan.

Results

Among theGNB1SNPs examined, the combination of genotypes G/G and G/T populations of rs12126768 was significant inversely correlated with RVR in HCV-1 infected patients (P= 0.0330), whereas HCV-2 infected patients, combination of A/A and A/C genotypes populations at rs4648727 responded better to the PEG-IFNα-RBV treatment (P= 0.0089). However, there were no significant differences in the allele frequencies of those SNPs between RVR responders and non-responders. Several RVR susceptibilityGNB1haplotypes were identified, and the ACAT haplotype of the 4 SNPs may increase the successful outcomes of HCV-1 and HCV-2 infected patients (P= 0.0261 andP= 0.0253, respectively).

Conclusion

The data forGNB1SNPs and the association of RVR showed thatGNB1polymorphisms might be associated with the therapeutic outcomes of HCV-1 and HCV-2 infected patients under standard of care (SOC) treatment.
Preclinical evaluation of Gd-DTPA and gadomelitol as contrast agents in DCE-MRI of cervical carcinoma interstitial fluid pressure
Authors: Hompland Tord , Ellingsen Christine , Rofstad Einar K
Published: November 2012

Background

High interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) in the primary tumor is associated with poor disease-free survival in locally advanced cervical carcinoma. A noninvasive assay is needed to identify cervical cancer patients with highly elevated tumor IFP because these patients may benefit from particularly aggressive treatment. It has been suggested that dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) with gadolinium diethylene-triamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-DTPA) as contrast agent may provide useful information on the IFP of cervical carcinomas. In this preclinical study, we investigated whether DCE-MRI with contrast agents with higher molecular weights (MW) than Gd-DTPA would be superior to Gd-DTPA-based DCE-MRI.

Methods

CK-160 human cervical carcinoma xenografts were subjected to DCE-MRI with Gd-DTPA (MW of 0.55 kDa) or gadomelitol (MW of 6.5 kDa) as contrast agent before tumor IFP was measured invasively with a Millar SPC 320 catheter. The DCE-MRI was carried out at a spatial resolution of 0.23 × 0.23 × 2.0 mm3 and a time resolution of 14 s by using a 1.5-T whole-body scanner and a slotted tube resonator transceiver coil constructed for mice. Parametric images were derived from the DCE-MRI recordings by using the Tofts iso-directional transport model and the Patlak uni-directional transport model.

Results

When gadomelitol was used as contrast agent, significant positive correlations were found between the parameters of both pharmacokinetic models and tumor IFP. On the other hand, significant correlations between DCE-MRI-derived parameters and IFP could not be detected with Gd-DTPA as contrast agent.

Conclusion

Gadomelitol is a superior contrast agent to Gd-DTPA in DCE-MRI of the IFP of CK-160 cervical carcinoma xenografts. Clinical studies attempting to develop DCE-MRI-based assays of the IFP of cervical carcinomas should involve contrast agents with higher MW than Gd-DTPA.
Involvement of spinal orexin A in the electroacupuncture analgesia in a rat model of post-laparotomy pain
Authors: Feng Xiao-Ming , Mi Wen-Li , Xia Fang , Mao-Ying Qi-Liang , Jiang Jian-Wei , Xiao Sheng , Wang Zhi-Fu , Wang Yan-Qing , Wu Gen-Cheng
Published: November 2012

Background

Orexin A (OXA, hypocretin/hcrt 1) is a newly discovered potential analgesic substance. However, whether OXA is involved in acupuncture analgesia remains unknown. The present study was designed to investigate the involvement of spinal OXA in electroacupuncture (EA) analgesia.

Methods

A modified rat model of post-laparotomy pain was adopted and evaluated. Von Frey filaments were used to measure mechanical allodynia of the hind paw and abdomen. EA at 2/15 Hz or 2/100 Hz was performed once on the bilateral ST36 and SP6 for 30 min perioperatively. SB-334867, a selective orexin 1 receptor (OX1R) antagonist with a higher affinity for OXA than OXB, was intrathecally injected to observe its effect on EA analgesia.

Results

OXA at 0.3 nmol and EA at 2/15 Hz produced respective analgesic effects on the model (P<0.05). Pre-surgical intrathecal administered of SB-334867 30 nmol antagonized OXA analgesia and attenuated the analgesic effect of EA (P<0.05). However, SB-334867 did not block fentanyl-induced analgesia (P>0.05). In addition, naloxone, a selective opioid receptor antagonist, failed to antagonize OXA-induced analgesia (P>0.05).

Conclusions

The results of the present study indicate the involvement of OXA in EA analgesia via OX1R in an opioid-independent way.
Detection of murine post-pneumonectomy lung regeneration by 18FDG PET imaging
Authors: Gibney Barry C , Park Mi-Ae , Chamoto Kenji , Ysasi Alexandra , Konerding Moritz A , Tsuda Akira , Mentzer Steven J
Published: November 2012

Background

An intriguing biologic process in most adult mammals is post-pneumonectomy lung regeneration, that is, the removal of one lung (pneumonectomy) results in the rapid compensatory growth of the remaining lung. The spatial dependence and metabolic activity of the rodent lung during compensatory lung regeneration is largely unknown.

Methods

To determine if murine lung regeneration could be detected in vivo, we studied inbred mice 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after left pneumonectomy. The remaining lung was imaged using microCT as well as the glucose tracer 2-deoxy-2-[18 F]fluoro-d-glucose (18FDG) and positron-emission tomography (PET). Because of the compliance of the murine chest wall, reproducible imaging required orotracheal intubation and pressure-controlled ventilation during scanning.

Results

After left pneumonectomy, the right lung progressively enlarged over the first 3 weeks. The cardiac lobe demonstrated the greatest percentage increase in size. Dry weights of the individual lobes largely mirrored the increase in lung volume. PET/CT imaging was used to identify enhanced metabolic activity within the individual lobes. In the cardiac lobe, 18FDG uptake was significantly increased in the day 14 cardiac lobe relative to preoperative values (p < .05). In contrast, the 18FDG uptake in the other three lobes was not statistically significant at any time point.

Conclusions

We conclude that the cardiac lobe is the dominant contributor to compensatory growth after murine pneumonectomy. Further, PET/CT scanning can detect both the volumetric increase and the metabolic changes associated with the regenerative growth in the murine cardiac lobe.
Multimodality in Design of Tangible Systems
Authors: Tellioğlu Hilda , Ehrenstrasser Lisa , Spreicer Wolfgang
Published: November 2012

In this paper we present how we applied and analyzed multimodality in design of tangible communication systems for elderly. First we define six categories of multimodality (aural, visual, tactile, gesture, posture, and space), which we integrate in our design processes and design artifacts. We illustrate how user interaction has been established, especially when multimodality is central to our approach. We also discuss multimodal design in context of user experiences, user-centered design, and participatory design approaches. We show the added value and change of focus through multimodality in design processes. We analyze our findings before we conclude our paper.
Fostering Social Interaction in AAL: Methodological reflections on the coupling of real household Living Lab and SmartHome approaches
Authors: Budweg Steffen , Lewkowicz Myriam , Müller Claudia , Schering Sandra
Published: November 2012

For user-centred design of ICT solutions in the AAL field, an approach combining real household living lab and SmartHome lab seems promising. Based on our experiences within the AAL project FoSIBLE, we propose a mixed-method approach to develop and evaluate a Social TV system from both a bird′s eye and worm′s-eye perspective in regards to user acceptance and rejection. We provide insights into the methodological strategies and analyse the strengths and weaknesses of our proposition to demonstrate how the different methodological approaches can augment each other in the different phases of AAL projects.
Automatisierte nichtinvasive Emotionsmessung. Ein Erfahrungsbericht von der Vision bis zur Realisierung
Authors: Gerber Paul , Ullrich Daniel
Published: November 2012

Affektive Reaktionen spielen eine wichtige Rolle in der Usability- und User Experience Forschung und sind häufig Gegens-tand in entsprechenden Messinstrumenten. Diese Messinstrumente haben aber oft den Nachteil, dass sie den Interaktions-prozess unterbrechen, etwa wenn sie während eines Usability-Tests durchgeführt werden. Oder aber sie unterliegen retro-spektiven Verfälschungen, zum Beispiel wenn sie nach Abschluss der Interaktion durchgeführt werden. Ziel unserer Arbeit war die Entwicklung eines nichtinvasiven Messinstruments, das emotionale Reaktionen während einer Interaktion erfassbar macht, ohne dass der Interaktionsprozess unterbrochen werden müsste. In dem vorliegenden Beitrag skizzieren wir den Prozess der Entwicklung dieses Messinstruments, von der ursprünglichen Vision bis zur Realisierung. Dabei gehen wir auf theoretische wie praktische Hindernisse ein und beschreiben, wie diese die finale Lösung beeinflusst haben. Abschließend berichten wir Ergebnisse zur Genauigkeit aus der Pilotstudie und diskutieren Implikationen für zukünftige Arbeiten sowie für Praktiker, die solch ein System einsetzen möchten.
Der Newbie, der Fortgeschrittene und der Power-User. Warum es nicht reicht, “einfach mal die Nutzer zu fragen”
Authors: Heckner Markus , Schneidermeier Tim , Hastreiter Isabella , Wolff Christian
Published: November 2012

Innerbetriebliche Software entwickelt sich häufig über Jahre hinweg inkrementell weiter, sammelt so Schritt für Schritt Funktionen an und verliert an Übersichtlichkeit. Soll diese Software hinsichtlich ihrer Gebrauchstauglichkeit optimiert werden, müssen aus Sicht eines externen Usability-Beraters zunächst die Domäne des Kunden verstanden und die Arbeitsprozesse analysiert werden. In der Analyse muss insbesondere der Umgang unterschiedlicher Nutzergruppen mit der Software berücksichtigt werden, um fundierte Neuvorschläge in einem Redesign erarbeiten zu können. In diesem Erfahrungsbericht beschreiben wir anhand eines konkreten Praxisbeispiels Eigenschaften von Nutzergruppen und deren Einfluss auf die Analyse, und warum es nicht reicht, die Nutzer “einfach mal zu fragen, wie sie die Software denn finden”.
Interdisciplinary Education in Palliative Care: A Bold Strategy, Solution and Political Statement
Authors: Breiddal Susan
Published: November 2012

Harsh experience reveals that preparing the interdisciplinary palliative care team members cannot be accomplished by sequestering students in single-discipline training. By combining different ways of knowing and being that are the underlying tenets of interdisciplinary education, we must—by design, curriculum, teaching strategies, and research—reflect the nature and practice of the interdisciplinary palliative care team. This kind of education is an imperative if we are going to meet our own goals to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual care to people at end-of-life. As educators, we must take to heart the responsibility to prepare students with the skills to apply their knowledge within the context of the palliative care setting, as practiced by the interdisciplinary team. This position is supported in the literature, is recommended by Health Canada, and is affirmed by experience in the field.
Symmetric M-theory backgrounds
Authors: Figueroa-O’Farrill José
Published: November 2012

We classify symmetric backgrounds of eleven-dimensional supergravity up to local isometry. In other words, we classify triples (M, g, F), where (M,g) is an eleven-dimensional lorentzian locally symmetric space and F is an invariant 4-form, satisfying the equations of motion of eleven-dimensional supergravity. The possible (M,g) are given either by (not necessarily nondegenerate) Cahen-Wallach spaces or by products AdSd × M11−d for 2 ⩽ d ⩽ 7 and M11−d a not necessarily irreducible riemannian symmetric space. In most cases we determine the corresponding F-moduli spaces.
RAPD polymorphism in the prebreeding material for cultivation of synthetic variations of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.)
Authors: Skuza Lidia , Rogalska Stanisława , Dyba Stanisław , Bocianowski Jan
Published: November 2012

Genetic diversity between synthetic cultivars (Syn5, Syn7), inbred lines (D3, D5, E1/2, G1/1, G1/2) and ecotypes (E16, E51, E182, E231) of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) was studied using the RAPD-PCR method. The plants differed in the efficiency of seed set and in the yield of green mass. The ecotypes E182 and E231 and the synthetic population Syn5 showed the highest fertility. Additionally, Syn5 also showed the highest efficiency of seed set and the yield of green mass. Among the inbred lines, D3 was characterised by the highest yield of green mass and E1/2 by the highest fertility. An optimal combination of yield and biomass was observed for the synthetic population Syn5, obtained by crossing the lines D3, D5 and G1/1, as demonstrated using comparative analysis. A total of 338 polymorphic products were generated using 20 arbitrary primers. Cluster analysis using the Unweighted-Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) in the Molecular image Gel Doc™ XR (Bio-Rad) software based on the Dice’s coefficient of genetic similarity showed a division of the studied forms into two groups based on genetic similarity. The ecotype E16 formed one of the groups whereas all of the other ecotypes observed in this study clustered into the second group. A high level of polymorphism among the studied lucerne forms was detected indicating an interesting gene pool awaiting future exploration. Analysis of variance also supported a high diversity among the studied forms. This study provides insightful information into the heterosis effect of synthetic populations or hybrids of F1 lucerine by providing correlations between the genetic background of the inbred lines and their ability to produce a specific yield.
Autumn-winter diet overlap of fallow, red, and roe deer in forest ecosystems, Southern Poland
Authors: Obidziński Artur , Kiełtyk Piotr , Borkowski Jakub , Bolibok Leszek , Remuszko Karolina
Published: November 2012

The wild population of fallow deer in Central Europe has grown considerably over the last decade. However, information on feeding habits of this alien species in relation to the indigenous red deer or roe deer, in areas of their co-occurrence, is scarce. A prevailing view maintains that their food-niches are distinct, although direct comparative studies have not been carried out. Therefore, the aim of the research was to compare the diets of fallow, red, and roe deer feeding in the same habitat. Research was based on the rumen contents of 242 animals hunted in the autumn-winter season in the forests of Southern Poland. The analyses demonstrated that fallow deer are moderate grazers in such conditions and eat more graminoids in comparison to red or roe deer (36.4% vs. 16.1% or 5.5%, respectively). On the other hand, it feeds on less browse (17.2% vs. 41.4%) or dwarf shrubs (8.4% vs. 19.0%) than red deer, and on less bramble (10.9% vs. 34.6%) or forbs (4.0% vs. 7.6%) in comparison to roe deer (P=0.05). Although the diets of the three deer species differ in terms of the proportion of each food type in their diet, overlapping of their food-niches is high (52.6%).
Comparison of signal peptides for efficient protein secretion in the baculovirus-silkworm system
Authors: Soejima Yasuhiko , Lee Jae , Nagata Yudai , Mon Hiroaki , Iiyama Kazuhiro , Kitano Hajime , Matsuyama Michiya , Kusakabe Takahiro
Published: November 2012

The baculovirus-silkworm expression system is widely used as a mass production system for recombinant secretory proteins. However, the final yields of some recombinant proteins are not sufficient for industrial use. In this study, we focused on the signal peptide as a key factor for improving the efficiency of protein production. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) translocation of newly synthesized proteins is the first stage of the secretion pathway; therefore, the selection of an efficient signal peptide would lead to the efficient secretion of recombinant proteins. The Drosophila Bip and honeybee melittin signal peptides have often been used in this system, but to the best of our knowledge, there has been no study comparing secretion efficiency between exogenous and endogenous signal peptides. In this study we employed signal peptides from 30K Da and SP2 proteins as endogenous signals, and compared secretion efficiency with those of exogenous or synthetic origins. We have found that the endogenous secretory signal from the 30K Da protein is the most efficient for recombinant secretory protein production in the baculovirus-silkworm expression system.
Self-organization of polyaniline during oxidative polymerization: formation of granular structure
Authors: Shishov Mikhail , Moshnikov Vyacheslav , Sapurina Irina
Published: November 2012

The paper is focused on oxidative polymerization of aniline proceeding in an acid medium with a strong oxidant; formation of polyaniline (PANI) granular structures in different steps of the synthesis was studied. The relationship between the processes of self-organization of the growing polymer into supramolecular structures and the steps of molecular synthesis has been revealed. It was shown that during the induction period (the initial synthesis step), insoluble non-conducting products are formed. They are characterized by the absorption band at 430 nm corresponding to the wavelength of the phenazinium cation radical peak. In the second step, the polymer chain growth, conducting PANI granules with the diameter of 50 nm were obtained. These granules consist of spherical particles with the diameter as small as several nanometers. Then, the granule dimensions increased to 200 nm due to the growth of the spheres; the sphere diameter reached 20 nm. The number of spheres in a granule remained constant. Both precipitate and PANI film consist of common structural elements, polymer spheres, organized into granules and larger structures. Suppression of the polymer chain growth leads to the formation of non-conducting aniline oligomers which are self-organized into large particles with fractal structure. To describe the self-organization processes of a growing polymer chain, the diffusion-limited aggregation mechanism was used.
Facile synthesis of ultrafine TiO2 nanowires with large aspect ratio and its photoactivity
Authors: Anjusree G. S. , Asha A. M. , Subramanian K. R. V. , Sivakumar N. , Nair A. Sreekumaran , Nair Shantikumar V. , Balakrishnan Avinash
Published: November 2012

In the present study, ultrafine TiO2 nanowires (∼80 nm in diameter) exhibiting large aspect ratio in the order of 103 were synthesized hydrothermally. Phase and morphological analysis of the nanowires was carried out using X-ray diffractometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. High resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed the wire exhibiting growth in (101). A Tauc plot derived from UV analysis showed the average band gap values for nanowires to be less than for nanoparticles of similar diameter. It was observed that nanowires exhibited a high degree of photoactivity in an eosin-based dye system which was found to be 20 – 30 % more than that of nanoparticles. This high photoactivity in nanowires was attributed to the longer charge retention which was observed during lifetime measurements, resulting in easy radical formation and dye degradation. Lifetime measurements on the nanowires showed the recombination time to be 54 ns as compared to 43 ns for nanoparticles.
Age-hardenability related to precipitation and lamellar-forming grain boundary reaction in dental low-carat gold alloy
Authors: Kim Young-Oh , Kim Hyung-Il , Cho Mi-Hyang , Cho Su-Yoen , Lee Gwang-Young , Kwon Yong Hoon , Seol Hyo-Joung
Published: November 2012

A dental Ag–Au–Cu–Pd alloy with small amounts of Zn and Ir was examined to determine the association of the age-hardenability with the phase transformation process and microstructural changes by means of hardness testing, X-ray diffraction study, field emission scanning electron microscopic observation and energy dispersive spectrometry. The fast and apparent age-hardenability of the present alloy was possibly attributed to phase separation by spinodal decomposition and the formation of a fine and coherent cuboidal structure composed of the Ag–Au-rich α1 phase and the metastable Cu–Au-rich α2′ phase. The lamellar-forming grain boundary reaction was induced by internal strain before the maximum hardness value was obtained. Moreover, growth of the grain boundary lamellar structure toward the grain interior and its coarsening acted as a strain-releasing softening mechanism, which caused a decrease in age-hardenability. A change in Ag and Pd content might alter the start point of lamellar-formation and the age-hardenability of Ag–Au–Cu–Pd alloys.
Experimental determination of the phase relations of the Co–Pt–Dy system at 773 K
Authors: Gu Z. F. , Xu Ch. F. , Li R. F. , Cheng G. , Ma L. , Jiang M. H.
Published: November 2012

The isothermal section of the Co–Pt–Dy system at 773 K was experimentally determined by combining results from X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy investigations. The presence of Co3Dy4 phase at 773 K is confirmed in this study. The four-phase region does not exist at 773 K in the ternary Co–Pt–Dy system, with instead two three-phase regions consisting of Co, DyPt, Dy3Pt4 and Co, DyPt2, Dy3Pt4, respectively. 23 single-phase regions (including solid solution regions of the binary compounds) and 21 three-phase regions were identified to exist at this isothermal section. The highest solid solubility of Dy in α1(Co, Pt), ∊(Co, Pt), α2(Co, Pt), CoPt, CoPt, α(Pt, Co) is less than 1.5 at.% Dy and that of Co in Dy3Pt, Dy2Pt, Dy5Pt3, Dy5Pt4, DyPt, Dy3Pt4, DyPt3, DyPt5 is below 1 at.% Co. The DyPt2 phase dissolves up to about 19 at.% Co. The maximum solid solubility of Pt in Co2Dy, Co3Dy, Co7Dy2, Co17Dy2 is approximately 1 at.% Pt. No new binary and ternary phases were found.
Laplace–Fourier Transform of the Stretched Exponential Function: Analytic Error Bounds, Double Exponential Transform, and Open-Source Implementation “libkww”
Authors: Wuttke Joachim
Published: November 2012

The C library libkww provides functions to compute the Kohlrausch–Williams– Watts function, i.e., the Laplace–Fourier transform of the stretched (or compressed) exponential function exp(-tβ ) for exponents β between 0.1 and 1.9 with double precision. Analytic error bounds are derived for the low and high frequency series expansions. For intermediate frequencies, the numeric integration is enormously accelerated by using the Ooura–Mori double exponential transformation. The primitive of the cosine transform needed for the convolution integrals is also implemented. The software is hosted at http://apps.jcns.fz-juelich.de/kww; version 3.0 is deposited as supplementary material to this article.
Identification of kakusei, a Nuclear Non-Coding RNA, as an Immediate Early Gene from the Honeybee, and Its Application for Neuroethological Study
Authors: Kiya Taketoshi , Ugajin Atsushi , Kunieda Takekazu , Kubo Takeo
Published: November 2012

The honeybee is a social insect that exhibits various social behaviors. To elucidate the neural basis of honeybee behavior, we detected neural activity in freely-moving honeybee workers using an immediate early gene (IEG) that is expressed in a neural activity-dependent manner. In European honeybees (Apis mellifera), we identified a novel nuclear non-coding RNA, termed kakusei, as the first insect IEG, and revealed the neural activity pattern in foragers. In addition, we isolated a homologue of kakusei, termed Acks, from the Japanese honeybee (Apis cerana), and detected active neurons in workers fighting with the giant hornet.
Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of Ammonium and Imidazolium Ionic Liquids against T98G Brain Cancer Cells
Authors: Kaushik Nagendra Kumar , Attri Pankaj , Kaushik Neha , Choi Eun Ha
Published: November 2012

Four ammonium and imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) have been synthesized and screened against the T98G cell line (brain cancer) and HEK normal cells. Treatment induced metabolic cell death (MTT), growth inhibition, clonogenic inhibition were studied as cellular response parameters. Treatment with ILs enhanced growth inhibition and cell death in a concentration dependent manner in both the T98G and HEK cell lines. At higher concentrations (>0.09 mg/mL) the cytotoxic effects of the ILs were highly significant. An inhibitory effect on clonogenic capacity was also observed after cell treatment. Amongst all ILs; IL 4 (BMIMCl) exhibited potent activity against T98G brain cancer cells. Despite potent in-vitro activity, all ILs exhibited less cytotoxicity against the normal human HEK cells at all effective concentrations.
Agreement between magnetic resonance imaging, myelography, and surgery for detecting recurrent, thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion in dogs
Authors: Brisson B. A. , Nykamp S. G. , Reynolds D.
Published: November 2012

Objectives: Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is reported to be superior to myelography to determine the location and site of first time disc herniation, comparison of these diagnostic methods in cases of recurrent intervertebral disc disease (IVD) herniation after a first surgery has not been evaluated. The objective was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of MRI and myelography in a series of dogs undergoing repeat surgical decompression for recurrent IVD extrusion when compared to the gold standard of surgery.

Methods: Ten dogs with recurrent IVD herniation underwent MRI and myelography followed by surgical decompression. Three observers reviewed the images to determine the site and side of the first surgery and the recurrent lesion. Agreement was determined by calculating a kappa (κ) score.

Results: Substantial interobserver agreement was noted for recurrent lesion site using MRI and myelography (κ = 0.77 vs. 0.73) and when comparing MRI and myelography to the reported surgical site (κ = 0.73 vs. 0.67). Interobserver agreement was greater with MRI for circumferential location compared to myelography (κ = 0.76 vs. 0.43), similar to what was found when comparing to surgical side (κ = 0.82 vs. 0.49). The previous surgical site in this study had no effect on ability to identify the new lesion.

Clinical significance: Despite the limitations of MRI, there was greater agreement between observers using MRI for both the recurrent and first lesion.
BOOK ‘APLINKOS APSAUGA KELIUOSE’ REVIEW
Authors: Laurinavičius A.
Published: November 2012

"Book ‘Aplinkos apsauga keliuose’ review." Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management, 20(4), pp. 316-317
Le délire de guérir
Authors: Alerini Paul
Published: November 2012

Résumé En 1964 une dame, employée de maison chez un chirurgien professeur à la faculté de médecine à Marseille, déposa au bureau de la main-d’œuvre un cahier d’écolier contenant ses travaux sur la paralysie et le cancer et demanda à recevoir le titre de docteur en médecine. Éconduite, elle fit une crise de violence qui justifia son internement d’office à l’hôpital de la Timone, où elle déclara qu’elle ne parlerait plus tant qu’elle n’obtiendrait pas la reconnaissance de ses compétences. Son texte intrigua pendant quelque temps les psychiatres, les linguistes, les poètes qui pensaient y trouver une réponse à leurs questionnements sur le délire, la création dans l’art brut, etc. En effet ce texte est un travail sur la langue, il déconstruit un dictionnaire et reconstruit un lexique d’un corps fantasmagorique. Construction qui illustre la tentative de guérison du délire selon Freud et la métaphore délirante selon Lacan.
Quelques remarques sur « lalangue » et sur le cas particulier de la surdité prélinguale
Authors: Pellion Frédéric
Published: November 2012

Résumé La forgerie par Jacques Lacan du néologisme « lalangue », au début des années 1970, marque sa prise de distance avec le modèle du langage jusque-là utilisé par lui. Toutefois, en face de la nouvelle expression, le lecteur de Lacan peut hésiter entre simple trait d’esprit ou nouveau concept, et ce d’autant que ses conséquences pour la clinique psychanalytique ne sont pas toujours développées par ce dernier. Après une présentation un peu ordonnée de sa (brève) histoire, on interrogera ici donc sa pertinence clinique en faisant le détour par un champ clinique très particulier où il semble pouvoir être utilement mis à contribution, à savoir le champ des incidences psychopathologiques de la surdité prélinguale.
Lacan et la langue anglaise
Authors: Cléro Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2012

Résumé C’est une thèse indéfiniment rebattue jusqu’à satiété que, selon Lacan, « l’inconscient est structuré comme un langage » ; et sans doute faut-il entendre langage en un sens plus large que s’il était structuré comme une langue vernaculaire. Laquelle, d’ailleurs ? Mais le lecteur de Lacan ne peut manquer d’être surpris par le caractère sporadique, souvent équivoque, sibyllin, incertain, de ce qui est avancé çà et là sur les rapports de l’inconscient et de telle ou telle langue. C’est ainsi que la langue anglaise, qui partagerait cette caractéristique avec le japonais, est considérée comme opposant une résistance à l’inconscient et faisant obstacle à la psychanalyse. Certes le propos est loin d’être clair ; toutefois le travail d’élaboration est tenté plusieurs fois et l’œuvre de Lacan compte plus d’un linéament dans cette direction ; mais on est très loin d’une théorie en bonne et due forme, ce qui voue le chercheur à risquer des hypothèses et à ouvrir un champ de réflexions. Que ce soit par Freud ou par Lacan, le terrain des langues nous a été légué comme une affaire qui reste presque entièrement à instruire, en dépit de la thèse forte derrière laquelle elle se monte et dont elle paraît presque immédiatement dépendre : celle de la structuration de l’inconscient et du psychisme comme langage.
Exploring the Development of New Tourism Activities in the Municipality of Kerkini by Using the Area’s Natural Resources Sustainably, Municipality of Kerkini, Greece
Authors: Manou Dimitra , Papathanasiou Jason
Published: November 2012

Work in the 354 km2 Municipality of Kerkini studied ways to increase ecotourism without harming rich local biodiversity, in cooperation with government, NGOs and private stakeholders. Routes were mapped for hunting, horse-riding, walking and climbing.
The Case Study in Bózsva, Hungary
Authors: Szemethy László , Kiss Gyula , Schally Gergely , Galló Judit
Published: November 2012

The case study in 16 km2 around the Municipality of Bózsva surveyed attitudes and mapped an area that had been flooded. Further mapping, to plan a potential cycle route, revealed issues with bureaucracy and a need for training in the use of digital technology.
Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus) Conservation in Holm Oak Montados of Southeastern Portugal
Authors: Morgado Rui , Carvalho Carlos Rio
Published: November 2012

Five volunteers mapped wild rabbit latrines along transects, as a prey index for endangered Iberian Lynx, in the Municipality of Barrancos, a Natura 2000 area. High capability and local knowledge suggest that conservation employment could offset declining rural activities with alternative income.
Penetrating skull fracture by a wooden object: Management dilemmas and literature review
Authors: Arifin Muhammad , Gill Arwinder , Faried Ahmad
Published: November 2012

Most penetrating skull injuries are caused by gun shot wounds or missiles. The compound depressed skull fracture represents an acute neurosurgical emergency. Management and diagnosis of such cases have been described, but its occurence following a fall onto a piece of wood is quite unusual. A 75-year-old female fell onto a piece of wood that penetrated her skull on the left frontal region and was treated in our department. The patient had no neurological deficits during presentation. She was managed surgically and removal of the wooden object was performed to prevent early or late infection complications. Wooden foreign bodies often pose a different set of challenges as far as penetrating injuries to the brain are concerned. Radiological difficulties and increased rates of infection due to its porous nature make these types of injuries particularly interesting. Their early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can minimize the risk of complications.
Traumatic bilateral basal ganglia hematoma: A report of two cases
Authors: Bhargava Pranshu , Grewal Sarvpreet , Gupta Bharat , Jain Vikas , Sobti Harman
Published: November 2012

Traumatic Basal ganglia hemorrhage is relatively uncommon. Bilateral basal ganglia hematoma after trauma is extremely rare and is limited to case reports. We report two cases of traumatic bilateral basal ganglia hemorrhage, and review the literature in brief. Both cases were managed conservatively.
Schwannoma originating in lateral recess of the fourth ventricle
Authors: Kachhara Rajneesh , Raje Prakash , Pauranik Apoorva
Published: November 2012

Intracranial schwannomas most commonly occur in relation to vestibular nerves followed by trigeminal nerves. Authors describe a very unusual case of schwannomas originating in lateral recess of the fourth ventricle. Tumor was completely excised micro-surgically via midline suboccipital craniectomy and C1 laminectomy. Dissection of the surgical specimen revealed that the tumor was completely free from surrounding structures and just hanging in the fourth ventricle. It was not attached to any cranial nerves, brain parenchyma, and blood vessel or to the dura mater. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma. To our knowledge, no such case has been reported so far from this extremely rare location. Relevant literature is reviewed and hypothesis for ectopic location of these tumors has been highlighted.
The scenario of presentation of young females in a rural cancer hospital of North India: An initial experience
Authors: Tiwari Vivek , Shukla Piyush , Gupta Gourav
Published: November 2012

A total of 51 cases of young females aged between 18-35 years were prospectively studied for the presentation in a Rural Charitable Cancer hospital in north India during the period August 2011 to April 2012. Breast related symptoms comprised 27 (52.94%) cases, out of which 10 (19.60%) were proven malignant. Other cases seen were Gynecological (Gyn) 8 (15.68%), Head and Neck (H and N) 5 (9.80%), Gastrointestinal (GI) 4 (7.84%), Lymphomas 3 (5.88%) and 2 (3.92%) cases each of Bone Tumors and Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors. Breast related symptoms constituted the major presentation in young females (aged 18-35 years) in our Rural Cancer Hospital. This high percentage of Breast related symptoms points towards the increasing trend of Breast malignancies possibly overtaking cancer cervix in rural India, as already in the urban settlements of India as well as the increasing awareness in the females of rural India regarding early symptoms of carcinoma Breast.
Four-dimensional distribution of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull volcanic cloud over Europe observed by EARLINET
Authors: Pappalardo G. , Mona L. , D'Amico G. , Wandinger U. , Adam M. , Amodeo A. , Ansmann A. , Apituley A. , Alados Arboledas L. , Balis D. , Boselli A. , Bravo-Aranda J. A. , Chaikovsky A. , Comeron A. , Cuesta J. , De Tomasi F. , Freudenthaler V. , Gausa M. , Giannakaki E. , Giehl H. , Giunta A. , Grigorov I. , Groß S. , Haeffelin M. , Hiebsch A. , Iarlori M. , Lange D. , Linné H. , Madonna F. , Mattis I. , Mamouri R.-E. , McAuliffe M. A. P. , Mitev V. , Molero F. , Navas-Guzman F. , Nicolae D. , Papayannis A. , Perrone M. R. , Pietras C. , Pietruczuk A. , Pisani G. , Preißler J. , Pujadas M. , Rizi V. , Ruth A. A. , Schmidt J. , Schnell F. , Seifert P. , Serikov I. , Sicard M. , Simeonov V. , Spinelli N. , Stebel K. , Tesche M. , Trickl T. , Wang X. , Wagner F. , Wiegner M. , Wilson K. M.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. The eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull in April/May 2010 represents a "natural experiment" to study the impact of volcanic emissions on a continental scale. For the first time, quantitative data about the presence, altitude, and layering of the volcanic cloud, in conjunction with optical information, are available for most parts of Europe derived from the observations by the European Aerosol Research Lidar NETwork (EARLINET). Based on multi-wavelength Raman lidar systems EARLINET is the only instrument worldwide that is able to provide dense time series of high-quality optical data to be used for aerosol typing and for the retrieval of particle microphysical properties as a function of altitude. In this work we show the four-dimensional (4-D) distribution of the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic cloud over Europe as observed by EARLINET during the entire volcanic event (15 April–26 May 2010). All optical properties directly measured (backscatter, extinction, and particle linear depolarization ratio) are stored in the EARLINET database available at http://www.earlinet.org. A specific relational database providing the volcanic mask over Europe, realized ad hoc for this specific event, has been developed and is available on request at http://www.earlinet.org. During the first days after the eruption, volcanic particles were detected over Central Europe within a wide range of altitudes, from the lower stratosphere down to the local Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL). After 19 April 2010, volcanic particles were detected over South and South Eastern Europe. During the first half of May (5–15 May), material emitted by the Eyjafjallajökull volcano was detected over Spain and Portugal and then over the Mediterranean and the Balkans. Last observations of the event were recorded until 25 May in Central Europe and in the Eastern Mediterranean area. For the first time, volcanic aerosol layering and optical properties are presented and discussed for the entire volcanic event on a continental scale providing an unprecedented data set for evaluating satellite data and aerosol dispersion models for these kind of volcanic events.
Probabilistic seismic hazard assessment of the historical peninsula of Istanbul
Authors: Ince G. Ç.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. In order to design buildings that are resistant to earthquakes, first it is necessary to determine the parameters of ground motion. In this study, the earthquake seismic hazard analysis of the Old City Districts of Istanbul (Fatih and Eminonu) was probabilistically defined. For the analysis, the study zone was divided into 307 cells of 250 × 250 m using geographical information systems, and these cells were used in the mapping of all the data obtained. Then, for a building lifetime of 50 yr, the acceleration parameters of earthquake ground motions, peak ground acceleration, peak ground velocity, and spectral acceleration values of 0.2 s and 1 s were obtained at the bedrock level according to 10% and 40% exceedances. Additionally, in order to produce the artificial acceleration-time records of the ground movement in accordance with the NEHRP acceleration spectrum, the TARSCHTS computer simulation program was utilized. The results of the analysis showed that for the 10% probability of exceedance, the peak bedrock acceleration values ranged from 0.30 g to 0.40 g, and for the 40% exceedance probability the acceleration values ranged from 0.22 g to 0.17 g. The Ss 10% exceedance probability, calculated according to the spectral acceleration parameter, ranged from 0.67 g to 0.85 g and the spectral acceleration parameter S1 varied between 0.22 g–0.28 g. The Ss 40% exceedance probability, calculated according to the spectral acceleration parameter, ranged from 0.46 g to 0.38 g and the spectral acceleration parameter S1 varied from 0.12 g to 0.14 g.
An Efficient One-Pot Green Protocol for the Synthesis of 5-Unsubstituted 3,4-Dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-Ones Using Recyclable Amberlyst 15 DRY as a Heterogeneous Catalyst via Three-Component Biginelli-Like Reaction
Authors: Jetti Srinivasa Rao , Verma Divya , Jain Shubha
Published: November 2012

An environmentally benign green protocol for the synthesis of 5-unsubstituted 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones using Amberlyst 15 DRY as a recyclable catalyst has been developed. The use of resinous, nontoxic, thermally stable, and inexpensive Amberlyst 15 DRY, as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst, makes the process simple with negligible chemical waste. Among the various solid acid catalysts Amberlyst 15 DRY was found to be the most efficient catalyst with regard to reaction time, yield, and ease of work-up procedure.
Effect of Structure of Monocyclic Aromatic Solvents on the Packing Density of Fullerene Solvation Shell
Authors: Chubarova E. V. , Melenevskaya E. Yu.
Published: November 2012

Fullerene C60 solutions in various monocyclic aromatic solvents (AS) diluted by tetrahydrofurane (THF) were studied using UV spectroscopy. An algorithm was proposed which made it possible to obtain the data from the UV spectra of (C60+AS) solutions in THF which pointed to the difference between the packing density of AS molecules in solvation shell of C60 and that in the pure AS solvent. The presence of asymmetrical substituents in the AS molecule has been shown to result in loosening of solvent structure in the solvation shell, while the absence of the substituents or presence of symmetrical substituents leads to compacting of solvent structure.