bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of College Students' Video Gaming Behavior on Self-Concept Clarity and Flow
Authors: Lee Chiawen , Aiken Kirk Damon , Hung Huang Chia
Published: May 2012

We explored time spent playing and other video gamer behavior in relation to the psychological constructs of self-concept clarity and flow. Survey data were collected from a paper-and-pencil survey of a student sample from a university in northwestern United States. We found that compared
with gamers with high self-concept clarity, gamers with low self-concept clarity spent more time playing video games. Furthermore, flow was positively associated with time spent playing. Gamers who spent more time playing reported more flow experiences. This research contributes to understanding
of the relationship between gamer psychologies and gaming behavior amongst college students.
Malocclusion and oral health-related quality of life in Brazilian school children
Authors: Sardenberg Fernanda , Martins Milene T. , Bendo Cristiane B. , Pordeus Isabela A. , Paiva Saul M. , Auad Sheyla M. , Vale Miriam P.
Published: May 2012

Objective:

To test the hypothesis that malocclusion and its impact on quality of life has no effect on 8- to 10-year-old Brazilian schoolchildren as measured by an oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) instrument.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out with a population-based sample of 1204 8- to 10-year-old children attending elementary schools in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Dental examinations were carried out by two calibrated examiners. OHRQoL was assessed using the Brazilian version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire. The Dental Aesthetic Index was used for the clinical assessment of malocclusion. Dental caries and socioeconomic factors were used as controlling variables. Bivariate analysis involved the chi-square test and the Fisher exact test. A Poisson regression model was employed for the multivariate analysis (P < .05).

Results:

Anterior segment spacing and anterior mandibular overjet were significantly associated with impact on OHRQoL (P < .05). Schoolchildren with malocclusion were 1.30-fold (95% CI: 1.15–1.46; P < 0.001) more likely to experience a negative impact on OHRQoL than those without malocclusion. Children belonging to families with an income less than or equal to two times the minimum wage were 1.59-fold (95% CI: 1.35–1.88; P < 0.001) more likely to experience a negative impact on OHRQoL than those belonging to families with the highest income.

Conclusions:

Schoolchildren with malocclusion from lower-income families experience a greater negative impact on OHRQoL.
History Education and the Claims of Society
Authors: Verschaffel Tom , Wils Kaat
Published: May 2012

The political use and instrumentalization of history is a central theme within the historiography of history education. Neither history nor education is a politically neutral domain; history education is and has always been a highly politicized phenomenon. For his recent article on the development of history education in England, Germany, and the Netherlands throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the Dutch history didactician Arie Wilschut chose the significant title, “History at the Mercy of Politicians and Ideologies.” History education, Wilschut argues, has, in all three countries, continually—with a short break in the 1960s and 1970s—been instrumentalized by national politics to the detriment of unbiased interpretations of the past.
Remembering or Forgetting?
Authors: Los Willeke
Published: May 2012

After several decades of political conflict and turbulence, in 1815 the Netherlands became a constitutional monarchy. In the ensuing process of nation-building, history education was considered an important means to instill feelings of national unity and concord into the hearts of children. This article seeks to investigate how this was possible in view of the recent revolutionary past. It analyzes accounts in history textbooks for primary education of the Patriot Revolt against Stadholder William V that took place in the 1780s and was suppressed in 1787, and of the Batavian Revolution that took place in 1795 and put an end to his rule. Although in many cases the historical narratives of these politically controversial events were adapted to suit the purpose of nation-building, the revolutionary past was by no means forgotten.
The Impact of Communist Rule on History Education in Poland
Authors: Wojdon Joanna
Published: May 2012

This article analyzes textbooks and curricula for primary schools in Poland published between 1944 and 1989 to show how the communist regime attempted to influence Polish history education via political change and educational reform. The article focuses on five aspects of this influence: Marxist methodology of history, portrayals of political parties, promotion of a “scientific“ worldview, justification of new boundaries and alliances of the People's Poland, and a new pantheon of national heroes. In conclusion, the article investigates the effectiveness of history education in shaping Polish collective memory under the communist regime.
Territorios de diferencia: Lugar, movimientos, vida, redes
Authors: Blandón Paula Hinestroza
Published: May 2012

A. Escobar. (2010). Territorios de diferencia: Lugar, movimientos, vida, redes.
Review by Paula Hinestroza Blandón
Closed Form Representations of Some Series in Darling’s Model for Squeeze Film Damping with a Rectangular Plate
Authors: Gugat Martin
Published: May 2012

Compressible squeeze film damping is a phenomenon of great importance for micromachines. For example, for the optimal design of an electrostatically actuated micro-cantilever mass sensor that operates in air, it is essential to have a model for the system behavior that can be evaluated efficiently. An analytical model that is based upon a solution of the linearized Reynolds equation has been given by R.B. Darling. In this paper we explain how some infinite sums that appear in Darling’s model can be evaluated analytically. As an example of applications of these closed form representations, we compute an approximation for the critical frequency where the spring component of the reaction force on the microplate, due to the motion through the air, is equal to a certain given multiple of the damping component. We also show how some double series that appear in the model can be reduced to a single infinite series that can be approximated efficiently.
Some Further Results on the Minimum Error Entropy Estimation
Authors: Chen Badong , Principe Jose C.
Published: May 2012

The minimum error entropy (MEE) criterion has been receiving increasing attention due to its promising perspectives for applications in signal processing and machine learning. In the context of Bayesian estimation, the MEE criterion is concerned with the estimation of a certain random variable based on another random variable, so that the error’s entropy is minimized. Several theoretical results on this topic have been reported. In this work, we present some further results on the MEE estimation. The contributions are twofold: (1) we extend a recent result on the minimum entropy of a mixture of unimodal and symmetric distributions to a more general case, and prove that if the conditional distributions are generalized uniformly dominated (GUD), the dominant alignment will be the MEE estimator; (2) we show by examples that the MEE estimator (not limited to singular cases) may be non-unique even if the error distribution is restricted to zero-mean (unbiased).
Controversies and Generational Differences: Young People’s Identities in Some European States
Authors: Ross Alistair
Published: May 2012

This article explores how young people (aged 12–18) in the four Visegrad states of Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic are constructing their identities, particularly their sense of attachment to their country and to Europe. This generation is of particular significance, in that they are the first generation for many years to have been born and socialised in wholly independent states that are in a relatively peaceful and stable state. Data was collected through 41 focus groups, conducted in 11 different locations in the different states, and were analysed in terms of the degree of enthusiasm expressed for civic institutions and cultural practices related to the country and to Europe. Two particular areas were identified: the sense of generational difference and the ways in which different groups created “other” communities, within and without their country’s borders. These parameters allow us to distinguish the significant communities that these young people are creating in order to make sense of their social and political worlds.
Achieving a Green Solution: Limitations and Focus Points for Sustainable Algal Fuels
Authors: Aitken Douglas , Antizar-Ladislao Blanca
Published: May 2012

Research investigating the potential of producing biofuels from algae has been enjoying a recent revival due to heightened oil prices, uncertain fossil fuel sources and legislative targets aimed at reducing our contribution to climate change. If the concept is to become a reality however, many obstacles need to be overcome. Recent studies have suggested that open ponds provide the most sustainable means of cultivation infrastructure due to their low energy inputs compared to more energy intensive photobioreactors. Most studies have focused on strains of algae which are capable of yielding high oil concentrations combined with high productivity. Yet it is very difficult to cultivate such strains in open ponds as a result of microbial competition and limited radiation-use efficiency. To improve viability, the use of wastewater has been considered by many researchers as a potential source of nutrients with the added benefit of tertiary water treatment however productivity rates are affected and optimal conditions can be difficult to maintain year round. This paper investigates the process streams which are likely to provide the most viable methods of energy recovery from cultivating and processing algal biomass. The key findings are the importance of a flexible approach which depends upon location of the cultivation ponds and the industry targeted. Additionally this study recommends moving towards technologies producing higher energy recoveries such as pyrolysis or anaerobic digestion as opposed to other studies which focused upon biodiesel production.
Antioxidative Characteristics of Anisomeles indica Extract and Inhibitory Effect of Ovatodiolide on Melanogenesis
Authors: Huang Huey-Chun , Lien Hsiu-Man , Ke Hui-Ju , Chang Li-Ling , Chen Chia-Chang , Chang Tsong-Min
Published: May 2012

The purpose of the study was to investigate the antioxidant characteristics of Anisomeles indica methanol extract and the inhibitory effect of ovatodiolide on melanogenesis. In the study, the antioxidant capacities of A. indica methanol extract such as DPPH assay, ABTS radical scavenging assay, reducing capacity and metal ion chelating capacity as well as total phenolic content of the extract were investigated. In addition, the inhibitory effects of ovatodiolide on mushroom tyrosinase, B16F10 intracellular tyrosinase and melanin content were determined spectrophotometrically. Our results revealed that the antioxidant capacities of A. indica methanol extract increased in a dose-dependent pattern. The purified ovatodiolide inhibited mushroom tyrosinase activity (IC50 = 0.253 mM), the compound also effectively suppressed intracellular tyrosinase activity (IC50 = 0.469 mM) and decreased the amount of melanin (IC50 = 0.435 mM) in a dose-dependent manner in B16F10 cells. Our results concluded that A. indica methanol extract displays antioxidant capacities and ovatodiolide purified from the extract inhibited melanogenesis in B16F10 cells. Hence, A. indica methanol extract and ovatodiolide could be applied as a type of dermatological whitening agent in skin care products.
Protective Effect of Caffeic Acid on Paclitaxel Induced Anti-Proliferation and Apoptosis of Lung Cancer Cells Involves NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Lin Chien-Liang , Chen Ruei-Feng , Chen Jeff Yi-Fu , Chu Ying-Chieh , Wang Hui-Min , Chou Han-Lin , Chang Wei-Chiao , Fong Yao , Chang Wen-Tsan , Wu Chang-Yi , Chiu Chien-Chih
Published: May 2012

Caffeic acid (CA), a natural phenolic compound, is abundant in medicinal plants. CA possesses multiple biological effects such as anti-bacterial and anti-cancer growth. CA was also reported to induce fore stomach and kidney tumors in a mouse model. Here we used two human lung cancer cell lines, A549 and H1299, to clarify the role of CA in cancer cell proliferation. The growth assay showed that CA moderately promoted the proliferation of the lung cancer cells. Furthermore, pre-treatment of CA rescues the proliferation inhibition induced by a sub-IC50 dose of paclitaxel (PTX), an anticancer drug. Western blot showed that CA up-regulated the pro-survival proteins survivin and Bcl-2, the down-stream targets of NF-κB. This is consistent with the observation that CA induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Our study suggested that the pro-survival effect of CA on PTX-treated lung cancer cells is mediated through a NF-κB signaling pathway. This may provide mechanistic insights into the chemoresistance of cancer calls.
A Novel Apoptosis Correlated Molecule: Expression and Characterization of Protein Latcripin-1 from Lentinula edodes C91–3
Authors: Liu Ben , Zhong Mintao , Lun Yongzhi , Wang Xiaoli , Sun Wenchang , Li Xingyun , Ning Anhong , Cao Jing , Zhang Wei , Liu Lei , Huang Min
Published: May 2012

An apoptosis correlated molecule—protein Latcripin-1 of Lentinula edodes C91-3—was expressed and characterized in Pichia pastoris GS115. The total RNA was obtained from Lentinula edodes C91–3. According to the transcriptome, the full-length gene of Latcripin-1 was isolated with 3'-Full Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) and 5'-Full RACE methods. The full-length gene was inserted into the secretory expression vector pPIC9K. The protein Latcripin-1 was expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115 and analyzed by Sodium Dodecylsulfonate Polyacrylate Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot. The Western blot showed that the protein was expressed successfully. The biological function of protein Latcripin-1 on A549 cells was studied with flow cytometry and the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyl-tetrazolium Bromide (MTT) method. The toxic effect of protein Latcripin-1 was detected with the MTT method by co-culturing the characterized protein with chick embryo fibroblasts. The MTT assay results showed that there was a great difference between protein Latcripin-1 groups and the control group (p < 0.05). There was no toxic effect of the characterized protein on chick embryo fibroblasts. The flow cytometry showed that there was a significant difference between the protein groups of interest and the control group according to apoptosis function (p < 0.05). At the same time, cell ultrastructure observed by transmission electron microscopy supported the results of flow cytometry. The work demonstrates that protein Latcripin-1 can induce apoptosis of human lung cancer cells A549 and brings new insights into and advantages to finding anti-tumor proteins.
Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Materials Consisting of n-octadecyltriethoxysilane by Using n-Hexadecylamine as Surfactant and Q0 and T0 Cross-Linkers
Authors: Warad Ismail , H Omar Abd-Elkader , Al-Resayes Saud , Husein Ahmad , Al-Nuri Mohammed , Boshaala Ahmed , Al-Zaqri Nabil , Hadda Taibi Ben
Published: May 2012

Novel hybrid xerogel materials were synthesized by a sol-gel procedure. n-octadecyltriethoxysilane was co-condensed with and without different cross-linkers using Q0 and T0 mono-functionalized organosilanes in the presence of n-hexadecylamine with different hydroxyl silica functional groups at the surface. These polymer networks have shown new properties, for example, a high degree of cross-linking and hydrolysis. Two different synthesis steps were carried out: simple self-assembly followed by sol-gel transition and precipitation of homogenous sols. Due to the lack of solubility of these materials, the compositions of the new materials were determined by infrared spectroscopy, 13C and 29Si CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
Structure Elucidation and Anticancer Activity of 7-Oxostaurosporine Derivatives from the Brazilian Endemic Tunicate Eudistoma vannamei
Authors: Jimenez Paula Christine , Wilke Diego Veras , Ferreira Elthon Gois , Takeara Renata , De Moraes Manoel Odorico , Silveira Edilberto Rocha , Da Cruz Lotufo Tito Monteiro , Lopes Norberto Peporine , Costa-Lotufo Leticia Veras
Published: May 2012

The present study reports the identification of two new staurosporine derivatives, 2-hydroxy-7-oxostaurosporine (1) and 3-hydroxy-7-oxostaurosporine (2), obtained from mid-polar fractions of an aqueous methanol extract of the tunicate Eudistoma vannamei, endemic to the northeast coast of Brazil. The mixture of 1 and 2 displayed IC50 values in the nM range and was up to 14 times more cytotoxic than staurosporine across a panel of tumor cell lines, as evaluated using the MTT assay.
Synthesis and Bioactivity of Secondary Metabolites from Marine Sponges Containing Dibrominated Indolic Systems
Authors: Mollica Adriano , Locatelli Marcello , Stefanucci Azzurra , Pinnen Francesco
Published: May 2012

Marine sponges. (e.g., Hyrtios sp., Dragmacidin sp., Aglophenia pleuma, Aplidium cyaneum, Aplidium meridianum.) produce bioactive secondary metabolites involved in their defence mechanisms. Recently it was demonstrated that several of those compounds show a large variety of biological activities against different human diseases with possible applications in medicinal chemistry and in pharmaceutical fields, especially related to the new drug development process. Researchers have focused their attention principally on secondary metabolites with anti-cancer and cytotoxic activities. A common target for these molecules is the cytoskeleton, which has a central role in cellular proliferation, motility, and profusion involved in the metastatic process associate with tumors. In particular, many substances containing brominated indolic rings such as 5,6-dibromotryptamine, 5,6-dibromo-N-methyltryptamine, 5,6-dibromo-N-methyltryptophan (dibromoabrine), 5,6-dibromo-N,N-dimethyltryptamine and 5,6-dibromo-L-hypaphorine isolated from different marine sources, have shown anti-cancer activity, as well as antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Considering the structural correlation between endogenous monoamine serotonin with marine indolic alkaloids 5,6-dibromoabrine and 5,6-dibromotryptamine, a potential use of some dibrominated indolic metabolites in the treatment of depression-related pathologies has also been hypothesized. Due to the potential applications in the treatment of various diseases and the increasing demand of these compounds for biological assays and the difficult of their isolation from marine sources, we report in this review a series of recent syntheses of marine dibrominated indole-containing products.
Preussianone, a New Flavanone-Chromone Biflavonoid from Garcinia preussii Engl.
Authors: Messi Bernadette Biloa , Ndjoko-Ioset Karine , Hertlein-Amslinger Barbara , Lannang Alain Meli , Nkengfack Augustin E. , Wolfender Jean-Luc , Hostettmann Kurt , Bringmann Gerhard
Published: May 2012

A new flavanone-chromone biflavonoid, preussianone (1), has been isolated from the leaves of Garcinia preussii, along with four known biflavonoids. The absolute stereostructures were elucidated by chemical, spectroscopic, and chiroptical methods. The biological properties of the new biflavonoid against several bacterial strains were evaluated.
Cannabidiol in Humans—The Quest for Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Zhornitsky Simon , Potvin Stéphane
Published: May 2012

Cannabidiol (CBD), a major phytocannabinoid constituent of cannabis, is attracting growing attention in medicine for its anxiolytic, antipsychotic, antiemetic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, up to this point, a comprehensive literature review of the effects of CBD in humans is lacking. The aim of the present systematic review is to examine the randomized and crossover studies that administered CBD to healthy controls and to clinical patients. A systematic search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed and EMBASE using the key word “cannabidiol”. Both monotherapy and combination studies (e.g., CBD + ∆9-THC) were included. A total of 34 studies were identified: 16 of these were experimental studies, conducted in healthy subjects, and 18 were conducted in clinical populations, including multiple sclerosis (six studies), schizophrenia and bipolar mania (four studies), social anxiety disorder (two studies), neuropathic and cancer pain (two studies), cancer anorexia (one study), Huntington’s disease (one study), insomnia (one study), and epilepsy (one study). Experimental studies indicate that a high-dose of inhaled/intravenous CBD is required to inhibit the effects of a lower dose of ∆9-THC. Moreover, some experimental and clinical studies suggest that oral/oromucosal CBD may prolong and/or intensify ∆9-THC-induced effects, whereas others suggest that it may inhibit ∆9-THC-induced effects. Finally, preliminary clinical trials suggest that high-dose oral CBD (150–600 mg/d) may exert a therapeutic effect for social anxiety disorder, insomnia and epilepsy, but also that it may cause mental sedation. Potential pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic explanations for these results are discussed.
Multistakeholder Values on the Sustainability of Dive Tourism: Case Studies of Sipadan and Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
Authors: Haddock-Fraser Janet , Hampton Mark P.
Published: May 2012

The impact on the marine environment of the rapidly growing dive tourism industry in less developed countries is increasingly understood, but little research currently exists on its impact on overall sustainability at host sites. This article applies Social Exchange Theory to assess
multistakeholders' perspectives of dive tourism for two Malaysian islands: the Perhentians and Sipadan. We argue that multiple interest groups exist within the sites, with heterogeneous attitudes relating to dive tourism. We found that dive instructors (most knowledgeable and engaged) have
the most polarized views and clearly identify links between environment, society, and development. Nondive businesses show greater engagement with economic development impact, but may not link this to environmental preservation. Tourists were surprisingly indifferent—highlighting their
lack of loyalty to "place" per se or opportunities for alternative travel choices.
International Stereotype and the Collective Construction of Destination Image
Authors: Chen Chun-Chu , Lin Yueh-Hsiu , Petrick James F.
Published: May 2012

This research examines destination image as a collective construction by utilizing the context of image formation, particularly focusing on the context of structural relationships between guest and host nations. Based on international image theory that suggests overall perceptions of
a foreign nation stemming from the perceived relationships between two nations or international stereotypes might be collectively formed within a nation and serve as a predictor of internation attitudes, this research investigates the effects of international stereotypes on destination image.
The results indicate that people have more negative destination perceptions of a perceived unfriendly nation than a perceived friendly nation, which provides evidence of destination image as a collective construction. The results further highlight the importance of context in the process of
image formation.
The Effect of CXCR4 Overexpression on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Bang Oh Young , Jin Kyung Sil , Hwang Mi Na , Kang Ho Young , Kim Byoung Joon , Lee Sang Jin , Kang Sangmee , Hwang Yu Kyeong , Ahn Jong Seong , Sung Ki Woong
Published: May 2012

There is no doubt that the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) needs improvement. SDF-1 (chemokine for MSC homing) and its receptor CXCR4 play a critical role in the migration of MSCs in ischemia. We investigated the effects of the therapeutic application of MSCs transfected to overexpress CXCR4 using an adenoviral construct in the rat stroke model. Both flow cytometry and Western blot analysis indicated that the level of CXCR4 expression was low in naive hMSCs but was consistently high in CXCR4-hMSCs. In vivo migration test using the transwell system showed that the degree of migration was increased in CXCR4-hMSCs compared with the naive hMSCs and was completely blocked by treatment with AMD3100, an antagonist of the CXCR4 receptor. Compared with rats that received naive MSCs, behavioral recovery was more pronounced in rats that received CXCR4-hMSCs ( p = 0.023). An immunohistochemistry study using human nuclear antibody (NuMA) showed that the migration of hMSCs in the ischemic boundary zone was increased after 3 days of injection of CXCR4-hMSCs compared with after injection of naive hMSCs. In addition, polymerase chain reaction was performed to assess the biodistribution of human-specific DNA outside the brain after intravenous injection of hMSCs. The expression of human-specific DNA was increased in the lungs of rats receiving naive MSCs, whereas the human-specific DNA expression was increased in the brain of rats receiving CXCR4-hMSCs. Our results indicate that MSCs transfected with the CXCR4 gene expression cassette may be useful in the treatment of cerebral infarction and may represent a new strategy to enhance the efficacy of MSC therapy.
Formation of carbohydrate-functionalised polystyrene and glass slides and their analysis by MALDI-TOF MS
Authors: Weissenborn Martin J , Wehner Johannes W , Gray Christopher J , Šardzík Robert , Eyers Claire E , Lindhorst Thisbe K , Flitsch Sabine L
Published: May 2012

Glycans functionalised with hydrophobic trityl groups were synthesised and adsorbed onto polystyrene and glass slides in an array format. The adsorbed glycans could be analysed directly on these minimally conducting surfaces by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis after aluminium tape was attached to the underside of the slides. Furthermore, the trityl group appeared to act as an internal matrix and no additional matrix was necessary for the MS analysis. Thus, trityl groups can be used as simple hydrophobic, noncovalently linked anchors for ligands on surfaces and at the same time facilitate the in situ mass spectrometric analysis of such ligands.
Le chef, une figure du XX e siècle
Authors: Cohen Yves
Published: May 2012

Résumé Tout le monde peut devenir chef aujourd’hui, puisque nous avons mis à bas l’ordre ancien qui légitimait l’exercice de la puissance par la naissance. Les leaders sont désormais présents à tous les échelons de toutes les hiérarchies, mais sait-on ce qui les légitime ?
Une galerie à New York... ou les conditions du marché de l'art contemporain en France
Authors: Zürcher Bernard
Published: May 2012

Résumé La galerie Zürcher est l’une des rares françaises à s’être imposées aux États-Unis. L’histoire de son implantation montre que la faiblesse de la position française tient à des questions d’ordres politique, institutionnel ou culturel.
Delivering community benefits acts as insurance for the survival of small protected areas such as the Abe Bailey Nature Reserve, South Africa
Authors: Taylor Susan J. , Atkinson Doreen
Published: May 2012

The Abe Bailey Nature Reserve (ABNR) in the Gauteng Province of South Africa is largely unknown and offers little to attract visitors. The biological integrity of the ABNR is challenged by the urban poverty in Khutsong, the reserve’s immediate neighbour. Relations between Khutsong and the nature reserve had been hostile for decades as a result of the ‘fortress’ style of conservation protection used for the ABNR. However, this situation provided the Gauteng Directorate of Nature Conservation with an opportunity to experiment with identifying and transferring benefits to the community, as well as establishing an effective buffer zone between the nature reserve and the informal settlements of Khutsong. Following an initial rapid rural appraisal and ongoing liaison through specifically appointed project managers, an outreach programme containing two natural resource-based projects was developed. As a result, better relations were established between the ABNR and its neighbouring community for the first time since the nature reserve was established in 1977. This acted as ‘insurance’ during violent public protests and vandalism in the Khutsong border demarcation dispute (2005–2007), but may not be enough to secure the nature reserve into the future. Conservation implications: Small protected areas may not be effective in ensuring their biological integrity in the long term, but working cooperatively with existing and future neighbours is an essential strategy to optimise conservation activities in small reserves such as the ABNR.
A questionnaire survey of poultry layer farmers in Khartoum State, Sudan, to study their antimicrobial awareness and usage patterns
Authors: Sirdar Mohamed M. , Picard Jackie , Bisschop Shahn , Gummow Bruce
Published: May 2012

An initial census of layer farms in Khartoum State, Sudan, was carried out in late 2007 and early 2008 and found that there were 252 layer farms with a total population of 2 221 800 birds. This paper reports the findings of the census. Based on this information, a structured questionnaire survey of 92 farms was then conducted in the state in April 2008 to collect data on antibiotic usage, demographic data and public health awareness. Ninety-eight per cent of participating farms comprised open-sided houses. It was found that 49% of the farms surveyed were on antibiotic treatment when the survey was conducted, whilst 59% of the farms had used antibiotics within the last 3 months. The study found that farmers and producers had a lack of knowledge about antimicrobial residues, their withdrawal periods and the risk posed by the consumption of these residues. The study also concluded that traditional farming systems in Sudan relied heavily on antimicrobial medication to control disease and almost half of the farms surveyed were treating their flocks with antimicrobials. In addition to this, there was a lack of disease control programmes which probably resulted in a massive use of antibiotics to control endemic diseases. This was further compounded by the absence of governmental supervision and control on the use of drugs.
Paraganglioma of Prostatic Origin
Authors: Padilla-Fernández B. , Antúnez-Plaza P. , Lorenzo-Gómez M.F. , Rodríguez-González M. , Martín-Rodríguez A. , Silva-Abuín J.M.
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Paragangliomas are usually benign tumors arising from chromaffin cells located outside the adrenal gland. Prostatic paraganglioma is an unusual entity in adult patients, with only 10 cases reported in the medical literature.

Case Report

A 34-year-old male with a history of chronic prostatitis consulted for perineal pain. On digital rectal examination the prostate was enlarged and firm, without nodules. The PSA level was 0.8 ng/mL and the catecholamines in the urine were elevated. On ultrasound a retrovesical 9 cm mass of undetermined origin measuring was present. A PET-CT scan showed a pelvic lesion measuring 9 cm with moderate increase in glucidic metabolism localized in the area of the prostate. A biopsy of the prostate revealed a neuroendocrine tumor, possibly a prostatic paraganglioma. A body scintigraphy with MIBG I-123 ruled out the presence of metastases or multifocal tumor. A radical prostatectomy with excision of the pelvic mass was performed under adrenergic blockade. One year after surgery the patient is asymptomatic and disease free.

Discussion/Conclusions

Prostatic paraganglioma is a rare, usually benign tumor, which should be considered in the differential diagnosis of prostate tumors in young males. Its diagnosis is based on the determination of catecholamine in blood and 24-hour urine and in imaging studies principally scintigraphy with MIBG I-123. Diagnostic confirmation is by histopathological study. The treatment consists of radical resection under adrenergic blockade and volume expansion. Given the limited number of cases reported, it is difficult to establish prognostic factors. Malignancy is defined by clinical criteria, and requires life long follow-up.
Current and Emerging Pharmacotherapies for Primary CNS Lymphoma
Authors: Prodduturi Prathima , Bierman Philip J
Published: May 2012

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) constitutes a rare group of extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) primarily of B cell origin. It occurs in both immuno-competent and immune-compromised patients. High dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) based chemotherapy is the standard therapy. Chemotherapy with whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) improves response rates and survival compared with WBRT alone. However, due to the increased risk for neurotoxicity with WBRT, recent studies have focused on using chemotherapy alone. Methotrexate based multi-agent chemotherapy without WBRT is associated with similar treatment rates and survival compared with regimens that include WBRT although controlled trials have not been performed. Because of the low incidence of this disease, it is difficult to conduct randomized controlled trials. In this article we have discussed about the past, present and emerging treatment options in patients with PCNSL.
Decadal variability of soil CO2, NO, N2O, and CH4 fluxes at the Höglwald Forest, Germany
Authors: Luo G. J. , Brüggemann N. , Wolf B. , Gasche R. , Grote R. , Butterbach-Bahl K.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. Besides agricultural soils, temperate forest soils have been identified as significant sources of or sinks for important atmospheric trace gases (N2O, NO, CH4, and CO2). Although the number of studies for this ecosystem type increased more than tenfold during the last decade, studies covering an entire year and spanning more than 1–2 years remained scarce. This study reports the results of continuous measurements of soil-atmosphere C- and N-gas exchange with high temporal resolution carried out since 1994 at the Höglwald Forest spruce site, an experimental field station in Southern Germany. Annual soil N2O, NO and CO2 emissions and CH4 uptake (1994–2010) varied in a range of 0.2–3.0 kg N2O-N ha−1yr−1, 6.4–11.4 kg NO-N ha−1yr−1, 7.0–9.2 t CO2-C ha−1yr−1, and 0.9–3.5 kg CH4-C ha−1yr−1, respectively. The observed high fluxes of N-trace gases are most likely a consequence of high rates of atmospheric nitrogen deposition (>20 kg N ha−1yr−1) of NH3 and NOx to our site. For N2O, cumulative annual emissions were ≥ 0.8 kg N2O-N ha−1yr−1 in years with freeze-thaw events (5 out 14 of years). This shows that long-term, multi-year measurements are needed to obtain reliable estimates of N2O fluxes for a given ecosystem. Cumulative values of soil respiratory CO2 fluxes tended to be highest in years with prolonged freezing periods, i.e. years with below average annual mean soil temperatures and high N2O emissions (e.g. the years 1996 and 2006). Furthermore, based on our unique database on trace gas fluxes we analyzed if soil temperature, soil moisture measurements can be used to approximate trace gas fluxes at daily, weekly, monthly, or annual scale. Our analysis shows that simple-to-measure environmental drivers such as soil temperature or soil moisture are suitable to approximate fluxes of NO and CO2 at weekly and monthly resolution reasonably well (accounting for up to 59 % of the variance). However, for CH4 we so far failed to find meaningful correlations, and also for N2O the predictive power is rather low. This is most likely due to the complexity of involved processes and counteracting effects of soil moisture and temperature, specifically with regard to N2O production and consumption by denitrification and microbial community dynamics. At monthly scale, including information on gross primary production (CO2, NO), and N deposition (N2O), increased significantly the explanatory power of the obtained empirical regressions (CO2: r2 =0.8; NO: r2 = 0.67; N2O, all data: r2 = 0.5; N2O, with exclusion of freeze-thaw periods: r2 = 0.65).
Toward a minimal representation of aerosols in climate models: description and evaluation in the Community Atmosphere Model CAM5
Authors: Liu X. , Easter R. C. , Ghan S. J. , Zaveri R. , Rasch P. , Shi X. , Lamarque J.-F. , Gettelman A. , Morrison H. , Vitt F. , Conley A. , Park S. , Neale R. , Hannay C. , Ekman A. M. L. , Hess P. , Mahowald N. , Collins W. , Iacono M. J. , Bretherton C. S. , Flanner M. G. , Mitchell D.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. A modal aerosol module (MAM) has been developed for the Community Atmosphere Model version 5 (CAM5), the atmospheric component of the Community Earth System Model version 1 (CESM1). MAM is capable of simulating the aerosol size distribution and both internal and external mixing between aerosol components, treating numerous complicated aerosol processes and aerosol physical, chemical and optical properties in a physically-based manner. Two MAM versions were developed: a more complete version with seven lognormal modes (MAM7), and a version with three lognormal modes (MAM3) for the purpose of long-term (decades to centuries) simulations. In this paper a description and evaluation of the aerosol module and its two representations are provided. Sensitivity of the aerosol lifecycle to simplifications in the representation of aerosol is discussed. Simulated sulfate and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) mass concentrations are remarkably similar between MAM3 and MAM7. Differences in primary organic matter (POM) and black carbon (BC) concentrations between MAM3 and MAM7 are also small (mostly within 10%). The mineral dust global burden differs by 10% and sea salt burden by 30–40% between MAM3 and MAM7, mainly due to the different size ranges for dust and sea salt modes and different standard deviations of the log-normal size distribution for sea salt modes between MAM3 and MAM7. The model is able to qualitatively capture the observed geographical and temporal variations of aerosol mass and number concentrations, size distributions, and aerosol optical properties. However, there are noticeable biases; e.g., simulated BC concentrations are significantly lower than measurements in the Arctic. There is a low bias in modeled aerosol optical depth on the global scale, especially in the developing countries. These biases in aerosol simulations clearly indicate the need for improvements of aerosol processes (e.g., emission fluxes of anthropogenic aerosols and precursor gases in developing countries, boundary layer nucleation) and properties (e.g., primary aerosol emission size, POM hygroscopicity). In addition, the critical role of cloud properties (e.g., liquid water content, cloud fraction) responsible for the wet scavenging of aerosol is highlighted.
Drought analysis and short-term forecast in the Aison River Basin (Greece)
Authors: Kavalieratou S. , Karpouzos D. K. , Babajimopoulos C.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. A combined regional drought analysis and forecast is elaborated and applied to the Aison River Basin (Greece). The historical frequency, duration and severity were estimated using the standardized precipitation index (SPI) computed on variable time scales, while short-term drought forecast was investigated by means of 3-D loglinear models. A quasi-association model with homogenous diagonal effect was proposed to fit the observed frequencies of class transitions of the SPI values computed on the 12-month time scale. Then, an adapted submodel was selected for each data set through the backward elimination method. The analysis and forecast of the drought class transition probabilities were based on the odds of the expected frequencies, estimated by these submodels, and the respective confidence intervals of these odds. The parsimonious forecast models fitted adequately the observed data. Results gave a comprehensive insight on drought behavior, highlighting a dominant drought period (1988–1991) with extreme drought events and revealing, in most cases, smooth drought class transitions. The proposed approach can be an efficient tool in regional water resources management and short-term drought warning, especially in irrigated districts.
The 13 November 2007 rock-fall at Viale Tiziano in Rome (Italy)
Authors: Amanti M. , Chiessi V. , Guarino P. M.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. The aim of the study was to perform a study on the western slope of the Monti Parioli hill (Rome, Italy) affected by frequent rock-fall phenomena, such as the one that occurred on 13 November 2007. This goal was achieved by defining a detailed reconstruction of the stratigraphical, geological and geomechanical structure of the slope and by conducting a back-analysis of the rock-fall event using 2-D and 3-D modeling tools. The reconstruction of the slope's geological structure, characterized by the presence of two anthropogenic cavity systems, and the characterisation of geomechanical properties of outcropping terrains have been realized by means of a detailed geological survey and a campaign of direct and indirect investigations. Therefore, continuous rotary, coring boreholes up to 60 m, collecting undisturbed samples for laboratory tests and performing direct investigations such as SPTs and pressuremeter tests were carried out. The indirect investigations included electrical tomography surveys, linear surface seismic refraction surveys and seismic cross-hole tests. Using the reconstructed geological-technical model, it was possible to define the stability conditions of the slope at the time of collapse by using a computational two-dimensional explicit finite difference program (FLAC) and a 3-D finite element analysis (FEMLAB).
Analysis of ice phenology of lakes on the Tibetan Plateau from MODIS data
Authors: Kropáček J. , Chen F. , Hoerz S. , Hochschild V.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. Much attention has recently been paid to the impact of climate change at the Tibetan Plateau. This remote and harsh region includes a large system of endorheic (closed basin) lakes. Ice phenology i.e. the timing of freeze-up and break-up and the duration of the ice cover may provide valuable information about climate variations in this region. The ice phenology of 59 large lakes on the Tibetan Plateau was derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 8-day composite data for the period from 2001 to 2010. Duration of the ice cover appears to have a high variability in the studied region due to both climate and local factors. Mean values for the duration of ice cover were calculated for four groups of lakes defined as distinct geographic regions. In each group several lakes showed anomalies in ice cover duration in the studied period. Possible reasons for such anomalous behavior are discussed. Furthermore, many lakes do not freeze up completely during some seasons. This was confirmed by inspection of high resolution optical data. Mild winter seasons, large water volume and/or high salinity are the most likely explanations. Trends in the ice cover duration derived by linear regression for all the studied lakes show a high variation in space. A correlation of ice phenology variables with parameters describing climatic and local conditions showed a high thermal dependency of the ice regime. It appears that the freeze onset and water clean of ice day appear to be more thermally determined than freeze-up and break-up dates in case of the studied lakes.
Assessing the Effectiveness of International Courts: A Goal-Based Approach
Authors: Shany Yuval
Published: May 2012

During the last twenty years, the world has experienced a sharp rise in the number of international courts and tribunals, and a correlative expansion of their jurisdictions. These occurrences have dramatically affected and will continue to affect the fields of international law and international relations. The creation and operation of international judicial bodies that are capable of enforcing international commitments, interpreting international treaties, and settling international conflicts have facilitated the growth of international legal norms and cooperative regimes governing important areas of international law and politics, such as economic relations, human rights, and armed conflicts. International courts — understood in this article as independent judicial bodies created by international instruments and invested with the authority to apply international law to specific cases brought before them — have thus become important actors as well as policy instruments in the hands of international lawmakers. Such courts serve, in some respects, as the lynchpin of a new, rule-based international order, which increasingly displaces or purports to displace the previous power-based international order.
Jurisprudence of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission: Albania Claims
Authors: Bederman David J.
Published: May 2012

Albania ranks among the smallest and poorest countries in Europe, located on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas just north of Greece. It gained its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912 (accounting for the fact that a majority of the population is Muslim) and subsisted as a monarchy for much of the interwar period. Albania was occupied by Italy (and then Nazi Germany) for all of the Second World War. Communist partisans expelled the Germans in 1944, without the assistance of Soviet forces, and thus began nearly a half-century of a totalitarian, isolationist rule by an extremely repressive Communist regime under the leadership of Enver Hoxha and Ramiz Alia. This regime was definitively overthrown in 1991. Since that time, Albania has been periodically wracked by civil and political unrest, leading to substantial violence in 1997 that was quelled only with the brief deployment of a UN multinational protection force.
Gender, Patronage, and Diplomacy in the Early Career of Margaret of Austria (1480–1530)
Authors: Attreed Lorraine
Published: May 2012

Issues of gender, international diplomacy, and architectural style conjoin in Margaret of Austria's design of Brou church in Savoy. Raised by several of the most powerful women in Europe, Margaret honed her diplomatic skills during negotiations with England's Henry VII, gaining personal authority and dynastic power expressed within Brou's décor.
The Armies of the Military Orders in Medieval Iberia
Authors: Rodríguez-Picavea Enrique
Published: May 2012

This article considers the composition of the armies of the religious military orders in medieval Iberia, as well as their qualitative and quantitative contributions to the Reconquista and other armed conflicts of the period.
Island Attractions? Travel Writing on the Cyclades from the Middle Ages Until the Modern Day
Authors: Berg Ina
Published: May 2012

The concept of an island as a paradisal and remote place has a long history in Western culture, most particularly since the Romantic era. While the Cyclades are special places in their own right, the literary metaphors associated with the Cyclades mirror those applied to other island contexts.
Talmudic Itineraria and Talmudic Pilgrimage: Tracing the Genre in the Babylonian Talmud
Authors: Grossmark Tziona
Published: May 2012

The absence in the Talmudic records of pilgrimages as one of the motives for travel raises the question as to whether such journeys took place during those times. This article asserts that some of the literary descriptions of ventures undertaken by Babylonian sages actually depict a kind of pilgrimage.