bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hofjudentum und Martyrium
Authors: Horch Hans Otto
Published: June 2016

This contribution dwells on Jewish aspects in Alfred Döblin’s novel »Wallenstein«, which was written between 1916 and 1920. It refers, on the one hand, to the close financial connection between the Prague merchant and »court Jew« Jacob Bassevi and Wallenstein and the novel’s real protagonist, Emperor Ferdinand II, and, on the other hand, to a scene that stretches over several pages, depicting in a hyper-naturalistic manner the torture and burning of a Jewish couple. Similar to the witch trials, the scene documents the total cultural decline at the time of the Thirty Years’ War. Döblin’s historical novel is also a plea against the barbarism of World War I and against wars in general.
The antioxidant properties of Ce-containing bioactive glass nanoparticles explained by Molecular Dynamics simulations
Authors: Pedone Alfonso , Muniz-Miranda Francesco , Tilocca Antonio , Menziani Maria Cristina
Published: June 2016

Molecular dynamics simulations of two glass nanoparticles with composition 25Na2O·25CaO 50SiO2 mol% (Ce-K NP) and 46.1SiO2·24.4Na2O·26.9CaO· 2.6P2O5 mol.% (Ce-BG NP) doped with 3.6 mol% of CeO2 have been carried out in order to explain the enhanced antioxidant properties of the former glass with respect to the latter.

The present models show that the different catalase mimetic activity of the two NPs is related to the Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio exposed at their surface. In fact, this ratio is about 3.5 and 13 in the bulk and at the surface of the Ce-BG NP, and 1.0 and 2.1 in the bulk and at the surface of the Ce-K NPs, respectively. Since both oxidation states are necessary for the catalysis of the dismutation reaction of hydrogen peroxides, NPs with a very high Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio possess poorer antioxidant properties.

Moreover, our simulations reveal that the already low silicate connectivity found in the bulk glasses examined here is further reduced on the nanoparticle surface, whereas the Na+/Ca2+ ratio rapidly increases. Sodium, calcium and cerium sites in proximity of the surface are found to be under-coordinated, prone to quickly react with water present in physiological environments, thus accelerating the glass biodegradation
Incorporation of particulate bioactive glasses into a dental root canal sealer
Authors: Heid Susanne , Stoessel Philipp R. , Tauböck Tobias T. , Stark Wendelin J. , Zehnder Matthias , Mohn Dirk
Published: June 2016

Flame spray synthesis has opened the possibility to add additional elements to complex materials such as bioactive glasseswhile maintaining nanoparticulate properties. In this study, it was investigated whether a flamesprayed bismuth oxide doped nanometric 45S5 bioactive glass could be incorporated into a commercially available epoxy-resin root canal sealer, and how this compared to a conventional, pure 45S5 micrometric bioactive glass. Effects on radiopacity, microhardness, pH and mineral induction in phosphate buffered saline and simulated body fluid were studied. It was revealed that the radiopaque nanometric bismuth-containing 45S5 bioactive glass reduced radiopacity of the root canal sealer less than a conventional micrometric counterpart. In addition, pH induction and calcium phosphate precipitation were quicker with the nanometric compared to the micrometric material, whilst the micrometric glass displayed a higher alkaline capacity. Both materials apparently bound to the epoxy resin matrix, thus increasing its microhardness after polymerization reaction. Effects were dose-dependent. The investigated radiopaque bioactive glass containing bismuth oxide could be a valuable add-on for current root canal sealers.
Ag-doped phosphate bioactive glasses: thermal, structural and in-vitro dissolution properties
Authors: Mishra A. , Rocherullé J. , Massera J.
Published: June 2016

Ag doped-bioactive phosphate glasses were processed by traditional melt quenching technique with the concentration of Ag
Optimization of the laccase detoxification step in hybrid hydrolysis and fermentation processes from wheat straw by K. marxianus CECT 10875
Authors: Oliva-Taravilla Alfredo , Tomás-Pejó Elia , Demuez Marie , González-Fernández Cristina , Ballesteros Mercedes
Published: June 2016

The addition of laccase enzymes reduces the amount of phenols present in lignocellulosic pretreated materials and increases their fermentability. However, laccase addition in combination with cellulases reduces hydrolysis yields. In this work, hybrid hydrolysis and fermentation (HHF) configuration allowed overcoming the negative effect of laccase treatment on enzymatic hydrolysis. Furthermore, the effects of different laccase dosages, length of detoxification time and inoculum size on ethanol production were evaluated. In the evaluated configurations, the different laccase dosages did not show any significant effect on enzymatic hydrolysis. The lowest laccase dosage (0.5 IU/g DW) removed ~70% of total phenols which was enough to reach the highest ethanol production yields (~10 g/L) using K. marxianus CECT 10875. Shorter detoxification times and larger inoculum sizes had a positive impact on both ethanol production and volumetric productivity. These optimal detoxification conditions enable the fermentation of inhibitory slurries by reducing the overall time and cost of the process.
Cognitive Radios Exploiting Gray Spaces via Compressed Sensing
Authors: Wieruch Dennis , Jung Peter , Wirth Thomas , Dekorsy Armin , Haustein Thomas
Published: June 2016

We suggest an interweave cognitive radio system with a
Characteristics of guaiacyl-syringyl lignin in reaction wood in the gymnosperm Gnetum gnemon L.
Authors: Nawawi Deded Sarip , Syafii Wasrin , Akiyama Takuya , Matsumoto Yuji
Published: June 2016

Gnetum gnemon L. is a unique gymnosperm species showing angiosperm-like features in terms of its morphology and chemical composition of the cell wall. Xylan is the main hemicellulose component, and its lignin is primarily composed of syringyl (S) and guaiacyl (G) units and small amounts of p-hydroxyphenyl (H) units. In the present study, in addition to branch, root, bark, and leaf samples, the reaction wood (RW) taken from the leaning stem of G. gnemon, was investigated mainly by alkaline nitrobenzene oxidation, ozonation and NMR spectroscopy. The leaning stem was wider on the lower side of the wood stem (lsW) than on the upper side (usW), similar to the case for compression wood (CW) in gymnosperms. The usW contained lignin with a higher S/G ratio, and β-O-4 structure had a higher erythro/threo ratio, while both ratios decreased around the periphery of the stem towards the lsW. The lignin content was higher towards the lsW. Overall, the lignin composition in the RW of this tree was similar to that in the tension wood of angiosperms. The H-units were minor components in the lignin, but the content was higher towards the lsW, which resembles the distribution of the H-units in a gymnosperm CW.
How the Kenyan runner’s body structure affects sports results
Authors: Eksterowicz Jerzy , Napierała Marek , Żukow Walery
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the dependency between somatic parameters of selected Kenyan marathon runners and results achieved in long-distance runs (marathon, half-marathon, 10,000 meters).

Methods

The research study was conducted on a sample of 9 top-level long-distance Kenyan runners whose results in Poland correspond to International Masterclass. All runners’ (mean ± SD) age: 23.67 ± 4.41 years, weight: 55.98 ± 4.84 kg, height: 169.18 cm ± 4.15cm. All participants had their anthropometric measurements taken: length, width, size and sum of three skin-folds. Having taken those anthropometric measurements, Body Mass Index (BMI), Arm Muscle Circumference (AMC), Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR), body mass and body fat (FM) (%), fat free mass (FFM) were calculated using the Durnin-Womersley method.

Results and conclusions

Significant relations (significant correlation, important dependency) were observed in dependency between 10,000 meters results and the foot breadth (r = 0.765) and torso length (r = 0.755). Similar relationships occurred between marathon results and the arm length (r = 0.73), forearm length (r = 0.75) and hip width (r = 0.77).
PID Controller Design Based on Global Optimization Technique with Additional Constraints
Authors: Ozana Stepan , Docekal Tomas
Published: June 2016

This paper deals with design of PID controller with the use of methods of global optimization implemented in Matlab environment and Optimization Toolbox. It is based on minimization of a chosen integral criterion with respect to additional requirements on control quality such as overshoot, phase margin and limits for manipulated value. The objective function also respects user-defined weigh coefficients for its particular terms for a different penalization of individual requirements that often clash each other such as for example overshoot and phase margin. The described solution is designated for continuous linear time-invariant static systems up to 4th order and thus efficient for the most of real control processes in practice.
Codegrees and nilpotence class of p-groups
Authors: Du Ni , Lewis Mark L.
Published: June 2016

If χ is an irreducible character of a finite group G, then the codegree of χ is

|
G
:
ker

(
χ
)

|
/
χ

(
1
)

${|G:{\rm ker}(\chi)|/\chi(1)}$

.
We show that if G is a p-group, then the nilpotence class of G is bounded in terms of the largest codegree for an irreducible character of G.
On finite 2-equilibrated p-groups
Authors: Wang Jiao , Guo Xiuyun
Published: June 2016

A finite group G is said to be n-equilibrated if,
for all subgroups H and K of G with

d
⁢

(
H
)

≥
n

${d(H)\geq n}$

and

d
⁢

(
K
)

≥
n

${d(K)\geq n}$

, either

H
≤

N
G

⁢

(
K
)

${H\leq N_{G}(K)}$

or

K
≤

N
G

⁢

(
H
)

${K\leq N_{G}(H)}$

. In this paper, we
investigate the structure of finite 2-equilibrated p-groups G.
We provide a complete classification of such groups when G is
2-generator. If G is 3-generator, we prove that G has a
normal metacyclic subgroup N such that

G
/
N

${G/N}$

is cyclic and, if G
has at least four generators, we prove that G is modular and

G
′

≤

〈
x
〉

${G^{\prime}\leq\langle x\rangle}$

for any element x in G with

o
⁢

(
x
)

=

exp
⁡

(
G
)

${o(x)=\exp(G)}$

.
The Protection of Holy Places
Authors: Sapir Gideon , Statman Daniel
Published: June 2016

Holy places are protected by the law, but the rationale for this protection has received little attention. The purpose of our paper is to fill this gap. The natural explanation for this protection lies in terms of religious freedom. However, since this freedom is violated only when believers are required to actively act against the dictates of their religion, this notion is of no help in the present context. Even when holy places serve as sites for worship, there is usually no religious duty to carry out worship there. Another explanation would base the protection of holy places on the prohibition against hurting religious feelings. But while this looks promising when the desecration is intentional, it is less so when the desecration or the hurt are incidental. Finally, the protection of holy places is sometimes understood as a way of preserving “cultural heritage.” But many holy sites do not fall under this definition and still enjoy protection. Our tentative conclusion is that holy places do not enjoy automatic protection just because they are perceived as such by some religious group. This protection must be earned by arguments that would establish the (“objective”) holiness of the relevant site within some religious tradition, explain the exact nature of the harm or offense that is the matter of concern, and demonstrate why the believers’ interests regarding the perceived holy place override those of the public.
Acoustic Correlates of Emphatic Sounds in Palestinian Arabic-speaking Persons with Aphasia
Authors: Al-Adam Hisham
Published: June 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the acoustic characteristics of the emphatic sounds as produced by Palestinian Arabic-speaking persons diagnosed with Broca’s aphasia as compared to normal speakers.

Method: The acoustic correlates of emphasis in Palestinian Arabic using measurements of voice onset time (VOT), frequency values of F1 and F2 formants, and duration of vowel were investigated. Four subjects diagnosed with Broca’s aphasia and four normal speakers residing in the West Bank participated in this study. The emphatic stop /t¯/ and its plain counterpart /t/ in initial positions presented in monosyllabic words were investigated. The target stops were followed immediately by the vowels /a/, /u/, and /i/. The speech samples were analyzed using PRAAT and Phono lab speech analysis software,. F1 and F2 formants were measured and compared with the data in the literature.

Results: The acoustic measurements of the target vowels demonstrated an increase in F1 and a decrease in F2 formant in case of emphatic sounds compared to the plain one. Lowering of F2 formant was found to be a reliable acoustic cue of emphatic sounds. However, F2 formant was generally higher among subjects with Broca’s aphasia compared to the control group. The results also revealed that subjects with Broca’s aphasia were unable to maintain the acoustic distinction between the emphatic sounds and their plain counterparts.

Conclusion: The VOT value of the emphatic voiceless stop /t¯/ was significantly shorter than that of its plain counterpart /t/ as demonstrated by both the normal speakers and the subjects with Broca’s aphasia. The articulatory complexity of the emphatic sounds and therefore the deviated patterns in subjects with Broca’s aphasia might suggest motor programming and motor planning deficits.
‘it’s not written on parchment but it’s the way to survive’: Official and unofficial use of languages in MNCs
Authors: Machili Ifigeneia
Published: June 2016

The globalization of economic activity and the escalating economic crisis impact on the expansion and shrinking of businesses along with their management of human resources and language management strategies. Struggling to remain competitive and survive, businesses resort to a range of language policies when employees make their own everyday language choices, a divergence that is worth investigating. Against this backdrop, this paper takes a mixed method approach and reports on the official and unofficial uses of English as a lingua franca and Greek as the local language in multinational corporations in Greece. According to the analysis, language choice is negotiated locally and strategically to the fallout of the economic crisis according to the employees’ post duties, the complexity of issues communicated, socialization with other employees, acting as unofficial default communication channels and safeguarding the privacy of email communication. Implications are discussed in relation to the teaching of foreign languages to meet the multivariate demands of workplace communication.
Crystal structure of dichloridobis{μ2-2,2′-((1E,1′E)-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(azanylylidene))bis(methanylylidene))bis(4-chlorophenolato)-κ5O,N,N′,O′:O′}diiron(III), C32H24Cl6Fe2N4O4
Authors: Fuentealba Mauricio , González Deborah , Artigas Vania
Published: June 2016

C32H24Cl6Fe2N4O4, triclinic, P1̅ (No. 2), a = 7.3325(10) Å, b = 9.1317(14) Å, c = 13.161(2) Å, α = 105.927(4)°, β = 95.407(4)°, γ = 96.752(4)°, V = 834.1(2) Å3, Z = 1, R
gt(F) = 0.0382, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0897, T = 296.15 K.
Diagnostic challenge in a patient with primary bilateral Dumbbell-shaped lumbar non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Authors: Adam D. , Burduşa Gina , Iftimie D. , Hornea Ioana , Dobrea Camelia , Badelita Sorina Nicoleta
Published: June 2016

Objective: Primary bilateral dumbbell-shaped lumbar non-Hodgkin lymphomas with epidural and extraspinal involvement, are rare occurrences. Patients presenting at advanced stages and rapid evolution towards neurological impairment lead to diagnostic dilemmas for which only immunohistochemistry can provide a correct, although delayed solution.

Case report: We report the first case of a bilateral, dumbbell-shaped, lumbar lymphoma in a 65-year-old man with a medical history of chronic viral hepatitis type B and D under interferon treatment. The patient presented with back pain radiating down the right leg, with rapid progression to paraplegia and sphincter dysfunction. CT and MRI revealed a large dumbbell mass (approx. 5/5/10 cm) in the right paraspinal musculature, at the L4-L5 level, with intraspinal epidural extension. A similar mass of smaller size was described on the left side, almost mirroring the first lesion, the imagistic aspect suggesting a neural sheath tumor. Intraoperatively, in the right lumbar paraspinal musculature, a soft, yellowish region was discovered, the macroscopic appearance being rather suggestive for a diffuse infection. Clinical, imagistic and surgical findings were not conclusive, nor was the histological examination in light microscopy of the surgical specimen or of the bone marrow biopsy. Immunohistochemistry identified the presence of large B cells, leading to the diagnosis of B cell lymphoma. Although the patient was treated with systemic chemotherapy, his condition rapidly deteriorated and he died within 3 months.

Conclusions: In the case of a lumbosacral, dumbbell shaped mass, developed both epidural and extraspinal, the differential diagnosis must include lymphoma. The histological examination, especially immunohistochemistry provided the final diagnosis. Delays in establishing a diagnosis, associated with a malignant evolution of lymphoma, diminish the chances of determining and applying a treatment strategy that could prolong survival.
Drotaverinum – a new modality of prevention and treatment in cerebral vasospasm after subarachoidian hemorrhage?
Authors: Kakucs C. , Berce C. , Tamas-Szora A. , Ungureanu G. , Florian I.St.
Published: June 2016

Aim: This study want to demonstrate the efficaciousness of drotaverinum as a replacer of papaverine in the prevention and treatment of vasospasm.

Material and method: In this study were used 20 albino Wistar male rats. Rats were divided in two groups and vasospasm was induced to the both femoral artery and after that irrigation of the femoral arteries with drotaverinum was performed to demonstrate the vasodilatation that can appear (group A). In the group B after the obtaining of vasospasm irrigation of the femoral arteries with saline solution was performed and this group was used as witness. The length of the vessels was measured when was achieved the vasospasm and also before and after the administration of the solutions. Pictures were taken at every step of dissection and solutions administration to can measure the length of arteries before and after the administration of drotaverinum and the saline solution.

Results: In all rats was obtained vasospasm at the femoral artery after clipping the artery and after we irrigate with adrenaline. In the group with drotaverinum we obtained the vasodilatation and in the witness group the caliber of the vessels remain the same. The statistical analysis of the data demonstrate a significant differences between the group were was used drotaverinum and the witness group were was used the saline solution (p<0,001).

Conclusions: Drotaverinum has a good vasodilatative effect on arteries and he can prevent the apparition of vasospasm and it can even treat vasospasm if occur by producing local vasodilatation and a good circulation in the area where is administrated. This study showed quantitatively that drotaverinum can treat the experimental peripheral vasospasm in rats.
Combined surgical and medical treatment of giant prolactinoma: case report
Authors: Rădoi Mugurel , Stefanescu Florin , Vakilnejad Ram , Gheorghitescu Lidia
Published: June 2016

The operative management of giant pituitary prolactinoma represents a significant challenge for neurosurgeons, due to the degree of local tumor infiltration into adjacent structures such as cavernous sinus. The degree of parasellar tumor extension can be classified according to the Knosp grading system’ while suprasellar extension is qualified in accordance with the modified Hardys classification system. This report describes the case of a male patient with a giant pituitary prolactinoma in which a partial tumor resection via a subfrontal approach was achieved. Typically, resection rates of less than 50% have been reported following surgery on giant pituitary adenomas. Prolactin levels were very high, consistent with invasive giant prolactinoma. Our patient was treated with Cabergoline which eventually normalized the prolactin level and significantly reduced the size of the residual tumor. This case serves to illustrate that in the presence of significant suprasellar and parasellar extension, multi-modal treatment strategies with surgery and dopamine agonist, is the gold standard in the management of locally aggressive pituitary prolactinomas.
Admission characteristics and outcome in traumatic brain injury patients: a preliminary report from a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Agrawal Amit , Munivenkatappa Ashok , Subrahmanyam B.V. , Satish Kumar S. , Ramamohan P.
Published: June 2016

Introduction. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is affected by multiple factors. Patient’s education, manifesting symptoms and surgical management play a significant role on discharge outcome. The literature of same from developing country is limited. The present pilot study aims to describe patient characteristics, presenting symptom and management aspects of TBI patients from a tertiary hospital.

Methods. The present study is a prospective study, where TBI patients were selected and data of injury was entered on standard proforma on electronic data base. The study was approved by institute ethical board. The data was analyzed using Stats Direct version 3.0.150 software.

Results. Three hundred and thirty three patients were evaluated. Eighty percent of patients were from rural areas. About 75% of patients were illiterates and married. Patient employment was significant with discharge outcome. All the patients manifested with symptoms loss of consciousness (LOC) was higher (73%) followed by vomiting (44%). LOC and oral bleed was significant with outcome. Associated injuries was higher in extremities (22.5%) followed by chest (4.4%). About 15% of patients require intracranial surgery that was significant with discharge outcome.

Conclusion. The present pilot study finding is similar to available literature data and adds knowledge to TBI data of a developing country like India.
Factors affecting outcome in posterior fossa EDH: an analytical study at tertiary referral hospital
Authors: Anurag Pateriya , Rajeev Bansal , Radheyshyam Mittal
Published: June 2016

Introduction. Posterior fossa extradural hematomas (PFEDHs) are uncommon as compared to supratentorial EDH and these patients can deteriorate very rapidly due to compression over brainstem. Thus early identification and intervention can save the lives of these patients.

Methods. We prospectively studied 114 patients of posterior fossa injury for mode of injury, neurological status during admission, radiological findings, management, and outcomes of patients suffered posterior fossa extradural hematoma. All statistical analyses were determined using the SPSS 22.0.0.0 version. Statistical analysis was conducted utilizing Chi-square test.

Results. Out of 114 posterior fossa trauma patients 28 patients (24.56%) having posterior fossa EDH. GCS on admission (p value=0.002), volume of posterior fossa EDH (p value= 0.000) were significant factors for the outcome of posterior fossa EDHs. On comparing the data patients who survived and those who did not survive, the GCS on admission (p value=0.004) and brain stem compression (p value=0.000) were two factors found to affect the mortality significantly.

Conclusion. Early detection with high degree of suspicion and immediate evacuation of PFEDHs should be done if causing fourth ventricle, basal cistern or brain stem compression.
Qualitative and Quantitative Changes of Upper Secondary Education in Poland
Authors: Hnatiuk Michał
Published: June 2016

The article presents the Polish educational system, its constituent part - upper secondary education, in particular. Describing the qualitative changes in the upper secondary schools (secondary schools of the second extent) the author singles out one significant document that has changed the direction of education, created the conditions for change of the educational management system and introduced the economic rules in educational activities. It also shows the structure of upper secondary education, which was formed in the final stage of the educational reforms. The peculiarities of the qualitative changes have been indicated. The previous system of assessing students’ knowledge was preserved; however, an external evaluation of the students’ achievements was introduced. The introduction of the external exams and assessments has enabled a fair comparison of the level of skills that the student has achieved to the skills that are required by the syllabus. Therefore, it is believed that the changes introduced have become one of the pillars of the reform of the educational system in Poland. The quantitative changes have been introduced along with the qualitative ones. Quantitative changes were compared in the period 2000-2015 and juxtaposed with the year 1990. On the basis of the gathered statistical data a trend was set (downward or upward) in Polish upper secondary education.
Ang-2, Tie-2, and Ang-2/Tie-2 ratio serum levels as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of sepsis in critically ill patients
Authors: Szederjesi János , Georgescu Anca , Santini Ario , Almásy Emőke , Lazar Alexandra , Hutanu Adina , Copotoiu Sanda-Maria , Azamfirei Leonard
Published: June 2016

Sepsis represents one the main cause of death in patients admitted to the intensive care. Biomarkers offer an alternative approach to the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation and improve the outcomes. Angiopoietin 2 (Ang-2) and Tyrosine kinase 2 (Tie-2) are biomarkers which may be involved in sepsis, Ang-2 being responsible for vascular remodelling while Tie-2 is their endothelial receptor.

The aim of the study: To assess the Ang-2, Tie-2 and Ang-2/Tie-2 ratio serum levels in septic and non-septic patients and to investigate the independent value of circulating Ang-2, Tie-2, and Ang-2/Tie-2 ratios as predictors of prognosis in critically ill medical patients.

Study design: The study included 74 adults admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). The patients were separated in two groups: Group A [sepsis: n=40] and Group B [no-sepsis: n= 34] patients. Serum levels of Ang-2 and Tie-2 were determined in the first 12 hours after admission and were correlated with ICU severity scores, APACHE II, SOFA and SAPS and with the death rate.

Results: Group A gave significantly higher values (p=0.01), for serum Ang-2 (11.07±9.21 ng/ml) compared to Group B (6.18±5.28 ng/ml). The level of Tie-2 was also higher (11.03±5.12 ng/ml) in Group A compared to Group B (9.46±4.99 ng/ml) (p=0.19). In Group A, the Ang-2/Tie2 ratio showed higher values than Group B (p=0.02). There was a positive association between severity scores (APACHE II, SAPS, and SOFA) and Ang-2, and Ang-2/ Tie-2 ratio, but not for Tie2.

Conclusions: In our study Ang-2 and Ang-2/Tie-2 ratio serum levels had independent diagnostic value in patients with sepsis, as measured on admission.
Pre-treatment antinuclear antibody positivity, therapeutic efficacy and persistence of biologics in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Codreanu Cătălin , Mogoșan Corina , Popescu Claudiu Costinel , Rednic Simona , Popovici Horațiu , Pârvu Magda , Opriș Daniela , Ionescu Ruxandra
Published: June 2016

Introduction: Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) are poor prognostic factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The therapeutic implication of antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity in RA is still debated. The study aims to evaluate ANA positivity as a prognostic factor for the therapeutic response to biologics in RA.

Methods: observational study; data were gathered from the Romanian Registry of Rheumatic Diseases which comprises all biological-treated RA patients in Romania. We included only RA patients who were tested for ANA before initiating biologics.

Results: A number of 740 RA patients were included (72.4% treated with TNF-α blockers, 27.6% with rituximab). Compared to ANA-negative patients, ANA-positive patients (26.9%) had: a higher disease activity score (DAS28) prior to biologics, at the time of treatment switch and after the observation period; lower drug persistence (p < 0.001 for all tests). Multiple linear regressions showed that ANA positivity is a significant predictor of the current value of DAS28, independently of the presence of RF and/or ACPA (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: ANA positivity in RA patients before starting biologics may be a poor prognosis factor for efficacy and drug persistence. Further studies are needed to confirm these observations.
Multiple Approaches of Solving Allocation Problems on Postal Transportation Network in Conditions of Large Countries
Authors: Madleňák Radovan , Madleňáková Lucia , Štefunko Jozef , Keil Reiner
Published: June 2016

The article deals with the optimizing the postal transportation network with two different optimizing methods. The research adopted in this article uses allocation models within graph theory to obtain results for addressed optimization problem. The article presents and compares two types of these models: p-median and uncapacitated fixed charge facility location model. The aim of p-median model is to find the location of P facilities in network, serving all demands in a way ensuring the average transport cost to be minimal. Fixed charge location model approach the issue of facility location based on minimizing the overall costs of implementation of selected variants. The latter this two models are subsequently applied on the postal network to determine the optimal location of postal facilities. These two models are adopted in the condition of large country with area above 300 000 km2. The Italy was chosen as a typical country that fits this condition. The underlying infrastructure of Italy is represented by simplified model of a postal network, abstracted by a graph G = (V, E, c, w).

The results can serve as a basis for modification of the used models for the simulation of networks in the postal sector and as a key that compares the opportunities and results of application of these two models in the conditions large countries.
In vitro neuroprotective potential of the monoterpenes α-pinene and 1,8-cineole against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in PC12 cells
Authors: Porres-Martínez María , González-Burgos Elena , Carretero M. Emilia , Gómez-Serranillos M. Pilar
Published: June 2016

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Natural products are considered as therapeutically useful antioxidant agents against reactive oxygen species (ROS). We have evaluated the antioxidant and protective potential of the monoterpenes 1,8-cineole and α-pinene against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in PC12 (rat pheochromocytoma) cells. Pretreatment with these monoterpenes was found to attenuate the loss of cell viability and the changes in cell morphology. Moreover, they inhibited the intracellular ROS production and markedly enhanced the expression of antioxidant enzymes including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and heme-oxygenase 1 (HO-1). In addition, they were able to decrease apoptosis as is evident from reduced capase-3 activity. The mechanisms of their antioxidant action appear to involve ROS scavenging and induction of the nuclear Nrf2 factor. This study demonstrates the potential beneficial therapeutic effect of these common monoterpenes on the oxidant/antioxidant balance in diseases of the nervous system.
Seascape in the Mist: Lost in Mendelssohn's Hebrides
Authors: Taylor Benedict
Published: June 2016

Mendelssohn's overture The Hebrides or Fingal's Cave is regularly considered the musical landscape (or seascape) painting par excellence. Scarcely another work has such an unerring capacity to suggest the wide horizons, delicate nuances of changing color and light, the ceaseless rolling of the ocean breakers and freedom of the sea. Nevertheless, despite the popularity of this idea of musical landscape since the early nineteenth century, it is far from clear analytically or phenomenologically how the predominantly aural and temporal experience of music might convey a sense of visual space that would appear central to the perception of landscape. This article explores Mendelssohn's archetypal example of the musical seascape in order to unravel these concerns. After briefly charting the philosophical reefs that encircle this issue, I examine how the aural may nevertheless translate to the visual, and thus how music might create its own, virtual landscape. Traveling beyond this, however, we reach the limits of mimesis and the visual for explaining Mendelssohn's overture, uncovering his music's implications for mythic-historical and personal memory, synaesthesia, and the embodied subject. Ultimately I argue for a more ecomusicological understanding of Mendelssohn's work as embodying a critical reading of a fragile human subjectivity within nature, an immersive projection of the wild, northern sublime.
Cross-space Consumption among Undocumented Chinese Immigrants in the United States
Authors: Zhou Min , Li Xiangyi
Published: June 2016

We consider cross-space consumption as a form of transnational practice among international migrants. In this paper, we develop the idea of the social value of consumption and use it to explain this particular form of transnationalism. We consider the act of consumption to have not only functional value that satisfies material needs but also a set of nonfunctional values, social value included, that confer symbolic meanings and social status. We argue that cross-space consumption enables international migrants to take advantage of differences in economic development, currency exchange rates, and social structures between countries of destination and origin to maximize their expression of social status and to perform or regain social status. Drawing on a multisited ethnographic study of consumption patterns in migrant hometowns in Fuzhou, China, and in-depth interviews with undocumented Chinese immigrants in New York and their left-behind family members, we find that, despite the vulnerabilities and precarious circumstances associated with the lack of citizenship rights in the host society, undocumented immigrants manage to realize the social value of consumption across national borders and do so through conspicuous consumption, reciprocal consumption, and vicarious consumption in their hometowns even without being physically present there. We conclude that, while cross-space consumption benefits individual migrants, left-behind families, and their hometowns, it serves to revive tradition in ways that fuel extravagant rituals, drive up costs of living, reinforce existing social inequality, and create pressure for continual emigration.
International Migration and National Development
Authors: Portes Alejandro
Published: June 2016

This article reviews theoretical perspectives on migration and development, starting with nineteenth-century political economy theories focused on “colonizing” migrations from England and other European powers and concluding with the emerging literature on immigrant transnationalism and its consequences for sending nations. The general concept of equilibrium has until currently dominated orthodox economic theories of both colonizing and labor migrations from peripheral regions to advanced nations. The counteroffensive, led by Gunnar Myrdal and theorists of the dependency school, centered on the notion of cumulative causation leading to increasing poverty and the depopulation of peripheral sending areas. Both perspectives registered numerous empirical anomalies, stemming from a common view of migration flows as occurring between separate politico-economic entities. An alternative conceptualization of such flows as internal to an overarching global system has improved our understanding of causes and consequences of labor migration and has framed the back-and-forth complexities of these movements captured in the novel notion of transnationalism.
Influence of body weight on bone mass, architecture and turnover
Authors: Iwaniec Urszula T , Turner Russell T
Published: June 2016

Weight-dependent loading of the skeleton plays an important role in establishing and maintaining bone mass and strength. This review focuses on mechanical signaling induced by body weight as an essential mechanism for maintaining bone health. In addition, the skeletal effects of deviation from normal weight are discussed. The magnitude of mechanical strain experienced by bone during normal activities is remarkably similar among vertebrates, regardless of size, supporting the existence of a conserved regulatory mechanism, or mechanostat, that senses mechanical strain. The mechanostat functions as an adaptive mechanism to optimize bone mass and architecture based on prevailing mechanical strain. Changes in weight, due to altered mass, weightlessness (spaceflight), and hypergravity (modeled by centrifugation), induce an adaptive skeletal response. However, the precise mechanisms governing the skeletal response are incompletely understood. Furthermore, establishing whether the adaptive response maintains the mechanical competence of the skeleton has proven difficult, necessitating the development of surrogate measures of bone quality. The mechanostat is influenced by regulatory inputs to facilitate non-mechanical functions of the skeleton, such as mineral homeostasis, as well as hormones and energy/nutrient availability that support bone metabolism. Although the skeleton is very capable of adapting to changes in weight, the mechanostat has limits. At the limits, extreme deviations from normal weight and body composition are associated with impaired optimization of bone strength to prevailing body size.
Los mitos y su función en la cultura
Authors: Dartsch Dreidemie German Martín
Published: June 2016

En casi todas las religiones, los dioses, seres primigenios y creadores de la naturaleza, son los responsables de que exista la cultura humana. A veces los mitos explican el surgimiento de la cultura como forma de trascender lo natural, en este caso son las acciones prodigiosas de los dioses las que la hacen surgir. Pero muchas veces la discontinuidad entre naturaleza y cultura es fruto de un pecado o la ruptura de una prohibición por parte de dioses o de la humanidad, como en la expulsión del ser humano del paraíso en la Biblia, o del origen del nacimiento y la muerte en el mito fundacional de Japón. Así, y siguiendo el pensamiento de Lévi-Strauss, la cultura viene a cubrir una falta en la naturaleza y a asumir el orden humano por sobre lo que la naturaleza deja al azar, y es nuestra hipótesis que la función de los mitos es explicar esa falta, así como ejecutar una operación lógica que recupere ese tiempo perdido que, según Lévi-Strauss, no existe en un sentido histórico: el origen de la humanidad. También vamos a esbozar (apoyándonos en la obra de Jacques Lacan) la idea de que existe además una función psicológica de los mitos, al explicar la castración en el Otro y preservar, en la misma operación, la estructura como una totalidad completa
Exploración de las capacidades de la academia costarricense en Relaciones Internacionales para la creación de una estrategia de poder inteligente aplicada a la política exterior
Authors: Salas Ocampo Luis Diego , Jenkins Arias Fabiana María
Published: June 2016

Este trabajo explora la factibilidad de que la academia costarricense donde se imparte Relaciones Internacionales y el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Culto genere inputs de conocimiento que se traduzcan en outputs de política exterior en el subsistema Centroamérica. Los informantes son personal coordinador de carreras de universidades públicas y privadas, personal académico y el Señor Canciller de la República. Si se desea iniciar una acción en esta línea, debe comenzarse con el tema de medio ambiente, mejorarse los criterios de pertinencia y relevancia de los procesos de investigación académica, y dar un salto cualitativo a la investigación aplicada. Deberá administrarse, también, el hecho de que la academia costarricense en Relaciones Internacionales no tiene experiencia en la formación de think tank.
Pediatric Resident Workload Intensity and Variability
Authors: Was Adam , Blankenburg Rebecca , Park K.T.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND:

Research on resident workloads has focused primarily on the quantity of hours worked, rather than the content of those hours or the variability among residents. We hypothesize that there are statistically significant variations in resident workloads and better understanding of workload intensity could improve resident education.

METHODS:

The Stanford Children’s Health research database was queried for all electronic notes and orders written by pediatric residents from June 2012 to March 2014. The dataset was narrowed to ensure an accurate comparison among residents. A survey was used to determine residents’ self-perceived workload intensity. Variability of total notes written and orders entered was analyzed by χ2 test and a Monte Carlo simulation. Linear regression was used to analyze the correlation between note-writing and order-entry workload intensity.

RESULTS:

A total of 20 280 notes and 112 214 orders were written by 26 pediatric interns during 6 core rotations between June 2012 and June 2013. Both order-entry and note-writing workload intensity showed highly significant (P < .001) variability among residents. “High workload” residents, defined as the top quartile of total workload intensity, wrote 91% more orders and 19% more notes than “low workload” residents in the bottom quartile. Statistically significant correlation was observed between note-writing and order-entry workload intensity (R2 = 0.22; P = .02). There was no significant correlation between residents’ self-perceived workload intensity and their objective workload.

CONCLUSIONS:

Significant variations in workload exist among pediatric residents. This may contribute to heterogeneous educational opportunities, physician wellness, and quality of patient care.
Función de la verdad en los discursos y efectos de su capitalización
Authors: Sanmiguel Ardila Pio Eduardo
Published: June 2016

La capitalización de la verdad tiene efectos nefastos sobre el lazo social. El paso de una verdad reprimida, que retorna en el síntoma y en la agencia misma de un discurso, a una verdad forcluída, que retorna en lo real, no parece facilitar en nada los procesos de paz y reconciliación porque abre las puertas al fortalecimiento de una verdad cínica en el grupo social. Se requiere que pueda discernirse algo de la verdad del discurso en juego, que es siempre el discurso imperante, para preparar la posibilidad de un giro en el discurso que en un grupo social dado haga las veces de lazo social. ¡Cómo, sin embargo, intervenir en un discurso que obtura el lugar de la verdad!.
Sujeto y verdad
Authors: Gallo Héctor
Published: June 2016

Este texto se ocupa de mostrar, por un lado, por qué cada vez que un sujeto habla anhela que lo escuchen como si estuviera diciendo algo verdadero, y, por otro, que más allá de la verdad de una proposición está la verdad de lo que no puede ser dicho. Esto hace que los seres humanos se muevan entre un estado en el que viven “sin la verdad” y un estado en el que no son si no ven que la verdad se inscribe en sus proposiciones. Se deduce que el lenguaje mismo constituye un límite, pues conviven en él lo que se dice y lo que hay que callar porque no es posible decirlo.
Pasaje al acto y verdad
Authors: Muñoz Pablo
Published: June 2016

En este artículo se presentan las principales conclusiones sobre la génesis, delimitación y transformaciones del concepto de pasaje al acto en la enseñanza de Lacan. Se indaga aquí el modo en que Jacques Lacan conceptualiza este concepto en El Seminario 14: La lógica del fantasma y El Seminario 15: El acto psicoanalítico.
Lo que la erótica y la poética enseñan al psicoanálisis en relación a la verdad
Authors: Laje Matías , Otero Tomás , Lombardi Gabriel
Published: June 2016

El analista, a la hora de pensar el estatuto de la verdad en psicoanálisis, encuentra que existen dos vías férreas donde, no sin pasar por la verdad, se puede cernir ese real que es el corazón de la práctica analítica. La primera vía es el amor, en tanto transferencia tal como fue articulado por Freud y reformulado por Lacan; la segunda es el decir de los poetas, enseñanza a la que no han querido renunciar ninguno de estos dos maestros y de la cual han sabido extraer sus consecuencias.
Verdad sublime y madre asesina en Christine V., versión de Marguerite Duras
Authors: González Holguín Juliana
Published: June 2016

Todo relato es ficción, versión y, así mismo, verdad, bajo una u otra concepción de la misma, es decir, desde una perspectiva que se enfoca según la intención y la subjetividad de uno o más actores, de uno o más narradores. El texto de Marguerite Duras intitulado Sublime forcément sublime Christine V. involucra, por su contenido y su contexto, varias versiones que contrastan y se interrogan entre sí. La escritora se posiciona de tal manera que, a través de recursos propios del oficio literario, desentraña una verdad que puede no ajustarse a la realidad o al saber, pero que nos enfrenta a los límites de lo pulsional y lo ominoso.
¿Verdad de la víctima o víctima de la verdad? Observaciones sobre la sugestión y sus implicaciones clínicas y políticas
Authors: Tuiran Rougeon Maria , Candiago Philippe
Published: June 2016

Los autores, a través de dos viñetas clínicas, cuestionan el lugar asignado a la verdad en nuestro nuevo lazo social. Proponen la hipótesis según la cual las figuras de víctima y de protocolización son intentos para acceder a la verdad en forma concreta, evitando así tener en cuenta la división subjetiva y, por consiguiente, el inconsciente. No obstante, el analista, a partir de los nuevos dispositivos, debe mantener una escucha que implique la equivocidad, de tal manera que el sujeto de la palabra verdadera pueda advenir.
Real–idad y re–presentación en el proyecto de psicología para neurólogos de Sigmund Freud
Authors: Santamaría Jaime
Published: June 2016

Tal como Freud nos permite avanzar en El proyecto de psicología para neurólogos, la realidad debe entenderse dentro del marco de un encuentro primero: el de la cría humana con un adulto experimentado. Lo llamativo de la exposición freudiana es que este adulto, que es más propiamente un prójimo auxiliador (Nebenmensch), produce placer y dolor. Así, el otro se constituye con una división estructural que marcará el derrotero de los estados compulsivos del deseo y el afecto, respectivamente; lo relevante es que la realidad, tal como Freud nos enseña, es producida por estos dos estados compulsivos. Volvemos al Proyecto porque nos presenta una articulación original acerca de la relación del sujeto con lo real, con la verdad y con la representación del mundo; una relación que no concuerda, en últimas, una relación imposible.