bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The “Indian” Monotheism
Authors: Basu Anustup
Published: July 2012

This essay is a wide-ranging inquiry into an early and consistent monotheistic impulse in Hindu nationalist discourses and identity formation since the late nineteenth century. It argues that the consolidation of a pan-Indian Hindu demographic and religious identity, cutting across a formidable and awry range of local devotional traditions and deities, entailed a form of modernist transcoding that was tendentially monotheistic. It would seem that a singular Hindu national imagination could be secured only when such myriad energies–differing vastly in terms of caste, class, region, local cosmologies, linguistic, and cultural formations–could be harnessed into a monotheistic edifice of faith. Only then could that singular faith be parlayed into nationalist feeling for one Hindu nation. The aspired-for Hindu monotheism would then not just yield a Hindu nation in the world but would also be equipped to synchronize with other monothematic mantras of modernity like scientific progress, democracy, or techno-financial development. The essay visits some nodal moments of this historical narrative–the coming into being of a Hindu “tradition” under the auspices of colonial Indology, Rammohun Roy’s defense of Vedic monotheism, Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay’s efforts at using modern disciplinary knowledge (history, philosophy, science, aesthetics) to formulate a system of Hindu ethics and to establish Krishna as a singular messianic figure like Christ or Buddha, or a later moment in Savarkar’s time, when the theological question had to be sidelined altogether in favor of a more pragmatic Hindu cultural nationalism. The essay visits some cardinal points of tension and historical consequences in the fragmented, still unfolding story of this monotheistic drive.
Derealizations of the Ideal: Walcott Encounters Seferis
Authors: Gourgouris Stathis
Published: July 2012

Derek Walcott’s staged encounter with George Seferis, by explicit invocation, in his poem “From This Far” (1980) is a nearly unprecedented instance of postcolonial confrontation with Greek antiquity, not through the conventional avenues of colonial classicism but through the wayward paths of Greek modernity. It therefore presents a rare opportunity for a series of reconsiderations of the tension between the poetic and the political, whether the co-incidence between Philhellenism and Orientalism that makes possible the colonization of the Hellenic ideal or the incapacity of the poetics of “world literature” to engage the ever-changing vicissitudes of postcolonial globality.
The attitude of Benjamin Rush (1746–1813) towards Native American medicine
Authors: Kopperman Paul E
Published: July 2012

Benjamin Rush was the first American physician to create a medical system that was distinct from European models. He was furthermore critical of shortcomings in European medicine and of aspects of ‘modern’ lifestyle, notably idleness and self-indulgence, which he regarded as detrimental to health. Nevertheless, he was Eurocentric and he believed that European and particularly British medicine was the best foundation for further progress although he also thought the final conquest of disease would come in America rather than in Europe. Rush manifested a deep interest in Native Americans and their medicine but in several key writings he deprecated Indian medical practice and characterized negatively many aspects of what he regarded as native culture. He also doubted that the natives could accommodate themselves to the republican ethos that he hoped would define America.
Kostas Karyotakis (1896–1928): did the great Greek suicidal poet suffer from syphilis?
Authors: Kousoulis Antonis A
Published: July 2012

Kostas Karyotakis is one of the most important Greek poets. His works reflect his existential, pessimistic and satirical tone. He was born in Tripolis, studied Law and spent most of his life working as a public servant. Since 1922 he was aware that he was suffering from syphilis. The disease seems to be the reason why he never accepted the full love of Maria Polydouri, a Greek lyric poet. Karyotakis' conventional life and his many detachments made him feel depressed, a fact that has led many to believe that a clinical depression caused his suicidal ideation. However, the fear of neurosyphilis appears to be the most decisive factor that led to him committing suicide in Preveza. This view is supported by a poem he wrote about the disease, the words of his contemporaries and his suicidal note.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841–1919) and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: da Mota Licia Maria Henrique , Neubarth Fernando , Diniz Leonardo Rios , de Carvalho Jozélio Freire , dos Santos Neto Leopoldo Luiz
Published: July 2012

Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841–1919), one of the world's most celebrated impressionist painters, suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for most of his life. His symptoms developed when he was in his 50s and they became aggressive at about the age of 60 years that led to almost complete disability when he was 70 years old. Although the deformities he suffered because of the rheumatoid arthritis were disabling, Renoir never stopped painting nor decreased the quality of his work. The transition between styles adopted by the painter (Impressionist, Dry and Pearly periods) bear no relationship to the stages of flare-ups or the establishment of joint deformities due to rheumatoid arthritis. His work shows aspects of the body's ability to overcome pain and physical limitation.
Return Shipping Policies of Online Retailers: Normative Assumptions and the Long-Term Consequences of Fee and Free Returns
Authors: Bower Amanda B. , Maxham James G.
Published: July 2012

To limit costs associated with product returns, some online retailers have instituted equity-based return shipping policies, requiring customers to pay to return products when retailers determine that customers are at fault. The authors compare the normative assumptions about customers that underlie equity-based return shipping policies with the more realistic, positivist expectations as predicted by attribution, equity, and regret theories. Two longitudinal field studies over four years using two surveys and actual customer spending data indicate that retailer confidence in those normative assumptions is unjustified. Contrary to retailer assumptions, neither the positive consequences of free returns nor the negative consequences of fee returns were reversed when customer perceptions of fairness were taken into account. Depending on the locus and extent of blame, customers who paid for their own return decreased their postreturn spending at that retailer 75%–100% by the end of two years. In contrast, returns that were free to the consumer resulted in postreturn customer spending that was 158%–457% of prereturn spending. The findings suggest that online retailers should either institute a policy of free product returns or, at a minimum, examine their customer data to determine their customers’ responses to fee returns.
Concepções de avaliação de desempenho em um currículo orientado por competência
Authors: Braccialli Luzmarina Aparecida Doretto , Oliveira Maria Amélia Campos de
Published: July 2012

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar concepções de avaliação dos docentes no Exercício de Avaliação da Prática Profissional (EAPP). Foram analisados 155 instrumentos de avaliação preenchidos pelos docentes e filmados os EAPP de quatro estudantes de primeira e terceira séries. Para análise dos dados, utilizou-se o Método de Interpretação dos Sentidos. As concepções de avaliação expressas pelos docentes aproximaram-se da abordagem de competência dialógica, valorizando tanto produto quanto processo, o que contribui para diminuir os efeitos negativos da avaliação. Mudanças nas concepções de avaliação requerem um processo de construção institucional, com participação ativa da comunidade acadêmica, considerando as concepções existentes e buscando produzir consensos.
Validade aparente de um índice de vulnerabilidade das famílias a incapacidade e dependência
Authors: Amendola Fernanda , Alvarenga Márcia Regina Martins , Gaspar Jaqueline Correia , Yamashita Cintia Hitomi , Oliveira Maria Amélia de Campos
Published: July 2012

Este estudo teve como objetivo propor e validar um índice para identificar famílias em situação de vulnerabilidade a incapacidades e dependência. Adaptou-se o Índice de Desenvolvimento da Família, acrescentando indicadores associados ao surgimento de incapacidade e dependência. Para validação aparente, utilizou-se a técnica Delphi e foram consultados cinco experts no assunto. Foi adotado nível de concordância de 80% entre os juízes. Após duas rodadas de avaliação, foram realizados ajustes quanto à forma e ao conteúdo do instrumento. Itens foram transferidos de componente, outros acrescentados e alguns, excluídos. O Índice resultante é composto por oito domínios, 38 componentes e 103 questões. A contribuição multiprofissional para a construção de um Índice que se propõe a captar a vulnerabilidade física e social das famílias resultou na primeira etapa para o desenvolvimento de uma ferramenta de diagnóstico e intervenção para profissionais de saúde que prestam assistência às famílias na Atenção Básica.
Detecting Cutleaf Teasel (Dipsacus laciniatus) along a Missouri Highway with Hyperspectral Imagery
Authors: Bentivegna Diego J. , Smeda Reid J. , Wang Cuizhen
Published: July 2012

Cutleaf teasel is an invasive, biennial plant that poses a significant threat to native species along roadsides in Missouri. Flowering plants, together with understory rosettes, often grow in dense patches. Detection of cutleaf teasel patches and accurate assessment of the infested area can enable targeted management along highways. Few studies have been conducted to identify specific species among a complex of vegetation composition along roadsides. In this study, hyperspectral images (63 bands in visible to near-infrared spectral region) with high spatial resolution (1 m) were analyzed to detect cutleaf teasel in two areas along a 6.44-km (4-mi) section of Interstate I-70 in mid Missouri. The identified classes included cutleaf teasel, bare soil, tree/shrub, grass/other broadleaf plants, and water. Classification of cutleaf teasel reached a user's accuracy of 82 to 84% and a producer's accuracy of 89% in the two sites. The conditional κ value was around 0.9 in both sites. The image-classified cutleaf teasel map provides a practical mechanism for identifying locations and extents of cutleaf teasel infestation so that specific cutleaf teasel management techniques can be implemented.

Cutleaf teasel is an exotic weed that infests roadside environments in Missouri. As a growing biennial, the plant develops as a rosette during the first year and bolts during the second. Dense patches contain flowering plants with understory rosettes. The objective of this work was to develop approaches for detecting cutleaf teasel patches with accurate assessment in a complex of species along a roadside. Thus, management of cutleaf teasel could be located at specific sites. Two hyperspectral images (63 bands with 1-m spatial resolution) were analyzed to detect cutleaf teasel along the Interstate Highway I-70 in mid Missouri. Classification of cutleaf teasel reached a user's accuracy of 82 to 84% and a producer's accuracy of 89% at the two sites. The image-classified teasel map provides a practical mechanism for identifying the locations and extents of cutleaf teasel infestation so that specific management techniques can be implemented.
Effects of Targeted Grazing and Prescribed Burning on Community and Seed Dynamics of a Downy Brome (Bromus tectorum)–Dominated Landscape
Authors: Diamond Joel M. , Call Christopher A. , Devoe Nora
Published: July 2012

Downy brome (Bromus tectorumL.)—dominated communities can remain as stable states for long periods, even with frequent disturbance by grazing and fire. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using targeted cattle grazing and late-season prescribed burning, alone and in combination, to reduceB. tectorumseed bank input and seed bank density and thus alter aboveground community dynamics (species composition) on aB. tectorum–dominated landscape in northern Nevada. Cattle removed 80 to 90% of standing biomass in grazed plots in May of 2005 and 2006 whenB. tectorumwas in the boot (phenological) stage. Grazed and ungrazed plots were burned in October 2005 and 2006. The combined grazing–burning treatment was more effective than either treatment alone in reducingB. tectorumseed input and seed bank density, and in shifting species composition from a community dominated byB. tectorumto one composed of a suite of species, withB. tectorumas a component rather than a dominant. This study provides a meso-scale precursor for landscape-scale adaptive management using grazing and burning methodologies.
Water Quality Improvement of a Reservoir Invaded by an Exotic Macrophyte
Authors: Rodríguez Mariana , Brisson Jacques , Rueda Guillermo , Rodríguez Manuel S.
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the macrophyte waterhyacinth on the water quality of a reservoir in Colombia. Postinvasion water quality assessments were performed during three different hydrological periods and compared with preinvasion data. The results show that water quality has improved, especially in terms of transparency, showing an increase in Secchi disk values from 0.3 to 2 m (1 to 6.6 ft). The analysis strongly suggests that the improvement in water quality is due to the filtering and precipitation effects provided by waterhyacinth. This case highlights the dilemma of managing an invasive species that provides a beneficial ecological service while posing a high ecological risk.
Effects of Simulated Defoliation on Growth and Photosynthetic Characteristics of an Invasive Liana, Ipomoea cairica (Convolvulaceae)
Authors: Li Weihua , Tian Xingshan , Luo Jianning , Dai Yanhong , Peng Changlian
Published: July 2012

To better understand the response of Ipomoea cairica (Cairo morningglory) to herbivory, the compensatory growth and photosynthetic characteristics of plants were measured after simulated herbivory by leaf trimming at four intensities: 25, 50, 75, and 100% removal, starting from the apex. Defoliation at 25% had no significant influence on plant biomass, but the total biomass (−19 to −66%) and root biomass (−31 to −75%) of the plants decreased significantly when defoliation intensity was ≥ 50% (P < 0.05). Photosynthetic rates (Pn) increased with defoliation intensity (P < 0.01), and Pn values in the defoliated plants were 10 to 72% greater than those in the control plants, a relationship that could be attributed to a decrease in stomatal limitation (−11 to −34%) and the increase in rubisco content (9 to 18%) as well as higher photosynthetic efficiency and less light energy dissipated as heat. At defoliation intensities up to 50%, plants needed more energy to compensate photosynthetically, which could influence the plant photosynthetic characteristics as well as the allocation of assimilates, resulting in less root development. Since the spread of I. cairica depends primarily on clonal growth, smaller roots could limit uptake of nutrients from the soil. These direct and indirect effects indicate that leaf-feeding herbivores may have potential for biological control of I. cairica but to have any effect the herbivores would need to consume ≥ 50% of the leaf biomass.
A Case of Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy With High‐Stage and High—Gleason Score Prostate Cancer Responded to Maximal Androgen Blockade Therapy
Authors: Kosaka Takeo , Miyajima Akira , Kikuchi Eiji , Takahashi Shinichi , Suzuki Norihiro , Oya Mototsugu
Published: July 2012

Abstract: Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy is a hereditary motor neuron disease caused by the expansion of CAG triplets in the androgen receptor. Because the length of CAG repeat is inversely related with androgen receptor function, patients with a longer CAG repeat are expected to have a lower incidence of prostate cancer. Here, we report an extremely rare case of high‐stage prostate cancer in a patient with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, which responded to maximal androgen blockade therapy.
Association Study of Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphisms in FASLG, JMJDIA, LOC203413, TEX15, BRDT, OR2W3, INSR, and TAS2R38 Genes With Male Infertility
Authors: Plaseski Toso , Noveski Predrag , Popeska Zaneta , Efremov Georgi D. , Plaseska‐Karanfilska Dijana
Published: July 2012

Abstract: Infertility is a major health problem today, affecting about 15% of couples trying to conceive a child. Impaired fertility of the male factor is causative in 20% of infertile couples and contributory in up to another 30%–40%. Based on association studies, an increasing number of gene polymorphisms have been proposed to modulate the efficiency of spermatogenesis. Here, we have investigated the possible association of 9 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 8 different genes—FASLG, JMJDIA, LOC203413, TEX15, BRDT, OR2W3, INSR, and TAS2R38—with male infertility. We analyzed a total of 136 men with idiopathic infertility (60 azoospermic and 76 oligozoospermic) and 161 fertile controls. Our study group included individuals of different ethnic origin: 93 of the infertile men were Macedonians, 32 were Albanians, and 11 were of other origin. The control group was composed of 125 Macedonian and 36 Albanian men. The methodology included multiplex polymerase chain reaction/SNaPshot analyses, followed by capillary electrophoresis on an ABI3130 Genetic Analyzer. Of the 9 SNPs evaluated, 3 are significantly associated (P < .05) with male infertility: SNPs rs5911500 in LOC203413, rs3088232 in BRDT, and rs11204546 in OR2W3. SNP rs5911500 showed the strongest association with infertility among Albanians (P = .0001), whereas rs3088232 was most significantly associated with azoospermia among Macedonians (P = .0082). Moreover, the frequency of co‐occurrence of LOC203413 minor T allele with either homozygosity or heterozygosity for the BRDT minor G allele was significantly higher among both azoospermic (6 of 60 [10%]; P = .0057; odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 8.83 [1.73–45.08]) and oligozoospermic (10 of 76 [13.2%]; P = .0002; odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 12.04 [2.57–56.47]) men in comparison with fertile controls (2 of 161 [1.2%]).
Live Birth After Intrauterine Insemination With Spermatozoa From an Oligoasthenozoospermic Patient Vitrified Without Permeable Cryoprotectants
Authors: Sanchez Raul , Isachenko Vladimir , Petrunkina Anna M. , Risopatron Jennie , Schulz Mabel , Isachenko Evgenia
Published: July 2012

Abstract: We report the first case of a healthy baby born after intrauterine insemination with vitrified swim‐up spermatozoa from an oligoasthenozoospermic patient. A 39‐year‐old patient was subjected to intrauterine insemination with spermatozoa from her 35‐year‐old husband, diagnosed with oligoasthenozoospermia. The swim‐up spermatozoa from 2 ejaculates were suspended in a culture medium supplemented with 1% human serum albumin and 0.25 M sucrose. Three hermetically packaged 100‐μL sperm portions (each containing 1.0 × 106 spermatozoa/mL) were vitrified by direct plunging into liquid nitrogen. The presence of leukocytes in the ejaculates was determined by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Production of reactive oxygen species was measured by chemiluminescent assay. Before intrauterine insemination, all portions were warmed in culture medium at 37°C, and the spermatozoa were concentrated by centrifugation; they were then resuspended in 500 μL of culture medium and inseminated. The cell suspension used for insemination displayed 60% progressive motility. Clinical pregnancy was confirmed at 7 weeks of gestation, and a healthy baby was born at term. Our results show that a successful intrauterine insemination can be achieved with aseptic vitrification of spermatozoa.
The TGF‐β1/Smad/CTGF Pathway and Corpus Cavernosum Fibrous‐Muscular Alterations in Rats With Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetes
Authors: Zhou Feng , Li Guang‐Yong , Gao Zhe‐Zhu , Liu Jing , Liu Tao , Li Wei‐Ren , Cui Wan‐Shou , Bai Guang‐Yi , Xin Zhong‐Cheng
Published: July 2012

Abstract: Diabetes‐associated erectile dysfunction is associated with increased extracellular matrix deposition and reduced smooth muscle content in the corpus cavernosum. The mechanisms of these processes are not well understood. In this study, we investigated fibromuscular changes in the corpus cavernosum of rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes to determine the mechanisms underlying pathologic changes in penile structure and function. Forty 8‐week‐old Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly distributed into control and diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by a one‐time intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin 60 mg/kg. Twelve weeks later, erectile function was measured by cavernous nerve electrostimulation with real‐time intracorporal pressure assessment. The penis was harvested for histologic examination (Masson trichrome stain, picrosirius red stain, Hart elastin stain, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase—mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling, and immunohistochemistry) and Western blot. Diabetes significantly attenuated erectile response to cavernous nerve electrostimulation. Diabetic animals exhibited a decreased smooth muscle/collagen ratio in the corpus cavernosum. The ratio of collagen I to II fibers was significantly lower in the corpora of diabetic rats compared with controls. Cavernous elastic fibers were fragmented in diabetic rats. There was up‐regulation of the transforming growth factor β1/Smad/connective tissue growth factor signaling pathway in diabetic rats. Phospho‐Smad2 expression was higher in smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts of diabetic rats, as was the apoptotic index. The up‐regulation of the transforming growth factor β1/Smad/connective tissue growth factor signaling pathway might play an important role in diabetes‐induced fibrous‐muscular structural changes and deterioration of erectile function.
Cathepsin D in Human Reproductive Tissues: Cellular Localization in Testis and Epididymis and Surface Distribution in Different Sperm Conditions
Authors: Saewu Arpornrad , Asuvapongpatana Somluk , Chotwiwatthanakun Charoonroj , Tantiwongse Anuphana , Weerachatyanukul Wattana , Thitilertdecha Siriporn
Published: July 2012

Abstract: Mammalian sperm surface antigens are acquired either during spermatogenesis or sperm maturation in the epididymis. These antigens, many of which are hydrolytic enzymes, are actively synthesized and secreted by the resident epithelial cells and adsorbed to the sperm membrane as part of posttesticular sperm modification. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression of cathepsin‐D (CAT‐D) in human reproductive tissues and its distribution on the sperm surface in different sperm conditions. Immunohistochemical results revealed the expression of CAT‐D in the somatic Sertoli and Leydig cells without showing any immunoreactivity in any germ cells, despite their engagement of the acrosomal system. A strong immunoreactivity of anti—CAT‐D was also detected in the epididymal epithelium, chiefly in the principal cells, which are known to actively synthesize and secrete proteins into the epididymal lumen. The absence of CAT‐D in the clear cells was unexpected because these cells are known to engage the endosomal machinery. We further showed that CAT‐D was anchored on the sperm surface confined to the postacrosomal region without any lateral redistribution within the membrane during sperm capacitation. However, the enzyme underwent changes to be an active form of a 29/30‐kd doublet during sperm capacitation. Using CAT‐D as a marker, we were able to demonstrate here localization of the enzyme in human reproductive tissues, as well as reveal membrane modification in human sperm during maturation and capacitation processes.
Secular Changes in the Semen Quality in India During the Past 33 Years
Authors: Dama Madhukar Shivajirao , Rajender Singh
Published: July 2012

Abstract: Several studies have described a change in semen quality over last 60 years in many regions of the world, but such studies are lacking for the Indian population. In the present study, we aimed at investigating if semen quality has changed during the last 3 decades in normal healthy Indians. We retrieved data on semen quality for Indian men without a history of infertility from published studies and analyzed it for trends in individual semen quality parameters using regression modeling. The semen parameters of 19 734 normal, healthy men from studies published over the past 33 years (from 1978 onward) were used for this purpose. Linear regression analysis weighted by sample size and controlling for age of the subjects revealed a significant decline in sperm motility and a significant increase in sperm concentration. Other semen parameters did not change significantly over this period. In conclusion, there has been a genuine decline in sperm motility and an increase in sperm concentration, which is corroborated by a recent study on Indian subjects.
Penile Cavernosal Artery Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Köse Osman , Sağlam Hasan S. , Adsan Öztuğ
Published: July 2012

Abstract: A patient presented with a mass in the cavernous body. The mass, 1 cm in diameter, was detected in the left cavernous body on the MRI and color Doppler ultrasound of the penis of the patient, who presented with pain approximately 3 months after a blunt trauma to the pelvic region. According to the statement of the patient, any direct trauma to the penis was obscure. The lesion was resected and pathological examination of the removed mass revealed pseudoaneurysm.
Diagnostic relevance of fine needle aspiration cytology in nodular thyroid lesions
Authors: Knezevic-Usaj Slavica , Eri Zivka , Panjkovic Milana , Klem Istvan , Petrovic Tomislav , Ivkovic-Kapicl Tatjana , Karapandzic Aleksandra , Jelic Jasmina
Published: July 2012

Background/Aim. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the thyroid gland
has been used as an initial investigative procedure of thyroid nodule(s) in
the Department of Pathology at the Institute of Oncology of Vojvodina for
more than 20 years. This procedure is rapid, inexpensive and technologically
simple, yet it has found only limited, albeit increasing acceptance in
medical practice in Serbia. The aim of the study was to evaluate our FNAC
findings by correlating cytological results with histological diagnosis and
to define the sensitivity, diagnostic accuracy and positive predictive value
of FNAC. Methods. A total of 266 patients with thyroid swellings were
aspirated in one year investigated period at our Institute out of whom 69
underwent surgery between May 2008 and May 2009. The cytological results
correlated with clinical features, ultrasound investigations (US) and
subsequent histopathological examination of the resected tissue. Results. By
the use of cytology we found out thyroid carcinoma in 10 patients, and by
histopathological examination in 12. We obtained 83% sensitivity, 100%
specificity and 97% of diagnostic accuracy of FNAC. Conclusion. The obtained
results confirm the importance of FNAC in preoperative assesment of thyroid
nodule.
Clinical presentation of different severities of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome: How to recognize it
Authors: Lausevic Mirjana , Lausevic Zeljko , Stojimirovic Biljana
Published: July 2012

Background/Aim. Besides viral serotype, HLA haplotype and cytokine genes
polymorphism are associated with clinical presentation of hemorrhagic fever
with renal syndrome. Since these analyses are unavailable in routine clinical
practice, the aim of this study was to assess clinical, laboratory and
radiographic findings associated with clinical presentation of disease
severity. Methods. A total of 30 patients (27 men and 3 women), average age
40 ? 14.9 years, treated for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome from
January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2009 in Clinical Center of Serbia, were
included in the study. Nine patients (30%) had mild, 14 (46.7%) moderate and
7 (23.3%) severe form of the disease; 24 (80%) recovered, 6 (20%) died in the
acute phase of the illness, and 19 patients (63.3%) required hemodialysis.
Results. The average titer of antiviral antibodies in patients infected with
Belgrade serotype virus were significantly higher in those with severe
clinical presentation. Hypotension, anuria, macrohaematuria, pulmonary
infiltration, pleural effusion, hepatomegalia and positive meningeal signs
were more frequent in the patients with severe form of the disease.
Statistically significant differences between groups with mild, moderate and
severe clinical picture were found in serum total protein, albumin, calcium,
glutamate pyruvate and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase on admittance;
serum creatinine and phosphorus concentration on day 14 and day 21; serum
sodium and calciums on day 14; hemoglobine concentration on day 21. A
statistically significant correlation was found between clinical presentation
of the disease severity and platelet count, white blood cell count,
hemoglobine concentration, serum calcium and serum transaminases on
admittance. Multivariate analysis identified variables` combinations
associated with clinical presentation of the disease. Conclusion. Our study
confirmed that we can distinguish patients who will manifest different
severities of the disease on the basis of careful consideration of laboratory
and clinical findings on admission.
Fabry disease, do we think enough about this multisystemic disorder?: A presentation of three cases in a Serbian family
Authors: Sakac Dejan , Koracevic Goran , Pavlica Tatjana , Sekulic Slobodan
Published: July 2012

Background. Fabry Disease is a rare, X-chromosomal inherited lysosomal
storage disease with a consequent intracellular accumulation of neutral
glycosphingolipids in various tissues. This can cause skin and ocular
lessions, progressive renal, cardiac or cerebrovascular disorders. If a
person in a family has Fabry disease, other family members including even
extended relatives, may also be at risk. Case report. We presented three
cases pointed out various manifestation of Fabry disease, that illustrate a
possible cause for otherwise unexplained cardiac hypertrophy and various
rhythm and conduction abnormalities. Conclusion. Although most symptoms begin
in childhood, various manifestations often lead to misdiagnosis and clinical
diagnosis is frequently delayed for many years, even decades. Enzyme
replacement therapy has become available, pointing out the importance of
early diagnosis so that treatment can be initiated before irreversible organ
damage.
Paragogical Praxis
Authors: Corneli Joseph
Published: July 2012

This article considers the problem of peer-producing rich online learning environments, a task that appears techno-socially feasible, but is not without challenge. The author draws on the self-professedly ‘utopian’ approach developed by Baudrillard in The Mirror of Production, to establish and understand the two key dimensions of leverage (language and recycling). He then extends a recent article by Corneli and Danoff on the topic of peer learning with a set of guidelines for practitioners. His conclusion supports active peer production of learning environments, against a ‘provisionist’ strategy, but he recognizes that the paragogical agenda may be at odds with established educational systems in some respects, though perhaps in a complementary manner.
Social Constructionism: A Postmodern Lens on the Dynamics of Social Learning
Authors: Alford Maurice
Published: July 2012

It is widely accepted in many societies that we are all individuals, with our own thoughts and minds, our own abilities, emotions and personalities, our own free will. In the western world our education systems are based on these ideas, as are our theories of education, our psychologies of behaviour, and our day-to-day communications. How else might we think of ourselves and each other? Social constructionists argue, and there is strong support from neuroscience for this, that we create our worlds and our perceptions of our worlds collaboratively. As our technologies of communication develop and become more ubiquitous, it can be helpful to consider how we might theorise their significance in the production of knowledge. What we think about who we are, and about what education is, are discursively produced. These underlying ideas, that we take for granted, have a significant impact on how we approach the use of technologies for teaching and learning, and on how we interpret the interactions that result.
An Overview of Radical Education in Action
Authors: Heron John
Published: July 2012

This article on peer learning was originally prepared for the Committee of the Institute for the Development of Human Potential (IDHP) in 1985. It outlines the history, structure and ideology of seventeen IDHP courses with their two primary dimensions – confluent and political. A holistic conceptual model is presented for each of these dimensions, followed by a detailed analysis of what has been learned about the issues, challenges, tensions and shortfalls in their practical implementation. In the light of this analysis, the article ends with a recommended, revised and detailed prospectus for the two-year part-time course.
Effects of Individual Aerobic Performance on Finish Time in Mountain Running
Authors: Heinrich Dieter , Burtscher Johannes , Burtscher Martin
Published: July 2012

It was hypothesized that for each mountain running competition, there is a certain individual performance level below which running times increase dramatically. The running times of 869 finishers of 3 international mountain running competitions have been analysed. A hyperbolic association was demonstrated between finish times in mountain running competitions and individual performance at the anaerobic threshold (VO2ATRace). Due to the non-linear association, there is an increasing effect on both the finish time and the change of finish time with decreasing aerobic performance. In all three competitions, the change of finish time is about 7 times more pronounced in mountain runners with the lowest VO2ATRace compared to those with the highest values of VO2ATRace. Both athletes and organizers should keep in mind these effects of decreasing aerobic performance on running times and potentially associated risks.
Age-Related Differences in Actual and Perceived Levels of Physical Activity in Adolescent Girls
Authors: Labbrozzi Dina , Bucci Ines , Bortoli Laura , Bertollo Maurizio , Doria Christian , Robazza Claudio
Published: July 2012

Age-related differences in actual and perceived physical activity were investigated in a sample of adolescent girls, also considering the relationship between physical activity and motor abilities. Self-reported physical activity was measured in 11-year-old ( n = 66) and 13-year-old ( n = 52) girls by means of the Physical Activity Questionnaire–Children Form, and actual levels of activity were assessed by means of the Lifecorder uniaxial accelerometer. The Sit-and-Reach Test was employed to estimate flexibility, while lower limb strength was measured by squat jump and counter-movement jump tests. Weight and height were measured, and sex-specific age-related Body Mass Index cutoff points were used to identify overweight and obesity. Findings showed a drop in objective vigorous physical activity in older girls, which was also reflected in the Physical Activity Questionnaire. Contrary to expectations, no association was found between motor abilities and measured physical activity. Results highlight the need to understand the reasons why girls progressively reduce their involvement in physical activity as they get older, so as to plan interventions aimed at preventing this decline.
Intensity of Smiling and Attractiveness as Facial Signals of Trustworthiness in Women
Authors: Schmidt K. , Levenstein R. , Ambadar Z.
Published: July 2012

Facial attractiveness is associated with a variety of positive social characteristics including trustworthiness. Variations in smiling, such as the appearance of the Duchenne marker and increased intensity of expression, have likewise been linked with positive judgments of trustworthiness. The study investigated the interaction of the effects of models' attractiveness and their smiling intensity on impressions of perceived trustworthiness. Participants rated the attractiveness and expressivity of neutral, low intensity, and high intensity smiling images of 45 women models. These images were also presented to a second group of participants who rated trustworthiness. Repeated measures analysis of covariance of the effects of attractiveness and manipulated smile intensity on trustworthiness indicated a main effect for smile intensity: increased smile intensity was associated with greater trustworthiness. Attractiveness also contributed to rated trustworthiness independently of smiling intensity. Results suggested there is an additional contribution of facial expression in creating social impressions of trustworthiness.
Androstadienone in Motor Reactions of Men and Women toward Angry Faces
Authors: Frey Monika C. M. , Weyers Peter , Pauli Paul , Mühlberger Andreas
Published: July 2012

The endogenous compound androstadienone modulating the evaluation of others and activating the human fear system was hypothesized in terms of processing socially relevant cues by regulating responses to angry faces. Androstadienone was investigated in association with arm movements of 62 participants (30 women) in response to happy and angry facial expressions. Volunteers pushed away or pulled toward them a joystick as fast as possible on seeing either an angry or a happy cartoon face on a computer screen. This task was repeated twice: once during exposure to androstadienone masked with clove oil and once to clove oil only. In the former condition participants' reaction speed was accelerated, especially when reacting to angry faces. This observation may indicate an androstadienone-related activation of the fear system leading to faster responses to threat signals, assuming an enhanced allocation of attentional resources toward threat-related social cues.
Discrepant Visual Speech Facilitates Covert Selective Listening in “Cocktail Party” Conditions
Authors: Williams Jason A.
Published: July 2012

The presence of congruent visual speech information facilitates the identification of auditory speech, while the addition of incongruent visual speech information often impairs accuracy. This latter arrangement occurs naturally when one is being directly addressed in conversation but listens to a different speaker. Under these conditions, performance may diminish since: (a) one is bereft of the facultative effects of the corresponding lip motion and (b) one becomes subject to visual distortion by incongruent visual speech; by contrast, speech intelligibility may be improved due to (c) bimodal localization of the central unattended stimulus. Participants were exposed to centrally presented visual and auditory speech while attending to a peripheral speech stream. In some trials, the lip movements of the central visual stimulus matched the unattended speech stream; in others, the lip movements matched the attended peripheral speech. Accuracy for the peripheral stimulus was nearly one standard deviation greater with incongruent visual information, compared to the congruent condition which provided bimodal pattern recognition cues. Likely, the bimodal localization of the central stimulus further differentiated the stimuli and thus facilitated intelligibility. Results are discussed with regard to similar findings in an investigation of the ventriloquist effect, and the relative strength of localization and speech cues in covert listening.
Force Control under Auditory Feedback: Effector Differences and Audiomotor Memory
Authors: Loucks Torrey M. J. , Ofori Edward , Sosnoff Jacob J.
Published: July 2012

Audiomotor integration is a basic form of sensorimotor control for regulating vocal pitch and vocal loudness, but its contribution to general motor control has only been studied minimally. In this paper, auditory feedback for prolonged force control was investigated by comparing manual and oral force generation and testing short-term audiomotor memory for these effectors. Ten healthy volunteers between the ages of 20 and 30 years old were recruited. The participants produced continuous force for 30 sec. with the lip or finger to match auditory targets. In the feedback condition, when auditory feedback was provided for 30 sec., lip force was more variable than finger force. In the memory condition, the force output of both effectors remained stable for approximately 4 sec. after feedback removal, followed by significant decay. A longer short-term memory capacity could facilitate encoding of motor memories for tasks having acoustic goals. The results demonstrate that “audiomotor” integration was effective for sustaining forces, and that audiomotor force memory is comparable to reports of visuomotor force memory.
Difference between Highlight and Object Colors Enhances Glossiness
Authors: Hanada Mitsuhiko
Published: July 2012

The effect of highlight and object colors on perception of glossiness was examined. Ten participants rated glossiness of object images. The color coordinates of objects and highlights were varied while luminance of each pixel was unchanged. Four colors were used for objects and highlights. Objects were perceived as glossier when the highlight color was different from the object color than when they were the same. Objects with some unnatural combinations of highlight and object colors were perceived to be as glossy as those with natural color combinations. The results suggested that differences between highlight and object colors enhance perceived glossiness and that perceived glossiness does not depend on naturalness of color combination for highlights and objects.
Effects of Game Location, Period, and Quality of Opposition in Elite Handball Performances
Authors: Oliveira T. , Gómez M. , Sampaio J.
Published: July 2012

The aims of the present study were to identify (i) home advantage in elite handball according to the quality of opponent, (ii) the game periods where the teams score more goals, and (iii) the game statistics associated with the teams' success according to the game's location. The sample comprised 480 regular season games (2007–2009) from the Spanish Professional Handball League. The goals scored and shot effectiveness (6 m, 7 m, 9 m and fast breaks) were analyzed for each 5-min. game period in games between players of balanced and unbalanced quality. The home advantage was 64%, with higher values (71%) in balanced and lower values (55%) in unbalanced games. The 5-min. game periods in which teams scored more goals were the last 5-min. period of each half, especially in the second half. The effectiveness was only different in shots closer to the goal (6 m), which supports the territoriality theory of home advantage.
Oral Curcumin Supplementation in Patients with Atopic Asthma
Authors: Kim Dennis H. , Phillips Joshua F. , Lockey Richard F.
Published: July 2012

Oral curcumin is recognized to have anti-inflammatory properties and has been used by ancient traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of diseases. In vitro studies have confirmed the ability of curcumin to inhibit allergic inflammatory cytokine responses from lymphocytes; however, there are no in vivo studies of curcumin to treat inflammation associated with allergic asthma. This study was designed to determine the effect of oral curcumin supplementation on patients with stable, persistent, atopic asthma. Adult patients with stable, persistent asthma with evidence of allergic sensitization were randomized to receive 1000 mg of curcumin twice daily or placebo. Subjects were followed for 6 months and performed monthly spirometry (pre- and postbronchodilator); Asthma Control Test (ACT) scoring; and measurements for fractional excretion of nitric oxide (NO), serum eosinophil count, leukocyte count, total IgE, specific IgE to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ( Der p) and Dermatophagoides farinae ( Der f), use of rescue albuterol, and dose of inhaled corticosteroid. Nine patients were randomized into the treatment arm and six were randomized into the placebo group. No differential response was seen in the treatment and placebo groups regarding the primary end point, postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Similarly, all secondary end point evaluations were not significantly different. Despite in vitro evidence that curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties and can inhibit allergic cytokine responses from lymphocytes in vitro, curcumin, 1000-mg, twice daily supplementation did not significantly affect postbronchodilator FEV1, ACT scores, use of rescue bronchodilator, dose of inhaled corticosteroid, exhaled NO, serum IgE, total white blood cell count specific IgE to Der p or Der f, and blood eosinophils in patients with persistent atopic asthma.
Intramedullary lesion expansion on magnetic resonance imaging in patients with motor complete cervical spinal cord injury
Authors: Aarabi Bizhan , Simard J. Marc , Kufera Joseph A. , Alexander Melvin , Zacherl Katie M. , Mirvis Stuart E. , Shanmuganathan Kathirkamanthan , Schwartzbauer Gary , Maulucci Christopher M. , Slavin Justin , Ali Khawar , Massetti Jennifer , Eisenberg Howard M.
Published: July 2012

Object

The authors performed a study to determine if lesion expansion occurs in humans during the early hours after spinal cord injury (SCI), as has been established in rodent models of SCI, and to identify factors that might predict lesion expansion.

Methods

The authors studied 42 patients with acute cervical SCI and admission American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale Grades A (35 patients) and B (7 patients) in whom 2 consecutive MRI scans were obtained 3–134 hours after trauma. They recorded demographic data, clinical information, Injury Severity Score (ISS), admission MRI-documented spinal canal and cord characteristics, and management strategies.

Results

The characteristics of the cohort were as follows: male/female ratio 37:5; mean age, 34.6 years; and cause of injury, motor vehicle collision, falls, and sport injuries in 40 of 42 cases. The first MRI study was performed 6.8 ±2.7 hours (mean ± SD) after injury, and the second was performed 54.5 ± 32.3 hours after injury. The rostrocaudal intramedullary length of the lesion on the first MRI scan was 59.2 ± 16.1 mm, whereas its length on the second was 88.5 ± 31.9 mm. The principal factors associated with lesion length on the first MRI study were the time between injury and imaging (p = 0.05) and the time to decompression (p = 0.03). The lesion's rate of rostrocaudal intramedullary expansion in the interval between the first and second MRI was 0.9 ± 0.8 mm/hour. The principal factors associated with the rate of expansion were the maximum spinal cord compression (p = 0.03) and the mechanism of injury (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Spinal cord injury in humans is characterized by lesion expansion during the hours following trauma. Lesion expansion has a positive relationship with spinal cord compression and may be mitigated by early surgical decompression. Lesion expansion may be a novel surrogate measure by which to assess therapeutic effects in surgical or drug trials.