bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Ketamine, Fentanyl and Clonidine as an Adjuvant During Bupivacaine Caudal Anaesthesia in Paediatric Patients
Authors: Singh Jeevan , Shah RS , Vaidya N , Mahato PK , Shrestha S , Shrestha BL
Published: May 2013

Background Caudal epidural analgesia with bupivacaine is very popular in paediatric anaesthesia for providing intra- and postoperative analgesia. Several adjuvants have been used to prolong the action of bupivacaine. Objectives To compare the efficacy of ketamine, fentanyl and clonidine in terms of quality and duration of analgesia they produce when added with caudal bupivacaine by single shot technique in children. Methods Eighty children, age one to ten years, undergoing sub-umbilical surgery, were prospectively randomized to one of four groups: caudal analgesia with 0.75 ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine in normal saline (Group B) or caudal analgesia with 0.75 ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine with 1 μg/kg of clonidine in normal saline (Group BC) or caudal analgesia with 0.75ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine with ketamine 0.5mg/kg (Group BK) or caudal analgesia with 0.75ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine with fentanyl 1mcg/kg (Group BF). Post-operative pain was assessed for 24 hours using the FLACC scale. Results The mean duration of analgesia was significantly longer in Group BC (629.06 ± 286.32 min) than other three groups P < 0.05. The pain score assessed using FLACC scale was compared between the four groups, and children in Group BC had lower pain scores, which was statistically significant. The requirement of rescue medicine was lesser in Group BC. Clonidine in a dose of 1 μg/kg added to 0.25% bupivacaine for caudal analgesia, during sub-umbilical surgeries, prolongs the duration of analgesia of bupivacaine, without any side effects in compare to fentanyl or ketamine. Conclusion We conclude that clonidine in a dose of 1 μg/kg, added to 0.25% bupivacaine for caudal analgesia and administered as a 0.75 ml/kg mixture in children, for sub-umbilical surgery, significantly prolongs the duration of post-operative analgesia when compared to 0.75 ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine in normal saline than 0.75 ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine with ketamine 0.5 mg/kg or 0.75 ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine with fentanyl 1 mcg/kg or 0.75 ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine alone, without any side effects. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | VOL.10 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 39 | JUL- SEP 2012 | Page 25-29 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i3.8013
Relationship Between Arterial Oxygen Saturation and Hematocrit, and Effect of Slow Deep Breathing on Oxygen Saturation in Himalayan High Altitude Populations
Authors: Nepal Ojashwi , Pokharel BR , Khanal K , Mallik SL , Kapoor BK , Koju R
Published: May 2013

Background The oxygen saturation of haemoglobin is reduced in high altitude-living organisms. Increase in the hematocrit is responsible for rise in the hemoglobin concentration so that the oxygen carrying capacity in the hypobaric hypoxic subject is elevated. Objectives To compare two different high altitude populations, in order to study the relationship between arterial oxygen saturation and hematocrit. Methods lIn the cross-sectional study of two populations residing at altitude of 2800 m and 3760 m are compared for the difference in hematocrit. The oxygen carrying capacity of arterial haemoglobin (SaO2) is determined by pulse oximetry. The sample is drawn from the natives of two small villages, Thini at Jomsom (2800 m) and Jharkot (3760 m) in Mustang district of Nepal. The natives at 2800 m are termed as lower high altitude population and local residents at 3760 m are said to be higher altitude population in this study. The sample blood was drawn by venipuncture and packed cell volume was determined by Wintrobe’s method. Results The hematocrit obtained from 3760 m altitude population and the lower high altitude population at altitude of 2800 m differ significantly with the p value < 0.0001and the SaO2 in both the population fails to show any difference with p value > 0.05. Deep breathing exercise in these populations however increased SaO2 significantly. Conclusion The higher altitude natives have greater arterial oxygen saturation than lower altitude population which is due to rise in red cell concentration. The slow deep breathing raises oxygen saturation irrespective of altitude. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | VOL.10 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 39 | JUL- SEP 2012 | Page 30-34 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i3.8014
Understanding of Tobacco and Lung Cancer Among Medical Students in Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS)
Authors: Khatiwada Prashant , Kayastha SR , Pant P , Khanal KR , Giri A , Khatiwoda P , Mali A
Published: May 2013

Background  Often, lung cancer is diagnosed at terminal stages. Poor awareness about the symptoms or risk factors of lung cancer among medics may be one of the factors for delayed diagnosis. Objective  We explored the knowledge of medical students and their behavior with the patients of lung cancer. Method  Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used for data collection from 153 medical student of Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences from December 2011 to May 2012. Results  Among the results, eighty-nine students had over 80% knowledge of the 14 cancer warning signs, among them 83% knew the nine risk factors for lung cancer. Twenty-three students told lung cancer can be hereditary. Sixty five percent of all participants believed that lung cancer can be detected at early stage; of them 81% told that it can be treated. About 24% of the total students were current or ex-smokers and about half of them believed that lung cancer does not occur in light smokers. Only 10% have heard of Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in Nepal. Conclusion  Study finds that all medical students who know about any cancers may not necessarily have knowledge about lung cancers. Their perception about the cause of lung cancer may be influenced by their smoking behavior and there was little knowledge of public health measures for smoking control. Awareness about national policies needs to be increased. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | VOL.10 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 39 | JUL- SEP 2012 | Page 60-65 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i3.8022
Dabigatran bleed risk with closed head injuries: are we prepared?
Authors: Parra Michael W. , Zucker Lloyd , Johnson Eric S. , Gullett Diane , Avila Cristina , Wichner Zachary A. , Kokaram Candace R.
Published: May 2013

Object

The direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran has recently been approved in the US as an alternative to warfarin. The lack of guidelines, protocols, and an established specific antidote to reverse the anticoagulation effect of dabigatran potentially increases the rates of morbidity and mortality in patients with closed head injury (CHI). Confronted with this new problem, the authors reviewed their initial clinical experience.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed all cases of adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) who sustained CHI secondary to ground-level falls and who presented to the authors' provisional regional Level I trauma center between February 2011 and May 2011. The authors divided these patients into 3 groups based on anticoagulant therapy: dabigatran, warfarin, and no anticoagulants.

Results

Between February 2011 and May 2011, CHIs from ground-level falls were sustained by 5 patients while on dabigatran, by 15 patients on warfarin, and by 25 patients who were not on anticoagulants. The treatment of the patients on dabigatran at the authors' institution had great diversity. Repeat CT scans obtained during reversal showed 4 of 5 patients with new or expanded hemorrhages in the dabigatran group, whereas the warfarin group had 3 of 15 (p = 0.03). The overall mortality rate for patients sustaining CHI on dabigatran was 2 (40%) of 5, whereas that of the warfarin group was 0 (0%) of 15 (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

It is critical for physicians involved in the care of patients with CHI on dabigatran to be aware of an elevated mortality rate if no treatment protocol or guideline is in place. The authors will soon implement a reversal management protocol for patients with CHI on dabigatran at their institution in an attempt to improve efficacy and safety in their treatment approach.
An Efficient Synthesis of 2-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)-6-trifluoromethyl-n-(5,8-dimethoxy-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine-2-yl) Benzenesulfonamide: Penoxsulam
Authors: Wu Feifei , Gao Shiguang , Chen Zhiyin , Su Jinyue , Zhang Dayong
Published: May 2013

An efficient nine-step synthesis of 2-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)-6-trifluoromethyl- N-(5,8-dimethoxy-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-c] -pyrimidine-2-yl) benzenesulfonamide has been developed. The starting material 4-nitro-2-(trifluoromethyl)aniline starting material was converted via 2-bromo-4-amino-6-trifluoromethylaniline and 2-bromo-4-acetamido-6-trifluoro-methylbenzenesulfonic acid to 2-bromo-6-trilfuoromethylbenzenesulfonic acid. This was then combined with 2-amino-5,8-dimethoxy-1,2,4-triazolo[1.5-c]pyrimidine to give the target molecule. Compared with the reported method, this approach has advantages in its shorter reaction time, milder reaction conditions and easier purifiction. Moreover, the overall yield has been improved to 22.9% which is twice of that of the reported method.
An Efficient Synthesis of Enantiomerically Pure trans-N1,N2-dimethylcyclohexane-1,2-diamine
Authors: Shen Yan-Hong , Ye Qing , Hou Shao-Gang , Wang Qun
Published: May 2013

A new pathway is described to produce a highly optically pure isomer of trans-N1,N2-dimethylcyclohexane-1,2-diamine through four simple steps. Reaction of cyclohexene oxide with aqueous methylamine, followed by cyclisation with Mitsunobu reagent and ring-opening reactions gave rac-trans- N1,N2-dimethylcyclohexane-1,2-diamine, and the enantiomers were obtained via a kinetic resolution using tartaric acid.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Binding Properties of a New Fluorescent Molecular Clip Based on 2,5-diphenylfuran
Authors: Sheng-Li Hu , Cai-Hua Xu , Shu-Shu Zhang , Wen-Bing Sun , Qing Gao
Published: May 2013

A new fluorescent molecular clip derived from 2,5-diphenyl-furan with two benzo[d]-thiazole-2-thio-units as side walls has been synthesised and its structure and conformation confirmed by an X-ray structure. Fluorescence spectroscopic studies show that it can selectively bind Fe3+.
Synthesis and Properties of 1-(2-(alkylamino)-2-oxoethyl) Pyridinium Chloride Surfactants
Authors: Wang Li-yan , Qin Hong-lei , Wang Lei , Huo Shi-chao , Zhao Bing , Song Bo , Yan Tie
Published: May 2013

A series of 1-(2-(alkylamino)-2-oxoethyl) pyridinium chloride surfactants was designed and synthesised by two steps. Four new compounds were obtained. The structures of all the synthesised compounds have been characterised by IR, 1H NMR and elemental analyses. Surface activity and antibacterial activity of 1-(2-(alkylamino)-2-oxoethyl) pyridinium chloride surfactants were investigated. The critical micelle concentration and C20 values of the synthesised surfactants are low. The synthesised surfactants have good antibacterial activity for sulfate-reducing bacteria, metatrophic bacteria and iron bacteria in oil field injection water.
[Omim][BF4] Ionic Liquid, a Green and Recyclable Medium for One-pot Aminomethylation of Electron-rich Aromatic Compounds
Authors: Arzephoni Amene Yaghoubi , Naimi-Jamal M. Reza , Sharifi Ali , Abaee M. Saeed , Mirzaei Mojtaba
Published: May 2013

An efficient catalyst-free procedure has been developed for one-pot aminomethylation of some electron-rich aromatic compounds such as 1- and 2-naphthols, indole, N-methylindol and benzamide, in [omim][BF4] ionic liquid at room temperature. The ionic liquid can be recovered and reused without any noticeable loss of performance.
π-Conjugated Molecules Based on Truxene Cores and Pyrene Substitution: Synthesis and Properties
Authors: Tang Chao , Liu Xu-Dong , Liu Feng , Wang Xu-liang , Xu Hui , Liu Rui-Lan , Rong Zhou , Huang Wei
Published: May 2013

Two starburst molecules based on pyrene with truxene cores, PYT and PYET, have been designed and synthesised by Pd(0)-catalysed Suzuki coupling and Sonogashira coupling reactions, respectively. Due to the different conjugation length, the solution absorption and emission spectra of PYET in dilute THF were redshifted compared with those of PYT. The solid absorption and emission spectra of PYET were also redshifted. Their thermal decomposition temperatures ( Td) were over 400 °C, and the glass transition temperatures ( Tg) were 96 and 124 °C, respectively, which showed that both materials possess good thermal stability. Electrochemical analysis implied that the HOMOs of PYET and PYT were similar.
Convenient Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Tricyclic Azine Derivatives
Authors: Elassar Abdel-Zaher A. , Alsughayer Abdulhakeem , Sagheer Fakhreia Al
Published: May 2013

1,4-Phenylenediamine reacted readily with 2 mol of ethyl acetoacetate to give diethyl ( 2Z,2′Z)-3,3′-[(1,4-phenylene)-bisimino]dibut-2-enoate, which reacted with dimethylformamide dimethylacetal, activated methylene nitriles, ylidenemalononitriles and phenyl and benzoyl isothiocyanate to give, respectively, a 4,7-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarb-oxylate-1,10-diol, and tricyclic bispyridine and bispyrimidine derivatives. Two compounds showed strong antibacterial activity against several microorganisms, while six others showed high to moderate activity.
The Impasses of Ecological Representation
Authors: Whiteside Kerry H.
Published: May 2013

Calls for new forms of representation to protect the interests of future generations and non-human species have become common among green theorists. Examining these proposals critically, this article finds, first, that ‘ecological representation’ contradicts the virtues traditionally associated with representative government: creating a circuit of legitimacy between voters and political authorities; preventing abuses of power; keeping law neutral with respect to the worth of competing values. It concludes, second, that our environmental predicament is not essentially the fault of inadequate representation. The logic of representation itself is part of the problem. Ecological democrats must look to other participatory models.
Optimal Passive Dynamics for Physical Interaction: Catching a Mass
Authors: Kemper Kevin , Vejdani Hamid , Piercy Brent , Hurst Jonathan
Published: May 2013

For manipulation tasks in uncertain environments, intentionally designed series impedance in mechanical systems can provide significant benefits that cannot be achieved in software. Traditionally, the design of actuated systems revolves around sizing torques, speeds, and control strategies without considering the system’s passive dynamics. However, the passive dynamics of the mechanical system, including inertia, stiffness, and damping along with other parameters such as torque and stroke limits often impose performance limitations that cannot be overcome with software control. In this paper, we develop relationships between an actuator’s passive dynamics and the resulting performance for the purpose of better understanding how to tune the passive dynamics for catching an unexpected object. We use a mathematically optimal controller subject to force limitations to stop the incoming object without breaking contact and bouncing. The use of an optimal controller is important so that our results directly reflect the physical system’s performance. We analytically calculate the maximum velocity that can be caught by a realistic actuator with limitations such as force and stroke limits. The results show that in order to maximize the velocity of an object that can be caught without exceeding the actuator’s torque and stroke limits, a soft spring along with a strong damper will be desired.
QoS Self-Provisioning and Interference Management for Co-Channel Deployed 3G Femtocells
Authors: Kolding Troels , Ochal Pawel , Jørgensen Niels , Pedersen Klaus
Published: May 2013

A highly efficient self-provisioning interference management scheme is derived for 3G Home Node-Bs (HNB). The proposed scheme comprises self-adjustment of the HNB transmission parameters to meet the targeted QoS (quality of service) requirements in terms of downlink and uplink guaranteed minimum throughput and coverage. This objective is achieved by means of an autonomous HNB solution, where the transmit power of pilot and data are adjusted separately, while also controlling the uplink interference pollution towards the macro-layer. The proposed scheme is evaluated by means of extensive system level simulations and the results show significant performance improvements in terms of user throughput outage probability, power efficiency, femtocell coverage, and impact on macro-layer performance as compared to prior art baseline techniques. The paper is concluded by also showing corresponding measurements from live 3G high-speed packet access (HSPA) HNB field-trials, confirming the validity of major simulation results and assumptions.
A History of Ashes: An 80 Year Comparative Portrait of Smoking Initiation in American Indians and Non-Hispanic Whites—the Strong Heart Study
Authors: Orr Raymond , Calhoun Darren , Noonan Carolyn , Whitener Ron , Henderson Jeff , Goldberg Jack , Henderson Patrica
Published: May 2013

The consequences of starting smoking by age 18 are significant. Early smoking initiation is associated with higher tobacco dependence, increased difficulty in smoking cessation and more negative health outcomes. The purpose of this study is to examine how closely smoking initiation in a well-defined population of American Indians (AI) resembles a group of Non-Hispanic white (NHW) populations born over an 80 year period. We obtained data on age of smoking initiation among 7,073 AIs who were members of 13 tribes in Arizona, Oklahoma and North and South Dakota from the 1988 Strong Heart Study (SHS) and the 2001 Strong Heart Family Study (SHFS) and 19,747 NHW participants in the 2003 National Health Interview Survey. The participants were born as early as 1904 and as late as 1985. We classified participants according to birth cohort by decade, sex, and for AIs, according to location. We estimated the cumulative incidence of smoking initiation by age 18 in each sex and birth cohort group in both AIs and NHWs and used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios for the association of birth cohort, sex and region with the age at smoking initiation. We found that the cumulative incidence of smoking initiation by age 18 was higher in males than females in all SHS regions and in NHWs (p < 0.001). Our results show regional variation of age of initiation significant in the SHS (p < 0.001). Our data showed that not all AIs (in this sample) showed similar trends toward increased earlier smoking. For instance, Oklahoma SHS male participants born in the 1980s initiated smoking before age 18 less often than those born before 1920 by a ratio of 0.7. The results showed significant variation in age of initiation across sex, birth cohort, and location. Our preliminary analyses suggest that AI smoking trends are not uniform across region or gender but are likely shaped by local context. If tobacco prevention and control programs depend in part on addressing the origin of AI smoking it may be helpful to increase the awareness in regional differences.
Decreased IgA+ B Cells Population and IgA, IgG, IgM Contents of the Cecal Tonsil Induced by Dietary High Fluorine in Broilers
Authors: Liu Juan , Cui Hengmin , Peng Xi , Fang Jing , Zuo Zhicai , Deng Junliang , Wang Hesong , Wu Bangyuan , Deng Yuanxin , Wang Kangping
Published: May 2013

Fluoride is an environmental and industrial pollutant that affects various organs in humans and animals. The cecal tonsil is an important component of the mucosal immune system and performs important and unique immune functions. In the present study, we investigated the effects of dietary high fluorine on the quantities of IgA+ B cells in the cecal tonsil by immunohistochemistry, and the immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) contents in the cecal tonsil by ELISA. A total of 280 one-day-old avian broilers were divided into four groups and fed on a corn-soybean basal diet as control diet (fluorine 22.6 mg/kg) or the same diet supplemented with 400, 800 and 1,200 mg/kg fluorine (high fluorine groups I, II and III) in the form of sodium fluoride, respectively, throughout a 42-day experimental period. The results showed that the quantities of IgA+ B cells were lower (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) and the IgA, IgG, and IgM contents were decreased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in high fluorine groups II and III in comparison with those of control group. It was concluded that dietary fluorine, in the 800–1,200 mg/kg range, could reduce the numbers of the IgA+ B cells and immunoglobulin contents in the cecal tonsil, implying the local mucosal immune function was ultimately impacted in broilers.
HDAC6 and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Haakenson Joshua , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: May 2013

The special class IIb histone deacetylase, HDAC6, plays a prominent role in many cellular processes related to cancer, including oncogenesis, the cell stress response, motility, and myriad signaling pathways. Many of the lessons learned from other cancers can be applied to ovarian cancer as well. HDAC6 interacts with diverse proteins such as HSP90, cortactin, tubulin, dynein, p300, Bax, and GRK2 in both the nucleus and cytoplasm to carry out these cancerous functions. Not all pro-cancer interactions of HDAC6 involve deacetylation. The idea of using HDAC6 as a target for cancer treatment continues to expand in recent years, and more potent and specific HDAC6 inhibitors are required to effectively down-regulate the tumor-prone cell signaling pathways responsible for ovarian cancer.
3,3'-(1,4-Phenylenebis(phenylazanediyl))bis(7-ethoxy-4-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one)
Authors: Narayanan Divia , Haridas Karickal
Published: May 2013

3,3'-(1,4-Phenylenebis(phenylazanediyl))bis(7-ethoxy-4-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one) was synthesized from N,N'-diphenylbenzene-1,4-diamine and bromo-7-ethoxy-4-methylcoumarin based on Ullmann coupling reaction. The synthesized compound was characterized by UV-Visible, NMR, FT-IR, MS, elemental analysis and Fluorescence Spectrum.
Extremely Re-Rich Molybdenite from Porphyry Cu-Mo-Au Prospects in Northeastern Greece: Mode of Occurrence, Causes of Enrichment, and Implications for Gold Exploration
Authors: Voudouris Panagiotis , Melfos Vasilios , Spry Paul , Bindi Luca , Moritz Robert , Ortelli Melissa , Kartal Tamara
Published: May 2013

Extremely Re-rich molybdenite occurs with pyrite in sodic–calcic, sodic–sericitic and sericitic-altered porphyritic stocks of granodioritic–tonalitic and granitic composition in the Sapes–Kirki–Esymi, Melitena and Maronia areas, northeastern Greece. Molybdenite in the Pagoni Rachi and Sapes deposits is spatially associated with rheniite, as well as with intermediate (Mo,Re)S2 and (Re,Mo)S2 phases, with up to 46 wt % Re. Nanodomains and/or microinclusions of rheniite may produce the observed Re enrichment in the intermediate molybdenite–rheniite phases. The extreme Re content in molybdenite and the unique presence of rheniite in porphyry-type mineralization, combined with preliminary geochemical data (Cu/Mo ratio, Au grades) may indicate that these deposits have affinities with Cu–Au deposits, and should be considered potential targets for gold mineralization in the porphyry environment. In the post-subduction tectonic regime of northern Greece, the extreme Re and Te enrichments in the magmatic-hydrothermal systems over a large areal extent are attributed to an anomalous source (e.g., chemical inhomogenities in the mantle-wedge triggered magmatism), although local scale processes cannot be underestimated.
Characterisation of Phenolic Compounds in South African Plum Fruits (Prunus salicina Lindl.) using HPLC Coupled with Diode-Array, Fluorescence, Mass Spectrometry and On-Line Antioxidant Detection
Authors: Venter Alet , Joubert Elizabeth , De Beer Dalene
Published: May 2013

Phenolic compounds are abundant secondary metabolites in plums, with potential health benefits believed to be due to their antioxidant activity, amongst others. Phenolic characterisation of South African Prunus salicina Lindl. plums is necessary to fully evaluate their potential health benefits. An HPLC method using diode-array detection (DAD) for quantification of phenolic compounds was improved and fluorescence detection (FLD) was added for quantification of flavan-3-ols. Validation of the HPLC-DAD-FLD method showed its suitability for quantification of 18 phenolic compounds, including flavan-3-ols using FLD, and phenolic acids, anthocyanins and flavonols using DAD. The method was suitable for characterisation of the phenolic composition of 11 South African plum cultivars and selections, including various types with yellow and red skin and flesh. The method was used in conjunction with mass spectrometry (MS) to identify 24 phenolic compounds. Neochlorogenic acid and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside were the major compounds in most of the plums, while cyanidin-3-O-glucoside was absent in Sun Breeze plums with yellow skin and flesh. Post-column on-line coupling of the ABTS•+ scavenging assay with HPLC-DAD enabled qualitative evaluation of the relative contribution of individual phenolic compounds to the antioxidant activity. The flavan-3-ols, neochlorogenic acid and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside displayed the largest antioxidant response peaks.
Discrete and Polymeric, Mono- and Dinuclear Silver Complexes of a Macrocyclic Tetraoxime Ligand with AgI–AgI Interactions
Authors: Tashiro Shohei , Tanihira Jun-ichiro , Yamada Mihoko , Shionoya Mitsuhiko
Published: May 2013

Macrocyclic compounds that can bind cationic species efficiently and selectively with their cyclic cavities have great potential as excellent chemosensors for metal ions. Recently, we have developed a tetraoxime-type tetraazamacrocyclic ligand 1 formed through a facile one-pot cyclization reaction. Aiming to explore and bring out the potential of the tetraoxime macrocycle 1 as a chelating sensor, we report herein the preparation of several kinds of silver complexes of 1 and their unique coordination structures determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. As a result, the formation of two kinds of discrete structures, monomeric complexes [Ag(1)X] (X = counter anions) and a dimeric complex [Ag2(1)2]X2, and two kinds of polymeric structures from a mononuclear complex, [Ag(1)]nXn, and from a dinuclear complex, [Ag2(1)X2]n, was demonstrated. In the resulting complexes, the structurally flexible macrocyclic ligand 1 was found to provide several different coordination modes. Notably, in some silver complexes of 1, AgI–AgI interactions were observed with different AgI–AgI distances which depend on the kind of counter anions and the chemical composition.
UV/Vis Spectroelectrochemistry as a Tool for Monitoring the Fabrication of Sensors Based on Silver Nanoparticle Modified Electrodes
Authors: Fernández-Blanco Cristina , Colina Álvaro , Heras Aránzazu
Published: May 2013

A new controlled current multipulse methodology has been developed to modify the screen-printed electrode surface with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Spectroelectrochemistry has provided not only information about the type of nanoparticles (NPs) deposited on the electrode surface, but also about the electrosynthesis process. Small NPs without plasmon band are initially generated. Next, these nuclei grow to form bigger NPs in the reduction pulses with a characteristic plasmon band centered at 400 nm. Most of the NPs are generated during the first reduction pulses and a linear growth of the absorbance at a lower reaction rate was obtained in the subsequent pulses. Oxidation pulses do not redissolve completely silver NPs but only partially, meaning that very stable NPs are generated. AgNPs-modified electrodes have been successfully used to determine hydrogen peroxide. Spectroelectrochemistry has also yielded very useful information to understand the voltammetric signal obtained during the reduction of H2O2 on silver modified electrodes.
Introduction to the Special Issue on “New Trends towards Automatic Vehicle Control and Perception Systems”
Authors: Milanés Vicente , Bergasa Luis
Published: May 2013

Intelligent and automatic systems are making our daily life easier. They are able to automate tasks that, up to now, were performed by humans, freeing them from these tedious tasks. They are mainly based on the classical robotic architectures where the stages of perception—using different sensor sources or even a fusion of a set of them—and planning—where intelligent control systems are applied—play a key role. Among all of the fields in which intelligent systems can be applied, transport systems are considered one of the most promising ones since over one million fatalities—including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists—are registered each year worldwide and they can definitively help to reduce these figures. [...]
Bringing People Back into Protected Forests in Developing Countries: Insights from Co-Management in Malawi
Authors: Zulu Leo
Published: May 2013

This study examines struggles to bring people back into protected forests to enhance sustainable forest management and livelihoods using insights emerging from a co-management project in Malawi. It uses mixed social science methods and a process-based conceptualization of co-management to analyze experiences, and theory of reciprocal altruism to explain major findings of continuing local forest-user commitment to co-management despite six years of conservation burdens largely for minimal financial benefits. It argues that overemphasis on cash incentives as the motivation for “self-interested” users to participate in co-management overlooks locally significant non-cash motivations, inflates local expectations, and creates perverse incentives that undermine socio-ecological goals. Some non-cash incentives outweighed cash-driven ones. Findings support broadening of incentives mechanisms, including via nested cross-scale institutional arrangements for holistic management that integrates adjacent forests into forest-reserve co-management. Strengthened institutions, improving community/government and intra-community trust, improved village forests easing pressure on the reserve, measures minimizing elite capture, and impetus from an external threat, enhanced forest condition. Generous forest rights and appropriate community licensing and benefit-sharing systems also helped. Bureaucratic/donor inefficiencies, wood-extraction challenges, poor forest-based enterprise development, and low resource value undermined performance. Insights on forest-management planning, fair cost-sharing, targeting the poor, and need for social learning are highlighted.
Accounting for the Ecological Footprint of Materials in Consumer Goods at the Urban Scale
Authors: Kissinger Meidad , Sussman Cornelia , Moore Jennie , Rees William
Published: May 2013

Ecological footprint analysis (EFA) can be used by cities to account for their on-going demands on global renewable resources. To date, EFA has not been fully implemented as an urban policy and planning tool in part due to limitations of local data availability. In this paper we focus on the material consumption component of the urban ecological footprint and identify the ‘component, solid waste life cycle assessment approach’ as one that overcomes data limitations by using data many cities regularly collect: municipal, solid waste composition data which serves as a proxy for material consumption. The approach requires energy use and/or carbon dioxide emissions data from process LCA studies as well as agricultural and forest land data for calculation of a material’s ecological footprint conversion value. We reviewed the process LCA literature for twelve materials commonly consumed in cities and determined ecological footprint conversion values for each. We found a limited number of original LCA studies but were able to generate a range of values for each material. Our set of values highlights the importance for cities to identify both the quantities consumed and per unit production impacts of a material. Some materials like textiles and aluminum have high ecological footprints but make up relatively smaller proportions of urban waste streams than products like paper and diapers. Local government use of the solid waste LCA approach helps to clearly identify the ecological loads associated with the waste they manage on behalf of their residents. This direct connection can be used to communicate to citizens about stewardship, recycling and ecologically responsible consumption choices that contribute to urban sustainability.
La recherche sur la jeunesse en Europe. Redéfinitions et perspectives
Authors: Chisholm Lynne
Published: May 2013

European Youth Reasearch

Before even starting to think about any future research on European youth it is necessary to acquire some background history on the subject. The European Community has always relegated youth policies to second place in community decisions. It is usually socio-economic pressure which is behind the occasional decisons which are made. Nevertheless it is possible to distinguish four political axes upon which to base future investigation. At present European youth research appears as a rather Utopie challenge. The most interesting perspectives in this area are those which compel Member States to transcend their own national framework and initiate genuine transnational research which will gradually extend beyond the rather fruitless comparative studies of today.
Intégration et culture d'origine. Les jeunes maghrébins et turcs
Authors: Kaval Musa
Published: May 2013

«The changing role oF traditional culture in the integration process oF young Maghreb and Turkish immigrants».

Although it may be possible to analyse the satisfactory working order of the integration processes of the various influxes of immigrants to France at the end of the XIX century and the beginning of the XX century thanks to a certain cultural intimacy, it is equally important to bear in mind the fairly propitious socio- economic climate of the time. Nowadays 2nd generation young people of Maghreb and Turkish origin have to face the consequences of the widening gap between traditional family culture and that of the host country in a difficult economic climate. Since fairly recently this well-known and much studied phenomenom has started to reveal itself in a new light with the ever more powerful forward thrust of Islam, presented to young people as one of the solutions to their sense of disquiet and uneasiness. And yet surely today, such a cultural solution simply delays the integration of young people.
Le logement des jeunes
Authors: Paillette Michel
Published: May 2013

Jóvenes, vivienda, y proyecto de vida.

La política de vivienda para los jóvenes ha sido elaborada hasta ahora el el marco de programas sectoriales dirigidos a grupos de población determinados. Ante la agravación de las dificultades de los jóvenes en numerosos dominios, incluido el de la vivienda, los poderes públicos podrían programar la conducción de una política global cuyo objeto sería ayudar a los jóvenes -a través del acceso a la vivienda- a una major autonomía. Esta política debe comportar tres elementos :

1. Una política de vivienda hacia las capas desfavoriza- das de la población.

2. Una política de inserción.

3. Una aplicación territorial de los dos elementos precedentes.

Esta orientación toma en consideración la situación del joven en todas sus dimensiones que se trate de su trayectoria social y residencial o de sus posibilidades de integración social en el medio en el cual se desenvuelve.
Sujet cognitif et sujet linguistique
Authors: De Palo M.
Published: May 2013

La sémantique de Bréal critique le modèle organiciste schleicherien en relançant le rapport entre les formes et les fonctions du langage et plus en général le rapport entre linguistique et psychologie. Dans cette rencontre, la vision idéaliste est reconduite de proche en proche au niveau de la voie empirique du sujet. Cela se reflète dans plusieurs questions problématiques : le passage d’une subjectivité transcendantal à une

subjectivité empirique, la fondation anthropobiologique du sujet parlant et l’hypothèse d’une faculté universelle et générale du langage indépendante de chaque langue particulière (Broca) ; la reconstruction des rapports entre les fonctions du langage et les structures psychophysiques du sujet locuteur (Bréal), le rôle de la sphère conceptuelle -intentionnelle, l’influence et la crise de la psychologie associationniste et représentationnelle, la dynamique entre l’inconscience et le conscient. Un thème remarquable est celui de la subjectivité des termes déictiques, introduit dans le débat linguistique par Bühler : l’option antipsychologiste qui caractérise les théories du langage entre la fin du 19e et le début du 20e s. aboutit chez Benveniste à la notion de discours et à la sémantique de la personne.
Impact: Linguistics in the Real World
Authors: Linn Andrew
Published: May 2013

A l’heure actuelle, on constate que le financement des universités en Grande-Bretagne dépend de plus en plus de l’impact visible de la recherche. Dans cet article, on se propose d’étudier les travaux de la seconde génération de l’Ecole anglo-scandinave, dont les linguistes ont été parmi les premiers à transférer dans les écoles l’étude formelle des langues effectuée à l’université. Nous nous attachons à montrer que ces travaux constituent, sur le plan historique, un excellent exemple de recherches sur le langage ayant eu un impact dans le monde réel. Cela a été possible parce que leur désir de faire rupture faisait partie intégrante de leur recherche dès le départ.
Géographie de la mémoire dans la littérature russe-juive
Authors: Czerny Boris
Published: May 2013

The Geography of Memory in Russian Jewish Literature

The article is a reflection on the content and the way books of memories concerning the Russian Jewish world are composed. Since the 1990’s and above all the beginning of the 21st century, there has been an increase in the publishing of letters and memories of either well-known people or mere witnesses of the evolution of the Russian Jewish world in the 19th and 20th centuries. The three texts I analysed, The Remembrances of a Grandmother by Polina Vengerova, Memories of a Life by Klavdia Starkova and The Book of my Life by the historian and politician Semen Dubnov, are all characterized by when they were written and by the cultural and religious origins of the authors. I have chosen these particular works so as to grasp the complexity of the relationships between Jews and Russians in the intimacy of memories and the assertion of a double identity, Jewish and Russian. Studying these three distinct works has enabled to define a common geography with elements of a Jewish and of a Russian landscape. The emphasizing of the convergences of this landscape should permit to define the Russian Jewish world in an original way, as an addition of Russian and Jewish elements with an identical weight and importance.
Le rôle des circonstants dans la cohérence du discours en russe contemporain
Authors: Bracquenier Christine
Published: May 2013

Роль обстоятельств в когерентности текста в современном русском языке

Обстоятельства обычно считаются факультативными и побочными второстепенными членами предложения. Здесь будет предложено семантико-синтаксическое определение обстоятельств, позволяющее поместить остальные члены предложения в ограниченную ими сферу. Принимаются как обстоятельства только те, которые выражают временные, местные и причинные отношения. Обстоятельства играют разные функции в информационной структуре высказывания: они могут быть темой, и тогда могут подвергаться топикализации. Они также могут оказаться ремой высказывания, и их можно фокализировать. Будут рассматриваться, в частности, те высказывания, сказуемым которых является глагол типа случиться, произойти и т. п., и ставится вопрос, остаются ли обстоятельствами изучаемые здесь члены предложения в тех случаях, когда они являются ремой. Нельзя ли скорее считать их «специфиантами» (термин наш)? На уровне текста обстоятельства также играют немаловажную роль в построении когерентности речи: если их снять, то предложение остается грамматически правильным, но сильно страдают коммуникация и когерентность речи.
Effects of Donor-, Pancreas-, and Isolation-Related Variables on Human Islet Isolation Outcome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hilling Denise E. , Bouwman Eelco , Terpstra Onno T. , Marang-Van De Mheen Perla J.
Published: May 2013

Different factors have been reported to influence islet isolation outcome, but their importance varies between studies and are hampered by the small sample sizes in most studies. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review to assess the impact of donor-, pancreas-, and isolation-related variables on successful human islet isolation outcome. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched electronically in April 2009. All studies reporting on donor-, pancreas-, and isolation-related factors relating to prepurification and postpurification islet isolation yield and proportion of successful islet isolations were selected. Seventy-four retrospective studies had sufficient data and were included in the analyses. Higher pre- and postpurification islet yields and a higher proportion of successful islet isolations were obtained when pancreata were preserved with the two-layer method rather than University of Wisconsin solution in donors with shorter cold ischemia times (CITs) [1 h longer CIT resulted in an average decline of prepurification and postpurification yields and proportion of successful isolations of 59 islet equivalents (IEQs)/g, 54 IEQs/g, and 21%, respectively]. Higher prepurification yields and higher percentage of successful islet isolations were found in younger donors with higher body mass index. Lower yields were found in donation after brain death donors compared to donation after cardiac death donors. Higher postpurification yields were found for isolation with Serva collagenase. This review identified donor-, pancreas-, and isolation-related factors that influence islet isolation yield. Standardized reports of these factors in all future studies may improve the power and identify additional factors and thereby contribute to improving islet isolation yield.
Survival and Integration of Developing and Progenitor-Derived Retinal Ganglion Cells following Transplantation
Authors: Hertz Jonathan , Qu Bo , Hu Ying , Patel Roshni D. , Valenzuela Daniel A. , Goldberg Jeffrey L.
Published: May 2013

There is considerable interest in transplanting stem cells or progenitors into the injured nervous system and enhancing their differentiation into mature, integrated, functional neurons. Little is known, however, about what intrinsic or extrinsic signals control the integration of differentiated neurons, either during development or in the adult. Here we ask whether purified, postmitotic, differentiated retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) directly isolated from rat retina or derived from in vitro-differentiated retinal progenitor cells can survive, migrate, extend neurites, and form morphologic synapses in a host retina, in vivo and ex vivo. We found that acutely purified primary and in vitro-differentiated RGCs survive transplantation and migrate into deeper retinal layers, including into their normal environment, the ganglion cell layer (GCL). Transplanted RGCs from a wide range of developmental ages, but not from adults, were capable of extending lengthy neurites in the normal and injured adult rat retina ex vivo and to a lesser degree after transplantation in vivo. We have also demonstrated that RGCs may be differentiated and purified from retinal precursor cultures and that they share many of the same cell biological properties as primary RGCs. We have established that progenitor-derived RGCs have similar capacity for integration as developing primary RGCs but appear to form a lower number of presynaptic punctae. This work provides insight for further understanding of the integration of developing RGCs into their normal environment and following injury.
Enhancement of in Vitro and in Vivo Function of Agarose-Encapsulated Porcine Islets by Changes in the Islet Microenvironment
Authors: Holdcraft Robert W. , Gazda Lawrence S. , Circle Lisa , Adkins Hollie , Harbeck Steven G. , Meyer Eric D. , Bautista Melissa A. , Martis Prithy C. , Laramore Melissa A. , Vinerean Horatiu V. , Hall Richard D. , Smith Barry H.
Published: May 2013

The transplantation of porcine islets of Langerhans to treat type 1 diabetes may provide a solution to the demand for insulin-producing cells. Porcine islets encapsulated in agarose–agarose macrobeads have been shown to function in nonimmunosuppressed xenogeneic models of both streptozotocin-induced and autoimmune type 1 diabetes. One advantage of agarose encapsulation is the ability to culture macrobeads for extended periods, permitting microbiological and functional assessment. Herein we describe optimization of the agarose matrix that results in improved islet function. Porcine islets (500 IEQs) from retired breeding sows were encapsulated in 1.5% SeaKem Gold (SG), 0.8% SG, or 0.8% Litex (Li) agarose, followed by an outer capsule of 5% SG agarose. Insulin production by the encapsulated islets exhibited an agarose-specific effect with 20% (0.8% SG) to 50% (0.8% Li) higher initial insulin production relative to 1.5% SG macrobeads. Insulin production was further increased by 40–50% from week 2 to week 12 in both agarose types at the 0.8% concentration, whereas islets encapsulated in 1.5% SG agarose increased insulin production by approximately 20%. Correspondingly, fewer macrobeads were required to restore normoglycemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic female CD(SD) rats that received 0.8% Li (15 macrobeads) or 0.8% SG (17 macrobeads) as compared to 1.5% SG (19 macrobeads). Islet cell proliferation was also observed during the first 2 months postencapsulation, peaking at 4 weeks, where approximately 50% of islets contained proliferative cells, including β-cells, regardless of agarose type. These results illustrate the importance of optimizing the microenvironment of encapsulated islets to improve islet performance and advance the potential of islet xenotransplantation for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
Increased Survival despite Failure of Transplanted Human Hepatocyte Implantation into Liver Parenchyma of Nude Mice with Repeated Lethal Jo2-Induced Liver Deficiency
Authors: Vidal Isabelle , Blanchard Nadège , Chenard-Neu Marie-Pierre , Bachellier Philippe , Heyd Bruno , Staedtler Frank , Schumacher Martin , Alexandre Eliane , Richert Lysiane
Published: May 2013

We recently found that rat hepatocyte transplantation was efficient (liver repopulation: 2.4%) in a sublethal nude mouse model (less than 33% mortality) of repeated liver injury generated using Jo2, a mouse-specific anti-Fas antibody, at sublethal dose of 250 μg/kg for 3 weeks. Genomic analysis of the livers revealed cell cycle blockade and an antiproliferative status of circadian genes, suggesting a selective advantage. By contrast, in the present study, freshly isolated human hepatocyte transplantation performed in the same mouse model resulted in implantation of less than 6,000 cells per liver (about 0.006% repopulation) in all animals. Genomic analysis of nude mouse livers revealed a lack of P21 upregulation, while a signature of stimulation of liver regeneration was observed, including upregulation of early response genes and upregulation of circadian genes. When we translated this sublethal model to a lethal model (65% mortality) by increasing the Jo2 repeated doses to 375 μg/kg, human hepatocyte engraftment was still very low; however, animal mortality was corrected by transplantation (only 20% mortality). Genomic findings in livers from the mice of the lethal Jo2 transplanted group were similar to those of the sublethal Jo2 transplanted group, that is, no selective advantage genomic signature and signature of mouse liver regeneration. In conclusion, transplanted human hepatocytes acted as if they modified nude mouse liver responses to Jo2 by stimulating liver regeneration, leading to an increased survival rate.