bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil mercury and its response to atmospheric mercury deposition across the northeastern United States
Authors: Yu Xue , Driscoll Charles T. , Warby Richard A. F. , Montesdeoca Mario , Johnson Chris E.
Published: October 2013

Terrestrial soil is a large reservoir of atmospherically deposited mercury (Hg). However, few studies have evaluated the accumulation of Hg in terrestrial ecosystems in the northeastern United States, a region which is sensitive to atmospheric Hg deposition. We characterized Hg and organic matter in soil profiles from 139 sampling sites for five subregions across the northeastern United States and estimated atmospheric Hg deposition to these sites by combining numerical modeling with experimental data from the literature. We did not observe any significant relationships between current net atmospheric Hg deposition and soil Hg concentrations or pools, even though soils are a net sink for Hg inputs. Soil Hg appears to be preserved relative to organic carbon (OC) and/or nitrogen (N) in the soil matrix, as a significant negative relationship was observed between the ratios of Hg/OC and OC/N (r = 0.54, P < 0.0001) that shapes the horizonal distribution patterns. We estimated that atmospheric Hg deposition since 1850 (3.97 mg/m2) accounts for 102% of the Hg pool in the organic horizons (3.88 mg/m2) and 19% of the total soil Hg pool (21.32 mg/m2), except for the southern New England (SNE) subregion. The mean residence time for soil Hg was estimated to be 1800 years, except SNE which was 800 years. These patterns suggest that in addition to atmospheric deposition, the accumulation of soil Hg is linked to the mineral diagenetic and soil development processes in the region.
Genetic Testing: New Challenges in the Healthcare of Women
Authors: Hofmann Wera ,   Commissioning Editor, speaks to Wera Hofmann
Published: October 2013

Dr Wera Hofmann is an expert in biochemistry and has over 12 years of human genetic diagnostics experience. Until 2006, she supervised a diagnostic unit for BRCA gene testing at the Interdisciplinary Center for Hereditary Breast Cancer (Max Delbrück Center, Berlin, Germany). She has also been the Managing Director of the Professional Association of German Human Geneticists, BVDH, which is a trade association. In 2008, Hofmann became a Medical Director at LifeCodexx (Konstanz, Germany), where she has worked on the development of a noninvasive prenatal diagnostic test that detects chromosomal aneuploidies in fetuses.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Mind–Body Therapies for Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Women
Authors: Magge Suma S , Wolf Jacqueline L
Published: October 2013

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder, characterized by chronic or recurrent abdominal pain with constipation, diarrhea and/or an alternation of the two, and often bloating. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) consists of a group of medical treatments that are not commonly considered to be a part of traditional medicine. CAM is commonly used for difficult-to-treat chronic medical conditions. Many patients choose CAM because there are only a limited number of treatments available for IBS or because they would like to have a ‘natural therapy’. Mind-body therapies for IBS have proven efficacy, but have not been well accepted by patients or practitioners for treatment. This article reviews the use of CAM and mind-body therapies in IBS, with a focus on probiotics, acupuncture, herbal medicines and psychological therapies.
Unintended Consequences: Surgical Complications in Gynecologic Cancer
Authors: Horvath Sarah , George Erin , Herzog Thomas J
Published: October 2013

More than 91,000 women in the USA will be diagnosed with a gynecologic malignancy in 2013. Most will undergo surgery for staging, treatment or both. No therapeutic intervention is without consequence, therefore, it is imperative to understand the possible complications associated with the perioperative period before undertaking surgery. Complication rates are affected by a patient population that is increasingly older, more obese and more medically complicated. Surgical modalities consist of abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted approaches, and also affect rates of complications. An understanding of the various approaches, patient characteristics and surgeon experience allow for individualized decision-making to minimize the complications after surgery for gynecologic cancer.
Eribulin Mesylate in Breast Cancer
Authors: Verdaguer Helena , Morilla Idoia , Urruticoechea Ander
Published: October 2013

Eribulin mesylate is a synthetic analog of halichondrin B (a polyether macrolide isolated from a marine sponge). It is a nontaxane microtubule dynamics inhibitor with a novel mechanism of action. It is the first drug that has demonstrated an improvement in overall survival as a single agent compared with the physician's choice of currently available treatments in locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, previously treated with anthracyclines and taxanes. It has shown a good manageable tolerability profile. This drug has been approved by the US FDA and by the EMA for patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer who have received at least two chemotherapeutic regimens for advanced/metastatic disease. Prior therapy should have included an anthracycline and a taxane in either the adjuvant or metastatic setting unless patients were not suitable for these treatments. The aim of this article is to describe the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and the most relevant clinical trials in the development of this drug.
Optimization of extraction of antioxidant components from Yarrow herb
Authors: Arsic Ivana , Tadic Vanja , Djordjevic Sofija , Zugic Ana , Vujic Zorica , Petrovic Slobodan
Published: October 2013

Recently, research efforts have been directed toward medicinal plants and
their extracts, as important sources of natural antioxidant. Lots of
biologically active compounds are responsible for the antioxidant effects of
yarrow - Achillea millefilium L. extracts. The aim of our study was to
determine which of the process parameters of pressure enhanced solvent
extraction of Millefolii herba is significant for its efficiency and weather
there are interactions between the examined parameters. Compression time,
decompression time and the number of cycles were identified as independent
variables, while the content of total flavonoids, tannins and total
polyphenols were selected as dependent variables. For obtaining the extract
of M. herba, rich in antioxidative ingredients, compression time should be
set on its higher level (2.0 min), decompression time on its lower level
(1.30 min) and the number of cycles on its higher level (99).
Information Environment and the Investment Decisions of Multinational Corporations
Authors: Shroff Nemit , Verdi Rodrigo S. , Yu Gwen
Published: October 2013

This paper examines how the external information environment in which foreign subsidiaries operate affects the investment decisions of multinational corporations (MNCs). We hypothesize and find that the investment decisions of foreign subsidiaries in country-industries with more transparent information environments are more responsive to local growth opportunities than are those of foreign subsidiaries in country-industries with less transparent information environments. Further, this effect is larger when (1) there are greater cross-border frictions between the parent and subsidiary, and (2) the parents are relatively more involved in their subsidiaries' investment decision-making process. Our results suggest that the external information environment helps mitigate the agency problems that arise when firms expand their operations across borders. This paper contributes to the literature by showing that the external information environment helps MNCs mitigate information frictions within the firm.

JEL Classifications: D83; G31; M41.

Data Availability: Data are available from public sources identified in the paper.
Effects of Prolonged Wakefulness: The Role of PERIOD3 Genotypes and Personality Traits
Authors: Barbato Giuseppe , Costanzo Antonio , Della Monica Ciro , D'Onofrio Paolo , Cerrato Flavia , De Padova Vittoria
Published: October 2013

The roles of personality traits, as assessed by Eysenck Personality Inventory, and of the clock gene PERIOD3 (PER3) were analysed on the subjective effects of prolonged wakefulness. A sample of 70 healthy participants (7 men, 63 women; M age = 24.2 yr., SD = 3.2) was studied during forced wakefulness between 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 a.m. According to Eysenck's arousal model, it was hypothesized that prolonged wakefulness might affect in a different way those classified as Introverted and Extraverted. During the forced wakefulness period, the Introverted group showed greater decrease in subjective measures of vigilance than did the Extraverted group, but no differences were observed between groups with high and low scores on Psychoticism and Neuroticism. Prolonged wakefulness had a negative effect on subjective sleepiness and mood in all three PER3 polymorphisms analysed.
The Working Alliance in Group Counseling: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Robak Rostyslaw W. , Kangos Kelsey A. , Chiffriller Sheila H. , Griffin Paul W.
Published: October 2013

The working alliance is a well-defined component of the therapeutic relationship. The present exploratory study examined the development of the working alliance within a group counseling context. The participants ( N = 50) were students in a graduate program in mental health counseling taking an experiential training course in group dynamics. Participants rated their perceptions of the working alliance at the end of each session in a time-limited training group. Group members' perceptions of their alliance with the group leader and the group as a whole were positively correlated. Outcomes of the group experience were strongly related to the perceived strength of the working alliance as early as the fourth session. Outcomes were also positively correlated with the bonding and agreement-on-goals aspects of the working alliance, but not with the group tasks aspect. The more that group members reported strong working alliances, the more they tended to report that they had self-disclosed in the group.
Influence of Highlighting, Columns, and Font Size on Visual Search Performance with Respect to on-Screen Chinese Characters
Authors: Wang Hsiu-Feng
Published: October 2013

The effects of highlighting conditions were investigated with respect to performance in visual search of on-screen Chinese characters. Five highlighting conditions were used: boldface, underline, character border, italic, and shadow. The text tested was shown in 10-point and 12-point font size and was arranged in two ways, as single and double columns. Analysis of the results showed that the fastest and most accurate searches were performed with bold highlighting and that text arranged in a double column was searched more quickly than text arranged in a single column but that it generated more errors. Analysis also found that 12-point text was faster to search than 10-point text but generated more errors. These findings have implications when text for searches is used in graphical user interfaces.
Sense of Rhythm Does Not Differentiate Professional Hurdlers from Non-Athletes
Authors: Skowronek Tomasz , Słomka Kajetan , Juras Grzegorz , Szade Bartłomiej
Published: October 2013

The importance of rhythm and specific endurance capabilities were examined in the technical skill and performance of hurdle runners. Additionally, interaction effects among rhythm, anaerobic fitness, and body constitution were analyzed. Seven 18-year-old members of the Polish Junior National Team in 110 m hurdles and 8 age-matched controls who were non-athletes participated. Movement coordination tests (rhythm and differentiation tests) and an anaerobic fitness test were performed. There were no statistically significant differences between the athletes and the control group on the coordination or rhythm test variables. No support was found for the hypothesis that a hurdler's timing ability influences performance.
Optimal boundary control problems of retarded parabolic systems
Authors: Kowalewski Adam , Krakowiak Anna
Published: October 2013

Optimal boundary control problems of retarded parabolic systems are presented. Necessary and sufficient conditions of optimality are derived for the Neumann problem. A simple example of application is also presented.
Delay-dependent dissipative control for stochastic singular systems with state delay
Authors: Ding Chunyan , Li Qin
Published: October 2013

The problem of delay-dependent dissipative analysis and control for stochastic singular systems with state delay is investigated in this paper. Delay-dependent dissipative condition for the stochastic singular systems with state delay is obtained by employing singular stochastic Lyapunov and LMI-based methods. Based on this condition, a delay-dependent dissipative controller is presented. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Morphological peculiarities of the hard palate
Authors: Stan M. Cr. , Ştefănescu C. , Bordei P. , Iliescu D.M.
Published: October 2013

Our results were obtained on a total of 48 adult human skulls, assessing the morphological characteristics of the hard palate, measuring the palatine processes and analyzing the sutures (intermaxillary, interpalatine and maxillo-palatine); were determined the size, shape and features of the palatine foramens and incisive fossa. For the incisive fossa we describe three shapes: oval, round and rhombic. In 2 cases the incisive fossa was absent, being replaced by three round holes arranged in a triangle. The palatine process has a very irregular inferior face, being smoother only in its posterior quarter. Each palatine process of maxilla has a trapezoidal shape with the lesser base oriented anteriorly. The median palatine suture starts at the middle of the posterior circumference of the incisive fossa and ends, more often, on the line between second and third molars. The suture may be regular, located on the midline, so the two palatine processes of the maxilla are symmetrical and of equal size. The horizontal palatine lamina is thin, smooth and glossy, with very few vascular openings on its surface, mostly on its sides. The transverse palatine suture is most commonly curved posteriorly, with irregular contour and with an oblique posterior-lateral traject; it ends at the large palatine foramen. The large palatine foramens are voluminous, sometimes larger than the incisor one. The most common shape is oval and less frequently are rounded. The lesser palatine foramens are variable in number from 1 to 5; commonly are two on each side.
Morphological characteristics of the abdominal aorta
Authors: Butoi G. , Iliescu D.M. , Baz R. , Bordei P.
Published: October 2013

The transverse diameter of the abdominal aorta was measured above the origin of the celiac trunk on a number of 82 cases, in male finding a caliber range of 18 to 31.8 mm, in one case, the aorta having a diameter of 31.8 mm. In females, the aorta was between 12.4 to 23.4 mm in caliber, most commonly, in 24 cases, being present a caliber range from 14.8 to 19.7 mm. At the level of the celiac trunk, on a number of 74 cases, the aorta had a diameter of between 12.9 to 28.6 mm in females and 11.4 to 21.8 mm in males. In males, on 20 cases, the caliber was 20 to 25 mm while in females, on 42 cases, we found a caliber range from 11.4 to 21.8 mm and in 20 cases being 19.4 to 2.18 mm. At the level of the superior mesenteric artery, we studied the aortic diameter on a number of 86 cases. In males it had a diameter between 12.9 to 26.4 mm, but in one case with 12.9 mm. In 26 cases, it had a diameter of between 20.1 to 26.4 mm. In females we found a range of 12.5 to 20.4 mm, most commonly with the diameter of 18-20 mm in 19 cases. Next to the renal arteries we studied the aortic diameter on a number of 118 cases, finding abdominal aortic diameters of 10.3 to 27.4 mm. In males it ranged from 10.9 to 27.4 mm diameter while in females had a diameter between 10.3 to 20.4 mm; in one case we met a caliber of 20.4 mm. The diameter of the abdominal aorta at the level of the inferior mesenteric artery was evaluated on 80 cases; in males the diameter ranged from 13.9 to 25.9 mm and in females was 10.6 to 19.3 mm.
Recurrent artery of Heubner - morphological variations
Authors: Dimitriu Cr.P. , Iliescu D.M. , Bordei P. , Bulbuc I.
Published: October 2013

Recurrent artery of Heubner (RAH) is the largest and most constant perforating branch of anterior cerebral artery. It supplies blood to the medial portion of the orbitofrontal cortex, the anterior portion of the caudate nucleus, the anterior third of the putamen, the external segment of the globus pallidus, and the anterior crus of the internal capsule The anatomical variation of RAH is related to its traject, number, presence, or absence, and the diverse origin from ACA is of considerable clinical impact mainly from the point of view of the surgical procedures involving the anterior portion of the circle of Willis or the topographically related structures. The present study aimed to demonstrate vascular anatomy of this RAH and its variation. The study included 60 human cadaveric brains fixed in the formalin and examined under operating microscope. 22 freshly harvested human cadaveric brains, injected with a polymer (Technovit 7143), a partial coroded and also we have consulted 30 digital subtraction angiograms. We have evaluated the origin, traject and caliber of recurrent artery of Heubner, our results were compared with other anatomical studies published. The most obvious finding was the great variability of its origin but in 91% of the cases it was in the range of 2mm around anterior communicating artery, that could be harmed during aneurismal clipping. The RAH is commonly arising from ACA-ACoA junction. This portion of the circle of Willis is the place of many anatomical variations and malformations. The vessel can be absent, single, or multiple, and its diameter is highly variable. The awareness of these distinct anatomical and morphometric variations of the RAH is essential in planning the neurosurgical procedures in the anterior part of the circle of Willis to avoid the unexpected neurological complications.
Primary neuroendocrine breast carcinoma, well differentiated
Authors: Bălţătescu Gabriela Izabela , Aşchie Mariana , Poinăreanu I. , Enciu Manuela
Published: October 2013

Primary neuroendocrine tumor of breast is a rare tumor, with few cases reported each year and with an incidence less than 1% from all neuroendocrine tumors. In our report we present a case of a postmenopausal woman with a lump in her left breast whose histopathological aspect was strongly suggestive for primary solid neuroendocrine breast carcinoma. Immunohistochemical examination has been done using a panel of seven biomarkers in order to confirm our initial diagnose and both prognostic and predictive factors. We used cromogranin A, synaptophysin and neuron-specific enolase as neuroendocrine biomarkers. Diagnose was proved by a positive reaction in more than 50% of tumor cells for the first two antibodies. Immunophenotype of the tumor (estrogen and progesterone receptor positive, low Ki6 index and no supraexpression of HER2) is consisted with luminal A molecular subtype. The prognosis was good based on clinic-pathological features and immunohistochemical expression. The patient has a good clinical evolution after surgical treatment and adjuvant therapy, with no local recurrence or distant metastasis after 3 years of surveillance.
Moss species diversity in the glacial cirques of the Polish Karkonosze Mts. and its changes during the 20th century
Authors: Fudali Ewa
Published: October 2013

Bryo-floristic data from the 19th century and the first decade of the 21th century were compiled and compared to find trends in moss flora transformations during the analysed period. The total number of moss species reported from the glacial cirques in the Polish part of the Karkonosze Mts. amounted to 229 (230 taxa) and the comparison showed 49% of species replaced; 68 taxa were not refound and 45 were reported for the first time. But it seems highly probable that a great number of “newcomers” occurred only in the past and were omitted or overlooked by the 19th century researchers. 23 species among those persistent during the 20th century were found presently in no more than half of the previous localities, so they seem to demand care as probably threatened. Full list of taxa recorded from the individual objects in the studied period, including results of herbarium specimen revision, is provided.
Reclassification of the Angraecum-alliance (Orchidaceae, Vandoideae) based on molecular and morphological data
Authors: Szlachetko Dariusz L. , Tukałło Piotr , Mytnik-Ejsmont Joanna , Grochocka Elżbieta
Published: October 2013

Results of molecular analysis compared with morphological studies were used for reclassification of the Angraecumalliance (Orchidaceae). For the purpose of this study we sequenced the ITS region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) of nrDNA representing nuclear genome and the plastid region trnL-F (including intron of trnL gene and trnL-trnF intergenic spacer). The ITS matrix includes 97 samples representing 86 species and the trnL-F matrix includes 94 samples representing 86 species. We focus mainly on the genus Angraecum, however the other genera of Angraecinae are also included (Aeranthes, Campylocentrum, Dendrophylax, Cryptopus, Calyptrochilum, Lemurorchis, Jumellea, Neobathiea, Oeonia, Oeoniella, Sobennikoffia). Additional 43 sequences, including an outgroup (Polystachya modesta) and other representatives of the subtribes Aeridinae (Aerides) and Aerangidinae (Aerangis, Angraecopsis, Erasanthe, Solenangis), were obtained from NCBI resources. Bayesian analysis using MrBayes 3.1.2 on the combined ITS/trnL-F matrix were performed. The monophyly of Angraecinae with an inclusion of Aerangidinae is highly supported by both methods (93 BP/100 PP). The Angraecoid taxa formed two well supported clades, namely clade I (89 BP/100 PP) and clade II (84 BP/100 PP). New classification based on both molecular and classical taxonomy studies is presented including a key to the genera. The subtribe Angraecinae includes 36 genera, 18 of them, included within Angraecum by different authors so far, are treated here. Five new genera are described: Eichlerangraecum, Hermansia, Lesliegraecum, Pectianriella and Rudolfangraecum. Ten sections of Angraecum are raised to the generic status.
Two new species of the subtribe Cyclopogoninae (Orchidaceae) from Guatemala
Authors: Archila Morales Fredy L. , Szlachetko Dariusz L.
Published: October 2013

Two new species of Guatemalan Cyclopogoninae are described and illustrated; one of them represents the Mesoamerican genus Potosia (Schltr.) R. Gonzalez & Szlach. ex Mytnik, the other - Neotropical Pelexia Poit. ex Rich. They are compared with other Guatemalan members of the genera.
Native versus alien status of a rare plant species outside the limits of its main geographic range: distribution of Virga pilosa (L.) Hill in Wielkopolska, Poland and CE Europe
Authors: Stachnowicz Wojciech , Rakowski Wojciech
Published: October 2013

Virga pilosa (L.) Hill (= Dipsacus pilosus L.) is an example of a phytogeographically controversial species. Being nationally rare (in Poland), it sometimes becomes locally frequent and maybe even expansive. Its native vs alien status remains disputable, at least in a regional scale. This article provides a new, cartographical and phytocoenological documentation of the species occurrence within a forest complex situated in the middle part of the Wielkopolska region, Poland. It also contains new, updated distribution maps of Virga pilosa in Poland and Central Europe. The authors discuss the species‘ phytocoenological scale, particularly, in order to find potential explanations of its abundant presence within a single, in a supra-regional scale, and spatially separated locality. They conclude in relation to the species alien status in the region of Wielkopolska, where Virga pilosa has been recently established in one locality, that it is locally naturalised and spreading.
Distribution of the subgenus Psyllophora (Degl.) Peterm. (Carex L.) in Ukraine
Authors: Sosnovska Svitlana , Danylyk Ivan , Serednytska Svitlana
Published: October 2013

It has been established that species of the subgenus Psyllophora (Degl.) Peterm. (Carex L.) are characterized by very disjunctive areas and the limited regional distribution (Carex pauciflora Lightf. and C. rupestris All.), or are known from a few localities only (C. obtusata Liljebl.). Dioecious species of this subgenus (C. dioica L. and C. davalliana Smith), reach the eastern and southern limits of their distribution in Ukraine, where they are the most widespread. However, a big number of their localities have been already lost.
Variability of Anthoxanthum species in Poland in relation to geographical-historical and environmental conditions: morphological and anatomical variation
Authors: Drapikowska Maria
Published: October 2013

Three Anthoxanthum species are found in Poland: the native A. odoratum L. s. str. and A. alpinum Á. Löve & D. Löve, and the alien A. aristatum Boiss. Major problems within this genus concern: (1) population variation of the native A. odoratum, representing various phases of ecological expansion to anthropogenic habitats; (2) population variation of A. odoratum and A. alpinum along the altitudinal transect; and (3) variation between populations of A. aristatum colonizing new areas and habitats outside its natural range of distribution (chorological expansion). In this study, morphological and anatomical variation of the three Polish Anthoxanthum species was analysed in detail. The variation of A. odoratum and A. aristatum was analysed in respect of environmental differences: habitat types and soil parameters. In the Babia Góra massif, variability distribution along the altitudinal transect was analysed for two vicariants: A. odoratum and A. alpinum. A odoratum in this massif does not cross the upper forest limit (i.e. forest line), and lower montane populations are morphologically very similar to lowland populations. Morphological and anatomical differences were detected between populations of A. alpinum along the altitudinal transect in the Babia Góra massif, with distinct upper montane populations. Moreover, clear morphological differences were found between the two altitudinal vicariants. Lowland populations of A. odoratum are characterized by great morphological variation, only weakly correlated with the type of occupied habitat and the phase of ecological expansion. The detected morphological variation reflects only to a limited extent the environmental variation of occupied habitats, and is not significantly correlated with the phase of chorological expansion. Some soil parameters are significantly correlated with some morphological characters studied in all the Anthoxanthum species. The analysed anatomical features of stems and leaves show continuous variation in the three species.
Perspectives on Daily Cannabis use: Consumerism or a Problem for Treatment?
Authors: Kronbæk Mette , Frank Vibeke Asmussen
Published: October 2013

AIM – To discuss similarities and differences in the way cannabis users with and without treatment experiences present their trajectories into daily use of cannabis. To observe the differences in patterns between the cannabis users' descriptions of their recreational use and the development from a recreational to a more problematic use of cannabis. METHODS – Qualitative interviews were conducted with 32 adult cannabis users in Denmark. All respondents used cannabis daily. The respondents were 22–61 years old; 16 had had experiences with cannabis treatment while 16 had not. By using a mixed sample of respondents with and without treatment experiences, we were able to compare perspectives on cannabis initiation and trajectories not commonly examined. FINDINGS – All the respondents had started to use cannabis socially as adolescents in the company of peers, using it with specific peer groups and in particular social contexts. All the respondents viewed it as a positive practice. The respondents highlighted certain differences of why, how and when cannabis was used as crucial in explaining how cannabis use had remained a recreational activity or had become problematic. Four trajectories into daily cannabis use were constructed from the users' narratives. For some respondents, daily cannabis use in adulthood was an inclusive and non-problematic activity while others described their cannabis use developing into a problematic and exclusive habit. CONCLUSIONS – Trajectories into and continuation of daily use is understood and perceived in different ways by daily cannabis users. It is not the amount of cannabis that determines whether daily use is considered problematic nor not. Rather, it is how, when and with whom cannabis is used that forms experiences and perceptions of problematic or unproblematic use.
Amphetamine use and Sexual Practices
Authors: Skårner Anette , Svensson Bengt
Published: October 2013

AIM – This article examines how men and women who have left problematic drug use describe their own previous use of amphetamine in the context of sexual activity as well as the views in the drug-using environments on amphetamine and sex. METHODS – The article builds on a qualitative study of sexuality, intimate relationships and drug use against the backdrop of the exit process from drug abuse. The 35 interviewees comprise a heterogeneous group in terms of both drug abuse history and life circumstances in general. RESULTS – In the sexual practices of our informants, amphetamine has been used to increase sexual desire and to enhance sexual experience. Initially, the drug appears to facilitate pornography inspired sexual experimentation, which is experienced as something positive, but gradually this is for many transformed into sexual practices that are seen as practically manic, with marathon sex being an important component. Among men, sometimes the sexual interest is channeled into an intense masturbating, as a substitute for a sexual partner or in order not to disturb the amphetamine experience by involving a live partner. Once amphetamine use starts to lead to problematic effects on social life and mental and physical health, desire becomes increasingly difficult to maintain. Although amphetamine is associated with sex in the amphetamine environment there is also room for toning down sexual activity and instead use the total focus of the high for crime (breaking) or other practical acitivties such as repairs or housecleaning (tinkering). CONCLUSION – Our study shows that amphetamine has a reputation for enhancing sexual experience, which has increased its powers of attraction for both men and women. The impact of amphetamine on sexuality is influenced by personal experiences and culturally determined expectations. Even when one manipulates the sexual act with amphetamine the strong individuality that characterizes human sexuality in general remains. The total experience of mixing amphetamine and sex, which for most is changing in a negative direction over time, appears to be a result of the interaction between the drug, the social and relational setting and the sexual script of the individual.
Clonality analysis of lymphoid proliferations using the BIOMED-2 clonality assays: a single institution experience
Authors: Kokovic Ira , Jezersek Novakovic Barbara , Cerkovnik Petra , Novakovic Srdjan
Published: October 2013

Background. Clonality determination in patients with lymphoproliferative disorders can improve the final diagnosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the applicative value of standardized BIOMED-2 gene clonality assay protocols for the analysis of clonality of lymphocytes in a group of different lymphoid proliferations.

Materials and methods. With this purpose, 121 specimens from 91 patients with suspected lymphoproliferations submitted for routine diagnostics from January to December 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the final diagnosis, our series comprised 32 cases of B-cell lymphomas, 38 cases of non-Hodgkin’s T-cell lymphomas and 51 cases of reactive lymphoid proliferations. Clonality testing was performed using the BIOMED-2 clonality assays.

Results. The determined sensitivity of the TCR assay was 91.9%, while the sensitivity of the IGH assay was 74.2%. The determined specificity of the IGH assay was 73.3% in the group of lymphomas and 87.2% in the group of reactive lesions. The determined specificity of the TCR assay was 62.5% in the group of lymphomas and 54.3% in the group of reactive lesions.

Conclusions. In the present study, we confirmed the utility of standardized BIOMED-2 clonality assays for the detection of clonality in a routine diagnostical setting of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Reactions for the detection of the complete IGH rearrangements and reactions for the detection of the TCR rearrangements are a good choice for clonality testing of a wide range of lymphoid proliferations and specimen types while the reactions for the detection of incomplete IGH rearrangements have not shown any additional diagnostic value
Mechanisms of music perception and its changes in hearing impaired people
Authors: Cai Yuexin , Zhao Fei , Zheng Yiqing
Published: October 2013

Objective:

This review aims to highlight the key elements of music perception and its mechanisms in normal hearing people and people with hearing impairments.

Design:

A systematic literature search was conducted using the National Library of Medicine's search service – PubMed (website: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez), with the subject headings ‘Music perception’, ‘Hearing impairment’ and ‘Normal hearing people’ or ‘Cochlear implant’ or ‘Hearing aid’.

Results:

The key evidence available and the mechanisms of poor music perception in hearing impaired people with hearing devices were reviewed, including hearing aid (HA) alone, cochlear implant (CI) alone or bimodal (HA+ CI) stimulation. People with hearing impairment have limited ability to fully utilize fine temporal structure and frequency selectivity, and consequently musical pitch, melody and timbre perception in people with hearing impairment is significantly impaired.

Conclusion:

The poor ability to accurately perceive music for hearing aids users is mainly due to the damaged cochlea and device distortion, whereas cochlear implant recipients typically have poor music perception because of reduced extraction of temporal and spectral information in music.
Double layer versus Single layer Gastro-intestinal anastomosis in gastric cancer surgery in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital
Authors: Rahman S , Khair MA , Khanam F , Haque S , Hoque MM , Islam Ryhan , Khan SI
Published: October 2013

Introduction: In gastric cancer surgery, gastrojejunostomy is one of the most important procedures. Anastomosis between different parts of the stomach and the intestine is a basic technical component in all gastrointestinal procedure. Backgrounds and aims: This study evaluated complications of gastrojejunostomy in gastric cancer surgery with two methods: single-layer and double-layer anastomosis. Materials and methods: This study was carried out in the department of surgery in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2012. 100 patients with carcinoma stomach who needed gastrojejunostomy were included in this study. These patients with average age of 43.22 years were divided in two groups (50 in each group); single-layer and double-layer anastomosis. In single-layer anastomosis gastrojejunostomy was performed in interrupted method with absorbable suture (2/0 vicryl). Double-layer anastomosis was carried out with continuous suture (2/0 silk, 2/0 catgut). Possible post-operative complications like anastomotic leakage, pelvic abscess, abdominal sepsis, anastomotic stenosis and wound infection were evaluated. Results: In the single-layer group, 4 patients (8%) developed anastomotic leakage, wound infection and only 2 patients (4%) developed abdominal sepsis, pelvic abscess and anastomotic bleeding. No patient developed anastomotic stricture. In double-layer group, 2 (4%) patients developed anastomotic leakage, only 1 (2%) patient had pelvic abscess, abdominal sepsis and anastomotic bleeding but wound infection in 2 (4%) patients. Conclusion: Gastrojejunostomy with single-layer hand-sewn suture technique is safe without serious complications in comparison to double-layer suture technique. More-over operation time is less and cost is less in single-layer method.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cbmj.v2i2.16695 Community Based Medical Journal 2013 July: Vol.02 No 02: 30-34
Evaluation of acute intradialytic complications, management & outcome in end-stage renal disease patients
Authors: Hasan MJ , Muqueet A , Asadujjaman M , Sharmeen A , Kabir S , Rahman M , Quddush R , Islam A
Published: October 2013

Little is known about the challenges of routine renal replacement therapy in Bangladesh. We investigated the fatal and nonfatal acute hemodialysis complications in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) in dialysis centers in Mymensingh. 500 consecutive hemodialysis sessions incurred over a 4-month period by 50 patients with ESRD, receiving two weekly hemodialysis sessions of 4 hours each were considered. Personal and clinical profiles before, during, and within 24 hours after hemodialysis sessions were used to diagnose complications. The mean age of the patients was 45.5 ± 16.8 years and the lowest and highest ages were 17 and 82 years respectively. Male was predominant of the patients and male to female ratio was 2:1. Hypotension, muscular cramps, pruritus, nausea and vomiting were the common complications in end-stage renal disease patients. Twenty eight percent of patients presented with hypertensive crisis, 34% fever, 18% bleeding, 44% headache, 32% vomiting, 16% lumber pain, 16% palpitations, 22% disequilibrium syndrome, 36% dyspnea, 28% chest pain, 20% syncope, 32% abdominal problem, 44% neurological problem, 46% electrolyte imbalance, 34% articular & musculoskeletal problems, 48% cramps, 38% convulsions and 20% loss of consciousness. The vascular access was the main bleeding site of the patients (44.5%), followed by 33.3% through nose and 22.2% digestive tract bleeding. Most of patients experienced muscular cramps, hypertensive crisis, pruritus, vomiting, palpitations, disequilibrium syndrome, dyspnea, chest pain, neurologic problem, electrolyte disorders, nausea, vomiting, convulsions and loss of consciousness in shorter duration of dialysis than those in longer duration of dialysis sessions. Bleeding, disequilibrium syndrome and cardiovascular disease were leading cause of death in end-stage renal disease patients. Those complications occurred mostly during understaffed periods. Urgent strategies are needed to quickly solve the human capital crisis in the health care sector. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cbmj.v2i2.16696 Community Based Medical Journal 2013 July: Vol.02 No 02: 35-40
Frequency and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli Obtained from Patients with Acute Diarrhea in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Bangladesh
Authors: Kabir MR , Hossain MA , Alam MM , Paul SK , Begum Z , Parvin US , Haque N , Kobayashi N
Published: October 2013

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is an important group of pathogens associated with diarrhea among children. Despite the fact that diarrhaegenic Escherichia coli (DEC) has been identified as a major etiologic agent of childhood diarrhea, only a few studies have been performed in Bangladesh to identify these organisms. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and antimicrobial susceptibility of DEC obtained from patients with acute diarrhea. To detect DEC in patients with acute diarrhea, a total of 300 stool specimens were tested by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The antimicrobial susceptibility of DEC were tested by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique as per recommendation of CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute), 2010. Out of 300 stool specimens collected from patients with acute diarrhea, the DEC was detected in 18% (54/300) cases. The dominating strain was Enterotoxigenic E. coli ( ETEC) (13%, 39/300), followed by Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) (5%, 15/300) and no Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), Enteroinvasive E. coli ( EIEC) and Enteropathogenic E. coli ( EPEC) could be detected. Detected ETEC were 100% sensitive to Ceftriaxone, Nitrofurantioin, Amikacin, 94% sensitive to Nalidixic acid, 89% sensitive to Gentamycin, 83% sensitive to Ciprofloxacin, 79% sensitive to Cephalexin, 39% sensitive to Amoxycillin, 46% sensitive to Tetracyclin and 31% sensitive to Cotrimoxazole. Detected EAEC were 100% sensitive to Ceftriaxone, Nitrofurantioin, Amikacin, Nalidixic acid, 90% sensitive to Gentamycin and Ciprofloxacin, 85% sensitive to Cephalexin, 41% sensitive to Amoxycillin, 49% sensitive to Tetracycline and 31% sensitive to Cotrimoxazole. Both ETEC and EAEC isolates exhibited decreased susceptibility for Amoxycillin, Tetracycline and Cotrimoxazole. Our results revealed that ETEC and EAEC, had significant association with acute diarrhea and should be considered as potential pathogens. Guidelines for appropriate use of antibiotics in tertiary care hospitals need updating. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cbmj.v2i2.16698 Community Based Medical Journal 2013 July: Vol.02 No 02: 46-51
Anterior urethral valves- a case report
Authors: Rahman MM , Rahman PM , Quddush AR , Hasan MJ
Published: October 2013

The case is presented to discuss clinical signs, diagnostic tools and therapeutics of anterior urethral valves, an obstructive anomaly of the urinary system in males. Signs of urinary tract obstruction were identified on pre-natal ultrasound in a male fetus and the diagnosis of anterior urethral valves was made through post-natal evaluation. As an initial treatment, vesicostomy was performed in the patient. Later, the valve was fulgurated using an endoscopic procedure. During the follow-up period the patient presented normal renal function. Anterior urethral valve is a rare form of urethral anomaly that must be ruled out in boys with pre-natal ultrasound indicating infravesical obstruction. Vesicostomy used as an initial treatment rather than transurethral fulguration may prevent potential complications that can occur due to the small size of the neonatal urethra. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cbmj.v2i2.16703 Community Based Medical Journal 2013 July: Vol.02 No 02: 71-74
‘Nothing is simply one thing’: Woolf, Deleuze and Difference
Authors: Monaco Beatrice
Published: October 2013

This paper explores some key texts of Virginia Woolf in the context of Deleuzian concepts. Using a close reading style, it shows how the prose poetry in Mrs Dalloway engages a complex interplay of repetition and difference, resulting in a remarkably similar model of the three syntheses of time as Deleuze understands them. It subsequently explores Woolf's technical processes in a key passage from To the Lighthouse, showing how the prose-poetic technique systematically undoes the structures of logical fact and rationality inscribed in both language and everyday speech to an extremely precise level.
Virginia Woolf's Ethical Subjectivity: Deleuze and Guattari's Worlding and Bernard's ‘Becoming-Savage’
Authors: Mattison Laci
Published: October 2013

In Virginia Woolf's 1931 novel The Waves, one of Bernard's many becomings – his ‘becoming-savage’ – reveals a point of intersection between Woolfian aesthetics and Deleuze and Guattari's philosophy. Moreover, a triangulation of Woolf's ‘moments of being’, Deleuze and Guattari's ‘worlding’, and (post)coloniality provides a new and productive node for examining the debates surrounding imperialism in these thinkers’ works, and an insistence that Woolf, read alongside Deleuze and Guattari, offers an alternate and precisely ethical way of being in the world.
The Blob and the Magic Lantern: On Subjectivity, Faciality and Projection
Authors: Malt Johanna
Published: October 2013

Through an examination of Proust's ‘magic lantern’ scene from the opening of A la recherche du temps perdu, alongside the work of the contemporary installation artist Tony Oursler, this article takes projection as a means of exploring the relationship between subjectivity and embodiment. Reading them in conjunction with Deleuze and Guattari's concept of ‘faciality’, I argue that Oursler's installations, combining performance, sculpture and video art, explore the fate of the body subjected to signification and can be described as ‘tragedies of faciality’. At the same time, anchored as they are in material relations, they are unable to detach the subject from the limits of the body in the radical way Proust can, via a literary account of projection which is, I argue, doubly virtual.
Valuing the Endangered Species Antirrhinum lopesianum: Neuroprotective Activities and Strategies for in vitro Plant Propagation
Authors: Gomes Andreia , Fortalezas Sofia , Pimpão Rui , Figueira Inês , Maroco João , Aguiar Carlos , Ferreira Ricardo , Miguel Célia , Santos Cláudia
Published: October 2013

Plant phytochemicals are described as possessing considerable neuroprotective properties, due to radical scavenging capacity and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, important bioactivities in neurodegeneration. Antirrhinum lopesianum is a rare endemism from the Iberian Peninsula, occurring at the northeastern border between Portugal and Spain. It is classified as Endangered, due to its highly fragmented geographical occupation, facing a high risk of extinction in the Portuguese territory, within 20 years. Here, we describe for the first time the chemical characterization of extracts of the species concerning total phenol content, flavonoid content and antioxidant properties. The profile of high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) of the polyphenol-enriched fraction of plant extracts was also performed, showing the great potential of the species as a source of bioactive phytochemical compounds. A. lopesianum’s potential for neuroprotection was revealed by a significant acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity and also by a neuroprotective effect on a human cell model of neurodegeneration. Moreover, this is the first report describing a successful procedure for the in vitro propagation of this endangered species. The comparison of phenolic content and the HPLC-DAD profile of wild and in vitro propagated plants revealed that in vitro plants maintain the ability to produce secondary metabolites, but the profiles are differentially affected by the growth regulators. The results presented here greatly contribute to the value for this species regarding its potential as a source of phytochemicals with prospective neuroprotective health benefits.
Understanding Soundscapes
Authors: Miller Nicholas
Published: October 2013

This paper offers a new approach to understanding, improving and designing soundscapes. “Soundscape” means all the sounds that can be heard in a specific location. Soundscapes can be understood only through peoples’ perceptions, and this paper proposes using those perceptions to link soundscape improvement and design with traditional noise control methods. Decades of experience have yielded in-depth understanding of how undesirable sounds may be controlled or reduced. The control methods, however, are generally applicable to single sources of sound while soundscapes are composed of multiple sounds. Using human judgments, first in the laboratory and later in the field, it will be possible to deconstruct any soundscape into its desirable and undesirable sounds, which may then, one-by-one, be subjected to proven methods of noise control. This approach includes complications, not the least of which is deciding how much the undesirable sounds should be reduced to perceptually improve the soundscape. Previous published studies, primarily laboratory, but also field studies, suggest that initial laboratory work followed by increasingly complex field applications, should result in an understanding of how soundscapes can be improved and desirable ones designed.