bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyborg Life: The In-Between of Humans and Machines
Authors: MAZIS GLEN A.
Published: April 2017

Cyborgs are ongoing becomings of a doubly “in-between” temporality of humans and machines. Materially made from components of both sorts of beings, cyborgs gain increasing function through an interweaving in which each alters the other, from the level of “neural plasticity” to software updates to emotional breakthroughs of which both are a part. One sort of temporal in-between is of the progressive unfolding of a deepening becoming as “not-one-not-two” and the other is a “doubling back” of time into itself in which moments that were once disparate are conjoined or enjambed. Tracing the experience of Michael Chorost during a four year period of coming to terms with his cochlear implant, related in Rebuilt: How Becoming Part Computer Made Me More Human, the essay pinpoints shifts in awareness, perceptual belief, and being-with others that unfold within the in-between of person and machine.
May 1968, Sartre and Sarkozy
Authors: BOULÉ JEAN-PIERRE
Published: April 2017

This article begins by analysing the impact of May ’68 on Sartre. The article then attempts to show similarities and then differences between Sartre wanting to be a "new intellectual" and Sarkozy a "new type of politician," based on Sarkozy’s (in)famous speech given in Bercy in April 2007 prior to the second round of voting in the French Presidential elections when he launched into a most virulent attack on the spirit of May ’68. Finally, I argue that Sarkozy wants to go back to the time of colonialism in the 1950s and 1960s, reclaiming in the process de Gaulle’s heritage.
L’individu et la solitude
Authors: JASPERS KARL
Published: April 2017

N/A
The Trace of the Untranslatable: Emmanuel Levinas and the Ethics of Translation
Authors: GLOWACKA DOROTA
Published: April 2017

Looking at Holocaust testimonies, which in her view always involve some form of translation, the author seeks to develop an ethics of translation in the context of Levinas’ hyperbolic ethics of responsibility. Calling on Benjamin and Derrida to make explicit the precipitous task of the translator, she argues that the translator faces an ethical call or assignation that resembles the fundamental structure of Levinasian subjectivity. The author relates the paradoxes of translation in Holocaust testimony to Levinas’ silence on the problem of translation—puzzling if one considers Levinas’ focus on the ethical essence of language, his multilingualism, and the fact that he wrote his texts in a second language. She proposes that the trace of the philosopher’s displacement from his linguistic community can be discerned in his exilic conception of ethical subjectivity and in the testimonial impetus that animates his work. Thus, although Levinas’ Saying is posited as a translinguistic horizon that transcends the boundaries of a particular national language, it carries the remainder of the disavowed loss of the mother tongue.
Affective Resonance: On the Uses and Abuses of Music In and For Philosophy
Authors: JAMES ROBIN
Published: April 2017

Because music communicates extra-propositionally, philosophers often use musical concepts and metaphors to discuss implicit and/or affective knowledges. Music is a productive means to philosophically analyze affect, but only when these analyses are grounded in rigorous studies of actual musical works and practices. When we don’t ground our study of music in musical practices, works, and theories, “music” just becomes a mirror of whatever assumptions and biases we already have. I show how the overly-abstract treatment of music and sound in Jean-Luc Nancy’s Listening leads to significant philosophical and political problems. By following his musical metaphors all the way through, I show how his theory of listening naturalizes maleness/masculinity, and, like liberal multiculturalism, values “difference” only as a way to re-center whiteness and patriarchy. As an alternative, I use R&B/electropop singer Kelis’s 2010 single “Acapella” (sic) to develop an alternative account of music, affect, and the politics of difference.
Owning Ourselves and Encountering Others: Authenticity, Indifference, and Desire
Authors: ROBERTSON KAREN
Published: April 2017

There are resources in Heidegger’s work for identifying and mitigating pervasive modes of misrecognition that are characteristic of modern society, and, by identifying them, we become capable of attending to “supplementary” aspects of authenticity: terms of identity should apply to all in the same way, and, because these terms are a product of all, they are the responsibility of each individual. The first section analyses Being-guilty, Dasein-with, and Being-with to emphasise Dasein’s dependence on others, arguing that the dynamic of recognition characteristic of Dasein implies a responsibility for recognising the other adequately. The second identifies common modes of misrecognition, arguing that these modes imply a shared responsibility for the contexts of recognition in which we participate. The third turns to Sartre’s work, arguing that our interpersonal relations offer resources for correcting our inadequate ways of recognizing one another and for recognizing the fundamental place of communication in the realization of human freedom.
La diversification de la recherche en éthique animale et en études animales
Authors: Acampora Ralph
Published: April 2017

Les approches provenant de l’Europe continentale n’ont pas encore été intégrées dans l’éthique animale anglo-saxonne dominante, peut-être parce qu’elles ont largement été méprises comme des incursions maladroites en éthique normative. Je soutiens qu’elles sont plus adéquatement abordées comme des recherches s’inscrivant dans le domaine de la psychologie morale et de la méta-éthique. Suivant cette idée, je suggère une variété de croisements ou de rapprochements entre la diversification des perspectives en éthique animale et le développement des études animales pluridisciplinaires, en particulier leur penchant pour l’hétérodoxie méthodologique et leur attention aux phénomènes de l’incorporation et de l’affectivité.
Veganism as Affirmative Biopolitics: Moving Towards a Posthumanist Ethics?
Authors: Giraud Eva
Published: April 2017

This article addresses tensions within the emerging field of animal studies, which have arisen in the process of trying to craft an ethics that is not grounded in humanist rights-frameworks, by--firstly--mapping how these debates are manifested and--secondly--positing Cary Wolfe’s concept of "affirmative biopolitics" as means of overcoming these conceptual rifts. Building on work that attributes these tensions to the influence of posthumanism (Weisberg; Pedersen; Giraud), it argues that the embrace of posthumanist thought has marginalised critique by (misleadingly) framing perspectives such as ecofeminism and critical animal studies as irredeemably humanist (thus of no use in forging a non-anthropocentric ethics). To counter this marginalisation, Wolfe’s recent work on biopolitics is used to create a much-needed conversation between these perspectives. Debates surrounding veganism provide a route into instigating this dialogue, due to it being a contested practice that crystallises the differences between "mainstream" and critical animal studies. This framing of veganism not as a totalising practice but as a form of "affirmative biopolitics," however, is not solely intended to highlight affinities between apparently antagonistic perspectives, but offered as a contribution to broader debates about how a "posthumanist ethics" could be enacted in practice.
Nonhuman Animal Rights, Alternative Food Systems, and the Non-Profit Industrial Complex
Authors: Wrenn Corey Lee
Published: April 2017

Alternative food systems (namely the humane product movement) have arisen to address societal concerns with the treatment of Nonhuman Animals in food production. This paper presents an abolitionist Nonhuman Animal rights approach (Francione, 1996) and critiques these alternative systems as problematic in regards to goals of considering the rights or welfare of Nonhuman Animals. It is proposed that the trend in social movement professionalization within the structure of a non-profit industrial complex will ultimately favor compromises like “humane” products over more radical abolitionist solutions to the detriment of Nonhuman Animals. This paper also discusses potential compromises for alternative food systems that acknowledge equal consideration for Nonhuman Animals, focusing on grassroots veganism as a necessary component for consistency and effectiveness.
Response to Commentators
Authors: Steiner Gary
Published: April 2017

Author of Animals and the Limits of Postmodernism. New York: Columbia University Press, 2013.
Le « corps érotique » chez Michel Henry : le « trans-paraître » de la vie dans le vivant
Authors: Alvarado Cabellos Angel
Published: April 2017

Cet article offre une discussion sur le statut du « corps érotique » chez Michel Henry dans le cadre d’une problématique d’ordre architectonique, en tant que celle-ci présente un « tournant » dans l’ensemble de sa pensée. D’une part, ce tournant nous conduit à la question du rapport entre la vie et le vivant, à partir d’une « duplicité de l’apparaître ». D’autre part, notre approche cherche à le comprendre à la lumière d’une problématique qui s’interroge sur la possibilité pour l’apparaître de la vie d’apparaître dans celui du monde, c’est-à-dire, pour emprunter un concept de G. Jean, de « trans-paraître ». L’architectonique henrienne — dont le phénomène de l’angoisse joue un rôle charnière — le comprend pourtant non pas comme le transparaître de la vie dans le monde, mais comme celui de la différence entre la vie et le monde dans le monde lui-même. Cette caractérisation « négative » doit être confrontée à la notion du « corps érotique », lequel semble nous fournir un accès « positif » au même concept.
Cultivating a New Normal: Mood Disorders in the DSM-III to -5 Era
Authors: Hefty Adam Dylan
Published: April 2017

Contemporary diagnostic categories and various modes of treatment of mood disorders contribute to the development of a managed form of selfhood in contemporary society, particularly as articulated with management in the workplace. This produces a new iteration of the normal in relation to psychopathology; instead of the normal as an absence of disorder or distress, normalcy becomes the private management, often stemming from an external or internalized social injunction, of symptoms through various available techniques of self-care. I support this claim through an analysis of the development of the category of the mood disorder under DSM-III and the functioning of common contemporary treatments such as antidepressant medications, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and alternative techniques such as mindfulness meditation. A new social problematic emerges, in part out of this convergence, in which the notion of mood becomes generalized and an object of vigilance. Everyone has moods; we always have moods; and moods are in principle always subject to the need of being managed.
Judging Inappropriateness in Actions Expressing Emotion: A Feminist Perspective
Authors: Bottenberg Frances
Published: April 2017

Actions expressing strong emotions such as anger can be appropriate responses when an agent judges a serious injustice to have been committed. Certainly, a woman can experience these conditions and express herself through actions such as gesturing aggressively, gritting her teeth, or lashing out verbally. If she is consequently labeled “crazy,” “hysterical,” or “a bitch,” what has gone awry? This paper offers an analysis of the common charge of inappropriateness in the case of women’s actions expressing emotion. To begin, I will present core normative distinctions that define appropriate emotional expression. Following this, the “double-bind” of women’s actions expressing emotion will be explored with reference to the conflicting normative practices outlined in the first section of the paper. Put briefly, when a female agent surpasses gendered behavioral expectations, she is seen as having failed what can be called the first test of social coping. The perception of this failure shuts down further avenues for interpreting her behavior. Instead, the social inappropriateness of her emotion is used as further proof of irrationality. The arguments of the second section leave no doubt that gendered norms in the case of actions expressing emotions must be rejected both on epistemological and moral grounds. The final section of the paper explores epistemically and ethically viable alternatives for deciding the rational appropriateness of actions expressing emotion.
Embodied Disagreements
Authors: Mudde Anna
Published: April 2017

In this paper, I suggest that embodied metaphysical experience underlies many of our everyday judgements, which are expressed in our bodily comportments and actions, through which disagreements in our ontological experiences are highlighted. I propose attending to such concrete, situated disagreements as a way of challenging the tradition of metaphysics as an enterprise of objective and universal theory, and as a way of promoting feminist, anti-racist, and queer practices of responsibility.
Imagens ofensivas:
Authors: Klein Alberto
Published: April 2017

Pretendemos, com este trabalho, abordar a natureza das imagens ofensivas a partir de um possível diálogo entre Semiótica da Cultura de Ivan Bystrina e as proposições acerca do iconoclasmo em W.J.T. Mitchell. Para tanto, valemo-nos da análise de duas imagens de ambientes distintos, mas que se aproximam por suas funções semióticas e culturais: a primeira se refere ao Papa-asno, de autoria de Martinho Lutero e Phillip Melanchton, e a segunda a uma charge de Luz, representando comicamente o profeta Maomé, no semanário francês Charlie Hebdo.
Bullying e cyberbullying:
Authors: Salgado Karen Regina , Prodócimo Elaine
Published: April 2017

Vivemos numa sociedade marcada pela apropriação das funcionalidades tecnológicas, em que a ciência rege os segmentos sociais quebrando e ultrapassando os espaços temporais existentes entre os corpos. Habitualmente, os aparelhos eletrônicos são muito utilizados pelos jovens e com isso novos modos de maltratar, hostilizar e humilhar o próximo surgiram, e foram denominados cyberbullying. A respeito do assunto, realizamos uma pesquisa por meio de questionário com 74 alunos do ensino médio de uma escola pública e buscamos compreender as diferenças entre bullying e cyberbullying do ponto de vista dos sujeitos; de que maneira se manifestam na escola; e como a escola poderia agir para controlar a prática do cyberbullying. Os resultados apontaram um maior conhecimento sobre o bullying, mais divulgado nas escolas e pela mídia; entre as ações a serem realizadas pela escola estão maior informação e conscientização dos alunos sobre o fato.
Engajamentos e trans-visibilidades de Laerte Coutinho no ciberespaço:
Authors: Theodoro Hadriel Geovani da Silva
Published: April 2017

O presente artigo tem como objetivo verificar os processos de engajamento das pessoas transgêneras no ciberespaço. A problemática principal se volta à possibilidade de as pessoas transgêneras, normalmente impelidas às margens da sociedade, valerem-se do ciberespaço para estabelecer suas visibilidades e demandas por cidadania. Para tanto, pautando-nos na etnografia virtual como metodologia, analisamos quantitativa e qualitativamente as publicações e conteúdos de Laerte Coutinho, cartunista de renome nacional e pessoa transgênera, no site de rede social Facebook, entre os meses de janeiro e abril de 2015. De modo geral, constata-se um constante fluxo de engajamento alavancado por suas publicações, assim como um posicionamento a respeito de questões sociais, políticas e da comunidade LGBT.
Overview of current advances in the development of subunit and recombinant vaccines against Newcastle disease virus
Authors: Milic Nenad , Nisavic Jakov , Zoric Andrea , Krnjaic Dejan , Radojicic Marina , Stanojkovic Aleksandar
Published: April 2017

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is one of the most important viral pathogens of
avian species and the causative agent of atypical fowl plague, a highly
contagious and economically important disease characterized by high mortality
rates and reduction of egg production. The HN and F proteins are the main
targets for immune response to NDV. Vaccination of poultry with live and
inactivated NDV vaccines is the most effective method of control and
prevention of Newcastle disease, however due to their disadvantages, efforts
are being invested into developing subunit vaccines. To this end, the NDV HN
and/or F protein have been expressed using different viruses as vectors, but
have also been expressed using transgenic plant systems, yeast and lactic
acid bacteria in order to produce the NDV subunit vaccine. Many authors have
investigated the possibility of preparation of vaccines from purified and
biologically active NDV subunits with HN and F glycoproteins, purified from
nucleocapsids, viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) and pyrogens. The above mentioned
viral glycoproteins with preserved antigenic structure and biological
activities can be used as subunit vaccinal antigens due to their immunogenic
properties.
Morphometric measurements as part of the genetic characterization of indigenous strain Kupreska Pramenka
Authors: Vazic Bozo , Rogic Biljana , Drinic Milanka , Savic Nebojsa
Published: April 2017

For the purpose of genetic characterization of strains of sheep in Bosnia and
Herzegovina, a morphometric characterization of Kupreska Pramenka has been
performed. A total of 62 heads were measured, 56 ewes and 6 rams. The
average height of the withers of ewes was 69.71 cm, the height of the hook
was 70.57 cm, the body length was 72.57 cm, the chest width behind the
shoulders was 21.12 cm, chest depth 31.98 cm, width of the hips was 20.28
cm, the chest volume was 90.95 cm and the circumference volume was 7.91 cm.
The rams had an average height of 75.33 cm at the withers, the hook height
of 76.33 cm, the body length 78.83 cm, the chest width behind the shoulders
was 24.33 cm, chest depth 34.50 cm, width of the hips was 22.00 cm, chest
volume was 98.50 cm and the circumference volume was 9.33 cm. In sheep and
rams measures that have been shown the highest correlation and statistically
highly significant difference were those related to the process of growth
and development of the animal, and these are: the height of the withers and
hook (r = 0.841 for ewes and r = 1.00 for rams), while the other hand, there
are measures that do not show correlative relationship as hook height and
chest volume (r = 0.155 for ewes and r = 0.533 for rams).
Profitability of carp production in Macedonia and Serbia
Authors: Martinovska-Stoycheska Aleksandra , Janeska-Stamenkovska Ivana , Markovic Todor , Kokot Zeljko
Published: April 2017

Macedonia and Serbia are countries with long tradition in freshwater carp
production. In this study, the aim is to assess the carp fish production
economics, with particular focus on profitability. The findings revealed that
carp production is profitable in both cases, though with better returns in
the Macedonian case with the rate of profitability being 17.18%, in
comparison to 8.10% at the Serbian farm. The full cost of production per kg
is ?2.56 and ?2.25 in Macedonia and Serbia, respectively. The current
profitability levels are highly sensitive to market price fluctuations, and
there is considerable room for yield improvement and costs reductions.
Content of some antioxidants in intercropped maize and soybean grain
Authors: Dragicevic Vesna , Oljaca Snezana , Simic Milena , Dolijanovic Zeljko , Kresovic Branka , Brankov Milan
Published: April 2017

Intercropping, as a combination of different crops at the same time and the
same field, enables interaction of their roots, improving plant growth and
stress tolerance, thus improving nutritional quality of produced grains. The
investigation was aimed to examine the effect of different cropping systems:
intercropping in combination with alternating rows and alternating strips of
maize and soybean, as well as single cropping, combined with different
fertilization regimes (conventional, application of organic fertilizer,
bio-fertilizer and control) on the antioxidant content (glutathione [GSH],
phenolics and yellow pigment [YP]) in red maize and black soybean grain.
Black soybean is richer in antioxidants than red maize. Season expressed the
highest influence on the level of GSH, phenolics and YP in maize and soybean,
while cropping system and fertilization regime influenced GSH and phenolics.
The antioxidant level in grains with greater weight corresponded with an
increased GSH level for maize, as well as an increased GSH and phenolic level
for soybean, while smaller grains were characterised by the increased YP
content. Generally, antioxidant content was increased mainly by alternating
strips in maize grain and by alternating rows in soybean grain.
Bio-fertilizer had the highest impact on an increase in GSH in maize grain
and YP in soybean grain, while organic fertilizer was important for acquiring
of GSH and phenolics in soybean grain.
Biocontrol potentials of crude extracts of soil fungi on Amaranthus hybridus and Phyllanthus amarus
Authors: Fawole Oluyemisi , Yahaya James
Published: April 2017

In a pot experiment, two fungal strains from soil, Aspergillus fumigatus and
Penicillium citrinum, were evaluated for their mycoherbicidal properties on
Amaranthus hybridus and Phyllanthus amarus using the biomass reduction
method. The experiment was set up in a completely randomised block design
made up of two weed species exposed to 20 treatments which consisted of the
concentrated crude extracts of Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium citrinum
at three levels as well as positive and negative controls, each in three
replications. The percentage biomass yields of Amaranthus hybridus and
Phyllanthus amarus were determined at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after application
and biomass reductions were calculated. Data collected were subjected to
analysis of variance and significant means were separated using Duncan?s
multiple range test. Infections of the weeds occurred within 48 hours after
the application of the crude extract treatments. Significant differences (p ?
0.001) were observed in the percentages of biomass yields of the two weed
species, especially at the highest inocula concentration (5% w/v) of the
crude extracts. The percentages of biomass yields of Amaranthus hybridus were
88.58% and 88.91%, while 69.79% and 81.34% were recorded for Phyllanthus
amarus after the application of the concentrated extracts of Aspergillus
fumigatus and Penicillium citrinum, respectively. The study shows that the
concentrated crude extracts of both Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium
citrinum had the potentials for use as biocontrol agents, with the fact that
extracts of Penicillium citrinum had the greatest impact on the biomass
yields of the two test weeds.
BMI and All-Cause Mortality in Normoglycemia, Impaired Fasting Glucose, Newly Diagnosed Diabetes, and Prevalent Diabetes: A Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Eun Young , Lee Yong-ho , Yi Sang-Wook , Shin Soon-Ae , Yi Jee-Jeon
Published: April 2017

OBJECTIVE

This study examined associations between BMI and mortality in individuals with normoglycemia, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), newly diagnosed diabetes, and prevalent diabetes and identified BMI ranges associated with the lowest mortality in each group.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 12,815,006 adults were prospectively monitored until 2013. Diabetes status was defined as follows: normoglycemia (fasting glucose <100 mg/dL), IFG (100–125 mg/dL), newly diagnosed diabetes (≥126 mg/dL), and prevalent diabetes (self-reported). BMI (kg/m2) was measured. Cox proportional hazards model hazard ratios were calculated after adjusting for confounders.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up period of 10.5 years, 454,546 men and 239,877 women died. U-shaped associations were observed regardless of diabetes status, sex, age, and smoking history. Optimal BMI (kg/m2) for the lowest mortality by group was 23.5–27.9 (normoglycemia), 25–27.9 (IFG), 25–29.4 (newly diagnosed diabetes), and 26.5–29.4 (prevalent diabetes). Higher optimal BMI by worsening diabetes status was more prominent in younger ages, especially in women. The relationship between worsening diabetes status and higher mortality was stronger with lower BMI, especially at younger ages. Given the same BMI, people with prevalent diabetes had higher mortality compared with those with newly diagnosed diabetes, and this was more striking in women than men.

CONCLUSIONS

U-curve relationships existed regardless of diabetes status. Optimal BMI for lowest mortality became gradually higher with worsening diabetes for each sex and each age-group.
Microhardness and Roughness of Infiltrated White Spot Lesions Submitted to Different Challenges
Authors: Neres ÉY , Moda MD , Chiba EK , Briso ALF , Pessan JP , Fagundes TC
Published: April 2017

A white spot lesion is the first clinical sign of a caries lesion and represents mineral loss from the enamel subsurface. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microhardness and surface roughness of white spot lesions after application of a resin infiltrant and subjection to different challenges. Caries-like lesions were induced in bovine enamel discs (n=50), and the specimens were randomly divided into five study groups (n=10): demineralized enamel (negative control, G1), infiltrated enamel (G2), infiltrated enamel submitted to brushing (G3), infiltrated enamel submitted to pH cycling (G4), and infiltrated enamel submitted to artificial aging (G5). Half of each enamel surface was used as its own positive control. Roughness data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Dunn test. Results from microhardness were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey test for multiple comparisons. The level of significance was set at 5%. Microhardness and roughness values obtained from the test side of the specimens were significantly lower compared with the sound enamel for all groups. Microhardness values obtained for G2, G3, and G5 were not significantly different. Values found for G1 were significantly lower compared with those for G2, G3, and G5. The lowest microhardness values were observed for G4, which was significantly different from the other groups. Surface roughness was not significantly different between G2 and G3. The resin infiltrant presented superiority over the unprotected white spot lesions, as they were more resistant to mechanical and aging challenges. However, resin infiltration was not able to reestablish the properties of sound enamel and was not resistant to a new cariogenic challenge.
Characterization of a Diamond Ground Y-TZP and Reversion of the Tetragonal to Monoclinic Transformation
Authors: Candido LM , Fais LMG , Ferreira EB , Antonio SG , Pinelli LAP
Published: April 2017

Purpose:

To characterize the surface of an yttria-stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) ceramic after diamond grinding in terms of its crystalline phase, morphology, mean roughness (Ra), and wettability as well as to determine a thermal treatment to reverse the resulting tetragonal to monoclinic (t-m) transformation.

Methods and Materials:

Y-TZP specimens were distributed into different groups according to the actions (or no action) of grinding and irrigation. Grinding was accomplished using a diamond stone at a low speed. The samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, goniometry, and profilometry. In situ high-temperature XRD was used to determine an annealing temperature to reverse the t-m transformation. Ra was submitted to the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by the Dunn test (α=0.05). The volume fraction of the monoclinic phase and contact angle were submitted to one-way analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey test (α=0.05).

Results:

Monoclinic zirconia was observed on the surface of samples after dry and wet grinding with a diamond stone. The volume fraction of the monoclinic phase was smaller on the dry ground samples (3.6%±0.3%) than on the wet ground samples (5.6%±0.3%). High-temperature XRD showed reversion of the t-m phase transformation, which started at 700°C and completed at 800°C in a conventional oven.

Conclusions:

Grinding with a diamond stone partially transformed the crystalline phase on the surface of a Y-TZP ceramic from tetragonal to monoclinic zirconia while simultaneously increasing the surface roughness and wettability. The t-m transformation could be reversed by heat treatment at 800°C or 900°C for 60 minutes or 1000°C for 30 minutes.
Investigation of Deaths in Seizure Patients
Authors: Reichard R. Ross , Vaubel Rachael
Published: April 2017

Epilepsy is commonly encountered in forensic pathology and is ultimately determined to be the cause of death in 1–2% of medicolegal death investigations. Epilepsy is a risk factor for death from external causes, including accidents and drowning. More commonly, deaths result from the underlying epilepsy pathology, including intracranial neoplasms, cerebrovascular disease, status epilepticus, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). SUDEP refers to the sudden death in an epilepsy patient that lacks an alternative anatomic or toxicological cause of death. At autopsy, intracranial pathology is present in the majority of epilepsy-related deaths and is more likely to be identified following brain fixation. Common findings include brain tumors, mesial temporal sclerosis, and malformations of cortical development. Death investigators should pay particular attention to clinical history to establish a clear history of epilepsy and to determine seizure type, frequency, underlying etiology, and prior medical and surgical treatments as well as other comorbid medical conditions. A complete autopsy with toxicology is necessary to identify other causes of death, particularly in cases of suspected SUDEP. While toxicology may be helpful in some cases, caution must be taken in interpreting postmortem antiepileptic drug concentrations as levels decrease postmortem.
Investigation of Deaths of Undocumented Border Crossers and Management of Remains
Authors: Hess Gregory L. , Winston David C.
Published: April 2017

Myriad factors influence the patterns of illegal migration of people from Mexico and Central America into the United States. The Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner (PCOME) has examined the largest number of recovered undocumented border crosser (UBC) remains of any single medical examiner jurisdiction in the United States since at least 2001. The examination and management of UBC remains is a unique process. Determination of the cause and manner of death are often compromised by advanced decomposition to the point of skeletonization. Unusual examination findings and death presentations not frequently seen in non-UBC populations are the norm. Ancillary techniques such as infrared digital photography and rehydration of mummified remains are commonly employed in the identification of these remains. Administrative challenges such as cold storage capacity, triage and handling of missing person's information, interactions with foreign governments, high media interest, identification, interment, and management of a large number of unidentified remains are ongoing issues. This review outlines the issues commonly encountered and techniques used by the PCOME to manage the remains of this vulnerable population.
Aspergillus Niger Infection Associated with Systemic Oxalosis: An Autopsy Diagnosis Without Culture
Authors: Kemp Walter L. , Cavuoti Dominick , Jenkins Albert
Published: April 2017

This case report presents a 60-year-old male with a past medical history that included diabetes mellitus type II, chronic alcoholism, Hepatitis C infection, and presumptive pneumonia who died following a cholecystectomy. At autopsy, in addition to sequelae of the alcohol use (e.g., cirrhosis, splenomegaly, and esophageal varices), two contiguous black discolorations in the right lung composed of friable material and identified as fungal hyphae were found. Associated with the fungal hyphae was oxalic acid deposition. Oxalate crystals were also identified in the kidney of the decedent. Although no fruiting bodies were identified and no cultures were performed, a diagnosis of Aspergillus niger was made based upon the grossly apparent pigment production, lack of pigment within the fungal hyphae, and the oxalic acid production. Systemic oxalosis can occur as a result of an Aspergillus niger infection, and, its presence in the kidney would explain the decedent's worsening renal function prior to death.
The Value of Molecular Autopsy: Genetic Testing Reveals Long QT Mutations in an Autopsy-Negative, Postpartum Sudden Unexpected Death
Authors: Severson Elizabeth R. , Timm Krista
Published: April 2017

In forensic pathology, genetic testing is a luxury that is not readily entertained. With molecular advances, genetic testing can provide critical information to conclude cause and manner of death in otherwise sudden, undetermined deaths. An autopsy was performed on a 30-year-old woman who died suddenly three months postpartum. The patient's history was unremarkable and included a negative electrocardiogram test prior to pregnancy. Toxicology results were negative and there were no gross or histologic findings on a complete postmortem examination including the conduction system. Prompted by personal interest and knowledge, the spouse, an electrophysiology fellow, requested genetic testing be performed and personally financed the tests. The results revealed two genetic mutations strongly associated with Type 1 Long QT Syndrome, expected to be familial. This provided a cause and manner of death and also instigated preventive measures for testing in the child. This case supports previous studies that acknowledge the need for molecular testing in the autopsy-negative, sudden unexpected death cases in young patients. Forensic pathologists have a duty to the public to serve as their physicians and this may prove to be a key area that can contribute to the preventative medicine effort and provide closure to families that may have loved ones left with an undetermined cause and manner of death. Although financially a problem, the future of pathology is undeniably heading in the direction of molecular testing and an attempt to adjust an internal budget in order to include expenses for these tests should be considered.
Sudden Death Due to Asphyxia by Primary Tracheal Small Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Maskovyak Amanda , Felo Joseph
Published: April 2017

Sudden natural asphyxial death in adults due to airway obstruction is an unusual cause of death. A variety of etiologies can cause airway obstruction, including benign or malignant tumors and soft tissue swelling from asthma, infections, or anaphylaxis.

Malignant tracheal neoplasms are exceedingly rare with a reported incidence of approximately 2/1 000 000 and the small cell carcinoma subtype accounts for <10% of these tumors.

We present a case of a 55-year-old female smoker who was found dead at home. At autopsy an obstructing lesion of the proximal trachea was identified that showed the characteristic cytomorphology of small cell carcinoma. No primary pulmonary lesions were identified. The cause of death was determined to be obstruction of the trachea by small cell carcinoma and the manner, natural.
Sudden Death Due to Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease: A Review of Commonly Accepted Practices
Authors: Duncanson Emily R. , Mackey-Bojack Shannon M.
Published: April 2017

Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (ASCAD) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Sudden deaths due to ASCAD often fall under the jurisdiction of the medical examiner. ASCAD is such a common part of daily practice that pathologists often take for granted the validity of both clinical and postmortem ASCAD diagnostic techniques. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the history, literature, and common practices regarding postmortem ASCAD diagnosis.
Morbid Obesity is Not a Risk Factor for the Development of Clinically Significant Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis
Authors: Snyder Vivian S. , Curry Chelsea R. , Lew Emma O. , Matshes Evan W.
Published: April 2017

Morbid obesity represents a significant health problem to a large and growing segment of the industrialized world. The cardiovascular complications are numerous and include systemic and pulmonary hypertension, obesity cardiomyopathy, heart failure, left ventricular dilatation and hypertrophy, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Morbidly obese (MO) individuals who die suddenly and unexpectedly may not have significant coronary artery atherosclerosis or acutely lethal natural diseases at autopsy. In this way, forensic pathologists may be challenged to understand the mechanism of sudden death when the major anatomic finding is often limited to cardiomegaly with or without chamber dilatation and wall thickening.

The death investigation files for a large metropolitan medical examiner department were the source of data in this case-control retrospective study. A total of 3863 cases met inclusion criteria. The following data were obtained: sex, age, cause of death, manner of death, weight in pounds, height in inches, body mass index, heart weight in grams, and coronary artery atherosclerosis (CAA) severity. A population of MO decedents (N = 1290) was identified, and sex- and age-matched case controls of non-obese decedents (N = 2573) were selected. The degree of CAA was recorded for all major vascular territories in both MO decedents and control cases, and there was no statistically significant difference in CAA between decedents in the MO group and the control group. These data illustrate that obesity is not a significant independent risk factor for CAA.
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) and Certification
Authors: Milroy Christopher M. , Parai Jacqueline L.
Published: April 2017

Sudden and unexpected death in patients with epilepsy is now well recognized. The autopsies in these cases have no anatomical or toxicological findings, so determination of death is based upon history and scene examination, as well as the autopsy and ancillary investigations. The use of the term SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy) for these cases has developed since the 1980's, largely driven by researchers in epilepsy. There have been various attempts at definitions of SUDEP. This paper reviews the history of SUDEP, its incidence, proposed mechanisms for its occurrence, and whether the use of the term SUDEP in certification of the cause of death is appropriate or whether theses deaths are correctly certified as epilepsy, as epilepsy is the underlying disease that results in death.
Neuropathology Associated with Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury in Sudden Unexpected Natural Death in Neonates and Infants
Authors: Welsh Cynthia T.
Published: April 2017

Unexpected death in neonates and infants has no explanation in a larger percentage of cases than is true for adults. Sudden death in neonates/infants secondary to central nervous system (CNS) causes is relatively uncommon. Birth injury is typically but not always recognized. Even with a history of CNS injury, the death may still be unexpected. CNS pathology is fairly common at postmortem examination, but is often not causal. One of the most common critical neuropathologies is hypoxic-ischemic and may be hemorrhagic. In both the acute and chronic phases, the differentiation from nonaccidental trauma needs to be evaluated. Evaluation is best achieved in a well-fixed brain. Some pathology cannot be seen macroscopically and requires microscopic sections.
Fatal 251-NBOMe Intoxication: A New Recreational Risk
Authors: Umemura Yoshie , Andrew Thomas A. , Jacobs Valerie L. , Giustini Andrew J. , Lewis Lionel D. , Filiano James J.
Published: April 2017

Abuse of synthetic drugs is an emerging trend in substance abuse. Identification of exposure to such chemicals is often difficult due to the paucity of specific laboratory assays. One such group of compounds is the 2C class of phenethylamines that include 2-(4-lodo-2, 5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-I[(2-methyoxyphenyl)methyl]ethanamine, known as 251-NBOMe or the street names “Smiles” and “N-Bomb.” This family of compounds consists of relatively new synthetic drugs, a two-carbon substitute of phenethylamine, which is a highly potent serotonin receptor 2A(5-HT2A) agonist. There are limited data on 251-NBOMe poisoning. We report a 17-year-old girl with mood disorders who died following 251-NBOMe ingestion, revealing its lethality. She presented in status epilepticus shortly after ingesting a substance on a blotter paper at a concert. She then acutely developed hyperthermia, metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, elevated transaminases, acute kidney injury, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, and irreversible cerebral edema, and was declared brain dead on hospital day seven. Specific toxicological testing revealed exposure to 251-NBOMe from antemortem whole blood liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry at concentrations above 0.25 ng/mL. We suggest that the patient died from fulminant serotonin syndrome following acute 251-NBOMe intoxication with a possible contribution from chronic lithium therapy.
Prevalence of Drugs and Alcohol Identified in Fatal Work-Related Injuries: A Two Office Experience
Authors: Maskovyak Amanda , Felo Joseph , Kohler Lisa J.
Published: April 2017

Work-related deaths are routinely encountered by medical examiners and it is generally considered standard practice to perform full autopsies including toxicology in these cases. A number of these may show the presence of drugs, alcohol, and/or other toxins in the decedent's blood at the time of death; however, national data on the rate of positive toxicology in occupational deaths are limited. We performed a retrospective review of all occupational deaths from two offices in northeastern Ohio (Cuyahoga and Summit Counties). Combined, there were 263 occupational deaths. Seventy-nine cases were excluded due to remote injury, seven had no data available, and 114 had negative toxicology screens. Of the cases with data available for review (177), 63 (36%) cases had positive toxicology screens and 32 (18%) showed the presence of ethanol, illicit drugs, and/or other drugs with high potential for impairment, similar to rates in other published series.
Two Fatalities due to Intentional Pentobarbital and Phenytoin Intoxication
Authors: Symbol Brittany , Milewski Yvonne , Gill James
Published: April 2017

We describe two suicides due to phenytoin and pentobarbital intoxications using a commercially available veterinary euthanasia preparation (Euthasol), which is a combination of the two medications. The role of the circumstances and toxicology findings and testing are described. The detection of this combination of medications should cause the death investigator to consider suicide and to look for occupational access to this preparation.
Cuyahoga County Statistical Reports Project
Authors: Gilson Thomas , Wentzel James
Published: April 2017

The Cuyahoga County Statistical Reports Project (CCSRP) is an effort on the part of the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office to provide widespread access to an extensive public health archive spanning over 70 years. The Statistical Reports (SRs) are an annual summary of death investigation data for metropolitan Cleveland. Launched in 1937, the SRs offer tabulations of data regarding various demographic information pertaining to deaths in the county and analyses by manner of death with a focus on trauma subtypes and expanded toxicological information. Except for a minor interruption from 2007–2010, now remedied, the SRs have been published through 2012. The CCRSP provides the most recent SRs in a searchable format containing electronically linked Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. Older SRs have been digitized and are offered in an unsearchable static image format. All reports are available on the county medical examiner website, www.medicalexaminer.cuyahogacounty.us . It is hoped that this archive will serve as a valuable resource for those interested in public health, especially lethal injury and other mortality trends over time.
Rinnakkaistallentamisen edistäminen organisaatiotasolla – kokemuksia ja päätelmiä Hankenin NopSA-hankkeesta
Authors: Laakso Mikael , Nyman Linus , Björk Bo-Christer
Published: April 2017

This case study reports about a project (NopSA) aimed at increasing theopen access (OA) of research publications from the facultyat a Finnish business school, Hanken School of Economics. The projectincluded outreach and advocacy to faculty, as well as changing practicesand the university’s OA policies.
The primary focus of the project was on increasing self-archiving ofarticles in the school’s institutional repository (both retroactively and on a continuous basis in the future). A secondary focus was onunderstanding researcher views concerning various OA options, andultimately informing and establishing sustainable OA policies at theorganisational level.
SEASONAL PERFORMANCE OF MORPHOPHYSIOLOGICAL INDICATORS FOR EXAMPLE THE YOUNG OF RUSSIAN STURGEON, ACCORDING TO THE FEEDING MODE AND FOOD COMPOSITION
Authors: Akhmedzhanova Aliya Baimuratovna , Miburo Zachary  , Alymov Yurii Viktorovich , Kokoza Alexander Alekseevich
Published: April 2017

The article presents the results of the accelerated recovery after loss of weight and physiological status after wintering, for example, Russian sturgeon ( Acipenser gueldenstaedtii , Brandt) juveniles aged 1+…2+ years in LLC "Fish farm "Aquatrade" (the Astrakhan Region). There was determined weight, length, fatness of fishes, content of hemoglobin, whey protein, lipids, cholesterol in blood, erythrocytes sedimentation rate at the age of 18 months (before wintering), 24 months (after wintering), 25 and 26 months (in the feeding process), 31 months (after recovering period). Before wintering the young was characterized by optimum physiological rates, after wintering (age 24 months) physiological state got worse; weight loss made 7-8%; fatness decreased from 0.48 ± 0.03 to 0.45 ± 0.4 units. At the first stage of the experiment after wintering the young was fed by compound feed "Aquarex 48/17" (higher content of lipids and protein, experiment) and "Aquarex 45/12" (standard recipe, control). Feed duration was not longer than 25 days. Growth rate of the young under experiment appeared higher that that under control: on average, weight of fishes aged 25 months made 600 ± 21.1 (experiment) and 560 ± 2.6 g (control). Further feed of the young aged before 26 months, and further up to 31 months with standard recipy feed both in experiment and in controll showed more intensive growth in the experimental group: at the end of experiment weight of fishes made 1064.5 ± 33.8 (experiment) and 727.2 ± 32.9 (control). Young physiological status greatly optimized. Short-term feeding of the sturgeon young after wintering with combined feed "Aquarex 48/17" shortens the period of recovering from losses of weight and physiological status to 5 days and shoprtens time and costs of growing commodity product.
OPTIMIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF NON-CASH PAYMENT SYSTEM IN COMMERCIAL BANKS
Authors: Sokolova Ekaterina Vladimirovna , Turgaeva Aksana Albekovna
Published: April 2017

Steady and progressive development of the Russian economy and banking system is stipulated to a large extent by the stable performance of the money market, effective rules of regulation of cash flows that are main control levers in the national payment system. The intense and rapid changes of the national payment system can be seen not only in the dynamics of quantitative indicators (e.g. the number of transactions, the volume of payments, the number of clients), but also in qualitative characteristics. The article analyzes the concept of remote banking services. There is studied the project of a common platform for managing accounts billed by the companies and consumers of services. The article also presents the analysis of economic efficiency of electronic billing system for individuals and a payback period of the project. There are shown main directions of the development of the new electronic billing system "e-invoicing".