bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Distributed Robotics for Environmental Performance, Occupant Comfort and Architectural Expression
Authors: Rossi Dino , Nagy Zoltán , Schlueter Arno
Published: October 2012

The integration of adaptive distributed robotics in architectural design has the potential to improve building energy performance while simultaneously increasing occupant comfort. In addition, conceiving buildings as dynamic systems with the ability to adapt to the changing environments in which they exist, opens new aesthetic possibilities for designers. As the façade of a building is a common place to address issues of energy performance and occupant comfort, this paper presents a first prototype of an adaptive solar envelope (ASE). Its functions are to provide distributed shading, solar power generation through integrated photovoltaics, and daylight distribution. We describe the interdisciplinary design process, and illustrate the architectural possibilities that arise from a distributed systems approach. The ASE is expanded to work in parallel with an adaptive artificial lighting element. Rather than being preprogrammed, the systems adapt their behavior through interaction with the environment and building occupants. This adaptation to the user's wishes is demonstrated successfully for the artificial light controller. We argue that with presently available technology and an increased exposure of architecture students and practitioners to adaptive design techniques, adaptive architectures will soon become a regular element of the built environment.
The Fabrication of Fabrication: A Second Order Design Process
Authors: Vermisso Emmanouil
Published: October 2012

The project discussed here was developed during a research & design seminar on biologically inspired prototypingi. Based on the observation that nature produces infinite structural and formal configurations through re-cycling of only one material (fibers), a ‘machine’ was designed that can fabricate complex shapes using a variety of thread types. The paper theoretically situates a form-finding process with possible applications in construction and discusses the first phase of design as well as the early second stage and the factors that affect our decisions for future development. The author is concerned with the possible value of such a process for architecture, as well as a philosophical meaning of ‘layered’ design processes.
Flapping Flight Stability in Hover: A Comparison of Various Aerodynamic Models
Authors: Karásek Matěj , Preumont André
Published: October 2012

The interest in flapping wing MAVs has been rising progressively in the past years. The complex aerodynamic mechanisms responsible for high manoeuvrability and energy efficient lift production have been modelled by multiple techniques. Here we present a comparison of several models from the perspective of flight stability in hover. We estimated the stability derivatives by aerodynamic models of various levels of complexity, ranging from analytical expressions derived from a quasi steady model to CFD results that were taken as a reference. The stability of the complete 6DOF linearized system, split into longitudinal and lateral part, was evaluated in terms of eigenvalues and eigenvectors. While the pole locations and modes of longitudinal system were consistent for all the models (two stable subsidence modes, one unstable oscillatory mode), the lateral dynamics showed that quasi steady models with only translational force are insufficient and revealed the necessity of including the rotational lift to obtain pole locations that are in accordance with the CFD study (one slow divergence mode, one fast subsidence mode and one stable oscillatory mode).
Force Measurements on Locusts during Visually-Evoked Collision Avoidance Maneuvers
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Chan Raymond , Shkarayev Sergey , Gabbiani Fabrizio
Published: October 2012

The collision avoidance behavior of the locust, Schistocerca americana, in response to simulated approaching objects, also called looming stimuli, was investigated in a low speed wind tunnel. The animals were mounted using a sting on a sensitive six-component microbalance custom-designed for the experiments. Forces and moments were measured as a function of time during the simulated approach and interpreted in the context of collision avoidance behaviors. The stimuli presented from the side effectively evoked robust and discernible collision avoidance responses. Locusts attempted to avoid collision by either flying over or under the looming object, or alternatively by steering around it. These efforts appeared in the form of changes in aerodynamic forces and moments as a function of time. It was also observed that the locusts increased the wing flapping frequency in response to the stimulus.
A Brief Guide to Student Projects with Industry
Authors: Hillon Mark E. , Cai-Hillon Yue , Brammer Darrell
Published: October 2012

Student projects with industry have much to offer in terms of enhanced student learning, but they can be difficult to create, plan, and manage sustainably. This paper details and distills the best practices from a four-year process to develop an undergraduate business strategy course around a student project with industry. This reflexive process revealed that our traditional analytical approach to business strategy was not teaching students how to create strategy in practice. Integration of course learning objectives with project deliverables was a key to replicating a practical project-based learning experience each semester. The needs for an industry liaison, additional student preparation, and active client engagement in the learning process are also discussed.
Global Experiential Projects with a Manufacturer in India: Insights from Five Years of Experience
Authors: Pilotte Mary , Kovaichelvan V. , Chand Suresh , Iyer Ananth
Published: October 2012

In 2006, a two-credit hour projects course was developed at the Krannert School of Management, Purdue University, in partnership with a manufacturer in India. The course was designed to provide experience of working on consulting projects with industry while exposing them to global best practices. A select group of undergraduate engineering and management, Masters in Human Resources, Masters/PhD's in engineering, and MBA students begin the five-month course in January each year to converge on the client facility in India in May for three weeks of fieldwork. The course ends about the middle of June after students have presented the results and recommendations to the company managers and have submitted the final reports. Year after year, improvements have been made to enrich students' experiences, which have lead to a well-structured program. In its fifth year of operation, the program has proved to be a win-win for both the students and the industrial partner. In this paper, we present key details of the design and delivery of these projects. We discuss the feedback mechanisms used to improve the course. We believe that the global setup of this projects course is unique and that our experience provides useful insights to those interested in developing such a course.
The Situation of Film and Animation in Laos
Authors: Tsugata Nobuyuki
Published: October 2012

In October 2001,I was lucky enough to be able to visit Laos for about ten days. Actually, the purpose of the visit had nothing at all to do with researching the film industry. Nevertheless, I obtained a certain amount of information on the situation of film and animation in Laos from
the tourist guide who accompanied me during my stay there. Since the guide was no expert on film, the information he gave was fragmentary and included some gray areas. But this is a country where hardly any information has previously been obtained.

As such, I gave credit to the rarity value
of the information I was given, and decided to reproduce it here.
Research on the Achievements of Japan's First Three Animators
Authors: Tsugata Nobuyuki
Published: October 2012

Japanese animation is thought to have started when three animators (Oten Shimokawa, Jun-ichi Kouchi, and Seitaro Kitayama) released separate works at more or less the same time in 1917. However, very little research has been conducted so far on their personalities or their professional
achievements. A major reason for this is that hardly any of the works they created have survived to the present day. So far, most research in Japan on these three pioneers has taken the form of literary searches. (Midorikawa, 1993: 1-42; Yamaguchi, 1978; Yamaguchi and Watanabe, 1977). But
this research is inadequate from the viewpoint of the history of the development of animation -- i.e. how their work influenced the subsequent development of animation in Japan.
Big Shot From Beijing: Feng Xiaogang's He Sui Pian and Contemporary Chinese Commercial Film
Authors: Kong Shuyu
Published: October 2012

The economic reform and commercialization of the cultural industry in the last two decades have greatly changed how film is made and consumed in contemporary China. From the in-flow of Hong Kong, Taiwanese, and foreign investment to the annual import of ten Hollywood blockbusters (starting
in 1994); from independent film production companies to new regulations in 2002 which allow any citizen to apply to make a film; from film crew members getting involved in the production of TV soap operas and MTV to a new breed of underground art-house movies, the formal monopoly held by the
state-run studio system has gradually disintegrated and the Chinese film industry, like other cultural sectors, is undergoing a profound transformation with more and more diversified products.
China's Animation Beginnings: The Roles of the Wan Brothers and Others
Authors: Lent John A. , Ying Xu
Published: October 2012

Animation in China, stretching across an 80-year period, has had many milestones, including what have been described as the two golden ages––1957–1966 and for about a decade from 1978 to the late 1980s. This essay concentrates on the beginning years, 1920s–1940s,
since Asian Cinema has already dealt with post-1949 Chinese animation (see Lent and Xu, Fall- Winter 2001; Xu, Fall-Winter 2002.)
The Brutal Slashing to Death of Dr Berjis
Authors: Mohajer Nasser , Rabbani Ahang
Published: October 2012

A wealth of literature has attested to the recrudescence of state- and clerical- sponsored religious intolerance and persecution of the Iranian Baha’i religious minority since the more than three decades of the Iranian Islamic revolution in 1979. Persecution during the Pahlavi
regime is more sparsely documented. The following is an annotated translation of an article by Nasser Mohajer of the grim circumstances surrounding the brutal killing of Baha’i physician Sulayman Berjis (1897–1950) by a gang of religious fanatics and the uncivil indifference and
abortive trial of justice that followed.
Shoghi Effendi’s letters to the Baha’is of India and Burma during the 1930s
Authors: Smith Peter
Published: October 2012

A short review of Shoghi Effendi’s published letters to the Baha’is of India and Burma during the 1930s. The article includes a survey of the main statistical, administrative, and teaching developments of the Burmese and Indian Baha’i communities during the period.
Critiquing commonly available multicultural art education resources
Authors: CHIN CHRISTINA D.
Published: October 2012

To assist art teachers in making informed choices regarding multicultural programmes for implementation within the artroom, within this article the author critically reviews and critiques a broad range of multicultural art education materials that are currently available to practitioners.
These include commercially providedmulticultural art curricula and kits and praxis-oriented multicultural literature in art education. The author additionally highlights ethnographic art education literature that offers promising direction for remedying the tendency of many multicultural art
education resources to advance Eurocentricity, superficial appropriation of formal elements, cultural stereotypes, ahistorical understandings and a hegemonic game of ethnic determinism to authorize representations of what allegedly constitutes a so-called culture’s art.
A Buddhist's approach to choreography as spiritual practice
Authors: Lalitaraja Joachim Chandler
Published: October 2012

This article reveals the dynamics involved in approaching choreography as an integrated method within Buddhist spiritual practice. It reflects on the author's history and choreographic work and defines key themes for thinking about spiritual practice within it. Important Buddhist concepts
are identified and their role within the choreographic domain explored. In reflecting on two formative choreographic works, the role of intuition is revealed, alongside a focus on the ground-of-being as an orientation and view on life and a key element in keeping spiritual commitment alive.
This further shapes the choreographic work integrating the spiritual values that support this view. Comparing Heidegger's 'meditative thinking' and Buddhist mindfulness practice, a synergy emerges that is reinforced by considering gelasen-heit and alethia alongside the meditative dynamics
of samatha and vipassana. This comparison underlines Heidegger's sympathy with spirituality and extends the bridge between eastern and western thinking.
Trance in western theatrical dance: Transformation, repetition and skill learning
Authors: Njaradi Dunja
Published: October 2012

This article will explore the links between sacred trance dances and the tradition of western theatrical dance by looking at the dance practice of the Turkish contemporary dancer Ziya Azazi. The first part of the article will give an overview of theoretical and methodological approaches
to ritual trancing in sociocultural anthropology. The second part will introduce several aspects of trancing in the tradition of western theatrical dance by focusing on Azazi's practice. Finally, the article will discuss the importance of interdisciplinarity in understanding trance, as well
as its connections to the growing scholarship on globalization, affect and community.
Unlikely companions: Grief, dance and mysticism
Authors: Roseman Janet Lynn
Published: October 2012

This article will examine the similarities between grief, dance and mysticism in an attempt to acknowledge and reveal that these unlikely companions actually form a new and evolving relationship that is synergistic, especially for those experiencing profound grief. The article probes
the concept that psychic and somatic states of consciousness are destroyed through traumatic grief, offering opportunities for 'out of the ordinary states of consciousness to occur'. It examines these states in-depth with specific reference to the modern pioneers of dance, Isadora Duncan,
Ruth St. Denis and Martha Graham, mystical philosophers, and the author's revelations during her personal journey inside traumatic grief.
A History of the World: Daniel Blaufuks' bookwork Terezín
Authors: Little Eileen
Published: October 2012

As time goes by we will increasingly be marked more by abstract, distanced and imaginative renditions of the traumatic historical rupture of the Holocaust than by any personal or tangible connection - this article explores a bookwork/filmwork by artist Daniel Blaufuks engaging questions
of what that might mean for us.
Synthesis and characterization of new metallophthalocyanines bearing macrocyclic N3O2 groups on peripheral positions
Authors: Kaya Elif Çelenk
Published: October 2012

The synthesis and characterization of new zinc(II) 3, nickel(II) 4 and cobalt(II) 5 phthalocyanines complexes carrying macrocyclic N3O2 groups on peripheral positions are described. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR, UV-Vis and MS spectral data.
Eclectic approach as the natural way of development in neurorehabilitation of adults
Authors: Mikołajewska Emilia
Published: October 2012

The time course of recovery from neurologic disorders varies significantly depending on the severity of impairment, therapeutic measures during recovery, and patient characteristics, and no particular method can be perceived as more predominant over others. Traditional neurorehabilitation based on specific intervention techniques can be complemented by an eclectic approach that is based on the stable principles of the methods, is open to development, and can be used in conjunction with the elements of various methods. An eclectic approach in neurorehabilitation has the potential for a greater impact on the impairment because it can be tailored to the individual’s needs, can better predict the outcomes in individual patients with neurologic disorders, is better supported by experienced physiotherapists, and is expected to lead to progress in interdisciplinary therapy and care. The easy deployment of rehabilitation strategies and their applicability across a wide range of motor impairment make the eclectic approach an attractive and efficient solution. Its limitations are measurement reliability (especially inter-rater reliability) and validity, timing of rehabilitation, and the capacity to deliver high-intensity training protocols. The eclectic approach can be an important and useful strategy in neurorehabilitation, and this article discusses the advantages and limitations of current traditional and eclectic neurorehabilitation paradigms and suggest possible research directions.
Participatory community singing program to enhance quality of life and social and emotional well-being in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians with chronic diseases
Authors: Sun Jing , Buys Nicholas
Published: October 2012

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a 12-month community singing program on quality of life (QoL) using survey methods.

We prospectively collected data on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic diseases involved in a participatory community singing program. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a chronic disease and an average age of 51 years (range, 18–85 years) self-selected to participate in the singing group (n=45), which included a weekly singing rehearsal and a monthly performance. There were 27 people in the control group. We compared the intervention and control groups by evaluating the QoL, social and emotional well-being, health behaviors, social isolation, and loneliness at a baseline and at 12 months.

At 12 months, those who participated in the singing program showed a significant increase in QoL, reduced stress, and a significant reduction in social isolation and loneliness compared with patients in the control group.

The community singing program may enhance social and emotional well-being and QoL in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic diseases, and the singing program is a viable health promotion intervention program for this population.
An in vitro study of the ameliorative role of α-tocopherol on methotrexate-induced oxidative stress in rat heart mitochondria
Authors: Singh Kanchanlata , Malviya Abha , Bhori Mustansir , Marar Thankamani
Published: October 2012

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is a folic acid antagonist widely used as a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent for many malignancies. Its use is limited due to wide-ranging toxicities. MTX generates reactive oxygen species. Here, we investigated the efficacy of vitamin E supplementation on MTX-induced alterations in vitro.

Methods: Rat heart mitochondria were isolated and used to assess the extent of swelling, lipid peroxidation and alterations in mitochondrial-specific enzyme activities caused by the addition of 80 μM MTX in the presence and absence of 1.2 μM vitamin E. Control for both groups was maintained.

Result: MTX substantially affects mitochondrial function by increasing lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial swelling. Significant losses in the activities of the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes, complex I, II and IV, and an increase in the activity of calcium ATPase were observed in MTX-treated rat mitochondria. Enrichment of the media with vitamin E led to a reduction in swelling and restoration of enzyme activities.

Conclusions: The present study suggests that vitamin E plays a vital role in suppressing MTX-induced mitochondrial toxicity, and affords protection either by reversing the decline of antioxidants or by direct scavenging of free radicals.
Combinatorial cytotoxic effects of Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale on the PC-3M prostate cancer cell line
Authors: Kurapati Kesava Rao V. , Samikkannu Thangavel , Kadiyala Dakshayani B. , Zainulabedin Saiyed M. , Gandhi Nimisha , Sathaye Sadhana S. , Indap Manohar A. , Boukli Nawal , Rodriguez Jose W. , Nair Madhavan P.N.
Published: October 2012

Background: Many plant-derived products exhibit potent chemopreventive activity against animal tumor models as well as rodent and human cancer cell lines. They have low side effects and toxicity and presumably modulate the factors that are critical for cell proliferation, differentiation, senescence and apoptosis. The present study investigates the effects of some medicinal plant extracts from generally recognized as safe plants that may be useful in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Methods: Clonogenic assays using logarithmically-growing cells were performed to test the effect. The cytotoxic effects of Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale were studied using sulforhodamine B assay, tetrazolium dye assay, colony morphology and microscopic analysis.

Results: Out of the 13 lyophilized plant-derived extracts evaluated for growth-inhibitory effects on the PC-3M prostate cancer cell line, two extracts derived from C. longa and Z. officinale showed significant inhibitory effects on colony-forming ability. The individual and augmentative effects of these two extracts were tested for their narrow range effective lower concentration on PC-3M in clonogenic assays. At relatively lower concentrations, C. longa showed significant inhibition of colony formation in clonogenic assays; whereas at same concentrations Z. officinale showed only moderate inhibitory effects. However, when both the agents were tested together at the same concentrations, the combined effects were much more significant than their individual ones. On normal prostate epithelial cells both C. longa and Z. officinale had similar effects but at a lower magnitude. These observations were confirmed by several cytotoxicity assays involving the morphological appearance of the colonies, microscopic observations, per cent inhibition in comparison to control by sulforhodamine B and tetrazolium dye assay.

Conclusions: From these observations, it was concluded that the combined effects of C. longa and Z. officinale are much greater than their individual effects, suggesting the role of multiple components and their synergistic mode of actions to elicit stronger beneficial effects.
Reduction of cesarean delivery rates after implementation of a comprehensive patient safety program
Authors: Grunebaum Amos , Dudenhausen Joachim , Chervenak Frank A. , Skupski Daniel
Published: October 2012

Aims: The objective of this paper was to review our institution’s cesarean delivery rates starting in 2004 prior to the full implementation of a patient safety program including a uniform oxytocin policy until 2012 when the oxytocin policy and the safety program had been fully implemented.

Results: Cesarean delivery rates at our institution decreased incrementally from 41.6% in 2004 to 32.7% in 2012. The decrease in cesarean delivery rates was observed for each of the five age groups.

Conclusion: Concerns about an increase in cesarean delivery rates after implementation of a comprehensive patient safety program including a standardized oxytocin protocol may be unfounded. Despite the increase of US national cesarean delivery rates, our study shows that it is possible to safely lower cesarean delivery rates without concomitant concerns of litigations.
A cross-modal account for synchronic and diachronic patterns of /f/ and /θ/ in English
Authors: McGuire Grant , Babel Molly
Published: October 2012

While the role of auditory saliency is well accepted as providing insight into the shaping of phonological systems, the influence of visual saliency on such systems has been neglected. This paper provides evidence for the importance of visual information in historical phonological change and synchronic variation through a series of audio-visual experiments with the /f/∼/θ/ contrast. /θ/ is typologically rare, an atypical target in sound change, acquired comparatively late, and synchronically variable in language inventories. Previous explanations for these patterns have focused on either the articulatory difficulty of an interdental tongue gesture or the perceptual similarity /θ/ shares with labiodental fricatives. We hypothesize that the bias is due to an asymmetry in audio-visual phonetic cues and cue variability within and across talkers. Support for this hypothesis comes from a speech perception study that explored the weighting of audio and visual cues for /f/ and /θ/ identification in CV, VC, and VCV syllabic environments in /i/, /a/, or /u/ vowel contexts in Audio, Visual, and Audio-Visual experimental conditions using stimuli from ten different talkers. The results indicate that /θ/ is more variable than /f/, both in Audio and Visual conditions. We propose that it is this variability which contributes to the unstable nature of /θ/ across time and offers an improved explanation for the observed synchronic and diachronic asymmetries in its patterning.
Romantischer Rhein – Eiserner Rhein. Ein Fluß als imaginary landscape der Moderne
Authors: Etzemüller Thomas
Published: October 2012

Der Aufsatz geht von der These aus, dass Landschaften als Projektionsflächen für gesellschaftliche Ordnungs- und Zukunftsvorstellungen dienen können. Historiker sollten deshalb nicht versuchen, vermeintlich „authentische“ Landschaftsbilder von „Verzerrungen“ zu befreien, sondern die Projektionen auf ihre Funktionen hin zu untersuchen. In imaginary landscapes kann eine gewünschte soziale oder politische Ordnung geradezu naturalisiert werden. Der Landschaft wird dann eine „Aufgabe“ für die Nation zugeschrieben, sie kann sogar zu einem regelrechten Akteur der Geschichte stilisiert werden. Zugleich werden solche Imaginationen baulich realisiert. Dieser Konnex ist als vielschichtiges Phänomen zu sehen, das sich im Laufe der Zeit wandelt und jeweils unterschiedliche (politische) Effekte zeitigt.

Am Beispiel des Mittelrheins soll einAspekt dieses Zusammenhanges verdeutlicht werden. Ausgehend von kulturpessimistischen Positionen des späten 20. Jahrhunderts wird gefragt, welche Rolle die (proto-)industrielle Moderne in Rheinbeschreibungen seit dem späten 18. Jahrhundert spielte. Es wird deutlich, dass der Fluss in solchen Beschreibungen als jeweils unterschiedliche Kette von Zeichen gelesen wurde, mit der die Moderne im Medium des Rheins imaginiert wurde. Der Vergleich verschiedener Autoren und touristischer Reiseführer zeigt dabei, dass die heute so betonte „romantische“ Qualität des Stromes nicht gegen die Artefakte und Folgen der industriellen Moderne ausgespielt wurde. Im Gegenteil, in der Zwischenkriegszeit verschmolzen sie und halfen gerade dadurch, den Mittelrhein zu einem Akteur im nationalen Kampf gegen Frankreich zu stilisieren. Der „authentische“, vormoderne Rhein dagegen ist die Imagination einer die Vergangenheit verklärenden Nachkriegszeit.
The uranium recovery from aqueous solutions using amidoxime modified cellulose derivatives. I. Preparation, characterization and amidoxime conversion of radiation grafted ethyl cellulose-acrylonitrile copolymers
Authors: Başarır Seyhan Şener , Bayramgil Nursel Pekel
Published: October 2012

Graft copolymers were prepared by 60Co-γ irradiation of binary mixture of ethyl cellulose (EC) and acrylonitrile (AN). Conversion %-dose graphs were obtained, and 95% copolymer yield has been reached at around 8 kGy dose. Conversion of nitrile groups to amidoxime (AO) were achieved by aqueous solutions of NH2OH · HCl–NaOH at 50 ºC. The amidoxime conversion was followed by using FT-IR spectrophotometer and determined as percentage. After 72 h period, nearly 100% amidoxime conversion was provided. The structures of EC-g-AN and EC-g-AO were characterized by FTIR/ATR, TGA, and SEM methods.
Spectroscopic study of Pu(IV) oxidation to Pu(VI) in 3 mol/dm3nitric acid at 373 K
Authors: Ban Yasutoshi , Morita Yasuji
Published: October 2012

Optical absorption spectra of Pu(IV) in 3 mol/dm3(M) nitric acid at 373 K were measured using an optical quartz cell equipped with a thin-film heater. Pu(IV) was oxidized to Pu(VI) by heating at 373 K, and the concentrations of Pu(IV) and Pu(VI) gradually decreased and increased, respectively, with the heating time. The ratio of Pu(IV) oxidized to Pu(VI) was 37% at a heating time of 394 min, and no Pu(III) or Pu(V) characteristic peaks were observed throughout the experiment. The oxidation rate of Pu(IV) in 3 M nitric acid at 373 K could be described by the equation-d [Pu(IV)]t/d t= k′1[Pu(IV)]t-k′2[Pu(VI)]t, where[Pu(IV)]tand[Pu(VI)]twere the concentrations of Pu(IV) and Pu(VI) at a heating time of t min. The apparent rate constants for Pu(IV) oxidation (k′1) and Pu(VI) reduction (k′2) at 373 K were calculated to be 2.3 × 103 min-1and 3.4 × 103 min-1, respectively.
Mononuclear manganese(II) complexes of phenyl 2-pyridyl ketoxime – models for studies of Q-band EPR properties
Authors: Hołyńska Małgorzata
Published: October 2012

Structure and properties of a series of mononuclear manganese(II) complexes with phenyl 2-pyridyl ketoxime (ppkoH) as ligand are presented. [Mn(ClC6H4COO)2 (ppkoH)2] · 0.5 CH3OH and [Mn(ClC6H4COO)2(ppkoH)2](1 and 2) are isolated from the same reaction system and differ by disordered solvent content and conformation of the complex molecules. [MnCl2(ppkoH)2] · 0.02 C2H5OH(3) was obtained in order to modify the central Mn2+ ion coordination sphere with respect to 1/2. Strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds of the O–H···O and O–H···Cl type are present in 1/2 and 3, respectively. Moreover, weak C–H···O (1–3), C–H···Cl (3), π···π (1–2) and Cl···π (2) contacts can be found. The complexes display well-resolved Q-band EPR spectra and may serve as model compounds for further studies.
The two Bis(4-aminosalicylato-O) bis(N,N-dimethylethylenediamine)Ni(II) complexes
Authors: Taş Murat , Çamur Seval , Kılıç Yalcin , Dal Hakan
Published: October 2012

The two complexes of Bis(4-aminosalicylato-O) bis(N,N-dimethylethylenediamine)Ni(II) with different colors, were synthesized by the reaction between sodium salt of 4-aminosalicylic acid (PAS-Na), Ni(NO3)2 · 6 H2O and N,N-dimethylethylenediamine in the ethanol water mixture. In the complexes, each Ni(II) atom was in a distorted octahedral environment, was coordinated apically by two 4-aminosalicylato-O atoms and equatorially by two the N,N-dimethylethylenediamine N atoms. The crystal structures (monoclinic, P21/n space group) of the complexes, comprise mononuclear {Ni(NH2OHC6H3COO)2 · [NH2CH2CH2N(CH3)2]2} species and the Ni(II) atoms were located on a crystallographic inversion centre. The bond lengths and bond angles were nearly same with showing small difference as approximately 1% in coordination bonds lengths which caused the different colors for complexes. The N—H···O, C—H···O and C—H···π intermolecular interactions, extended the molecules through the three axes to form three dimensional network.
Skin autofluorescence measurement in diabetological and nephrological clinical practice
Authors: Mácsai Emília
Published: October 2012

Formation of advanced glycation end-products plays role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications and related ongoing connective tissue degeneration as part of atherosclerosis and chronic kidney disease. The cumulative metabolic burden of patients can be measured in few minutes using a recently developed non-invasive mobile device, which has been developed for the evaluation of fluorescent advanced glycation end-product molecules in skin. The variation of skin autofluorescence measurement is about 10%, and its predictive value in cardiovascular events overcomes conventional glycemic markers even in chronic kidney disease population. In the early stages of diabetes it seems to be an effective screening tool, and in overt diabetes signifies micro- and macrovascular complications. This method is unadaptable in systemic autoimmune diseases, generalised dermatological illnesses and hepatobiliary pathological conditions leading to icterus. Significant correlation has been found between skin autofluorescence and pulse wave velocity due to glycation of vascular wall structure proteins and consequent arterial matrix rigidity. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1651–1657.
Potential roles for microRNAs in inter-individual and inter-species communication
Authors: Igaz Péter , Nagy Zoltán , Vásárhelyi Barna , Buzás Edit , Falus András , Rácz Károly
Published: October 2012

MicroRNAs are major regulators of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Besides being detected intracellularly, microRNAs have been found in body fluids, as well. Circulating microRNAs may have hormone like features, since they might affect distant cells as mediators of intercellular communication. MicroRNAs occurring in serum, urine, stool and saliva can be exploited as biomarkers of several diseases, and intensive research efforts are being performed in this field. MicroRNAs are also found in breast milk, and it cannot be excluded that these may act on the baby as a form of inter-individual transfer of epigenetic information. The presence of food-derived microRNAs is even more astonishing, thus plant microRNAs have been detected in the circulation, and these could be functionally active in the human/animal organism. Based on these observations, microRNAs could be involved in the transfer of gene expressional/epigenetic information between different individuals, but also between different species, even cross-kingdom. This microRNA-mediated communication might alter our concepts on the functioning of nature and on the development of diseases, as well. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1647–1650.
Immunological changes in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas after Rituximab-CHOP treatment: Own data and review of the literature
Authors: Simon Zsófia , Illés Árpád , Miltényi Zsófia , Magyari Ferenc , Váróczy László , Péter Nikolett , Gergely Lajos
Published: October 2012

Introduction: Rituximab treatment may induce a long-term B-cell depletion, which can be accompanied with an increased infection risk. Aims: To examine the changes of the white blood cell, CD19+B-cell and CD4+T-cell counts and the levels of immunoglobulin G, A, M after rituximab containing chemotherapy and to explore the infectious complications in our patients and review of the literature. Patients and methods: Thirty-five diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients were examined, who were treated with rituximab-cyclophosphamide-vincristine-doxoribicine-prednosolone (R-CHOP). The B- and T-cell populations were analyzed with flow-cytometry while the immunoglobulin levels were measured by nephelometry. Results: CD19+B-lymphocytes were undetectable after the treatment and their count only increased from the post-therapeutic 12th month. Infection did not occur in this group of patients. Conclusions: Rituximab induced B-cell depletion was appreciable also in this group of patients, while serious or unexpected infection did not occur. Increased infectious risk primarily can be observed after long-term, maintenance rituximab treatment. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1658–1666.
Evaluacion de un conjugado antirrabico por titulacion en diferentes microscopios fluorescentes
Authors: Larghi O. P. , Oliva-Pinheiro O. , Gonzalez-Luarca E.
Published: October 2012

En cinco laboratorios se tituló una partida de conjugado antirrábico para inmunofluoresCencia con microscopios de tres marcas distintas, equipados con diferentes accesorios. Los títulos obtenidos variaron entre < 1:4 y 1:64, dependiendo de los accesorios utilizados. Estos resultados ponen de relieve la necesidad de titular los conjugados en cada laboratorio. Se mencionam los inconvenientes que pueden ocasionar la distribución del reactivo diluido de acuerdo con el título obtenido por el productor, o mezclado con suspensiones de cerebro de ratones normales e infectados con virus rábico.
Atividade dissacaridásica intestinal da esquistossomose mansônica: estudo evolutivo em camundongos com diferentes cargas de infestação
Authors: Sadek M. G. A. , Borges D. R. , Miszputen S. J.
Published: October 2012

A esquistossomose mansônica compromete vários órgãos, sendo o intestino e o fígado os mais agredidos. Com a intenção de verificar o comprometimento do intestino delgado, dependente da intensidade e do tempo de infecção pelo Schistosoma mansoni, analisou-se a atividade das dissacaridases — lactase, sacarase e maltase — em 112 camundongos, distribuídos em 3 grupos: grupo I — controle, grupo II — infestado com 30 cercárias, grupo III — infestado com 60 cercárias. Observamos uma diminuição da atividade lactásica, sacarásica e maltásica do intestino delgado, decorrente da infestação esquistossomdtica, do tempo de infestação e da alteração entre ambos. O íleo é o segmento que demonstrou maior sensibilidade a esquistossomose, tendo uma diminuição das suas dissacaridases a partir da fase inicial de infestação. Opostamente, o jejuno só mais tardiamente mostra essas alterações, exceto em relação a lactase. Detectou-se um aumento da atividade dissacaridásica, inclusive para a lactase, em todos os grupos, com a evolução etária dos animais, quantitativamente menor nos infestados. Cargas de 30 e 60 cercárias devem ser consideradas de mesmo porte, pois produziram ledução semelhante na atividade dissacaridásica.
Immunopathologic studies in myocardial biopsies of patients with Chagas' disease and idiopathic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Higuchi Maria de Lourdes , Lopes Edgard Augusto , Saldanha Luis Balthazar , Barretto Antonio Carlos Pereira , Stolf Noedir A. G. , Bellotti Giovanni , Pileggi Fulvio
Published: October 2012

Right ventricular endomyocardial biopsies were studied in 30 patients, 15 with myocardiopathy from chronic Chagas'disease and 15 with idiopathic congestive myocardiopathy; five other myocardial samples were taken at necropsies of patients with chronic Chagas' disease. The authors tried to establish by means of direct immunofluorescence techniques whether there were immunoglobulins G, A and M, fibrinogen and C3 complement deposition in the myocardium; only one of these 30 patients exhibited a positive reaction to IgG, it was a patient with idiopathic congestive myocardiopathy. All fragments from patients with Chagas' disease showed no response to any of the fluorescent conjugates. These findings do not support the idea that anti-myoeardial antibodies have pathogenic importance in the evolution of dilated or chagasic myocardiopathies.
Tratamiento com levamisol de la infeccion por Mansonella ozzardi
Authors: Restrepo Marcos , Ochoa Nubla
Published: October 2012

La administración de levamisol a la dosis para adultos, de 150 mg durante 2 a 3 meses, estuvo asociada la disminución y finalmente a la desaparición de microfilarias circulantes de Mansonella ozzardi. No se presentaron reacciones secundarias a la droga y la eosinofilia circulante, sirvió como indicador de la presencia de microfilarias.
Estudios inmunologicos en hamsters (Cricetus auratus) infectados con Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Monge Eduardo , Coelho Paulo M. Z. , Tavares Carlos A. P.
Published: October 2012

Los resultados de este trabajo muestran que el hamster (Cricetus auratus) puede ser utilizado como un modelo experimental para estudios inmunológicos en la infección por Schistosoma mansoni. Los datos obtenidos, relativos a inmunidad concomitante, producción de anticuerpo letal e inmunosupresión se asemejan a los conseguidos en otros modelos experimentales ya establecidos. Estas observaciones indican que el hámster, además de ser un hospedero satisfactorio para el mantenimiento del parásito en el laboratorio, puede ser considerado como un modelo experimental alterno cuyo crecimiento y mantenimiento son relativamente simples y además es un animal de fácil manejo.
Avaliação terapêutica do oltipraz na infecção humana pelo S. mansoni
Authors: Carvalho Silvino Alves de , Amato Neto Vicente , Zeitune José Murilo Robilotta , Shikanai-Yasuda Maria Aparecida , Takiguti Clovis Kiomitsu
Published: October 2012

Foram tratados com oltipraz, dose oral única de 30 mg/kg de peso, 72 indivíduos com esquistossomose mansoni, matriculados na Clínica de Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. As idades dos pacientes variaram de 7 a 58 anos, sendo que 8 (11,1%) eram menores de 15 anos. Os principais efeitos colaterais consistiram em tonturas 22,2%, sonolência 22,2%, náuseas 22,2%, cefaléia, 9,7%, astenia 9,7%, parestesia 8,3%, vômitos 8,3!%, cólicas 7,0?/o, diarréia 4,2%, escotomas 2,8%, sialosquese 2,8%, nódulos dolorosos em extremidades 2,8% e outras manifestações clínicas em menor freqüência. A toxicidade do medicamento foi avaliada mediante a realização pré e pós-tratamento, de exames hematimétricos, de função renal (uréia e creatinina), hepática (enzimas de liberação hepato-canalicular e. bilirrubinas), cardíaca (ECG) e neuropsiquiátrica (EEG). Não foram encontrados nos controles laboratoriais alterações relevantes ou que determinasse alguma repercussão clínica. O controle de cura verificou-se em 49 indivíduos, através de 8 coproscopias (no período de 6 meses subseqüente ao tratamento) utilizando-se duas técnicas (Hoffman e Kato/Katz) para cada amostra de fezes. Dos 29 individuos que tiveram as 8 coproscopias negativas, 20 realizaram biopsia retal, mostrando-se positiva em uma oportunidade, indicando 5% de "falsos negativos" com relação às coproscopias. O índice de cura para todas as faixas etárias foi de 59,2%. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram ser o oltipraz de relativa eficácia e determinante de efeitos tdxicos-colaterais sistêmicos no tratamento da esquistossomose mansoni.
Estudo de moluscos do gênero biomphalaria de Minas Gerais, com relação a adaptação parasito hospedeiro e importância na epidemiologia da esquistossomose
Authors: Souza Cecília Pereira de
Published: October 2012

Caramujos do gênero Biomphalaria das espécies B. tenagophila e B. straminea, descendentes de exemplares coletados em oito municípios mineiros, foram infectados com Schistosoma, mansoni das cepas LE e SJ. As taxas de infecção experimenta] variaram de 0 a 28% para B. tenagophila e de 0 a 21% para B. straminea. Esses resultados foram confrontados com os obtidos anteriormente por vários autores, mostrando que mais de 70% dentre 32 populações (doze de B. tenagophila e vinte de B. straminea) de Minas Gerais, foram suscetíveis experimentalmente a S. mansoni. Os dados experimentais, aliados a relatos de encontro de B. tenagophila e B. straminea com infecção natural por S. mansoni em quatro localidades a partir de 1982, parecem indicar que nessas regiões existem condições favoráveis de pré-adaptação ao parasitismo, a exemplo do que ocorreu no nordeste brasileiro e em São Paulo, pois, anteriormente moluscos dessas espécies não foram encontrados com infecção natural pelo trematúdeo em Minas Gerais. Estes dados são importantes para o controle da disseminação da esquistossomose em áreas indenes, tendo em vista a vasta distribuição das duas espécies no Brasil.
Insucesso na indução de resistência a drogas esquistossomicidas em uma cepa brasileira humana de Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Dias Luiz Candido de Souza , Olivier Celso Eduardo
Published: October 2012

No presente estudo, realizou-se uma tentativa de indução de resistência a 3 drogas esquistossomicidas em uma cepa brasileira de S. mansoni, segundo o esquema de indução de resistência tipo II preconizado por JANSMA et al. em 1977. Houve insucesso nas 3 tentativas realizadas. A geração parental tratada com a droga durante o estágio imaturo do verme mostrou-se menos suscetível aos quimioterápicos do que as gerações F1 e F2 do verme. Uma hipótese é levantada para a explicação do fato.
Candidose úlcero-vegetante da perna
Authors: Cucé Luis Carlos , Belda Júnior Walter , Salebian Alberto
Published: October 2012

Os Autores apresentam caso de paciente portadora de lesão única, úlcero-vegetante, localizada no 1/3 inferior da perna direita, causada pela Candida albicans. Submetida à terapêutica com Ketoconazol na dose de 400 mg diários durante o primeiro mês de tratamento e 200 mg diários no segundo mês, evoluiu para cura, sem recidiva e com negativação do título de anticorpos anti Candida albicans (fixação do complemento).
Crescimento de plantas de cajueiro anão precoce influenciado pela compactação e temperatura do solo
Authors: Oliveira P. K. B. , Oliveira T. S. , Camelo A. M. , Romero R. E.
Published: October 2012

Atribui-se ao uso de práticas culturais inadequadas uma das causas da redução drástica dos níveis de produtividade e produção da cultura do caju no nordeste brasileiro. A eliminação periódica da cobertura vegetal e o tráfego de máquinas e implementos condicionam temperaturas e densidade de solo que podem comprometer o crescimento e desenvolvimento das plantas, o que é mais preocupante ainda, considerando a textura arenosa dos solos cultivados e as condições climáticas da região. A partir destas constatações, desenvolveu-se o presente trabalho, com vistas em fornecer indicativos capazes de permitir uma avaliação dos efeitos das condições de solo e clima, objetivando identificar o comportamento de plantas de cajueiro anão precoce, submetidas a diferentes níveis de compactação e temperatura de solo, como meio de testar a hipótese de que níveis crescentes destes fatores podem reduzir seu crescimento. O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido em condições controladas, utilizando colunas de solo em tubos de PVC, nas quais se adicionou o Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo eutrófico típico. Submeteram-se estas colunas a dois níveis de temperatura do solo, um com as colunas de solo isoladas com folhas de isopor pintadas na cor alumínio (tratamento isolado-TI), e o outro, com colunas não isoladas, mas com os tubos de PVC pintados na cor preta, para maior absorção de luz (tratamento não isolado-TNI). Os níveis de densidade a que foram ajustadas as camadas compactadas da coluna de solo foram 1,2; 1,3; 1,4; 1,5; 1,6 e 1,7 Mg m-3, sendo o restante da coluna a 1,3 Mg m-3. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com arranjo fatorial 6 x 2 (seis níveis de compactação e dois níveis de temperatura), com três repetições. Após o período de 12 meses de cultivo das plantas, a parte aérea foi colhida, determinando-se matéria seca da parte aérea, altura da planta, diâmetro do caule e número de ramificações da parte aérea. Os anéis da coluna de solo foram separados e as raízes foram coletadas, determinando-se, por meio do número de pixels, a área radicular, o comprimento de raízes e a densidade radicular. O aumento da temperatura e da densidade do solo reduziu o crescimento, afetando tanto a parte aérea quanto o sistema radicular das plantas de cajueiro.