bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transmastoid reshaping of the sigmoid sinus: preliminary study of a novel surgical method to quiet pulsatile tinnitus of an unrecognized vascular origin
Authors: Kim Chong Sun , Kim So Young , Choi Hyunseok , Koo Ja-Won , Yoo Shin-Young , An Gwang Seok , Lee Kyogu , Choi Inyong , Song Jae-Jin
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

A dominant sigmoid sinus with focal dehiscence or thinning (DSSD/T) of the overlying bony wall is a commonly encountered, but frequently overlooked, cause of vascular pulsatile tinnitus (VPT). Also, the pathophysiological mechanism of sound perception in patients with VPT remains poorly understood. In the present study, a novel surgical method, termed transmastoid SS-reshaping surgery, was introduced to ameliorate VPT in patients with DSSD/T. The authors reviewed a case series, analyzed the surgical outcomes, and suggested the pathophysiological mechanism of sound perception. The theoretical background underlying VPT improvement after transmastoid SS-reshaping surgery was also explored.

METHODS

Eight patients with VPT that was considered attributable to DSSD/T underwent transmastoid SS-reshaping surgery between February 2010 and February 2015. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 9.5 months (range 4–13 months). Transmastoid SS-reshaping surgery featured simple mastoidectomy, partial compression of the SS using harvested cortical bone chips, and reinforcement of the bony SS wall with bone cement. Perioperative medical records, imaging results, and audiological findings were comprehensively reviewed.

RESULTS

In 7 of the 8 patients (87.5%), the VPT abated immediately after surgery. Statistically significant improvements in tinnitus loudness and distress were evident on numeric rating scales. Three patients with preoperative ipsilesional low-frequency hearing loss exhibited postoperative improvements in their low-frequency hearing thresholds. No major postoperative complications were encountered except in the first subject, who experienced increased intracranial pressure postoperatively. This subsided after a revision operation for partial decompression of the SS.

CONCLUSIONS

Transmastoid SS-reshaping surgery may be a good surgical option in patients with DSSD/T, a previously unrecognized cause of VPT. Redistribution of severely asymmetrical blood flow, reinforcement of the bony SS wall with bone cement to reconstruct a soundproof barrier, and disconnection of a problematic sound conduction route via simple mastoidectomy silence VPT.
Neuroendoscopic stent placement for cerebrospinal fluid pathway obstructions in adults
Authors: Marx Sascha , Fleck Steffen K. , El Refaee Ehab , Manwaring Jotham , Vorbau Christina , Fritsch Michael J. , Gaab Michael R. , Schroeder Henry W. S. , Baldauf Joerg
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

Since its revival in the early 1990s, neuroendoscopy has become an integral component of modern neurosurgery. Endoscopic stent placement for treatment of CSF pathway obstruction is a rarely used and underestimated procedure. The authors present the first series of neuroendoscopic intracranial stenting for CSF pathway obstruction in adults with associated results and complications spanning a long-term follow-up of 20 years.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained clinical database for endoscopic stent placement performed in adults between 1993 and 2013.

RESULTS

Of 526 endoscopic intraventricular procedures, stents were placed for treatment of CSF disorders in 25 cases (4.8%). The technique was used in the management of arachnoid cysts (ACs; n = 8), tumor-related CSF disorders (n = 13), and hydrocephalus due to stenosis of the foramen of Monro (n = 2) or aqueduct (n = 2). The mean follow-up was 87.1 months. No deaths or infections occurred that were related to endoscopic placement of intracranial stents. Late stent dislocation or migration was observed in 3 patients (12%).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic intracranial stent placement in adults is rarely required but is a safe and helpful technique in select cases. It is indicated when reliable and long-lasting restoration of CSF pathway obstructions cannot be achieved with standard endoscopic techniques. In the treatment of tumor-related hydrocephalus, it is a good option to avoid reclosure of the restored CSF pathway by tumor growth. Currently, routine stent placement after endoscopic fenestration of ACs is not recommended. Stent placement for treatment of CSF disorders due to tumor is a good option for avoiding CSF shunting. To avoid stent migration and dislocation, and to allow for easy removal if needed, the device should be fixed to a bur hole reservoir.
ADAMTS genes and the risk of cerebral aneurysm
Authors: Arning Astrid , Jeibmann Astrid , Köhnemann Stephan , Brokinkel Benjamin , Ewelt Christian , Berger Klaus , Wellmann Jürgen , Nowak-Göttl Ulrike , Stummer Walter , Stoll Monika , Holling Markus
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

Cerebral aneurysms (CAs) affect 2%–5% of the population, and familial predisposition plays a significant role in CA pathogenesis. Several lines of evidence suggest that genetic variations in matrix metalloproteinase genes (MMP) are involved in the etiopathology of CAs. The authors performed a case-control study to investigate the effect of 4 MMP variants from the ADAMTS family on the pathogenesis of CAs.

METHODS

To identify susceptible genetic variants, the authors investigated 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 4 genes from the ADAMTS family (ADAMTS2, -7, -12, and -13) known to be associated with vascular diseases. The study included 353 patients with CAs and 1055 healthy adults.

RESULTS

The authors found significant associations between CA susceptibility and genetic variations in 3 members of the ADAMTS family. The largest risk for CA (OR 1.32, p = 0.006) was observed in carriers of the ADAMTS2 variant rs11750568, which has been previously associated with pediatric stroke. Three SNPs under investigation are associated with a protective effect in CA pathogenesis (ADAMTS12 variant rs1364044: OR 0.65, p = 0.0001; and ADAMTS13 variants rs739469 and rs4962153: OR 0.77 and 0.63, p = 0.02 and 0.0006, respectively), while 2 other ADAMTS13 variants may confer a significant risk (rs2301612: OR 1.26, p = 0.011; rs2285489: OR 1.24, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that reduced integrity of the endothelial wall, as conferred by ADAMTS variants, together with inflammatory processes and defective vascular remodeling plays an important role in CA pathogenesis, although the mechanism of action remains unknown. The authors' findings may lead to specific screening of at-risk populations in the future.
Long-term outcomes of vertebral column resection for kyphosis in patients with cured spinal tuberculosis: average 8-year follow-up
Authors: Liu Congcong , Lin Li , Wang Weixing , Lv Guohua , Deng Youwen
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

The authors conducted a study to evaluate the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of vertebral column resection (VCR) for kyphosis in patients with cured spinal tuberculosis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. Between 2003 and 2009, 28 consecutive patients with cured spinal tuberculosis underwent VCR for kyphosis in which the target vertebra was removed completely. Autologous iliac crest bone graft or titanium mesh packed with autograft was placed into the osteotomy gap to reconstruct the spine for anterior column stability. Posterior pedicle screw fixation and fusion were typically performed. Radiographic parameters, including kyphosis angle and sagittal balance, were measured, and visual analog scale score, America Spinal Injury Association grade, Scoliosis Research Society outcome instrument (SRS-22) score, Oswestry Disability Index, patient satisfaction index, and long-term complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

This study included 12 males and 16 females, with an average age of 20.9 years at the time of surgery. The average follow-up was 96.9 months. No deaths occurred in this study. At the final follow-up, the kyphosis angle improved from the preoperative average of 70.7° to the final follow-up average of 30.2°, and the average kyphosis correction loss was 8.5°. The sagittal balance averaged 15.4 mm before surgery, 2.8 mm after surgery, and 5.4 mm at the final followup. Thirteen patients showed improvement of more than 1 America Spinal Injury Association grade. The visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and SRS-22 scores improved significantly, and the overall satisfaction rate was 92.9%. Adjacent-segment degeneration occurred in 3 patients. No severe instrumentation-related complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term safety and efficacy of the VCR technique for treating spinal tuberculosis-related kyphosis were favorable, and no severe late-stage complications appeared. Lumbar tubercular kyphosis showed a tendency for sagittal decompensation within the first 3 postoperative years. Cases of adjacent-segment degenerations were relatively few and mild without clinical symptoms.
Microsurgical treatment of sacral perineural (Tarlov) cysts: case series and review of the literature
Authors: Burke John F. , Thawani Jayesh P. , Berger Ian , Nayak Nikhil R. , Stephen James H. , Farkas Tunde , Aschyan Hovik John , Pierce John , Kanchwala Suhail , Long Donlin M. , Welch William C.
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

Tarlov cysts (TCs) occur most commonly on extradural components of the sacral and coccygeal nerve roots. These lesions are often found incidentally, with an estimated prevalence of 4%–9%. Given the low estimated rates of symptomatic TC and the fact that symptoms can overlap with other common causes of low-back pain, optimal management of this entity is a matter of ongoing debate. Here, the authors investigate the effects of surgical intervention on symptomatic TCs and aim to solidify the surgical criteria for this disease process.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective review of data from consecutive patients who were surgically treated for symptomatic TCs from September 2011 to March 2013. Clinical evaluations and results from surveying pain and overall health were used. Univariate statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-three adults (4 males, 19 females) who had been symptomatic for a mean of 47.4 months were treated with laminectomy, microsurgical exposure and/or imbrication, and paraspinous muscle flap closure. Eighteen patients (78.3%) had undergone prior interventions without sustained improvement. Thirteen patients (56.5%) underwent lumbar drainage for an average of 8.7 days following surgery. The mean follow-up was 14.4 months. Univariate analyses demonstrated that an advanced age (p = 0.045), the number of noted perineural cysts on preoperative imaging (p = 0.02), and the duration of preoperative symptoms (p = 0.03) were associated with a poor postoperative outcome. Although 47.8% of the patients were able to return to normal activities, 93.8% of those surveyed reported that they would undergo the operation again if given the choice.

CONCLUSIONS

This is one of the largest published studies on patients with TCs treated microsurgically. The data suggest that patients with symptomatic TCs may benefit from open microsurgical treatment. Although outcomes seem related to patient age, duration of symptoms, and extent of disease demonstrated on imaging, further study is warranted and underway.
Global attractor of atmospheric equations
Authors: Hong Youngjoon
Published: January 2016

We consider the three-dimensional primitive equations of the atmosphere with humidity and saturation associated with suitable boundary conditions. These equations have been shown to lead to well-posed problem producing a continuous semigroup despite the discontinuities due to the change of phase between vapor water and liquid water. In this article, we aim to show the existence of a global attractor for a model problem.
Multiple semiclassical solutions for a nonlinear Choquard equation with magnetic field
Authors: Alves Claudianor O. , Figueiredo Giovany M. , Yang Minbo
Published: January 2016

In the present paper, we study the existence of multiple solutions for a nonlinear Choquard equation in the presence of a magnetic field. Using variational methods, penalization techniques and Ljusternik–Schnirelmann theory, we relate the number of solutions with the topology of the set where the potential attains its minimum value.
Multiple solutions for a class of quasilinear problems involving variable exponents
Authors: Alves Claudianor O. , Barreiro José L.P.
Published: January 2016

In this paper we prove the multiplicity of solutions for a class of quasilinear problems in [Formula: see text] involving variable exponents. The main tool used in the proof are the variational methods, Ekeland’s variational principle and some properties related to Nehari manifold.
Characterizing Aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Dementia with Blood-Based Biomarkers and Neuropsychology
Authors: Kleinschmidt Martin , Schoenfeld Robby , Göttlich Claudia , Bittner Daniel , Metzner Jürgen Erich , Leplow Bernd , Demuth Hans-Ulrich
Published: January 2016

Background: Current treatment in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is initiated at a stage where the brain already has irreversible structural deteriorations. Therefore, the concept of treatment prior to obvious cognitive deficits has become widely accepted, and simple biochemical tests to discriminate normal aging from prodromal or demented stages are now common practice. Objective: The objective of the study was the differentiation of controls, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD patients by novel blood-based assays in combination with neuropsychological tests. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 143 subjects aged 18 to 85 years were recruited. All participants were classified by a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Blood samples were analyzed for several amyloid-β (Aβ) species, pro-inflammatory markers, anti-Aβ autoantibodies, and ApoE allele status, respectively. Results: Plasma Aβ1-42 was significantly decreased in MCI and AD compared to age-matched controls, whereas Aβ1-40 did not differ, but increases with age in healthy controls. The Aβ1-42 to Aβ1-40 ratio was stepwise decreased from age-matched controls via MCI to AD, and shows a clear correlation with memory scores. Reduced Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-42 to Aβ1-40 ratio have strongly correlated with carrying ApoE ɛ4 allele. Autoantibodies against pyroglutamate-modified Aβ, but only a certain subclass, were significantly decreased in AD compared to MCI and age-matched controls, whereas autoantibodies against the unmodified N-terminus of Aβ did not differ. Conclusion: Comprehensive sample preparation and assay standardization enable reliable usage of plasma Aβ for diagnosis of MCI and AD. Anti-pGlu-Aβ autoantibodies correlate with cognition, but not with ApoE, supporting the associated plasma Aβ analysis with additional and independent information.
Heterogeneity of Cognitive Anosognosia and its Variation with the Severity of Dementia in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Avondino Emilie , Antoine Pascal
Published: January 2016

Currently, the lack of awareness of deficits, i.e., anosognosia, is a major obstacle in the healthcare circuit that delays the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, a clear framework is lacking in the literature related to this phenomenon in terms of its definition, mechanisms, and objects. The aim of this study is to assess the different levels of cognitive anosognosia using a prediction-performance procedure and to identify the potential correlates of these levels. A sample of patients with probable AD was divided into three groups according to the severity of dementia (mild (MiD), moderate (MoD), and moderately severe (MSD) dementia), ranked according to the results of the Mini-Mental State Examination. We observed the following three scores: the real score, the prediction score, and the anosognosia score. These scores were calculated based on the prediction-performance task MISAwareness from the Dementia Rating Scale for cognitive processes (i.e., Attention, Initiation, Conceptualization, Construction, and Memory). We obtained a strong plateau effect between the MiD and MoD groups for anosognosia scores for actual performance or prediction for both the level of overall functioning and for specific processes. The sole exception was the result for memory processes. Moreover, the profiles of the patients’ responses on the Memory subscale were substantially different and, indeed, opposite from those for the other processes. The main results confirm the multidimensionality of anosognosia and its variability with the stage of dementia and specifically implicate memory processes that indicate a cleavage between memory and other cognitive functions.
Resting-State Cardiac Workload is Related to Both Increased Neocortical Aggregation of Amyloid-β and Relative Impairments in Spatial Working Memory in Pre-Clinical Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Santos Cláudia Yang , Lim Yen Ying , Wu Wen-Chih , Machan Jason Timothy , Polynice Shahena , Schindler Rachel , Maruff Paul , Snyder Peter Jeffrey
Published: January 2016

We sought to determine whether there is any association between a cardiac workload marker, rate pressure product (RPP), working memory, and cortical amyloid-β (Aβ) burden in 63 cognitively normal midlife adults (Mage = 62.8 years; range = 55 to 75 years) at risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The results show a small-to-moderate relationship between increasing cardiac workload (at rest) and neocortical amyloidosis in individuals at the preclinical stage of AD. Moreover, increasing RPP was linearly related to increasing relative impairments on a spatial working memory task (R2 = 0.30), but only for those individuals with neuroimaging evidence suggestive of preclinical AD. These results support a relationship between the aggregation of Aβ protein plaques in the neocortex, increased cognitive impairment, and more inefficient myocardial oxygen use in the absence of significant metabolic demands.
Usefulness of an Integrated Analysis of Different Memory Tasks to Predict the Progression from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer’s Disease: The Episodic Memory Score (EMS)
Authors: Marra Camillo , Gainotti Guido , Fadda Lucia , Perri Roberta , Lacidogna Giordano , Scaricamazza Eugenia , Piccininni Chiara , Quaranta Davide
Published: January 2016

Taking into the account both the severity and the consistency of performances obtained on memory tests by patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) could improve the power to predict their progression to Alzheimer’s disease. For this purpose, we constructed the Episodic Memory Score (EMS), which is obtained by subdividing in tertiles performances obtained at baseline in verbal (RAVLT) and visual episodic memory (Rey-Osterrieth Figure-delayed recall) and giving a score ranging from 1 (worst result) to 3 (best result) to results falling within each tertile. The EMS was computed for each patient by summing the tertile score obtained on each memory task, so that the total score ranged from 4 (worst performance) to 12 (best performance). The aMCI sample consisted of 198 subjects who completed the two-year follow-up, at the end of which 55 subjects had converted to dementia. The mean EMS score obtained by aMCI converters was significantly lower than that of aMCI-stable patients. In detecting conversion to dementia, the comparison between EMS and individual memory scores obtained at baseline was made by computing ROC curves, and estimating the respective area under the curve (AUC). The EMS had a larger AUC than the individual memory scores. At baseline aMCI converters performed worse than non-converters not only on memory tasks, but also on executive functions tasks. However, in a multiple variables logistic regression analysis in which all scores showing statistically significant differences between aMCI-converters and aMCI-stable were entered, the EMS was the only reliable predictor of progression from aMCI to dementia.
A Mitochondrial Role of SV2a Protein in Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease: Studies with Levetiracetam
Authors: Stockburger Carola , Miano Davide , Baeumlisberger Marion , Pallas Thea , Arrey Tabiwang N. , Karas Michael , Friedland Kristina , Müller Walter E.
Published: January 2016

Aberrant neuronal network activity associated with neuronal hyperexcitability seems to be an important cause of cognitive decline in aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Out of many antiepileptics, only levetiracetam improved cognitive dysfunction in AD patients and AD animal models by reducing hyperexcitability. As impaired inhibitory interneuronal function, rather than overactive neurons, seems to be the underlying cause, improving impaired neuronal function rather than quieting overactive neurons might be relevant in explaining the lack of activity of the other antiepileptics. Interestingly, improvement of cognitive deficits by levetiracetam caused by small levels of soluble Aβ was accompanied by improvement of synaptic function and plasticity. As the negative effects of Aβ on synaptic plasticity strongly correlate with mitochondrial dysfunction, wehypothesized that the effect of levetiracetam on synaptic activity might be raised by an improved mitochondrial function. Accordingly, we investigated possible effects of levetiracetam on neuronal deficits associated with mitochondrial dysfunction linked to aging and AD. Levetiracetam improved several aspects of mitochondrial dysfunction including alterations of fission and fusion balance in a cell model for aging and early late-onset AD. We demonstrate for the first time, using immunohistochemistry and proteomics, that the synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2a), the molecular target of levetiracetam, is expressed in mitochondria. In addition, levetiracetam shows significant effect on the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Importantly, the effects of levetiracetam were significantly abolished when SV2a was knockdown using siRNA. In conclusion, interfering with the SV2a protein at the mitochondrial level and thereby improving mitochondrial function might represent an additional therapeutic effect of levetiracetam to improve symptoms of late-onset AD.
Effect of Anserine/Carnosine Supplementation on Verbal Episodic Memory in Elderly People
Authors: Hisatsune Tatsuhiro , Kaneko Jun , Kurashige Hiroki , Cao Yuan , Satsu Hideo , Totsuka Mamoru , Katakura Yoshinori , Imabayashi Etsuko , Matsuda Hiroshi
Published: January 2016

Our goal in this study was to determine whether or not anserine/carnosine supplementation (ACS) is capable of preserving cognitive function of elderly people. In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, volunteers were randomly assigned to an ACS or placebo group at a 1:1 ratio. The ACS group took 1.0 g of an anserine/carnosine (3:1) formula daily for 3 months. Participants were evaluated by psychological tests before and after the 3-month supplementation period. Thirty-nine healthy elderly volunteers (60–78 years old) completed the follow-up tests. Among the tests, delayed recall verbal memory assessed by the Wechsler Memory Scale-Logical Memory showed significant preservation in the ACS group, compared to the placebo group (p = 0.0128). Blood analysis revealed a decreased secretion of inflammatory cytokines, including CCL-2 and IL-8, in the ACS group. MRI analysis using arterial spin labeling showed a suppression in the age-related decline in brain blood flow in the posterior cingulate cortex area in the ACS group, compared to the placebo group (p = 0.0248). In another randomized controlled trial, delayed recall verbal memory showed significant preservation in the ACS group, compared to the placebo group (p = 0.0202). These results collectively suggest that ACS may preserve verbal episodic memory and brain perfusion in elderly people, although further study is needed.
A Meta-Analysis of Alzheimer’s Disease Incidence and Prevalence Comparing African-Americans and Caucasians
Authors: Steenland Kyle , Goldstein Felicia C. , Levey Allan , Wharton Whitney
Published: January 2016

Background: Several studies have shown higher Alzheimer’s disease (AD) incidence rates are in African-Americans (AAs) than Caucasians (CCs). If this finding is consistent across studies, it raises important etiologic questions regarding factors responsible for this discrepancy. It also affects the likely public health burden of AD in the US in the future, as the non-Caucasian population becomes the majority. Objective: Estimate the AA/CC rate ratio for AD incidence across all available studies. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis of population-based studies for the rate ratio (RR) of AD incidence for AAs versus CCs, after identifying six relevant studies from the literature. We calculated an AA/CC rate ratio across all studies using inverse-variance weighting, and assessed inter-study heterogeneity. Using these incidence data, as well as data on survival after diagnosis, and on all-cause mortality, we also estimated the US prevalence of AD among AAs and CCs. Results: There were six population-based studies with data comparing AD incidence between AAs and CCs, with an estimated 370 AA and 640 CC incident cases. The meta-analysis RR showed that the AD rate for AAs was 64% higher than for CCs (RR = 1.64 (95% CI 1.35-2.00)) 1.35-2.00)), with no evidence of heterogeneity. We estimated the current US AD prevalence for ages 65–90 to be 5.5% for CCs, and 8.6% for AAs (prevalence ratio 1.56). Conclusion: AAs have an increased risk of incident and prevalent AD compared to CCs for reasons which are unknown, but are hypothesized to reflect biological, psychological, and socioeconomic factors.
Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy-Related Inflammation Biomarkers: Where are we Now?
Authors: Charidimou Andreas
Published: January 2016

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy– related inflammation (CAA-ri) is an aggressive disease subtype of CAA with characteristic clinical and radiological findings. CAA-ri is an important diagnosis to reach in clinical practice, as patients typically respond to prompt immunosuppressive treatment. A definitive diagnosis of CAA-ri still requires a brain biopsy, and hence developing non-invasive diagnostic criteria and biomarkers for this syndrome are key priorities in the field. CAA-ri has gained additional interest for its notable similarities to amyloid-related imaging abnormalities, a complication of immunotherapy treatments in Alzheimer’s disease patients. In this commentary, the current state of biomarkers research for CAA-ri and recently suggested diagnostic criteria are put into context.
Cancer statistics, 2016
Authors: Siegel Rebecca L. , Miller Kimberly D. , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: January 2016

Each year, the American Cancer Society estimates the numbers of new cancer cases and deaths that will occur in the United States in the current year and compiles the most recent data on cancer incidence, mortality, and survival. Incidence data were collected by the National Cancer Institute (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results [SEER] Program), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (National Program of Cancer Registries), and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries. Mortality data were collected by the National Center for Health Statistics. In 2016, 1,685,210 new cancer cases and 595,690 cancer deaths are projected to occur in the United States. Overall cancer incidence trends (13 oldest SEER registries) are stable in women, but declining by 3.1% per year in men (from 2009‐2012), much of which is because of recent rapid declines in prostate cancer diagnoses. The cancer death rate has dropped by 23% since 1991, translating to more than 1.7 million deaths averted through 2012. Despite this progress, death rates are increasing for cancers of the liver, pancreas, and uterine corpus, and cancer is now the leading cause of death in 21 states, primarily due to exceptionally large reductions in death from heart disease. Among children and adolescents (aged birth‐19 years), brain cancer has surpassed leukemia as the leading cause of cancer death because of the dramatic therapeutic advances against leukemia. Accelerating progress against cancer requires both increased national investment in cancer research and the application of existing cancer control knowledge across all segments of the population. CA Cancer J Clin 2016;7–30. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Risk of error estimated from Palestine pharmacists’ knowledge and certainty on the adverse effects and contraindications of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients
Authors: Shawahna Ramzi , Al-Rjoub Mohammed , Al-Horoub Mohammed M , Al-Hroub Wasif , Al-Rjoub Bisan , Al-Nabi Bashaaer Abd
Published: January 2016

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate community pharmacists’ knowledge and certainty of adverse effects and contraindications of pharmaceutical products to estimate the risk of error. Factors influencing their knowledge and certainty were also investigated. Methods: The knowledge of community pharmacists was assessed in a cross-sectional design using a multiple-choice questions test on the adverse effects and contraindications of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients from May 2014 to March 2015. Self-rated certainty scores were also recorded for each question. Knowledge and certainty scores were combined to estimate the risk of error. Results: Out of 315 subjects, 129 community pharmacists (41.0%) completed the 30 multiple-choice questions test on active ingredients and excipients. Knowledge on active ingredients was associated with the year of graduation and obtaining a licence to practice pharmacy. Knowledge on excipients was associated with the degree obtained. There was higher risk of error in items on excipients than those on ingredients (P< 0.01). Conclusion: The knowledge of community pharmacists in Palestine was insufficient with high risk of errors. Knowledge of community pharmacists on the safety issues of active ingredients and excipients need to be improved.
Evaluation of gas-sensing properties of ZnO nanostructures electrochemically doped with Au nanophases
Authors: Dilonardo Elena , Penza Michele , Alvisi Marco , Di Franco Cinzia , Palmisano Francesco , Torsi Luisa , Cioffi Nicola
Published: January 2016

A one-step electrochemical method based on sacrificial anode electrolysis (SAE) was used to deposit stabilized gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) directly on the surface of nanostructured ZnO powders, previously synthesized through a sol–gel process. The effect of thermal annealing temperatures (300 and 550 °C) on chemical, morphological, and structural properties of pristine and Au-doped ZnO nancomposites (Au@ZnO) was investigated. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), revealed the successful deposition of nanoscale gold on the surface of spherical and rod-like ZnO nanostructures, obtained after annealing at 300 and 550 °C, respectively. The pristine ZnO and Au@ZnO nanocomposites are proposed as active layer in chemiresistive gas sensors for low-cost processing. Gas-sensing measurements towards NO2 were collected at 300 °C, evaluating not only the Au-doping effect, but also the influence of the different ZnO nanostructures on the gas-sensing properties.
THE KEPLER DICHOTOMY AMONG THE M DWARFS: HALF OF SYSTEMS CONTAIN FIVE OR MORE COPLANAR PLANETS
Authors: Ballard Sarah , Johnson John Asher
Published: January 2016

We present a statistical analysis of the Kepler M dwarf planet hosts, with a particular focus on the fractional number of systems hosting multiple transiting planets. We manufacture synthetic planetary systems within a range of planet multiplicity and mutual inclination for comparison to the Kepler yield. Similarly to studies of Kepler exoplanetary systems around more massive stars, we report that the number of singly transiting planets found by Kepler is too high to be consistent with a single population of multi-planet systems, a finding that cannot be attributed to selection biases. To account for the excess singleton planetary systems we adopt a mixture model and find that 53 ± 10% of planetary systems are either single or contain multiple planets with large mutual inclinations. The other 47 ± 10% of systems contain

planets with mutual inclinations of 2.°0 ± 1.°3. This mutual inclination range is consistent with studies of transit durations within multiply transiting systems. The mixture model is preferred 8:1 to a model with only one architecture. Thus, we find that the so-called “Kepler dichotomy” holds for planets orbiting M dwarfs as well as Sun-like stars.
Dérider le quotidien : un lien opératoire dans le couple
Authors: Fischhof Catherine
Published: January 2016

L’auteur, psychologue clinicienne et thérapeute familiale psychanalytique, a placé son travail sous le signe du lien et de l’intersubjectivité. Illustré par le récit d’une psychothérapie de couple, l’article vise à décrire, à l’aide de concepts propres à la psychanalyse des liens, comment le rire et l’humour, quand ils surgissent de manière inattendue dans l’espace transférentiel pluri-subjectif, permettent de déliter les éléments les plus mortifères, encryptés dans les liens opératoires et la dépressivité. Ils restaurent la capacité de rêver et se mettent alors au service des pulsions de vie.
La consultation parents/jeune enfant et les souffrances traumatiques, une alternative face aux difficultés du soin psychique
Authors: Drieu Didier , Jerrar-Oulidi Jalal , Eeckeman Emmanuelle
Published: January 2016

On rencontre en consultation en cmpp ou en pédopsychiatrie des enfants qui, dès la crèche, inquiètent leur environnement du fait de conduites témoignant souvent de traumas interactifs qui sidèrent toute tentative d’élaboration et complexifient tous les projets de soin. Pour ces enfants pour qui l’élaboration en consultation de type classique est difficilement accessible, il s’agit de travailler autour des liens parents/enfants les problématiques qui renvoient aux premières expériences d’attachement et d’appropriation subjective. À partir d’une consultation parents/enfant avec une petite fille de 3 ans, les auteurs, psychologues cliniciens, mettent en perspective ce travail où il est question de cheminer avec les parents et l’enfant pour progressivement scénariser et historiciser les recouvrements traumatiques. Il devient possible alors de se figurer un vécu jusqu’alors informe ouvrant petit à petit la voie à une symbolisation et donc à des changements dans les liens parents/enfant.
Alhacén: una revolución óptica
Authors: González-Cano Agustín
Published: January 2016

Alhacén es un punto de inflexión en la historia de la Óptica, uno de los nombres clave en el desarrollo de las teorías ópticas y un personaje de gran talla científica. Se pasa revista aquí a su figura, a sus principales aportaciones y la trascendencia de esas aportaciones. En particular, se pone el énfasis en el replanteamiento que Alhacén hace del papel de la luz en la visión y en el modelo intromisivo que propone para esta última.
Luz y ondas. Huygens: la luz como propagación ondulatoria
Authors: Blanco Laserna David
Published: January 2016

La óptica geométrica ofreció la primera descripción matemática y rigurosa de la luz. Sin embargo, a finales del siglo XVII comenzaron a estudiarse fenómenos que trascendían sus límites. El Traité de la lumière de Huygens ocupa un lugar destacado entre los intentos de definir una imagen más compleja y profunda de la luz.
Teorías de la luz y el color en la época de las Luces. De Newton a Goethe
Authors: Pimentel Juan
Published: January 2016

En este artículo comenzamos por revisar la teoría de la luz de Isaac Newton, centrándonos en el carácter controvertido del experimento crucial. Después nos detenemos en algunos aspectos de su legado en un siglo quizás más newtoniano que su propia óptica, analizando algunas metáforas bajo las que fue entendida la luz, así como el papel simbólico de la luz, metáfora del conocimiento por excelencia. Finalmente repasamos la teoría de los colores de Goethe, su impugnación de la óptica newtoniana y su empeño en recuperar al ser humano y la historia de la ciencia para entender mejor no sólo qué son la luz, el ojo o los fenómenos cromáticos, sino la actividad científica en su conjunto.
Maxwell: la teoría electromagnética de la luz
Authors: Gabàs Masip Joel
Published: January 2016

Este artículo pretende explicar en qué contexto se desarrolló la teoría de las ondas electromagnéticas y se identificó la luz como una de ellas. Para ello se hace un análisis de la figura de Maxwell y su tiempo, haciendo especial hincapié en el estado del conocimiento en óptica, electricidad y magnetismo.
La luz del origen del universo
Authors: Casas Alberto
Published: January 2016

En 1965 se descubrió el fondo de radiación de microondas, un eco luminoso de la Gran Explosión (Big Bang). La cantidad de información contenida en esta reliquia del universo primitivo es verdaderamente extraordinaria. En la actualidad los datos más precisos sobre el origen y estructura del universo provienen del estudio de esta luz primigenia, que aún no ha sido explorada en todo su potencial.
Celebrificación del candidato. Cultura de la fama, marketing electoral y construcción de la imagen pública del político
Authors: Oliva Mercè , Pérez-Latorre Óliver , Besalú Reinald
Published: January 2016

A causa del rol central de los medios de comunicación en la configuración de la esfera pública contemporánea, las estrategias de comunicación de las instituciones políticas tienden a adaptarse a la lógica mediática. Se detecta un acercamiento progresivo de la comunicación política hacia el entretenimiento y el ejemplo más significativo de esta tendencia es la celebrificación de los políticos, es decir, el uso de elementos de la cultura de la fama para construir la imagen pública de los candidatos. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo desarrollar teóricamente qué significa celebrificar a los candidatos. A partir de las principales aportaciones de los celebrity studies y el marketing político se han identificado tres variables que permiten reconocer y entender la celebrificación. Posteriormente estos tres rasgos se usan para analizar la construcción de la imagen de los candidatos en las Elecciones al Parlamento de Cataluña de 2012.
Jean d’Angers l’Ancien : itinéraire d’un sculpteur angevin en Espagne au Siècle d’Or (de 1532 à 1576)
Authors: Peltier Cyril
Published: January 2016

Jean d’Angers († 1576) fait partie d’une longue
liste d’artistes français qui s’établirent en Castille au début du
Siècle d’Or, en quête de conditions de travail plus favorables que
dans leur pays natal. Après quelques travaux réalisés au gré de son
itinérance, il établit définitivement son atelier à León en 1540.
Entouré de riches commanditaires issus de la noblesse et du clergé,
l’artiste contribua au déploiement de la sculpture castillane. Il
réalisa au total en Espagne une vingtaine d’œuvres, principalement en
bois polychrome, consacrées à la Passion du Christ et au culte marial.
Dans toute sa production, l’artiste privilégie une image
sensationnelle, un art des émotions. La présente étude retrace le
parcours et présente l’œuvre ibérique du sculpteur. Elle se clos sur
quelques hypothèses sur les origines de cet artiste, méconnu du
patrimoine local angevin.
Une industrie au service du pain : les carrières de meules de Cinq-Mars-la-Pile (Indre-et-Loire), au xviie siècle
Authors: Belmont Alain
Published: January 2016

Ignorée de la plupart des historiens et des
archéologues, la production des meules de moulins représenta jusqu’à
la veille de la Première guerre mondiale un secteur industriel
fondamental, car de sa bonne marche dépendait la quantité et la
qualité du pain consommé par nos prédécesseurs. Parmi les grands
gisements à la tête de cette industrie, se trouvait celui de
Cinq-Mars-la-Pile, en Indre-et-Loire. Connu par ses archives
d’entreprises des xixe et xxe siècles, son passé plus ancien demeurait
pratiquement inexploré. Partant des plus anciens registres notariés
conservés, l’article décrit le mode d’exploitation des carrières, le
personnel mis en oeuvre, les productions et enfin l’aire de
commercialisation d’entreprises qui irriguèrent de larges pans de
l’Ouest de la France au xviie siècle.
L’achèvement de l’arc-en-ciel politique dans la presse quotidienne bretonne
Authors: Guillauma Yves
Published: January 2016

En lien avec les alliés, les nouvelles autorités de
la Libération autorisèrent la parution de quatre nouveaux quotidiens à
la fin de la guerre en Bretagne, en remplacement de ceux qui avaient
prolongé leur parution durant l’Occupation et qui furent interdits.
Bien vite cependant, le gouvernement estima nécessaire de compléter
« l’arc-en-ciel » politique de cette presse quotidienne, en
particulier par la création d’un journal destiné à refléter la
sensibilité de gauche, jusque-là absente de la région. Il vit le jour
à Rennes en avril 1945 sous le titre La République sociale, et
Pierre-Henri Teitgen, alors ministre de l’Information, décida qu’il
serait dirigé par les socialistes et les radicaux. Boudé par les
communistes et à peu près dépourvu d’informations locales, il ne
réussit jamais à s’imposer et accumula d’importants déficits au fil
des mois. Malgré toutes les tentatives faites pour le renflouer,
malgré sa reprise par Max Boyer, directeur du Maine libre, et un
changement de titre, il fut contraint de s’arrêter en novembre 1947.
Son échec entraîna la chute du quotidien manceau et contribua à
redessiner la carte de la presse quotidienne dans l’Ouest où, à
l’occasion d’une augmentation de capital, deux ans plus tard, le
quotidien manceau passa d’abord sous le contrôle du Courrier de
l’Ouest publié à Angers, avant de faire partie du groupe du Parisien
libéré.
La délicate gestion des « U-Boot-Bunker » à Bordeaux et Saint-Nazaire, de la Libération aux années 2000
Authors: Blain Jean-Baptiste
Published: January 2016

Édifiés durant l’Occupation nazie les U-Boot-Bunker
sont les rares témoins architecturaux de cette période sombre. Les
U-bunkers construits sur la façade atlantique française, n’ont jamais
subi de tentative de destructions. Au contraire, après la guerre ces
immenses bunkers ont différentes fonctions. Certains, dont les anciens
bunkers à submersibles de Bordeaux et Saint-Nazaire, ont rapidement
été mis à disposition des ports pour y accueillir des entreprises
industrielles. Cependant, à la fin des années 1980, nombre de ces
entreprises ferment et les villes portuaires doivent alors intégrer
« les bases sous-marines » dans leur espace urbain. Différentes
méthodes sont dès lors mises en œuvre pour que les U-Boot-Bunker ne
soient plus considérés comme des friches militaro-industrielles, mais
comme des éléments attractifs.
Vers une déclaration universelle des droits de l'humanité ?
Authors: Ottou Alix , Doris Marion
Published: January 2016

Lors de la Conférence environnementale de novembre 2014 à Paris, dans l'intention de préparer la COP21, le Président F. Hollande a émis le souhait que soient posés « les droits de l'humanité, c'est-à-dire le droit pour tous les habitants de la Terre de vivre dans un monde dont le futur n'est pas compromis par l'irresponsabilité du présent ». Ces droits constitueraient une nouvelle étape historique en matière de droits humains. C'est à cette fin que, le 4 juin 2015, Madame Corinne Lepage a été chargée par le Président français, d'initier un groupe de travail afin de mettre au point un instrument ayant vocation à protéger l'humanité. Le travail de ce groupe a abouti à la rédaction de la « Déclaration universelle des droits de l'humanité » remise dans un rapport de 133 pages au Président de la République, rapport en date du 25 septembre 2015. Ce projet sera soumis au cours de l'année 2016 à l'Assemblée générale des Nations unies.
Balcony Systems (Isokorb) Impact on Energy Need for Heating and Economic Valuation
Authors: Buday Peter , Ingeli Rastislav
Published: January 2016

Rising living standards have led to a significant increase in building energy consumption over the past few decades. Therefore, along with sustainability requirements, it is essential to establish an effective and precise energy demand model for new buildings. In principle, energy demand in buildings is very important plan to pre-calculate and that is one of the reasons why it is supposed to be precalculated for most of the sustainable buildings. Net Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEBs) have received increased attention in recent years as a result of constant concerns about energy supply constraints, decreasing energy resources, increasing energy costs and the rising impact of greenhouse gases on world climate. Promoting whole building strategies that employ passive measures together with energy efficient systems and technologies using renewable energy became a European political strategy following the publication of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive recast in May 2010 by the European Parliament and Council. In Net Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEB) is necessary to calculate all factors that influence on energy need for heating. However what is still underestimated is the consideration that the energy performance of any building component is the result not only of its thermophysical properties but also of how are all the components installed and connected to each other. Thermal bridging in buildings can contribute to a multitude of problems. One of the details that create thermal bridges is balcony. This paper is focused to calculate Balcony systems (isokorb) impact on energy need for heating and economic valuation of balcony systems in residential building.
New Calculation Method for Determination of the Influence of Thermal Bridges on a Building
Authors: Menďan Rastislav , Pavčeková Monika
Published: January 2016

The contribution presents a new calculation method for more exact determination of increase of thermal transmittance due to thermal bridges ΔU. Since each building is three-dimensional, to get the objective and exact results, the calculation of heat losses of a building should be carried out using three-dimensional model. However, the 3D calculation is practically rather difficult and very hard realizable in building practice in Slovakia nowadays. It is much simpler to model and calculate a building as two-dimensional. The calculation method presented in this contribution is based on the modeling two-dimensional sections of the whole building taking into account the building as a whole.
Impact of Growing Conditions of Spruce Wood on Thermal Performance of Windows
Authors: Puškár Anton , Panáček Pavol
Published: January 2016

In order to eliminate this wood handicap comparing to other material bases, chiefly PVC, which are used for window production, it is inevitable to know the thermal transmittance values of wood grown in Slovakia region, eventually in Czech Republic, to be able to modify the calculated or measured values of window thermal transmittance. Solution for the research problem is documented by the spruce or fir wood example, which are used the most in window production in SR.
The Progressive Constructions in the Work of Architects of the Classical Modernism, Slovakia 1919-1939
Authors: Borecká Eva , Mellner Dušan
Published: January 2016

The influence of approaching functionalism on the traditional structures of the interwar architecture, reflected through the life and work of the German circuit architects Franz Wimmer and Andreas Szőnyi.
Preliminary Proposal of a Shading System Composed of Photovoltaic Modules and Phase Change Material
Authors: Jedinák Richard
Published: January 2016

Energy efficiency of buildings is one of the basic requirements of current architectural engineering. The new recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) calls for all new buildings to be nearly zero energy buildings by the end of 2020. To achieve this target is quite challenging. The article deals with the design of a shading system, which consists of lamination made from photovoltaic modules and phase change materials. The lamination is composed of thin but durable photovoltaic modules, which are located on the profile formed from aluminum in which the phase change material is mounted. The shading system is a part of the building facade from the exterior side. In this article there are presented results of simulation of a single zone which was set with a shading system using two different phase change materials.