bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wave Energy Exploitation System Integrated in the Coastal Structure of a Mediterranean Port
Authors: Naty Stefania , Viviano Antonino , Foti Enrico
Published: December 2016

A feasibility study for installing Wave Energy Converters (WECs) in a Mediterranean port is presented here. The final aim is to evaluate the possibility of building a green touristic infrastructure in a site having ordinary wave energy. In particular, the site of interest is Giardini Naxos, which is located in the northern Ionian coast of the island of Sicily (Italy). A preliminary estimation of the available energy has been carried out. The chosen type of WEC device is the Oscillating Water Column (OWC) system, which is found here to allow for good integration with the vertical breakwater needed for the extension of the existing port. Its feasibility is evaluated from the structural and economic point of view. Towards this aim, the system is tested in the laboratory for estimating the reflection coefficients and the pressures on the structure, which allow us to carry out the optimization of the OWC breakwater. Furthermore, the air turbine noise is estimated and an attenuation chamber is designed to reduce such noise to within acceptable levels. The economic feasibility study allows for an evaluation of the recuperation period of the investment, which is slightly less than the service life of the WEC device.
Combining the Conservation of Biodiversity with the Provision of Ecosystem Services in Urban Green Infrastructure Planning: Critical Features Arising from a Case Study in the Metropolitan Area of Rome
Authors: Capotorti Giulia , Del Vico Eva , Anzellotti Ilaria , Celesti-Grapow Laura
Published: December 2016

A large number of green infrastructure (GI) projects have recently been proposed, planned and implemented in European cities following the adoption of the GI strategy by the EU Commission in 2013. Although this policy tool is closely related to biodiversity conservation targets, some doubts have arisen as regards the ability of current urban GI to provide beneficial effects not only for human societies but also for the ecological systems that host them. The aim of this work is to review the features that should be considered critical when searching for solutions that simultaneously support biodiversity and guarantee the provision of ecosystem services (ES) in urban areas. Starting from a case study in the metropolitan area of Rome, we highlight the role of urban trees and forests as proxies for overall biodiversity and as main ecosystem service providers. We look beyond the individual functional features of plant species and vegetation communities to promote the biogeographic representativity, ecological coherence and landscape connectivity of new or restored GI elements.
Using Goal-Programming to Model the Effect of Stakeholder Determined Policy and Industry Changes on the Future Management of and Ecosystem Services Provision by Ireland’s Western Peatland Forests
Authors: Corrigan Edwin , Nieuwenhuis Maarten
Published: December 2016

Recent studies have highlighted land-use conflicts between stakeholder groups in Ireland. Some of these conflicts can be attributed to European directives, designed with sustainable forest management principles in mind, but imposing incoherencies for land-owners and stakeholders at the local level. This study, using Ireland’s Western Peatland forests as a case study area, focused on the development and implementation of a goal programming model capable of analysing the long term impact of policy and industry changes at the landscape level. The model captures the essential aspects of the changes identified by local level stakeholders as influencing forest management in Ireland and determines the future impact of these changes on ecosystem services provisions. Initially, a business as usual potential future is generated. This is used as a baseline against which to compare the impact of industry and policy changes. The model output indicated that the current forest composition is only really suited to satisfy a single, financial objective for forest management. The goal programming model analysed multiple objectives simultaneously and the results indicated that the stakeholders’ desired ecosystem service provisions in the future will be more closely met by diversifying the forest estate and/or by changing to an alternative, non-forest land-use on less productive areas.
CEO Overconfidence, Leadership Ethics, and Institutional Investors
Authors: Park Joohee , Chung Chune
Published: December 2016

This paper explores the influence of institutional investors’ external monitoring on CEOs’ overconfidence. We particularly examine institutional monitoring’s influence on overinvestments by overconfident CEOs and the likelihood of appointing these overconfident CEOs to firms. The results indicate that firms with overconfident CEOs have more overinvestment, as the CEOs tend to be overly optimistic about investment opportunities and are more likely to act on them. The findings, more importantly, show that institutional monitoring mechanisms attenuate overconfident CEOs’ overinvestment. However, we find that institutional monitoring is only significant when long-term and/or large institutional investors hold the firms’ shares. We also discover that investors’ institutional monitoring not only actively reduces a CEO’s overinvestments, but also negatively influences the appointment of overconfident CEOs. Overall, our study provides insights into institutional monitoring’s role in corporate governance as an effective means of preventing value-destroying behaviors by an overconfident leader and cultivating an ethical business philosophy.
Cheat Electricity? The Political Economy of Green Electricity Delivery on the Dutch Market for Households and Small Business
Authors: Hufen J.
Published: December 2016

The European Commission’s renewable energy directive introduced a market-based Guarantees of Origin (GO)-trade system that gives consumers the choice of buying “real” green energy. This has been successful, as the market share of Dutch households that buy green energy grew to 64% in 2015. However, societal organizations are dissatisfied with the green energy offered, categorizing it as “cheat” electricity. This article aims to solve this riddle of a successful product created under the GO-trade system but also heavily criticized. Research reveals a lively marketplace with buyers eager to buy green energy and energy producers offering a wide range of labels. Marketplace mechanisms are strongly influenced by political choices, and financial support for energy suppliers makes green energy a credible option. Societal groups, however, argue that the information provided is incomplete and misleading, that buying green energy does not impact positively on greenhouse gas reduction, and that better information and structural reform are required. The GO-trade system is strongly influenced by member states’ national energy politics. Societal organizations have helped to optimize the implementation of the GO-trade system in the Netherlands, but they are not expected to be able to support the creation of a level playing field in which an optimal GO-trade system will flourish.
Anticonvulsant Effects of Fractions Isolated from Dinoponera quadriceps (Kempt) Ant Venom (Formicidae: Ponerinae)
Authors: Nôga Diana , Brandão Luiz , Cagni Fernanda , Silva Delano , De Azevedo Dina , Araújo Arrilton , Dos Santos Wagner , Miranda Antonio , Da Silva Regina , Ribeiro Alessandra
Published: December 2016

Natural products, sources of new pharmacological substances, have large chemical diversity and architectural complexity. In this context, some toxins obtained from invertebrate venoms have anticonvulsant effects. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects about 65 million people worldwide, and approximately 30% of cases are resistant to pharmacological treatment. Previous studies from our group show that the denatured venom of the ant Dinoponera quadriceps (Kempt) protects mice against bicuculline (BIC)-induced seizures and death. The aim of this study was to investigate the anticonvulsant activity of compounds isolated from D. quadriceps venom against seizures induced by BIC in mice. Crude venom was fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) resulting in six fractions referred to as DqTx1–DqTx6. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis revealed a major 431 Da compound in fractions DqTx1 and DqTx2. Fractions DqTx3 and DqTx4 showed a compound of 2451 Da and DqTx5 revealed a 2436 Da compound. Furthermore, the DqTx6 fraction exhibited a major component with a molecular weight of 13,196 Da. Each fraction (1 mg/mL) was microinjected into the lateral ventricle of mice, and the animals were observed in an open field. We did not observe behavioral alterations when the fractions were given alone. Conversely, when the fractions were microinjected 20 min prior to the administration of BIC (21.6 nM), DqTx1, DqTx4, and DqTx6 fractions increased the latency for onset of tonic-clonic seizures. Moreover, all fractions, except DqTx5, increased latency to death. The more relevant result was obtained with the DqTx6 fraction, which protected 62.5% of the animals against tonic-clonic seizures. Furthermore, this fraction protected 100% of the animals from seizure episodes followed by death. Taken together, these findings indicate that compounds from ant venom might be a potential source of new anticonvulsants molecules.
Transspecies Transmission of Gammaretroviruses and the Origin of the Gibbon Ape Leukaemia Virus (GaLV) and the Koala Retrovirus (KoRV)
Authors: Denner Joachim
Published: December 2016

Transspecies transmission of retroviruses is a frequent event, and the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) is a well-known example. The gibbon ape leukaemia virus (GaLV) and koala retrovirus (KoRV), two gammaretroviruses, are also the result of a transspecies transmission, however from a still unknown host. Related retroviruses have been found in Southeast Asian mice although the sequence similarity was limited. Viruses with a higher sequence homology were isolated from Melomys burtoni, the Australian and Indonesian grassland melomys. However, only the habitats of the koalas and the grassland melomys in Australia are overlapping, indicating that the melomys virus may not be the precursor of the GaLV. Viruses closely related to GaLV/KoRV were also detected in bats. Therefore, given the fact that the habitats of the gibbons in Thailand and the koalas in Australia are far away, and that bats are able to fly over long distances, the hypothesis that retroviruses of bats are the origin of GaLV and KoRV deserves consideration. Analysis of previous transspecies transmissions of retroviruses may help to evaluate the potential of transmission of related retroviruses in the future, e.g., that of porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) during xenotransplantation using pig cells, tissues or organs.
Insights into Adenovirus Uncoating from Interactions with Integrins and Mediators of Host Immunity
Authors: Nemerow Glen , Stewart Phoebe
Published: December 2016

Human adenoviruses are large (150 MDa) nonenveloped double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses that cause acute respiratory, gastrointestinal and ocular infections. Despite these disease associations, adenovirus has aided basic and clinical research efforts through studies of its association with cells and as a target of host antiviral responses. This review highlights the knowledge of adenovirus disassembly and nuclear transport gleaned from structural, biophysical and functional analyses of adenovirus interactions with soluble and membrane-associated host molecules.
Soft Measurement Modeling Based on Chaos Theory for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
Authors: Qiao Junfei , Hu Zhiqiang , Li Wenjing
Published: December 2016

The precision of soft measurement for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is always restricted due to various factors in the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). To solve this problem, a new soft measurement modeling method based on chaos theory is proposed and is applied to BOD measurement in this paper. Phase space reconstruction (PSR) based on Takens embedding theorem is used to extract more information from the limited datasets of the chaotic system. The WWTP is first testified as a chaotic system by the correlation dimension (D), the largest Lyapunov exponents (λ1), the Kolmogorov entropy (K) of the BOD and other water quality parameters time series. Multivariate chaotic time series modeling method with principal component analysis (PCA) and artificial neural network (ANN) is then adopted to estimate the value of the effluent BOD. Simulation results show that the proposed approach has higher accuracy and better prediction ability than the corresponding modeling approaches not based on chaos theory.
Riverbed Clogging and Sustainability of Riverbank Filtration
Authors: Grischek Thomas , Bartak Rico
Published: December 2016

Clogging refers to a reduction of riverbed hydraulic conductivity. Due to difficulties in determining the thickness of the clogging layer, the leakage coefficient (L) is introduced and used to quantify the recoverable portion of bank filtrate. L was determined at several riverbank filtration (RBF) sites in field tests and using an analytical solution. Results were compared with data from similar experiments in the early 1970s and 1991–1993. In the 1980s, severe river water pollution in conjunction with high water abstraction led to partly unsaturated conditions beneath the riverbed. A leakage coefficient L of 5 × 10−7 s−1 was determined. After water quality improvement, L increased to 1–1.5 × 10−6 s−1. An alternative, cost and time efficient method is presented to estimate accurate leakage coefficients. The analytical solution is based on groundwater level monitoring data from observation wells next to the river, which can later feed into numerical models. The analytical approach was able to reflect long-term changes as well as seasonal variations. Recommendations for its application are given based on experience.
How Governance Regimes Shape the Implementation of Water Reuse Schemes
Authors: Frijns Jos , Smith Heather , Brouwer Stijn , Garnett Kenisha , Elelman Richard , Jeffrey Paul
Published: December 2016

The governance dimensions of water reuse scheme development and operation, such as policies and regulatory frameworks, and public involvement and stakeholder collaboration, can serve to both facilitate and constrain wider adoption of water reuse practices. This paper explores the significance and underlying structure of the key governance challenges facing the water reuse sector in Europe. It presents empirical evidence from interviews and focus group sessions conducted at four water reuse schemes: an indirect potable reuse scheme at Torreele (Belgium), the urban reuse of treated municipal wastewater at the London Olympic Park (United Kingdom) and at Sabadell (Spain), and the reuse of agro-industrial effluent for irrigation at Capitanata (Italy). The findings underscore the importance of clarity in policy arrangements around water reuse, as well as of the financial competitiveness of reuse projects compared to alternative water supply options. Operators of water reuse schemes expressed a preference for water quality standards, which focus on appropriateness for use rather than over-emphasise the waters’ origin so that unnecessary treatment and costs can be avoided. Positive public support was widely acknowledged as an important factor in the success or failure of water reuse schemes. We conclude that constructive institutional relationships underpin many of the challenges faced by reuse scheme operators and that greater emphasis should be given to building confidence and gaining trust in water service providers through early identification of how governance regimes shape the viability of new schemes.
Willingness-To-Pay for Improving Marine Biodiversity: A Case Study of Lastovo Archipelago Marine Park (Croatia)
Authors: Getzner Michael , Jungmeier Michael , Špika Matea
Published: December 2016

The sustainable financing of marine protected areas is still an important issue on the conservation agenda even in European countries with strong governance and regulatory frameworks. With the example of the Lastovo Archipelago Marine Park in Croatia, this paper discusses options for funding based on visitors’ willingness-to-pay to conserve marine biodiversity. The site is attractive to general tourists coming by ferries and sailors with private boats alike, which is at the same time a challenge and an opportunity for designing an efficient and effective funding scheme. The authors investigate the willingness-to-pay (WTP) of these two groups of visitors for the conservation of characteristic habitats and species based on the visualization of three different scenarios. In the statistical analysis, the authors find a significant WTP that could contribute to the long-term management and financing of the site, taking into account the perceptions and attitudes of the different groups of tourists. All in all, this study provides several conclusions for levying entry fees depending on a segmentation of tourists with respect to their preferences, behavior, socio-economic characteristics, and alternative destinations.
A passive, and therefore prized, Bride. New Proposals for the Queen’s Wedding in the Ebla Royal Rituals
Authors: Bonechi Marco
Published: December 2016

Une nouvelle analyse approfondie des rites du mariage royal, basée sur le début des trois sources des rituels royaux d’Ébla suggère que la mariée éblaite, même s’il s’agit d’une reine, a été contrainte par les coutumes à garder un comportement totalement passif, tout étant décidé, fait et exécuté par le roi, ou par leurs parents. En général, l’épouse royale passive et le bébé royal espéré se révèlent être les personnes centrales de ces rituels. Le lien unique des rituels royaux d’Ébla avec la fertilité est souligné. Une nouvelle interprétation structurelle des rites royaux de mariage suggère en effet que, dans l’ensemble, les rituels royaux d’Ébla visaient uniquement à faciliter et à rendre possible la grossesse de la reine, également par la dévotion royale particulière envers les déesses protégeant la fertilité, la grossesse et accouchement. En outre, de nouvelles propositions sont suggérées concernant des questions lexicales et topographiques spécifiques, notamment maš-tápù , gú-a-tum et « Saza ».
Arpad and Aram: Reflection of a Dimorphic Society in the Sefîre Treaty
Authors: Na’Aman Nadav
Published: December 2016

L’article discute le contexte des termes « Tout Aram » et « Haut et Bas Aram » sur la stèle de Sefîre et dans le titre « Roi d’Aram » sur celle de Melqart. Je propose de voir en « Arpad » et « Tout Aram » les deux composantes socio-culturelles principales du royaume qui mettent en lumière la structure dimorphique de sa société. Par ailleurs, je postule que les références spatiales apparaissant dans le traité concernent des zones situées hors d’Arpad, dans les territoires des royaumes avoisinants.
Les Assyriens au musée du Louvre ou à la Bibliothèque impériale ?
Authors: Pic Marielle
Published: December 2016

La redécouverte d’un ensemble d’œuvres assyriennes à la BnF pose la question de la répartition des collections d’antiques entre la Bibliothèque Impériale et le Museum central des arts installé dans le palais du Louvre à partir de 1793. Les découvertes archéologiques du milieu du XIX e siècle en Mésopotamie et la création au Louvre du musée assyrien en 1847, décideront définitivement de l’implantation au musée du Louvre, des collections orientales, à quelques exceptions près.
On the Importance of Circumstances in Explaining Income Inequality
Authors: Roemer John E.
Published: December 2016

Quand on décompose la distribution des revenus dans une population en un certain nombre de distributions de revenus par classes d’individus au sein de cette population, il est souvent intéressant de se demander quelle part des inégalités totales au sein de la population totale est due aux inégalités entre classes, et quelle part est due aux inégalités au sein des différentes classes. Certaines mesures des inégalités permettent d’apporter une réponse précise à cette question. Dans la littérature sur l’égalité des chances, on décompose généralement la distribution des revenus en plusieurs distributions selon le « type » des individus, où le type est caractérisé par les circonstances de ces individus. Selon cette approche statistique, la part des inégalités effectivement attribuée aux circonstances individuelles est souvent assez faible. Ici, nous calculons la part des inégalités potentiellement attribuable aux circonstances individuelles, et donnons un exemple. Cette question a été étudiée par Elbers et al. [2008] dans le cas de distributions discrètes ; la présente contribution résout le problème dans le cas de distributions continues, ce qui donne des calculs plus simples et constitue une approche mieux adaptée pour travailler sur de grands échantillons de populations.
Pollution, décès prématuré et compensation
Authors: Ponthière Grégory
Published: December 2016

Nous étudions la compensation des personnes décédées prématurément dans une économie où la production génère de la pollution, et où la pollution réduit, au-delà d’un certain seuil, les chances de survie. Pour ce faire, nous caractérisons l’optimum égalitarien ex post et nous le comparons à l’équilibre de laisser-faire et à l’optimum utilitariste. Lorsque le seuil de pollution au-dessus duquel une mortalité prématurée apparaît est élevé, l’optimum égalitarien ex post requiert une pollution égale à ce seuil et inférieure à celles prévalant au laisser-faire et à l’optimum utilitariste. Mais lorsque le seuil critique de pollution est faible, le niveau de pollution associé à l’optimum égalitarien ex post est égal à celui qui prévaut au laisser-faire et supérieur à celui associé à l’optimum utilitariste. Classification JEL : I31, J10, Q50.
De chacun selon ses capacités à chacun selon ses besoins, ou (même) plus, s’il le souhaite
Authors: Maniquet François
Published: December 2016

Nous montrons que l’aphorisme de Louis Blanc peut s’interpréter comme un cas particulier du principe de compensation étudié en théorie axiomatique de l’allocation des ressources. Nous identifions le modèle le plus général dans lequel la proportionnalité aux facultés et aux besoins n’entre pas en conflit avec l’efficacité, et nous montrons qu’il n’y a en général pas de conflit entre le principe de compensation, qui généralise l’aphorisme, et l’efficacité dans un modèle plus général. Nous concluons sur la nécessité de remettre l’hétérogénéité des besoins au cœur de l’économie normative. Classification JEL : D63.
Analytical techniques for deoxynivalenol detection and quantification in wheat destined for the manufacture of commercial products
Authors: Astoreca A. , Ortega L. , Fígoli C. , Cardós M. , Cavaglieri L. , Bosch A. , Alconada T.
Published: December 2016

The concern regarding toxicity from the presence of deoxynivalenol (DON) in wheat that affects both economy and public health leads to the need to find appropriate detection methods for determining the degree of DON contamination in terms of the equipment available and the speed required for obtaining the incidence. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of two alternative analytical techniques for DON quantification for use in the food industry with a reference technique. Samples of wheat and the commercial by-products were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with an ultraviolet detector as the reference method and the results compared with those obtained from a rapid lateral-flow immunochromatographic device (Reveal Q+) and of a Fourier-transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy technique. Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the HPLC and Reveal-Q+ data (0.45), although significant (P<0.0003), was lower than that obtained between HPLC and the FTIR method (0.94,P<0.0001). Both methods were considered efficient in quantifying DON levels in wheat-flour samples. This study was aimed at assisting the producers in choosing an appropriate tool for the purpose of analysis and upon consideration of the available equipment.
Estimation of hdraulic conductivity using geoelectrical data for assessing of scale effect in a karst aquifer
Authors: Nassimi Alireza , Mohammadi Zargham
Published: December 2016

The Salman Farsi Dam was constructed on the Ghareh-Aghaj river in the catchment of the Asmari limestone aquifer, Changal Anticline, Zagros region, Iran. In order to estimate the hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer, combination of geoelectrical (i.e., bulk resistivity of the aquifer) and hydrophysical (i.e., electrical conductivity of groundwater) data are used as an alternative approach. Porosity of the aquifer is estimated based on the modified form of Archie’s empirical law assuming well-cemented carbonate rocks. Formation resistivity factor and critical pore size of the Asmari limestone aquifer are used for estimating the hydraulic conductivity on the small scale based on the Thompson Equation. The results suggest an average porosity and hydraulic conductivity of 14.4 % and 0.016 m/day, respectively. The estimated value for hydraulic conductivity is smaller than values previously determined for the aquifer, based on tracer, pumping and Lugeon tests. Comparison of the hydraulic conductivity obtained by different methods revealed scale effect of hydraulic conductivity measurements in the Asmari limestone aquifer. As a result, application of the geoelectrical and hydrophysical data can provide a cost-effective and efficient alternative to estimate hydraulic conductivity in karst aquifers on the small scale.Keywords: hydraulic conductivity, Karst, Scale effect, Vertical electrical sounding, Iran.Uporaba geoelektričnih podatkov za oceno hidravlične prevodnosti in učinka merila v kraškem vodonosnikaJez Salman Farsi je postavljen na reku Ghareh-Aghaj v območju kraškega vodonosnika Asmari, ki pripada antiklinali Changal v gorovju Zagros, Iran. Hidravlično prevodnost vodonosnika smo ocenili z kombinacijo meritev celokupne električne upornosti vodonosnika in električne prevodnosti podzemne vode. Ocena poroznosti je temeljila na prilagojeni obliki Archiejevega empiričnega zakona, pri čemer smo predpostavili dobro cementirane karbonate. Iz upornosti formacije in kritične velikosti por smo s Thompsonovo enačbo izračunali hidravlično prevodnost v majhnem merilu. Dobljena povprečna poroznost tako znaša 14,4 %, povprečna prevodnost pa 0.016 m/dan. Vrednosti hidravlične prevodnosti so precej manjše of prej dobljenih vrednosti iz sledilnih, črpalnih in Lugeonovih poskusov, kar kaže na pomemben učinek merila v obravnavanem vodonosniku. Raziskava med drugim kaže na primernost geoelektričnih in hidrofizikalnih podatkov za stroškovno ugodno oceno hidravlične prevodnosti v majhnem merilu.Ključne besede: Hidravlična prevodnost, kras, učinek merila, vertikalno električno sondiranje, Iran.
Sobre el origen y la influencia de los Annales martyrum
Authors: Bautista Francisco
Published: December 2016

Este trabajo trata de precisar el lugar y la fecha de composición de los Annales martyrum, en las dos redacciones conocidas de este texto. Para ello, tras una exploración de las fuentes y de las conexiones con otros textos, se procede a una comparación de los mártires citados en los anales con los calendarios hispánicos. Por otro lado, dada la importante influencia de dichos anales en otras series analísticas peninsulares, se estudia su relación en concreto con la tradición catalana, algo que contribuye a esclarecer el origen de nuestro texto.
Conflicto jurisdiccional y competencia escrituraria entre la catedral de León y el monasterio de Sahagún: la elaboración de Becerros en el siglo XIII
Authors: Agúndez San Miguel Leticia
Published: December 2016

Este artículo analiza las implicaciones derivadas de la producción del Becerro de Presentaciones por parte del scriptorium de la catedral de León y del Becerro Segundo por parte del monasterio de Sahagún en el desarrollo de la etapa final de largo pleito sostenido entre ambas instituciones a causa de la delimitación de sus respectivas jurisdicciones. La producción de estos dos códices no sólo permite comprender la competencia escrituraria existente entre ambos centros como resultado de su controvertida relación sino que también nos informa del surgimiento de una nueva dinámica social en relación a la función asignada a la escritura durante el siglo XIII.
Demonios más bien vistos que españoles. Guerra, catolicismo y diplomacia hispánica en la Gran Bretaña de Jacobo I Estuardo (1603-1625)
Authors: Ruiz Fernández Óscar Alfredo
Published: December 2016

Entre los años 1605 y 1625, durante la paz entre la Monarquía Hispánica y la Gran Bretaña de Jacobo Estuardo, se produjeron diferentes incidentes y enfrentamientos navales en las costas y puertos británicos entre galeones hispánicos y holandeses. Ello ocasionó siempre incidentes diplomáticos porque tanto los embajadores españoles como los holandeses presionaron a las autoridades inglesas, neutrales, para inclinarse o no en la ayuda a alguno de ambos contendientes. Ello dejaba en evidencia la falta de colaboración de la Corona inglesa en el cumplimiento de las cláusulas del tratado de paz de 1604 que la obligaban a ello ante la Monarquía. Por su parte, los soldados y tripulaciones hispánicas de esos navíos sufrieron todo tipo de penurias en un país nominalmente neutral, pero de hecho anti-español y pro-holandés por causas religiosas, políticas y económicas. Muy pocos, aparte de la propia embajada, se aventuraron a socorrer a estos hombres.
La orden hospitalaria de San Juan de Dios en Filipinas. Siglos XVII y XVIII
Authors: Rocher Adriana
Published: December 2016

La historia de la orden hospitalaria de San Juan de Dios en Filipinas es poco conocida, en contraste con la profusa historiografía existente sobre la actuación de las diferentes corporaciones eclesiásticas en el archipiélago. Este trabajo pretende estudiar los procesos que permitieron su expansión y desarrollo en las islas, su trabajo hospitalario, el concepto de hospitalidad que le sirvió de guía y las peculiaridades que adoptó el gobierno de sus hospitales y religiosos, situados a miles de kilómetros de su casa matriz en la ciudad de México.
Religión y religiosos en la Real Academia de Ciencias Morales y Políticas
Authors: Ramírez Jerez Pablo
Published: December 2016

La Real Academia de Ciencias Morales y Políticas, fundada en Madrid en 1857, es un centro de debates multidisciplinar en el que los estudios religiosos y teológicos han tenido gran desarrollo, ya que más de veinte de sus miembros han sido sacerdotes, o miembros de la jerarquía eclesiástica, y tanto sus discursos de ingreso como el resto de sus intervenciones académicas versan sobre religión. El presente artículo analiza su figura académica y la producción bibliográfica de los mismos en el seno de la Academia.
Effect of Potassium Fertilizer Split Applications together with Straw on Optimum Level in Leaf and Stem of Rice
Authors: Pavithira E. , Sirisena D. N. , Herath H. M. S. K.
Published: December 2016

Effect of long term K fertilizer application together with rice straw on optimum K level in leaf and stem of rice plants was evaluated in a field experiment. No K fertilizer (T1), rice straw only (T2); 20 kg K2O ha–1 of K (both at basal dressing and panicle initiation) with rice straw (T3), 20 kg K2O ha–1 of K (at basal dressing) with rice straw (T4), 20 kg K2O ha–1of K (at panicle initiation) with rice straw (T5), and 20 kg K2O ha–1 of K (both at basal dressing and panicle initiation) (T6) were applied. Rice straw was amended at the rate of 5 t ha–1. Soil samples were analysed for exchangeable K and non-exchangeable K during the growing season and plant samples were analysed for K content in leaf and stem at maturity (12 weeks after planting). At harvesting, total grain yield and number of panicles were recorded. Soil and plant K contents under no K fertilizer (T1) were significantly lower (P<0.05) throughout the cultivation period compared to all other treatments. However, shoot dry matter, number of panicles, and grain yield were not significantly different (P>0.05) among treatments. All K fertilizer applied plots depicted higher K content in leaves and stem of rice plants, compared to the no K fertilizer treated plots, irrespective of straw application. The highest exchangeable K and non-exchangeable K contents were recorded in the treatment received with K fertilizer at the rate of 20 kg K2O ha–1(at basal dressing and panicle initiation) with rice straw, T3). When consider plant K uptake in relation to the non-exchangeable K there was a positive relationship irrespective of the type of treatment and the number of weeks after planting. According to these results it can be concluded that to maintain optimum K content (1.5 %) in leaf and stem of rice plant, it is needed to apply K fertilizer together with rice straw.
Aortic dissection is associated with reduced polycystin-1 expression, an abnormality that leads to increased ERK phosphorylation in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Feng J. , Ge S. , Zhang L. , Che H. , Liang C.
Published: December 2016

The vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic switch is a key pathophysiological change in various cardiovascular diseases, such as aortic dissection (AD), with a high morbidity. Polycystin-1 (PC1) is significantly downregulated in the VSMCs of AD patients. PC1 is an integral membrane glycoprotein and kinase that regulates different biological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell polarity. However, the role of PC1 in intracellular signaling pathways remains poorly understood. In this study, PC1 downregulation in VSMCs promoted the expression of SM22Î±, ACTA2 and calponin 1 (CNN1) proteins. Furthermore, PC1 downregulation in VSMCs upregulated phospho-MEK, phospho-ERK and myc, but did not change phospho-JNK and phospho-p38. These findings suggest that the MEK/ERK/myc signaling pathway is involved in PC1-mediated human VSMC phenotypic switch. Opposite results were observed when an ERK inhibitor was used in VSMCs downregulated by PC1. When the C-terminal domain of PC1 (PC1 C-tail) was overexpressed in VSMCs, the expression levels of phosphor-ERK, myc, SM22Î±, ACTA2 and CNN1 proteins were downregulated. The group with the overexpressed mutant protein (S4166A) in the PC1 C-tail showed similar results to the group with the downregulated PC1 in VSMCs. These results suggest that the Ser at the 4166 site in PC1 is crucial in the PC1 mediated MEK/ERK/myc signaling pathway, which might be the key pathophysiological cause of AD.
Successful Treatment of Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome-Related Hemophagocytic Syndrome in an HIV Patient with Primary Effusion Lymphoma
Authors: Zorzou Markela Pagonitsa , Chini Maria , Lioni Athina , Tsekes Georgios , Nitsotolis Thomas , Tierris Ioannis , Panagiotou Nicolaos , Rontogianni Dimitra , Harhalakis Nicolaos , Lazanas Marios
Published: December 2016

Although the connection of [secondary hemophagocytic syndrome (sHS)] with HIV has been well documented, optimal treatment regimen is not well established. This is due not only to the rarity of the syndrome, but also to the heterogeneity of the involved population. Most cases are related to opportunistic infections or malignancies in advanced stage, but many cases are also related to seroconversion, in the primary infection setting. Moreover, in the [antiretroviral treatment (ART)] era, rare cases of ART-related sHS have been reported. In these, often fatal cases, an [immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS)] process is involved, posing a serious challenge to the treating physician. We hereby report a case of successful treatment of an HIV patient with primary effusion lymphoma who experienced sHS shortly after ART onset. Our patient, treated with high dose dexamethasone and gamma globulin, achieved complete remission. This case might hint possible therapeutic insights in the treatment of IRIS-related sHS.
Beat depression to stay healthier and live longer: a guide for older adults and their families
Authors: Bota Peter , Fraser Shaina , Novac Andrei
Published: December 2016

n.a.
Genetics and epigenetics of myelodysplastic syndromes and response to drug therapy: new insights
Authors: Shahrabi Saeid , Khosravi Abbas , Shahjahani Mohammad , Rahim Fakher , Saki Najmaldin
Published: December 2016

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of hematologic neoplasms ocurring mostly in the elderly. The clinical outcome of MDS patients is still poor despite progress in treatment approaches. About 90% of patients harbor at least one somatic mutation. This review aimed to assess the potential of molecular abnormalities in understanding pathogenesis, prognosis, diagnosis and in guiding choice of proper therapy in MDS patients. Papers related to this topic from 2000 to 2016 in PubMed and Scopus databases were searched and studied. The most common molecular abnormalities were TET2, ASXL1 as well as molecules involved in spliceosome machinery (U2AF1, SRSF2 and SF3B1). Patients with defects in TET2 molecule show better response to treatment with azacitidine. IDH and DNMT3A mutations are associated with a good response to decitabine therapy. In addition, patients with del5q subtype harboring TP53 mutation do not show a good response to lenalidomide therapy. In general, the results of this study show that molecular abnormalities can be associated with the occurrence of a specific morphological phenotype in patients. Therefore, considering the morphology of patients, different gene profiling methods can be selected to choice the most appropriate therapeutic measure in these patients in addition to faster and more cost-effective diagnosis of molecular abnormalities.
Urinary bladder cancer: biomarkers and target therapy, new era for more attention
Authors: Mohammed Amrallah A. , EL-Tanni Hani , EL-Khatib Hani M. , Mirza Ahmad A. , Mirza Abdulrahim A. , Alturaifi Turki H.
Published: December 2016

Currently, bladder cancer (BCa) evaluation depends mainly on traditional clinicopathological parameters encompassing tumor stage and grade, which will not reflect the behavior of the disease. Diverse molecular alterations are responsible for the heterogeneous course. The differences in molecular pathogenesis between non-invasive BCa and invasive BCa have been recognized. Molecular biomarkers are promising to predict progression and survival. The management of advanced BCa remains somewhat primitive in comparison with other more common malignancies. This topic will discuss the molecular pathways, biomarkers and potential targets that may improve the outcome in BCa.
Psychometric Properties and Correlates of the Beck Hopelessness Scale in Family Caregivers of Nigerian Patients with Psychiatric Disorders in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Aloba Olutayo , Ajao Olayinka , Alimi Taiwo , Esan Olufemi
Published: December 2016

Objectives: To examine the construct and correlates of hopelessness among family caregivers of Nigerian psychiatric patients. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study involving 264 family caregiver-patients’ dyads recruited from two university teaching hospitals psychiatric clinics in Southwestern Nigeria. Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor 9-item model of the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) among the family caregivers. Confirmatory factor analysis of the model revealed satisfactory indices of fitness (goodness of fit index = 0.97, comparative fit index = 0.96, Chi-square/degree of freedom (CMIN/DF) = 1.60, root mean square error of approximation = 0.048, expected cross-validation index = 0.307, and standardized root mean residual = 0.005). Reliability of the scale was modestly satisfactory (Cronbach’s alpha 0.72). Construct validity of scale was supported by significant correlations with the family caregivers’ scores on the Zarit Burden Interview, mini international neuropsychiatric interview suicidality module, General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The greatest variance in the family caregivers’ scores on the BHS was contributed by their scores on the psychological distress scale (GHQ-12). Conclusions: The BHS has adequate psychometric properties among Nigerian psychiatric patients’ family caregivers. There is the need to pay attention to the psychological well-being of the family caregivers of Nigerian psychiatric patients.
Telescoping Dual Covered Stent Graft Construct for Endovascular Treatment of a Giant Extracranial Carotid Artery Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Ding Dale , Starke Robert M. , Moriarty Maurice , Brew Stefan
Published: December 2016

Large pseudoaneurysms which compress the parent vessel are challenging lesions to successfully treat with endovascular therapy. We describe the endovascular treatment of a giant extracranial carotid artery (ECCA) pseudoaneurysm resulting in substantial mass effect on the common carotid artery (CCA) bifurcation using a telescoping dual covered stent graft construct. A 56-year-old male was diagnosed with an 8.5 cm × 13 cm pseudoaneurysm arising from the left CCA bifurcation, which was causing luminal narrowing of the CCA and proximal internal carotid artery (ICA). The patient underwent endovascular intervention, during which a balloon-expandable covered stent was deployed within a heparin-bonded covered stent, such that the overall construct spanned from the CCA to the lower cervical ICA. The employment of a telescoping dual covered stent technique can successfully treat appropriately selected patients with large or giant ECCA pseudoaneurysms, with the concomitant goals of excluding the pseudoaneurysm and restoring the luminal caliber of the parent artery.
Penetrating Anterior Skull Base Fracture Inflicted by a Cow’s Horn
Authors: Bunevicius Adomas , Bareikis Karolis , Kalasauskas Laimutis , Tamasauskas Arimantas
Published: December 2016

Farm workers are at increased risk for animal-inflicted head injuries that are associated with significant morbidity and occasionally may be fatal. These injuries may cause permanent eye damage with or without concomitant skull base fracture. Here, we present a male farmer who suffered a cow attack that resulted in perforating orbital injury with comminuted frontobasal cranial fracture caused by a cow’s horn. The next day, the patient developed nasal and orbital cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Computed Tomography cisternography revealed CSF leakage to frontal and maxillary sinuses. The patient was treated using prophylactic antibiotic therapy, lumbar drainage, and underwent craniotomy for debridement and dural tear plastic. Post operative course was uneventful and there were no signs of CSF leak 1 year after the surgery. The case illustrates unusual injury inflicted by a cow’s horn and underscores the importance of careful investigation for underlying skull base fracture and CSF leakage in patients sustaining perforating orbital injuries. Adequate and timely management of dural tears is associated with favorable outcomes.
Afebrile Seizures as Initial Symptom of Hypocalcemia Secondary to Hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Gkampeta Anastasia , Kouma Eftyxia , Touliopoulou Anastasia , Aggelopoulos Efstathios , Vourti Eleni
Published: December 2016

Hypocalcemia is rare in childhood and caused, among other conditions, by hypoparathyroidism. DiGeorge syndrome is the most common cause of hypoparathyroidism in childhood. Presentation of a rare cause of hypocalcemia in childhood and the necessity of measuring serum electrolyte levels in patients presenting with afebrile seizures. a 7.5-year-old female child presented with afebrile seizures lasting 5 min with postictal drowsiness. A similar episode 1 month ago is described. On admission, a positive Trousseau sign, papilledema, and long QTc on electrocardiography were detected. Laboratory testing revealed hypocalcemia, increased creatine phosphokinase and phosphate levels, decreased levels of parathormone, with normal thyroid function and normal levels of blood gases. considering the diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism possible, we started on calcium gluconate solution 5% intravenously and calcium carbonate per os. 48 h later, the child transferred to tertiary hospital for further evaluation. The laboratory findings revealed 25-OH Vitamin D deficiency with normal cortisol levels and the absence of autoantibodies. Kidney and brain imaging and also the electroencephalogram were normal. Calcium carbonate, magnesium, and Vitamin D were administered per os. The child discharged from hospital with complete resolution of symptoms. Since then, she is in treatment with calcium carbonate and Vitamin D per os. Hypoparathyroidism is rare in childhood. We underline the necessity of measuring serum electrolyte levels in patients presenting with afebrile seizures.
Occipital Falcine Anaplastic Hemangiopericytoma Mimicking Meningioma
Authors: Kanesen Davendran , Kandasamy Regunath , Idris Zamzuri
Published: December 2016

The rarity of hemangiopericytoma (HPC) and its controversial histological classification result in its frequent misdiagnosis and thus make the treatment quite challenging. It is often difficult to distinguish these tumors from meningiomas based on clinical features and radiological findings. This is a case report of a man, diagnosed clinically and radiologically as meningioma, which turned out to be anaplastic HPC on histological examination. A 30-year-old man presented with 3 months of progressively worsening of headache and blurring of vision. Clinical examination revealed the right homonymous hemianopia with reduced visual acuity and papilledema bilaterally. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a multilobulated and heterogenous extraaxial lesion attached to the occipital falx. It measured 9.0 cm (AP) × 5.5 cm (W) × 5.8 cm (CC) and expands bilaterally with major bulk on the left. An occipital craniotomy followed by a subtotal tumor excision was only achieved due to profuse bleeding intraoperatively. Histopathology confirmed an anaplastic HPC (WHO Grade 3). The importance of differentiation between HPCs and meningiomas cannot be overemphasized. A preoperative correct diagnosis is difficult, but it is important that it should be made. Multilobulated (mushroom appearance), prominent internal signal voids, relatively narrow dural attachment, and lytic destruction without calcifications are useful findings to distinguish HPCs from meningiomas.
Local dimensions of measures of finite type
Authors: Hare Kathryn E. , Hare Kevin G. , Matthews Kevin R.
Published: December 2016

We study the multifractal analysis of a class of equicontractive, self-similar measures of finite type, whose support is an interval. Finite type is a property weaker than the open set condition, but stronger than the weak open set condition. Examples include Bernoulli convolutions with contraction factor the inverse of a Pisot number and self-similar measures associated with

m

-fold sums of Cantor sets with ratio of dissection

1/R

for integer

R \leq m

.

We introduce a combinatorial notion called a loop class and prove that the set of attainable local dimensions of the measure at points in a positive loop class is a closed interval. We prove that the local dimensions at the periodic points in the loop class are dense and give a simple formula for those local dimensions. These self-similar measures have a distinguished positive loop class called the essential class. The set of points in the essential class has full Lebesgue measure in the support of the measure and is often all but the two endpoints of the support. Thus many, but not all, measures of finite type have at most one isolated point in their set of local dimensions.

We give examples of Bernoulli convolutions whose sets of attainable local dimensions consist of an interval together with an isolated point. As well, we give an example of a measure of finite type that has exactly two distinct local dimensions.
Asymptotic conditions at the two first eigenvalues for the periodic solutions of Liénard differential equations and an inequality of E. Schmidt
Authors: Gupta C.P. , Mawhin Jean
Published: December 2016

We study the periodic boundary problem

x’’(t) + f(x(t)) x’(t) + g(t, x(t)) = e(t),

x(0) — x(2 \pi) = x’(0) —x’(2 \pi) = 0

under some non-resonance conditions on the asymptotic behavior of

x^{-1}g(t, x)

for

|x| \to \infty

.