bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of 0.84 Nm Hydrated Kaolinite as an Environmentally Friendly Precursor of a Kaolinite Intercalation Compound
Authors: Zhou Jing , Zheng Wan , Xu Jianfeng , Chen Likun , Zhang Zhongfei , Li Yong , Ma Ning , Du Piyi
Published: January 2014

Creating an environmentally friendly precursor to form a kaolinite intercalation compound is important for promoting the applications of nanohybrid kaolinite in electrochemical sensors, low- or zero-toxicity drug carriers, and clay-polymer nanocompounds. In the present study, a stable hydrated kaolinite pre-cursor with d001= 0.84 nm was prepared successfully by heating the transition phase, the as-prepared kaolinite-hydrazine intercalate, at temperatures between 40 and 70ºC. The structure of the hydrated kaolinite was characterized by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. The morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the hydrated hydrazine of the transition phase was easy to decompose to hydrazines and water molecules in the interlayer at 40-70ºC. Hydrazine molecules de-intercalated gradually, and water molecules remained in the ditrigonal holes of the silicate layer with sufficient stability, finally forming the stable 0.84 nm hydrated kaolinite in the system with a success rate of 80–90%. The 0.84 nm hydrated kaolinite may become an excellent precursor for the preparation of other kaolinite intercalates. A degree of intercalation of ~100% was obtained for the kaolinite-ethylene glycol intercalate, and a degree of intercalation of ~80% was obtained for the kaolinite-glycine intercalate from the 0.84 nm hydrated kaolinite precursor.
Causal Inference for a Population of Causally Connected Units
Authors: van der Laan Mark J.
Published: January 2014

Suppose that we observe a population of causally connected units. On each unit at each time-point on a grid we observe a set of other units the unit is potentially connected with, and a unit-specific longitudinal data structure consisting of baseline and time-dependent covariates, a time-dependent treatment, and a final outcome of interest. The target quantity of interest is defined as the mean outcome for this group of units if the exposures of the units would be probabilistically assigned according to a known specified mechanism, where the latter is called a stochastic intervention. Causal effects of interest are defined as contrasts of the mean of the unit-specific outcomes under different stochastic interventions one wishes to evaluate. This covers a large range of estimation problems from independent units, independent clusters of units, and a single cluster of units in which each unit has a limited number of connections to other units. The allowed dependence includes treatment allocation in response to data on multiple units and so called causal interference as special cases. We present a few motivating classes of examples, propose a structural causal model, define the desired causal quantities, address the identification of these quantities from the observed data, and define maximum likelihood based estimators based on cross-validation. In particular, we present maximum likelihood based super-learning for this network data. Nonetheless, such smoothed/regularized maximum likelihood estimators are not targeted and will thereby be overly bias w.r.t. the target parameter, and, as a consequence, generally not result in asymptotically normally distributed estimators of the statistical target parameter.

To formally develop estimation theory, we focus on the simpler case in which the longitudinal data structure is a point-treatment data structure. We formulate a novel targeted maximum likelihood estimator of this estimand and show that the double robustness of the efficient influence curve implies that the bias of the targeted minimum loss-based estimation (TMLE) will be a second-order term involving squared differences of two nuisance parameters. In particular, the TMLE will be consistent if either one of these nuisance parameters is consistently estimated. Due to the causal dependencies between units, the data set may correspond with the realization of a single experiment, so that establishing a (e.g. normal) limit distribution for the targeted maximum likelihood estimators, and corresponding statistical inference, is a challenging topic. We prove two formal theorems establishing the asymptotic normality using advances in weak-convergence theory. We conclude with a discussion and refer to an accompanying technical report for extensions to general longitudinal data structures.
Finite 2-groups whose non-abelian
subgroups have the same center
Authors: Wang Lifang , Zhang Qinhai
Published: January 2014

We classify the finite 2-groups that have the property that all their non-abelian
subgroups have the same center.
Fetal hydronephrosis: natural history and risk factors for postnatal surgery
Authors: Plevani Cristina , Locatelli Anna , Paterlini Giuseppe , Ghidini Alessandro , Tagliabue Paolo , Pezzullo John C. , Vergani Patrizia
Published: January 2014

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the ability of prenatal ultrasound to predict an unfavorable outcome and the need for postnatal surgery in cases of fetal hydronephrosis (HY).

Methods: Antenatal HY was classified according to the renal pelvis anteroposterior (AP) diameter in the third trimester. Postnatal outcome was considered favorable in the presence of spontaneous resolution or postnatal diagnosis of HY <20 mm, and unfavorable in the presence of postnatal diagnosis of >20 mm HY or urinary tract pathologies.

Results: Prenatal diagnosis of HY was made in 120 fetuses (for a total of 161 abnormal renal units). The rates of postnatal urinary tract pathology were 14, 27 and 53% for antenatal HY of ≤7, 8–15 and >15 mm, respectively. An AP diameter ≥7 mm in the third trimester had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 23% to predict unfavorable outcome. A formula inclusive of AP diameter and presence or absence of urinary tract anomalies can predict the need for postnatal surgery.

Conclusions: The majority of infants with congenital HY have a favorable postnatal outcome. Risk of unfavorable outcome increases with the degree of dilatation of the renal pelvis and the presence of urinary tract anomalies. An AP diameter ≥7 mm in the third trimester warrants postnatal follow-up.
Impact of the nitric oxide-donor pentaerythrityl-tetranitrate on perinatal outcome in risk pregnancies: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded trial
Authors: Schleussner Ekkehard , Lehmann Thomas , Kähler Christiane , Schneider Uwe , Schlembach Dietmar , Groten Tanja
Published: January 2014

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preeclampsia (PE) are associated with impaired placentation. Patients who are at risk of developing both these disorders can be identified by abnormal uterine artery Doppler at mid-trimester pregnancy. Nitric oxide (NO)-donors like pentaerithrityl-tetranitrate (PETN) reduce the impedance in the uteroplacental vessels and possess protecting effects on the endothelium. We tested the effectiveness of the NO-donor PETN for secondary prevention of IUGR, PE, and preterm birth in pregnancies at risk. Some 111 women who presented with abnormal placental perfusion at 19–24 weeks of gestation (w.o.g.) were included into a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study. The primary endpoint was IUGR and/or perinatal death. Secondary endpoints were preterm birth, PE, and placental abruption. Pentaerithrityl-tetranitrate significantly decreased the risk for IUGR and/or perinatal death [adjusted relative risk (RR) 0.410; 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.184–0.914] and for IUGR (adjusted RR 0.436; 95% CI 0.196–0.970). Preterm birth before 32 w.o.g. (adjusted RR 0.204; 95% CI 0.052–0.801) was reduced, but not the risk for PE. No placental abruption occurred in the PETN, but five occurred in the placebo group. These results suggest that secondary prophylaxis of adverse pregnancy outcome might be feasible in pregnancies exhibiting abnormal placentation using PETN.
The relationship of praise/criticism to learning during obstetrical simulation: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Saraf Sumit , Bayya Jyothshna , Weedon Jeremy , Minkoff Howard , Fisher Nelli
Published: January 2014

Aims: The effect of positive vs. negative comments (praise vs. criticism) on trainees’ subsequent cognitive and technical performance is unknown, but of potential importance. We performed a randomized trial of giving either praise or criticism during simulated normal vaginal deliveries (using a high-fidelity birthing simulator) to assess the differential effect of these types of comments on students’ cognitive and technical performance, and perceived confidence after their learning experience.

Methods: Medical and nursing students underwent stratified randomization to praise or criticism. Students (n=59) initially participated in a teaching demonstration and practiced normal spontaneous vaginal delivery using a birthing simulator. A baseline assessment of cognitive and technical skills, and of self-confidence, was followed by a second simulation during which positive or negative comments were given using standardized scripts. Cognitive performance, technical performance and confidence measures were then scored again.

Results: Cognitive and technical performance scores in the “praise” group improved significantly by 2.5 (P=0.007) and 1.8 (P=0.032), respectively, while those in the “criticism” group remained unchanged. The self-reported confidence scores did not show any significant change from baseline in either group.

Conclusions: Praise strengthens students’ cognitive and technical performances, while criticism does not.
Rejecting the Root
Authors: Hutchins Zachary McLeod
Published: January 2014

Investigations of Frederick Douglass’s religiosity too frequently neglect his 1845 Narrative, perhaps because readers continue to accept that the Narrative should be understood as a critique of specific individuals or denominations rather than a challenge to core Christian principles. But in the Narrative Douglass deploys a series of subtle biblical symbols to rewrite the Bible and subvert “Christianity proper.” Most controversially, I claim that the root that Douglass eventually rejects as an impotent totem of “ignorant slaves” is both a representation of hoodoo rootwork and, crucially, Jesus Christ; nineteenth-century readers of the Narrative, including Harriet Beecher Stowe, recognized the atheistic potency of this symbol, but biblical illiteracy has elided it from modern readings.
Epic and Novel
Authors: Moore Natasha
Published: January 2014

This essay explores a peculiarly Victorian solution to what was perceived, in the middle of the nineteenth century, as a peculiarly Victorian problem: the fragmentation and miscellaneousness of the modern world. Seeking to apprehend the multiplicity and chaos of contemporary social, intellectual, political, and economic life, and to furnish it with a coherence that was threatened by encroaching religious uncertainty, Victorian poets turned to the resources of genre as a means of accommodating the heterogeneity of the age. In particular, by devising ways of fusing the conventions of the traditional epic with those of the newly ascendant novel, poets hoped to appropriate for the novelistic complexity of modern, everyday life the dignifying and totalizing tendencies of the epic. The essay reevaluates the generic hybridity of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Aurora Leigh (1856) as an attempt to unite two distinct kinds of length—the microscopic, cumulative detail of the novel and the big-picture sweep of the epic—in order to capture the miscellaneousness of the age and, at the same time, to restore order and meaning to the disjointed experience of modernity.
Salivary Cytokines and the Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Periodontal Disease
Authors: Nizam Nejat , Basoglu Ozen K. , Tasbakan Mehmet S. , Nalbantsoy Ayşe , Buduneli Nurcan
Published: January 2014

Background: A higher prevalence of periodontal disease has been reported in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), and these two chronic conditions may be linked via inflammatory pathways. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the salivary interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐21, IL‐33, and pentraxin‐3 (PTX3) concentrations in patients with and without OSAS.

Methods: A total of 52 patients were included in the study. Thirteen individuals were in the control (non‐OSAS) group, 17 were in the mild/moderate OSAS group, and 22 were in the severe OSAS group. Clinical periodontal measurements were recorded, and saliva samples were obtained before initiation of periodontal intervention. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine salivary cytokine concentrations. Data were statistically analyzed using D'Agostino‐Pearson omnibus normality, Spearman ρ rank, Kruskal‐Wallis, and Dunn tests.

Results: Salivary IL‐6 and IL‐33 concentrations were similar in the two OSAS groups (P >0.05), which were statistically higher than the control group (P <0.05). IL‐1β, IL‐21, and PTX3 concentrations were similar in the study groups. The only significant correlation between clinical periodontal parameters and salivary cytokines was found between clinical attachment level (CAL) and IL‐21 (P = 0.02). Highly significant correlations were found between probing depth, CAL measures, and indicators of OSAS severity (P <0.01).

Conclusions: The present findings suggest that OSAS may have an increasing effect on salivary IL‐6 and IL‐33 concentrations regardless of OSAS severity. Additional investigation is required to elucidate a potential bidirectional relationship between OSAS and periodontal disease.
Physicochemical Factors Influencing the Preferential Transport of Escherichia coli in Soils
Authors: Wang Yusong , Bradford Scott A. , Šimůnek Jiří
Published: January 2014

Laboratory and numerical studies were conducted to investigate the transport and release of Escherichia coli D21g in preferential flow systems with artificial macropores under different ionic strength (IS) conditions. Macropores were created by embedding coarse sand lenses in a fine sand matrix and altering the length, continuity, and vertical position of the lens. The length of an artificial macropore proved to have a great impact on the preferential transport of E. coli D21g, especially under high‐IS conditions. A discontinuous macropore (interrupted by fine sand) was found to have less preferential transport of E. coli D21g than a continuous macropore of the same length that was open to either the top or bottom boundary. At low IS, more extensive transport in the preferential path and earlier arrival time were observed for E. coli D21g than Br− as a result of size exclusion. Two release pulses (one from the preferential path and the other from the matrix) were observed following a reduction of the solution IS for flow systems with macropores that were open to either the top or bottom boundary, whereas three pulses (two from the preferential path and another from the matrix) were observed for systems with discontinuous macropores. Numerical simulations of E. coli D21g under both constant and transient solution chemistry conditions had very high agreement with the experiment data, except for their capability to predict some subtle differences in transport between the various lens configurations.
Polymorphism in BPM-15 gene and its association with litter size in Anglo-Nubian goat
Authors: Abdel-Rahman S.M. , Mustafa Y.A. , Abd Errasool , El-Hanafy A.A. , Elmaghraby A.M.
Published: January 2014

For association between BMP-15 (exon2) gene polymorphisms and litter size
trait in Anglo-Nubian goat, PCR-SSCP technique was developed. Twenty-five
female Anglo-Nubian goats reared under Egyptian conditions were selected
according to their litter size. DNA from blood samples of these animals was
extracted to amplify 140-bp of the BMP-15 gene affecting litter size
production trait in goats. Based on the breeding value, 25 animals were
selected from the highest to the lowest litter size productivity. PCR
amplification size of the BMP-15 gene (140-bp) was genotyped in all animals.
PCR-SSCP analysis of the BMP-15 gene (140-bp) showed three various genotypes
BB, BM and MM with frequencies 0.46, 0.43 and 0.11, respectively. The
frequencies of the B and M alleles were 0.68 and 0.32, respectively. The
results indicated that the BB genotype was higher in litter size productivity
than the other genotypes with significant differences. The result of this
study confirmed that BMP-15 gene may be a strong candidate gene for further
applications in marker-assisted selection (MAS) for litter size in goats.
Changes in Concentrations of Monovalent Basic Cations in the Water of the Čaradice Stream / Zmeny Koncentrácií Jednomocných Bázických Katiónov vo vode Vodného toku Čaradický Potok
Authors: Noskovič Jaroslav , Candráková Eva , Babošová Mária , Porhajašová Jana
Published: January 2014

In the years 2005-2010, the changes in concentrations of monovalent basic cations in the Čaradice Stream were evaluated depending on the time and place of sampling in its longitudinal profile. Results show that the average concentration of Na+ in the whole period was 14.75 mg. dm-3. Its share in the total amount of monovalent basic cations of Na+ and K+ in the whole reference period was 76.32%. The mass ratio of Na+ : K+ in the whole period was 3.34 : 1. Depending on the time of sampling, the lowest average sodium concentrations of the whole period were recorded in the spring season with the minimum average in March. The highest average concentration of the whole reference period was recorded in September. Depending on the sampling site, the minimum average concentration was recorded in a forest ecosystem and an ecosystem of permanent grassland, and the maximum average concentration in the village Kozarovce. Using the analysis of variance, we detected a statistically significant effect of all three qualitative factors (year, month and place of sampling) on the change of concentration. According to the Regulation of the Government of the Slovak Republic No. 269/2010 Coll., the 90th percentile values of this indicator are lower than the recommended value. The average concentration of potassium in the whole reference period was 4.54 mg. dm-3. The share of K+ in the total amount of monovalent basic cations in the whole period reached 23.68%. The lowest average concentrations of the whole period were usually found in the spring season, with the minimum value in March. The maximum average concentration of the whole reference period was recorded in July. Similarly to Na+, the lowest average concentration of K+ was detected in a forest ecosystem and the highest one in the village Kozarovce. The effect of seasonality on the dynamics of Na+ and K+ concentrations during the period was not detected. Using the analysis of variance, we found a statistically significant effect of all three qualitative factors (year, month and place of sampling) on the change of concentration. In the Regulation of the Government of the Slovak Republic No. 269/2010 Coll., the recommended value for potassium is not specified. The discharge rate significantly affected the changes in concentrations of Na+ and K+ in the stream.
Comparison of Volumetric and Deflametric Method with Wind Erosion Equation (WEQ) to Determine Soil Erosion by Wind Events on Selected Soil Unit / Porovnanie Volumetrickej s Deflametrickej Metódy s Rovnicou Veternej Erózie Pre Určenie Pôdnej Erózie Spôsobenej Účinkami Vetra na Vybraných Pôdnych Jednotkách
Authors: Varga Viktor , Lackoóvá Lenka , Streďanský Jozef , Urban Tomáš
Published: January 2014

Despite the fact that wind erosion seriously affects the sustainable use of land in large part of the world and even though in Slovakia there is not that big percentage of agricultural land influence by wind erosion it still has an effect on the soil. Valid wind erosion model that predicts wind-blown mass transport on regional scale is lacking. The objective of this research was to compare two empiric methods to determine wind erosion. One of them is deflametric method, in which we capture soil units in one hour during wind erosion events. Second method we used was volumetric method where we calculate amount of eroded soil behind the wind barrier. With deflametric method we determined that actual wind speed needed to lift and carry soil unites is 9 - 10 m.s-1. With volumetric calculation we found out that our measurement is 1.7 times higher than in WEQ model. We can say that models can portray certain areas and soil types, but only field measurement can provide precise amount of eroded soil on particular land.
PODPOVRCHOVÝ PRIESKUM HISTORICKÉHO PARKU V SANTOVKE / UNDERGROUND EXPLORATION OF HISTORICAL PARK IN SANTOVKA
Authors: Kubišta Richard
Published: January 2014

The paper is a part of the park reconstruction project. Following the historical information of a formal promenade existence in the park composition from the 19th century, there was a need to confirm this assumption. Non-invasive measuring with georadar X3M equipped with 500 MHz shielded antenna from Swedish company MALA was selected as a method. As much as 12 measurements were made, crossing the park in different directions- either parallel or perpendicular to the main axis of the park - as the promenade was parallel with the main axis. Afterwards, the measurement results were processed by Rad Explorer 1.41 and GroundVision 2 software. The visual interpretation of radargrams showed root crowns of trees, probable placement of the promenade and, of course, engineering infrastructure (water pipes); however, the exact identification of all elements has to be proven by invasive methods.
Challenging the EU’s Economic Roles? The Impact of the Eurozone Crisis on EU Images in China
Authors: Lai Suet-Yi , Zhang Li
Published: January 2014

Since the outbreak of the 2008/2009 global financial crisis, the economic balance between the traditional developed economies and the emerging ones has changed drastically, including that between the European Union and China. While the EU and its Member States are preoccupied by the eurozone debt crisis, stagnant economic growth and high domestic unemployment, China raised as the world’s second largest economy and one of the quickest growing consumer market. This paper explores the change in perception of the EU as an economic actor in the eyes of Chinese mainstream news media and national elites under such context. It argues that the strategic partnership could improve only if the two sides understand the mutual perception clearly. It is found that China has increased its leverage for bargaining vis-à-vis the EU as well as the capacity to give some help to the EU. Although the image of the EU as an economic powerhouse has been slightly weakened, it did not turn the heavily trade-oriented EU-China relations more comprehensive.
Communicating the European Union to Australia: The EU Information Strategy and Its Reception Down Under
Authors: Polonska-Kimunguyi Eva , Kimunguyi Patrick
Published: January 2014

The European Union (EU) has become an important global actor in numerous areas. It is an economic giant, a key actor in global trade and trade negotiations. It leads talks on environment and it is the biggest provider of assistance to the developing world. It is the largest contributor to the United Nations budget and its peacekeeping missions are present in all major conflicts.

With such prominent global presence, it would seem that when the EU speaks, the world listens. This paper assesses whether new public communicative spaces are emerging between the European Union and the rest of the world, including Australia. It first argues that supranational developments in the EU have encouraged an important shift in which international political communication is no longer equated with the boundaries of the nation state. It goes on to illustrate how the emergent Euro-polity is developing an important strategy for communication not only with its own Member States and their citizens but also with the world. To test how the new communication environment is received outside the EU, encounters of the Australian media with the European Union are analysed. The results tend to confirm the European Union’s existing fears of being largely unheard.
The influence of camouflage and prey type on predatory decisions of jumping spider
Authors: Bartos Maciej
Published: January 2014

Decisions made by predators during predatory encounters are often based on multiple factors that may influence the outcome of the encounters. For stalking predators their visibility to the prey and the ability of their prey to escape may be important factors influencing predatory success. Hence they are likely to adapt their predatory behavior when approaching prey on backgrounds with different camouflaging properties, but only if the prey is able to escape. To test whether jumping spiders flexibly adapt their predatory behavior to camouflaging properties of the background and prey type, the behavior of Yllenus arenarius (Araneae, Salticide), a cryptically colored jumping spider hunting leafhoppers (high escape potential) and caterpillars (low escape potential) on two types of background: matching and non-matching for the spiders was analyzed. Background color had a significant effect on the spiders’ jumping distance and their predatory success, but only if the prey had a high escape potential. No differences occurred between backgrounds if the prey could not escape. On camouflaging background the spiders attacked leafhoppers from a shorter distance and had a higher success than on non-camouflaging background.
Citrullination – small change with a great consequence
Authors: Gogól Mariusz
Published: January 2014

Citrullination is one of the possible post-translational modifications of proteins. It is based on a conversion of L-arginine residue (L-Arg) to L-citrulline residue (L-Cit). The reaction is catalyzed by peptidylarginine deiminases (PAD). The change of L-Arg imino moiety results in a loss of a positive charge. This slight modification can contribute to significant changes in physicochemical properties of proteins, which may also cause a change of their functions. Citrullination is the modification observed in physiological processes such as epidermal keratinization, regulation of gene expression and the reorganization of myelin sheaths. The changes in the efficacy of citrullination may contribute to the pathogenesis of many different diseases including: psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.
Formalization of the Advanced Encryption Standard. Part I
Authors: Arai Kenichi , Okazaki Hiroyuki
Published: January 2014

In this article, we formalize the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). AES, which is the most widely used symmetric cryptosystem in the world, is a block cipher that was selected by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as an official Federal Information Processing Standard for the United States in 2001 [12]. AES is the successor to DES [13], which was formerly the most widely used symmetric cryptosystem in the world. We formalize the AES algorithm according to [12]. We then verify the correctness of the formalized algorithm that the ciphertext encoded by the AES algorithm can be decoded uniquely by the same key. Please note the following points about this formalization: the AES round process is composed of the SubBytes, ShiftRows, MixColumns, and AddRoundKey transformations (see [12]). In this formalization, the SubBytes and MixColumns transformations are given as permutations, because it is necessary to treat the finite field GF(28) for those transformations. The formalization of AES that considers the finite field GF(28) is formalized by the future article.
Isomorphisms of Direct Products of Cyclic Groups of Prime Power Order
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroshi , Okazaki Hiroyuki , Nakasho Kazuhisa , Shidama Yasunari
Published: January 2014

In this paper we formalized some theorems concerning the cyclic groups of prime power order. We formalize that every commutative cyclic group of prime power order is isomorphic to a direct product of family of cyclic groups [1], [18].
Introduction to Formal Preference Spaces
Authors: Niewiadomska Eliza , Grabowski Adam
Published: January 2014

In the article the formal characterization of preference spaces [1] is given. As the preference relation is one of the very basic notions of mathematical economics [9], it prepares some ground for a more thorough formalization of consumer theory (although some work has already been done - see [17]). There was an attempt to formalize similar results in Mizar, but this work seems still unfinished [18].

There are many approaches to preferences in literature. We modelled them in a rather illustrative way (similar structures were considered in [8]): either the consumer (strictly) prefers an alternative, or they are of equal interest; he/she could also have no opinion of the choice. Then our structures are based on three relations on the (arbitrary, not necessarily finite) set of alternatives. The completeness property can however also be modelled, although we rather follow [2] which is more general [12]. Additionally we assume all three relations are disjoint and their set-theoretic union gives a whole universe of alternatives.

We constructed some positive and negative examples of preference structures; the main aim of the article however is to give the characterization of consumer preference structures in terms of a binary relation, called characteristic relation [10], and to show the way the corresponding structure can be obtained only using this relation. Finally, we show the connection between tournament and total spaces and usual properties of the ordering relations.
Sociopolitical representation of workers in Luxembourg and in the Greater Region
Authors: Clément Franz
Published: January 2014

The article aims to define what is meant by "sociopolitical representation" and shows how, in a country like Luxembourg, many crossborder workers have become a mainstay of the labor market alongside resident workers. The text then focuses on institutional opportunities offered to workers to ensure their sociopolitical representation in Luxembourg. The article also tries to show how this form of representation can be achieved in the Chambre des salariés, labor unions, and other institutions of the Greater Region.

Spanish
Este artículo intenta definir el concepto de "representación sociopolítica", y muestra cómo muchos trabajadores transfronterizos que ejercen sus actividades profesionales en un país como Luxemburgo, se han convertido en un pilar del mercado de trabajo junto con los trabajadores residentes. El texto se centra en las oportunidades institucionales que se ofrecen a los trabajadores para garantizar su representación sociopolítica en Luxemburgo. El artículo también trata de mostrar cómo esta forma de representación puede alcanzar espacios en la Chambre des salariés, sindicatos y otras instituciones de la Gran Región.

French
L'article tente de définir ce que l'on entend par « représentation sociopolitique » puis montre comment, dans un pays comme le Luxembourg, les nombreux travailleurs frontaliers qui y exercent leur activité professionnelle sont devenus un véritable pilier du marché du travail aux côtés des travailleurs résidents. Le texte s'intéresse ensuite aux possibilités institutionnelles offertes à ces travailleurs a find'assurer leur représentation sociopolitique au Luxembourg. L'article tente encore de montrer comment cette forme de représentation peut se faire au sein de la Chambre des salariés, des organisations syndicales et des institutions de la Grande Région.
Assessing the significance of borders and territoriality in a globalized Europe
Authors: Castan Pinos Jaume
Published: January 2014

During the 1990s a deterritorialization emerged, a "borderless world" trend that tended to dismiss borders as increasingly irrelevant to the human experience. Thus, the idea that borders were becoming increasingly fuzzy became popular in political discourse, particularly in Europe. This article challenges this vision, which, despite losing importance in academic circles, has now been reproduced in popular culture, arguing that borders have not been removed and that territoriality still plays a crucial role at the beginning of the 21st century. This claim will be justified with evidence stemming from different policies, dynamics, and discourses. By analyzing the importance of territoriality from three different angles (policy, territorial disputes, and discourses), the article aims to demonstrate that borders and their "barrier" function are likely to continue being significant in the foreseeable future.

Spanish
Durante la década de 1990 surgió una tendencia de de-territorialización, o "mundo sin fronteras", que pretendía descartar las fronteras como algo cada vez más irrelevante para la experiencia humana. Así, se hizo popular en el discurso político la idea de que las fronteras eran cada vez más borrosas, particularmente en Europa. Este artículo cuestiona esta visión que, a pesar de perder importancia en círculos académicos, ha sobrevivido en la cultura popular, argumentando que las fronteras no están desapareciendo y que la territorialidad sigue desempeñando un papel crucial a principios del siglo XXI. Dicho argumento será justificado con evidencias procedentes de diferentes políticas, dinámicas y discursos. Mediante el análisis de la importancia de las fronteras desde tres ángulos distintos (políticas de securitización, disputas territoriales y discursos), el artículo pretende demostrar que las fronteras y su función de barrera, probablemente continuaran siendo importantes en el futuro previsible.

French
Au cours des années 1990, émerge une certaine tendance à la déterritorialisation et à l'aspiration d'un «monde sans frontières», fondée sur le rejet des frontières que l'on jugeait incompatibles avec l'expérience humaine. Ainsi, l'idée selon laquelle les frontières devenaient de plus en plus floues s'est popularisée dans le discours politique, en particulier en Europe. Cet article remet en question cette vision qui, bien qu'ayant perdu de son importance dans la sphère académique a été reproduite dans la culture populaire, en faisant valoir l'idée que les frontières n'ont pas été dissoutes et que la territorialité joue encore un rôle crucial au début du 21e siècle. Cette affirmation sera soutenue par des preuves provenant de différentes politiques, dynamiques et discours. En analysant l'importance de la territorialité sous les trois angles différents que sont la politique, les querelles territoriales et les discours, l'article vise à démontrer que les frontières, dans leur fonction «barrière», continueront à jouer un rôle significatif dans l'avenir.
Consideraciones finales sobre el Congreso RISC 2012 "Globalización, violencia y seguridad"
Authors: Antonio Flores Pérez Carlos
Published: January 2014

Este texto fue presentado en forma de discurso de cierre del congreso RISC 2012 sobre “Globalización, violencia y seguridad: Impactos locales de la integración regional”, realizado del 30 de octubre al 2 de noviembre de 2012 en el ITESM Campus Santa Fe, y co-organizado por el Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Superiores en Antropología Social (CIESAS), los centros EGADE/EGAP del Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de
Monterrey (ITESM), y el Consorcio RISC.
India travels and transitioning Luxembourg Appropriate thresholds and scales of change
Authors: Fox Katy
Published: January 2014

This is a new year’s letter written by the founder of the Centre for Ecological Learning Luxembourg (CELL) to the executive board on the occasion of a journey to India. CELL is an independent, volunteer-led grassroots nonprofit organization founded in 2010 and based in Beckerich. CELL’s scope of action is the Greater Region of Luxembourg, hence its mode of operating through decentralized action groups in order to establish and maintain community gardens, food co-ops, and other social-ecological projects in different parts of Luxembourg. CELL also develops and organizes various courses, provides consultancy services for ecological living, participates in relevant civil society campaigns, and does some practical research on low-impact living. The broad objective of CELL is to provide an experimental space for thinking, researching, disseminating, and practicing lifestyles with a low impact on the environment, and learning the skills for creating resilient post-carbon communities. CELL is inspired by the work of the permaculture and Transition Towns social movements in its aims to relocalize culture and economy and, in that creative process, improve resilience to the consequences of peak oil and climate change.
Energy Metabolism
Authors: Perera PAJ , Marikar Faiz MMT
Published: January 2014

This review considers how our understanding of energy utilized by energy metabolism has progressed since the pioneering work on this topic in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Research has been stimulated by a desire to understand how metabolic events contribute to the development of the body into the different phases, the need of considering health with which to improve the success of implication on public health. Nevertheless, considerable progress has been made in defining the roles of the traditional nutrients: pyruvate, glucose, lactate and amino acids; originally considered as energy sources and biosynthetic precursors, but now recognised as having multiple, overlapping functions. Other nutrients; notably, lipids, are beginning to attract the attention they deserve. The review concludes by up-dating the state of knowledge of energy metabolism in the early 1970s and listing some future research questions. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v6i2.17646Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2013; 6(2): 68-76
Correlation of numeric rating scale with pure tone audiogram for assessing hearing loss
Authors: Shrestha Bikash Lal , Amatya Ram Chaya Man
Published: January 2014

Objective: Hearing loss is the public health problem affecting all the age groups. For the assessment of hearing loss pure tone audiogram (PTA) is the gold standard but cannot be easily available in rural areas. So, the main aim of our study is to see the correlation of numeric rating scale with the pure tone audiogram for assessing the hearing loss. Materials and methods: This was the prospective, non randomized and longitudinal study performed in two hundred patients with unilateral hearing loss. For the study purpose, the numeric rating scale (NRS) was divided into 5 parts as that of degree of hearing loss and the PTA was also divided into 5 parts to see the correlation with the NRS findings. The analysis was done using SPSS 16.0 Software. Results: The total frequency of unilateral hearing loss was 1.79%. 125(62.5%) patients fell within 16  25years.The mean age was 23.2+/-9.7. Females were affected more than males. Most of the patients who were in high school had unilateral hearing loss. Students and housewives accounted for 87.5%. 89% patients had conductive hearing loss, 10% had sensorineural hearing loss whereas only 1% patients had mixed hearing loss. The most of patients reported NRS2 and NRS3 which was 85.5%. Regarding the PTA analysis, 91% patients fell within mild and moderate hearing loss. There was high degree of correspondence in mild hearing loss between NRS and PTA. The Pearsons correlation showed the statistically significant correlation between NRS and PTA with p=0.00 Conclusion: The NRS scale can be used as an optional measure for PTA in assessing the hearing loss mainly in rural areas for screening where there is lack of PTA. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i1.13285 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 13 No. 01 January 2014: 25-29
Prevalence of HCV Infection in Hemodialysis Patients of South Khorasan in Comparison With HBV, HDV, HTLV I/II, And HIV Infection
Authors: Ziaee Masood , Azizee Roghiya , Namaei Mohammad Hasan
Published: January 2014

Background and objective: This study was performed to evaluate the prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection as well as HBV, HDV, HTLV I/II, and HIV infection in hemodialysis patients in our district. Methods: The subjects of this study involved 41 hemodialysis patients admitted to hemodialysis ward, Vali- Asr hospital. HBV, HDV, HIV, and HTLV1/2 infections were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Serum anti- HCV anti-body was measured using the 3rd generation of ELISA kit. HCV Viremia was evaluated in all patients using RT-PCR technique. Results: HCV infection was not observed in none of patients by ELISA technique; however RT-PCR technique demonstrated HCV viremia in one (2.43%) patient. HBsAg was detected in 4(9.75%) patients, and one (2.43%) was Anti HTLV 1/2 positive; none of patients were HDV or HIV positive. Conclusion: HCV infection is less common than HBV infection in our patients. ELISA technique can not demonstrate all hemodialysis patients with HCV infection, For this reason it is requirement to evaluate this group of patients for HCV infection using RT-PC technique. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i1.13903 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 13 No. 01 January2014: 36-39
A rare case of microfilaria in thyroid aspirate
Authors: Mondal Rajib Kumar , Ray Rudranarayan , Kawsar Hena , Ali Md Sadakkas
Published: January 2014

Filariasis is a major health problem in the Indian Subcontinent. Due to its nocturnal periodicity it may be difficult even to demonstrate in the blood. In heavy parasitic load they may appear in the blood, urine with chyle and at times in scrotal aspirates. It is very rare and unusual to find microfilaria in thyroid aspirate. This case report of presence of microfilaria in thyroid aspirate suggest that careful screening is important for thyroid lesions as patients may present with thyroid enlargement other than usual thyroid lesions.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i1.14217 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 13 No. 01 January2014: 99-100
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia in a 17yr Male presenting as Intracerebral Haemorrhage
Authors: Rauta Sudhasmita , Sahoo Aswini Kumar
Published: January 2014

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML), once highly fatal, has emerged as the most curable subtype of acute myeloid leukemia in adults. Early mortality most often is due to a severe catastrophic bleeding, often intracerebral in location. Here we report a 17year male patient presented with status epilepticus having high leukocyte count (3,28,000/mm3) and low platelet count(34,000/mm3).Peripheral blood & bone marrow was showing good no. of atypical promyelocytes. CT scan of brain revealed an intracerebral haemorrhage with laboratory profile of prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time, the presence of Ddimer and decreased fibrinogen concentration. The patient was diagnosed as Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia with Intracerebral haemorrhage. The patient died on the same day. APML is the notorious subtype of acute myeloid leukemia which causes fatal intracranial haemorrhage which has high mortality and morbidity. Clinically significant coagulopathy is present in 70% 80% of APML patients at the time of diagnosis. Early detection and aggressive correction of coagulopathy may prevent the catastrophic event. Prompt image study for locations and types of ICH can predict outcomes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i1.14482 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 13 No. 01 January2014: 88-90
Evaluation of oxidative stress and antioxidant activity in pre and post hemodialysis in chronic renal failure patients from Western region of Nepal
Authors: Nagamma Takkella , Ahmed S , Pai Akshatha , Mohan Sheethal , Chathuvedi Abhishek , Singh PP
Published: January 2014

Objective: To evaluate the oxidative stress and antioxidant activity in pre and post hemodialysis in chronic renal failure patients using a diacetate cellulose membrane. Background: Chronic Renal Failure is a gradual, progressive and irreversible loss of normal functioning of kidneys. This is associated with increased formation of reactive oxygen species and increased oxidative stress. No studies have been undertaken in this area in Nepal. Method: The study groups were devided into chronic renal failure patients undergoing hemodialysis (n=52) and healthy controls (n=52). Diacetate cellulose was used as dialyzer membrane for chronic renal failure patients. Blood samples were collected in EDTAbottles and plasma was used for the estimation of oxidative stress marker, total antioxidant activity, vitamin C, ?-tocopherol, urea and creatinine. Results: There was significant reduction in the levels of vitamin C,? -tocopherol and total antioxidant activity in post dialysis patients compared to predialysis and control groups (p<0.001). Plasma urea and creatinine levels were high in predialysis patients compared to controls and was significantly reduced after dialysis. Significantly elevated malondialdehyde levels were found in chronic renal failure patients before and after dialysis when compared with controls. Conclusion: The results of our study indicate that there are reduced levels antioxidants in chronic renal patients in pre and post dialysis condition and also more loss of antioxidants after dialysis. All these condition leads to increased oxidative stress in these patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i1.14741 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 13 No. 01 January2014: 40-44
Effectiveness of Conservative Surgery and Adjunctive Hormone Suppression Therapy versus Surgery Alone in the Treatment of Symptomatic Endometriosis: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis
Authors: Lata Nargis Momotaz , Sarwar Khondaker Bulbul
Published: January 2014

Background: Endometriosis is one of the common gynaecological problems mostly affecting the women in reproductive age, associated with non menstrual pelvic pain and other symptoms and recurrence of endometriosis is common after medical or even surgical treatment. Objectives: This review is done to assess, whether conservative surgery and adjunctive hormone suppression therapy is more beneficiary than surgery alone in the treatment of symptomatic endometriosis in term of pelvic pain and disease recurrence. Data sources and search method: Searched had been performed on Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials, MEDLINE, PsycINFO. Journals and reference lists had been also searched. Review methods: Only Randomized controlled trials were included if they compared the effectiveness of hormone therapy following conservative surgery with surgery alone or surgery plus placebo in the treatment of symptomatic endometriosis. Outcome data had been analysed by using a Mantel-Haenzel Fixed-effect model to perform meta-analysis and results had been presented as Risk ratio for binary data and Standardised Mean difference for continuous data with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Out of 8 trails pelvic pain was reported in 7 trials. No significant benefit was observed both in pelvic pain recurrence (RR= 0.75, 95% Cl- 0.54 to1.04) and disease recurrence (RR 0.89, 95% Cl 0.53 to 1.49) among 5 trials (481& 447 participants) in favour of surgery and adjunctive hormone therapy. On the other hand another 2 trials (280 participants) showed significant benefit in pelvic pain score (Std. Mean difference-0.86, 95%Cl -1.11 to -0.61) but considerable heterogeneity (I²= 95%) was observed. Conclusion: Women who received Post-surgical hormone therapy in the treatment of symptomatic endometriosis had no advantages in respect of endometriosis and pelvic pain recurrence in compared with surgery alone. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i1.17377 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 13 No. 01 January2014: 8-13