bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic Pain Has a Negative Impact on Sexuality in Testis Cancer Survivors
Authors: Pühse Gerald , Wachsmuth Julia Urte , Kemper Sebastian , Husstedt Ingo W. , Evers Stefan , Kliesch Sabine
Published: September 2012

Abstract: Testis cancer is a disease that directly affects a man's sense of masculinity and involves treatments compromising sexual function. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and the influence of chronic pain on sexuality in long‐term testis cancer survivors. Thus, we examined 539 patients after they had one testis removed because of a testicular germ cell tumor. Having completed oncologic therapy, all patients received a detailed questionnaire asking about the occurrence and clinical presentation of testis pain before and after orchiectomy. In addition, items from the abridged International Index of Erectile Function and Brief Sexual Function Inventory were used to gain precise information on individual sexual function. Overall, 34.5% of our testicular cancer survivors complained of reduced sexual desire, and sexual activity was reduced in 41.6%. Erectile dysfunction was present in up to 31.5% of patients. In 24.4%, the ability to maintain an erection during intercourse was impaired. Ejaculatory disorders (premature, delayed, retrograde, or anejaculation) occurred in 84.9% of our testis cancer survivors. A total of 32.4% of our participants experienced a reduced intensity of orgasm, and 95.4% experienced reduced overall sexual satisfaction. There was a significant correlation between the occurrence of chronic pain symptoms and the relative frequency and intensity of erectile dysfunction, inability to maintain an erection, ejaculation disorders, and reduced intensity of orgasm. In conclusion, chronic pain has a negative impact on sexuality in testis cancer survivors.
The Value of Transrectal Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Hematospermia in a Large Cohort of Patients
Authors: Zhao Hongwei , Luo Junhang , Wang Daohu , Lu Jian , Zhong Wanmei , Wei Jinhuan , Chen Wei
Published: September 2012

Abstract:Several studies have proved transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) is efficient in the evaluation of patients with hematospermia, but the numbers of patients were less than 60 in each of the previous reports. Herein, a total of 270 patients with hematospermia were evaluated by TRUS to assess its efficacy in the etiologic diagnosis of hematospermia. The age of patients ranged from 15 to 75 years (x̄, 41.2 years), and the duration of symptoms was 1 day to 8 years (x̄, 3.4 months). Abnormalities were revealed by TRUS in 256 patients (94.8%). The percentages of pathological conditions located in the seminal vesicles, in the ejaculatory ducts, in the prostate, and in the bladder were 46.3% (125 cases), 29.6% (80 cases), 55.2% (149 cases), and 0.4% (1 case), respectively. The number of patients older than 40 years old and 40 years old or younger were 126 and 144, respectively. Our results show significantly higher percentages for malignant diseases, prostatic calcification and benign prostatic hyperplasia in the group of patients more than 40 years old compared with the group of patients 40 years old or less. Eight of 270 patients (3.0%) had malignant tumors, and all of the 8 malignancies occurred in patients more than 40 years old. TRUS is a noninvasive, reliable tool for the investigation of causes of hematospermia. Hematospermia is generally a benign symptom in younger patients. Special attention should be paid to elderly patients to exclude malignancy.
Prospective Inverse Associations of Sex Hormone Concentrations in Men With Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Haring Robin , Baumeister Sebastian E. , Völzke Henry , Dörr Marcus , Kocher Thomas , Nauck Matthias , Wallaschofski Henri
Published: September 2012

Abstract: The suggested associations between sex hormone concentrations and inflammatory biomarkers in men originate from cross‐sectional studies and small‐scale clinical trials. But prior studies have not investigated longitudinal associations. Overall, 1344 men aged 20–79 years from the population‐based cohort Study of Health in Pomerania were followed up for 5.0 (median) years. We used multivariable regression models to analyze cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations of serum sex hormone concentrations (total testosterone [TT], sex hormone—binding globulin [SHBG], calculated free testosterone [free T], and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEAS]) with biomarkers of inflammation (fibrinogen, high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein [hsCRP], and white blood cell count [WBC]) and oxidative stress (γ‐glutamyl transferase [GGT]) using ordinary least square regression and generalized estimating equation models, respectively. Cross‐sectional models revealed borderline associations of sex hormone concentrations with hsCRP, WBC, and GGT levels that were not retained after multivariable adjustment. Longitudinal multivariable analyses revealed an inverse association of baseline TT, free T, and DHEAS concentrations with change in fibrinogen levels (per SD decrement in TT, 0.25 [95% confidence interval, 0.04–0.45]; in free T, 0.30 [0.09–0.51]; and in DHEAS, 0.23 [0.11–0.36]). Furthermore, baseline DHEAS concentrations were inversely associated with change in WBC levels (per SD decrement, 0.53 [0.24–0.82]). Baseline TT, SHBG, free T, and DHEAS concentrations were also inversely associated with change in GGT after multivariable adjustment. The present study is the first to demonstrate prospective inverse associations between sex hormone concentrations and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in men. Additional studies are warranted to elucidate potential mechanisms underlying the revealed associations.
Simultaneous analysis of first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs in tablets by UV spectrophotometry compared to capillary zone electrophoresis
Authors: Marcellos Luiza , Faria Adriana , Souza Marcus , Almeida Mariana , Sabin Guilherme , Poppi Ronei , Oliveira Marcone
Published: September 2012

The development and optimization of a novel UV spectrophotometric methodology was proposed for simultaneous analysis of ethambutol (ETB), isoniazid (ISO), rifampicin (RIF) and pyrazinamide (PYR), using multivariate calibration based on the partial least squares method (PLS). The methodology was successfully applied for analysis of four-drug fixed dose combination (4-FDC) tablets used for tuberculosis treatment. A 34 Box-Behnken design, with triplicate in central point, was used for sample preparation in the calibration step. In the present case, nine latent variables were chosen for the model development that presented the smallest RMSECV and explain 98.76% of data variance in Y block (concentrations of ETB ISO, RIF and PYR) and 99.93% of data variance in X block (spectral data). PLS models for ETB, ISO, RIF and PYR presented RMSEP and R2 values of 0.23 mg L−1 and 0.971; 0.14 mg L−1 and 0.731; 0.11 mg L−1 and 0.990 and 0.57 mg L−1 and 0.972, respectively. A validation step was performed based on the comparison between the UV spectrophotometric proposed methodology and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) in 4-FDC real samples and no significant difference was found between two methodologies at 95% of confidence level.
Mechanochemical synthesis of thenoyltrifluoroacetone-1,10-phenanthroline europium complex
Authors: Zaharieva Joana , Milanova Maria , Todorovsky Dimitar
Published: September 2012

The paper considers the possibilities for mechanochemical synthesis of rare earth complexes. The complex Eu(TTA)3·phen (HTTA — 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone, phen — 1,10-phenanthroline) is synthesized by mechanical treatment of a mixture of EuCl3.6H2O, HTTA, phen and NaOH in planetary ball mill Pulverisette 7 for 30 min at 800 min−1. The non reacted starting reagents and reaction side products are separated by treating activated mixture with water-ethanol solution following a procedure proposed in the literature. The elemental composition, X-ray diffraction pattern, IR spectra, optical properties (excitation and emission spectra, luminescence lifetime) and morphology of the mechanochemically synthesized complex are compared with those of the complex prepared from solution by the conventional method. The results confirm close similarity in the molecular structure and identity of the elemental composition, X-ray diffractograms and fluorescence properties of the compounds prepared by both methods.
Magnetic resonance study of carbon encapsulated Ni nanoparticles
Authors: Bobrowska Marta , Typek Janusz , Zolnierkiewicz Grzegorz , Wardal Kamil , Guskos Niko , Pelech Iwona , Podsiadly Marcin , Narkiewicz Urszula
Published: September 2012

Magnetic resonance study of six samples consisting of carbon encapsulated nickel nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes ended with such nickel nanoparticles was carried out at room temperature. Samples of Ni/C were prepared by carburization of nanocrystalline nickel by ethylene (C2H4) and methane (CH4). Hydrocarbons decomposition on nickel nanoparticles was done at temperatures 500, 600 and 700°C. Magnetic resonance spectra of samples designated as CH4/500, CH4/600, CH4/700, C2H4/500, C2H4/600 and C2H4/700 were obtained by Bruker E 500 spectrometer. The integrated intensities of the resonance spectra were correlated with the carburization conditions (temperature, type of hydrocarbon) during samples preparation. A core-shell model of the investigated samples allowed rough estimation of appropriate shell sizes.
Novel quercetin derivatives: synthesis and screening for anti-oxidant activity and aldose reductase inhibition
Authors: Veverka Miroslav , Gallovič Ján , Švajdlenka Emil , Veverková Eva , Prónayová Naďa , Miláčková Ivana , Štefek Milan
Published: September 2012

The direct acylation of quercetin (I) with 3-chloro-2,2-dimethylpropanoyl chloride (II) gives a complex reaction mixture. The synthesis of different acylated quercetin with from mono- to tetra-O-substituted functions was achieved in a simple procedure wherein the yield of isomers depended on the stoichiometric ratio of reagents. The crude reaction mixtures were analysed (LC-MS) and compared with the isolated products. Unambiguous structural characterisation of isomeric quercetin derivatives was confirmed by NMR analysis. In addition, the quercetin dimer can be obtained in a high yield in the simple procedure. The anti-oxidant activity and aldose reductase inhibition of the compounds were screened with the aim of providing bi-functional remedies to treat diabetic complications and other diseases where oxidative stress and the polyol pathway are key etiological factors.
Synthesis and properties of macrocyclic diazene switch with binaphthalene unit attached via acrylamide linkers
Authors: Kicková Anna , Horváth Branislav , Kerner Lukáš , Putala Martin
Published: September 2012

2,2′-Diiodo-1,1′-binaphthalene undergoes a tandem Heck reaction with methyl acrylate to afford methyl 2-(7H-dibenzo[c,g]fluoren-7-ylidene)acetate. As a consequence, the target macrocyclic diazene with binaphthalene unit attached via acrylamide linker was prepared by the stepwise building of acrylamide at a binaphthalene moiety, including the Doebner modification of the Knoevenagel condensation, and completed by oxidative macrocyclisation of aniline end-groups. Despite being an equimolar mixture of monomer and dimer, it exhibited remarkable changes in CD spectra due to reversible (E/Z) isomerisation of N=N diazene bonds upon irradiation at 365/465 nm. Although the dimer isomerises from (E) to (Z) isomer 7.4 times faster than the monomer, the latter’s contribution to the change in ellipticity at 307 nm in the photostationary state is 2.4 times greater.
Loewy Series of Weyl Modules and the Poincaré Polynomials of Quiver Varieties
Authors: Kodera Ryosuke , Naoi Katsuyuki
Published: September 2012

We prove that a Weyl module for the current Lie algebra associated with a simple Lie algebra of type
ADE
is rigid, that is, it has a unique Loewy series. Further we use this result to prove that the grading on a Weyl module defined by the degree of currents coincides with another grading which comes from the degree of the homology group of the quiver variety. As a corollary we obtain a formula for the Poincaré polynomials of quiver varieties of type
ADE
in terms of the energy functions defined on the crystals for tensor products of level-zero fundamental representations of the corresponding quantum affine algebras.
Biadjointness in Cyclotomic Khovanov–Lauda–Rouquier Algebras
Authors: Kashiwara Masaki
Published: September 2012

In this paper, we prove that a pair of functors

\mathsf E_{1}^{\Lambda}

and

\mathsf F_{1}^{\Lambda}

appearing in the categorification of irreducible highest weight modules of quantum groups via cyclotomic Khovanov-Lauda-Rouquier algebras is a biadjoint pair.
Taylor Expansions of Jacobi Forms and Applications to Explicit Structures of Degree Two
Authors: Ibukiyama Tomoyoshi
Published: September 2012

Natural mappings from the coefficients of the Taylor expansion of Jacobi forms of general degree to products of certain spaces of vector valued Siegel modular forms are constructed. Proving surjectivity of these mappings in some special cases, we also clarify explicit structures of Jacobi forms of degree two of index one and of even weight of index two as modules over the graded ring of Siegel modular forms of even weight. We also prove surjectivity of the diagonal restriction of Jacobi forms of index one of degree two to the symmetric tensors of Jacobi forms of degree one.
Equivariant Poincaré Series and Monodromy Zeta Functions of Quasihomogeneous Polynomials
Authors: Ebeling Wolfgang , Gusein-Zade Sabir M.
Published: September 2012

In earlier work, the authors described a relation between the Poincaré series and the classical monodromy zeta function corresponding to a quasihomogeneous polynomial. Here we formulate an equivariant version of this relation in terms of the Burnside rings of finite abelian groups and their analogues.
On Projectively Embeddable Complex-Foliated Structures
Authors: Ohsawa Takeo
Published: September 2012

An extension of Kodaira's embedding theorem is proved for compact smoothly foliated manifolds with complex leaves. Existence of a leafwise positive line bundle is shown to be sufficient for

C^k

projective embeddability for all

k < \infty

.
Encapsulation-Induced Stress Helps Saccharomyces cerevisiae Resist Convertible Lignocellulose Derived Inhibitors
Authors: Westman Johan O. , Manikondu Ramesh Babu , Franzén Carl Johan , Taherzadeh Mohammad J.
Published: September 2012

The ability of macroencapsulated Saccharomyces cerevisiae CBS8066 to withstand readily and not readily in situ convertible lignocellulose-derived inhibitors was investigated in anaerobic batch cultivations. It was shown that encapsulation increased the tolerance against readily convertible furan aldehyde inhibitors and to dilute acid spruce hydrolysate, but not to organic acid inhibitors that cannot be metabolized anaerobically. Gene expression analysis showed that the protective effect arising from the encapsulation is evident also on the transcriptome level, as the expression of the stress-related genes YAP1, ATR1 and FLR1 was induced upon encapsulation. The transcript levels were increased due to encapsulation already in the medium without added inhibitors, indicating that the cells sensed low stress level arising from the encapsulation itself. We present a model, where the stress response is induced by nutrient limitation, that this helps the cells to cope with the increased stress added by a toxic medium, and that superficial cells in the capsules degrade convertible inhibitors, alleviating the inhibition for the cells deeper in the capsule.
Chromatin Dynamics during Nucleotide Excision Repair: Histones on the Move
Authors: Adam Salomé , Polo Sophie E.
Published: September 2012

It has been a long-standing question how DNA damage repair proceeds in a nuclear environment where DNA is packaged into chromatin. Several decades of analysis combining in vitro and in vivo studies in various model organisms ranging from yeast to human have markedly increased our understanding of the mechanisms underlying chromatin disorganization upon damage detection and re-assembly after repair. Here, we review the methods that have been developed over the years to delineate chromatin alterations in response to DNA damage by focusing on the well-characterized Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER) pathway. We also highlight how these methods have provided key mechanistic insight into histone dynamics coupled to repair in mammals, raising new issues about the maintenance of chromatin integrity. In particular, we discuss how NER factors and central players in chromatin dynamics such as histone modifiers, nucleosome remodeling factors, and histone chaperones function to mobilize histones during repair.
EMISSION MODELLING OF HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS FROM ROAD TRANSPORT AT URBAN SCALE
Authors: Tchepel Oxana , Dias Daniela , Ferreira Joana , Tavares Richard , Miranda Ana Isabel , Borrego Carlos
Published: September 2012

This study is focused on the development of a modelling approach to quantify emissions of traffic-related hazardous air pollutants in urban areas considering complex road network and detailed data on transport activity. In this work a new version of the Transport Emission Model for line sources has been developed for hazardous pollutants (TREM-HAP). Emission factors for benzene, 1,3-butadiene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, naphthalene and also particulate matter (PM2.5) were implemented and the model was extended to integrate a probabilistic approach for the uncertainty quantification using Monte-Carlo technique. The methodology has been applied to estimate road traffic emissions in Porto Urban Area, Portugal. Hourly traffic counts provided by an automatic counting system were used to characterise the spatial and temporal variability of the number of vehicles, vehicle categories and average speed at different road segments. The data for two summer and two winter months were processed to obtain probability density functions of the input parameters required for the uncertainty analysis. For quantification of cold start excess emissions, Origin-Destination matrix for daily trips was used as additional input information. Daily emissions of hazardous air pollutants from road traffic were analysed for the study area. The uncertainty of the emission estimates related to the transport activity factors range from as small as −2 to +1.7% for acrolein and acetaldehyde on highways, to as large as −33 to +70% for 1,3-butadiene considering urban street driving. An important contribution of cold start emissions to the total daily values was estimated thus achieving 45% in case of benzene. The uncertainty in transport activity data on resulting urban emission inventory highlights the most important parameter and reveals different sensitivity of the emission quantification to the input data. The methodology presented in this work allows the development of emission inventories for hazardous air pollutants with high spatial and temporal resolution in complex urban areas required for air quality modelling and exposure studies and could be used as a decision support tool.
Democracy and Necessity: Rightly Dividing Political Power
Authors: Rogers James R.
Published: September 2012

Résumé Cet article utilise des modèles simples afin d’identifier l’ensemble des politiques qui devraient être mises en œuvre au niveau de l’Etat et repère les conditions dans lesquelles d’autres politiques devraient être déléguées à un gouvernement national. L’auteur nous montre alors que selon des paramètres intuitifs, couplés à des paramètres logiques, l’exécution judiciaire de cette limite décisionelle vaut mieux que de laisser son auto-application au Congrès (bien que des paramètres raisonnables existent dans le cas ou l’auto-application augmenterait le bien-être public au dela de son exécution juridique). Lorsqu’elles sont appliquées selon les besoins, les structures fédérales — à savoir la combinaison de gouvernement centralisé dans certaines régions et des structures décentralisées dans d’autres domaines — peuvent devenir des institutions et outils d’amélioration démocratique aussi bien qu’une facon d’améliorer l’éfficience institutionnelle.
Contesting Democratic Polities in the Interest of Federalism
Authors: Khan Arshi
Published: September 2012

Résumé Le fédéralisme n’est pas seulement un système de gouvernance, mais également un important principe politique qui a longtemps été négligé dans différentes parties de l’Asie. Le fédéralisme est un succès dans les pays où l’État civique et la société s’apprécient mutuellement, ou quand coexistent les communautés civiques, comme dans le cas des communautés linguistiques en Suisse, en raison de la reconnaissance réciproque de leurs droits démocratiques au sein des constitutions fédérales et cantonales. En d’autres mots, les aménagements fédéraux ont de meilleures chances de succès dans les endroits où le peuple a fait l’expérience d’une longue période de changement, de révolutions et de réformes. Plusieurs pays d’Asie ont adopté une structure fédérale de partage du pouvoir, mais ils n’ont pas encore développé les normes et valeurs susceptibles d’en assurer les avantages. Aussi, des crises politiques sont apparues, touchant les gouvernements comme les peuples. Il faut cependant constater que la mise en œuvre d’un ordre fédéral peut surmonter la plupart de ses crises.
Bien vieillir : à quelles conditions ?
Authors: Toussaint Jean-François
Published: September 2012

Vieillir est un processus universel complexe, multifactoriel et non programmé. Au sein d’une espèce, l’organisation du génome détermine la durée de vie moyenne mais les contraintes extérieures modulent largement cette valeur pour chaque individu. Vieillir longuement reste le privilège des populations développées : le rôle d’un environnement clément, transformé par l’homme, y est capital. Mais jusqu’où vieillirons-nous ? Et à quelles conditions ? L’accumulation des contraintes actuelles limite-t-elle nos capacités d’adaptation alors que certaines asymptotes évoquent un plafond d’ici une à deux générations ?
La prévention : un nouveau référentiel pour une politique du vieillissement ?
Authors: Argoud Dominique
Published: September 2012

En l’espace de peu de temps, prévention et vieillissement sont deux termes de plus en plus associés. Cette orientation de l’action publique trouve son origine dans le renouvellement de la politique du troisième âge autour du « bien vieillir » et dans la volonté de limiter les coûts liés à la dépendance. Mais elle ne semble toutefois pas à la hauteur des enjeux posés par le vieillissement compte tenu de la difficulté à promouvoir une approche intersectorielle de la société.
Dépendance évitable : le numérique, une opportunité de réduction des risques
Authors: Malléa Patrick , Cridelich Cécile , Charrat Bruno
Published: September 2012

La non prise en compte de la fragilité des personnes âgées peut être considérée comme la cause principale de leur entrée dans la dépendance. La compréhension de leurs situations de vie, ainsi que l’analyse des principaux risques associés nécessitent la mise en œuvre d’un processus de détection et d’analyse pluridimensionnelle et pluridisciplinaire. Pour répondre à cet enjeu, le développement et la diffusion des technologies numériques dans leur vie quotidienne apparaissent comme une opportunité, dont il faut se saisir. Elles permettent de promouvoir des services favorables à l’accessibilité et à la prévention des situations de dépendance au bénéfice du citoyen âgé, ou à risque de situation de handicap.
Conception d'actions innovantes et modélisation
Authors: Dejardin Philippe
Published: September 2012

Dès 1975, les institutions de retraite complémentaire Agirc (Association générale des institutions de retraite des cadres) et Arrco (Association pour le régime de retraite complémentaire des salariés) ont engagé une réflexion sur la nécessité d’envisager une démarche préventive et non plus essentiellement curative dans une perspective générale d’éducation à la santé destinée à leurs allocataires. Dans cette optique, des centres de prévention ont été mis en place afin de créer des lieux de dépistage, d’éducation sanitaire, d’écoute et d’orientation. L’objectif vise à permettre au bénéficiaire de se positionner en tant qu’acteur, choisissant ainsi d’adapter, tout au long de son avancée en âge, son comportement à ses propres choix de prévention dans le but de tendre vers un « état de complet bien-être physique, mental et social » augmentant ainsi son espérance de vie sans incapacité.
Nouvelles pratiques linguistiques dans le Dongxiang : vers une catégorisation d'un parler jeune ?
Authors: Lefort Julie
Published: September 2012

La langue dongxiang, parlée dans le district du Dongxiang situé dans le Nord-Ouest de la Chine, est issue de contacts entre les langues mongole et chinoise. L’isolement géographique du district ainsi que la volonté des locuteurs de restreindre les contacts avec les populations non musulmanes a fait que, pendant six siècles, le dongxiang a été en contact quasi-exclusif avec le dialecte chinois de Linxia. La stabilité de cette situation sociolinguistique est aujourd’hui remise en question du fait du développement économique et urbain qui provoque de nouveaux comportements sociaux, dont linguistiques, chez les plus jeunes, plus spécialement dans la ville de Suonanba. Le contact récent entre le dongxiang et de nouvelles variétés de chinois (parler de Lanzhou et putonghua) provoque l’apparition de nouvelles façons de parler. On peut se poser la question de l’émergence d'un parler propre aux plus jeunes. Cet article décrit certaines caractéristiques de ces façons de parler et discute de la pertinence tant pour la communauté en question que pour le chercheur, des catégories jeunes et parler jeune.
Les autocitations en sciences humaines et sociales. Pour une analyse de la dynamique des collectifs cognitifs
Authors: Milard Béatrice
Published: September 2012

Pour une analyse de la dynamique des collectifs cognitifs Cet article propose une analyse textuelle des autocitations au sein d’articles de sciences humaines et sociales qui met l’accent sur leurs propriétés relationnelles et dynamisantes. La démarche part du principe que les textes scientifiques ne sont pas uniquement les fruits d’une pure rhétorique plus ou moins manipulatrice, ni les simples produits formatés d’une pratique professionnelle ultra normée mais également des productions socialement situées. L’étude empirique de la présence d’autocitations au sein d’un corpus d’une centaine d’articles de sciences humaines et sociales révèle que, tout en pouvant se présenter en tant que références bibliographiques comme les autres, elles interviennent d’une manière particulière et déterminante dans la construction de collectifs cognitifs. Ces derniers prennent sens au regard de la trajectoire scientifique et intellectuelle de l’auteur et de ses relations avec les autres personnes ou entités citées dans son texte. Il s’agit donc de proposer une analyse des publications scientifiques en tant que dispositifs textuels qui dynamisent, via l’usage des références bibliographiques, les relations entre les chercheurs.
Quand le livre devient relique
Authors: Diemberger Hildegard
Published: September 2012

L’idée bouddhiste selon laquelle les textes sont des reliques, et leur distribution un « acte méritoire », a fortement pesé dans l’invention de l’imprimerie en Chine sous la dynastie Tang, au viie siècle, et plus tard dans la diffusion de cette découverte au sein de l’Empire mongol. Au xve siècle, c’est la même idée qui sous-tend ce que l’on pourrait sans doute décrire comme une « révolution de l’imprimerie » au Tibet. S’appuyant sur le plus ancien imprimé du Tibet central qui soit parvenu jusqu’à nous, et qui n’a été que récemment mis au jour, le présent article s’attache à montrer comment certaines attitudes à l’égard des livres, ancrées dans des traits culturels spécifiques, ont pu avoir une incidence sur les technologies utilisées pour la production, et la reproduction, de ces mêmes livres, et influencer la façon d’aborder de tels objets textuels – une influence qui perdure de nos jours.
Le livre comme trésor
Authors: Simenel Romain
Published: September 2012

Aux confins des montagnes arides et des steppes désertiques du Sud marocain sont disséminées des bibliothèques d’anciens manuscrits, écrits en arabe, plus rarement en hébreu, aux pouvoirs édifiants et qualifiés de « diamants ». Parés d’un prestige considérable, assimilés à une ressource naturelle à haute valeur matérielle, les manuscrits savants suscitent prédation et convoitise. Ce sont pour cette raison des objets précautionneusement conservés, protégés et cachés dans des édifices religieux ou chez de grandes familles maraboutiques. La transmission de leur contenu doit rester un mystère, et leurs savoirs sont soigneusement dilués dans les vers poétiques des maîtres des sciences de l’islam. L’article montre que dans la représentation que les habitants du Sud marocain se font de la connaissance écrite, la vie sociale des manuscrits en tant qu’objets (leur itinéraire, leur usage rituel, leur prédation, leur transmission) prime sur l’histoire de leur contenu.
Quand le texte se fait matière
Authors: JUNGEN Christine
Published: September 2012

Comment faire vivre un manuscrit ? C’est la question qui se pose au centre des manuscrits créé dans la Bibliotheca Alexandrina, en Égypte, spécialisé dans la collecte, le traitement et la restauration de manuscrits arabes. Patrimoine littéraire et objet d’histoire, codex à conserver et livre à lire, le manuscrit a en effet pour particularité de se situer aussi bien dans l’univers textuel de la lecture et de la transmission érudite que dans celui matériel de la préservation et de la sauvegarde. Le suivi des traitements de l’objet manuscrit sous différentes formes (microfilm, codex, image numérisée) permet d’examiner la manière dont le manuscrit est déployé en versions alternatives : celles-ci proposent non seulement différentes relations entre le texte et la matière, la copie et l’original, l’authentique et la reproduction, mais également des ontologies plurielles du livre comme matière à lire, à manipuler et à contempler.
Multiset Canonical Correlation Analysis Using for Blind Source Separation
Authors: Yu Hua Gang , Huang Gao Ming , Gao Jun
Published: September 2012

To solve the problem of blind source separation, a novel algorithm based on multiset canonical correlation analysis is presented by exploiting the different temporal structure of uncorrelated source signals. In contrast to higher order cumulant techniques, this algorithm is based on second order statistical characteristic of observation signals, can blind separate super-Gaussian and sub-Gaussian signals successfully at the same time with relatively light computation burden. Simulation results confirm that the algorithm is efficient and feasible.
Intelligent Clothing Embedded GPS Data Processing Based on Shifting Huffman Coding
Authors: He Fu Xiang , Ren Li Hong , Ding Yong Sheng
Published: September 2012

According to the characteristic of GPS system fo intelligent garment, this paper presents a strategy of GPS data processing by removing redundant information and shifting the combination codes. Its compressed result is analyzed by comparing with direct data compression and Huffman coding. The above-mentioned strategy takes into account both the speed and the effect of the compression, and has a good performance in the compression rate. The non-destructive GPS data processing method has a positive and practical significance in the intelligent garment for efficient monitoring.
Indicator Species Analysis of Forest Communities along a Disturbance Gradient in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Zhu Chun , Xiong Yong Mei , Ma Xu Dong , Ke Xian Dong , Su Zhi Yao
Published: September 2012

In order to reveal the effect of disturbance on species composition and detect indicator species for disturbance gradients, we conducted an investigation of urban forest communities along a disturbance gradient in Guangzhou, China. Species richness in the tree layer and understory had no significant difference among disturbance gradients, but Simpson index, Shannon-Weiner index and Evenness index varied significantly.species diversity index decreased with disturbance gradient. Multi-Response Permutation Procedures (MRPP) revealed high significance in species composition of both tree and understory layer among different disturbance gradients. Twelve species from the tree layer and 25 from the understory were detected to characterize the forest communities with a certain disturbance regime by Indicator Species Analysis (ISA). Indicator species help enhance our understanding of species-environment relationship, and the ecological response of indicator species to disturbance can be used for monitoring forest environmental change.
Identification and Equalization of Nonlinear Channel Based on ANFIS
Authors: Qu Qiang , Wang Xiao Li , Chen Xue Bo
Published: September 2012

The demand of high-speed communication leads that the application for resource of channel exceeds the range of linear model. The channel should be described as a nonlinear model. So, the paper uses the adaptive neuron-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to identify and equalize the nonlinear channel of the high-speed communication system. Meanwhile, the subtract cluster is applied to identify the construction of the ANFIS and the hybrid learning algorithm based on the least square and back-propagation is used to train network. The simulation results show that the convergence rate and identification accuracy of the ANFIS are better than BP network and the efficiency of the ANFIS based on subtract cluster partition algorithm is higher than that of the ANFIS based on the grid partition algorithm.
Anti-Tumor Immunity Elicited by Peptide Complex-Alpha-Fetoprotein and Glycoprotein 96
Authors: Wang Xiao Ping , Lin Huan Ping , Wang Qiao Xia
Published: September 2012

Purposes: To construct a recombinant vaccine alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-glycoprotein (gp96) complex, and study its ability to induce specific CTL response and its protective effect against AFP-producing tumor. Material/Methods: A recombinant vaccine was constructed by conjugating mouse alpha-fetoprotein to glycoprotein 96. By way of intracutaneous injection, mice were primed and boosted with recombinant vaccine mAFP/gp96, whereas single mAFP or gp96 injection as controls. The ELISPOT and ELISA were used to measure the frequency of cells producing the cytokine IFN-gama in splenocytes and the level of anti-AFP antibody of serum from immunized mice respectively. In vivo tumor challenge was carried out to assess the immune effect of the recombinant vaccine. Results: By recombinant mAFP/gp96 vaccine immunization, the results of ELISPOT and ELISA showed that the number of splenic cells producing IFN-gama and the level of anti-AFP antibody of serum were significantly higher in mAFP/gp96 group than those in mAFP and gp96 groups (122.50±9.30 IFN-gama spots/106 cells vs 46.40±10.32 IFN-gama spots/106 cells, 12.14±7.33 IFN-gama spots/106 cells, P<0.01; 164.52±11.22 µg/mL vs 56.32±8.23 µg/mL, 7.56±3.47 µg/mL, P< 0.01). The tumor volume in mAFP/gp96 group was significantly smaller than that in mAFP and gp96 groups (32.46±6.35 mm3 vs 384.16±11.43 mm3, 832.54±12.72 mm3, P< 0.01). Conclusions: The study further confirmed the function of glycoprotein 96s immune adjuvant. Sequential immunization with recombinant mAFP/gp96 vaccine could generate effective antitumor immunity on AFP-producing tumor. The recombined mAFP/gp96 vaccine may be suitable for serving as an immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.
A Comparison of FDG PET-CT Tumor Segmentation for Clinical Application
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Hong Jun , Li Deng Wang , Yin Yong
Published: September 2012

Automatic segmentation of tumor in FDG PET-CT is potentially beneficial in clinical application. However, the performances of existing methods are different. This study compares several algorithms of FDG PET-CT tumor segmentation methods that were recently proposed and which can be used for clinical radiation therapy. In our work, we have researched some methods including the gradient-based (GRAD) method, the constant threshold-based (THRESH) method, and the region growing (RG) method. For each method the same work flow is used and the tumor segmentation results are compared to the manual contouring (MC) by experienced physician which is widely used in clinical radiation therapy. The results show that the region growing is the most accurate to the MC and has the potential to play the most important role in radiation therapy.
An FPGA Implementation of TCM Cascade Space Time Block Code
Authors: Wu Jun , Wu Xiao Bo
Published: September 2012

Trellis coded (TCM) modulation can obtain the coding gain without increase the transmission power and the bandwidth but it can not obtain diversity gain, and space-time block code (STBC) can provide diversity gain in a simple encoding and decoding way, though its coding gain is not very satisfied. This article will achieve a STBC-class networking trellis coded modulation scheme based on FPGA to further study the performance of the concatenated code.
A Comprehensive Evaluation on Chinas EFL Learners' Interlanguage Fossilization Based on Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Peng Ren Zhong
Published: September 2012

The term fossilization first appeared almost 40 years ago. But the previous studies remains to be lack of the overall scientific and systematic evaluation on fossilization. This study intends to construct the evaluation index system and evaluation model on fossilization more completely, systematically, scientifically and practically, based on the theory of fuzzy sets and fossilization theory. Firstly, a seminar is held with Chinas 90 college English teachers to evaluate the importance of each index. Then, the quantified evaluation model based on the fuzzy sets is constructed and developed to test the Chinas EFL Learners Interlanguage Fossilization and the scores of evaluation on fossilization are calculated and the tests of speaking and writing have been administered. In order to test the effectiveness of the evaluation model, the study investigated 370 college students Chinas EFL Learners Interlanguage Fossilization in China. With the test results, the correlation coefficient has been done among them. There is a strong relationship among Chinas EFL Learners Interlanguage Fossilization, their speaking and writing. The findings of the study demonstrate that the evaluation model is highly applicable and valuable.
Developing a Foundation for Constructing New Curricula in Soil, Crop, and Turfgrass Sciences
Authors: Jarvis Holly D. , Collett Ryan , Wingenbach Gary , Heilman James L. , Fowler Debra
Published: September 2012

Some soil and crop science university programs undergo curricula revision to maintain relevancy with their profession and/or to attract the best students to such programs. The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Texas A&M University completed a thorough data gathering process as part of its revision of the undergraduate curriculum and degree programs in 2010. The purpose of this study was to determine the scientific and technical knowledge, skills, and abilities needed by graduates for career success in 2015 and beyond. Data were collected from three expert panels (soils, crops, and turfgrass) using the Delphi method. Scientific and technical knowledge, skills, and abilities in water‐related issues were indicated as a necessary curriculum item by all three panels. Soil science experts indicated that water studies should focus on movement of water in soils and the contribution of soils to water quality, whereas crop and turfgrass experts emphasized the management of water as a resource. Both the soil and crop panels specified a need for study in data collection and analysis, problem solving, and using scientific reasoning. Turfgrass experts emphasized the need for students to learn business principles and compliance with external regulations. All three groups designated the importance of including soft skills, such as communicating effectively, working collaboratively, and personal and social responsibility, as important curriculum components for students’ career success. These data will serve as the foundation for constructing new curricula and potentially new degree programs in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Texas A&M University.
Correlation of Anterior Segment Parameters in Keratoconus Patients
Authors: Torquetti Leonardo
Published: September 2012

Purpose

To evaluate the corneal asphericity, volume, thickness and keratometry and the correlation among these variables in keratoconus patients.

Materials and methods

A total of 1,071 eyes of 810 patients diagnosed with keratoconus were evaluated with a Pentacam (Oculus Optikgerate GmbH). Five groups were established according to the mean keratometry readings: Very mild [K < 44.0 diopters (D)], mild (K = 44.0-47.0D), moderate (K = 47.0-52.0D), severe (K = 52.0-60.0D) and very severe (K = 60.0 or higher). The following parameters were obtained: Anterior corneal asphericity (Q), corneal volume (CV) and thinnest corneal thickness (TCT).

Results

Sixty-six eyes had very mild keratoconus, 269 had mild keratoconus, 465 had moderate keratoconus, 233 had severe keratoconus and 38 had very severe keratoconus. As the severity of disease increases, there is an increment in K and CV values and reduction of Q and TCT. There was a statistically significant difference in values for all parameters, except the CV. The Pearson correlation index showed an inverse correlation between the degree of keratoconus and the asphericity (Q), i.e. the more severe the keratoconus the more negative the Q-value. Only in the very severe group there was no statistically significant correlation between K and Q. There was no correlation between severity of keratoconus and CV. There was an inverse correlation between keratoconus grade and TCT; the more advanced the disease the less the TCT value. Only in the very mild group there was no correlation between K and TCT.

Conclusion

The corneal asphericity and pachymetry are inversely correlated to keratometry in keratoconus patients. There is no correlation between CV and severity of keratoconus.

How to cite this article

Torquetti L, Ferrara G, Ferrara P. Correlation of Anterior Segment Parameters in Keratoconus Patients. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2012;1(2):87-91.
Modelling the global atmospheric transport and deposition of radionuclides from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear accident
Authors: Christoudias T. , Lelieveld J.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. We modeled the global atmospheric dispersion and deposition of radionuclides released from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant accident. The EMAC atmospheric chemistry – general circulation model was used, with circulation dynamics nudged towards ERA-Interim reanalysis data. We applied a resolution of approximately 0.5 degrees in latitude and longitude (T255). The model accounts for emissions and transport of the radioactive isotopes 131I and 137Cs, and removal processes through precipitation, particle sedimentation and dry deposition. In addition, we simulated the release of 133Xe, a noble gas that can be regarded as a passive transport tracer of contaminated air. The source terms are based on Stohl et al. (2012) and Chino et al. (2011); especially the emission estimates of 131I are associated with a high degree of uncertainty. The calculated concentrations have been compared to station observations by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO). We calculated that about 80% of the radioactivity from Fukushima which was released to the atmosphere deposited into the Pacific Ocean. In Japan a land area of 34 000 km2 around the reactors, inhabited by nearly 10 million people, was contaminated by more than 40 kBq m−2. We also estimated the inhalation and 50-yr dose by 137Cs and 131I to which the people in Japan have been exposed.
Automated parametrical antenna modelling for ambient assisted living applications
Authors: Kazemzadeh R. , John W. , Mathis W.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. In this paper a parametric modeling technique for a fast polynomial extraction of the physically relevant parameters of inductively coupled RFID/NFC (radio frequency identification/near field communication) antennas is presented. The polynomial model equations are obtained by means of a three-step procedure: first, full Partial Element Equivalent Circuit (PEEC) antenna models are determined by means of a number of parametric simulations within the input parameter range of a certain antenna class. Based on these models, the RLC antenna parameters are extracted in a subsequent model reduction step. Employing these parameters, polynomial equations describing the antenna parameter with respect to (w.r.t.) the overall antenna input parameter range are extracted by means of polynomial interpolation and approximation of the change of the polynomials' coefficients. The described approach is compared to the results of a reference PEEC solver with regard to accuracy and computation effort.
A GIS based study on bank erosion by the river Brahmaputra around Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India
Authors: Sarma J. N. , Acharjee S.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The Kaziranga National Park is a forest-edged riverine grassland inhabited by the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as a wide diversity of animals. The park is situated on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River at the foot of the Mikir Hills. National Highway 37 forms the southern boundary and the northern boundary is the river Brahmaputra and covers an area of about 430 km2. The Brahmaputra River flows by Kaziranga National Park in a braided course for about 53 km. Sequential changes in the position of banklines of the river due to consistent bank erosion have been studied from Survey of India topographic maps of 1912–1916 and 1972, satellite IRS LISS III images from 1998 to 2008 using GIS. Study of bank line shift due to the bank erosion around Kaziranga has been carried out for the periods 1912–1916 to 1972, 1972 to 1998 and 1998 to 2008. The amounts of the bank area lost due to erosion and gained due to sediment deposition are estimated separately. The total area eroded during 1912–1916 to 1972 was more (84.87 km2) as compared to accretion due to sediment deposition (24.49 km2), the total area eroded was also more in 1972–1998 (44.769 km2) as compared to accretion (29.47 km2) and the total area eroded was again more in 1998–2008 (20.41 km2) as compared to accretion (7.89 km2). The rates of erosion during 1912–1916 to 1970, 1970 to 1998, and 1998 to 2008 were 1.46, 1.59 and 1.021 km2 per year, respectively. During the entire period (1912–1916 to 2008) of study the erosion on the whole was 150.04 km2 and overall accretion was 61.86 km2 resulting in a loss of 88.188 km2 area of the park. The maximum amounts of shift of the bankline during 1912–1916 to 1970, 1970 to 1998, and 1998 to 2008 were 4.58 km, 3.36 km, and 1.92 km, respectively, which amount to the rates of shift as 0.078, 0.12 and 0.096 km per year, respectively. A lineament and a few faults have controlled the trend of the course of the Brahmaputra around Kaziranga area. The main cause of erosion of the Brahmaputra is the loose non-cohesive sediments of the bank throughout the park. The braided channel of the river strikes the bank directly and undermines the silty bank causing overhanging blocks to be carried away easily by the river current. In future deposition is likely to be more in upstream or eastern part of Kaziranga and erosion in middle part of Kaziranga national park area due to the river Brahmaputra. Antierosion measures have been adopted only in a few places to check bank erosion at Kaziranga.