bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic skills training – novel methods
Authors: Fábry György , Haidegger Tamás
Published: May 2013

Introduction: Simulation for skill training has a long history in surgery. Initially, surgeons practiced on animals or human cadavers, which is costly and raises ethical questions. Emerging hygienic requirements lead to the development of “artificial” phantoms, on which suturing, anastomoses and other elements of the procedure could be practiced on. Similarly, in minimal invasive surgery surgeons need extensive practice to learn the correct techniques, and to acquire sufficient skills. Laparoscopy requires specific training devices, ranging from animal models to virtual reality simulators. Aim: This work focused on physical simulators, development of affordable phantoms and adjoin tasks for a personal laparoscopic training box. Authors described five new tasks that were added to the classical curriculum. Methods: The tasks included leading the line, ligation, preparation-ligation, leading a string and camera handling. Data was were derived from a trial with 30 participants. They were categorized into 3 groups: laymen, general practitioner residents (non-surgeons) and surgery residents. Subjective assessment of the new tasks was performed using a 20-points questionnaire (NASA Task Load Index). Participants were asked about the usefulness, mental, physical, temporal demand, performance, effort and frustration. Accomplishment time was also recorded for each task (as well as the number or errors, where applicable). In addition, 10 consecutive task execution sessions were recorded, and in some cases, users’ performance was tracked over a follow-up period of several days. Results: Participants considered the tasks suitable and relevant for education, and also approved them for self-education purposes. The three groups showed statistically significant differences in performance, based on their average completion time. Conclusion: The follow-up studies showed continuous progress in the completion of individual tasks. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 745–751.
Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy
Authors: Bodoki Levente , Vincze Melinda , Griger Zoltán , Dankó Katalin
Published: May 2013

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are chronic, systemic autoimmune diseases, characterized by symmetric and progressive weakness of proximal muscles in the upper and lower extremities. Treatment of the disease presents a complex challenge and it needs practical knowledge. In this review the authors summarize current treatment options, and discuss intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in therapy-unresponsive cases. Relevant data from the international literature is collected, too. Benefits and side effects of this treatment are also disclosed. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 723–728.
Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Scalp Cooling in the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia
Authors: Komen Manon M.C. , Smorenburg Carolien H. , Hurk Corina J.G. , Nortier Johan W.R.
Published: May 2013

Learning Objectives

Compare the effectiveness of scalp cooling with different chemotherapy regimens. Describe techniques that may improve effectiveness of scalp cooling.
Unmet Needs in the Prediction and Detection of Metastases in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sartor Oliver , Eisenberger Mario , Kattan Michael W. , Tombal Bertrand , Lecouvet Frederic
Published: May 2013

The therapeutic landscape for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer is rapidly evolving, especially for those patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CPRC). Despite advances in therapy options, the diagnostic landscape has remained relatively static, with few guidelines or reviews addressing the optimal timing or methodology for the radiographic detection of metastatic disease. Given recent reports indicating a substantial proportion of patients with CRPC thought to be nonmetastatic (M0) are in fact metastatic (M1), there is now a clear opportunity and need for improvement in detection practices. Herein, we discuss the current status of predicting the presence of metastatic disease, with a particular emphasis on the detection of the M0 to M1 transition. In addition, we review current data on newer imaging technologies that are changing the way metastases are detected. Whether earlier detection of metastatic disease will ultimately improve patient outcomes is unknown, but given that the therapeutic options for those with metastatic and nonmetastatic CPRC vary, there are considerable implications of how and when metastases are detected.
Peri‐Implant Cystic Lesion With Unusual Cellular Changes: A Case Report
Authors: Frantz Bryan J. , Caton Jack G. , Bonacci Fred J. , Geminiani Alessandro , Arseneau Remì , Kahn Michael A.
Published: May 2013

Introduction: This report describes the history and management of a cyst developing in anatomic contact with an immediately placed dental implant.

Case Presentation: The lesion presented clinically as a facial swelling of the gingiva adjacent to an osseointegrated and restored maxillary right lateral incisor implant. Radiographs showed a well‐circumscribed radiolucency, which was contiguous with the implant surface. After reflection of a mucoperiosteal flap, the lesion was enucleated in toto, and the defect was curetted. The bony defect was grafted, and the lesional tissues were sent for histologic analysis. The results demonstrated the presence of a cyst of unknown origin with some unusual cellular changes in localized areas of the cyst lining resembling ameloblasts. Healing occurred uneventfully, and the patient was monitored for recurrence. At the 2‐year follow‐up appointment, the patient presented no clinical or radiographic signs of recurrence of the lesion. The etiology of this lesion is unknown.

Conclusion: This case emphasizes the need for histologic diagnosis of peri‐implantitis lesions and suggests a need for expansion of the current classification system for peri‐implantitis lesions.
Prevalence of Palatal Exostoses in Patients Who Have Received Periodontal Surgery in the Posterior Maxilla
Authors: Holtzclaw Dan , Hinze Fritz
Published: May 2013

Introduction: Removal of torus palatinus and palatal exostoses has been advocated for preprosthetic reasons and to avoid adverse surgical sequelae in the treatment of periodontal disease. Although multiple studies have documented the prevalence of palatal exostoses in skull examinations, to the authors’ knowledge, none have reported on the prevalence of these bony protuberances during actual periodontal surgeries. The goal of this retrospective observational case series is to report on the prevalence of palatal exostoses seen during surgeries for the treatment of periodontal disease in the posterior maxilla.

Case Series: All records from a 30‐month period (July 2010 to December 2012) in a single private periodontal practice were reviewed to identify patients who had received guided tissue regeneration, bone grafting, osseous recontouring, or a combination thereof in the posterior maxilla. A total of 168 patients met the inclusion criteria, and 131 of these patients had palatal exostoses removed during surgery.

Conclusion: The 77.97% prevalence of palatal exostoses found during periodontal surgeries in the posterior maxilla in this case series is significantly higher than that reported in previously documented skull examinations.
Electrosurgical Management of a Rare Case of Intraoral Fibrolipoma of Buccal Mucosa: A Clinical and Histopathologic Case Report
Authors: Bose Aditi , Shetty Shreya , Rahul Aparna , Srirangarajan S. , Sathyanarayan Aparna , Niranjan P.
Published: May 2013

Introduction: Fibrolipoma, a histologic variant of lipoma, mostly affects the buccal mucosa and causes functional and cosmetic disabilities. Oral lipomas are benign and rarely seen in the oral cavity. Fibrolipoma of the oral cavity has also been infrequently reported. This report presents a rare case of intraoral fibrolipoma detected on the right buccal mucosa. The lesion was removed using electrosurgery (ES).

Case Presentation: A 40‐year‐old female patient presented with a chief complaint of a painless growth on the right buccal mucosa causing irritation when opening and closing the mouth. Provisionally diagnosed as irritational fibroma, the growth was excised using ES under local anesthesia. No sutures were placed, and the bleeding was controlled in the intermittent coagulation mode. The histopathologic report revealed the lesion to be a fibrolipoma. Healing was uneventful, and no recurrence was observed for a period of 1 year.

Conclusions: Compared with scalpel surgery, ES requires more expertise, but the advantages counter the technical complexities. Minimal bleeding and postoperative discomfort and good patient compliance were observed in this case. Therefore, ES may be considered as a patient‐ and clinician‐friendly tool, although a long‐term comparative assessment with scalpel surgery is recommended to establish its effectiveness.
Comparative Analysis of Serum Proteins in Relation to Rheumatoid Arthritis and Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Yokoyama Tomoko , Kobayashi Tetsuo , Ito Satoshi , Yamagata Akira , Ishida Kohei , Okada Moe , Oofusa Ken , Murasawa Akira , Yoshie Hiromasa
Published: May 2013

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic periodontitis (CP) are chronic inflammatory conditions and share many pathologic features. The common molecular pathogenesis of the two inflammatory diseases is unclear. The aim of the present study is to evaluate serum protein profiles specific for patients with RA and CP by a comprehensive proteomic analysis.

Methods: The study participants were: 10 patients with RA, 10 patients with CP, 10 patients with RA and CP, and 10 healthy controls. All groups were balanced for age, sex, and smoking status. Serum protein spot volume was examined with two‐dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Proteins with significant differences in abundance among the four groups were determined with computer image analysis and identified with mass spectrometry and protein databases.

Results: A total of 1,694 protein spots were obtained in sera of the four groups. Seven spots were significantly different in abundance among the four groups. Of these, three spots (complement component 3, complement factor H, and ceruloplasmin) were significantly different in the RA+CP group compared with the other three groups (P <0.05). The similar profiles of complement component 3, complement factor H, and ceruloplasmin were observed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Conclusion: These results suggest that patients with RA and CP may exhibit three serum proteins with different abundance compared with healthy controls and patients with RA only or CP only.
Surgical Treatment for Patients With Periodontal Disease Reduces Risk of End‐Stage Renal Disease: A Nationwide Population‐Based Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Chun‐Feng , Lin Cheng‐Li , Lin Ming‐Chia , Lin Shih‐Yi , Sung Fung‐Chang , Kao Chia‐Hung
Published: May 2013

Background: The association between periodontal disease treatment and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether surgical periodontal treatment reduces ESRD risk.

Methods: From the insurance claims data of patients with periodontal disease who were free of ESRD from 1997 to 2009, 35,496 patients were identified who underwent surgery for subgingival curettage and/or periodontal flap and are considered the treatment cohort. For comparison, 141,824 patients who did not undergo these treatments were considered the no‐treatment cohort. Follow‐ups were performed until the end of 2009 to estimate the incidence and risk of ESRD in these two cohorts. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate the related hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of ESRD.

Results: The incidence of ESRD was lower in the treatment cohort than in the no‐treatment cohort (4.66 versus 7.38 per 10,000 person‐years), with an adjusted HR of 0.59 (95% CI = 0.46 to 0.75). Sex‐ and age‐specific analysis showed that the incidence rate ratio of the treatment cohort to the no‐treatment cohort was higher for women than for men and declined with age. The risks of ESRD were consistently lower in the treatment cohort even when compared by comorbidity.

Conclusions: Patients with periodontal disease who undergo procedures for subgingival curettage and/or periodontal flap have a remarkably decreased risk of ESRD.
Modeling of ligand binding to dopamine D2 receptor
Authors: Ostopovici-Halip Liliana , Rad-Curpan Ramona
Published: May 2013

The dopaminic receptors have been for long time the major targets for
developing new small molecules with high affinity and selectivity to treat
psychiatric disorders, neurodegeneration, drug abuse, and other therapeutic
areas. In the absence of a 3D structure for the human D2 dopamine (HDD2)
receptor, the efforts for discovery and design of new potential drugs rely on
comparative models generation, docking and pharmacophore development studies.
To get a better understanding of the HDD2 receptor binding site and the
ligand-receptor interactions a homology model of HDD2 receptor based on the
X-ray structure of ?2-adrenergic receptor has been built and used to dock a
set of partial agonists of HDD2 receptor. The main characteristics of the
binding mode for the HDD2 partial agonists set are given by the ligand
particular folding and a complex network of contacts represented by stacking
interactions, salt bridge and hydrogen bond formation. The characterization
of the partial agonist binding mode at HDD2 receptor provide the needed
information to generate pharmacophore models which represent essential
information in the future virtual screening studies in order to identify new
potential HDD2 partial agonists.
Preparation for radioiodine therapy: How to increase therapeutic efficacy and accelerate unbound radioiodine excretion
Authors: Matovic Milovan
Published: May 2013

nema
Disseminated typical bronchial carcinoid tumor
Authors: Novkovic Dobrivoje , Skuletic Vesna , Vukovic Jelena , Cerovic Snezana , Tomic Ilija , Karlicic Vukojica , Stojisavljevic Marko
Published: May 2013

Introduction. Bronchial carcinoids belong to a rare type of lung tumors. If
they do not expose outstanding neuroendocrine activity, they develop without
clearly visible symptoms. They are often detected during a routine
examination. According to their clinical pathological features, they are
divided into typical and atypical tumors. Typical bronchial carcinoids
metastasize to distant organs very rarely. Localized forms are effectively
treated by surgery. The methods of conservative treatment should be applied
in other cases. Case report. We presented a 65-year-old patient with
carcinoid lung tumor detected by a routine examination. Additional analysis
(chest X-ray, computed tomography of the chest, ultrasound of the abdomen,
skeletal scintigraphy, bronhoscopy, histopathological analysis of the
bioptate of bronchial tumor, as well as bronchial brushing cytology and
immunohistochemical staining performed with markers specific for
neuroendocrine tumor) proved a morphologically typical lung carcinoid with
dissemination to the liver and skeletal system, which is very rarely found in
typical carcinoids. Conclusion. The presented case with carcinoid used to be
showed morphological and pathohistological characteristics of typical
bronchial carcinoid. With its metastasis to the liver and skeletal system it
demonstrated unusual clinical course that used to be considered as rare
phenomenon. Due to its frequent asymptomatic course and varied manifestation,
bronchial carcinoid could be considered as a diagnostic challenge requiring a
multidisciplinary approach.
Tetrahydrobiopterin Has a Glucose-Lowering Effect by Suppressing Hepatic Gluconeogenesis in an Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase–Dependent Manner in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Abudukadier Abulizi , Fujita Yoshihito , Obara Akio , Ohashi Akiko , Fukushima Toru , Sato Yuichi , Ogura Masahito , Nakamura Yasuhiko , Fujimoto Shimpei , Hosokawa Masaya , Hasegawa Hiroyuki , Inagaki Nobuya
Published: May 2013

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) dysfunction induces insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor of eNOS that regulates eNOS activity. In the diabetic state, BH4 is oxidized to 7,8-dihydrobiopterin, which leads to eNOS dysfunction owing to eNOS uncoupling. The current study investigates the effects of BH4 on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in diabetic mice. Single administration of BH4 lowered fasting blood glucose levels in wild-type mice with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes and alleviated eNOS dysfunction by increasing eNOS dimerization in the liver of these mice. Liver has a critical role in glucose-lowering effects of BH4 through suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis. BH4 activated AMP kinase (AMPK), and the suppressing effect of BH4 on gluconeogenesis was AMPK-dependent. In addition, the glucose-lowering effect and activation of AMPK by BH4 did not appear in mice with STZ-induced diabetes lacking eNOS. Consecutive administration of BH4 in ob/ob mice ameliorated glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Taken together, BH4 suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis in an eNOS-dependent manner, and BH4 has a glucose-lowering effect as well as an insulin-sensitizing effect in diabetic mice. BH4 has potential in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
A linear condition determining local or global existence for nonlinear problems
Authors: Neuberger John , Neuberger John , Swift James
Published: May 2013

Given a nonlinear autonomous system of ordinary or partial differential equations that has at least local existence and uniqueness, we offer a linear condition which is necessary and sufficient for existence to be global. This paper is largely concerned with numerically testing this condition. For larger systems, principals of computations are clear but actual implementation poses considerable challenges. We give examples for smaller systems and discuss challenges related to larger systems. This work is the second part of a program, the first part being [Neuberger J.W., How to distinguish local semigroups from global semigroups, Discrete Contin. Dyn. Syst. (in press), available at http://arxiv.org/abs/1109.2184]. Future work points to a distant goal for problems as in [Fefferman C.L., Existence and Smoothness of the Navier-Stokes Equation, In: The Millennium Prize Problems, Clay Mathematics Institute, Cambridge/American Mathematical Society, Providence, 2006, 57–67].
Adaptive multiscale scheme based on numerical density of entropy production for conservation laws
Authors: Ersoy Mehmet , Golay Frédéric , Yushchenko Lyudmyla
Published: May 2013

We propose a 1D adaptive numerical scheme for hyperbolic conservation laws based on the numerical density of entropy production (the amount of violation of the theoretical entropy inequality). This density is used as an a posteriori error which provides information if the mesh should be refined in the regions where discontinuities occur or coarsened in the regions where the solution remains smooth. As due to the Courant-Friedrich-Levy stability condition the time step is restricted and leads to time consuming simulations, we propose a local time stepping algorithm. We also use high order time extensions applying the Adams-Bashforth time integration technique as well as the second order linear reconstruction in space. We numerically investigate the efficiency of the scheme through several test cases: Sod’s shock tube problem, Lax’s shock tube problem and the Shu-Osher test problem.
Numerical investigation of a new class of waves in an open nonlinear heat-conducting medium
Authors: Dimova Milena , Dimova Stefka , Vasileva Daniela
Published: May 2013

The paper contributes to the problem of finding all possible structures and waves, which may arise and preserve themselves in the open nonlinear medium, described by the mathematical model of heat structures. A new class of self-similar blow-up solutions of this model is constructed numerically and their stability is investigated. An effective and reliable numerical approach is developed and implemented for solving the nonlinear elliptic self-similar problem and the parabolic problem. This approach is consistent with the peculiarities of the problems — multiple solutions of the elliptic problem and blow-up solutions of the parabolic one.
Politics and problematics of the definition and categorization of ethnicity in Nepal
Authors: Pokharel Ramesh
Published: May 2013

Bodhi: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 5, 2011, Page 1-15 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bodhi.v5i1.8042
Using Critical Discourse Analysis for understanding knowledge construction in English pedagogy
Authors: Sharma Bal Krishna
Published: May 2013

This paper makes an attempt to make a better understanding of expert-teacher interactions through an examination of discursive practices by native English speaking ‘expert’ and English teachers from Asia. I analyzed ten online interaction events with an aim to scrutinize the construction of knowledge and expertise among in an unfolding interaction, and looked particularly into claims of expertise, participants’ positioning and identity in these virtual interactions, and any hierarchical differences in their discourses that result from the power differences between the ‘expert’ and the participating teachers. In order to analyze the data, I used the critical discourse analysis (CDA) framework and draw insights from critical pedagogy. The analysis shows that the ‘expert’, positioned as the authority of knowledge, suggested solutions to challenges that the teachers in different parts of world are facing, and also articulated his view of good pedagogical practices. The analysis also reveals that the expert’s pedagogical ideologies at times compete and contrast with those of the teachers. The study, therefore, questions the effectiveness of the taken-for-granted pedagogical theories and practices from the native English speaking professionals for the teachers in the periphery countries and suggests that teachers in the receiving end need to critically evaluate appropriateness of such pedagogical practices taking consideration of the local teaching/learning contexts. Bodhi: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 5, 2011, Page 53-79 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bodhi.v5i1.8045
Trauma of Maoist insurgency in literature: Reading Palpasa Café, Forget Kathmandu and Chhapamar ko Chhoro
Authors: Acharya Khagendra
Published: May 2013

Bodhi: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 5, 2011, Page 80-110 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bodhi.v5i1.8046
Reflecting on the two-way educational exchange between Korea and the United States
Authors: Lee Jae-won
Published: May 2013

Bodhi: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 5, 2011, Page 132-143 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bodhi.v5i1.8048
Public sphere and dynamics of the Internet
Authors: Kazi Nishat
Published: May 2013

Bodhi: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 5, 2011, Page 173-180 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bodhi.v5i1.8052
Carbon Nanotubes in Electronics: Background and Discussion for Waste-Handling Strategies
Authors: Manzetti Sergio , Andersen Otto
Published: May 2013

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are increasingly being used in electronics products. CNTs have unique chemical and nanotoxicological properties, which are potentially dangerous to public health and the environment. This report presents the most recent findings of CNTs’ toxicity and discusses aspects related to incineration, recycling and potential remediation strategies including chemical and biological remediation possibilities. Our analysis shows that recycling CNTs may be challenging given their physiochemical properties and that available strategies such as power-gasification methods, biological degradation and chemical degradation may need to be combined with pre-handling routines for hazardous materials. The discussion provides the background knowledge for legislative measures concerning specialized waste handling and recycling procedures/facilities for electronics products containing CNTs.
Application of Maximum Entropy Method to Semiconductor Engineering
Authors: Yonamoto Yoshiki
Published: May 2013

The maximum entropy method (MEM) is widely used in research fields such as linguistics, meteorology, physics, and chemistry. Recently, MEM application has become a subject of interest in the semiconductor engineering field, in which devices utilize very thin films composed of many materials. For thin film fabrication, it is essential to thoroughly understand atomic-scale structures, internal fixed charges, and bulk/interface traps, and many experimental techniques have been developed for evaluating these. However, the difficulty in interpreting the data they provide prevents the improvement of device fabrication processes. As a candidate for a very practical data analyzing technique, MEM is a promising approach to solve this problem. In this paper, we review the application of MEM to thin films used in semiconductor engineering. The method provides interesting and important information that cannot be obtained with conventional methods. This paper explains its theoretical background, important points for practical use, and application results.
Analysis of Fuel Cell Driven Ground Source Heat Pump Systems in Community Buildings
Authors: Byun Jae-Ki , Jeong Dong-Hwa , Choi Young-Don , Shin Jong-Keun
Published: May 2013

In the present study, a fuel cell driven ground source heat pump (GSHP) system is applied in a community building and heat pump system performance is analyzed by computational methods. Conduction heat transfer between the brine pipe and ground is analyzed by TEACH code in order to predict the performance of the heat pump system. The predicted coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat pump system and the energy cost were compared with the variation of the location of the objective building, the water saturation rate of the soil, and the driven powers of the heat pump system. Compared to the late-night electricity driven system, a significant reduction of energy cost can be accomplished by employing the fuel cell driven heat pump system. This is due to the low cost of electricity production of the fuel cell system and to the application of the recovered waste heat generated during the electricity production process to the heating of the community building.
Ultrasound Targeted Microbubble Destruction Stimulates Cellular Endocytosis in Facilitation of Adeno-Associated Virus Delivery
Authors: Jin Li-Fang , Li Fan , Wang Hui-Ping , Wei Fang , Qin Peng , Du Lian-Fang
Published: May 2013

The generally accepted mechanism for ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) to enhance drug and gene delivery is through sonoporation. However, passive uptake of adeno-associated virus (AAV) into cells following sonoporation does not adequately explain observations of enhanced transduction by UTMD. This study investigated alternative mechanisms of UTMD enhancement in AAV delivery. UTMD significantly enhanced transduction efficiency of AAV in a dose-dependent manner. UTMD stimulated a persistent uptake of AAV into the cytoplasm and nucleus. This phenomenon occurred over several hours, suggesting that some viral particles are endocytosed by cells rather than exclusively passing through pores created by sonoporation. Additionally, UTMD enhanced clathrin expression and accumulation at the plasma membrane suggesting greater clathrin-mediated endocytosis following UTMD. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that UTMD stimulated formation of clathrin-coated pits (CPs) and uncoated pits (nCPs). Furthermore, inhibition of clathrin-mediated endocytosis partially blocked the enhancement of AAV uptake following UTMD. The results of this study implicate endocytosis as a mechanism that contributes to UTMD-enhanced AAV delivery.
Resistin Promotes the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Ovary Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Pang Li , Zhang Yi , Yu Yu , Zhang Shulan
Published: May 2013

Resistin is a novel hormone that is secreted by human adipocytes and mononuclear cells and is associated with obesity, insulin resistance and inflammation. Recently, resistin has been postulated to play a role in angiogenesis. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that resistin regulates ovary carcinoma production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the angiogenic processes. We found that in human ovarian epithelial carcinoma cells (HO-8910), resistin (10–150 ng/mL) enhanced both VEGF protein and mRNA expression in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, as well as promoter activity. Furthermore, resistin enhanced DNA-binding activity of Sp1 with VEGF promoter in a PI3K/Akt-dependent manner. PI3K/Akt activated by resistin led to increasing interaction with Sp1, triggering a progressive phosphorylation of Sp1 on Thr453 and Thr739, resulting in the upregulation of VEGF expression. In an in vitro angiogenesis system for endothelial cells (EA.hy926) co-cultured with HO-8910 cells, we observed that the addition of resistin stimulated endothelial cell tube formation, which could be abolished by VEGF neutralizing antibody. Our findings suggest that the PI3K/Akt-Sp1 pathway is involved in resistin-induced VEGF expression in HO-8910 cells and indicates that antiangiogenesis therapy may be beneficial treatment against ovarian epithelial carcinoma, especially in obese patients.
Engineering Cellular Photocomposite Materials Using Convective Assembly
Authors: Jenkins Jessica , Flickinger Michael , Velev Orlin
Published: May 2013

Fabricating industrial-scale photoreactive composite materials containing living cells, requires a deposition strategy that unifies colloid science and cell biology. Convective assembly can rapidly deposit suspended particles, including whole cells and waterborne latex polymer particles into thin (<10 µm thick), organized films with engineered adhesion, composition, thickness, and particle packing. These highly ordered composites can stabilize the diverse functions of photosynthetic cells for use as biophotoabsorbers, as artificial leaves for hydrogen or oxygen evolution, carbon dioxide assimilation, and add self-cleaning capabilities for releasing or digesting surface contaminants. This paper reviews the non-biological convective assembly literature, with an emphasis on how the method can be modified to deposit living cells starting from a batch process to its current state as a continuous process capable of fabricating larger multi-layer biocomposite coatings from diverse particle suspensions. Further development of this method will help solve the challenges of engineering multi-layered cellular photocomposite materials with high reactivity, stability, and robustness by clarifying how process, substrate, and particle parameters affect coating microstructure. We also describe how these methods can be used to selectively immobilize photosynthetic cells to create biomimetic leaves and compare these biocomposite coatings to other cellular encapsulation systems.
Effects of Leaching Behavior of Calcium Ions on Compression and Durability of Cement-Based Materials with Mineral Admixtures
Authors: Cheng An , Chao Sao-Jeng , Lin Wei-Ting
Published: May 2013

Leaching of calcium ions increases the porosity of cement-based materials, consequently resulting in a negative effect on durability since it provides an entry for aggressive harmful ions, causing reinforcing steel corrosion. This study investigates the effects of leaching behavior of calcium ions on the compression and durability of cement-based materials. Since the parameters influencing the leaching behavior of cement-based materials are unclear and diverse, this paper focuses on the influence of added mineral admixtures (fly ash, slag and silica fume) on the leaching behavior of calcium ions regarding compression and durability of cemented-based materials. Ammonium nitrate solution was used to accelerate the leaching process in this study. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis were employed to analyze and compare the cement-based material compositions prior to and after calcium ion leaching. The experimental results show that the mineral admixtures reduce calcium hydroxide quantity and refine pore structure through pozzolanic reaction, thus enhancing the compressive strength and durability of cement-based materials.
Active and Precise Control of Microdroplet Division Using Horizontal Pneumatic Valves in Bifurcating Microchannel
Authors: Yoon Dong , Ito Junichi , Sekiguchi Tetsushi , Shoji Shuichi
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a microfluidic system for the active and precise control of microdroplet division in a micro device. Using two horizontal pneumatic valves formed at downstream of bifurcating microchannel, flow resistances of downstream channels were variably controlled. With the resistance control, volumetric ratio of downstream flows was changed and water-in-oil microdroplets were divided into two daughter droplets of different volume corresponding to the ratio. The microfluidic channels and pneumatic valves were fabricated by single-step soft lithography process of PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) using SU-8 mold. A wide range control of the daughter droplets’ volume ratio was achieved by the simple channel structure. Volumetric ratio between large and small daughter droplets are ranged from 1 to 70, and the smallest droplet volume of 14 pL was obtained. The proposed microfluidic device is applicable for precise and high throughput droplet based digital synthesis.
The Short-Term Effects of Soybean Intake on Oxidative and Carbonyl Stress in Men and Women
Authors: Celec Peter , Hodosy Július , Pálffy Roland , Gardlík Roman , Halčák Lukáč , Ostatníková Daniela
Published: May 2013

Beyond other beneficial effects, a soy-rich diet has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetic complications. Reduction of oxidative and carbonyl stress has been proposed as the underlying mechanism, but the evidence for this is lacking. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of short-term increased soy intake on oxidative and carbonyl stress parameters in young volunteers. Young healthy probands (omnivores) of both genders (55 women, 33 men) were given soybeans (2 g/kg bodyweight daily) for one week. Markers of oxidative and carbonyl stress were measured in plasma at the beginning and at the end of one week soybean intake and after another week of a wash-out period. Total antioxidant capacity was increased by soybean intake in both genders. This led to decreased levels of advanced oxidation protein products in women, but not in men. On the contrary, in men, soybean intake increased lipoperoxidation. No effects on carbonyl stress markers (advanced glycation end products-specific fluorescence and fructosamine) were found. Soybean intake has gender-specific effects on oxidative stress in young healthy probands potentially due to divergent action and metabolism of phytoestrogens in men and women. Effects of soybean intake on carbonyl stress should be evaluated in longer studies.
Remote Interrogation of WDM Fiber-Optic Intensity Sensors Deploying Delay Lines in the Virtual Domain
Authors: Montero David , Vázquez Carmen
Published: May 2013

In this work a radio-frequency self-referencing WDM intensity-based fiber-optic sensor operating in reflective configuration and using virtual instrumentation is presented. The use of virtual delay lines at the reception stage, along with novel flexible self-referencing techniques, and using a single frequency, avoids all-optical or electrical-based delay lines approaches. This solution preserves the self-referencing and performance characteristics of the proposed WDM-based optical sensing topology, and leads to a more compact solution with higher flexibility for the multiple interrogation of remote sensing points in a sensor network. Results are presented for a displacement sensor demonstrating the concept feasibility.
Interactions in Generalized Linear Models: Theoretical Issues and an Application to Personal Vote-Earning Attributes
Authors: Tsai Tsung-han , Gill Jeff
Published: May 2013

There is some confusion in political science, and the social sciences in general, about the meaning and interpretation of interaction effects in models with non-interval, non-normal outcome variables. Often these terms are casually thrown into a model specification without observing that their presence fundamentally changes the interpretation of the resulting coefficients. This article explains the conditional nature of reported coefficients in models with interactions, defining the necessarily different interpretation required by generalized linear models. Methodological issues are illustrated with an application to voter information structured by electoral systems and resulting legislative behavior and democratic representation in comparative politics.
Fermi Surface Reconstruction due to Hidden Rotating Antiferromagnetism in N and P-Type High-TC Cuprates
Authors: Azzouz Mohamed
Published: May 2013

The Fermi surface calculated within the rotating antiferromagnetism theory undergoes a topological change when doping changes from p-type to n-type, in qualitative agreement with experimental data for n-type cuprate Nd2−xCexCuO4 and p-type La2−xSrxCuO4. Also, the reconstruction of the Fermi surface, observed experimentally close to optimal doping in p-type cuprates, and slightly higher than optimal doping in the overdoped regime for this n-type high-TC cuprate, is well accounted for in this theory. This reconstruction is a consequence of the quantum criticality caused by the disappearance of rotating antiferromagnetism. The present results are in qualitative agreement with recently observed quantum oscillations in some high-TC cuprates. This paper presents new results about the application of the rotating antiferromagnetism theory to the study of the electronic structure for n-type materials.
Microsatellite markers for Cariniana legalis (Lecythidaceae) and their transferability to C. estrellensis
Authors: Tambarussi Evandro Vagner , Sebbenn Alexandre Magno , Moreno Maria Andréia , Ferraz Elza Martins , Kageyama Paulo Yoshio , Vencovsky Roland
Published: May 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed in the neotropical tree species Cariniana legalis (Lecythidaceae) to investigate its genetic diversity, mating system, and gene flow.

• Methods and Results: We identified 96 clones containing 82 repeat motifs from a genomic library enriched for (CT)8 and (GT)8 motifs. Primer pairs were developed for 13 microsatellite loci and validated in 51 C. legalis specimens and 26 C. estrellensis specimens. Eleven loci were polymorphic, revealing a maximum of two to 15 alleles per locus in C. legalis and three to 12 in C. estrellensis. For C. legalis, the observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosities ranged from 0 to 0.99 and from 0.07 to 0.90, respectively. For C. estrellensis, Ho and He ranged from 0 to 0.96 and from 0.14 to 0.91, respectively.

• Conclusions: The primers identified polymorphic loci that are suitable to study genetic diversity and structure, mating system, and gene flow in C. legalis and the related species C. estrellensis.
Development of 13 microsatellite markers in the endangered Sinai primrose (Primula boveana, Primulaceae)
Authors: Mansour Hassan , Jiménez Ares , Keller Barbara , Nowak Michael D. , Conti Elena
Published: May 2013

• Premise of the study: We developed microsatellite markers for the endangered plant Primula boveana, the Sinai primrose, and assessed the cross‐transferability of these markers to six related taxa.

• Methods and Results: DNA sequences containing microsatellites were isolated from a microsatellite‐enriched library. We obtained successful amplification of 13 microsatellite primer pairs, seven of which were polymorphic in P. boveana. Eleven of these primers successfully cross‐amplified to related taxa.

• Conclusions: The markers reported herein will be useful to characterize the genetic diversity of the endangered P. boveana and to evaluate its mating system, and have the potential to be useful for similar studies in close relatives.
Development of microsatellite loci for Cyclocarya paliurus (Juglandaceae), a monotypic species in subtropical China
Authors: Fan Deng‐Mei , Ye Lin‐Jiang , Luo Yi , Hu Wan , Tian Shuang , Zhang Zhi‐Yong
Published: May 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite loci were developed for a monotypic species endemic to subtropical China, Cyclocarya paliurus, to help infer the evolutionary histories of ancient monotypic genera in subtropical China.

• Methods and Results: Using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining repeats (FIASCO) protocol, 28 primer sets were identified in two wild populations. All loci were polymorphic, with the number of alleles per locus ranging from two to eight. The expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.153 to 0.802 and from 0 to 0.750, respectively. The transferability of the 28 primer pairs was tested on Juglans regia, Pterocarya stenoptera, and Platycarya strobilacea. Twenty‐one (75.0%), 22 (78.6%), and 15 (53.6%) markers were successfully amplified in J. regia, P. stenoptera, and P. strobilacea, respectively.

• Conclusions: These loci will be useful for in‐depth analysis of genetic diversity and phylogeographical variation throughout the distribution range of C. paliurus.
Les exclamatives : intensification ou haut-degré ?
Authors: Anscombre Jean-Claude
Published: May 2013

Depuis l’étude désormais classique de Milner (1978), les phrases exclamatives ont été assimilées à des phrases exhibant des marqueurs du groupe de qu – , à savoir quel , comme , combien , que , etc., et signifiant le haut-degré, voire le degré maximum, et étant donc de nature scalaire. Cette approche traditionnelle laisse sans réponse un certain nombre de questions. Après avoir établi une liste des différents candidats au statut d’exclamative de type Quel SN ! et de leurs propriétés, on proposera donc une définition unitaire deces exclamatives en termes non pas de degré, mais d’intensification, le degré et le haut-degré n’en étant qu’une manifestation. De ce point de vue, l’exclamative repose sur un mécanisme fondamentalement sémantique, ce qui explique l’hétérogénéité des moyens susceptibles d’être employés pour y parvenir.
Scénario socio-économique et écologique des changements de l’occupation des terres au Bénin
Authors: Oloukoi Joseph
Published: May 2013

Cette étude apprécie la dynamique de l’occupation des terres et son probable devenir dans un avenir moyen et lointain au Centre du Bénin. Elle se base sur une approche combinatoire qui intègre la télédétection spatiale, les systèmes d’information géographique et les automates cellulaires. Des images Landsat TM de 1986, ETM de 2000 et NigeriaSat1 de 2006 ont été utilisées pour l’extraction des informations sur l’occupation du sol. Ces informations ont été traitées et converties sous format ASCII dans ArcGIS, puis récupérées dans le modèle des automates cellulaires SPACELLE où des projections ont été faites aux horizons 2025 et 2034, suivant deux scénarios qui pourraient se produire sous des conditions socio-économiques définies. La détection des changements indique une tendance progressive des champs et jachères, les savanes arborées et arbustives entre 1986 et 2006. Quant à la forêt dense et la forêt-galerie, elles présentent une tendance régressive au niveau des quatre unités paysagiques sélectionnées. Le scénario socio-économique révèle que les formations végétales vont quasiment disparaître au profit des champs et jachères et des agglomérations en 2016, 2025, tendance qui va se consolider davantage en 2034. Le scénario écologique a tourné à un scénario de stabilité environnementale, se traduisant par une dynamique relative, mais qui préservera les ressources surtout les formations végétales, car leur degré de dégradation ne sera pas aussi élevé.
La méthode de l’évaluation des risques sanitaires en France : représentations, évolutions et lectures plurielles
Authors: Boutaric Franck
Published: May 2013

Parmi les méthodes employées par les scientifiques et dont la destinée accompagne les permanences et les mutations de l’expertise de la société française, l’évaluation des risques sanitaires a connu un certain succès. Pendant près de quinze ans, les présentations de cet outil et ses rapports avec la gestion des risques vont enregistrer un certain nombre d’évolutions. Les représentations ou les lectures de l’évaluation diffèrent selon les champs administratifs, politiques ou scientifiques qui s’en emparent. Cette plasticité est liée aux développements de la réflexion scientifique et aux perspectives disciplinaires qui participent à l’élaboration de l’évaluation. Elle renvoie non seulement aux usages que font les acteurs de la méthode, mais aussi aux configurations changeantes des dispositifs de sécurité sanitaire qui orientent les lectures et les pratiques. Bien que l’on observe la volonté d’intégrer les parties prenantes dans l’évaluation, ces transformations au statut et au devenir incertains restent l’œuvre d’acteurs qui n’agissent guère en dehors des cadres institutionnels.
L’accès à l’eau courante des femmes migrantes à Ouagadougou : durabilité de l’accès et effet sur la survie des enfants
Authors: Santos Stéphanie Dos
Published: May 2013

L’Afrique subsaharienne enregistre l’un des taux de non-accès à l’eau les plus élevés au monde (39 % de la population). En zone urbaine africaine, les progrès réalisés ces dernières années dans l’accès à l’eau ne sont pratiquement pas perceptibles, notamment du fait de la croissance urbaine des villes, en partie due à l’arrivée de migrants. Parallèlement, les maladies diarrhéiques, qui constituent la seconde cause de mortalité des enfants de moins de cinq ans dans le monde, pourraient être largement évitées par un meilleur accès à l’eau. Dans ce contexte, analyser l’effet l’accès à l’eau des femmes migrantes en ville sur les chances de survie de leurs enfants se révèle un objet pertinent dans la mesure où ce sont elles qui, pour des raisons culturelles et sociales, ont en charge la santé des enfants au sein des ménages. L’utilisation de données originales sur cette thématique, recueillies à Ouagadougou en 2000, permet d’étudier les conditions de l’accès durable à l’eau courante des femmes à Ouagadougou au regard de leur statut migratoire à partir de l’analyse des transitions. Les différentiels de survie des enfants des mères migrantes et des mères non migrantes sont aussi étudiés. Il s’agit de mettre en évidence comment le statut migratoire modifie l’effet de l’accès à l’eau et s’il contribue à expliquer la mortalité différentielle des enfants après le contrôle des caractéristiques sociodémographiques de la mère. La conclusion revient sur l’un des apports de cet article : la compréhension dynamique de l’accès à l’eau courante, et notamment la démonstration que cet accès n’est pas linéaire, contrairement à la théorie classique du développement qui voit ce processus comme une échelle ascendante.
Étude des compétences propices au soin et à la transformation de l’environnement
Authors: Pruneau Diane , Kerry Jackie , Langis Joanne
Published: May 2013

Dans un monde où l’environnement est éreinté et où l’humain est confronté à des maladies environnementales, quelles sont les compétences (modes de pensée) qui permettent à certains citoyens de transformer leur communauté ? L’étude multicas avait pour but d’identifier les compétences multidisciplinaires démontrées par deux groupes de citoyens impliqués en développement viable : des agriculteurs implantant des actions d’adaptation aux changements climatiques et des leaders aménageant un écoquartier exemplaire. Les compétences mises à profit par les acteurs des deux projets, étudiées à l’aide de l’observation participante, d’entrevues et d’analyse de documents ont été la résolution de problèmes, les connaissances techniques et endogènes, la collaboration, la pensée critique, l’optimisme, la persévérance, l’ouverture à la nouveauté et l’intérêt pour l’apprentissage. La compétence de planification souple est ressortie surtout chez les bâtisseurs de l’écoquartier. Une discussion invite le lecteur à réfléchir à la possibilité de développer des compétences environnementales chez les élèves tout en aidant ceux-ci à raisonner dans des perspectives d’identité communautaire, de viabilité et de vitalité.