bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships and Responsibilities
Authors: Lomawaima K. Tsianina
Published: February 2013

This commentary on Bryan Brayboy's 2011 Presidential address to the Council on Anthropology & Education focuses on the concepts and performance embedded in Dr. Brayboy's demonstration of “how his stories are his theories.” Central concepts are academic life in a neoliberal world driven by the myth of disinterested markets, CAE's clear mission of social justice, and the application of an indigenous notion of stewardship to guide our relationships and responsibilities to one another.
Perceptions of Self and Other in the Elementary Classroom: From George Spindler's “Roger Harker Story” to Today's Classrooms
Authors: Finnan Christine
Published: February 2013

Consistent with research conducted by George Spindler 60 years ago, teachers continue to perceive groups of students, typically students that differ from the teacher, as less capable of accomplishing meaningful tasks, belonging and contributing to social groups, and engaging actively in challenging work. The bias is especially great for students who struggle to perform academically. The article reflects on the importance of teacher effects on students' developing sense of self, especially in our accountability age.
On input market surplus and its relation to the downstream market game
Authors: Basso Leonardo J.
Published: February 2013

Abstract In order to analyze the welfare effects of price changes in input markets – following for example a price‐fixing conspiracy – economists have studied the relationship between the surplus measured in the input markets and the surplus in the output markets. The latest results hinge on simplifying assumptions, which are relaxed here by linking the input markets surplus question to another stream of literature, which characterizes functions that oligopolists collectively, yet unintentionally, maximize. It is shown that the area under the input demands is equal to the change in a function for which critical points coincide with the equilibria of the downstream game. A particular case of these functions is the exact potential function.
Absence of clinical correlates of diabetic retinopathy in the Ins2Akita retina
Authors: McLenachan Samuel , Chen Xiangting , McMenamin Paul G , Rakoczy Elizabeth P
Published: February 2013

Background

The Ins2Akita mouse has been reported to display retinal pathology degeneration associated with advanced diabetic retinopathy. In the present study, we monitored retinal changes in these mice to establish if this model displays clinical features associated with advanced diabetic retinopathy in human patients.

Methods

Ins2Akita mice (n = 55) on a C57Bl/6J background were monitored clinically from 9 to 25 weeks of age using a combination of scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography. After clinical imaging, eyes were processed for immunostaining to examine microglial, astroglial and Muller glial responses to hyperglycaemia. To complement our optical coherence tomography imaging, retinal morphology and thicknesses were examined in high‐quality semi‐thin sections.

Results

No retinal thinning or disruption of retinal architecture was observed by optical coherence tomography or resin histology in Ins2Akita mice up to 6 months of age. In addition, no vascular changes were detected by fluorescein angiography or by scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. With the exception of microglial activation, reduced glial fibrillary acid protein expression in astrocytes and an increase in glial fibrillary acid protein expression by Muller cells, no other changes were observed in the Ins2Akita retina.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the classical clinical correlates of human diabetic retinopathy are absent in Ins2Akita mice up to 6 months of age suggesting that either the histopathological processes underlying the development of diabetic retinopathy in this model require longer than 5 months of hyperglycaemia to result in disruption of retinal architecture or that advanced diabetic retinopathy is not a feature of the Ins2Akita diabetic mouse.
Determination of the use of traditional practices to ease labour among Turkish women
Authors: Yılmaz Duygu , Kısa Sezer , Zeyneloğlu Simge , Güner Tuba
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine the use of traditional practices to ease labour among Turkish women. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with 809 women by using an investigator‐designed questionnaire. The mean age of the women was 28.9 ± 8.33 years (min = 15, max = 74), 49.4% were between 20–29 years of age and more than half (56.2%) of the women had had one to two pregnancies. The results showed that traditional practices were known and applied mostly by the women who were at an advanced age, less educated and who lived in rural areas. In addition, the knowledge and application status of traditional practices related to religious beliefs were found to be very high compared with superstitious practices. It was suggested that nurses provide culturally competent care that requires a commitment by the individual nurse to develop, refine and use specific skills in the care of women.
Evaluation of nursing documentation on patient hygienic care
Authors: Inan Nurcan Köksal , Dinç Leyla
Published: February 2013

This study was conducted to evaluate nursing documentation on patient hygienic care and to analyze the consistency between actual care given by nurses and that of documented in nursing record. Data were collected from 85 nurses employed at critical care units, on whom 255 sets of observations were performed through a structured participant observation form, which could be used to record the observation episodes and to audit nursing records. Results indicated that the most frequent performed hygienic care was oral care, perianal care, hand washing and bed bathing. The consistency between actual patient hygienic care and its documentation was 77.6%. The quality of nursing records was poor and inadequate to reflect individualized nursing care. Results suggest that more emphasis is needed in nursing practice and nursing education on the quality of record keeping in nursing to increase its evidential value.
Acute and severe acne in a patient treated with bevacizumab
Authors: Molina‐Ruiz Ana María , Domine Manuel , Requena Luis
Published: February 2013

Background  Bevacizumab is a recombinant, humanized monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that inhibits angiogenesis. Bevacizumab is typically well tolerated; its major side effects include hypertension, proteinuria, bleeding, gastrointestinal perforation, and arterial thrombotic events, among others. Cutaneous side effects associated with the use of bevacizumab are rare and involve mainly itching and exfoliative dermatitis. Nonspecific skin rash and acneiform eruptions have recently been described in patients following infusion of bevacizumab.

Methods  Findings in a 52‐year‐old patient with stage IV lung cancer with brain metastasis, who developed severe, acute, and persistent acne after intravenous (IV) infusion of bevacizumab, are examined.

Results  The cutaneous eruption was classified as true acne rather than as an acneiform eruption because all cutaneous lesions of acne, namely comedones, inflammatory papules, and pustules, were present.

Conclusions  To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of an association between acne and IV administration of bevacizumab.
Imagining Alaska: Local and Translocal Engagements with Place
Authors: Ganapathy Sandhya
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT In this article, I examine the concepts of place and place‐making across multiple scales to understand how Alaskan landscapes have been constituted and defined from afar and how these translocal spatial formations are experienced and contested locally. Alaska's inception as a spatio‐legal entity was accomplished through translocal legislative acts and imaginative representations that framed it as either a place for extractive resource development or one of bountiful, pristine nature that should remain untouched. These translocal framings precipitated economic expansion and migration into the region, resulting in material and imaginative transformations of Alaskan landscapes. Alaskan landscapes are also important for Native communities, who continue to define culturally meaningful places through grounded rather than translocal engagements. I highlight the experiences of Gwich’in Athabascan communities in northeast Alaska who must contend with competing translocal framings of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in their engagements with, and efforts to sustain, aboriginal land bases.
Protest Anthropology in a Moment of Global Unrest
Authors: Maskovsky Jeff
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT  In this review essay, I explore today's protest anthropology, the high‐stakes domain of professional and political practice in which anthropologists are not just aligned with protest movements, revolts, and uprisings but are also full‐fledged participants in them. Focusing on examples from the Occupy Movement, I discuss the promises and perils of taking a protest stance. I argue that, despite the risks, protest anthropology has the power to unsettle many of the current‐day knowledge‐producing practices in the discipline.
It's not what you are, it's what you know: experience, beliefs, and the detection of deception in employment interviews
Authors: Reinhard Marc‐André , Scharmach Martin , Müller Patrick
Published: February 2013

This study investigated the ability of more or less experienced employment interviewers and laypersons to detect deception in employment interviews. Although correct beliefs about indicators of deception led to higher deception detection accuracy, more experienced employment interviewers did not show more accurate beliefs about indicators of deception and did not perform better at detecting deception than less experienced interviewers and laypersons. Furthermore, more experienced interviewers showed a less‐pronounced tendency of judging messages as true irrespective of their actual truthfulness (truth bias) than less experienced interviewers and laypersons. It is suggested that experience in employment interviewing does not automatically lead to higher deception detection abilities in employment interviews, but that correcting people's beliefs about indicators of deception can do so.
Toll‐like receptors in hepatitis C infection: Implications for pathogenesis and treatment
Authors: Howell Jessica , Angus Peter , Gow Paul , Visvanathan Kumar
Published: February 2013

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health problem, affecting over 150 million people worldwide. While the critical role of the adaptive immune system in HCV infection is well‐established, the importance of the innate immune system in HCV infection has only been recognized in more recent years. Toll‐like receptors form the cornerstone of the innate immune response, and there is considerable evidence for their crucial role in hepatitis C infection. This review outlines recent advances made in our understanding of the role of Toll‐like receptor function in HCV infection, exploring how HCV manipulates host immunity to evade immune clearance and establish persistent infection despite leading to inflammatory hepatic damage.
Evaluating Urban Public Schools: Parents, Teachers, and State Assessments
Authors: Favero Nathan , Meier Kenneth J.
Published: February 2013

Among the most contentious questions in public administration is how the performance of public organizations should be evaluated, and nowhere is this issue more salient than in urban public schools. While significant attention has been devoted to studying administrative measures of public organizations, the views of citizens concerning performance have been widely criticized and are not frequently gathered by schools. How these assessments relate to each other is central to many questions in education policy (e.g., choice, equity) and has important implications for democracy, bureaucratic professionalism, and public performance. This debate can be viewed as focusing on the distinction between convergent validity and discriminant validity. Using data from New York City's public school system with a cross‐sectional time‐series approach, parent and teacher evaluations are compared to government records of schools’ characteristics and performance. The findings suggest that parents and teachers are able to conduct intelligent, meaningful evaluations of school quality.
Speleothems Reveal 500,000-Year History of Siberian Permafrost
Authors: Vaks A. , Gutareva O. S. , Breitenbach S. F. M. , Avirmed E. , Mason A. J. , Thomas A. L. , Osinzev A. V. , Kononov A. M. , Henderson G. M.
Published: February 2013

Permafrost Thaw Predictions

Permafrost contains twice as much carbon as the atmosphere which could have serious consequences if it were to be released by widespread thawing.

Vaks
et al.

(p.
183
, published online 21 February) present a 450,000 year-long record of speleothem growth at selected locations in Siberia, which traces changes in the extent of permafrost over that time period. The authors conclude that conditions only slightly warmer than those of today would cause widespread thawing of continuous permafrost as far north as 60°N.
Offshore anchor piles under mooring forces: numerical modeling
Authors: Ramadan Mohamed I. , Butt Stephen D. , Popescu R.
Published: February 2013

A parametric study was carried out to study the behavior of offshore anchor piles under mooring forces in dense sand using a three dimensional (3-D) finite element model (FEM). The Mohr–Coulomb plastic model has been used to model the soil, and has been calibrated based on the centrifuge tests discussed in a Ph.D. thesis (published by Ramadan in 2011). The selection of model parameters and comparison of calibrated results with the centrifuge test results are discussed. In the parametric study, different pile lengths and diameters were considered to have different pile–soil rigidities. The pile was loaded at different load inclination angles to examine a wide range of loading conditions. From the current parametric study, design methods and design recommendations are given to help in improving the design of offshore anchor piles under monotonic mooring forces.
Ethics viewpoints efficacies
Authors: Hollander Rachelle
Published: February 2013

Seeking answers to ethical concerns.
Q&A: The power of distribution
Authors: Hoffmann Leah
Published: February 2013

Nancy Lynch talks about achieving consensus, developing algorithms, and mimicking biology in distributed systems.
Automatic predicate abstraction of C programs
Authors: Ball Thomas , Majumdar Rupak , Millstein Todd , Rajamani Sriram K.
Published: February 2013

Model checking has been widely successful in validating and debugging designs in the hardware and protocol domains. However, state-space explosion limits the applicability of model checking tools, so model checkers typically operate on abstractions of systems.

Recently, there has been significant interest in applying model checking to software. For infinite-state systems like software, abstraction is even more critical. Techniques for abstracting software are a prerequisite to making software model checking a reality.

We present the first algorithm to automatically construct a predicate abstraction of programs written in am industrial programming language such as C, and its implementation in a tool -- C2BP. The C2BP tool is part of the SLAM toolkit, which uses a combination of predicate abstraction, model checking, symbolic reasoning, and iterative refinement to statically check temporal safety properties of programs.

Predicate abstraction of software has many applications, including detecting program errors, synthesizing program invariants, and improving the precision of program analyses through predicate sensitivity. We discuss our experience applying the C2BP predicate abstraction tool to a variety of problems, ranging from checking that list-manipulating code preserves heap invariants to finding errors in Windows NT device drivers.
Recursive structures for standard ML
Authors: Russo Claudio V.
Published: February 2013

Standard ML is a statically typed programming language that is suited for the construction of both small and large programs. "Programming in the small" is captured by Standard ML's Core language. "Programming in the large" is captured by Standard ML's Modules language that provides constructs for organising related Core language definitions into self-contained modules with descriptive interfaces. While the Core is used to express details of algorithms and data structures, Modules is used to express the overall architecture of a software system. In Standard ML, modular programs must have a strictly hierarchical structure: the dependency between modules can never be cyclic. In particular, definitions of mutually recursive Core types and values, that arise frequently in practice, can never span module boundaries. This limitation compromises modular programming, forcing the programmer to merge conceptually (i.e. architecturally) distinct modules. We propose a practical and simple extension of the Modules language that caters for cyclic dependencies between both types and terms defined in separate modules. Our design leverages existing features of the language, supports separate compilation of mutually recursive modules and is easy to implement.
Specific contacts between protein S4 and ribosomal RNA are required at multiple stages of ribosome assembly
Authors: Mayerle Megan , Woodson Sarah A.
Published: February 2013

Assembly of bacterial 30S ribosomal subunits requires structural rearrangements to both its 16S rRNA and ribosomal protein components. Ribosomal protein S4 nucleates 30S assembly and associates rapidly with the 5′ domain of the 16S rRNA. In vitro, transformation of initial S4–rRNA complexes to long-lived, mature complexes involves refolding of 16S helix 18, which forms part of the decoding center. Here we use targeted mutagenesis of Geobacillus stearothermophilus S4 to show that remodeling of S4–rRNA complexes is perturbed by ram alleles associated with reduced translational accuracy. Gel mobility shift assays, SHAPE chemical probing, and in vivo complementation show that the S4 N-terminal extension is required for RNA binding and viability. Alanine substitutions in Y47 and L51 that interact with 16S helix 18 decrease S4 affinity and destabilize the helix 18 pseudoknot. These changes to the protein–RNA interface correlate with no growth (L51A) or cold-sensitive growth, 30S assembly defects, and accumulation of 17S pre-rRNA (Y47A). A third mutation, R200A, over-stabilizes the helix 18 pseudoknot yet results in temperature-sensitive growth, indicating that complex stability is finely tuned by natural selection. Our results show that early S4–RNA interactions guide rRNA folding and impact late steps of 30S assembly.
Parenting for resilience: family processes and psychosocial competence of Chinese adolescents experiencing economic disadvantage in Hong Kong
Authors: Leung Janet T.Y. , Shek Daniel T.L.
Published: February 2013

Based on the responses of 275 Chinese adolescents experiencing economic disadvantage in Hong Kong, the relationships between family processes (including perceived parenting style, parental control, family functioning, and parental sacrifice for children’s education) and psychosocial competence were examined in this study. Results showed that parenting style, parental control, family functioning, and parental sacrifice for children’s education were positively related to adolescent psychosocial competence. Regression analyses indicated that family functioning, maternal control, and paternal sacrifice for children’s education were significant predictors of psychosocial competence of adolescents experiencing economic disadvantage. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Ultra-Shallow Junctions for the 65nm Node Based on Defect and Stress Engineering
Authors: Moroz Victor , Foad Majeed , Graoui Houda , Nouri Faran , Pramanik Dipu , Felch Susan
Published: February 2013

The co-implantation of germanium, carbon, and boron with the optimum implant energies and doses makes it possible to create p+/n junctions with the sheet resistance of less than 600 Ohm/square and the slope of less than 3 nm/decade. The narrow process window is based on careful engineering of the amorphization, point defects, and stresses and includes standard 1050°C spike annealing. The germanium pre-amorphization suppresses the ion channeling for the subsequent boron implant. The tensile stress induced by the substitutional carbon atoms and the compressive stress induced by the substitutional germanium atoms slow down boron diffusion and help to make the junctions shallower. The stress gradient in the transition region from the strained carbon and germanium doped layers to the relaxed silicon underneath creates an uphill boron flux that makes the junction slope steeper.

The optimum amount of carbon is placed in between the implanted boron and the implant damage, which is located below the amorphized layer. During the annealing, the carbon atoms capture silicon interstitials that are coming from the implant damage and form carbon-interstitial clusters. The analysis demonstrates that it is possible to capture over 95% of the interstitials this way before they have a chance to reach boron-doped layer. This completely suppresses the transient-enhanced boron diffusion (TED) and drastically reduces the amount of boron that is deactivated in boron-interstitial clusters (BICs). In fact, the point defect engineering with an optimized carbon profile allows to remove all non-equilibrium silicon interstitials that are generated by the following three sources: the implant damage below the amorphized layer, the rapid temperature ramp down, and the interstitials generated by boron at high concentrations (due to the effect known as boron-enhanced diffusion (BED)).

The latter effect leads to significant increase of the apparent boron activation level beyond the well-characterized solid-state solubility level. We explain this effect as a reduction in formation of BICs due to the lack of interstitial supersaturation. In carbon-free silicon, high concentration boron is always accompanied by the non-equilibrium interstitials, coming from either the implant damage or the BICs even if boron is introduced into silicon by pre-deposition instead of the implantation. Extensive experiments and theoretical analysis based on simulation of the interaction of Ge, C, I, and B atoms, as well as the stress effects, point to the optimized process flow that improves the shape and parameters of the p+/n USJs.
The Relation between Renal Function and Serum Sclerostin in Adult Patients with CKD
Authors: Pelletier Solenne , Dubourg Laurence , Carlier Marie-Christine , Hadj-Aissa Aoumeur , Fouque Denis
Published: February 2013

Background and objectives

Sclerostin, a bone antianabolic peptide involved in osteoporosis, is elevated in patients undergoing maintenance dialysis. However, there are no data for patients with early CKD.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Between January and July 2010, serum sclerostin and GFR (calculated by inulin clearance) were measured in 90 patients with CKD. Fasting blood samples were also drawn for determination of calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, bone alkaline phosphatase, and 25-OH vitamin D.

Results

Median GFR was 66.5 (interquartile range, 40.0–88.3) ml/min per 1.73 m2. Median sclerostin level was 53.5 (interquartile range, 37.5–77.2) pmol/L, was higher in patients with a GFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, and was highest in those with ESRD. Sclerostin levels were significantly more elevated in men than women (P<0.05). An inverse relationship was found between sclerostin and GFR (r=−0.58; P<0.001), and a positive correlation was seen with age (r=0.34; P<0.01) and serum phosphate (r=0.26; P=0.02). In multiple regression analyses, GFR, sex, and serum phosphate were the only variables associated with serum sclerostin (P<0.001). Age lost its relationship with sclerostin level.

Conclusions

This is the first study reporting higher serum sclerostin levels starting at CKD stage III. GFR, sex, and serum phosphate were the only measures associated with sclerostin level, suggesting that the effect of age reported in the literature might instead be attributable to the altered renal function in the elderly. Correcting the serum phosphorus level may be associated with lower sclerostin levels.
Impact of Probiotic on the Number of Lactic Acid Rods Forming Hydrogen Peroxide Isolated From Porkers and on Changes in Drug Resistance of Selected Escherichia Coli Isolates
Authors: Selwet Marek , Galbas Mariola , Dullin Piotr
Published: February 2013

The presented investigations were conducted on a group of 60 porkers of crossbreed Polish Landrace x Large White Polish. The animals were divided into two equal experimental groups. The control group (K) was fed diets without supplementation with probiotics, group (P) - diets with the addition of probiotic (0.2 kg t-1 feed). The aim of the study was to determine the effect of probiotic preparation on total numberof lactic acid rods from the Lactobacillus genus and those forming hydrogen oxide. The second part of experiment concerned the influence of probiotic preparation on the number, haemolytic ability and changes in drug resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from animal faeces. The significantly highest number of Lactobacillus sp. were determined in the saliva of porkers fed diets with the addition of probiotic, while the lowest in the control group. Lactobacillus sp. rods capable of forming hydrogen peroxide were isolated from 17 animals in group K and from three animals in group P. E. coli was determined in each examined sample of faeces. In groups K and P, counts of these bacteria were similar and did not differ statistically. High numbers of haemolytic isolates (haemolysis β) were found in faeces of animals fed diets with the addition of probiotic. Number and proportions of resistant isolates in groups K and P were different. Gentamicin was characterised by exceptionally high in vitro effectiveness. The used probiotic increased drug resistance of E. coli and increased frequency of incidence of haemolysis β.
Prevalence of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Antibodies in Domestic and Game Animals from Eastern Poland
Authors: Cisak Ewa , Wójcik-Fatla Angelina , Sroka Jacek , Zając Violetta , Bilska-Zając Ewa , Chmurzyńska Ewa , Dutkiewicz Jacek
Published: February 2013

Serum samples from 123 cattle, 95 wild boars, and 43 deer (red deer, roe deer, and fallow deer) from the territory of eastern Poland were examined by the ELISA for the presence of specific antibodies against tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). The rates of positive response in the animals were 4.1%, 16.8%, and 11.6%, respectively. Examination of 37 blood samples from deer with RT-PCR revealed only one positive result in a roe deer (2.7%). The relatively high serologic response rate in wild boars was due to a very high response rate (35.7%) in the Chełm district, which accounted for 94% of the total positive results. These findings seem to indicate that the Chełm district is most probably an endemic area of TBEV.
Effects of Iletamine-Zolazepam-Xylazine-Tramadol Combination on Biochemical and Haematological Parameters in Cats
Authors: Li Lin , Dong Jing , Lu Dezhang , Jiang Sheng , Lin Dongqi , Fan Honggang
Published: February 2013

Cats were injected with 2.4 mg/kg of tiletamine-zolazepam, 0.36 mg/kg of xylazine, and 0.8 mg/kg of tramadol, then blood was collected from their peripheral veins at 0.5, 1, 4, 8, 24, 48, 72, and 168 h after the injection. Before injection, the same cats were used as control group (0 h). Biochemical and haematological parameters were measured. The results revealed that the combination of the compounds produced good immobilisation, with minimal changes over time in biochemical and haematological parameters, which were within biologically acceptable limits.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Useful Tool for the Selection of Pharmacological and Surgical Treatment Options for Canine Hydrocephalus
Authors: Pomianowski Andrzej , Adamiak Zbigniew
Published: February 2013

A group of 12 dogs, eight of small breeds and four of medium-sized breeds, were used in the study. Prior to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, all dogs were subjected to neurological, laboratory, and electroencephalographic examinations, and trans-fontanel ultrasonography was additionally performed in two patients. The acquired obstructive hydrocephalus was diagnosed in two dogs, idiopathic obstructive hydrocephalus - in four patients, obstructive congenital hydrocephalus - in five dogs, and hydrocephalus ex vacuo- in one patient. Ten dogs were put under the pharmacological therapy, and in two patients the condition was treated surgically. MRI proved to be a valuable tool that supports selection of the appropriate pharmacological and surgical treatment. MRI scans also appear to be useful in monitoring an effectiveness of the applied form of treatment.
Diversity of GAG Gene Sequence Encoding Immunodominant Epitope on Capsid Protein of Lentiviruses from Sheep in Poland
Authors: Olech Monika , Rola-Łuszczak Marzena , Kozaczyńska Bożenna , Kubiś Piotr , Pluta Aneta , Gil Anna , Kuźmak Jacek
Published: February 2013

In the study, a 122 bp fragment of gag gene encoding immunodominant epitope on capsid protein of small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) found in sheep was amplified by PCR and analysed by SSCP and sequencing. Out of 30 DNA samples, five showed different migration patterns, demonstrating the individual variations within gag sequences, which were confirmed afterwards by sequence analysis. In two samples nucleotide changes yielded amino acid substitutions highlighting the conservative nature of gag encoded immunoreactive epitope but also potencial insensitivity of a single-strain-based immunoassay.
Amygdalohippocampotomy: surgical technique and clinical results
Authors: Gonçalves-Ferreira Antonio , Campos Alexandre Rainha , Herculano-Carvalho Manuel , Pimentel Jose , Bentes Carla , Peralta Ana Rita , Morgado Carlos , _ _
Published: February 2013

Object

The removal of mesial temporal structures, namely amygdalohippocampectomy, is the most efficient surgical procedure for the treatment of epilepsy. However, disconnection of the epileptogenic zones, as in temporal lobotomy or, for different purposes, hemispherotomy, have shown equivalent results with less morbidity. Thus, authors of the present study began performing selective amygdalohippocampotomy in cases of refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) to treat mesial temporal lobe sclerosis (MTLS).

Method

The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of all cases of amygdalohippocampotomy collected in a database between November 2007 and March 2011.

Results

Since 2007, 21 patients (14 males and 7 females), ages 20–58 years (mean 41 years), all with TLE due to MTLS, were treated with selective ablation of the lateral amygdala plus perihippocampal disconnection (anterior one-half to two-thirds in dominant hemisphere), the left side in 11 cases and the right in 10. In 20 patients the follow-up was 2 or more years (range 24–44 months, average 32 months). Clinical outcome for epilepsy 2 years after surgery (20 patients) was good/very good in 19 patients (95%) with an Engel Class I (15 patients [75%]) or II outcome (4 patients [20%]) and bad in 1 patient (5%) with an Engel Class IV outcome (extratemporal focus and later reoperation).

Surgical morbidity included hemiparesis (capsular hypertensive hemorrhage 24 hours after surgery, 1 patient), verbal memory worsening (2 patients), and quadrantanopia (permanent in 2 patients, transient in 1). Late psychiatric depression developed in 3 cases. Operative time was reduced by about 30 minutes (15%) on average with this technique.

Conclusions

Amygdalohippocampotomy is as effective as amygdalohippocampectomy to treat MTLS and is a potentially safer, time-saving procedure.
Study on the Stability of an Artificial Stock Option Market Based on Bidirectional Conduction
Authors: Yang Hai-Jun , Sun Gui-Ping
Published: February 2013

Although stock option markets have grown dramatically over the past several decades, the relation between an option and its underlying asset, especially bidirectional conduction, is not particularly clear. So far, there have been many debates about this topic. We try to investigate this problem from a novel angle: an artificial stock market including a stock option is constructed in this paper. The model includes two parts, one is a stock trade module based on the Santa Fe Institute Artificial Stock Market (SFI-ASM), and the other is an option trade module. In the latter module, three types of option traders are employed. The results show that the model is effective, and experiments illustrate that option markets have a remarkable effect on stock markets. Furthermore, by appending options, the model replicates some stylized properties, such as volatility clustering and GARCH effect, which can be observed in real financial markets.
La France dans le marché mondial du jeu vidéo
Authors: Gaume Nicolas
Published: February 2013

Résumé En quarante ans, l’usage des nouvelles technologies a bouleversé notre manière de communiquer et de nous informer. De la télévision et téléphone fixe à l’internet et au mobile, notre rapport au temps et aux autres n’est plus le même. Concomitamment la place des loisirs dans nos sociétés industrielles n’a pas cessé de se développer. Et notre façon de nous divertir a elle aussi profondément muté. Celle ci a été marquée par l’essor considérable de la pratique du jeu vidéo. D’un marché balbutiant il y a quarante ans, le jeu vidéo représente cette année en France le premier marché du divertissement pas son chiffre d’affaires. La France, pays de consommation indéniable, est également un pays de production. Quel est sa place dans la compétition mondiale ? Quelles aventures entrepreneuriales ont su y prospérer ? Quels sont les leviers et freins propres à notre pays? Nous tenterons ici de vous donner des clefs de compréhension de ce loisir, de notre marché, de nos atouts et nos handicaps, notamment dans les bouleversements en cours portés par le jeu vidéo mobile et social.
La diplomatie économique marocaine en Afrique subsaharienne : réalités et enjeux
Authors: Dafir Amine
Published: February 2013

Résumé La diplomatie économique est de plus en plus associée à la stratégie globale de développement, notamment dans les pays en voie de développement, qui continuent à faire face à de multiples difficultés pour s’intégrer dans l’économie mondiale dans une conjoncture marquée par une concurrence acharnée. À l’instar de ces pays, le Maroc mise sur sa diplomatie économique pour réduire le déficit structurel de sa balance commerciale et accompagner les investisseurs marocains dans leur quête des marchés étrangers. L’objet de notre papier est de rappeler les acteurs de la diplomatie économique marocaine en Afrique subsaharienne, d’étudier son apport tout en rappelant ses limites et ses contraintes. Il s’agit également de mettre l’accent sur les missions actuelles de la diplomatie économique tant au niveau bilatéral que régional ainsi que quelques outils susceptibles de permettre une redynamisation de la diplomatie économique marocaine dans un continent en transition.
Conceptualizing Community Oriented Primary Care (COPC) – the Tshwane, South Africa, health post model
Authors: Bam Nomonde , Marcus Tessa , Hugo Jannie , Kinkel Hans-Friedemann
Published: February 2013

Conceptualizing Community Oriented Primary Care(COPC) – the Tshwane, South Africa, health post model
De la démolition des taudis à la sauvegarde du patrimoine bâti (Montréal, 1954-1973)
Authors: Drouin Martin
Published: February 2013

En 1954, le dépôt du plan Dozois prévoyait l’élimination d’une zone de taudis en vue de la construction du projet d’habitation sociale connue sous le nom des Habitations Jeanne-Mance. En se lançant dans une telle opération, la Ville de Montréal posait un premier geste concret pour enrayer un mal qui affectait les quartiers centraux : la dépréciation du cadre bâti ancien. Le geste peut également s’inscrire dans la genèse d’un mouvement pour la conservation du patrimoine. En explorant l’histoire de l’aménagement urbain à Montréal jusqu’à la création de l’association Sauvons Montréal en 1973, il est possible d’observer la transformation du regard posé sur l’environnement bâti. La juxtaposition des notions de taudis et de patrimoine permet en effet de se placer au coeur d’une mutation qui transforma radicalement la manière d’aménager la ville.
Beyond a Boundary: Washington’s Historic Districts and Their Racial Contents
Authors: Logan Cameron
Published: February 2013

Between the mid-1970s and the mid-1980s there was a wave of citizen-initiated preservation activity in Washington, DC, much of it directed towards identifying and expanding neighbourhood historic districts. These efforts were driven by several different events and influences that coalesced in the period: a new sense of local control that came with the establishment of municipal self-government in the District of Columbia after 1975; the expectation that a comprehensive historic preservation law would be enacted in the district; the U.S. Supreme Court’s affirmation of the legality of preservation controls in 1978; and the renewed salience of the idea of place that affected everything from community art and neighbourhood activism to urban design and architectural theory. This paper addresses this moment of intense activity by investigating the ways in which preservation advocates in one neighbourhood, Dupont Circle, sought to expand their historic district. The proposal to add several square miles of new territory to the designated historic area was led by a predominantly white preservation organization, the Dupont Circle Conservancy. The proposal aroused significant opposition from a group calling itself the 14th and U Street Coalition, which styled itself as the representative of African-American interests and historical identity in neighbouring Shaw. They protested that the Dupont Circle preservationists were attempting to annex their neighbourhood and with it, their history. At first glance this conflict appears to be a predictable case of inner city gentrification fought along the lines of racial identity. But when examined more carefully, the series of claims and counter-claims embedded in the conflict exposed a more nuanced set of issues related to skin tone, class, and historical entitlement. The conflict highlighted the absence of any agreement about what constituted the historicity of such a historic area and cast doubt over who might be qualified speak on behalf of the history contained in such an area.
Hans Jonas responsabiliza a técnica pela atual crise ambiental?
Authors: Godoy Fonseca Lilian Simone
Published: February 2013

O objetivo deste artigo é prosseguir a reflexão sobre as diferentes questões que compõem o pensamento ético de Hans Jonas, cujo ápice coincide com a publicação do célebre Princípio responsabilidade (1979), como resultado das décadas de estudos voltados para temas, antes excluídos da discussão ética, como a natureza e a técnica. De fato, natureza e técnica são dois importantes temas presentes no pensamento jonasiano posterior ao estudo da gnose e preparam o caminho para a reflexão ética posterior. Trata-se, portanto, de discutir a forma como eles estão ali relacionados e extrair daí algumas consequências relevantes para melhor compreender o conjunto da obra jonasiana.
Vida nua, profanação e o fim do sacrifício dos homens
Authors: Glauco Barsalini Glauco Barsalini
Published: February 2013

No programa Homo Sacer, Giorgio Agamben estabelece denso diálogo com importantes autores como Walter Benjamin, Carl Schmitt, Hannah Arendt e Michel Foucault, formulando um moderno conceito de vida nua. O problema da vida nua (homo sacer), todavia, estende-se para outros trabalhos de Agamben, como A linguagem e a morte e O tempo que resta: um comentário à carta aos romanos, nos quais se apresentam outros termos, como profanação e o tempo-que-resta. No cotejo entre essas obras, este artigo se propõe a articular os conceitos de vida nua (homo sacer) e de profanação, na sua relação com o problema do tempo (o tempo-que-resta),desenvolvidos por Giorgio Agamben. Nesse sentido, aflora discussão sobre o messiânico,por nós, aqui, associado com a figura do homo sacer.
Anti–Melanoma Differentiation–Associated Protein 5–Associated Dermatomyositis: Expanding the Clinical Spectrum
Authors: Hall John C. , Casciola‐Rosen Livia , Samedy Lesly‐Ann , Werner Jessie , Owoyemi Kristie , Danoff Sonye K. , Christopher‐Stine Lisa
Published: February 2013

Objective

Autoantibodies against melanoma differentiation–associated protein 5 (MDA‐5) have been described in several Asian dermatomyositis (DM) cohorts, often associated with amyopathic DM and rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD). A recent study of a DM cohort seen at a US dermatology clinic reports that MDA‐5 autoantibodies are associated with a unique cutaneous phenotype. Given the widening spectrum of clinical findings, we evaluated the clinical features of anti–MDA‐5–positive patients seen at a US myositis referral center.

Methods

One hundred sixty DM patients were screened for MDA‐5 autoantibodies by immunoprecipitation and antibody titers were analyzed in longitudinal serum samples. Anti–MDA‐5–positive patients were evaluated for the presence of additional myositis autoantibodies. Patient clinical characteristics were compared by retrospective chart review.

Results

MDA‐5 was targeted in 11 (6.9%) of 160 patients with DM. Of these, 9 presented with a symmetric polyarthropathy, 6 demonstrated overt clinical myopathy, and 8 had ILD. Eight anti–MDA‐5–positive patients exhibited the clinical attributes of the antisynthetase syndrome in the absence of Jo‐1 or other antisynthetase autoantibodies. MDA‐5 autoantibody titers did not correlate with clinical course.

Conclusion

MDA‐5 autoantibodies are found in DM patients presenting with a symmetric polyarthritis, clinically similar to rheumatoid arthritis. These patients often have features of the antisynthetase syndrome, but in the absence of antisynthetase autoantibodies. Most anti–MDA‐5–positive patients had overt clinical myopathy and ILD. The latter, while occasionally severe, typically resolved with immunosuppressive therapy. In this cohort, the MDA‐5 phenotype is frequently a clinical mimic of the antisynthetase syndrome and is not associated with rapidly progressive ILD.
The use of vascular closure devices and impact on major bleeding and net adverse clinical events (NACEs) in balloon aortic valvuloplasty: A sub‐analysis of the BRAVO study
Authors: O'Neill Brian , Singh Vikas , Kini Annapoorna , Mehran Roxana , Jacobs Evan , Knopf David , Alfonso Carlos E. , Martinez Claudia A. , Martinezclark Pedro , O'Neill William , Heldman Alan W. , Yu Jennifer , Baber Usman , Kovacic Jason C. , Dangas George , Sharma Samin , Sartori Samantha , Cohen Mauricio G.
Published: February 2013

Objective

To determine the impact of suture‐mediated vascular closure devices (VCDs) on net adverse clinical events (NACEs) after balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV).

Background

Ischemic and bleeding complications are common following transfemoral BAV; however, previous studies have been single center and limited by varying definitions of major bleeding.

Methods

The Effect of Bivalirudin on Aortic Valve Intervention Outcomes (BRAVOs) study was a retrospective observational study conducted at two high‐volume academic centers over a 6‐year period designed to compare the effect of bivalirudin versus unfractionated heparin. This is a subanalysis of 428 consecutive patients who underwent BAV (with 10–13 French sheaths) to compare the effect of hemostasis with VCDs versus manual compression utilizing standardized definitions. NACE was defined as the composite of major bleeding and major adverse clinical events (MACEs). All events were adjudicated by an independent clinical events committee who were blinded to antithrombin use.

Results

Preclosure was performed in 269 (62.8%) of patients. While bivalirudin was used more frequently in those with pre‐closure (60.6% vs. 37.7%, P < 0.001), a history of prior BAV (11.1% vs. 3.6%, P = 0.04) and peripheral vascular disease (30.7% vs. 19.7%, P = 0.01) was more common in those not undergoing preclosure (n = 159, 37%). Other clinical and demographic features were well balanced between groups. Vascular closure was associated with a significant reduction in NACE (24.5% vs. 10.0% P < 0.001). Results remained significant after adjusting for baseline differences and bivalirudin use (OR 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21–0.68; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that suture‐mediated vascular closure is associated with a substantial reduction in NACE after transfemoral BAV. Large randomized clinical trials should be conducted to confirm our results.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overcoming regulatory T‐cell suppression by a lyophilized preparation of Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Hirayama Michiko , Nishikawa Hiroyoshi , Nagata Yasuhiro , Tsuji Takemasa , Kato Takuma , Kageyama Shinichi , Ueda Shugo , Sugiyama Daisuke , Hori Sahoko , Sakaguchi Shimon , Ritter Gerd , Old Lloyd J. , Gnjatic Sacha , Shiku Hiroshi
Published: February 2013

Cancer vaccines have yet to yield clinical benefit, despite the measurable induction of humoral and cellular immune responses. As immunosuppression by CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells has been linked to the failure of cancer immunotherapy, blocking suppression is therefore critical for successful clinical strategies. Here, we addressed whether a lyophilized preparation of Streptococcus pyogenes (OK‐432), which stimulates Toll‐like receptors, could overcome Treg‐cell suppression of CD4+ T‐cell responses in vitro and in vivo. OK‐432 significantly enhanced in vitro proliferation of CD4+ effector T cells by blocking Treg‐cell suppression and this blocking effect depended on IL‐12 derived from antigen‐presenting cells. Direct administration of OK‐432 into tumor‐associated exudate fluids resulted in a reduction of the frequency and suppressive function of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells. Furthermore, when OK‐432 was used as an adjuvant of vaccination with HER2 and NY‐ESO‐1 for esophageal cancer patients, NY‐ESO‐1–specific CD4+ T‐cell precursors were activated, and NY‐ESO‐1–specific CD4+ T cells were detected within the effector/memory T‐cell population. CD4+ T‐cell clones from these patients had high‐affinity TCRs and recognized naturally processed NY‐ESO‐1 protein presented by dendritic cells. OK‐432 therefore inhibits Treg‐cell function and contributes to the activation of high‐avidity tumor antigen‐specific naive T‐cell precursors.
Solvent and Structural Effects on the Activation Parameters of the Reaction of Carboxylic Acids with Diazodiphenylmethane
Authors: Nikolić J. B. , Ušćumlić G. S.
Published: February 2013

The kinetics of the reaction of benzoic, 2‐methylbenzoic, phenylacetic, cyclohex‐1‐enecarboxylic, 2‐methylcyclohex‐1‐enecarboxylic, and cyclohex‐1‐eneacetic acids with diazodiphenylmethane was studied at 30, 33, 37, 40, and 45°C in a set of 12 protic and aprotic solvents. The reactions were found to follow the second‐order kinetics. The activation energy as well as the activation parameters, such as the standard entropy, the standard enthalpy, and the standard Gibbs energy of the activation, was calculated from the second‐order rate constants. The solvent and structural effects on the activation energy and the standard Gibbs energy of activation, for each examined compound, were analyzed. The results of Kamlet–Taft multiple correlation analysis show that the specific solvent–solute interactions play a dominant role in the governing of the reaction. The signs of the equation coefficients support the proposed reaction mechanism.