bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FIRST CHRONO-CULTURAL REFERENCE FRAMEWORK FOR THE WEST AFRICAN PALEOLITHIC: NEW DATA FROM OUNJOUGOU, DOGON COUNTRY, MALI
Authors: Robert Aline , Soriano Sylvain , Rasse Michel , Stokes Stephen , Huysecom Eric
Published: March 2012

Evidences of Lower and Middle Palaeolithic human settlements in sub-Saharan West Africa are relatively uncommon, poorly or not even dated, and come from surface sites or secondary stratigraphic context. The discovery, within the international research programme Palaeoenvironment and human settlement in West Africa, of an impressive Pleistocene sedimentary sequence with numerous archaeological levels in the sector of Ounjougou (Dogon Country, Mali), is thus of great importance, insofar as it allows us to set up a first chrono-cultural reference framework for the West African Palaeolithic. Although the exact chronological position of a Lower Palaeolithic human settlement has yet to be specified, the recurrent Middle Palaeolithic occupation, between the end of marine isotope stage 5 and the beginning of stage 2, reveals an astonishing cultural diversity. This could indicate an important repopulating activity, following climatic and environmental changes during the Upper Pleistocene. Particularly, the appearance of the Levallois reduction technique in Sahelian West Africa, possibly prior to the emergence of the Saharan Aterian, leads us to reconsider the question of the origin of this reduction concept introduction in sub-Saharan West Africa. More generally, the Palaeolithic sequence in the sector of Ounjougou shows the intrusion of more southern and/or eastern cultural influences.
TOBACCO PIPES FROM EXCAVATIONS AT THE MUSEUM SITE, JENNE, MALI
Authors: McIntosh Susan Keech , Gallagher Daphne , McIntosh Roderick J.
Published: March 2012

Tobacco pipes are among the most frequently recorded artifacts from historic period sites in West Africa, and can be used to both establish tight chronologies and address issues of social and economic change.This paper is a discussion of the 300-year sequence of tobacco pipes recovered from excavations at Jenne, Mali in 1999. The assemblage, which includes over 300 fragments, is first placed in its historical and archaeological context. The pipes are fully described using a multivariate approach, and the results illustrate a clear sequence. Following a reassessment of Daget & Ligers previously proposed pipe chronology for the Inland Niger Delta, the pipes are analyzed using two primary frames of reference. On a broad regional scale, the assemblage is compared with those from sites throughout West Africa, while on the local level possible motivations for the types of changes seen in the assemblage are discussed.
THE ETHNOHISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY OF WARFARE IN NORTHERN YORUBA
Authors: Usman Aribidesi
Published: March 2012

The location of Igbomina in the middle belt of Nigeria and as a frontier Yoruba region opened it to the influence from powerful, competing states of Oyo, Nupe, Fulani, and Ibadan. The expansion of the Oyo Empire in the 16th century, which was accompanied by the large migration of Yoruba northward, led to frequent military aggression on the northern boundary with the Nupe. This paper examines military aggressions in the Igbomina area of north central Yorubaland. Military threat or warfare had initiated various responses in Igbomina, as evident in community aggregation, building of fortifications, production of weapons, and settlement abandonment. The high level of military aggression in Igbomina had also acted as an instrument of socio-political changes in the area as seen in increased centralized control and hierarchy. Oral-historical sources, archaeological survey and excavation form the core of this examination of military aggression in Igbomina.
DECODING AN EARLY HOLOCENE SAHARAN STRATIFIED SITE. CERAMIC DISPERSION AND SITE FORMATION PROCESSES IN THE TAKARKORI ROCK-SHELTER, ACACUS MOUNTAINS, LIBYA
Authors: Biagetti Stefano , Merighi Francesca , di Lernia Savino
Published: March 2012

The surface pottery from a well-preserved Holocene archaeological site in south-western Libya is analysed. The collection suggests a long and protracted human occupation of the shelter, from Late Acacus (Mesolithic) hunter-gatherers to Late Pastoral (Neolithic) herders. Aim of the work is to decode the dynamic history of the site via the study of its surface elements, both artefacts and ecofacts, and the way they interacted over the millennia. To do this, traditional ceramic analysis is combined with recently developed methods of description imported from sedimentology, stressing the potentialities of surface archaeological material. In this framework, spatial analysis of scattered potsherds, in connection with their quantitative and qualitative features and chronological attribution, appears of main relevance in the analysis of site formation processes and postdepositional events that altered the archaeological deposit, transforming its present surface.
SLAG IDENTIFICATION AT SOUTHERN AFRICAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
Authors: Miller Duncan , Killick David
Published: March 2012

nents of southern African Iron Age sites. Their correct identification is crucial to understanding technological processes performed at these sites. This paper presents criteria for distinguishing between iron smelting slags, iron forging slags, copper smelting slags, crucible slags resulting from melting activities, vitrified clay and various biomass materials. Slag identification should entail a combination of morphology, microscopic study, chemical analysis, and assessment of the archaeological context. It is a necessarily specialist activity and superficial classification without materials analysis can be misleading. Archaeologists need to be mindful of both the archaeological opportunities and the potential technical difficulties in the interpretation of slags.
A LOOK INTO THE EARTH: EVALUATING THE USE OF MAGNETIC SURVEY IN AFRICAN ARCHAEOLOGY
Authors: Magnavita Carlos , Schleifer Norbert
Published: March 2012

In the last decades, geophysical methods such as magnetic survey have become a common technique for prospecting archaeological sites. At sub-Saharan archaeological sites, however, magnetic survey and correlated techniques never came into broad use and there are no signs for an immediate change of this situation. This paper examines the magnetic survey undertaken on the Nigerian site of Zilum, a settlement of the Gajiganna Culture (ca 1800-400 BC) located in the Chad Basin and dated to ca 600-400 BC. By means of the present case study, we demonstrate the significance of this particular type of investigation in yielding complementary data for understanding the character of prehistoric settlements. In conclusion, we point out that geophysical methods should play a more important role in modern archaeological field research, as they furnish a class of documentation not achievable by traditional survey and excavation methods, thus creating new perspectives for interpreting the past of African societies.
PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS IN THE DJEBEL UWEINAT REGION, LIBYAN DESERT
Authors: von Czerniewicz Maya , Lenssen-Erz Tilman , Linstädter Jörg
Published: March 2012

Over the last hundred years the Djebel Uweinat was the objective of several expeditions, most of them being driven by the intention to find new rock art sites. These explorers mostly stayed at the base of the mountain where the majority of the currently known rock art sites were found. During their two recent visits, the members of the ACACIA team focused their interest on the upper part of the Uweinat and on its smaller, mostly neglected neighbouring mountain, the Djebel Arkenu.

In the upper part of the Djebel Uweinat artefacts and some stone arrangements were found. While no rock art sites were spotted in the upper part, we discuss the function of stone arrangements and rock art from the lower reaches in view of the semiotic processes in which they may have operated. The presentation of the rock art sites found at Djebel Arkenu will also be fitted into an overview of how we interpret the cognitive map of people who used to live in the environment of the two mountains. Furthermore, some background information concerning the landmarking function of the archaeological finds is given which could be a useful indicator of the character of mobility as well as of perception of landscape among prehistoric people.
ON THE PERIPHERY OF KERMA - THE HANDESSI HORIZON IN WADI HARIQ, NORTHWESTERN SUDAN
Authors: Jesse Friederike , Kröpelin Stefan , Lange Mathias , Pöllath Nadja , Berke Hubert
Published: March 2012

Wadi Hariq is a complex valley system in the Northwest Sudan about 400 km west of the Nile. Stratigraphic investigations provide new data on the environmental and climatic history of the present-day hyperarid centre of the southeastern Sahara. Archaeological work there only started at the end of the 1990s, with a survey and excavations carried out as part of the multidisciplinary research project ACACIA of the University of Cologne. To date, 104 sites are known in the Wadi Hariq. Based on the pottery found at these sites, most can be attributed to the Handessi Horizon, the former Geometric Pottery Horizon, of the eastern Sahara. Geometric patterns, and also mat impressions, are characteristic of the Handessi Horizon (ca 2200 . 1100 BC). The subsistence of these prehistoric inhabitants was based on the herding of cattle and small livestock. Transhumance cycles included areas further north (Laqiya region) and south (Wadi Howar), and perhaps even the Nile Valley has to be considered. Similar decorative patterns have been found in all these areas. Evidence of an even earlier human presence in the Wadi Hariq during the Holocene is provided by several sherds decorated with Dotted Wavy Line and Laqiya-type patterns as well as some fragments of rippled-ware pottery.
SIZE AND SIZE CHANGE OF THE AFRICAN AUROCHS DURING THE PLEISTOCENE AND HOLOCENE
Authors: Linseele Veerle
Published: March 2012

Several assumptions on the size of the African aurochs have been tested primarily using measurements assembled from the literature. During the Holocene, the African aurochs was indeed smaller than its European and Near Eastern cousins and it appears also to have been more gracile. The available African aurochs measurements of this period probably derive mostly from male animals, since many females may have been misidentified as domestic cattle. Therefore, the degree of sexual dimorphism remains unknown, although iconographic evidence suggests that it may have been marked. Male Holocene aurochs probably reached a height of about 160 cm at the withers and is not taller than Pleistocene female aurochs, which grew to between 140 and 160 cm. The height at the withers of the Pleistocene male individuals is estimated at between 150 and 170 cm. As in Europe, the aurochs in Africa underwent a size decline between the Pleistocene and the Holocene. The Pleistocene African aurochs moreover seems to have been more robust than its Holocene successor.
A NEW CONTRIBUTION TO THE HISTORY OF PASTORALISM IN WEST AFRICA
Authors: Jousse Hélène
Published: March 2012

Archaeological and faunal evidence from West African Neolithic sites, including those containing shorthorn cattle from 4000 years bp, shows that cattle spread out progressively from the Saharan uplands through the Sahel and along the Atlantic coast. These migrations were modulated by Holocene climatic fluctuations in which alternating wet and dry phases altered natural ecosystems and opened up new areas to pastoralism. At the same time, the Neolithic populations were forced to modify their cultural and economic practices, culminating in the social changes that characterised the final stages of the Neolithic.
GLOBAL ENCOUNTERS: SLAVERY AND SLAVE LIFEWAYS ON NINETEENTH CENTURY DANISH PLANTATIONS ON THE GOLD COAST, GHANA
Authors: Bredwa-Mensah Yaw
Published: March 2012

The global processes unleashed due to the European maritime exploration and commercial activities as from 1500 AD onwards affected indigenous peoples and cultures of the Atlantic world. In West Africa, the European presence precipitated the Atlantic slave trade, which involved the exportation of millions of Africans into slavery. In the nineteenth century a so-called legitimate trade in colonial agricultural commodities replaced the Atlantic slave trade. As a result, the Danes established agricultural plantations on the Gold Coast and exported tropical crops for processing and consumption in Denmark and the West Indies. Enslaved Africans were used by the Danes to cultivate the plantations in the foothills of the Akuapem Mountains and along the estuary of the Volta River. This paper combines information from written sources, ethnography, oral information and archaeology to investigate the living conditions of the enslaved workers on the plantations. The archaeological data was recovered from the Frederiksgave plantation at Sesemi near Abokobi in the Akuapem Mountains of southeastern Gold Coast (Ghana).
TOWARDS A COMPARATIVE ARCHAEOLOGY OF AFRICAS ISLANDS
Authors: Mitchell Peter
Published: March 2012

Island archaeology is a well-established and increasingly active field of the wider discipline. Most studies, however, draw solely upon Pacific and Mediterranean examples, with Africa’s islands correspondingly neglected. This paper reviews previous archaeological work on Africa’s islands and asks what could be obtained from more systematic research on them. Several themes are identified, to all of which a comparative archaeology of Africa’s islands could contribute: patterns of colonisation and abandonment; transformations of island ecology wrought by human settlement; the role of islands in systems of international trade; the establishment of plantation economies; and the constitution and development of distinctive island cultures. Emphasis is also placed on the contribution that such a comparative archaeology could make to island archaeology as a whole and to enhancing the global profile of Africanist archaeological research.
EVOLUTION OF PREHISTORIC FISHING IN THE NILE VALLEY
Authors: Van Neer Wim
Published: March 2012

The available data are reviewed on ichthyofaunas from prehistoric sites along the Nile in Egypt and Sudanese Nubia. Former fishing practices are reconstructed using information derived from species spectra, reconstructed fish sizes, growth increment analysis and fishing implements. It is demonstrated that fishing was initially practised exclusively on the floodplain and that it was limited to a small number of shallow water taxa during Late Palaeolithic times. From the Epipalaeolithic onwards (ca 10000-8000 bp), fishing was also undertaken in the main Nile whereby the number of exploited species increased. Technological innovations allowing the exploitation of the deeper parts of the main river included nets and fish-hooks as well as improved vessels, permitting the capture of larger species from the open water. It is argued that fish must always have been a staple food because the animals seasonally occurring in large numbers on the floodplain were intensively exploited and because these fish could be easily dried for future consumption. Once the fishing grounds also included the main river, fishing was no longer restricted to the flood season, but could also be carried out when the Nile levels were low. Hence the role of fish in the resource scheduling also changed at the transition of Late Palaeolithic to Epipalaeolithic times.
Respiratory Symptoms and Pulmonary Functions of Workers Employed in Turkish Textile Dyeing Factories
Authors: Ozkurt Sibel , Kargi Beyza Akdag , Kavas Murat , Evyapan Fatma , Kiter Göksel , Baser Sevin
Published: March 2012

Dyes are known to be a causative agent of occupational asthma in workers exposed to them. We have evaluated respiratory symptoms among textile workers. The study population comprised 106 exposed workers and a control (unexposed) group. Data were collected by a questionnaire. PFTs (Pulmonary Function Test) were performed. Among the exposed workers 36.8% defined phlegm. Respiratory symptoms were not significantly different between two groups. The employment duration of the exposed workers with phlegm was longer than those without phlegm (p = 0.027). The mean % predicted of FEF25–75 of the exposed workers was found to be significantly lower than the control (unexposed) group (p = 0.01). Our study suggests that textile dyeing might cause respiratory symptoms in workers.
Relationship Between Wood Color Parameters Measured by the CIELab System and Extractive and Phenol Content in Acacia mangium and Vochysia guatemalensis from Fast-Growth Plantations
Authors: Moya Róger , Fallas Roy Soto , Bonilla Pablo Jiménez , Tenorio Carolina
Published: March 2012

The heterogeneity of color distribution between sapwood and heartwood limits the market for wood from fast-growth plantations of tropical species. Wood color is associated with wood extractives contents. This study presents the relationship between wood color parameters measured by the CIELab color system and total amount of extractives and phenolic-type extractives in ethanol-toluene and hot water extracts of wood from two fast-growth plantation species. The results demonstrated that the difference in sapwood and hardwood color in Vochysia guatemalensis and Acacia mangium is caused by lower concentrations of extractives in sapwood of both species. Additionally, variations in total extractive and phenolic content have different effects on the color parameters (L*, a* and b*) of both species studied. In Vochysia guatemalensis wood, parameter L* decreases as total extractive and phenolic content increases; however, parameter a* increases as the content of extractives and phenols increases. In Acacia mangium, the amount of phenols showed no relationship with the color parameters. The ethanol-toluene total extractive content, however, shows a relationship with several color parameters. An increase in the content of total extractives in water and ethanol-toluene increases parameter a*, but decreases parameter L*.
In Vitro Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Ethanolic Extract of Lyophilized Mycelium of Pleurotus ostreatus PQMZ91109
Authors: Vamanu Emanuel
Published: March 2012

The antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of the ethanolic extract of Pleurotus ostreatus PQMZ91109 mycelium was determined based on inorganic and organic nitrogen sources in the culture medium. The presence of ammonium sulfate resulted in a greater accumulation of bioactive compounds compared with the organic ones. This finding was also confirmed by the low values of the ascertained EC50 and minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs). Among the organic sources, peptone followed by corn extract, led to a more important radical-scavenging activity. The extracts selectively inhibited the tested strains, mainly the two of the genus Candida, at an MIC value of 1.25 mg/mL. The antioxidant potential was evaluated by the inhibition capacity of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, β-carotene-linoleic acid, which is the reducing power. In addition, the quantity of the compounds with antioxidant effects confirmed the data obtained, they being present in the extracts.
Xanthatin Induces Cell Cycle Arrest at G2/M Checkpoint and Apoptosis via Disrupting NF-κB Pathway in A549 Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ruan Junshan , Yan Linggeng , Li Weidong , Wu Yu , Tao Li , Zhang Feng , Zheng Shizhong , Wang Aiyun , Lu Yin
Published: March 2012

Xanthatin, a natural sesquiterpene lactone, has significant antitumor activity against a variety of cancer cells, yet little is known about its anticancer mechanism. In this study, we demonstrated that xanthatin had obvious dose-/time-dependent cytotoxicity against the human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line A549. Flow cytometry analysis showed xanthatin induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. Xanthatin also had pro-apoptotic effects on A549 cells as evidenced by Hoechst 33258 staining and annexin V-FITC staining. Mechanistic data revealed that xanthatin downregulated Chk1, Chk2, and phosphorylation of CDC2, which contributed to the cell cycle arrest. Xathatin also increased total p53 protein levels, decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio and expression of the downstream factors procaspase-9 and procaspase-3, which triggered the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Furthermore, xanthatin blocked phosphorylation of NF-κB (p65) and IκBa, which might also contribute to its pro-apoptotic effects on A549 cells. Xanthatin also inhibited TNFa induced NF-κB (p65) translocation. We conclude that xanthatin displays significant antitumor effects through cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction in A549 cells. These effects were associated with intrinsic apoptosis pathway and disrupted NF-κB signaling. These results suggested that xanthatin may have therapeutic potential against NSCLC.
A Variant Quorum Sensing System in Aeromonas veronii MTCC 3249
Authors: Jangid Kamlesh , Parameswaran Perunninakulath S. , Shouche Yogesh S.
Published: March 2012

We have investigated the quorum sensing control in Aeromonas veronii MTCC 3249, originally isolated as A. culicicola from the midgut of Culex quinquefasciatus. Based on biosensor assays, the bacterium showed constant production of multiple acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) with increasing cell-density. The luxRI gene homologs, acuR (A. culicicola transcriptional Regulator) and acuI (A. culicicola autoInducer) were successfully amplified by inverse-PCR. Sequence analysis indicated acuRI were divergent from all known quorum sensing gene homologs in Aeromonas. Two localized regions in the C-terminal autoinducer binding domain of acuR showed indels suggesting variations in autoinducer specificity. Further, only a single copy of the quorum sensing genes was detected, suggesting a tight regulation of mechanisms under its control. Chromatography and further chemical analysis identified two AHLs in the culture supernatant: 6-carboxy-HHL (homoadipyl homoserine lactone), a novel AHL, and N-tetradecanoylhomoserine lactone. The existence of a potentially variant quorum sensing system might therefore, reflect in some way the ecological strategies adopted by this bacterium in the mosquito midgut.
A Neuro-Inspired Spike-Based PID Motor Controller for Multi-Motor Robots with Low Cost FPGAs
Authors: Jimenez-Fernandez Angel , Jimenez-Moreno Gabriel , Linares-Barranco Alejandro , Dominguez-Morales Manuel J. , Paz-Vicente Rafael , Civit-Balcells Anton
Published: March 2012

In this paper we present a neuro-inspired spike-based close-loop controller written in VHDL and implemented for FPGAs. This controller has been focused on controlling a DC motor speed, but only using spikes for information representation, processing and DC motor driving. It could be applied to other motors with proper driver adaptation. This controller architecture represents one of the latest layers in a Spiking Neural Network (SNN), which implements a bridge between robotics actuators and spike-based processing layers and sensors. The presented control system fuses actuation and sensors information as spikes streams, processing these spikes in hard real-time, implementing a massively parallel information processing system, through specialized spike-based circuits. This spike-based close-loop controller has been implemented into an AER platform, designed in our labs, that allows direct control of DC motors: the AER-Robot. Experimental results evidence the viability of the implementation of spike-based controllers, and hardware synthesis denotes low hardware requirements that allow replicating this controller in a high number of parallel controllers working together to allow a real-time robot control.
A Fiber Optic Catalytic Sensor for Neutral Atom Measurements in Oxygen Plasma
Authors: Zaplotnik Rok , Vesel Alenka , Mozetic Miran
Published: March 2012

The presented sensor for neutral oxygen atom measurement in oxygen plasma is a catalytic probe which uses fiber optics and infrared detection system to measure the gray body radiation of the catalyst. The density of neutral atoms can be determined from the temperature curve of the probe, because the catalyst is heated predominantly by the dissipation of energy caused by the heterogeneous surface recombination of neutral atoms. The advantages of this sensor are that it is simple, reliable, easy to use, noninvasive, quantitative and can be used in plasma discharge regions. By using different catalyst materials the sensor can also be applied for detection of neutral atoms in other plasmas. Sensor design, operation, example measurements and new measurement procedure for systematic characterization are presented.
Monitoring and Failure Analysis of Corroded Bridge Cables under Fatigue Loading Using Acoustic Emission Sensors
Authors: Li Dongsheng , Ou Jinping , Lan Chengming , Li Hui
Published: March 2012

Cables play an important role in cable-stayed systems, but are vulnerable to corrosion and fatigue damage. There is a dearth of studies on the fatigue damage evolution of corroded cable. In the present study, the acoustic emission (AE) technology is adopted to monitor the fatigue damage evolution process. First, the relationship between stress and strain is determined through a tensile test for corroded and non-corroded steel wires. Results show that the mechanical performance of corroded cables is changed considerably. The AE characteristic parameters for fatigue damage are then established. AE energy cumulative parameters can accurately describe the fatigue damage evolution of corroded cables. The failure modes in each phase as well as the type of acoustic emission source are determined based on the results of scanning electron microscopy. The waveform characteristics, damage types, and frequency distribution of the corroded cable at different damage phases are collected. Finally, the number of broken wires and breakage time of the cables are determined according to the variation in the margin index.
Biomechanical comparison of strategies to adjust axial stiffness of a hybrid fixator
Authors: Socie M. J. , Griffon D. J. , Elkhatib O. , Mudrock R. N. , Kurath P. , Rovesti G. L.
Published: March 2012

Objectives: To evaluate strategies for increasing the axial stiffness of a hybrid external bone fixator.

Materials and methods: Type Ia hybrid fixators, consisting of a uniplanar linear component connected to a circular ring, were tested in displacement controlled loading in axial compression. The basic hybrid construct was modified to explore strategies considered to increase fixator stiffness including: decreasing ring diameter, increasing ring thickness, adding pins to the ring fixation, and adding struts between the ring and vertical post components of the device. Stiffness in the initial phase of loading was compared between the groups.

Results: The addition of a single diagonal bar between the ring and linear connecting rail did not significantly improve the stiffness of constructs. However, the addition of two half-pins to the ring, the addition of two struts between the ring and linear connecting rail, or decreasing the internal ring diameter from 115 to 85 mm progressively increased the stiffness of the frame. The most effective strategy consisted of increasing the thickness of the ring from 6 to 12 mm, thereby increasing the stiffness of the control frame by 335%.

Clinical significance: Modulating the ring thickness, adding two struts between the ring and linear connecting rail, and reducing the ring diameter appear to be the most effective, simple, and clinically versatile ways to increase axial stiffness, most likely due to their impact on reducing ring bending.
Enaminones in a multicomponent synthesis of 4-aryldihydropyridines for potential applications in photoinduced intramolecular electron-transfer systems
Authors: Al-Awadi Nouria A , Ibrahim Maher R , Elnagdi Mohamed H , John Elizabeth , Ibrahim Yehia A
Published: March 2012

An efficient three component reaction with enaminones, primary amines and aldehydes resulted in easy access to 1,4-dihydropyridines with different substituents at the 1-, 3-, 4- and 5-positions. Microwaves improved the reaction yield, reducing also considerably the reaction time and the amount of solvent used. Chiral primary amines gave chiral 1-substituted-1,4-dihydropyridines. The 4-(1-naphthyl) and 4-(phenanthren-9-yl)dihydropyridine derivatives exhibited an interesting photoluminescence behavior, which suggests their potential application as suitable photoinduced intramolecular electron-transfer systems.
Two-Dose Exposure of Intra-arterial Chemotherapy for Group D Retinoblastoma
Authors: Hutchinson Anne , Kaliki Swathi , Shields Carol L.
Published: March 2012

The authors present a case of group D unilateral sporadic retinoblastoma treated with only two intra-arterial chemotherapy cycles using melphalan, which resulted in tumor regression, resolution of subretinal fluid, and, most importantly, salvage of the life, and the eye.
Safety and Efficacy of Simultaneous Corneal Collagen Cross-linking With Topography-guided PRK in Managing Low-grade Keratoconus: 1-year Follow-up
Authors: Tuwairqi Waleed S. , Sinjab Mazen M.
Published: March 2012

PURPOSE:

To evaluate 1-year visual and topographic outcomes and safety and efficacy of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) combined with topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (TG-PRK) to achieve near emmetropia in eyes with low-grade keratoconus.

METHODS:

Twenty-two eyes from 15 patients (11 women, 4 men) were included in a prospective, nonrandomized, noncontrolled clinical study. Mean patient age was 26.6±6.07 years (range: 19 to 40 years). Inclusion criteria were low-grade keratoconus with evidence of progression, transparent cornea, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) 0.8 (decimal) or better, corneal thickness >440 μm, and maximum keratometry readings (K-max) <51.00 diopters (D). All patients underwent simultaneous TG-PRK with CXL. Study parameters were uncorrected distance visual acuity, CDVA, manifest refractive error, manifest and topographic (corneal) astigmatism, patient satisfaction, and efficacy and safety of the treatment. Follow-up was 1 year.

RESULTS:

After 1 year, statistically significant improvement was noted in all study parameters (
P
<.01). The safety and efficacy indices were 1.6 and 0.4, respectively. Patient satisfaction questionnaire showed that 91% were satisfied, 9% were not completely satisfied but believed they improved, and none were dissatisfied. Corneal topography demonstrated significant improvement in 55%, improvement in 36%, and minor improvement in 9% of cases. No cases progressed as evidenced by keratometry readings.

CONCLUSIONS:

Simultaneous TG-PRK with CXL is an effective and safe treatment with remarkable visual and topographic outcomes in patients with low-grade keratoconus who meet the recommended inclusion criteria.
Modulation Transfer Function of a Toric Intraocular Lens: Evaluation of the Changes Produced by Rotation and Tilt
Authors: Felipe Adelina , Artigas José M. , Díez-Ajenjo Amparo , García-Domene Carmen , Peris Cristina
Published: March 2012

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the changes in optical quality when toric intraocular lenses (IOL) are rotated or tilted and to demonstrate that IOL rotation produces an increasing effect of aberrations.

METHODS:

Modulation transfer function (MTF) and average modulation were used to analyze the image quality of a toric IOL. The axis of the toric IOL was rotated 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, and 30° in successive MTF measurements. The tilt values were 0° to 5°, in increments of 1°, plus a tilt of 15°. Pupil diameters of 3 and 5 mm were used.

RESULTS:

The MTF decay due to aberrations was more sensitive to rotation than tilt. The main decrement in the average modulation, of approximately 50% in both pupils, occurs when the IOL rotates from 0° to 5°. Between 0° and 1° tilt, the average modulation decreases approximately 25% for both pupils; with tilt >1°, the average modulation remains virtually unchanged. The points representing average modulation versus rotation angle are satisfactorily fitted by an exponential function, R=0.98. Average modulation versus tilt angle provides lower correlation degrees, R=0.91 and R=0.79, for 3- and 5-mm pupils, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

The MTF of the toric IOL decays with rotation and tilt, with greater decrement occurring in rotation from 0° to 5°. An asymptotic value exists in the average modulation decay, meaning that for angles higher than 15°, the average modulation of the toric IOL remains virtually constant.
Brain Metastasis from Urachal Carcinoma: The Importance of Locally Aggressive Treatment
Authors: Taussky Daniel , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Latour Mathieu , Blais Normand
Published: March 2012

We present the case of a 52 years old woman who developed multiple brain metastasis after cystectomy with anterior exenteration and chemotherapy. She received whole-brain radiotherapy with 20 gray in 5 sessions. On magnetic resonance imaging 8 weeks after radiotherapy she showed a regression of some lesions while others responded only partially. This case-report and a review of the literature show the importance of aggressive local treatment in patients with brain metastasis from urachal carcinoma.
Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Detect Synchronous Uterine Endometrial and Endocervical Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Carvalho Jesus Paul , Viana Publio , Anton Cristina , Favero Giovanni , Silva e Silva Alexandre , Baracat Edmund Chada , Carvalho Filomena Marino
Published: March 2012

Synchronous endometrial and cervical cancer is a very rare condition. This report describes a case of a 46-year-old woman who presented with a cervical mass that measured 5.6 cm along its longest diameter, whose biopsy analysis revealed an endocervical mucinous adenocarcinoma. She was classified as having an IB2 cervical carcinoma and treated with concurrent chemoradiation plus hysterectomy. Pathological and immunohistochemical analysis of the surgical specimens revealed a synchronous endometrioid grade 2 adenocarcinoma in the endometrium, and a well-differentiated mucinous adenocarcinoma in the cervix. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies performed prior to treatment were reviewed and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were generated. The ADC values demonstrated distinct signal intensity differences between the endometrial and endocervical tumors. In conclusion, diffusion-weighted MRI and ADC maps can help to distinguish the site of origin of synchronous tumors.
Low removal of acidic and hydrophilic pharmaceutical products by various types of municipal wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Gagnon Christian , Lajeunesse André
Published: March 2012

Pharmaceutical substances represent a risk for aquatic environments and their potential impacts on the receiving environment are poorly understood. Municipal effluents are important sources of contaminants including common pharmaceuticals like anti-inflammatory and anti-convulsive substances. The removal of pharmaceuticals, particularly those highly soluble can represent a great challenge to conventional wastewater treatment processes. Hydrophilic drugs (e.g. acidic drugs) have properties that can highly influence removal efficiencies of treatment plants. The performance of different wastewater treatment processes for the removal of specific pharmaceutical products that are expected to be poorly removed was investigated. The obtained results were compared to inherent properties of the studied substances. Clofibric acid, carbamazepine, diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen were largely found in physicochemical primary-treated effluents at concentrations ranging from 77 to 2384 ng/L. This treatment type showed removal yields lower than 30%. On the other hand, biological treatments with activated sludge under aerobic conditions resulted in much better removal rates (>50% for 5 of the 8 studied substances). Interestingly, this latter type of process showed evidence of selectivity with respect to the size (R2=0.7388), solubility (R2=0.6812), and partitioning (R2=0.9999) of the removed substances; the smallest and least sorbed substances seemed to be removed at better rates, while the persistent carbamazepine (392 ng/L) and diclofenac (66 ng/L) were poorly removed (<10%) after biological treatment. In the case of treatment by aerated lagoons, the most abundant substances were the highly soluble hydroxy-ibuprofen (350-3321 ng/L), followed by naproxen (42-413 n/L) and carbamazepine (254-386 ng/L). In order to assess the impacts of all these contaminants of various properties on the environment and human health, we need to better understand the chemical and physical transformations occurring at the treatment plant and in the receiving waters.
Cine, fascismo y propaganda. Una aproximación histórica al Estado Novo portugués
Authors: Pena Rodríguez Alberto
Published: March 2012

La dictadura portuguesa de António de Oliveira Salazar utilizó el cine como un instrumento de propaganda eficaz para consolidar el régimen del Estado Novo durante los años treinta. El Secretariado de Propaganda Nacional y otras estructuras para el control de la comunicación pública de la época jugaron un importante papel para persuadir a la sociedad portuguesa y proyectar hacia el exterior una imagen benévola del salazarismo. Durante el período de la guerra civil española, la propaganda cinematográfica lusa intensificó su campaña contra el comunismo y a favor del fascismo ibérico.
Las series de televisión sobre médicos como ejemplo de enseñanza en nutrición y gastronomía
Authors: Padilla Castillo Graciela
Published: March 2012

Este artículo pretende mostrar los resultados de una amplia investigación acerca de las series de televisión sobre médicos, que han sido emitidas en los veinte últimos años. El origen del análisis es fruto de una tesis doctoral, defendida en el mes de julio de 2010. Dentro de ese formato de ficción, se han elegido las diecinueve series de producción norteamericana, estrenadas en España. Las razones de esta elección se deben a varias ideas: la posible función didáctica de los sanitarios televisivos y una nueva vía potencial para educar, o no, a los ciudadanos en materia de nutrición y gastronomía. Además, consideramos que Estados Unidos es el país más interesante a estudiar por dos razones: exporta sus productos televisivos a todo el mundo y cuenta con altos índices de obesidad, que podría paliar desde la prevención y la educación nutricional en la pequeña pantalla.
Cluster and TC-1 observation of magnetic holes in the plasma sheet
Authors: Sun W. J. , Shi Q. Q. , Fu S. Y. , Pu Z. Y. , Dunlop M. W. , Walsh A. P. , Zong Q. G. , Xiao T. , Tang C. L. , Reme H. , Carr C. , Lucek E. , Fazakerley A.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Magnetic holes with relatively small scale sizes, detected by Cluster and TC-1 in the magnetotail plasma sheet, are studied in this paper. It is found that these magnetic holes are spatial structures and they are not magnetic depressions generated by the flapping movement of the magnetotail current sheet. Most of the magnetic holes (93%) were observed during intervals with Bz larger than Bx, i.e. they are more likely to occur in a dipolarized magnetic field topology. Our results also suggest that the occurrence of these magnetic holes might have a close relationship with the dipolarization process. The magnetic holes typically have a scale size comparable to the local proton Larmor radius and are accompanied by an electron energy flux enhancement at a 90° pitch angle, which is quite different from the previously observed isotropic electron distributions inside magnetic holes in the plasma sheet. It is also shown that most of the magnetic holes occur in marginally mirror-stable environments. Whether the plasma sheet magnetic holes are generated by the mirror instability related to ions or not, however, is unknown. Comparison of ratios, scale sizes and propagation direction of magnetic holes detected by Cluster and TC-1, suggests that magnetic holes observed in the vicinity of the TC-1 orbit (~7–12 RE) are likely to be further developed than those observed by Cluster (~7–18 RE).
Wisdom and reasoning between the ideological dimension and the dimension Makassed
Authors: Mohammed Hossam Khalil , حسام الدين خليل
Published: March 2012

Wisdom and mercy appears in mankind through Allah's greatness. In order to be inspired by guidance of the Holy Qur'an and Sunnah (prophetic tradition), it is a necessity to study them deeply and implement their provisions. This cannot be achieved without understanding and realizing the purposes/maqasid behind every rule and command, since the purpose of the laws is to protect the welfare of humans and avert evil and mischief. Hence, there is a need for exploring the association between purposes/wisdoms and reasoning of Islamic law. This paper represents a study of this essential topic.
Approximation of Solutions of Nonlinear Integral Equations of Hammerstein Type
Authors: Chidume C. E. , Djitté N.
Published: March 2012

Suppose that H is a real Hilbert space and F,K:H→H are bounded monotone maps with D(K)=D(F)=H. Let u* denote a solution of the Hammerstein equation u+KFu=0. An explicit iteration process is shown to converge strongly to u*. No invertibility or continuity assumption is imposed on K and the operator F is not restricted to be angle-bounded. Our result is a significant improvement on the Galerkin method of Brézis and Browder.
Anemia in Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Alexandrakis Michael G. , Tsirakis George
Published: March 2012

Heart failure is a very common disease, with severe morbidity and mortality, and a frequent reason of hospitalization. Anemia and a concurrent renal impairment are two major risk factors contributing to the severity of the outcome and consist of the cardio renal anemia syndrome. Anemia in heart failure is complex and multifactorial. Hemodilution, absolute or functional iron deficiency, activation of the inflammatory cascade, and impaired erythropoietin production and activity are some pathophysiological mechanisms involved in anemia of the heart failure. Furthermore other concomitant causes of anemia, such as myelodysplastic syndrome and chemotherapy, may worsen the outcome. Based on the pathophysiology of cardiac anemia, there are several therapeutic options that may improve hemoglobin levels, tissues’ oxygenation, and probably the outcome. These include administration of iron, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and blood transfusions but still the evidence provided for their use remains limited.
Are Adolescent Cigarette Smokers Who Use Smokeless Tobacco More Likely to Continue Smoking in the Future than Cigarette-Only Smokers: Results from Waves I and II of the Adolescent Health Survey
Authors: O'Hegarty Michelle M. , Pederson Linda L. , Asman Katherine J. , Malarcher Ann M. , Mirza Sara A.
Published: March 2012

We explored whether dual use of smokeless and cigarettes among adolescents predicts continued smoking. Data came from Waves I (1994-95) and II (1996) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, using information from 3,284 Wave I current smokers. Multivariate models were used to assess whether use of smokeless tobacco at Wave I was associated with continuation of cigarette smoking at Wave II, controlling for possible confounders. The prevalence of current cigarette smoking at Wave 1 was 27.9%; among this group of adolescents and young adults, 14.5% also used smokeless tobacco. At Wave II, 73.6% of dual product users and 78.4% of cigarette-only users in Wave I reported continued smoking (OR=0.71 [95% CI 0.52–0.98]). Combined use of cigarette and smokeless tobacco does not appear to be related to continued smoking one year later. Longer-term followups are needed to determine the stability of this relationship for ≥1 year.
Cassia tora Linn Cream Inhibits Ultraviolet-B-Induced Psoriasis in Rats
Authors: Singhal Manmohan , Kansara Niraj
Published: March 2012

The aim of present study was to determine the antipsoriatic activity of newly formulated O/W creams of methanolic extract of Cassia tora L. leaves by using ultraviolet-B-induced psoriasis in rat. The plant Cassia tora L. is traditionally claimed to be useful in the treatment of a number of skin diseases. However, there are no established scientific reports for its antipsoriatic activity. Methanolic Cassia tora L. leaves extract was used to prepare various concentrations of O/W creams and tested for acute dermal toxicity study. The different O/W creams showed good physical characteristics and passed the sensitivity, irritation, grittiness and bleeding test. The results of acute dermal toxicity showed that the creams were safe up to the dose of 2000 mg/kg. In case of psoriasis model, histopathological analysis revealed that there were absence of Munro's microabscess, elongation of rete ridges, and capillary loop dilation in the section in Test 2 (0.1%) and standard group. O/W creams and methanolic extract of Cassia tora L. leaves exhibited significant reduction in percentage of relative epidermal thickness and spleen index as compared to positive control. We concluded that topical O/W creams and crude extract containing methanolic extract of Cassia tora L. leaves have potent antipsoriatic activity in ultraviolet-B-induced psoriasis in rat.
Improved Handset Antenna Performance via an Electrically Extended Ground Plane
Authors: Ali Shirook M. , Gu Huanhuan , Wilson Kelce , Warden James
Published: March 2012

A novel and practical approach is presented providing improved antenna performance without enlarging the antenna or the ground plane. The approach electrically extends the ground plane using wire(s) that behave as surface metal extensions of the ground plane. The wire extensions can be accommodated within typical handset housing or as part of the stylish metal used on the handset’s exterior perimeter; hence don’t require enlargement of the device. Consequently, this approach avoids the costs and limitations traditionally associated with physically lengthening of a ground plane. Eight variations are presented and compared with baseline antenna performance. Both far-field patterns and near-field electromagnetic scans demonstrate that the proposed approach controls the electrical length of the ground plane and hence its chassis wavemodes, without negatively impacting the characteristics of the antenna. Improvements in performance of up to 56% in bandwidth at 900 MHz and up to 12% in efficiency with a reduction of up to 12% in the specific absorption rate (SAR) are achieved. An 8% increase in efficiency with a 1.3% improvement in bandwidth and a 20% reduction in SAR is achieved at 1880 MHz. Thus, improvements in bandwidth are achieved without compromising efficiency. Further, improvements at lower frequencies do not compromise performance at higher frequencies.
Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection for the Surgical Treatment of Obstructed Defecation Syndrome Associated with Rectocele and Rectal Intussusception
Authors: Hasan Hesham M. , Hasan Hani M.
Published: March 2012

Obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) is one of the most widespread clinical problems which frequently affects middle-aged females. There is a new surgical technique called stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) that makes it possible to remove the anorectal mucosa circumferential and reinforce the anterior anorectal junction wall with the use of a circular stapler. This surgical technique developed by Antonio Longo was proposed as an effective alternative for the treatment of ODS. In this study we present our preliminary results with the STARR operation for the treatment of ODS. For this purpose, 40 consecutive female patients with ODS due to rectal intussusception (RI) and/or rectocele (RE) were recruited in this prospective clinical study, from May 2008 to October 2010. No major operative or postoperative complications were recorded, and after 12-month follow-up, significant improvement in the ODS score system was observed, and the symptoms of constipation improved in 90% of patients; 20% of patients judged their final clinical outcome as excellent, 55% as good, and 15% as moderate, with only 10% having poor results. After analyzing our results we can conclude that STARR is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome due to rectal intussusception and/or rectocele and can be performed safely without major morbidity.