bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specimens of the botany of New Holland — aspects of European botanical observations and discoveries made in Australia prior to 1770
Authors: NELSON E. CHARLES
Published: February 2011

The earliest recorded European visit to Australia occurred in 1606, when a Dutch vessel sailed along the western coast of the Cape York Peninsula in north-eastern Australia. In 1616 another Dutch vessel happened upon part of the west coast of the continent, and in the following decade several other Dutch ships accidentally came upon these western and north-western coasts of New Holland. In 1627 the south coast was explored by Dutch mariners as far as the Nuyts Islands. In 1642—43 Tasman discovered Van Dieman's Land (Tasmania) and New Zealand, and in 1644 he completed the discovery of the northern coast of New Holland. In the following century, Dutch, English and French vessels visited the known parts of New Holland, without making further substantial discoveries.

Some of these discoverers and early explorers recorded their impressions of the Australian environment, and described the vegetation, some of the plants and many animals, albeit generally and in European terms. Abel Tasman recorded that his men collected plant specimens in Tasmania in December 1642. In 1697, plants and animals were collected in western New Holland when an expedition under Willem de Vlamingh visited the Swan River: some extant herbarium specimens almost certainly are the remnants of this collection. One year later William Dampier made a collection in the Shark Bay area, from which about 20 specimens are extant. Dampier also described plants in his accounts of the voyages he made to New Holland. As early as 1768 endemic Australian plants received "Linnaen epithets" unwittingly.

The "pre-Cook" visitors considered New Holland a barren and harsh place, unsuited for settlement or commercial exploitation. However, they did bring back to Europe botanical information, and in some cases plant specimens, though few of these have survived. From statements published at the beginning of the 18th century in a Dutch text it seems that there was more information available, at least in Holland, about Australasian botany than has been supposed, and perhaps many plant specimens. This knowledge appears to have been overlooked in later decades, and then almost forgotten.
Prince Henri d'Orleans (1867–1901): geographical and botanical exploration between inner Asia and southwest China
Authors: GARDENER WILLIAM
Published: February 2011

Prince Henri d'Orleans, precluded by French law from serving his country in the profession of arms, had his attention turned early towards exploration. In 1889, accompanied by the experienced traveller Gabriel Bonvalet, he set out from Paris to reach Indo-China overland by way of Central Asia, Tibet and western and south western China. The journey made contributions in the problems of the whereabouts of Lap Nor and the configuration of the then unexplored northern plateau of Tibet; and in botany it produced some species new to science. The party reached Indo-China in 1890. In 1895, having organised an expedition better equipped for topographical survey and for investigations in the fields of natural history and ethnography, Prince Henri set out from Hanoi with the intention of exploring the Mekong through the Chinese province of Yunnan. After proceeding up the left bank of the Salween for a brief part of its course and then alternating between the right and left banks of the Mekong as far up as Tzeku, the party found it advisable to enter Tibet in a north westerly direction through the province of Chamdo and instead crossed the south eastern extremity of the country, the Zayul, by a difficult track which led them to the country of the Hkamti Shans in present day Upper Burma, and thence to India completing a journey of 2000 miles, "1500 of which had been previously untrodden" (Prince Henri).

West of the Mekong, the journey established that the Salween, which some geographers had claimed took its rise in or near north western Yunnan, in fact rose well north in Tibet, and that, contrary to previous opinions, the principal headwater of the Irrawaddy rose no further north than latitude 28°30'. Botanical collections were confined to Yunnan, where the tracks permitted mule transport, and they produced a number of species new to science and extended the range of distribution of species already known.
George Hoggart Toulmin: politics and geology
Authors: PORTER ROY
Published: February 2011

The physician George Hoggart Toulmin (1754–1817) propounded his theory of the Earth in a number of works beginning with The antiquity and duration of the world (1780) and ending with his The eternity of the universe (1789). It bore many resemblances to James Hutton's "Theory of the Earth" (1788) in stressing the uniformity of Nature, the gradual destruction and recreation of the continents and the unfathomable age of the Earth.

In Toulmin's view, the progress of the proper theory of the Earth and of political advancement were inseparable from each other. For he analysed the commonly accepted geological ideas of his day (which postulated that the Earth had been created at no great distance of time by God; that God had intervened in Earth history on occasions like the Deluge to punish man; and that all Nature had been fabricated by God to serve man) and argued they were symptomatic of a society trapped in ignorance and superstition, and held down by priestcraft and political tyranny. In this respect he shared the outlook of the more radical figures of the French Enlightenment such as Helvétius and the Baron d'Holbach. He believed that the advance of freedom and knowledge would bring about improved understanding of the history and nature of the Earth, as a consequence of which Man would better understand the terms of his own existence, and learn to live in peace, harmony and civilization.

Yet Toulmin's hopes were tempered by his naturalistic view of the history of the Earth and of Man. For Time destroyed everything — continents and civilizations. The fundamental law of things was cyclicality not progress. This latent political conservatism and pessimism became explicit in Toulmin's volume of verse, Illustration of affection, published posthumously in 1819. In those poems he signalled his disapproval of the French Revolution and of Napoleonic imperialism. He now argued that all was for the best in the social order, and he abandoned his own earlier atheistic religious radicalism, now subscribing to a more Christian view of God.

Toulmin's earlier geological views had run into considerable opposition from orthodox religious elements. They were largely ignored by the geological community in late eighteenth and early nineteenth century Britain, but were revived and reprinted by lower class radicals such as Richard Carlile.

This paper is to be published in the American journal, The Journal for the History of Ideas in 1978 (in press).
Amines in the Earth’s Atmosphere: A Density Functional Theory Study of the Thermochemistry of Pre-Nucleation Clusters
Authors: Nadykto Alexey B. , Yu Fangqun , Jakovleva Marina V. , Herb Jason , Xu Yisheng
Published: February 2011

The impact of organic species which are present in the Earth’s atmosphere on the burst of new particles is critically important for the understanding of the molecular nature of atmospheric nucleation phenomena. Amines have recently been proposed as possible stabilizers of binary pre-nucleation clusters. In order to advance the understanding of atmospheric nucleation phenomena, a quantum-chemical study of hydrogen-bonded complexes of binary sulfuric acid-water clusters with methyl-, dimethyl- and trimethylamines representing common atmospheric organic species, vegetation products and laboratory impurities has been carried out. The thermochemical stability of the sulfuric acid-amines-water complexes was found to be higher than that of the sulfuric acid-ammonia-water complexes, in qualitative agreement with the previous studies. However, the enhancement in stability due to amines appears to not be large enough to overcome the difference in typical atmospheric concentrations of ammonia and amines. Further research is needed in order to address the existing uncertainties and to reach a final conclusion about the importance of amines for the atmospheric nucleation.
Promoting Community Forestry Enterprises in National REDD+ Strategies: A Business Approach
Authors: Tomaselli Maria Fernanda , Hajjar Reem
Published: February 2011

Community forestry and related small and medium forest enterprises (SMFEs) can contribute towards the achievement of REDD+ goals, since they can promote sustainable use and conservation of forests and, therefore, a reduction in forest-related carbon emissions. Additionally, they can improve the quality of life of forest-dependant people by generating alternative sources of income and employment. However, SMFEs often face a number of challenges, including non-conducive policy environments, inadequate business skills, and moreover, limited access to financial services. In this paper, we propose to direct a portion of REDD+ readiness efforts towards promoting the generation of an enabling environment for SMFEs that includes: the construction of an adequate Business Environment (BE), the provision of Business Development Services (BDS) and better access to Financial Services (FS). With the application of this framework, SMFEs will be more likely to proliferate and succeed, leading to enhanced community resilience and empowerment, in addition to increasing the likelihood of forest carbon stock permanence and the long term achievement of REDD+ goals. Opportunities and challenges of applying this approach in Latin America are discussed.
Molecular Arrangement in Self-Assembled Azobenzene-Containing Thiol Monolayers at the Individual Domain Level Studied through Polarized Near-Field Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Chaigneau Marc , Picardi Gennaro , Ossikovski Razvigor
Published: February 2011

6-[4-(phenylazo)phenoxy]hexane-1-thiol self-assembled monolayers deposited on a gold surface form domain-like structures possessing a high degree of order with virtually all the molecules being identically oriented with respect to the surface plane. We show that, by using polarized near-field Raman spectroscopy, it is possible to derive the Raman scattering tensor of the ordered layer and consequently, the in-plane molecular orientation at the individual domain level. More generally, this study extends the application domain of the near-field Raman scattering selection rules from crystals to ordered organic structures.
Effect of Annealing Temperature on the Optical Spectra of CdS Thin Films Deposited at Low Solution Concentrations by Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) Technique
Authors: Rizwan Zahid , Zakaria Azmi , Ghazali Mohd Sabri Mohd , Jafari Atefeh , Din Fasih Ud , Zamiri Reza
Published: February 2011

Two different concentrations of CdCl2 and (NH2)2CS were used to prepare CdS thin films, to be deposited on glass substrate by chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique. CdCl2 (0.000312 M and 0.000625 M) was employed as a source of Cd2+ while (NH2)2CS (0.00125 M and 0.000625 M) for S2− at a constant bath temperature of 70 °C. Adhesion of the deposited films was found to be very good for all the solution concentrations of both reagents. The films were air-annealed at a temperature between 200 °C to 360 °C for one hour. The minimum thickness was observed to be 33.6 nm for film annealed at 320 °C. XRD analyses reveal that the films were cubic along with peaks of hexagonal phase for all film samples. The crystallite size of the films decreased from 41.4 nm to 7.4 nm with the increase of annealing temperature for the CdCl2 (0.000312 M). Optical energy band gap (Eg), Urbach energy (Eu) and absorption coefficient (α) have been calculated from the transmission spectral data. These parameters have been discussed as a function of annealing temperature and solution concentration. The best transmission (about 97%) was obtained for the air-annealed films at higher temperature at CdCl2 (0.000312 M).
A New Method for in Situ Measurement of Bt-Maize Pollen Deposition on Host-Plant Leaves
Authors: Hofmann Frieder , Otto Mathias , Kuhn Ulrike , Ober Steffi , Schlechtriemen Ulrich , Vögel Rudolph
Published: February 2011

Maize is wind pollinated and produces huge amounts of pollen. In consequence, the Cry toxins expressed in the pollen of Bt maize will be dispersed by wind in the surrounding vegetation leading to exposure of non-target organisms (NTO). NTO like lepidopteran larvae may be affected by the uptake of Bt-pollen deposited on their host plants. Although some information is available to estimate pollen deposition on host plants, recorded data are based on indirect measurements such as shaking or washing off pollen, or removing pollen with adhesive tapes. These methods often lack precision and they do not include the necessary information such as the spatial and temporal variation of pollen deposition on the leaves. Here, we present a new method for recording in situ the amount and the distribution of Bt-maize pollen deposited on host plant leaves. The method is based on the use of a mobile digital microscope (Dino-Lite Pro, including DinoCapture software), which can be used in combination with a notebook in the field. The method was evaluated during experiments in 2008 to 2010. Maize pollen could be correctly identified and pollen deposition as well as the spatial heterogeneity of maize pollen deposition was recorded on maize and different lepidopteran host plants (Centaurea scabiosa, Chenopodium album, Rumex spp., Succina pratensis and Urtica dioica) growing adjacent to maize fields.
Identification of Calpain Substrates by ORF Phage Display
Authors: Caberoy Nora  B. , Alvarado Gabriela , Li Wei
Published: February 2011

Substrate identification is the key to defining molecular pathways or cellular processes regulated by proteases. Although phage display with random peptide libraries has been used to analyze substrate specificity of proteases, it is difficult to deduce endogenous substrates from mapped peptide motifs. Phage display with conventional cDNA libraries identifies high percentage of non-open reading frame (non-ORF) clones, which encode short unnatural peptides, owing to uncontrollable reading frames of cellular proteins. We recently developed ORF phage display to identify endogenous proteins with specific binding or functional activity with minimal reading frame problem. Here we used calpain 2 as a protease to demonstrate that ORF phage display is capable of identifying endogenous substrates and showed its advantage to re-verify and characterize the identified substrates without requiring pure substrate proteins. An ORF phage display cDNA library with C-terminal biotin was bound to immobilized streptavidin and released by cleavage with calpain 2. After three rounds of phage selection, eleven substrates were identified, including calpastatin of endogenous calpain inhibitor. These results suggest that ORF phage display is a valuable technology to identify endogenous substrates for proteases.
Effects of Bentonite on p-Methoxybenzyl Acetate: A Theoretical Model for Oligomerization via an Electrophilic-Substitution Mechanism
Authors: Salmón Manuel , Miranda Rene , Nicolás-Vázquez Ines , Vargas-Rodriguez Yolanda Marina , Cruz-Borbolla Julian , Medrano María Isabel , Morales-Serna José Antonio
Published: February 2011

Tonsil Actisil FF, a commercial bentonitic clay, promotes the formation of a series of electrophilic-aromatic-substitution products from para-methoxybenzyl acetate in carbon disulfide. The molecules obtained correspond to linear isomeric dimers, trimers, tetramers and a pentamer, according to their spectroscopic data. A clear indication of the title mechanistic pathway for the oligomerization growth was obtained from the analysis of a set of computational-chemistry calculations using the density-functional-theory level B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p). The corresponding conclusions were based on the computed dipole moments, the HOMO/LUMO distributions, and a natural-populations analysis of the studied molecules.
A two step synthesis of a key unit B precursor of cryptophycins by asymmetric hydrogenation
Authors: Sammet Benedikt , Brax Mathilde , Sewald Norbert
Published: February 2011

A novel highly enantioselective two step access to a unit B precursor of cryptophycins in good yields from commercially available starting materials has been developed. The key step is an asymmetric hydrogenation using the commercially available [(COD)Rh-(R,R)-Et-DuPhos]BF4 catalyst. The synthetic route provides the advantage of less synthetic steps, proceeds with high yields and enantioselectivity, and avoids hazardous reaction conditions.
La place des assistants familiaux dans le placement familial
Authors: Jouves Jacques
Published: February 2011

Résumé Depuis trente ans, le « plus vieux métier de l’enfance » s’est transformé sous l’influence de nombreux facteurs. Les évolutions de la famille et des liens intrafamiliaux, le statut des femmes, la découverte des besoins de l’enfant et des traumatismes de l’enfance exigent un changement de nature du placement familial. De la loi de 1977 à celles de 1992 et de 2005, les nourrices sont devenues assistants familiaux, la famille d’accueil s’est imposée. Cette législation crée un véritable statut de salarié de l’assistant familial et pour soutenir un travail professionnalisé, elle l’insère dans les équipes de placement familial. Les travaux de Myriam David, devenus la référence en la matière, nous révèlent deux points cruciaux : les troubles liés à la distorsion des liens parents-enfant ; la souffrance psychique des enfants et des parents consécutive à la séparation. La prise en compte de ces aspects inséparables du placement nécessite d’accompagner l’assistant familial dans une équipe pluridisciplinaire dont il est membre à part entière. La parole des accueillants, longtemps confisquée, peine encore aujourd’hui à trouver sa place en raison des indéniables lourdeurs historiques et des résistances de tous. Dans le contexte de bouleversement des périmètres du social, du médico-social et du thérapeutique, l’accueil familial ne jouera pleinement son rôle dans l’épanouissement de l’enfant qu’en caractérisant la place de chacun des acteurs.
Service social et placement familial
Authors: de Béchillon Catherine
Published: February 2011

Résumé Dans ce qui incombe au service social pour un placement familial, quelles préoccupations donnent le choix de ce mode de protection des enfants, la nécessité d’un travail dans la durée auprès de tous les protagonistes, l’enfant, les parents, les assistantes familiales ? Quel sens pour chacun de son vécu ? Quel appui au long de l’évolution, dans ses situations chroniques comme dans les périodes de crise ? Avec l’exemple du placement d’un enfant, du travail sur la création ou le maintien des liens intrafamiliaux, et une réflexion sur le non-placement d’un autre enfant.
La professionnalisation des assistants familiaux : un processus aux enjeux relationnels multiples
Authors: Euillet Séverine
Published: February 2011

Résumé Le mouvement français de professionnalisation des assistants familiaux de la protection de l’enfance semble accentuer l’étonnante disparité concernant leurs fonctions et leurs rôles. Conçue comme un processus développemental, professionnel et identitaire, la professionnalisation induit de nouveaux enjeux relationnels avec l’intervenant social autour du sentiment d’utilité, d’existence, de maîtrise, de partage, non sans conséquence sur la dynamique relationnelle entre l’assistant familial, sa famille et les parents, dans laquelle l’enfant évolue.
Émotions et relation éducative
Authors: Dumont Jean-Frédéric
Published: February 2011

Résumé Les implications émotionnelles des éducateurs sont souvent considérées comme des variables parasites qui obèrent le professionnalisme… Et si, au contraire, elles représentaient le gage de relations de communication authentiques, sans lesquelles il n’y a pas d’action éducative possible ? Une action éducative où mes émotions me permettent de me représenter l’autre et le monde, l’autre dans le monde, l’autre et moi dans le monde…
L'imaginaire technique dans la poésie industrielle du XIXe siècle
Authors: Wanlin Nicolas
Published: February 2011

Au XIX e siècle paraissent des poèmes portant sur des sujets techniques, parfois à l’occasion de concours de poésie académiques ou des Expositions Universelles. Cela pose d’une part un problème linguistique : comment la langue française et sa poésie peuvent-elles rendre compte des progrès techniques ? D’autre part, le fait que la poésie prenne la technique pour sujet semble contraire à sa nature, traditionnellement considérée comme spirituelle, donc étrangère aux préoccupations matérielles. Mais si de nombreux poètes relèvent ces défis, c’est qu’ils entreprennent d’acclimater l’invention technique dans la culture par des formulations poétiques. Ils représentent ainsi un lien entre la tradition de poésie didactique et les poètes de « l’esprit nouveau ».
Les transformations de la technologie : du discours sur les techniques à la « techno-science »
Authors: Carnino Guillaume
Published: February 2011

Cet article retrace les évolutions du terme « technologie », dans le contexte français, au cours du xix e siècle. Le passage, aux alentours de 1850, d’un « discours sur les techniques » à une « techno-science » y est mis en valeur selon deux aspects principaux : industrialisation des pratiques artisanales opératoires et déploiement de « la science » en tant que productrice de faits à partir de machines et procédures. Telles sont les deux recompositions politiques qui produisent matériellement et linguistiquement la technologie entendue au sens contemporain, comme lorsqu’on parle des « nouvelles technologies ».
Le « Roi-Jésuite » et le « Roi-Poire » : la prolifération d'« espiègleries » séditieuses contre Charles X et Louis-Philippe (1826-1835)
Authors: Erre Fabrice
Published: February 2011

Dès les premières années de leur règne, Charles X et Louis-Philippe ont été victimes de vigoureuses campagnes d’attaques à caractère satirique. Leurs représentations respectives en Jésuite et en Poire se sont diffusées en empruntant les voies les plus diverses, depuis les vecteurs traditionnels de la satire (caricatures, pamphlets, journaux...) jusqu’à des pratiques populaires anonymes (pièces de monnaie détournées, graffitis...). Le principe de dégradation risible du souverain n’a alors, il est vrai, rien de neuf : il participe en réalité d’une longue tradition en France, et peut s’interpréter comme le revers du respect dû à la sacralité monarchique. Ainsi, en leur temps, Louis XVI a été assimilé à un porc et Napoléon à un ogre. Néanmoins, le Jésuite et la Poire se distinguent par l’ampleur de leur succès. Ils se trouvent tous les deux au cœur d’un processus de prolifération obéissant à un mode de fonctionnement original, capable de se répandre très profondément sur trois niveaux : temporel (chacune de ces campagnes a duré cinq années, 1826-1830 pour le premier, 1831-1835 pour le second), géographique (l’ensemble du territoire français a été touché), et social (impliquant des individus de toutes conditions, depuis les gamins des rues jusqu’à Lafayette ou Victor Hugo). Ils ont ainsi suscité l’inquiétude d’un pouvoir désarmé face à ce genre de provocation, mobilisant les agents de police, les préfets, les ministres même, et se trouvant impliqués dans des affaires de violences politiques, comme l’attentat de Fieschi en 1835 qui marque le terme de cette décennie satirique. Tenter de comprendre le succès exceptionnel du Jésuite et de la Poire exige d’en identifier les raisons internes, tenant à la nature même de ces motifs, et les raisons externes, concernant leurs conditions de diffusion. Il convient également de se pencher sur les modalités de réception de la part des cibles, c’est-à-dire des régimes ainsi mis en cause, et vivant ces campagnes comme une menace qui serait, sous des dehors risibles, tout à fait sérieuse.
Le Beau idéal incarné : Leconte de Lisle et la musique grecque
Authors: Corbier Christophe
Published: February 2011

Bien qu’il ait manifesté un certain dédain pour les musiciens de son temps, Leconte de Lisle accorde à la musique une place importante dans son œuvre, depuis le conte La Mélodie incarnée jusqu’à L’Apollonide . Dans les Poèmes antiques , en particulier, la musique grecque antique est souvent évoquée. Si son apparition est liée à la tradition bucolique, qui constitue une source d’inspiration majeure du poète, Leconte de Lisle renouvelle cependant le genre de l’idylle en privilégiant certains aspects dionysiaques de l’orchestique antique. Il introduit également dans plusieurs poèmes la notion technique de mode pour en obtenir des effets pittoresques, et il développe enfin une conception du rythme qui lui permet d’associer métaphysique et activité poétique.
Sobre Fullerenos, Nanotubos de Carbono y Grafenos
Authors: Martín Nazario
Published: February 2011

No disponible
Metabolic Syndrome in Italian Obese Children and Adolescents: Stronger Association with Central Fat Depot than with Insulin Sensitivity and Birth Weight
Authors: Brufani Claudia , Fintini Danilo , Giordano Ugo , Tozzi Alberto Enrico , Barbetti Fabrizio , Cappa Marco
Published: February 2011

Aim. To evaluate whether body fat distribution, birth weight, and family history for diabetes (FHD) were associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in children and adolescents.Methods. A total of 439 Italian obese children and adolescents (5–18 years) were enrolled. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: prepubertal and pubertal. MetS was diagnosed according to the adapted National Cholesterol Education Program criteria. Birth weight percentile, central obesity index (measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), insulin sensitivity (ISI), and disposition index were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine variables associated with MetS.Results. The prevalence of MetS was 17%, with higher percentage in adolescents than in children (21 versus 12%). In the overall population, central obesity index was a stronger predictor of MetS than insulin sensitivity and low birth weight. When the two groups were considered, central fat depot remained the strongest predictor of MetS, with ISI similarly influencing the probability of MetS in the two groups and birth weight being negatively associated to MetS only in pubertal individuals. Neither FHD nor degree of fatness was a significant predictor of MetS.Conclusion. Simple clinical parameters like increased abdominal adiposity and low birth weight could be useful tools to identify European obese adolescents at risk for metabolic complications.
The Nrf2/ARE Pathway: A Promising Target to Counteract Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Tufekci Kemal Ugur , Civi Bayin Ezgi , Genc Sermin , Genc Kursad
Published: February 2011

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a prominent feature of various neurodegenerative diseases as strict regulation of integrated mitochondrial functions is essential for neuronal signaling, plasticity, and transmitter release. Many lines of evidence suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Several PD-associated genes interface with mitochondrial dynamics regulating the structure and function of the mitochondrial network. Mitochondrial dysfunction can induce neuron death through a plethora of mechanisms. Both mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation, a common denominator of PD, lead to an increased production of reactive oxygen species, which are detrimental to neurons. The transcription factor nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2, NFE2L2) is an emerging target to counteract mitochondrial dysfunction and its consequences in PD. Nrf2 activates the antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway, including a battery of cytoprotective genes such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory genes and several transcription factors involved in mitochondrial biogenesis. Here, the current knowledge about the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in PD, Nrf2/ARE stress-response mechanisms, and the evidence for specific links between this pathway and PD are summarized. The neuroprotection of nigral dopaminergic neurons by the activation of Nrf2 through several inducers in PD is also emphasized as a promising therapeutic approach.
Central Blood Pressure and Chronic Kidney Disease Progression
Authors: Cohen Debbie L. , Townsend Raymond R.
Published: February 2011

Hypertension, diabetes, and proteinuria are well-recognized risk factors for progressive kidney function loss. However, despite excellent antihypertensive and antidiabetic drug therapies, which also often lower urinary protein excretion, there remains a significant reservoir of patients with chronic kidney disease who are at high risk for progression to end-stage kidney disease. This has led to the search for less traditional cardiovascular risk factors that will help stratify patients at risk for more rapid kidney disease progression. Among these are noninvasive estimates of vascular structure and function. Arterial stiffness, manifested by the pulse wave velocity in the aorta, has been established in a number of studies as a significant risk factor for kidney disease progression and cardiovascular endpoints. Much less well studied in chronic kidney disease are measures of central arterial pressures. In this paper we cover the physiology behind the generation of the central pulse wave contour and the studies available using these approaches and conclude with some speculations on the rationale for why measurements of central pressure may be informative for the study of chronic kidney disease progression.
Multidrug Resistance in Breast Cancer: FromIn VitroModels to Clinical Studies
Authors: Wind N. S. , Holen I.
Published: February 2011

The development of multidrug resistance (MDR) and subsequent relapse on therapy is a widespread problem in breast cancer, but our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms is incomplete. Numerous studies have aimed to establish the role of drug transporter pumps in MDR and to link their expression to response to chemotherapy. The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are central to breast cancer MDR, and increases in ABC expression levels have been shown to correlate with decreases in response to various chemotherapy drugs and a reduction in overall survival. But as there is a large degree of redundancy between different ABC transporters, this correlation has not been seen in all studies. This paper provides an introduction to the key molecules associated with breast cancer MDR and summarises evidence of their potential roles reported from model systems and clinical studies. We provide possible explanations for why despite several decades of research, the precise role of ABC transporters in breast cancer MDR remains elusive.
Successful treatment of anorexia nervosa and alleviation of chronic Guillain Barré syndrome
Authors: Aden Anneke , Stegemann Thomas , Richterich Andreas
Published: February 2011

Eating disorders do not typically occur in conjunction with specific neurological disorders. Only very few cases of Guillain-Barré-Syndrome (GBS) associated with eating disorders have been reported. The objective of this paper is to describe and discuss a case of anorexia nervosa and concomittant chronic GBS. We report on a course of medical management for a 15 year old female patient, who presented with acute neurological syndrome (GBS) which was followed by the onset of a severe eating disorder. The patient was diagnosed to have two different entities, with the association between the two remaining unclear. The mainstay of management was focused on the eating disorder. Using an integrative psychiatric therapy a significant improvement of the eating disorder was achieved. The patient's body weight was stabilised and the locomotor deficits improved. Though a significant somatic disorder was evident, it proved to be advantageous to primarily focus on the eating disorder, until it was under control. The possible correlations between the two distinct disorders are discussed.
Epidemiological study of female urinary incontinence in the province of Siena, Italy
Authors: BERNABEI A. , TROTTA Va. , TROTTA Vi.
Published: February 2011

A retrospective study of patients of the Urogynaecological Unit in Siena is reported. Out of 228 women examined, 141 had urinary incontinence (stress incontinence 110, urge incontinence 18, mixed 13). Predisposing factors and risk factors were investigated. A parallel study in a non-selected population of women was performed by means of a questionnaire of self-evaluation for urinary incontinence. About 20% of this population had urinary incontinence to some degree, but only a small percentage of these women had already sought medical advice.
Proceedings of the 12th AIUG National Congress
Authors: Editors The
Published: February 2011

Proceedings of the 12th AIUG National Congress - Suppl. vol. 16, No.1 (2002)
Proceedings of the 14th AIUG National Congress
Authors: Editors The
Published: February 2011

Proceedings of the 14th AIUG National Congress, Roma, 18-22 settembre 2004
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF NON COMPLICATED URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN ADULTS
Authors: CERSOSIMO L. , CATANZARO F. , IMPARATO E. , MESCHIA M. , MAZZEI T. , NICOLETTI G. , FADDA G. , SCHITO G.C.
Published: February 2011

Non complicated acute urinary tract infections (UTI) are among the most common bacterial diseases in the human species. More than 150 million UTIs (non complicated/complicated) are, in fact, annually diagnosed and treated worlwide (Sobel Kaye, 1990; Stamm and Hooton, 1993; Stamm, 1998; Stamm and Norrby, 2001; Foxman, 2002). UTI include cystitis and pyelonephritis (the latter is not discussed in this paper) that occur in individuals without morphological-functional alterations of the excretory tract. This disease is more common in female and/or in menopause patients. 25-50% of the individuals in this population, aged between 20 and 40 years, can be affected by UTI at least once in a lifetime and can be prone to more or less frequent relapses. (Johnson, 1998; Stamm, 2001). Male subjects are less frequently affected by UTI, but when affected, they experience more serious episodes often representing a warning signal of anatomical alterations of the urinary apparatus or the presence of risk factors.......
PERINEOLOGY: A NEW AREA
Authors: BECO J. , MOUCHEL J.
Published: February 2011

Perineology is the result of the merging between urogynecology and coloproctology. This “three-axis approach” is now becoming widely accepted but Perineology is more than a “three axis approach” of the perineum… Perineology deals only with the perineum functional troubles (including pains). Organic diseases (cancer, stones, polyps,...) at any of the three levels must be treated as usual by urologist, gynecologist or coloproctologist. This approach has to be interdisciplinary and not multidisciplinary. There is only one boss who is the “architect of the perineum”, somebody who knows a lot about the anatomy and the physiology of the three axis. This new specialist is called “perineologist”. This person could be the surgeon or somebody who tells the surgeon what to do. The perineologist should have a holistic view (integration of the psychology, the way of life, the abdominal wall muscles... in the approach) of the women and should respect the limits of the concept. The aim of Perineology is to restorate “ad integrum” the anatomy in the respect of biomechanics and physiology. Ideally, each defect must be corrected without inducing troubles on the other levels (primum non nocere). The benefit - risk ratio has to be evaluated for each of the procedures. In surgery, seven key procedures are proposed to obtain such a result (defect specific, efficient and low risk) in the majority of the cases. The functional state of the perineum can be summarized by a T.A.P.E. (Three Axis Perineal Evaluation diagram): - gynecological axis = sexual troubles - prolapse - urological axis = urinary incontinence-dysuria - coloproctological axis = constipation - fecal incontinence. The normal shape of the T.A.P.E is hexagonal. It is a good tool to introduce all the practitioner of this area in a more holistic approach of the woman. It is based on the history of the patient not on the clinical examination.
Proceeding of the 13th AIUG National Congress
Authors: Editors The
Published: February 2011

Proceeding of the 13th National Congress - Suppl. vol. 17, No.1 (2003)
THE ROLE OF PELVIC FLOOR IMPAIRMENT AS A CONTRIBUTORY FACTOR TO URINARY INCONTINENCE IN PATIENTS WITH BLADDER INSTABILITY
Authors: PISCHEDDA A. , PIROZZI FARINA F. , MATTANA A. , DERIU M. , SOLINAS G. , BERCOVICH E.
Published: February 2011

Unstable bladder symptomatology often includes different types of urinary incontinence. We assessed the possible correlation between urinary incontinence associated with an unstable bladder and pelvic floor activity. In addition, we assessed when oxybutynin administration has favourable effects on urinary incontinence associated with an unstable bladder. Sixty female patients affected by an unstable bladder, consecutively enrolled in the study, were evaluated by means of urodynamics and diagnostic electromyography. Urinary incontinence, when present, was characterized. Possible correlation between types of urinary incontinence and types of pelvic floor dysfunction was investigated. Oxybutynin 5 mg.x3/day was administered per os. Drug activity was evaluated in terms of outcome for the different types of urinary incontinence. A prevailing reduction in maximal muscle contraction and endurance in the patients affected by stress and mixed urinary incontinence was found. 42% of the patients affected by urge incontinence showed a decrease in endurance, and 52% showed overall good functioning of their pelvic floor. Administration of oxybutynin only improved urinary incontinence in those patients affected by urge incontinence who did not have pelvic floor dysfunction (exact Fisher’s test, p<0.001).
Proceedings of the 16th AIUG National Congress
Authors: Editors The
Published: February 2011

Proceedings of the 16th AIUG National Congress - Perugia, 12-16 settembre 2006
Laparoscopic application of Mesh in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders: a review of the literature
Authors: Leanza V. , Genovese F. , Bologna M.
Published: February 2011

The use of laparoscopically introduced mesh was adopted in order to correct all pelvic floor disorders, however today laparoscopic prostheses tend to be used increasingly for patients with prevailing apical prolapse: III and IV degree hysterocele and/or post-hysterectomy prolapse of the vaginal vault. The co-existence of other defects, for example cystocele and/or III degree rectocele, urethral hypermobility and/or urethrocele with associated urinary incontinence and above all the presence of these defects in an isolated form, usually indicates a vaginal surgical approach. Therefore the operation in which the application of laparoscopically introduced prostheses prevails is indirect promontory colpopexy (or sacrocolpopexy) and hysterosacropexy. At the beginning of the ‘90s, Dorsey [1] and Nezhat [2] were the first authors to describe laparoscopic sacral colpopexy, with dissection of the vagina anterior to the bladder and posterior to the rectum, in order to apply the mesh to the anterior and posterior wall of the vagina. The method then became widely used and was perfected, and it tended increasingly to be performed together with the laparotomic approach. Wattiez [3] even claims that the laparoscopic approach is better than the vaginal and/or laparotomic approach for the treatment and/or prevention, not only of apical genital prolapse, but of the whole range of pelvic floor disorders. Therefore, considering the growing importance of the laparoscopic prosthetic correction of apical defects, the authors, on the basis of a revision of the literature, describe the following aspects: rational of the technique, type of prosthetic materials used, controversies regarding the method of application of the mesh and whether or not hysterectomy is also to be performed..........
TOLTERODINE IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH AN OVERACTIVE BLADDER, WITH OR WITHOUT URINARY INCONTINENCE: A PROSPECTIVE MULTICENTER STUDY
Authors: Mantovani F. , Bozzini G. , Acquati P. , Di Pierro S.S. , Spinelli M.G. , Rocco F.
Published: February 2011

AIMS: In order to analyse the effect of tolterodine on the Quality of life (QoL) of patients with overactive bladder (OB) we conducted a prospective multicentre clinical study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were questioned at entry and 4, 12 and 24 weeks later about the number of micturitions and incontinent and urgency episodes/day, using a micturition diary. The mean volume voided per micturition and the number of pads used per day was also recorded. The QoL was measured using the Kings Health Questionnaire (KHQ) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ). A total of 179 patients entered the study: 59 dropped out (4 due to lack of efficacy, 10 due to adverse events, 25 because of lack of interest in the study/other reason and 20 were lost at follow up), leaving 120 patients for analysis. One hundred and eight patients (90%) were female, their mean age was 56.5 years (SD 11.2); 87 had never received treatment for OB/UI (80.6%) and their mean weight was 70.0 Kg (SD 12.7). RESULTS: The mean number of micturitions/day was 9.3 at trial entry and it decreased to 6.8 by the end of the study. The corresponding values for the number of urge episodes, incontinence episodes and number of pads used per day were 3.5, 2.7 and 1.2 and 0.8, 0.9 and 0.4 respectively. The mean volume voided per micturition increased from 146 ml. to 178 ml. All the differences between trial entry and end of study values were statistically significant (p<0.05). Considering the results of the KHQ, the values of all the different areas/domini (?) decreased markedly and in a statistically significant way between the start of treatment and the end of study evaluations. Similar findings emerged when we considered values of the IIQ. The decrease was constant and marked during the first three months and remained constant thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: This study, conducted in a population of subjects with dry and wet OB, shows that tolterodine given for six months lowers the frequency of urgency episodes and incontinence episodes without troublesome adverse effects. These clinical effects are mirrored in the QoL, KHQ and IIQ questionnaire scores, which improved by about 50% over the same period.
DOUBLE TRANSOBTURATOR APPROACH TO TREATING CYSTOCELE
Authors: Bandiera S. , Raciti G. , Aloisi A. , Arena M. , Giordano R. , Giunta G. , Matarazzo M.G. , Morello R. , Rapisarda F. , Vitale S.G. , Cianci A.
Published: February 2011

The aim of this study is to show the safety and efficacy of the double transobturator approach, a new technique for anterior vaginal wall prolapse, using several different kinds of meshes (synthetic and biological).This is a retrospective study of 74 women treated between 2005 and 2007. The patients underwent a 3, 6 and 12 month follow-up. The anatomical cure rate, defined as grade of prolapse <2, was 79.7%. Fifteen patients had a recurrence, 12 were treated with biological VS meshes and 3 were treated with synthetic meshes. Vaginal erosion was reported in 5 (6.7%) of these patients, two of whom were treated with topic estrogenic therapy, and three of whom with partial excision. These results suggest that this technique is safe and efficacious and that the best meshes to use are synthetic meshes, because they have a lower recurrence rate than biological meshes.
ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING FOR FEMALE PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTIONS
Authors: Vignoli G.
Published: February 2011

The word “pelvic floor dysfunction” has different meanings in different specialties, i.e. radiology, urology, gynaecology, coloproctology. Despite the fact that the concept of perineology is not exactly new, most clinicians have only slowly adapted their practice to this transversal view. The multidisciplinary approach (several specialists dealing with various pelvic floor problems) still prevails over the interdisciplinary one (one specialist explaining what is happening) with several problems in the choice of therapeutic strategies. Obviously, the interdisciplinary approach requires a wide knowledge of the principles and techniques of each specialty. This monographic issue reviews advanced diagnostic testing for female pelvic floor dysfunctions from the perspective of a single specialist, namely a urologist.
ELECTROMYOGRAPHY OF THE URETHRAL SPHINCTER IN SUI
Authors: Cianci A. , Caruso S. , Bandiera S. , Matarazzo M.G. , Rapisarda F. , Gangarossa G. , Cianci S. , Giordano R. , Rampello L.
Published: February 2011

The study values, through electromyography (emg), the stripped urethral sphyncter activity in women with stress incontinence (USI). 10 women with USI and 5 healthy women -control group- underwent urogynecologic examination, urodynamic examination and urethral electromyography examination. The endurance and extension of tension were took in the consideration. 9 women with USI had EGM showing denervation/renervation nervous damage, supported by potential’s wideness and length higher than control group (>300μV), either during relax or cough, and the trace’s absence of the interference with voluntary contraction. Only one woman with USI showed an EGM compatible with myogen damage: values <100 μV in all traces and negative anamnesis for risk factors. The Authors emphasize the role of EMG as a particular exam to study in deep the causes of urinary incontinence helpful to identify basic disorders of USI.
Correlates of Arsenic Mobilization into the Groundwater in El Paso, Texas
Authors: Marquez Elia B. , Gurian Patrick L. , Barud-Zubillaga Alberto , Goodell Philip C.
Published: February 2011

This paper addresses the contamination of groundwater by arsenic, a naturally occurring phenomenon that has caused serious cases of arsenic poisoning around the world. While a number of chemical processes are known to be capable of mobilizing arsenic, the extent to which different processes are active in actual geological settings is much less clear. In this work, the El Paso, Texas region is analyzed as a case study to better understand the factors associated with high arsenic levels in groundwater. This study includes two basins that supply drinking water to approximately 2.5 million people. The average arsenic was 8.5 ppb, which is below the current American and WHO Maximum Contaminant Level of 10 ppb. However, arsenic concentrations reached approximately 80 ppb in three different locations. Governmental archival information was combined with field water sampling, and with leaching and analysis of solid phase materials from well cuttings (sediments of the aquifers). The study identifies evidence for both competitive desorption and reductive dissolution operating to mobilize arsenic, with the importance of different mechanisms likely varying throughout the aquifers. A mean of 21% of the solid arsenic content was leached out to solution at pH 9, and mean solid phase arsenic concentration was 4.3 ppm, solid phase iron 7000 ppm, and solid carbon 0.6%, consistent with arsenic desorption out of sediments into the aqueous phase. A potential role of geothermal waters was also identified at a southern hot spot. This information is important to better understand the basic science of the arsenic geochemical cycle and may also provide a rough guide as to where low arsenic waters may be found: groundwater with high potentiometric head and short flow paths, groundwater under the influence of surface water, and lower pH groundwater.