bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic Vision of a Euro-Mediterranean Port City: A Case Study of Palermo
Authors: Nicolini Elvira , Pinto Maria
Published: September 2013

Italian harbours assume a decisive role in order to develop a Euro-Mediterranean web for maritime transportation. The geostrategic position of the Italian peninsula can be seen as a logistic platform at the centre of the maritime trades in the Mediterranean area, giving to its port cities the role of gateway of economic flows. The port poles, meant as hubs, are able to attract investments and create economic growth and territorial development through new operative models of urban usage and management. The management policies have to consider the environmental characteristics and distinctive features, respecting the identity of the places as concrete evidence of history, a source of intellectual development and therefore, cultural richness. In this sense, the current strategic plan “Palermo capital of the Euro-Mediterranean area” imagines the whole city, and not just its harbour, as a “gate city”, a sustainable and cosmopolitan city in the view of a recentralization of the Mediterranean area. The research tests an evaluation method in support of urban planning, which increases the active role of stakeholders in terms of participation and access to the decision-making process of urban renewal strategies for Palermo to the Euro-Mediterranean.
Analysis of Electro-Oxidation Suitability for Landfill Leachate Treatment through an Experimental Study
Authors: Rada Elena , Istrate Irina , Ragazzi Marco , Andreottola Gianni , Torretta Vincenzo
Published: September 2013

This paper examines the efficiency of electro-oxidation used as the single pretreatment of landfill leachate. The experiments were performed on three different types of leachate. The results obtained using this electrochemical method results were analyzed after seven days of treatment. The main characteristics of leachate and a diagram of the experimental apparatus are presented. The overall objectives were to contribute to the knowledge of electrochemical treatments for the reduction of COD, BOD5, ammonium, and total suspended solids, and also to examine whether there was any resulting hexavalent chromium in the liquid sample. The yields obtained were considered satisfactory, particularly given the simplicity of this technology. Like all processes used to treat refluent water, the applicability of this technique to a specific industrial refluent needs to be supported by feasibility studies to estimate its effectiveness and optimize the project parameters. This could be a future development of the work.
Influence of the Academic Library on US University Reputation: A Webometric Approach
Authors: Orduña-Malea Enrique , Regazzi John
Published: September 2013

A previous study conducted through a survey of academic libraries at 100 US universities with the highest total expenditures on academic libraries according to data presented by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The results pointed out an unexpectedly weak correlation among web variables, concluding that the complex online structure of US academic libraries was the main driver of this effect. The present study replicates this research applying the same web indicators but at the university level, to check whether the weak compactness among web indicators persists. Additionally, the percentage (in terms of web data) of academic libraries at universities is analyzed. Finally, the correlation among web and economic indicators (research expenditures, student population, and reputational rank position) for universities is calculated to check for a possible relationship. Results confirm a strong correlation among university web indicators. Otherwise, the strength of academic libraries at universities is moderate in terms of page count, but weak in terms of visits. Finally, the correlation among university web indicators and research expenditures depends on student population.
The Effect of Aflatoxin-B1 on Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) and Assessment of Dietary Supplementation of NovaSil for the Prevention of Aflatoxicosis
Authors: Zychowski Katherine , Hoffmann Aline , Ly Hoai , Pohlenz Camilo , Buentello Alejandro , Romoser Amelia , Gatlin Delbert , Phillips Timothy
Published: September 2013

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a potent carcinogen that causes growth stunting, immunosuppression and liver cancer in multiple species. The recent trend of replacing fishmeal with plant-based proteins in fish feed has amplified the AFB1 exposure risk in farm-raised fish. NovaSil (NS), a calcium montmorillonite clay, has previously been shown to reduce AFB1 bioavailability safely and efficaciously in several mammalian species. This study was designed to: (1) evaluate AFB1 impact on cultured red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, over the course of seven weeks; and (2) assess NS supplementation as a strategy to prevent aflatoxicosis. Fish were fed diets containing 0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, or 5 ppm AFB1. Two additional treatment groups were fed either 5 ppm AFB1 + 1% NS or 5 ppm AFB1 + 2% NS. Aflatoxin B1 negatively impacted red drum weight gain, survival, feed efficiency, serum lysozyme concentration, hepatosomatic index (HSI), whole-body lipid levels, liver histopathological scoring, as well as trypsin inhibition. NovaSil inclusion in AFB1-contaminated diets improved weight gain, feed efficiency, serum lysozyme concentration, muscle somatic index, and intraperitoneal fat ratios compared to AFB1-treated fish. Although not significant, NS reduced AFB1-induced histopathological changes in the liver and decreased Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) staining. Importantly, NS supplementation improved overall health of AFB1-exposed red drum.
Non-Simian Foamy Viruses: Molecular Virology, Tropism and Prevalence and Zoonotic/Interspecies Transmission
Authors: Kehl Timo , Tan Juan , Materniak Magdalena
Published: September 2013

Within the field of retrovirus, our knowledge of foamy viruses (FV) is still limited. Their unique replication strategy and mechanism of viral persistency needs further research to gain understanding of the virus-host interactions, especially in the light of the recent findings suggesting their ancient origin and long co-evolution with their nonhuman hosts. Unquestionably, the most studied member is the primate/prototype foamy virus (PFV) which was originally isolated from a human (designated as human foamy virus, HFV), but later identified as chimpanzee origin; phylogenetic analysis clearly places it among other Old World primates. Additionally, the study of non-simian animal FVs can contribute to a deeper understanding of FV-host interactions and development of other animal models. The review aims at highlighting areas of special interest regarding the structure, biology, virus-host interactions and interspecies transmission potential of primate as well as non-primate foamy viruses for gaining new insights into FV biology.
Regulated Transport into the Nucleus of Herpesviridae DNA Replication Core Proteins
Authors: Alvisi Gualtiero , Jans David , Camozzi Daria , Avanzi Simone , Loregian Arianna , Ripalti Alessandro , Palù Giorgio
Published: September 2013

The Herpesvirdae family comprises several major human pathogens belonging to three distinct subfamilies. Their double stranded DNA genome is replicated in the nuclei of infected cells by a number of host and viral products. Among the latter the viral replication complex, whose activity is strictly required for viral replication, is composed of six different polypeptides, including a two-subunit DNA polymerase holoenzyme, a trimeric primase/helicase complex and a single stranded DNA binding protein. The study of herpesviral DNA replication machinery is extremely important, both because it provides an excellent model to understand processes related to eukaryotic DNA replication and it has important implications for the development of highly needed antiviral agents. Even though all known herpesviruses utilize very similar mechanisms for amplification of their genomes, the nuclear import of the replication complex components appears to be a heterogeneous and highly regulated process to ensure the correct spatiotemporal localization of each protein. The nuclear transport process of these enzymes is controlled by three mechanisms, typifying the main processes through which protein nuclear import is generally regulated in eukaryotic cells. These include cargo post-translational modification-based recognition by the intracellular transporters, piggy-back events allowing coordinated nuclear import of multimeric holoenzymes, and chaperone-assisted nuclear import of specific subunits. In this review we summarize these mechanisms and discuss potential implications for the development of antiviral compounds aimed at inhibiting the Herpesvirus life cycle by targeting nuclear import of the Herpesvirus DNA replicating enzymes.
Milicias negras y mulatas en el reino de Guatemala (siglo XVIII)
Authors: Montoya Salvador
Published: September 2013

Estudio de la participación del negro y del mulato en las Milicias y Tropas Fijas en el Reino de Guatemala durante el siglo XVIII. Dos tentativas de organizar el sistema de defensas serán realizadas entre 1755 y 1767. La primera de estas reformas — en 1755 — tiende a la consolidación de las milicias locales voluntarias y la segunda — en 1767 — se propuso como objetivo la formación de una fuerza militar profesional. Las características de estas reformas y de la importante integración del negro y del mulato están determinadas por la presencia inglesa y de los zambos-mosquitos en la Costa Atlántica, el clima, la distribución de la población y del estado de las defensas.
Economía y literatura : variaciones sobre la crisis del endeudamiento en América Latina
Authors: García Menéndez José Ramón
Published: September 2013

Puisque l'œuvre littéraire essaie d'être l'expression d'une idéologie, la dette latino-américaine semble bien pouvoir être un sujet de référence pour les créateurs littéraires d'Amérique Latine. A travers l'exemple de Baudelaire et de Enrique Gil y Carrasco la perception de l'endettement apparaît comme un drame générateur de textes. Pour l'Amérique Latine, Mario Benedetti l'exprime bien à sa façon, mais l'auteur suggère l'histoire d'Eréndira racontée par García Márquez pour comprendre une des clefs de la dette extérieure latino-américaine et il en offre quelques illustrations.
« Poésie matériale » et cri métaphysique : de quelques concepts et de l'émergence d'un nouveau langage poétique
Authors: Pailler Claire
Published: September 2013

Desde hace un cuarto de siglo, un nuevo lenguaje poético se ha ido afirmando, en radical oposición con el de la poesía lírica tradicional. Como saca sus materiales de las circunstancias inmediatas de la vida cotidiana, así como del lenguaje conversacional que las expresa, la crítica a veces lo confinó en esos dominios. Se intenta pues mostrar, tras un ensayo de tipología, cómo esta poesía material expresa también las dudas e interrogaciones del destino del hombre.
Painel sem moldura. Ficção brasileira nos últimos 25 anos
Authors: de Lara Cecília
Published: September 2013

Dans cette rétrospective de la littérature brésilienne des 25 dernières années, l'auteur commence par examiner quelques ouvrages critiques, indispensables pour qui veut étudier l'époque contemporaine. L'analyse des œuvres publiées pendant cette période, malgré le manque de recul, met en évidence une relation entre la création littéraire et les problèmes politiques. Deux phases sont à retenir. D'abord, une réaction, au temps des interdictions, de la censure, de la répression, qui a suspendu la tendance naturelle à évoquer la réalité brésilienne et qui a détourné la fiction vers le fantastique, le récit personnel et le mémorialisme. Puis, avec l'amnistie et le processus d'ouverture politique, apparaissent des romans historiques, épiques, où les personnages sont impliqués dans les luttes politiques. Plus récemment, la création littéraire brésilienne s'oriente, par le biais du régionalisme, vers la recherche de l'identité nationale.
Une arche de Noé. Caravelle et les écrivains latino-américains
Authors: Andreu Jean-L
Published: September 2013

Caravelle, revista americanista de Ciencias Humanas que festeja con el número 50 sus veinticinco años de vida, ofrece también un lugar a la parte viva de la creación literaria en sus secciones « Littératures », « Entretiens » y « Recouvrances » donde publica textos inéditos de escritores latinoamericanos. Casi todos los grandes nombres de la literatura, de todos los paises de América Latina, han colaborado, en algún momento, en la revista que se abrió también a los jóvenes talentos, algunos de los cuales han alcanzado desde entonces la notoriedad. Presentación e inventario de los textos publicados entre 1968 y 1987.
La presse universitaire et le cardenisme dans le Michoacán : 1928-1940
Authors: Didou Sylvie
Published: September 2013

Les rapports entre les intellectuels et l'action sociale et politique dans le Michoacán de l'époque du président Cárdenas. Analyse de la presse universitaire michoacane, de ses tendances idéologiques, de ses choix politiques et culturels, dans ses relations avec le gouvernement cardéniste et la pratique politique.
La pulsion orale, support de l'inter-texte dans la composition de José Casals "Chapitre XIII de La traición de Rita Hayworth"
Authors: Minard Évelyne
Published: September 2013

En este ensayo, la autora analiza el capítulo XIII de la novela « La Traición de Rita Hayworth » del argentino Manuel Puig, mostrando los mecanismos sicoanaliticos de identificación de Toto con los diferentes personajes del film « The Great Waltz » de Julien Duvivier. La clave de estas etapas de reelaboración del extra-texto podría hallarse en el narcisismo oral del héroe de Puig.
Le revenu de l'agriculture en France en 1955-1956
Authors: Klatzmann Joseph
Published: September 2013

Recettes supérieures de 5 % environ à celles de la campagne 1954-1955 (faible variation du volume des ventes et hausse des prix). Forte progression des dépenses (achats de machines et tracteurs notamment). Légère augmentation du revenu net, du même ordre que celle du niveau général des prix.
Évolution du cheptel bovin et approvisionnement en viande
Authors: Klatzmann Joseph
Published: September 2013

Résultats d'une enquête par sondage : diminution du nombre des bovins depuis un an. La forte progression des abattages, depuis 1952, étant donc due en partie à un prélèvement sur le capital. Mais les producteurs ont maintenant l'intention d'accroître les effectifs. Perspectives : risque d'un approvisionnement insuffisant en viandes de bœuf et de veau dans les prochaines années, si certaines conditions ne sont pas réalisées.
Le tourisme en France en 1955 et aperçu pour 1956
Authors: Delcros L.
Published: September 2013

Expansion du tourisme manifestée en 1955 par une augmentation d'environ 11 % du nombre des arrivées d'étrangers, c'est-à-dire presque égale à celle de l'année précédente. Nouveaux progrès en 1956.
Quelques aspects généraux de l'évolution économique et monétaire mondiale en 1956
Authors: Hérouville Hubert d'
Published: September 2013

L'expansion économique se poursuit, mais à un rythme ralenti en Europe occidentale et orientale ainsi qu'en U.R.S.S. Aux États-Unis, la reprise amorcée à l'automne dernier reste très peu sensible et au Canada on s'attend également à une augmentation de l'activité moindre qu'il n'était prévu.

Cependant, les tensions inflationnistes se maintiennent ; elles se renforcent même parfois. Il y a un climat général de hausse des prix (prix de gros, coût de la vie, salaires...), à peine tempéré, en fin d'année, par une baisse des cours de certaines matières premières.

Les pouvoirs publics poursuivent leur politique de restriction de crédit (en l'assouplissant dans quelques cas), et plus généralement de limitation de la demande globale. L'épargne continue à se développer.

Dans l'ensemble, les plus grandes difficultés ont été éprouvées pour tenter de maintenir l'expansion sans inflation.
Évolution récente de l'économie irlandaise
Authors: Gayet Hélène
Published: September 2013

Le trait dominant de l'économie irlandaise est une augmentation croissante de la demande intérieure avec une production presque stationnaire. Le déficit de la balance des payements s'est considérablement accru, accompagné d'une réduction importante des réserves de devises. L'épargne diminue, entraînant une réduction des investissements intérieurs.
Les transformations des réserves monétaires mondiales et l'évolution des balances extérieures des États-Unis
Authors: Silz Édouard
Published: September 2013

La présente étude est consacrée aux changements les plus notables que l'on a observés en ces dernières années dans les réserves en or et en devises et à la recherche des causes qui les expliquent.

Mais les notions de réserves et de devises prêtent à autant de définitions, et répondent à autant de concepts différents que le concept même de monnaie. Aussi, a-t-il fallu recourir pour les recouper les unes par les autres à des statistiques de conception et d'inspiration différentes — d'où les tentatives de rapprochement et de critique statistique qui ont été faites au début de l'article.

Pour juger de la signification économique des transformations survenues, il a fallu ensuite examiner ce qu'il était possible d'entendre par «adéquation» des réserves aux besoins. A la lumière de l'analyse théorique qui en a été donnée, il est apparu qu'un exposé pleinement exhaustif n'était pas possible et que la meilleure approche consistait à examiner distinctement l'évolution des comptes des principaux composants de l'économie internationale et au premier chef des États-Unis. En effet, ce sont directement ou indirectement les relations des U.S.A. avec les autres pays qui, en définitive, déterminent les transformations dans les réserves d'or et devises. D'où la deuxième partie consacrée aux balances extérieures des États-Unis : l'exposé des balances extérieures de l'Allemagne et de la Grande-Bretagne étant réservé à un numéro ultérieur.

Les balances américaines ont été examinées à la lumière de l'évolution de toute la période d'après-guerre en reprenant successivement : la balance des règlements courants, l'aide gouvernementale et les mouvements de capitaux privés. C'est leur combinaison qui explique, en définitive, l'apport de devises qu'elles ont dû fournir au reste du monde. L'étude qui en a été faite dans leur ensemble et distinctement aussi avec les principaux pays et zones monétaires fait apparaître que les transformations intervenues dans l'économie des balances au cours des dix dernières années sont aussi essentielles que les traits communs qui s'y retrouvent.

Après le retour progressif à l'équilibre encore assez précaire qui s'était opéré à partir de la fin de la récession américaine et de la guerre de Corée, il semble que l'on soit entré, depuis peu, dans une nouvelle phase qui paraît témoigner d'une accentuation du poids spécifique des États-Unis dans l'économie internationale. Un gonflement général de la valeur des transactions, le retour à un excédent croissant de la balance américaine des règlements courants, des transformations de la technique et de la répartition de l'aide américaine, des exportations de capitaux privés plus importants caractérisent cette nouvelle phase qui a été particulièrement étudiée.
La bataille de Symè (Thuc, VIII, 42; janv. 411 a.C.)
Authors: Chène Olivier
Published: September 2013

Even though the battle of Syme (January 411 B.C.) took place in a great disorder, the data provided by Thucydides in addition to a close examination of the ground seems to allow us to place the action somewhere between the island of Syme and Cape Loryma. Besides, it makes it possible for us to reconstruct the various stages of the battle. Its seems unwise to assume Astyochos had devised a scheme to entice the Athenians into a trap. It would be equally unwise to deem that the Peloponnesians found in this, their first victory on the sea, the daring they needed to cause Rhodes to defect. On the contrary, they remained on the island for eighty days, thus proving as fearful as before. Furthermore, they left to their fate the Chians who all the while were suffering a siege the Athenians conducted very well indeed..
Systemic treatment with 4-211At - phenylalanine enhances survival of rats with intracranial glioblastoma
Authors: Borrmann N. , Friedrich S. , Schwabe K. , Hedrich H. J. , Krauss J. K. , Knapp W. H. , Nakamura M. , Meyer G.-J. , Walte A.
Published: September 2013

Objective: Increased amino acid transport in brain tumours is used for diagnostic purposes. It has been shown that the α-emitting radionuclide astatine-211 labeled to L-phenylalanine is taken up by glioblastoma cells. We here tested, if systemic treatment with 4-[211At] astatine-phenylalanine (At-Phe) has a beneficial effect on survival of rats with intracranial glioblastoma. Animals, methods: The rat glioblastoma cell line BT4Ca was implanted into the prefrontal cortex of female BDIX rats by stereotaxic microinjection (10 000 cells/3 μl; n = 83). 3 days after implantation At-Phe or phosphate buffered saline were injected intravenously. A third group was treated twice, i.e., on day 3 and 10. Health condition was assessed each day by using a score system. Rats were sacrificed on days 6, 10, 13 and 17 after implantation, or when showing premortal health condition to measure tumour volume and necrosis. The proliferation index (PI) was assessed after immunohistochemical staining of Ki-67. Results: Survival time of rats treated twice with At-Phe was significantly prolonged. Additionally, both At-Phe-treated groups remained significantly longer in a better health condition. Rats with poor health status had larger tumours than rats with fair health condition. Overall, irrespective of treatment the PI was reduced in rats with poor health condition. Necrosis was larger in rats treated twice with At-Phe. Conclusion: Intravenous treatment with At-Phe enhanced survival time of rats with intracranial glioblastomas and improved health condition. These results encourage studies using local treatment of intracranial glioblastoma with At-Phe, either by repeated local injection or by intracavital application after tumour resection.
Cyclization of substitued 2-(2-fluorophenylazo)azines to azino[1,2-c]benzo[d][1,2,4]triazinium derivatives
Authors: Jankowiak Aleksandra , Obijalska Emilia , Kaszynski Piotr
Published: September 2013

Light-induced cyclization of several substituted 2-(2-fluorophenylazo)azines in the presence of Ca2+ ions to the corresponding triazinium derivatives is investigated experimentally and computationally. The azo derivatives of 4-methylpyridine 4 undergo facile cyclization to the corresponding triazinium 1, and the rate of cyclization increases with increasing number of fluorine atoms at the benzene ring. No triazinium ions were obtained from azo derivatives of 4-cyanopyridine, pyrazine and pyrimidine, presumably due to their instability under the reaction conditions. The experimental results and mechanism are discussed with the aid of DFT computational results.
Epidemiology of Candida blood stream infections: experience of a tertiary care centre in North India
Authors: Chander Jagdish , Singla Nidhi , Sidhu Shailpreet Kaur , Gombar Satinder
Published: September 2013

Introduction: Bloodstream infections due to Candida species are becoming a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. The spectrum of candidemia has changed with the emergence of non-albicans Candida species, especially among critically ill patients. Methodology: In a retrospective study (July 2009 to December 2009) on candidemia, various Candida species isolated from blood cultures were characterized and studied along with the determination of their antifungal susceptibility to amphotericin B, itraconazole, and fluconazole by Etest. Probable risk factors for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) presenting with candidemia were also analyzed. Results: During the study period, a total of 4651 samples were received, out of which 468 samples (10.06%) were positive for growth of organisms: 441 (94.20%) aerobic bacterial pathogens and 27 (5.79%) Candida species. The most common Candida spp. isolate was C. tropicalis (40.8%) followed by C. albicans (29.6%), C. glabrata (18.5%) and others (11.1%). Out of the 27 Candida strains, 24 (88.9%) were isolated from patients treated in the ICU. Among these, association of previous use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in 22 patients (91.6%) and central line catheter insertion in 20 patients (83.3%) were found to be statistically significant as compared to non-candidemia patients (p <0.05). Antifungal susceptibility testing of the isolates revealed a lower level of drug resistance to amphotericin B (18.5% of the isolates) versus 77.8% resistance to fluconazole. Conclusion: Rapid changes in the rate of infection, potential risk factors, and emergence of non-albicans Candida demand continued surveillance of this serious bloodstream fungal infection.
HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV 1/2 and syphilis seroprevalence in healthy volunteer blood donors in southeastern Anatolia
Authors: Dayan Saim , Tekin Alicem , Tekin Recep , Dal Tuba , Hoşoğlu Salih , Yazgan Umit Can , Bekçibaşı Muhammet , Gül Kadri
Published: September 2013

Introduction: This study investigated the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody against hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), antibody against human immunodeficiency virus type 1/2 (anti-HIV 1/2), and antibody against Treponema pallidum (anti-Treponemal or syphilis antibody) in healthy volunteer blood donors, and assessed their distribution according to the years and genders. Methodology: HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV ½, and syphilis screening results of a total of 266,035 healthy volunteer blood donors who had been admitted for blood donation to the Regional Blood Center of Dicle University Hospital between January 2000 and December 2010 were evaluated, retrospectively. HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV 1/2 screening were performed using a fully automated device with the microparticle enzyme immunoassay method (MEIA). Syphilis screening was performed by Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) carbon test between January 2000 and December 2009, and by using a fully automated device with the MEIA method between January 2010 and December 2010. Results: Of 266,035 healthy volunteer blood donors, 259,384 (97.5%) were male and 6,651 (2.5%) were female. Statistically, there was not any significant difference between male and female genders for HBsAg, anti-HCV and syphilis seropositivities (P = 0.729, P = 0.748, and P = 0.861, respectively). HBsAg was found to be positive in 8,422 (3.17%), anti-HCV in 1,703 (0.64%), anti-HIV 1/2 in one (0.0004%) of 266,035 healthy volunteer blood donors, and syphilis antibody with RPR in 166 (0.07%) of 246,341 healthy volunteer blood donors. Conclusion: Blood donor forms should be carefully tailored to improve the identification of possible risks of transfusion-transmitted infections.
A study on the effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on p53 expression in gastric cancer and gastritis tissues
Authors: Salih Barik A , Gucin Zuhal , Bayyurt Nizamettin
Published: September 2013

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori cause damage to gastric epithelial cells and alterations in the p53 gene that lead to cancer development. This study aimed to determine the correlation of p53 expression with H. pylori using immunohistochemistry, RFLP-PCR, and histopathology. Methodology: Gastric biopsy samples from gastric cancer (GC) (n = 54) and gastritis (n = 31) patients were examined for histopathological changes and expression of p53 protein by immunohistochemistry. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis of p53 protein expression in H. pylori-positive GC sections showed an average of 44.3% positive cells in tumors and 6.9% in normal tissues, as compared to 16.4% and 4.4% in H. pylori-negative sections. P53 expression showed significant association with H. pylori (P = 0.005), invasion depth (P = 0.029) and inflammation reaction (P = 0.008). In gastritis sections, no difference in the average p53 staining in H. pylori-positive or -negative sections was seen. PCR-RFLP results also showed no difference in genotype frequencies of p53 in H. pylori-positive or -negative gastritis sections. Histopathology study of H. pylori-positive GC sections showed that 97.2% were the intestinal type and 2.8% the diffuse type, while in H. pylori-negative sections 35.2% were the intestinal type and 64.8% the diffuse type. Biopsy sections from H. pylori-positive gastritis patients revealed more severe inflammation than those of H. pylori-negative patients. Conclusion: Our results show that H. pylori infection affects p53 expression in GC. The average p53 expression was significantly higher in tumor than in normal tissues. In gastritis sections p53 expression was significantly associated with H. pylori.
Strengthening tuberculosis diagnosis in a low-resource setting: experience learned in Dodoma, Tanzania
Authors: Cannas Angela , Paglia Maria Grazia , Sakhoo Dominick Calistus , Vairo Francesco , Doulla Basra , Nguhuni Boniface , Chaula Zainab , Mlumba Raphael , Mirrione Maurizio , Bevilacqua Nazario , Nicastri Emanuele , De Nardo Pasquale , Meschi Silvia , Girardi Enrico , Racalbuto Vincenzo , Ippolito Giuseppe
Published: September 2013

Introduction: Diagnosing tuberculosis in low-resource settings mostly relies on sputum smear microscopy. Improvement through capacity building is a priority. This project aimed to strengthen tuberculosis diagnosis at an intermediate level laboratory. Methodology: The Italian National Institute for Infectious Diseases and the Italian Development Cooperation closely collaborated with regional and national institutions and reference laboratories to provide laboratory setup, equipment and reagents, personnel training, and the implementation of culture and quality assessment programs at Dodoma Regional Hospital, Dodoma, Tanzania. Results: Microscopy sensitivity was increased, personnel were trained, and culture techniques and quality assessment programs were introduced. Conclusions: Implementing tuberculosis diagnosis in resource-constrained settings is feasible and represents a basis for further strengthening.
Low Bone Density in Systemic Sclerosis. A Systematic Review
Authors: Omair Mohammed A. , Pagnoux Christian , McDonald-Blumer Heather , Johnson Sindhu R.
Published: September 2013

Objective.

The effect of systemic sclerosis (SSc) on bone density is not well understood. Through systematic review of the literature, the objectives of this study were to synthesize data about the prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD), risk factors for low BMD, and occurrence of fracture and fracture-related mortality in SSc.

Methods.

A search was conducted of MEDLINE (1948–2012), Evidence Based Medicine Reviews (1991–2012), EMBASE (1980–2012), and CINAHL (1981–2012). Abstracts were screened to identify studies that evaluated low BMD in patients with SSc. Two investigators independently used a standardized form to abstract prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis (OP); risk factors for low BMD, BMD measurements, frequency of fracture, and fracture-related mortality.

Results.

Screening of 1032 citations identified 19 articles. Fifteen studies compared patients with SSc to controls. Most patients were white, female (prevalence 74%–100%), and postmenopausal (prevalence 45.9%–100%). The prevalence of low BMD and OP was 27%–53.3% and 3%–51.1%, respectively. Ten studies reported a lower BMD in patients with SSc compared to matched controls, whereas 2 studies reported no difference. Candidate risk factors for low BMD in SSc include family history of OP, age, menopause, diffuse subtype, presence of internal organ involvement, low vitamin D levels, and calcinosis. However, the studies supporting these factors were conflicting. Fracture rate ranged between 0% and 38%. No study reported OP-related fracture mortality.

Conclusion.

The data suggest that patients with SSc are at risk of low BMD and fracture, especially when other risk factors for OP are present. The interaction of SSc manifestations, traditional OP risk factors, and clinically relevant outcomes is complex and warrants further research.
The Network Contract and its Influence on Strategic Decision of Internationalization
Authors: Aureli S. , Del Baldo M.
Published: September 2013

This paper analyzes a new legislative instrument designed to support inter-firm cooperation (the “network contract” - a tool introduced by the Italian government to sustain corporate competitiveness in 2009) - to see whether this type of formal cooperation represents a relevant driver of change in a firm’s strategic orientation regarding internationalization. Results indicate that the network contract is a flexible instrument used by Italian SMEs to achieve different strategies of growth and long-term objectives. The authors found that internationalization does not represent the main goal of firms participating in network contracts, however there are a few firms that have increased their business activity abroad after joining the network. At the same time, firms with a previous history of internationalization do not seem to have changed their approach regarding the international dimension. Consequently, the network contract does not represent the most suitable tool for promoting internationalization among domestic firms, although internationalization may emerge as a by-product of inter-firm relationships.
The Disposition-Based Fraud Cycle
Authors: Raval Vasant
Published: September 2013

This paper reviews the disposition-based fraud cycle (DFC) primarily from the perspective of financial frauds. It suggests that fraud as a human act represents an interaction between organism’s disposition and the circumstances he faces. The DFC model which maps financial fraud as a cycle driven by desire-belief connection is contrasted with the widely accepted paradigm called the Fraud Triangle (FT). A purpose of the analysis is to identify unique fraud-risk factors visible in the DFC model. Empirical evidence from the past studies is discussed to show relevance of the DFC model, and its potential role in preventing and detecting financial fraud. Although the model is applicable to all kinds of fraudulent acts, the focus of this study is on the powerful chief executive with considerable influence within the organization she leads.
Technology-Mediated Tasks in English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
Authors: Sarré Cédric
Published: September 2013

Although many researchers have focused their attention on task-based language teaching (TBLT) in recent years, there is little published research on TBLT in technology-mediated contexts, and on how to design and implement tasks in online settings. In addition, very little can be found in the literature about learner perception of technology-mediated tasks in these new virtual learning environments. The objective of this paper is to bridge these gaps by reporting on the design, implementation and learner perception of English For Biologists (EFB), an online module based on tasks and aimed at French biology students enrolled on a first year Master’s degree programme. The principles underlying the design of EFB (a combination of three action-based approaches) as well as its implementation (tutor mediation in particular) are presented in this paper. This article also offers insight in the learners’ perception of task-based language learning through the analysis of the answers they gave to a post-course online questionnaire. Overall, technology-mediated task reception was positive but learner feedback enabled to uncover specific problems, notably regarding the type of support provided.
Effects of Different Types of Tasks on Junior ELT Students’ Use of Communication Strategies in Computer-Mediated Communication
Authors: Altun Nur Eser , Yildiz Senem
Published: September 2013

This study describes the use of communication strategies in a synchronous computer-mediated communication (CMC) environment and examine whether task type has an influence on the frequency and variety of communication strategies (CS) used in this environment. To this end, use of CSs in three different communicative task types: jigsaw, decision-making and opinion-exchange were examined, based on and adapted from Dörnyei and Scott’s (1997) and Smith’s (2003) CS taxonomies. The data for this study was collected from 36 junior ELT students studying in a Turkish university. The results showed that the participants made use of a variety of CSs that were previously observed in face-to-face communication, and they used some CSs which are peculiar to CMC environment. It was also found that task type affected the frequency and type of CS used, favoring jigsaw task types in resulting more use of CSs.
Negotiation of Meaning in Multimodal Tandem Learning via Desktop Videoconferencing
Authors: Wang Yuping , Tian Jianqiu
Published: September 2013

Using the discourse model for negotiation of meaning developed by Varonis and Gass (1985), this study investigates the quality of the negotiation of meaning by eTandem partners in a videoconferencing-supported multimodal environment, and the facilitating effects of such an environment on L2 acquisition. To achieve this, three case studies were chosen from the interaction between15 pairs of Mandarin and English students, to represent three levels of Mandarin proficiency of the dyads, namely, the low, intermediate and high levels. Data were examined and corroborated both qualitatively and quantitatively to reveal the interaction patterns of the dyads and the extent to which the multimodality of the videoconferencing environment contributes to learning. Recommendations are also drawn from this research.
A Genetic Algorithm for the Parallel Machine Scheduling Problem with Consumable Resources
Authors: Belkaid Fayçal , Sari Zaki , Souier Mehdi
Published: September 2013

In this paper, the authors’ interest is focused on the scheduling problem on identical parallel machines with consumable resources in order to minimize the makespan criterion. Each job consumes several components which arrive at different times. The arrival of each component is represented by a curve-shaped staircase. This problem is NP-hard, further, there are not universal methods making it possible to solve all the cases effectively, especially for medium or large instances. A genetic algorithm is proposed to solve this problem due to proven great performance in solving combinatorial optimization problems. To check its effectiveness this algorithm is compared with an exact resolution method which enumerates all possible solutions for small instances and with a heuristic for large instances. Various randomly generated instances, which can represent realistic situations, are tested. The computation results show that this algorithm outperforms heuristic procedure and is tailored for larger scale problems.
Using Hybrid ARIMAX-ANN Model for Simulating Rainfall - Runoff - Sediment Process Case Study
Authors: Nourani Vahid , Roumianfar Samira , Sharghi Elnaz
Published: September 2013

The need for accurate modeling of rainfall-runoff-sediment processes has grown rapidly in the past decades. This study investigates the efficiency of black-box models including Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with eXogenous input (ARIMAX) models for forecasting the rainfall-runoff-sediment process. According to the complex behavior of the rainfall-runoff-sediment time series, they include both linear and nonlinear components; therefore, employing a hybrid model which combines the advantages of both linear and non-linear models improves the accuracy of prediction. In this paper, a hybrid of ARIMAX-ANN model is applied to rainfall-runoff-sediment modeling of a watershed. At the first step of the hybrid modeling, the ARIMAX method is applied to forecast the linear component of the rainfall-runoff process and then in the second step, an ANN model is used to find the non-linear relationship among the residuals of the fitted linear ARIMAX model. Finally, total effective time series of runoff, obtained by the hybrid ARIMAX-ANN model are imposed as input to the proposed ANN model for prediction daily suspended sediment load of the watershed. The proposed model is more appropriate, as it uses the semi-linear relation for prediction of sediment load.
A Keyphrase-Based Tag Cloud Generation Framework to Conceptualize Textual Data
Authors: Abulaish Muhammad , Anwar Tarique
Published: September 2013

Tag clouds have become an effective tool to quickly perceive the most prominent terms embedded within textual data. Tag clouds help grasp the main theme of a corpus without exploring the pile of documents. However, the effectiveness of tag clouds to conceptualize text corpora is directly proportional to the quality of the tags. In this paper, the authors propose a keyphrase-based tag cloud generation framework. In contrast to existing tag cloud generation systems that use single words as tags and their frequency counts to determine the font size of the tags, the proposed framework identifies feasible keyphrases and uses them as tags. The font-size of a keyphrase is determined as a function of its relevance weight. Instead of using partial or full parsing, which is inefficient for lengthy sentences and inaccurate for the sentences that do not follow proper grammatical structure, the proposed method applies n-gram techniques followed by various heuristics-based refinements to identify candidate phrases from text documents. A rich set of lexical and semantic features are identified to characterize the candidate phrases and determine their keyphraseness and relevance weights. The authors also propose a font-size determination function, which utilizes the relevance weights of the keyphrases to determine their relative font size for tag cloud visualization. The efficacy of the proposed framework is established through experimentation and its comparison with the existing state-of-the-art tag cloud generation methods.
Current Research Part C
Authors:   Geological Survey of Canada
Published: September 2013

The lower part of the Hanna Formation contains the Turonian bivalve species Mytiloides labiatus (Schlotheim) s.l., and Inoceramus sp. cf. I. multiformis Pergament, whereas its uppermost beds have yielded the presumably Santonian ammonite Plesiotexanites? sp.
indet. Therefore the formation appears to range {rom the early Turonian to the Santonian. The presence of Mytiloides labiatus s.l. in the upper part of the underlying Haida Formation suggests the absence of a prolonged hiatus between the two formations and confirms their partial
interfingering.
Current Research Part B
Authors:   Geological Survey of Canada
Published: September 2013

A thick succession of marine to continental clastic rocks of latest Jurassic (Tithonian) to early Cretaceous (Berriasian to Valanginian) age, are included in the Minnes Croup. In Carbon Creek basin, the group can be subdivided into four formations, which are, in
ascending order, Monteith, Beattie Peaks, Monach, and Bickford (new). In the Kakwa region, only two formations are recognized, Monteith and the overlying Corman Creek (new). Both the Bickford and Corman Creek formations are truncated in an easterly to northeasterly direction by the pre-Bullhead
unconformity and probably are not represented in the Plains. The Bickford Formation, about 350 m thick in the type region, comprises carbonaceous mudstone, siltstone, and sandstone with thin coal seams. It is of mid- to late Valanginian age. The Corman Creek Formation, about 1100 m thick in the type
region, also contains carbonaceous sediments with coal seams. It is equivalent of the Beattie Peaks, Monach, and Bickford formations and is of early to late Valanginian age.
Lower and middle Paleozoic stratigraphy of Melville Island
Authors: Goodbody Q H
Published: September 2013

The stratigraphy of Lower Ordovician to Upper Devonian rocks on Melville Island is divisible into a lower carbonate-dominated portion and an upper clastic portion. The Lower Ordovician to lower Middle Devonian carbonate-dominated succession consists of three
successive shale basin/carbonate platform sequences, each with a distinct distribution pattern for the two megafacies. Platformal carbonates were most widespread in the stratigraphically lowest Sequence A (Lower Ordovician to Upper Ordovician), becoming progressively more restricted to eastern
Melville Island through Sequences B (Upper Ordovician to lowermost Devonian) and C (lower Middle Devonian to Upper Devonian). Middle to Upper Devonian clastic strata abruptly but conformably overlie carbonate Sequence C, and were deposited in a foreland basin, in front of the southwestward advancing
Ellesmerian orogenic belt. Three tectonostratigraphic sequences make up this clastic wedge. The oldest sequence, the Hecla Bay Wedge, is made up of two distinct pulses of sediment influx. Pulse 1 consists of submarine fan/slope turbidites in the extreme western portion of Melville Island, which are
coeval with a southwestward prograding shelf system in the eastern portion of the island. Pulse 2 contains slope/outer shelf, mid- to inner-shelf and fluviodeltaic deposits; rocks of this pulse are widely distributed on Melville Island and exhibit southwestward progradation of proximal over distal
facies. The overlying sequence, the Beverley Inlet Wedge, occurs across Melville Island and contains rocks deposited in source-proximal shelf and fluviodeltaic settings. The youngest preserved sequence, the Parry Islands Wedge, is only locally preserved on eastern Melville Island and consists of
fluviodeltaic and source-proximal shelf deposits. A profound angular unconformity, indicating Ellesmerian uplift and erosion, separates deposits of the Franklinian Mobile Belt from succeeding deposits of the Sverdrup Basin.
Jurassic stratigraphy and fossil occurrences - Melville, Prince Patrick, and Borden Islands
Authors: Poulton T P
Published: September 2013

The Jurassic rocks of Melville, Prince Patrick, and Borden islands are a condensed succession of shallow water marine sandstones and shales deposited around the western margin of Sverdrup Basin. Every stage of the Jurassic, except the Hettangian, is indicated by
marine ammonites or bivalves. The succession is divisible into unconformity-bounded sequences, which are thin and sporadically preserved remnants of thicker basinal deposits to the east.
Jurassic marine reptiles from Cape Grassy, Melville Island, Arctic Canada
Authors: Russell D A
Published: September 2013

The occurrence of two taxa of marine reptiles is documented in the Upper Jurassic Awingak Formation on Melville Island, Arctic Canada. A plesiosaur (cf. Cryptoclidus richardsoni) and an ichthyosaur (Ophthalmosaurus chrisorum n. sp.) are closely related to taxa in
the United Kingdom and United States from strata of similar age.
Preliminary observations on the structural geology of Hvitland Peninsula, northwestern Ellesmere Island, Arctic Canada
Authors: Harrison J C , Mayr U , Beauchamp B
Published: September 2013

Tectonic elements of the Eurekan Orogen in the Hvitland Peninsula area are presented in three distinct structural regions. Mountain ranges north of the head of Otto Fiord feature thrust-imbricated panels of upper Paleozoic carbonates (30-55% shortening)
arranged in Triangle Zone structures riding on a sub-Otto Fiord evaporite décollement. This belt is gradational with a coeval thrust belt to the north and east (30-35% shortening) that features folded and inverted outliers of Carboniferous to Triassic strata (including half-grabens), and
thrusts rooted in anisotropic lower Paleozoic basement. Both thrust belts plunge southwest into a less deformed (10-15% shortening) area on southwestern Hvitland Peninsula featuring short sinuous thrusts, northward-striking strike-slip faults rooted in the basement, and transported evaporites in
open folded Carboniferous to Triassic basin facies strata. Syntectonic conglomerates near Emma Fiord provide a probable early Eocene age for the first of two compressive deformation phases associated with the Eurekan Orogeny in this part of the Arctic Islands.