bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Social Dynamics of Degrowth
Authors: Boonstra Wiebren J. , Joosse Sofie
Published: March 2013

Degrowth cannot be realised from within a capitalist society, since growth is the sine qua non for capitalism. But, societies are no blank slates; they are not built from scratch. Putting these two thoughts together seems to make degrowth logically impossible. In this paper we argue that this paradox can be solved with the use of classical and contemporary concepts from the social sciences. We illustrate the use of these concepts with reference to studies on current practices and patterns of food production and consumption. The concept of social mechanism is used to illustrate how social practices can simultaneously reinforce and challenge the dominant (food) regime. We argue that current discussions on degrowth fail to envision how such contrasting developments are linked, and that the degrowth paradox originates in the idea of capitalism and the steady-state economy as alternative systems. The paradox dissolves with studies of mechanisms and social practices that show how the two systems are not autonomous, but ‘hybridised’ and come into existence and gain shape as reactions to each other.
Prognostic information of gastric carcinoma using Goseki system in relation to nuclear organizer region (AgNOR) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression
Authors: Gosh Sulekha , Ghosh Tapan Kumar , Dewasi Nikhilesh , Das Krishnendu
Published: March 2013

Objective: The present study was undertaken to find out the relationship of Goseki grading system (I-IV) with existing classification of WHO, Lauren and tumour differentiation of gastric carcinoma and its prognostic information in relation to AgNOR & PCNA expression. Materials and methods: To assess the reproducibility and usefulness of Goseki grading system thirty five gastric carcinoma were selected from January 2007 to July 2009 in the department of Pathology, Burdwan Medical College in West Bengal, India and analyzed in relation to existing grading system by chi-squared testing. Mean AgNOR count & mean PCNA leveling index quantities of different tissue sections were assessed according to different classification system of gastric carcinoma and interobserver variations of all data were evaluated from Spearman Rank-order Correlation Coefficient (rs ). Results: Highly significant predictable correlation of Goseki grading system for existing classification of gastric carcinoma was obtained statistically. Increasing values of mean AgNOR count and PCNA leveling index (2.35% & 15.14%, 2.91% & 21.32%, 3.08 %& 24.76% and 3.2% & 25.12 respectively) were observed from Grade I – IV of Goseki grade. Mucin rich (3.05% & 23.22%) and tubule poor (3.14% & 24.76%) tumours higher values than mucin poor (2.71% & 19.95%) and tubule rich (2.63% & 18.23%) tumors. No significant correlations were observed in other grading system. Conclusion: Following Goseki grading system increasing expression of proliferating marker in mucin rich than mucin poor tumours and tubules poor than tubules rich tumors indicate poor prognosis and tumour behavior. Simple system may help to select patients for adjuvant therapy. Key words: Goseki grade; gastric carcinoma; AgNOR; PCNA. DOI: 10.3329/bjms.v9i2.5655Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.09 No.2 Apr 2010 pp.76-86
Management of salivary gland neoplasm  study of 32 cases
Authors: Kafi Md Abdullah Hel , Bhuyan Md Arif Hossain , Bhuiyan Md Jahangir Hossain , Alam MS Khurshid
Published: March 2013

Objective: To study the clinical, radiological and histopathological characteristics along with the management outcome of salivary gland neoplasm. Materials and Methods: This study included thirty two patients (16 male and 16 female) with salivary gland tumours presented at Combined Military Hospital Dhaka, Apollo Hospital Dhaka and Ibn Sina Medical College and Hospital Dhaka from January 2006 to December 2009. The data of each patient included age, sex, presenting symptoms and signs, provisional diagnosis, preoperative investigations, operation notes, histopathological examination and state at follow up. Results: The mean age was 42.5 years. 14 (43.75%) patients presented at 5th decade. Main presenting symptom was swelling (100%) followed by pain (18.75%). All patients underwent fine needle aspiration cytology which was conclusive in 26 patients (81.25%). Thirty one patients underwent surgical excision. 24 cases were parotid neoplasm and 8 cases were submandibular neoplasm. 20 patients (16 parotid and 4 submandibular) were pleomorphic adenoma. Conclusion: There is no substitute for detailed clinical history and examination in the assessment of salivary gland neoplasm. Imaging studies are probably academic but determine the extent of the disease. Early diagnosis, adequate and proper treatment improves the prognosis. Key words: Salivary gland tumour; Pleomorphic adenoma; Warthin's tumour; Adenoid cystic carcinoma; Mucoepidermoid carcinoma. DOI: 10.3329/bjms.v9i2.5656Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.09 No.2 Apr 2010 pp.87-94
Hurthle cell carcinoma: a rare variant of thyroid malignancy
Authors: Yiing Wong Chun , Mohamad Irfan , Marican Farveen , Samarendra Mutum
Published: March 2013

Hurthle cell carcinoma is a rare entity of differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Modality of treatment is controversial due to the nature and rarity of the disease. However, total thyroidectomy followed by adjuvant treatment is prudent in this variant of thyroid malignancy in view of its aggressive nature. We report a case of Hurthle cell carcinoma of thyroid in an elderly male in which the pre operative diagnosis was follicular carcinoma. The outline of management is discussed. Keywords: Hurthle cell carcinoma; thyroid malignancy; management. DOI: 10.3329/bjms.v9i2.5659Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.09 No.2 Apr 2010 pp.103-106
A rare case of laryngeal Kaposis sarcoma
Authors: Tahir J Mohd , Gopalan KN , Marina MB , Putra SHA Primuharsa
Published: March 2013

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is the most common malignancy observed in patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). It rarely causes upper airway obstruction. We report a 39-year-old gentleman, a former intravenous drug user with AIDS and Hepatitis C positive who developed progressive hoarseness with stidor. He underwent an emergency tracheostomy and direct laryngoscopy revealed a whitish globular laryngeal mass obscuring the glottic region. A biopsy of the mass was taken and the histopathological report showed evidence of spindle cell connective tissue, consistent with Kaposi’s sarcoma. It is important for clinicians or surgeons to maintain a high index of suspicion for the diagnosis of laryngeal KS in immunodeficiency patient even without cutaneous manifestation.Keywords: Airway obstruction; Laryngeal; Kaposi’s sarcoma; HIV. DOI: 10.3329/bjms.v9i2.5660Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.09 No.2 Apr 2010 pp.107-109
‘All our dear countrymen’? British and Irish expatriates east of the Rhine as recorded in the Triennial Travels of James Fraser of Kirkhill (1634–1709)
Authors: Worthington David
Published: March 2013

That section of the memoirs of James Fraser of Kirkhill (1634–1709) covering his 1659 travels east of the River Rhine, is exceptionally detailed and vivid. In particular, the fifty-four folios in question shed light on the nature of a British and Irish network towards the eastern and southern edges of the Holy Roman Empire. The purpose of this article is to assess Fraser's account of this body of expatriates from the Stuart kingdoms, a group he identified collectively as his ‘countrymen’. The circle within which he recorded having become a part was relatively inclusive, being confessionally diverse and based both on a loose affiliation to the cause of the then-exiled monarchy as well as, it appears, flexibility and adaptability with respect to language use. Three cities in the region that are commented on in depth in the account have been selected – Regensburg, Vienna and Prague – and Fraser's remarks in relation to the network in each of them analysed. This allows for wider conclusions focusing on the nature and development of that wider range of seventeenth century supranational and transnational identities which could link expatriates from throughout the Stuart monarchy.
The Man on the Spot: Christopher Soames and Decolonisation of Zimbabwe/Rhodesia
Authors: Onslow Sue
Published: March 2013

In the historiography of British imperialism, the role of the ‘man on the spot’ has been identified as an important impulse to the imperial project, and as a key instigator of decision making. Equal attention should be directed to assessing the contribution of ‘the man on the spot’ in the final unravelling of empire. Old fashioned diplomacy and diplomats should not be airbrushed from history as key individuals navigated the rocky terrain of decolonisation. The fraught negotiations at Lancaster House on Rhodesia-Zimbabwe's constitutional arrangements for independence between September-December 1979 were only part of the delicate process of resolution of the intractable UDI problem. The four months of Christopher Soames’ administration as the last British Governor comprised the second vital stage of implementation, particularly given the presence of four competing armed forces in Rhodesia at the time, all of whom had external backers.
Dust Detection and Optical Depth Retrieval Using MSG‑SEVIRI Data
Authors: Romano Filomena , Ricciardelli Elisabetta , Cimini Domenico , Di Paola Francesco , Viggiano Mariassunta
Published: March 2013

Thanks to its observational frequency of 15 min, the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) geostationary satellite offers a great potential to monitor dust storms. To explore this potential, an algorithm for the detection and the retrieval of dust aerosol optical properties has been tested. This is a multispectral algorithm based on visible and infrared data which has been applied to 15 case studies selected between 2007 and 2011. The algorithm has been validated in the latitude–longitude box between 30 and 50 degrees north, and −10 and 20 degrees east, respectively. Hereafter we present the obtained results that have been validated against Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) ground-based measurements and compared with the retrievals from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellites. The dust aerosol optical depth variations observed at the AERONET sites are well reproduced, showing good correlation of about 0.77, and a root mean square difference within 0.08, and the spatial patterns retrieved by using the algorithm developed are in agreement with those observed by MODIS.
Neuroprotective Therapies after Perinatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Cerio Felipe , Lara-Celador Idoia , Alvarez Antonia , Hilario Enrique
Published: March 2013

Hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury is one of the main causes of disabilities in term-born infants. It is the result of a deprivation of oxygen and glucose in the neural tissue. As one of the most important causes of brain damage in the newborn period, the neonatal HI event is a devastating condition that can lead to long-term neurological deficits or even death. The pattern of this injury occurs in two phases, the first one is a primary energy failure related to the HI event and the second phase is an energy failure that takes place some hours later. Injuries that occur in response to these events are often manifested as severe cognitive and motor disturbances over time. Due to difficulties regarding the early diagnosis and treatment of HI injury, there is an increasing need to find effective therapies as new opportunities for the reduction of brain damage and its long term effects. Some of these therapies are focused on prevention of the production of reactive oxygen species, anti-inflammatory effects, anti-apoptotic interventions and in a later stage, the stimulation of neurotrophic properties in the neonatal brain which could be targeted to promote neuronal and oligodendrocyte regeneration.
Information Properties of Boundary Line Models for N2O Emissions from Agricultural Soils
Authors: Topp Cairistiona , Wang Weijin , Cloy Joanna , Rees Robert , Hughes Gareth
Published: March 2013

Boundary line models for N2O emissions from agricultural soils provide a means of estimating emissions within defined ranges. Boundary line models partition a two-dimensional region of parameter space into sub-regions by means of thresholds based on relationships between N2O emissions and explanatory variables, typically using soil data available from laboratory or field studies. Such models are intermediate in complexity between the use of IPCC emission factors and complex process-based models. Model calibration involves characterizing the extent to which observed data are correctly forecast. Writing the numerical results from graphical two-threshold boundary line models as 3×3 prediction-realization tables facilitates calculation of expected mutual information, a measure of the amount of information about the observations contained in the forecasts. Whereas mutual information characterizes the performance of a forecaster averaged over all forecast categories, specific information and relative entropy both characterize aspects of the amount of information contained in particular forecasts. We calculate and interpret these information quantities for experimental N2O emissions data.
A Novel Routing Algorithm for Power Line Communication over a Low-voltage Distribution Network in a Smart Grid
Authors: Zhang Liang , Liu Xiaosheng , Zhou Yan , Xu Dianguo
Published: March 2013

A novel artificial cobweb routing algorithm (ACRA) for routing the tree-type physical topology of a low-voltage distribution network in a smart grid is proposed and analyzed in this paper. The establishment, maintenance and reconstruction of the route are presented. The artificial cobweb routing algorithm is shown to have broad general applicability for power line communication. To provide a theoretical foundation for further research, the communication delay of the network is calculated accurately. Simulation analysis of the communication delay and throughputs, which were based on Opnet14.5, demonstrate the accuracy of the theoretical calculation. For the performance evaluation of ACRA, a test-bed that includes PLC nodes with the ACRA is set up in a noisy environment. Experimental results show the feasibility of the ACRA algorithm. These indicate that ACRA is effective for guaranteeing Quality of Service (QoS) and reliability in power line communication.
Thinking Informatically
Authors: Bryant Antony
Published: March 2013

On being promoted to a personal chair in 1993 I chose the title of Professor of Informatics, specifically acknowledging Donna Haraway’s definition of the term as the “technologies of information [and communication] as well as the biological, social, linguistic and cultural changes that initiate, accompany and complicate their development” [1]. This neatly encapsulated the plethora of issues emanating from these new technologies, inviting contributions and analyses from a wide variety of disciplines and practices. (In my later work Thinking Informatically [2] I added the phrase “and communication”.) In the intervening time the word informatics itself has been appropriated by those more focused on computer science, although why an alternative term is needed for a well-understood area is not entirely clear. Indeed the term is used both as an alternative term and as an additional one—i.e. “computer science and informatics”. [...]
Balancing Control and Complexity in Field Studies of Neonicotinoids and Honey Bee Health
Authors: Suryanarayanan Sainath
Published: March 2013

Amidst ongoing declines in honey bee health, the contributory role of the newer systemic insecticides continues to be intensely debated. Scores of toxicological field experiments, which bee scientists and regulators in the United States have looked to for definitive causal evidence, indicate a lack of support. This paper analyzes the methodological norms that shape the design and interpretation of field toxicological studies. I argue that contemporary field studies of honey bees and pesticides are underpinned by a “control-oriented” approach, which precludes a serious investigation of the indirect and multifactorial ways in which pesticides could drive declines in honey bee health. I trace the historical rise to prominence of this approach in honey bee toxicology to the development of entomology as a science of insecticide development in the United States. Drawing on “complexity-oriented” knowledge practices in ecology, epidemiology, beekeeping and sociology, I suggest an alternative socio-ecological systems approach, which would entail in situ studies that are less concerned with isolating individual factors and more attentive to the interactive and place-based mix of factors affecting honey bee health.
Potential of Metal Fibre Felts as Passive Absorbers in Absorption Silencers
Authors: Lippitz Nicolas , Rösler Joachim , Hinze Björn
Published: March 2013

The growing noise exposure of residents, due to a rising number of flights, causes significant impacts on physical health. Therefore it is necessary to reduce the noise emission of aircrafts. During take-off, the noise generated by the jet engines is dominating. One way to lower the noise emission of jet engines is to build an absorption silencer by using porous liners. Because of the high thermic and corrosive attacks as well as high fatigue loads, conventional absorbers cannot be used. A promising material is sintered metal fibre felts. This study investigates the suitability of metal fibre felts for the use as absorption material in silencers. The influences of pore morphology, absorption coefficient, determined with perpendicular sound incidence, as well as geometric parameters of the silencer to the damping are identified. To characterise the material, the parameters fibre diameter, porosity and thickness are determined using three-dimensional computer tomography images. The damping potential of absorption silencers is measured using an impedance tube, which was modified for transmission measurements. The essential parameter to describe the acoustic characteristics of porous materials is the flow resistivity. It depends on the size, shape and number of open pores in the material. Finally a connection between pore morphology, flow resistivity of the metal fibre felts and damping potential of the absorption silencer is given.
Oleodaphnoic Acid and Coriaceol, Two New Natural Products from the Stem Bark of Wikstroemia coriacea
Authors: Ingert Nicolas , Bombarda Isabelle , Herbette Gaëtan , Faure Robert , Moretti Christian , Raharivelomanana Phila
Published: March 2013

Fractionation of the chloroform extract of Wikstroemia coriacea led to the isolation of two new compounds, oleodaphnoic acid (1), a guaiane-type sesquiterpenoid, and coriaceol (2), an 1,5-diphenyl-1-pentanone analogue, together with nine known compounds. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data analysis. The known compounds were oleodaphnal (3), indicanone (4), (5R,8R,8aR)-3,8-dimethyl-4,5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-5-(1-methylethenyl)-2(1H)-azulenone, (5), 1,5 diphenyl-1-pentanone (6), (+)-3-hydroxy-1,5-diphenyl-1-pentanone (7), umbelliferone (8), daphnoretin (9), β-sitostenone (10) and (−)-hinokinin (11).
Polyphenols, Antioxidant Potential and Color of Fortified Wines during Accelerated Ageing: The Madeira Wine Case Study
Authors: Pereira Vanda , Albuquerque Francisco , Cacho Juan , Marques José
Published: March 2013

Polyphenols, antioxidant potential and color of three types of fortified Madeira wines were evaluated during the accelerated ageing, named as estufagem. The traditional estufagem process was set to 45 °C for 3 months. Overheating conditions, 1 month at 70 °C, were also examined. Total polyphenols (TP), total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA) and total flavonoids (TF) were assessed by spectrophotometric methods, while individual polyphenols and furans were simultaneously determined by HPLC-DAD. Antioxidant potential (AP) was estimated by ABTS, DPPH and FRAP assays, while color was evaluated by Glories and CIELab. Traditional estufagem decreased the TP and AP up to 20% and 26%, respectively, with final values similar to other wines. TMA of the Madeira wines from red grapes decreased during estufagem. Six hydroxybenzoic acids, three hydroxycinnamic acids, one stilbene, three flavonols and three flavan-3-ols were found in these wines. The prominent phenolics were hydroxycinnamates and hydroxybenzoates, even after estufagem. Most polyphenols decreased, with the exception of caffeic, ferulic, p-coumaric, gallic and syringic acids. Finally, both chromatic systems revealed that all wines tended to similar chromatic characteristics after estufagem. The study suggests that estufagem can be applied without high impact on polyphenols and antioxidant potential of these fortified wines.
Evaluating Risk Measures and Capital Allocations Based on Multi-Losses Driven by a Heavy-Tailed Background Risk: The Multivariate Pareto-II Model
Authors: Asimit Alexandru , Vernic Raluca , Zitikis Riċardas
Published: March 2013

Evaluating risk measures, premiums, and capital allocation based on dependent multi-losses is a notoriously difficult task. In this paper, we demonstrate how this can be successfully accomplished when losses follow the multivariate Pareto distribution of the second kind, which is an attractive model for multi-losses whose dependence and tail heaviness are influenced by a heavy-tailed background risk. A particular attention is given to the distortion and weighted risk measures and allocations, as well as their special cases such as the conditional layer expectation, tail value at risk, and the truncated tail value at risk. We derive formulas that are either of closed form or follow well-defined recursive procedures. In either case, their computational use is straightforward.
Th17 Lymphocytes in Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: Bystrom Jonas , Al-Adhoubi Nasra , Al-Bogami Mohammed , Jawad Ali , Mageed Rizgar
Published: March 2013

Infection by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) affects approximately 33 million infants annually worldwide and is a major cause of hospitalizations. Helper T lymphocytes (Th) play a central role in the immune response during such infections. However, Th lymphocytes that produce interleukin 17 (IL-17), known as Th17 lymphocytes, in addition to been protective can also cause pathology that accompany this type of infection. The protective effects of Th17 is associated with better prognosis in most infected individuals but heightened Th17 responses causes inflammation and pathology in others. Studies employing animal models haves shown that activated Th17 lymphocytes recruit neutrophils and facilitate tertiary lymphoid structure development in infected lungs. However, IL-17 also inhibits the ability of CD8+ lymphocytes to clear viral particles and acts synergistically with the innate immune system to exacerbate inflammation. Furthermore, IL-17 enhances IL-13 production which, in turn, promotes the activation of Th2 lymphocytes and excessive mucus production. Studies of these animal models have also shown that a lack of, or inadequate, responses by the Th1 subset of T lymphocytes enhances Th17-mediated responses and that this is detrimental during RSV co-infection in experimental asthma. The available evidence, therefore, indicates that Th17 can play contradictory roles during RSV infections. The factors that determine the shift in the balance between beneficial and adverse Th17 mediated effects during RSV infection remains to be determined.
Emerging roles of extracellular vesicles in the adaptive response of tumour cells to microenvironmental stress
Authors: Kucharzewska Paulina , Belting Mattias
Published: March 2013

Cells are constantly subjected to various types of endogenous and exogenous stressful stimuli, which can cause serious and even permanent damage. The ability of a cell to sense and adapt to environmental alterations is thus vital to maintain tissue homeostasis during development and adult life. Here, we review some of the major phenotypic characteristics of the hostile tumour microenvironment and the emerging roles of extracellular vesicles in these events.
Biomechanical comparison of a novel castless arthrodesis plate with T-plate and cross pin techniques for canine partial carpal arthrodesis
Authors: Miles A. W. , Pollintine P. , Burton N. J.
Published: March 2013

Objectives: To describe a novel canine castless partial carpal arthrodesis plate (par-CA) and its ex vivo biomechanical comparison with T-plate and cross pinning techniques for canine partial carpal arthrodesis.

Methods: The three implant systems were applied to three cohorts of six forelimbs from Greyhounds euthanatized for reasons unrelated to the study. Intercarpal and carpometacarpal palmar fibrocartilage and ligaments were sectioned. Potentiometers were applied between the radial carpal and third metacarpal bones to measure micromotion, and limbs were loaded at 30% of bodyweight at 1 Hertz for 10,000 cycles on a servo-hydraulic universal testing machine. Following assessment of micromotion, limbs were loaded to failure at 20 mm/s and ultimate strength, ultimate displacement, and stiffness were measured.

Results: The T-plate (p <0.01) and par-CA (p <0.01) had reduced micromotion relative to the cross pin constructs but there was no significant difference between the control, T-plate and par-CA constructs. There was no significant difference in ultimate strength between constructs. Ultimate displacement was reduced in the plated constructs. Stiffness did not differ between constructs.

Clinical significance: The novel par-CA construct was biomechanically similar to the T-plate and both were superior to cross pins in resisting micromotion. There was no difference in load at failure between constructs. The par-CA plate permits radial and ulnar carpal bone compression, a more distal location of the plate to limit impingement, and placement of screws in two metacarpal bones; features which may offer clinical benefits over T-plate fixation.
Defect nonunion of a metatarsal bone fracture in a cow
Authors: Singh N. , Singh T. , Gopinathan A. , Mohindroo J. , Atri K. , Raghunath M.
Published: March 2013

A two-and-half-year-old cow was presented with a defect nonunion of the right metatarsal III/IV bone following a severely comminuted open fracture two months previously. The animal underwent open fixation using a 4.5 mm, broad, 10-hole, dynamic compression plate and autogenous cancellous bone graft collected from the contralateral iliac shaft. The animal started partial weight bearing after the third postoperative day and resumed complete weight bearing after the 10th day. Fracture healing was complete and the implants were removed after the 120th postoperative day. Stable fixation by means of a bone plate in conjunction with a cancellous bone graft facilitated complete healing and restoration of the bone column of the defect and the metatarsal fracture. The animal made a complete recovery.
Efficacy of Entecavir Switch Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Incomplete Virological Response to Telbivudine
Authors: Lo Angeline Oi-Shan , Wong Vincent Wai-Sun , Wong Grace Lai-Hung , Chan Hoi-Yun , Cheung Christina Man-Tung , Chan Henry Lik-Yuen
Published: March 2013

Background

The roadmap concept suggests the use of on-treatment HBV DNA to guide treatment strategy of chronic hepatitis B patients treated by telbivudine. Our aim was to validate the roadmap approach of entecavir switch therapy in patients with incomplete response to telbivudine.

Methods

Consecutive chronic hepatitis B patients on telbivudine monotherapy were studied. Incomplete virological response was defined as detectable HBV DNA after 6–12 months of treatment. Maintained virological response was defined as undetectable HBV DNA until the last follow-up.

Results

Among the 79 patients on telbivudine, 39 (49%) had undetectable HBV DNA after 6–12 months of telbivudine treatment and 40 (51%) had incomplete virological response. In total, 33 incomplete responders switched to entecavir at 11 months (6–23), and 26 (79%) achieved maintained virological response after 25 months (4–46). Low HBV DNA level before switch therapy was the independent factor associated with maintained virological response to entecavir ( P=0.01). A total of 24 of 25 (96%) patients with HBV DNA<2,000 IU/ml, versus 2 of 8 (25%) patients with HBV DNA≥2,000 IU/ml, had maintained virological response after switching to entecavir. Although rtM204I and/or rtL180M was detected in 3 of 7 patients with incomplete virological response to entecavir, none of the patients with HBV DNA<2,000 IU/ml during telbivudine treatment harboured these amino acid substitutions.

Conclusions

Roadmap approach using entecavir switch at month 6–12 among incomplete responders to telbivudine is recommended if the HBV DNA is <2,000 IU/ml at the time of switching.
Cytotoxicity of Ganciclovir on Cultured Human Corneal Endothelial Cells
Authors: Choi Won Seok , Koh Jae Woong , Chung Tae Young , Hyon Joon Young , Wee Won Ryang , Shin Young Joo
Published: March 2013

Background

Intraocular cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, including endotheliitis and retinitis, have been reported to threaten the host's vision. These infections have been treated with systemic or intravitreal GCV injection. Intracameral GCV injection can be an effective treatment option that avoids systemic side effects. The cytotoxic effect of ganciclovir (GCV) on cultured human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) was evaluated.

Methods

HCECs were cultured and exposed to various concentrations (0–20 mg/ml) of GCV (Cytovene®). Cell viability was assessed by the Cell Counting Kit-8 method and live/dead viability/cytotoxicity assays. Cell morphology was assessed using phase-contrast microscopy after 48 h exposure to GCV. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analysed using NC-3000 to evaluate the effect of GCV on HCECs. The cell proliferation rate was evaluated by a bromodeoxyuridine proliferation assay.

Results

Cytotoxicity tests showed that GCV had a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on HCECs. GCV concentrations of ≥5 mg/ml resulted in a significant reduction in cell viability. Higher concentrations of GCV resulted in cell cycle delay, low proliferation rate, and an increased number of apoptotic cells, indicating activation of the pro-apoptotic pathway.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that intracameral GCV concentrations of ≥5 mg/ml may increase the risk of corneal endothelial damage, although GCV concentrations of ≤0.5 mg/ml do not decrease cell viability.
Effect of hydrocarbon contamination on streaming potential
Authors: Forté Sarah , Bentley Laurence R.
Published: March 2013

In the last decade, spontaneous potentials have been used to map reduced groundwater contaminant plumes. The measured signal includes contributions of both the streaming potential and the geo‐chemical electrical potential and for these applications the geochemical electrical potential is of interest. Therefore, the streaming potential must be modelled and subtracted from the measured spontaneous potential. Streaming potential is caused by the displacement of ions in the electrical double layer on sediments due to hydraulic head gradients in the fluid within a porous medium. Commonly, the streaming current coupling coefficient is assumed to be constant when modelling the streaming potential both inside and outside a contaminant plume. We postulated that organic contaminants might change the sediment surface properties, thereby affecting the streaming potential signature.

To test this hypothesis, we used sediment and groundwater samples from hydrocarbon impacted field sites. Samples were equilibrated with water from the site for several weeks before the tests. Each sample was split into two and tested with clean water and hydrocarbon polluted water in an apparatus constructed following the design of Sheffer (). The streaming current coupling coefficient of the polluted sub‐samples was lower than that of the unpolluted sub‐samples for five of the six samples tested. Other parameters measured were hydraulic conductivity, cation exchange capacity and for the fluid: electrical conductivity, pH, major ions and hydrocarbons. Based on the values of the laboratory experiments, numerical modelling was used to demonstrate that the impact of these changes on field measurements is negligible.
Comparison between a geophysical survey, soil analyses and excavation data revealing a combined effect of soil compaction and erosion
Authors: Querrien Armelle , Moulin Joel , Tabbagh Alain
Published: March 2013

In the vicinity of the Montbaron farm site (Indre, France), a mediaeval archaeological site was excavated initially in 1977 and again more thoroughly during 1998–2000. The observed stratigraphic sections reveal that strong changes have occurred between these two dates: in some places, 40–50 cm of fine‐grained soil has disappeared. Geophysical surveys provide a second source of independent substantiate of this dramatic reduction of soil thickness; a comparison between two resistivity surveys undertaken in 1992 and 1996 confirms a major reduction in the thickness of the fine‐grained layers above the hard limestone surface. This example emphasizes the importance of an erosion and compaction assessment for which, in plateau contexts similar to that of Montbaron, resistivity prospection is a valid and relevant tool.
L’Église catholique et la cause de l’environnement
Authors: Turina Isacco
Published: March 2013

Depuis les années 1970, le magistère des papes a pris en compte la critique écologique et en a proposé une version compatible avec la tradition catholique. À ces déclarations, le Vatican n’a guère donné suite par un engagement efficace et cohérent. En Amérique latine cependant, où l’écologie et la cause des pauvres sont étroitement liées, la théologie de la libération et les « communautés de base » ont sérieusement abordé les problèmes environnementaux.
Hymnes à la vie ?
Authors: Bernardina Sergio Dalla
Published: March 2013

Les animaux taxidermisés sont revenus à la mode. Les raisons de cet engouement sont multiples, allant de l’amour pour les sciences naturelles à la passion pour le « vintage ». En toile de fond, l’idéalisation du rapport à la nature (tout ce qui est naturel est beau, sain et moral) et la nostalgie pour un monde féerique où les bêtes et les hommes auraient vécu en harmonie. Si l’animal mort nous intéresse, c’est qu’il renvoie au vivant. Mais il nous intéresse aussi, et peut-être davantage, en tant que mort : un mort multifonctionnel qui, grâce aux avancées de l’éthologie, s’apparente de plus en plus à un être humain.
A Theory of Social Agentivity and its Integration into the Descriptive Ontology for Linguistic and Cognitive Engineering
Authors: Robinson Edward Heath
Published: March 2013

The agentivity of social entities has posed problems for ontologies of social phenomena, especially in the Descriptive Ontology for Linguistic and Cognitive Engineering (DOLCE) designed for use in the semantic web. This article elucidates a theory by which physical and social objects can take action, but that also recognizes the different ways in which they act. It introduces the “carry” relationship, through which social actions can occur when a physical action is taken in the correct circumstances. For example, the physical action of a wave of a hand may carry the social action of saying hello when entering a room. This article shows how a system can simultaneously and in a noncontradictory manner handle statements and queries in which both nonphysical social agents and physical agents take action by the carry relationship and the use of representatives. A revision of DOLCE’s taxonomic structure of perdurants is also proposed. This revision divides perdurants into physical and nonphysical varieties at the same ontological level at which endurants are so divided.
The motivation and limits of compassion
Authors: Cornelius Elma
Published: March 2013

What motivates people to serve others? Why do we help those in need, the poor, the sick, the lonely, orphans and widows? Is compassion for humans a natural instinct or is it a learnt response? In the biblical tradition, it is a clear imperative to show one’s faith in God in one’s behaviour by reaching out to others. Luke 10:25−37 seems to be a key passage in the Bible that teaches and exhorts Christians to be compassionate. Psychology teaches us that compassion is a natural instinct in humans although choice is involved too, and it turns out that religion plays a role in reinforcing compassion. This article is an attempt to understand the motivation and limits of compassion as reinforced by the Christian religion by (1) interpreting Luke 10:25−37 in the New Testament and by (2) using modern psychological insights. It often happens that people reach out to others for self-interested reasons, as serving others psychologically gives them a sense of meaning and fulfilment as well as a positive public image. Compassion, however, is also motivated by a love for God and a love and concern for people in general. As caring for others also affects one emotionally and might cause burnout, it is important to set some limits and boundaries on compassion. As God’s love for us leads us to reach out to others, we need to be sure about how and when we should fulfil people’s needs, help them to cope with their own needs, help them to understand the reason for their needs, guide them to fulfilling their own needs or help them to find a place where help is available.
Strongly 0-dimensional Modules
Authors: Hakan Oral Kürşat , Ayşen Özkirişci Neslihan , Tekir Ünsal
Published: March 2013

In a multiplication module, prime submodules have the following property: if a prime submodule contains a finite intersection of submodules, then one of the submodules is contained in the prime submodule. In this paper, we generalize this property to infinite intersection of submodules and call such prime submodules strongly prime submodules. A multiplication module in which every prime submodule is strongly prime will be called a strongly 0-dimensional module. It is also an extension of strongly 0-dimensional rings. After this we investigate properties of strongly 0-dimensional modules and give relations of von Neumann regular modules, Q-modules and strongly 0-dimensional modules
Upper Bounds for the Essential Dimension
of E7
Authors: MacDonald Mark L.
Published: March 2013

This paper gives a new upper bound for the essential dimension and the essential 2-dimension of the split simply connected group of type E7 over a field of characteristic not 2 or 3. In particular, ed(E7) ≤ 29, and ed(E7, 2) ≤ 27.
Optimization and Validation of a Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test for the Detection of Neutralizing Antibodies to Four Serotypes of Dengue Virus Used in Support of Dengue Vaccine Development
Authors: Timiryasova Tatyana M. , Bonaparte Matthew I. , Luo Ping , Zedar Rebecca , Hu Branda T. , Hildreth Stephen W.
Published: March 2013

A dengue plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) to measure dengue serotype–specific neutralizing antibodies for all four virus serotypes was developed, optimized, and validated in accordance with guidelines for validation of bioanalytical test methods using human serum samples from dengue-infected persons and persons receiving a dengue vaccine candidate. Production and characterization of dengue challenge viruses used in the assay was standardized. Once virus stocks were characterized, the dengue PRNT50 for each of the four serotypes was optimized according to a factorial design of experiments approach for critical test parameters, including days of cell seeding before testing, percentage of overlay carboxymethylcellulose medium, and days of incubation post-infection to generate a robust assay. The PRNT50 was then validated and demonstrated to be suitable to detect and measure dengue serotype-specific neutralizing antibodies in human serum samples with acceptable intra-assay and inter-assay precision, accuracy/dilutability, specificity, and with a lower limit of quantitation of 10.
Molecular Epidemiology of Blastocystis in Lebanon and Correlation between Subtype 1 and Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Authors: El Safadi Dima , Meloni Dionigia , Poirier Philippe , Osman Marwan , Cian Amandine , Gaayeb Lobna , Wawrzyniak Ivan , Delbac Frederic , El Alaoui Hicham , Delhaes Laurence , Dei-Cas Eduardo , Mallat Hassan , Dabboussi Fouad , Hamze Monzer , Viscogliosi Eric
Published: March 2013

Blastocystis is the most common eukaryotic parasite in the intestinal tract of humans. Because of its potential impact in public health, we acquired the first data concerning the prevalence of this parasite and the frequency of the Blastocystis subtypes (STs) in the Lebanese population. In this study, fecal samples from 220 Lebanese symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were collected and a total of 42 patients (19%) were identified as positive for this parasite by direct-light microscopy of smears. Among these, 36 Blastocystis isolates were genotyped using partial small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. The ST distribution in the present Lebanese population was as follows: ST3 (33.3%), ST2 (33.3%), ST1 (30.6%), and ST4 (2.8%). These data were compared with those available in other Middle Eastern and neighboring countries. Finally, ST1 was significantly more prevalent among symptomatic patients of this Lebanese population.
Prosthodontic Rehabilitation of a Patient with Subtotal Maxillectomy using a Hollow Bulb Obturator
Authors: Rani Gita , Gambhir Amarjeet
Published: March 2013

Successful prosthetic reconstruction of hemimaxillectomy defects is a challenging procedure that requires multidisciplinary expertize to achieve acceptable function, speech and esthetics. Rehabilitation of an acquired maxillary defect improves the quality of life for the patient as close to normal as possible. Obturation of the defect depends on its volume and position of remaining hard and soft tissues, to be utilized for retention, stability and support for the prosthesis. The prosthesis should be simple to handle, easy to maintain, biocompatible, light in weight and convenient for future adjustments. This case report describes a clinical case of subtotal maxillectomy, which was successfully rehabilitated with a hollow bulb obturator.

How to cite this article

Rani G, Gambhir A. Prosthodontic Rehabilitation of a Patient with Subtotal Maxillectomy using a Hollow Bulb Obturator. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2012; 2(1):24-28.
A comparative study of the response of modeled non-drizzling stratocumulus to meteorological and aerosol perturbations
Authors: Petters J. L. , Jiang H. , Feingold G. , Rossiter D. L. , Khelif D. , Sloan L. C. , Chuang P. Y.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. The impact of changes in aerosol and cloud droplet concentration (Na and Nd) on the radiative forcing of stratocumulus-topped boundary layers (STBLs) has been widely studied. How these impacts compare to those due to variations in meteorological context has not been investigated in a systematic fashion for non-drizzling overcast stratocumulus. In this study we examine the impact of observed variations in meteorological context and aerosol state on daytime, non-drizzling overcast stratiform evolution, and determine how resulting changes in cloud properties compare. Using large-eddy simulation (LES) we create a model base case of daytime southeast Pacific coastal stratocumulus, spanning a portion of the diurnal cycle (early morning to near noon) and constrained by observations taken during the VOCALS (VAMOS Ocean-Atmosphere-Land Study) field campaign. We perturb aerosol and meteorological properties around this base case to investigate the stratocumulus response. We determine perturbations in the cloud top jumps in potential temperature θ and total water mixing ratio qt from ECMWF Re-analysis Interim data, and use a set of Nd values spanning the observable range. To determine the cloud response to these meteorological and aerosol perturbations, we compute changes in liquid water path (LWP), bulk optical depth (τ) and cloud radiative forcing (CRF). We find that realistic variations in the thermodynamic jump properties can elicit a response in the cloud properties of τ and shortwave (SW) CRF that are on the same order of magnitude as the response found due to realistic changes in aerosol state (i.e Nd). In response to increases in Nd, the cloud layer in the base case thinned due to increases in evaporative cooling and entrainment rate. This cloud thinning somewhat mitigates the increase in τ resulting from increases in Nd. On the other hand, variations in θ and qt jumps did not substantially modify Nd. The cloud layer thickens in response to an increase in the θ jump and thins in response to an increase in the qt jump, both resulting in a τ and SW CRF response comparable to those found from perturbations in Nd. Longwave CRF was not substantially altered by the perturbations we tested. We find that realistic variations in meteorological context can elicit a response in CRF and τ on the same order of magnitude as, and at times larger than, that response found due to realistic changes in aerosol state. We estimate the limits on variability of cloud top jump properties required for accurate observation of aerosol SW radiative impacts on stratocumulus, and find strict constraints: less than 1 K and 1 g kg−1 in the early morning hours, and order 0.1 K and 0.1 g kg−1 close to solar noon. These constraints suggest that accurately observing aerosol radiative impacts in stratocumulus may be challenging as co-variation of meteorological properties may obfuscate aerosol-cloud interactions.