bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
This Is Your Brain on Human Rights: Moral Enhancement and Human Rights
Authors: Cohen I. Glenn
Published: May 2015

It seems fair to say that human rights law takes the human as given. Human beings are particular kinds of entities with particular kinds of psychologies and propensities, and it is the job of human rights law and human rights enforcement to govern that kind of entity, be it through sanctions, education, incentives, or other mechanisms. More specifically, human rights law takes human brains as given. If humans were different kinds of beings, both the mechanisms of getting compliance and possibly the very rules themselves would be different. The purpose of this essay is to very tentatively start to tie together thinking in neuroscience, bioethics, and human rights law to ask whether human rights law should take the nature of human beings, and more specifically, human brains, as given. I sketch the alternative possibility and examine it from a normative and (to a lesser extent) scientific perspective: instead of merely crafting laws and setting up structures that get human beings such as they are to respect human rights, that the human rights approach should also consider embracing attempts to remake human beings (and more specifically human brains) into the kinds of things that are more respectful of human rights law. This is currently science fiction, but there is some scientific evidence that moral enhancement may one day be possible. I call the alternative “moral enhancement to respect human rights law.” To put the aim of the essay in its mildest form it is to answer the following question: if it becomes possible to use enhancement to increase respect for human rights and fidelity to human rights law (whatever you think is constitutive of those categories), and in particular in a way that reduces serious human rights violations, is it worth “looking into?” Or, by contrast, are the immediate objections to such an endeavor so powerful or hard to refute that going in this direction should be forbidden.
Outflows of groundwater in lakes: case study of Lake Raduńske Górne
Authors: Cieśliński Roman , Piekarz Jacek
Published: May 2015

The aim of the study was to locate and describe groundwater outflows in a selected lake basin. The study hypothesis was based on the fact that, according to the specialist literature, one of the forms of lake water supply is through groundwater outflows. It was also assumed that the lakes of the Kashubian Lake District are characterised by such a form of lake water supply. The time scope of the work included the period from January 2011 to September 2012. The spatial scope of the work included the area of Lake Raduńskie Górne, located in the Kashubian Lake District in north Poland. The research plot was in the north-eastern part of the lake. Office works were aimed at gathering and studying source materials and maps. Cartographic materials were analysed with the use of the MapInfo Professional 9.5. The purpose of the field work was to find the groundwater outflows in the basin of Lake Raduńskie Górne. During the field research diving was carried out in the lake. During the dive audiovisual documentation was conducted using a Nikon D90 camera with Ikelite underwater housing for Nikon D90 and an Ikelite DS 161 movie substrobe, as well as a GoPro HD HERO 2 Outdoor camera. During the project, four groundwater outflows were found. In order to examine these springs audiovisual and photographic documentation was made. To systematise the typology of the discovered springs, new nomenclature was suggested, namely under-lake springs with subtypes: an under-lake slope spring and under-lake offshore spring
Thermo-Insulation Properties Of Hemp-Based Products
Authors: Lekavicius V. , Shipkovs P. , Ivanovs S. , Rucins A.
Published: May 2015

As known, many multi-purpose plants can be used in different industries. This research is focused on the possibilities to utilize hemp as feedstock for thermal insulation products. The most advantageous features of hemp insulation are associated with health and environmental safety. The thermal conductivity of commercially available hemp insulation products is comparable with that of other fibrous insulation materials; however, it is possible to develop new products that could be more efficient in terms of cost and due to other important features.
Use of antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Dragomiretskaya Natalia , Izha Anna , Kalinichenko Nikolay , Szark-Eckardt Mirosława , Klimczyk Mariusz , Cieślicka Mirosława , Muszkieta Radosław , Prusik Krzysztof , Napierała Marek , Żukowska Hanna , Zukow Walery
Published: May 2015

Introduction: The presence of background HCV
infection cannot be overestimated in view of the prevalence
of chronic hepatitis C and the risk of adverse outcomes
of this disease. Purpose of this study was to evaluate
the effectiveness of the combined use of antiviral therapy
(Roferon + Vero-Ribavirin) and resort factors in patients
with chronic hepatitis C in the phase of replication.
Material and methods: We observed 48 patients with
chronic hepatitis C; the minimum level of activity of the
process defined the phase of replication. Markers of HCV
infection were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent
assay (ELISA) (a-HCV and HCV-Ig M). HCV RNA
was determined twice by the polymerase chain reaction
(PCR). Genotyping of hepatitis C virus was performed.
Biochemical blood analysis and the study of HCV infection
markers were carried out four times. Results of therapy
were assessed immediately after the end of the resort
(spa) treatment, then at 3, 6 and 12 months after starting
treatment. At 12 months after starting treatment, all the
observed patients had persistent clinical and biochemical
remission. Elimination of the virus from the blood was
noted in 56% of the control group and 74% of patients in
the study group.
Conclusions: For patients with moderately active HCV, the
replication phase was characterized by asthenic-vegetative
syndrome (100% of patients) with severe depression (22.92%), pain (77.08%) and dyspeptic syndrome (33.33%),
moderate hypertransferaseemia (100%), slightly pronounced
cholestasis (33% of patients), and signs of mesenchymal-
inflammatory response.
Platelet to lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Peng You-Fan , Cao Ling , Zeng Yan-Hua , Zhang Zhao-Xia , Chen Dan , Zhang Qiong , Zhu You-Sen
Published: May 2015

Objectives: It has been well documented that the
platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and the neutrophil to
lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are associated with outcomes for
patients with gastric cancer, non-small cell lung cancer
and acute heart failure. Inflammation may be the hidden
factor that explains the correlation between NLP, PLR, and
these diseases. However, to date, the data concerning NLR,
PLR, and its association with inflammation are lacking
in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), thus, our aim
to discuss whether NLR and PLR are associated with RA.
Methods: Patients with RA and healthy individuals
were included according to the determined criteria,
and laboratory indicators were measured.
Results: PLR and NLR were significantly higher in RA
patients compared with healthy controls (3.20±2.06
vs. 1.56±0.47, P<0.01; 192.85±101.78 vs. 103.49±28.68,
P<0.01). When leukocytes, neutrophil percentage, neutrophil,
lymphocyte, platelet, C-reactive protein (CRP),
erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and rheumatoid
factor (RF) were considered as confounders (crude
model), our results indicated that ESR and RF were correlated
to RA. Of note, ESR, RF, and PLR were associated
with RA after further adjustment based on crude model
for PLR and NLR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC)
curves analysis showed that PLR values higher than >115.7 evaluated RA with a sensitivity of 82.5%, a specificity
of 74.8% and area under the curve ( AUC ) of 0.847.
Conclusions:Our results suggest that PLR is associated
with RA, and PLR may be an underlying indicator indicating
the chronic subclinical inflammation in patients
with RA.
Potential drug interactions with statins:
Estonian register-based study
Authors: Gavronski Maia , Volmer Daisy , Hartikainen Sirpa , Zharkovsky Alexander
Published: May 2015

In Estonia, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are
widely used to modify lipid levels but there are no current
data on additional medicines prescribed alongside the
statins. The aim of this study was to identify the frequency
of potential clinically relevant interactions at a national
level among an outpatient population treated with statins
between January and June 2008, based on the prescription
database of the Estonian Health Insurance Fund. This retrospective
prevalence study included 203,646 outpatients
aged 50 years or older, of whom 29,367 received statin
therapy. The study analysed individuals who had used at
least one prescription medicine for a minimum of 7 days
concomitantly with statins. Potential drug interactions
were analysed using Epocrates online, Stockley’s Drug
Interactions, and the drug interaction database developed
in Estonia. Statins metabolised by the CYP3A4 isoenzyme
were prescribed to 64% of all statin users. Medicines
known to have potentially clinically significant interactions
with statins were prescribed to 4.6% of patients.

The drugs prescribed concomitantly most often with simvastatin
were warfarin (5.7%) and amiodarone (3.9%),
whereas digoxin (1.2%) and ethinylestradiol (2%) were
prescribed with atorvastatin.

Potential interactions were not detected in the treatment
regimens of rosuvastatin, pravastatin, and fluvastatin
users.
The Long-Term Development of Water Bodies in the Context of Land Use: The Case of the Kyjovka and Trkmanka River Basins (Czech Republic)/ Dlouhodobý vývoj vodních ploch v povodí Kyjovky a Trkmanky v kontextu využití krajiny (Česká republika)
Authors: Havlíček Marek , Pavelková Renata , Frajer Jindřich , Skokanová Hana
Published: May 2015

The long-term development of water bodies is investigated in this article using the cases of two river basins with similar natural conditions: the Kyjovka and Trkmanka River Basins in the Czech Republic. Using old topographic maps, land use development was assessed and the analysis of driving forces of land use changes was carried out. The essential land use changes in these areas are connected with the processes of agricultural intensification and urbanisation. The largest area of water bodies was recorded in both river basins in 1763. In the second half of the 19th century, the disappearance of most water bodies in the two basins was significantly affected by the above-mentioned driving forces. After World War II, some of the water bodies in the Kyjovka River Basin were restored and new ponds were established. In contrast, no significant water bodies were restored in the Trkmanka River Basin.
Nonlocal Electrostatics in Spherical
Geometries Using Eigenfunction Expansions
of Boundary-Integral Operators
Authors: Bardhan Jaydeep P. , Knepley Matthew G. , Brune Peter
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we present an exact, infinite-series solution to Lorentz nonlocal continuum electrostatics
for an arbitrary charge distribution in a spherical solute. Our approach relies on two key steps: (1)
re-formulating the PDE problem using boundary-integral equations, and (2) diagonalizing the boundaryintegral
operators using the fact that their eigenfunctions are the surface spherical harmonics. To introduce
this uncommon approach for calculations in separable geometries, we first re-derive Kirkwood’s classic
results for a protein surrounded concentrically by a pure-water ion-exclusion (Stern) layer and then a
dilute electrolyte, which is modeled with the linearized Poisson–Boltzmann equation. The eigenfunctionexpansion
approach provides a computationally efficient way to test some implications of nonlocal models,
including estimating the reasonable range of the nonlocal length-scale parameter λ. Our results suggest that
nonlocal solvent response may help to reduce the need for very high dielectric constants in calculating pHdependent
protein behavior, though more sophisticated nonlocal models are needed to resolve this question
in full. An open-source MATLAB implementation of our approach is freely available online.
Multiculturalism Is a Condition of the Heart: White Voices Inside the Walls of Southern Universities
Authors: Wilder Lynn K.
Published: May 2015

Multiculturalism was founded after the genocide of the Holocaust to ensure acts of annihilation toward a people group never again occurred. Fifty years after the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, diverse faculty and diverse students are still underrepresented in universities. In absentia and expecting more diverse faculty, how can White faculty effectively promote moral multiculturalism?
Comparative Tests of Temperature Effects on the Performance of Gan and Sic Photodiodes
Authors: Ćwirko Joanna , Ćwirko Robert , Mikołajczyk Janusz
Published: May 2015

The paper presents a study of the performance of some selected UV detectors. Unlike many similar works, the obtained data refer to commercial photodiodes (not only to detector materials). The main task of the research was to determine the influence of the operating temperature and annealing on the detector spectral responsiveness. A comparison of the results obtained for the photodiodes made of GaN and SiC was also performed. Although both kinds of detectors can work at high temperatures for a long time, some modification of their properties was observed. However, for GaN and SiC photodiodes, this modification has a substantially different nature. It is very important for some applications, e.g. fire alarms and a military equipment.
Measurement and Comparison of Reliability Performance of Photovoltaic Power Optimizers for Energy Production
Authors: Catelani Marcantonio , Ciani Lorenzo , Graditi Giorgio , Adinolfi Giovanna
Published: May 2015

Photovoltaic (PV) power optimizers are introduced in PV systems to improve their energetic productivity in presence of mismatching phenomena and not uniform operating conditions. Commercially available converters are characterized by different DC-DC topologies. A promising one is the boost topology with its different versions. It is characterized by its circuital simplicity, few devices and high efficiency values - necessary features for a Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking (DMPPT) converter. PV power optimizer designs represent a challenging task since they operate in continuously changing operating conditions which strongly influence electronic component properties and thus the performance of complete converters. An aspect to carefully analyze in such applications is the thermal factor. In this paper, a necessity to have a suitable temperature monitoring system to avoid dangerous conditions is underlined In addition, another important requirement for a PV power optimizer is its reliability, since it can suggest a useful information on its diagnostic aspects, maintenance and investments. In fact, a reliable device requires less maintenance services, also improving the economic aspect. The evaluation of the electronic system reliability can be carried out using different reliability prediction models. In this paper, reliability indices, such as the Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) or the Failure Rate of a Diode Rectification (DR) boost, are calculated using the evaluation of the Military Handbook 217F and Siemens SN29500 prediction models. With the reliability prediction results it has been possible to identify the most critical components of a DMPPT converter and a measurement setup has been developed in order to monitor the component stress level on the temperature, power, voltage, current, and energy in the DMPPT design phase avoiding the occurrence of a failure that might decrease the service life of the equipment.
Using the DDA (Discrete Dipole Approximation) Method in Determining the Extinction Cross Section of Black Carbon
Authors: Skorupski Krzysztof
Published: May 2015

BC (Black Carbon), which can be found in the atmosphere, is characterized by a large value of the imaginary part of the complex refractive index and, therefore, might have an impact on the global warming effect. To study the interaction of BC with light often computer simulations are used. One of the methods, which are capable of performing light scattering simulations by any shape, is DDA (Discrete Dipole Approximation). In this work its accuracy was estimated in respect to BC structures using the latest stable version of the ADDA (vr. 1.2) algorithm. As the reference algorithm the GMM (Generalized Multiparticle Mie-Solution) code was used. The study shows that the number of volume elements (dipoles) is the main parameter that defines the quality of results. However, they can be improved by a proper polarizability expression. The most accurate, and least time consuming, simulations were observed for IGT_SO. When an aggregate consists of particles composed of ca. 750 volume elements (dipoles), the averaged relative extinction error should not exceed ca. 4.5%.
Activated Sludge Systems as Diferential Equations: A Fresh View on the Classical Models for Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Olosutean Horea , Oprean Letiţia
Published: May 2015

Present in the theory and practice of wastewater treatment for over 50 years in consistent numbers, activated sludge models are widely used by plant operators. The early stage models, based on differential equations were synthetized and reinterpreted, presenting new insides that can help to a better understanding of the processes involved in the wastewater treatment. A consistent symbology is presented, for a much homogenous perspective, and the obvious similarities between several equations from the models are pointed out. The incomplete information from the models is emphasized, showing their amount of providing supplementary data for plant operators and researchers in the field, as well as the causes leading to their drawbacks and the effects derived from these drawbacks.
3D Hole Inspection Using Lens with High Field Curvature
Authors: Zavyalov Petr
Published: May 2015

One of the actual 3D measurement problems is the optical inspection of various holes. In this respect, the task of plane image formation of holes as extended 3D objects using optical methods turns out to be of primary importance. We have developed specialized lenses that perform such transformations due to specially increased aberrations (field curvature, astigmatism) for the formation of extended objects plane images. The calculations of the lens parameters are presented. The detail analysis of the imaging properties was carried out. The presented hole inspection lens has been designed, constructed and used for inspection of the fuel assembly spacer grids.
Transport characteristics of focused beam deposited nanostructures
Authors: Ballestar Ana , Esquinazi Pablo
Published: May 2015

We review the transport properties of different nanostructures produced by ion- and electron-beam deposition, as prepared as well as after certain treatments. In general, the available literature indicates that the transport properties are determined by conduction processes typical for disordered metallic grains embedded in a carbon-rich matrix, including intergrain tunneling and variable range hopping mechanisms. Special emphasis is given to the superconducting behavior found in certain Tungsten-Carbide nanostructures that, in a certain field and temperature range, is compatible with that of granular superconductivity. This granular superconductivity leads to phenomena like magnetic field oscillations as well as anomalous hysteresis loops in the magnetoresistance.
On the SERS depolarization ratio
Authors: Foti Antonino , D’Andrea Cristiano , Messina Elena , Irrera Alessia , Maragò Onofrio M. , Fazio Barbara , Gucciardi Pietro G.
Published: May 2015

The Raman depolarization ratio is a quantity
that can be easily measured experimentally and offers
unique information on the Raman polarizability tensor
of molecular vibrations. In Surface Enhanced Raman
Scattering (SERS), molecules are near-field coupled with
optical nanoantennas and their scattering properties
are strongly affected by the radiation patterns of the
nanoantenna. The polarization of the SERS photons is
consequently modified, affecting, in a non trivial way, the
measured value of the SERS depolarization ratio. In this
article we elaborate a model that describes how the SERS
depolarization ratio is influenced by the nanoantenna
re-radiation properties, suggesting how to retrieve
information on the Raman polarizability from SERS
experiments.
Evaluation of Antioxidant Activities of Cereals and their Malts
Authors: Ondrejovič Miroslav , Chmelová Daniela , Ivanišová Eva , Dráb Štefan , Psota Vratislav
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of malting on the antioxidant content in cereals such as wheat (PS Sunanka, Zaira, PS 57/11 and Vanda), oat (Dunajec) and barley (Laudis 550) harvested in 2013. Antioxidant and polyphenol contents of these cereals and malts were investigated. Secondary, technological parameters of prepared malts were evaluated and compared with malt from barley Laudis 550 used as reference material. Malting of selected cereals had an impact on antioxidant and polyphenol content and allowed a better extraction of these compounds from cereal matrix, except of barley malt, whose antioxidant and total polyphenol content remained comparable. For other cereal malts, antioxidant contents were 2.0, 1.8, 2.6, 2.9 and 3.2-fold higher and total polyphenol content were 1.8, 1.9, 1.9, 3.1 and 3.4-fold higher than in wheat (PS Sunanka, Zaira, PS 57/11, Vanda) and oat (Dunajec), respectively. From correlation analysis, the results showed that not all polyphenols released by malting have antioxidant activity. Technological parameters (friability, haze of wort, saccharification rate, filtration rate, extract and diastatic power) also indicated that good malt quality had oat Dunajec and wheat PS Sunanka and Zaira in comparison with reference material (barley Laudis 550).
Suction controlled triaxial testing of unsaturated medium sand and sandy clay
Authors: Skutnik Zdzisław , Biliniak Marcin
Published: May 2015

Suction controlled triaxial testing of unsaturated medium sand and sandy clay. This paper presents the results of the triaxial tests performed on medium sand and sandy clay samples. The shear strength and deformation characteristics from consolidated drained (CD) tests performed in a controlled saturation state were determined. The study was conducted in a modern apparatus for triaxial testing of unsaturated samples. Test specimens with a diameter of 70 mm and height of 140 mm were prepared by compaction in a laboratory in a special form. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of matric suction on the shear strength and deformation characteristic of medium sand and sandy clay. The axis translation technique was used to apply matric suction to soil specimens.
Inspection Program Development for an Aircraft Fleet and an Airline on the Basis of the Acceptance Fatigue Test Result
Authors: Paramonov Yuri , Tretyakov Sergey , Hauka Maris
Published: May 2015

An inspection interval planning is considered in order to limit the probability of any fatigue failure (FFP) in a fleet of N aircraft (AC) and to provide an economical effectiveness of airline (AL) under the limitation of fatigue failure rate (FFR). A solution of these two problems is based on the processing of the result of acceptance fatigue test of a new type of aircraft. During this test an estimate of the parameter ϴ, of a fatigue crack growth trajectory has been obtained. If the result of this acceptance test is too bad then this new type of aircraft will not be used in service. A redesign of this project should be done. If the result the acceptance test is pretty good then the reliability of the aircraft fleet and the airline will be provided without inspections. For this strategy there is a maximum of FFP (a maximum of FFR) as a function of an unknown parameter ᶿ. This maximum can be limited by the use of the offered here procedure of the choice of the inspection number. The economic effectiveness of the AL operation is considered using the theory of Markov process with rewords.
Application of EPC Standards and Mobile Networks Services to Enhance the Quality of Postal Service
Authors: Vaculik Juraj , Tengler Jiři , Maslák Ondrej
Published: May 2015

This article deals with new technologies and methods to optimize the transport and delivery of postal mails. Introduction of this article defines the technologies and procedures that postal operators have started to use. The main part of the article describes specific implemented solutions of several postal operators and their benefits. The last part shows using of EPC standards in a processes chain. The conclusion of the article is devoted to the evaluation of these technologies and their potential in the area of postal sector.
Development of the Model of Decision Support for Alternative Choice in the Transportation Transit System
Authors: Kabashkin Igor , Lučina Jelena
Published: May 2015

The decision support system is one of the instruments for choosing the most effective decision for cargo owner in constant fluctuated business environment. The objective of this Paper is to suggest the multiple-criteria approach for evaluation and choice the alternatives of cargo transportation in the large scale transportation transit system for the decision makers - cargo owners. The large scale transportation transit system is presented by directed finite graph. Each of 57 alternatives is represented by the set of key performance indicators Kvi and set of parameters Paj. There has been developed a two-level hierarchy system of criteria with ranging expert evaluations based on Analytic Hierarchy Process Method. The best alternatives were suggested according to this method.
Portable Telematic System as an Effective Traffic Flow Management in Workzones
Authors: Ščerba Marek , Apeltauer Tomáš , Apeltauer Jiří
Published: May 2015

Traffic infrastructure localities with temporal restrictions for example due to reconstructions, or modernization, are important aspects influencing the traffic safety and traffic flow. On the basis of our research, we can identify main factors, which generate travel time loses, and which often cause traffic accidents in bottlenecks. First of all, it is improper late merge, speeding, tailgating, lower tolerance and consideration to other road users. Nervousness and ignorance of drivers also play an important role in generation of traffic congestions, lower level of service and resulting external economic loses. One of the tools eliminating the traffic restriction negative impacts is usage of portable telematics systems. In 2011 to 2013,project ViaZONE was in progress, which was to design an intelligent system with the aim to eliminate the mentioned risks and reduce economic losses generated by traffic congestions. Using available data and information, we have proved profitability and cost-effectiveness of dynamic systems for traffic control of work zones. Regarding traffic management, the system showed some problems due to indisciplined drivers and the system proved that speeding in these hazardous road segments is a common practice which caused accidents and congestions.
Endogenous Opioid Activity in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex Is Required for Relief of Pain
Authors: Navratilova Edita , Xie Jennifer Yanhua , Meske Diana , Qu Chaoling , Morimura Kozo , Okun Alec , Arakawa Naohisa , Ossipov Michael , Fields Howard L. , Porreca Frank
Published: May 2015

Pain is aversive, and its relief elicits reward mediated by dopaminergic signaling in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a part of the mesolimbic reward motivation pathway. How the reward pathway is engaged by pain-relieving treatments is not known. Endogenous opioid signaling in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), an area encoding pain aversiveness, contributes to pain modulation. We examined whether endogenous ACC opioid neurotransmission is required for relief of pain and subsequent downstream activation of NAc dopamine signaling. Conditioned place preference (CPP) andin vivomicrodialysis were used to assess negative reinforcement and NAc dopaminergic transmission. In rats with postsurgical or neuropathic pain, blockade of opioid signaling in the rostral ACC (rACC) inhibited CPP and NAc dopamine release resulting from non-opioid pain-relieving treatments, including peripheral nerve block or spinal clonidine, an α2-adrenergic agonist. Conversely, pharmacological activation of rACC opioid receptors of injured, but not pain-free, animals was sufficient to stimulate dopamine release in the NAc and produce CPP. In neuropathic, but not sham-operated, rats, systemic doses of morphine that did not affect withdrawal thresholds elicited CPP and NAc dopamine release, effects that were prevented by blockade of ACC opioid receptors. The data provide a neural explanation for the preferential effects of opioids on pain affect and demonstrate that engagement of NAc dopaminergic transmission by non-opioid pain-relieving treatments depends on upstream ACC opioid circuits. Endogenous opioid signaling in the ACC appears to be both necessary and sufficient for relief of pain aversiveness.
Changes in Nicotinic Neurotransmission during Enteric Nervous System Development
Authors: Foong Jaime Pei Pei , Hirst Caroline S. , Hao Marlene M. , McKeown Sonja J. , Boesmans Werend , Young Heather M. , Bornstein Joel C. , Vanden Berghe Pieter
Published: May 2015

Acetylcholine-activating pentameric nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) are an essential mode of neurotransmission in the enteric nervous system (ENS). In this study, we examined the functional development of specific nAChR subtypes in myenteric neurons usingWnt1-Cre;R26R-GCaMP3mice, where all enteric neurons and glia express the genetically encoded calcium indicator, GCaMP3. Transcripts encoding α3, α4, α7, β2, and β4 nAChR subunits were already expressed at low levels in the E11.5 gut and by E14.5 and, thereafter, α3 and β4 transcripts were the most abundant. The effect of specific nAChR subtype antagonists on evoked calcium activity in enteric neurons was investigated at different ages. Blockade of the α3β4 receptors reduced electrically and chemically evoked calcium responses at E12.5, E14.5, and P0. In addition to the α3β4 antagonist, antagonists to α3β2 and α4β2 also significantly reduced responses by P10–11 and in adult preparations. Therefore, there is an increase in the diversity of functional nAChRs during postnatal development. However, an α7 nAChR antagonist had no effect at any age. Furthermore, at E12.5 we found evidence for unconventional receptors that were responsive to the nAChR agonists 1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium and nicotine, but were insensitive to the general nicotinic blocker, hexamethonium. Migration, differentiation, and neuritogenesis assays did not reveal a role for nAChRs in these processes during embryonic development. In conclusion, there are significant changes in the contribution of different nAChR subunits to synaptic transmission during ENS development, even after birth. This is the first study to investigate the development of cholinergic transmission in the ENS.
Myelin Loss and Axonal Ion Channel Adaptations Associated with Gray Matter Neuronal Hyperexcitability
Authors: Hamada Mustafa S. , Kole Maarten H.P.
Published: May 2015

Myelination and voltage-gated ion channel clustering at the nodes of Ranvier are essential for the rapid saltatory conduction of action potentials. Whether myelination influences the structural organization of the axon initial segment (AIS) and action potential initiation is poorly understood. Using the cuprizone mouse model, we combined electrophysiological recordings with immunofluorescence of the voltage-gated Nav1.6 and Kv7.3 subunits and anchoring proteins to analyze the functional and structural properties of single demyelinated neocortical L5 axons. Whole-cell recordings demonstrated that neurons with demyelinated axons were intrinsically more excitable, characterized by increased spontaneous suprathreshold depolarizations as well as antidromically propagating action potentials ectopically generated in distal parts of the axon. Immunofluorescence examination of demyelinated axons showed that βIV-spectrin, Nav1.6, and the Kv7.3 channels in nodes of Ranvier either dissolved or extended into the paranodal domains. In contrast, while the AIS in demyelinated axons started more closely to the soma, ankyrin G, βIV-spectrin, and the ion channel expression were maintained. Structure–function analysis and computational modeling, constrained by the AIS location and realistic dendritic and axonal morphologies, confirmed that a more proximal onset of the AIS slightly reduced the efficacy of action potential generation, suggesting a compensatory role. These results suggest that oligodendroglial myelination is not only important for maximizing conduction velocity, but also for limiting hyperexcitability of pyramidal neurons.
A Phenomenology of Democracy
Authors: Kosmin Paul J.
Published: May 2015

This article has two objectives. First, and in particular, it seeks to reinterpret the ostracism procedure of early democratic Athens. Since Aristotle, this has been understood as a rational, political weapon of collective defense, intended to expel from Athens a disproportionately powerful individual. In this article, by putting emphasis on themateriality, gestures, and location of ostraka-casting, I propose instead that the institution can more fruitfully be understood as a ritual enactment of civic unity. Second, and more generally, I hope to explore the frames within which early Athenian democracy is placed: while Greek kingship and tyranny (i.e. “primitive” polities) have been very successfully explored through anthropological and cross-cultural comparison, Greek democracy for the most part has remained in the domains of the institutional historian and political theorist. Taking a phenomenological and comparative approach, this article asks how the citizens of early democratic Athens experienced and comprehended their new sovereignty and the invented procedures of mass decision-making through which it was expressed.
Pursuing a Great Transformation
Authors: Evans Peter
Published: May 2015

Polanyi offers a powerful vision of a “great transformation” that will reverse the subordination of society to the economy and reassert the primacy of social protection in the context of modern society. Pursuit of the great transformation is one way of conceptualizing the quest for “development” in the positive sense of ecologically sustainable human flourishing. This paper explores how the contemporary interaction of national and global political dynamics affects the trajectory of Polanyi's “double movement.” Does the shift of economic power to globally organized capital while the space for contentious politics remains primarily at the national level “checkmate” the movement for social protection? Or is there more potential for political contestation and policies supporting social protection at the national level than the “global checkmate” thesis claims? And, if so, can this potential be magnified by productive, synergistic alliances between national and global movements, resulting in a global auxiliary effect instead of a global checkmate effect? Answering these questions requires analyzing the relative autonomy of national political regimes vis-à-vis global capital as well as evaluating the ability of movements to connect effectively across levels.
“Dry” Versus “Wet” Development and Women in Three World Regions
Authors: Blumberg Rae Lesser
Published: May 2015

This article explores whether a region's traditional type of agricultural production - “dry” (rain-fed) vs. “wet” (irrigated rice) - has long-term effects on women's equality and on development. It examines the three world regions with the widest range of gender stratification: a “dry” region (Middle East/North Africa/much of South Asia, the most gender-unequal) and two “wet” regions (East Asia, and Southeast Asia - traditionally the most gender-equal). Men are primary cultivators in “dry” agriculture but irrigated rice is so labor-intensive that both genders are producers. Participation in production is posited as a precondition for greater gender equality (Blumberg 1984). Working toward a theory incorporating traditional production and region into gender and development, the article considers additional factors. One is the kin/property system: in the first two regions, it privileges men (patrilineal descent; patrilocal residence; male-dominated inheritance). In Southeast Asia, it is bilateral/matrifocal. And only in Southeast Asia do women traditionally earn and control income, i.e., have economic power, the key (although not only) factor affecting gender equality in Blumberg's theory of gender stratification. Cultural-normative variables remain least favorable to women in the “dry” region (especially compared to Southeast Asia). Today, the “dry” region has the least dynamic growth, with continued low female labor force participation (LFP) in oil-poor and, especially, oil-rich nations; the two “wet” regions have pursued successful export manufacturing development strategies with high female LFP, with Southeast Asia now having the fastest growth. Development prospects vs. potential problems align similarly from worst to best in the three regions.
A rare case showing subacute thyroiditis-like symptoms with amyloid goiter after anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy
Authors: Kawashima Junji , Naoe Hideaki , Sasaki Yutaka , Araki Eiichi
Published: May 2015

Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α therapy is established as a new standard for the treatment of various autoimmune inflammatory diseases. We report the first case showing subacute thyroiditis-like symptoms with an amyloid goiter after anti-TNF-α therapy. A 56-year-old man with Crohn's disease presented with fever and a diffuse, tender goiter. To control the diarrhea, anti-TNF therapy (infliximab) was administered 4 weeks before the thyroid symptoms emerged. The patient reported a swollen neck with tenderness on the right side and fever 4 days after the second infliximab injection. An elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum thyroid hormone level with suppressed serum thyrotropin were observed. The thyroid-stimulating antibody was not elevated. An ultrasonograph of the thyroid revealed an enlarged goiter with posterior echogenicity attenuation and a low echoic region that was tender. The thyroid uptake value on technetium-99m scintigraphy was near the lower limit of the normal range. The patient was initially diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis resulting from subacute thyroiditis. Administration of oral prednisolone improved the fever, thyroid pain, and thyroid function, but his thyroid remained swollen. The patient developed diarrhea after prednisolone withdrawal; therefore, adalimumab, another TNF inhibitor, was administered. After three injections, his abdominal symptoms were alleviated, but the thyroid pain and fever recurred. Elevated serum CRP levels in the absence of thyroid dysfunction were observed. The patient's symptoms resolved after prednisolone retreatment, but an elastic, firm goiter persisted. A fine-needle biopsy revealed amyloid deposition in the thyroid.

Learning points

Many cases with thyroid dysfunction accompanied by amyloid goiter have been reported.

There are cases that develop amyloid goiter with subacute thyroiditis-like symptoms after anti-TNF therapy.

When the thyroid remains swollen after improvement of thyrotoxicosis following treatment with prednisolone, it should be assessed to differentiate between an amyloid goiter and common subacute thyroiditis.
Self-reported endocrine late effects in adults treated for brain tumours, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a registry based study in Northern Germany
Authors: Gebauer Judith , Fick Eva-Maria , Waldmann Annika , Langer Thorsten , Kreitschmann-Andermahr Ilonka , Lehnert Hendrik , Katalinic Alexander , Brabant Georg
Published: May 2015

Objective

Due to the increasing success and survival rates in the primary treatment of malignancies derived from the CNS as well as the hematopoietic system, endocrine late effects of cancer and its therapy are of growing importance. Despite evaluation of these late effects in patients treated for cancer in childhood, the impact on adults remains largely unclear.

Methods

1035 adult patients primarily diagnosed with a CNS malignancy, a Hodgkin (HL) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) between 1998 and 2008 were recruited via the regional epidemiological cancer registry covering ∼2.8 million inhabitants in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein, Northern Germany. The prevalence of endocrine disorders and current psychosocial impairment was assessed employing several questionnaires (SF-36v1, WHO-5).

Results

Fully completed questionnaires of 558 patients were available for subsequent analysis showing markedly reduced overall performance and psychological status when compared to German reference data. Thyroid disorders were reported in 16.3% of patients with 10.4% suffering from hypo- and 5.9% from hyperthyroidism. Overall, 17.6% stated to be affected by diabetes mellitus with an increased rate of 21.1% among NHL patients and 11.5% of participants were affected by osteoporosis.

Conclusion

Compared to German population based studies on the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis and thyroid disorders the frequency of all these endocrine problems was significantly increased in CNS, HL, and NHL cancer survivors. These data confirm that not only children and adolescents but also adult cancer patients are at risk for therapy associated endocrine late effects.
The Utilization of Soybean Straw. II. Dissolution & Regeneration of Soybean Straw in LiCl/DMSO
Authors: Liu Zhulan , Cao Yunfeng , Wang Zhiguo , Ren Hao , Amidon Thomas E. , Lai Yuanzong
Published: May 2015

Various soybean straw (stem and pod) samples were dissolved in 8% lithium chloride/dimethyl sulfoxide (LiCl/DMSO) following 4 h of planetary ball-milling. The solubility, extractable lignin yield, and crystal structure of the ball-milled soybean straw were greatly affected by the ball-milling pretreatment. The dissolved soybean straw could be regenerated by being poured into excess distilled water under rapid stirring. The total regenerated fraction yield decreased with the increase in the duration of ball-milling. Approximately 10% to 25% of the straw mass was lost in the dissolution-regeneration procedure. For comparison, ethylenediamine (EDA)-pretreated soybean straw was also completely dissolved in 8% LiCl/DMSO to form a homogeneous solution containing 1% straw after 24 h of continuous stirring. The dissolution-regeneration performance of soybean straw submitted to the EDA pretreatment was quite different due to the lack of vigorous ball-milling.
Effect of Hydrothermally Carbonized Hemp Dust on the Soil Emissions of CO2 and N2O
Authors: Dicke Christiane , Lühr Carsten , Ellerbrock Ruth , Mumme Jan , Kern Jürgen
Published: May 2015

The impact on carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions when applying hydrothermally carbonized (HTC) char to soil was investigated in a laboratory experiment with two HTC chars made from hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) dust and incubated for 131 d. Two fractions of hemp dust were collected during fiber processing (from fractionation and suction) and were carbonized at 230 °C for 6 h in water. Non-treated and water-washed HTC chars were used in incubation experiments, doubling the carbon concentration of the soil. As a result of adding HTC char to soil, CO2 emissions increased significantly in all cases compared to the control treatment. Washing the HTC chars easily removed dissolvable carbon (C) compounds, which significantly decreased CO2 emissions. Nitrous oxide emissions, following the incorporation of HTC char, did not differ from those of the control sample; however, washed HTC char treatments tended to emit less N2O than the corresponding unwashed samples. Hydrothermally carbonized char obtained from the suction of dust may play a greater role as a soil conditioner than HTC char from dust by fractionation because dust from suction accumulates to a larger degree during hemp fiber processing.
Cuando la letra hace borde
Authors: Mojica Mojica Andrea
Published: May 2015

Desde una lectura psicoanalítica, se propone entender la indiferencia como postura frente al Otro, para plantear el recurso a la letra como precipitado y como una creación singular que le posibilita al sujeto una forma de hacer lazo desde una lógica de apertura y reconocimiento de la alteridad, de la diferencia. Localizar la causa de la indiferencia en la tensión entre el Otro y el goce permite abordar las modalidades de participación y la sensibilización al sufrimiento del otro como efectos de la inserción en el lazo social, en las lógicas que rigen su ordenamiento y la inscripción posible de la diferencia radical del sujeto. En este ejercicio se toma como referente el trabajo de Jacques Lacan sobre la famosa apuesta de Pascal alrededor de la inconsistencia del Otro.
Paradojas de la emocion estética: del horror a la promesa
Authors: Zapata-Reinert Luz
Published: May 2015

Las obras de arte tienen el poder de convocar la paradoja misma de un tiempo y un espacio anteriores a la existencia. Ello concierne al sujeto mismo y a su deseo de ir hacia lo desconocido a través de la estética en cuanto cualidad de su sentir. La emoción estética es abordada en su función de indicar lo real de la pulsión y apuntar a lo que no puede ser pensado, a lo inconsciente. Este artículo se propone explorar cómo el sentimiento estético puede despejar un camino de subversión de la pulsión y abrirlo hacia otro borde posible de la existencia. Allí situamos una función esencial de la emoción estética como punto de apoyo para atravesar el horror, aferrarse a lo humano y a la promesa de una vida posible. Desde este punto de vista, el recorrido implica también una apuesta ética.
De los actos virtuosos en medio de la guerra
Authors: Muñoz López Aleyda
Published: May 2015

La guerra no solo aniquila la vida, también asfixia las reservas morales de los combatientes y de quienes auspician la confrontación. En Colombia, en medio del desastre ético, algunas personas o comunidades nos han recordado la vigencia de las acciones virtuosas.
Del prójimo y otras rarezas
Authors: Mutis Durán Santiago
Published: May 2015

Sobre las ilustraciones del número.
Rentowność portfeli inwestycyjnych zbudowanych na bazie relacji częściowego porządku
Authors: Guzik Krzysztof , Prysak Paweł
Published: May 2015

The article compares the effectiveness of investing in portfolios which use reduced risk relationship prices under short sale and forbidden short sale. This risk relationship in a given set of shares determined a partial order consistent with the Sharpe ratio. In the chain of relationships, the reduced risk relationship maximal element is the most effective one.The obtained maximal elements-created portfolios were: Pmin (a minimum risk portfolio), P (efficient portfolio with a 5% rate of return) and portfolio PWS (a portfolio based on Sharpe ratio). These portfolios were compared with those formed from all of the shares using the same rules as portfolios P, Pmin, PWS. In consecutive periods of a fixed investment horizon it was found that the profitability of portfolios created from the maximal elements exceeded that of the portfolios formed from all the shares.