bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Walkability With Obesity in Baltimore City, Maryland
Authors: Casagrande Sarah Stark , Gittelsohn Joel , Zonderman Alan B. , Evans Michele K. , Gary-Webb Tiffany L.
Published: December 2010

Objectives. To investigate the association between walkability and obesity, we studied adults residing in Baltimore City, Maryland, in neighborhoods of varying racial and socioeconomic composition.

Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 3493 participants from the study Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span. We used the Pedestrian Environment Data Scan to measure neighborhood walkability in 34 neighborhoods of diverse racial and socioeconomic composition in which the study participants lived. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to determine walkability scores. Multilevel modeling was used to determine prevalence ratios for the association between walkability and obesity.

Results. Among individuals living in predominately White and high-socioeconomic status (SES) neighborhoods, residing in highly walkable neighborhoods was associated with a lower prevalence of obesity when compared with individuals living in poorly walkable neighborhoods, after adjusting for individual-level demographic variables (prevalence ratio–[PR] = 0.58; P = <.001 vs PR = 0.80; P = .004). Prevalence ratios were similar after controlling for the perception of crime, physical activity, and main mode of transportation. The association between walkability and obesity for individuals living in low-SES neighborhoods was not significant after accounting for main mode of transportation (PR = 0.85; P = .060).

Conclusions. Future research is needed to determine how differences in associations by neighborhood characteristics may contribute to racial disparities in obesity.
Racial Disparities in Exposure, Susceptibility, and Access to Health Care in the US H1N1 Influenza Pandemic
Authors: Quinn Sandra Crouse , Kumar Supriya , Freimuth Vicki S. , Musa Donald , Casteneda-Angarita Nestor , Kidwell Kelley
Published: December 2010

Objectives. We conducted the first empirical examination of disparities in H1N1 exposure, susceptibility to H1N1 complications, and access to health care during the H1N1 influenza pandemic.

Methods. We conducted a nationally representative survey among a sample drawn from more than 60 000 US households. We analyzed responses from 1479 adults, including significant numbers of Blacks and Hispanics. The survey asked respondents about their ability to impose social distance in response to public health recommendations, their chronic health conditions, and their access to health care.

Results. Risk of exposure to H1N1 was significantly related to race and ethnicity. Spanish-speaking Hispanics were at greatest risk of exposure but were less susceptible to complications from H1N1. Disparities in access to health care remained significant for Spanish-speaking Hispanics after controlling for other demographic factors. We used measures based on prevalence of chronic conditions to determine that Blacks were the most susceptible to complications from H1N1.

Conclusions. We found significant race/ethnicity-related disparities in potential risk from H1N1 flu. Disparities in the risks of exposure, susceptibility (particularly to severe disease), and access to health care may interact to exacerbate existing health inequalities and contribute to increased morbidity and mortality in these populations.
Spectrophotometric determination of tadalafil in pure and dosage forms
Authors: Al Kaf , Gouda Ayman
Published: December 2010

Two simple, rapid, and extractive spectrophotometric methods were developed
for the determination of tadalafil (TDF) in both pure and tablet dosage form.
These methods are based on the formation of ion-pair complexes between the
basic nitrogen of the drug with bromocresol purple (BCP) and methyl orange
(MO) in acidic buffer solution. The formed complexes were extracted with
chloroform and measured at 410 and 425 nm using BCP and MO, respectively.
Beer?s law was obeyed in the range 2.0-20 ?g mL?1 with correlation
coefficient (n = 6) ? 0.9996. The molar absorpitivity, Sandell sensitivity,
detection and quantification limits were also calculated. The composition of
the ion pairs was found 1:1 by Job?s method. The proposed methods have been
applied successfully for the analysis of TDF in pure and in its dosage forms.
These developed methods were validated for accuracy and precision.
SMC SMP 24: A newly radio-detected planetary nebula in the small Magellanic cloud
Authors: Bojicic I.S. , Filipovic M.D. , Crawford E.J.
Published: December 2010

In this paper we report a new radio-continuum detection of an extragalactic
planetary nebula (PN): SMC SMP 24. We show the radio-continuum image of this
PN and present the measured radio data. The newly reduced radio observations
are consistent with the multi-wavelength data and derived parameters found in
the literature. SMC SMP 24 appears to be a young and compact PN, optically
thick at frequencies below 2 GHz.
WAMS - based control of series FACTS devices installed in tie-lines of interconnected power system
Authors: Nogal Łukasz , Machowski Jan
Published: December 2010

WAMS - based control of series FACTS devices installed in tie-lines of interconnected power system

This paper addresses the state-variable stabilising control of the power system using such series FACTS devices as TCPAR installed in the tie-line connecting control areas in an interconnected power system. This stabilising control is activated in the transient state and is supplementary with respect to the main steady-state control designed for power flow regulation. Stabilising control laws, proposed in this paper, have been derived for a linear multi-machine system model using direct Lyapunov method with the aim to maximise the rate of energy dissipation during power swings and therefore maximisation their damping. The proposed control strategy is executed by a multi-loop controller with frequency deviations in all control areas used as the input signals. Validity of the proposed state-variable control has been confirmed by modal analysis and by computer simulation for a multi-machine test system.
Overloss coefficient in magnetic laminations during PWM supply voltage
Authors: Zakrzewski Kazimierz
Published: December 2010

Overloss coefficient in magnetic laminations during PWM supply voltage

Author presents an analytical method of calculation of unit power losses in magnetic laminations used in electrical machines and transformers. The idea of this method, based on the solution of Maxwell's equations in the lamination material, was described by the author in the previous work [3], taking into account approximation of constitutive static hysteresis loop by elliptic form of the function B = f(H) depending on magnetic saturation. In the previous formula for new isotropic and anisotropic materials it is needed to introduce so called "anomaly coefficient" deduced from the comparison of measured and calculated value of power losses in arbitrary excitation frequency for assumed induction. The method was tested by comparison with the results of experiments presented in commercial catalogues [1, 2]. Assuming superposition of harmonic power losses it is possible to enlarge this method for the estimation of overloss coefficient in dynamo sheet during axial magnetization with nonsinusoidal flux generated e.g. by PWM voltage supply.
Inverse systems of linear systems
Authors: Kaczorek Tadeusz
Published: December 2010

Inverse systems of linear systems

The concept of inverse systems for standard and positive linear systems is introduced. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of the positive inverse system for continuous-time and discrete-time linear systems are established. It is shown that: 1) The inverse system of continuous-time linear system is asymptotically stable if and only if the standard system is asymptotically stable. 2) The inverse system of discrete-time linear system is asymptotically stable if and only if the standard system is unstable. 3) The inverse system of continuous-time and discrete-time linear systems are reachable if and only if the standard systems are reachable. The considerations are illustrated by numerical examples.
Nematode infections in Slovak children hospitalised during 2008–2009
Authors: Königová A. , Kinčeková J. , Hrčková G. , Velebný S. , Várady M. , Pavlinová J. , Kuchta M.
Published: December 2010

A study involved 1800 hospitalised children (age: 9 months to 16 years) examined by ovoscopic analyses and confirmed the occurrence of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura in 46 patients (2.55 %). Of these, 30 patients had Ascaris infection, 13 were positive for both nematodes and 3 patients had Trichuris infection. The mean count of A. lumbricoides eggs in positive cases was 1050 eggs per gramme (EPG) in range 150–4450 EPG. The mean count of T. trichiura eggs was 150 EPG (50–250 EPG). The highest intensities of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura infections occurred in children 3–5 years of age living in poor hygienic conditions. Most common clinical conditions in all the patients included anaemia combined with complicated bronchopneumonia, colitis and gastritis. The strongest correlation between the parasite burden and selected laboratory test data (eosinophil count, haemoglobin, total serum iron) was found in children of 2 years of age (P < 0.05) and decreased with age.
Parasitic infections of the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778) in south -western Slovakia
Authors: Dubinský P. , Vasilková Z. , Hurníková Z. , Miterpáková M. , Slamečka J. , Jurčík R.
Published: December 2010

A total of 74 European brown hares (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778), hunted during the winter seasons of 2006 and 2007, were examined by dissection for the presence of helminths and coprologically for protozoa. The animals came from five districts with a high population density of this species. Our results revealed 54.5 % of specimens being infected with one or more helminth species and a high prevalence of eimeriid coccidia (91.89 %). The most prevalent helminth species was Trichuris leporis (55.41 %). Lower prevalence was found for Passalurus ambiguus (12.16 %) and Trichostrongylus retortaeformis (6.76 %). The intensity of infection was low for all parasite species. As for coccidia, Eimeria semisculpta (74.35 %) and E. leporis (61.54%) were recorded in all districts. Other coccidia showed lower prevalence rates: E. robertsoni (15.38 %), E. europaea (12.82 %), E. babatica (12.82 %), E. hungarica (5.13 %) and E. towsendi (2.56 %), occurring only in some districts. The highest infection rate was observed in E. semisculpta, 7657.8 oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG). The potential effect of protozoan infection on hare mortality is discussed.
Drinking water ivermectin treatment for eradication of pinworm infections from laboratory rat colonies
Authors: Lytvynets A. , Langrová I. , Lachout J. , Vadlejch J. , Fučíková A. , Jankovská I.
Published: December 2010

The effects of ivermectin were studied in laboratory rats naturally infected with the pinworm Syphacia muris. Ivermectin was administered over four 5-days periods in drinking water; the ivermectin dose was 2.5 mg/kg of body weight per day. All the rats were weighed every five days and their ova production was monitored by a cellophane — tape test. Every fifth day six males and six females from the experimental group were euthanized and examined for adult pinworms and larvae. The rats’ health condition, behaviour and consumption of food and water were monitored every day. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of orally administered ivermectin as a treatment against adult pinworms and their larvae in laboratory rat colonies.
First record of Schulmanela petruschewskii Shulman, 1948 (Nematoda: Capillariidae) from cultured Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Turkey
Authors: Pekmezci Z. , Umur S.
Published: December 2010

The nematode Schulmanela petruschewskii (Shulman, 1948) was identified during the parasitological examination on the liver parenchyma in one specimens of a cultured rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) which reared in Derbent Dam Lake in Samsun, Turkey (41°25′6′’ North latitude, 35°49′52′’ East longitude) in August 2008. This parasite species was not previously reported from Turkey. With the present study we report S. petruschewskii for the first time in Turkey. This specimen which is a parasite of cultured rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a new record for the Turkish parasite fauna. Original measurements and figures are presented.
Heart valve bioprothesis; effect of different acellularizations methods on the biomechanical and morphological properties of porcine aortic and pulmonary valve
Authors: Wilczek P.
Published: December 2010

Heart valve bioprothesis; effect of different acellularizations methods on the biomechanical and morphological properties of porcine aortic and pulmonary valve

Tissue engineering is a promising tool for the creation of a new type of the heart valve bioprothesis. The biological scaffold composed of decellularized tissue has been successfully used for the constructions of the valve prosthesis. An analysis of the efficiency of the valve leaflet acellularization methods and the influence of those methods on the morphology and the biomechanical properties of the ECM (extra cellular matrix) was performed. Fresh porcine hearts obtained from a slaughterhouse were used in the experiments. The efficiency of the acellularization methods was dependent on the tissue type and the acellularoization methods used. The more effective were the enzymatic methods, both because of the cell removal efficiency and the effect on the biomechanical properties of the heart valve. The differences in the biomechanical and morphological properties of the porcine aortic and the pulmonary valve after different types of the acellularization process could influence the hemodynamic conditions of the heart after the valve replacement, which limited the range of the tissue types used for the creations of the tissue engineered heart valve.
Positive linear systems with different fractional orders
Authors: Kaczorek T.
Published: December 2010

Positive linear systems with different fractional orders

A new class of positive linear systems with different fractional orders is introduced. A solution to the set of linear differential equations with different fractional orders is derived Necessary and sufficient conditions for the positivity of the fractional systems are established. It is shown that the linear electrical circuits composed of resistors, supercondensators, coils and voltage (current) sources are positive systems with different fractional orders.
Modeling of strains and stresses of material nanostructures
Authors: Szefer G. , Jasińska D.
Published: December 2010

Modeling of strains and stresses of material nanostructures

Stress and deformation analysis of materials and devices at the nanoscale level are topics of intense research in materials science and mechanics. In these investigations two approaches are observed. First, natural for the atomistic scale description is based on quantum and molecular mechanics. Second, characteristic for the macroscale continuum model description, is modified by constitutive laws taking atomic interactions into account. In the present paper both approaches are presented. For a discrete system of material points (atoms, molecules, clusters), measures of strain and stress, important from the mechanical viewpoint, are given. Numerical examples of crack propagation and deformation of graphite sheets (graphens) illustrate the behavior of the discrete systems.
Nanomechanics = biomechanics
Authors: Skubiszak L.
Published: December 2010

Nanomechanics = biomechanics

The knowledge of the mechanism of mechanical energy production by the so-called bioengines, living cells, could be very helpful for resolving different tasks concerning nanomechanics, e.g., construction of nanorobots. The present work considers a new idea, namely that the conformational changes within the so-called track, actin filament or microtubule are crucial for production of the mechanical energy by all bioengines. This concept contrasts with the presently prevailing view, according to which the force is generated as a result of conformational changes within the so-called motor proteins: myosin, kinesin or dynein.
Machine-part grouping and cluster analysis: similarities, distances and grouping criteria
Authors: Owsiński J.
Published: December 2010

Machine-part grouping and cluster analysis: similarities, distances and grouping criteria

The paper considers the machine-part grouping problem, as equivalent to partitioning the set of machines and operations into subsets, corresponding to block diagonalisation with constraints. The attempts to solve the problem with clustering methods are outlined. The difficulties encountered are presented, related to (i) ambiguity of formulations; (ii) selection of criteria; and (iii) lack of effective algorithms. These are illustrated in more detail with a limited survey of similarity and distance definitions, and of criteria used, constituting the main body of the paper. The return is proposed to the basic paradigm of cluster analysis, as providing simple and fast algorithms, which, even if not yielding optimal solutions, can be controlled in a simple manner, and their solutions improved.
The Yankee Insolence of Ethan Allen
Authors: DITSKY JOHN
Published: December 2010

A Narrative of Colonel Ethan Allen's Captivity,* first published in 1779, is generally regarded as a stirring account of the bravery of the leader of the Green Mountain Boys and a defiant example of Yankee courage during two and a half years' imprisonment at the hands of his British enemies. But the modern reader, far removed from that struggle for independence, may well look upon Colonel Allen's actions in the pres­ence of the enemy as nothing short of extraordinary, if not verging upon utter insolence in their disregard of both prudence and propriety. When, as the author prays, "The critic will be pleased to excuse any inaccuracies in the performance itself, as the author has unfortunately missed a liberal education" (p. 3), we are left concluding that the antics as well as the heroics of Ethan Allen abroad contributed to that im­pression of Americans in general that proved, in spite of the existence of Paines and Franklins, to be dominant in the minds of many Euro­peans, both then and for a good many years afterwards - and may be said to be of undiminished importance at the present time.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of Zn25Al3Cu based composites with large Al2O3 particles at room and elevated temperatures
Authors: Bobic Biljana , Babic Miroslav , Mitrovic Slobodan , Ilic Nenad , Bobic Ilija , Jovanovic Milan T.
Published: December 2010

Microstructures and compressive properties of Zn25Al3Cu alloy and Zn25Al3Cu/Al2O3 particulate composites with large reinforcing particles (250 μm) were examined. The composites were obtained by the compocasting technique through infiltration of 3, 8 and 16 wt.% Al2O3 particles into the semi-solid metal matrix. The influence of temperature in the range from 70 to 170°C on compressive yield strength of the matrix alloy (as-cast and thixocast Zn25Al3Cu alloy) and the composites was investigated. Above 70°C compressive yield strength of all materials decreases, but the rate of decrease is different for the matrix alloy (as-cast and thixocast) and composites. It was found that the abrupt decrease in compressive yield strength of the matrix alloy occurred at temperatures higher than 70°C, whereas composites retained relatively high values of compressive yield strength till the end of the testing temperature range regardless of the amount of reinforcing particles.
Reassessment of the Mg–Ge binary system using CALPHAD supported by first-principles calculation
Authors: Yan Huanli , Du Yong , Zhou Liangcai , Xu Honghui , Zhang Lijun , Liu Shuhong
Published: December 2010

The Mg–Ge system is reassessed by means of the CALPHAD approach, supplemented with first-principles calculation. All of the experimental phase diagram and thermodynamic data available in the literature are critically reviewed and assessed by using thermodynamic models for the Gibbs energies of individual phases. Two models, the substitutional solution model and associate solution model, are employed to describe the Gibbs energy of the liquid phase. The enthalpy of formation for Mg2Ge is calculated by first-principles calculation with a desire to clarify the discrepancies in the literature data reported for the enthalpies of formation. Two sets of self-consistent thermodynamic parameters for the Mg–Ge system are finally obtained, with a substitutional solution model or associate solution model for the liquid phase. Some improvements have been made, compared with the previous assessments.
Dynamically evoked, discrete-threshold electromyography in the extreme lateral interbody fusion approach
Authors: Tohmeh Antoine G. , Rodgers William Blake , Peterson Mark D.
Published: December 2010

Object

Because the psoas muscle, which contains nerves of the lumbar plexus, is traversed during the extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) approach, appropriate nerve monitoring is needed to avoid nerve injury during surgery and prevent approach-related neural deficit. This study was performed to assess the effectiveness of dynamically evoked electromyography (EMG) to detect and prevent neural injury during the XLIF approach.

Methods

One hundred two patients undergoing XLIF at L3–4 and/or L4–5 were enrolled in a prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized clinical study. The EMG threshold values for each of the 3 successive dilators were recorded at the surface of the psoas muscle, mid-psoas, and on the spine. At each location, the dilators were rotated 360°, taking recordings immediately posterior, superior, anterior, and inferior. For each dilator, the authors noted the rotational position (the angle in degrees) at which the lowest threshold was found. Findings of pre- and postoperative neurological examinations were also recorded.

Results

Nerves were identified within proximity of the dilators (alert-level EMG feedback) in 55.7% of all cases during the XLIF approach. Although nerves were more commonly identified in the posterior margin (63%), there was significant variability in the location of nerves identified. Despite the fact that the posterior half of the disc space was targeted in 90% of cases, no significant long-lasting neural deficits were identified in any case; 27.5% experienced new iliopsoas/hip flexion weakness and 17.6% experienced new postoperative upper medial thigh sensory loss. Transient motor deficits were identified in 3 patients (2.9%), and all had resolved by the 6-month follow-up visit.

Conclusions

The ability to identify and report a discrete, real-time EMG threshold during the transpsoas approach helps to avoid nerve injury and is required for the safe performance of the XLIF procedure. Additionally, nerve location is variable, thus reinforcing the need for real-time directional and proximity information.
Predictors of outcome in acute traumatic central cord syndrome due to spinal stenosis
Authors: Aarabi Bizhan , Alexander Melvin , Mirvis Stuart E. , Shanmuganathan Kathirkamanathan , Chesler David , Maulucci Christopher , Iguchi Mark , Aresco Carla , Blacklock Tiffany
Published: December 2010

Object

The objective of this study was to elucidate the relationship between admission demographic data, validated injury severity measures on imaging studies, and clinical indicators on the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), manual dexterity, and dysesthetic pain at least 12 months after surgery for acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS) due to spinal stenosis.

Methods

Over a 100-month period (January 2000 to April 2008), of 211 patients treated for ATCCS, 59 cases were due to spinal stenosis, and these patients underwent surgical decompression. Five of these patients died, 2 were lost to follow-up, 10 were not eligible for the study, and the remaining 42 were followed for at least 12 months.

Results

In the cohort of 42 patients, mean age was 58.3 years, 83% of the patients were men, and 52.4% of the accidents were due to falls. Mean admission ASIA motor score was 63.8 (upper extremities score, 25.8 and lower extremities score, 39.8), the spinal cord was most frequently compressed at skeletal segments C3–4 and C4–5 (71%), mean midsagittal diameter at the point of maximum compression was 5.6 mm, maximum canal compromise (MCC) was 50.5%, maximum spinal cord compression was 16.5%, and length of parenchymal damage on T2-weighted MR imaging was 29.4 mm. Time after injury until surgery was within 24 hours in 9 patients, 24–48 hours in 10 patients, and more than 48 hours in 23 patients. At the 1-year follow-up, the mean ASIA motor score was 94.1 (upper extremities score, 45.7 and lower extremities score, 47.6), FIM was 111.1, manual dexterity was 64.4% of baseline, and pain level was 3.5. Stepwise regression analysis of 10 independent variables indicated significant relationships between ASIA motor score at follow-up and admission ASIA motor score (p = 0.003), MCC (p = 0.02), and midsagittal diameter (p = 0.02); FIM and admission ASIA motor score (p = 0.03), MCC (p = 0.02), and age (p = 0.02); manual dexterity and admission ASIA motor score (p = 0.0002) and length of parenchymal damage on T2-weighted MR imaging (p = 0.002); and pain level and age (p = 0.02) and length of parenchymal lesion on T2-weighted MR imaging (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

The main indicators of long-term ASIA motor score, FIM, manual dexterity, and dysesthetic pain were admission ASIA motor score, midsagittal diameter, MCC, length of parenchymal damage on T2-weighted MR imaging, and age, but different domains of outcome were determined by different predictors.
Creating a ‘Masala’ Self: Bicultural Identity in Desi Young Adult Novels
Authors: Superle Michelle
Published: December 2010

In the past two decades, the previously silent voices of diasporic Indian writers for young people have emerged, and a small body of texts has begun to develop in the United States and the United Kingdom. One of the major preoccupations of these texts is cultural identity development, especially in the novels published for a young adult audience, which often feature protagonists in the throes of an identity crisis. For example, the novels The Roller Birds of Rampur (1991) by Indi Rana, Born Confused (2002) by Tanuja Desai Hidier, and The Not-So-Star-Spangled Life of Sunita Sen (2005) by Mitali Perkins all focus on an adolescent girl coping with her bicultural identity with angst and confusion, and delineate the ways her self-concept and relationships are affected. The texts are empowering in their suggestion that young people have the agency to explore and create their own balanced bicultural identities, but like other young adult fiction, they ultimately situate adolescents within insurmountable institutional forces that are much more powerful than any individual.
A Sense of (Be)longing in Shaun Tan's The Lost Thing
Authors: Rudd David
Published: December 2010

Almost all Shaun Tan's work explores notions of belonging, and related ideas about feeling at home (or not) in time and space. But these issues are most starkly explored in his first solo picture book, The Lost Thing (2000), where the narrator, Shaun, relates his discovery of a mysterious, large, red, hybrid being. This article undertakes a close reading of Tan's text, drawing on the work of theorists like Mary Douglas, Zygmunt Bauman, Giorgio Agamben and Judith Butler to show how societies, through their classificatory logic, manage to deal with any ‘matter out of place’. It also explores the particular poignancy of ‘misplaced’ things in the context of Australia, not only through the Howard Government's draconian treatment of refugees, but also in terms of the country's long-standing guilt about its treatment of the Aboriginal ‘stolen generation’, and of others, like the forcibly deported British children. In contrast to the more optimistic reading usually given to Tan's work, a darker, more menacing interpretation is suggested – though a note of hope is still detected in the narrator's need to record his story. In this way, The Lost Thing is not concerned solely with social issues, but engages with a more existential sense of longing that we can all experience.
Hypoxia Induced Tumor Metabolic Switch Contributes to Pancreatic Cancer Aggressiveness
Authors: Vasseur Sophie , Tomasini Richard , Tournaire Roselyne , Iovanna Juan L.
Published: December 2010

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma remains one of the most lethal of all solid tumors with an overall five-year survival rate of only 3–5%. Its aggressive biology and resistance to conventional and targeted therapeutic agents lead to a typical clinical presentation of incurable disease once diagnosed. The disease is characterized by the presence of a dense stroma of fibroblasts and inflammatory cells, termed desmoplasia, which limits the oxygen diffusion in the organ, creating a strong hypoxic environment within the tumor. In this review, we argue that hypoxia is responsible for the highly aggressive and metastatic characteristics of this tumor and drives pancreatic cancer cells to oncogenic and metabolic changes facilitating their proliferation. However, the molecular changes leading to metabolic adaptations of pancreatic cancer cells remain unclear. Cachexia is a hallmark of this disease and illustrates that this cancer is a real metabolic disease. Hence, this tumor must harbor metabolic pathways which are probably tied in a complex inter-organ dialog during the development of this cancer. Such a hypothesis would better explain how under fuel source limitation, pancreatic cancer cells are maintained, show a growth advantage, and develop metastasis.
Using Entropy Leads to a Better Understanding of Biological Systems
Authors: Tseng Chih-Yuan , Tuszynski Jack A.
Published: December 2010

In studying biological systems, conventional approaches based on the laws of physics almost always require introducing appropriate approximations. We argue that a comprehensive approach that integrates the laws of physics and principles of inference provides a better conceptual framework than these approaches to reveal emergence in such systems. The crux of this comprehensive approach hinges on entropy. Entropy is not merely a physical quantity. It is also a reasoning tool to process information with the least bias. By reviewing three distinctive examples from protein folding dynamics to drug design, we demonstrate the developments and applications of this comprehensive approach in the area of biological systems.
Forest Governance, Decentralization and REDD+ in Latin America
Authors: Petkova Elena , Larson Anne , Pacheco Pablo
Published: December 2010

Forests and their governance have received increased attention in recent years. One factor that has stimulated this renewed interest is the appreciation of deforestation as a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The emerging REDD+ mechanism (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is being designed with the goal of using financial incentives to enhance the role of forests in curbing climate change. [...]
Synthesis of New Racemic α,α-Diaminocarboxylic Ester Derivatives
Authors: Houssine Mabrouk El , Abdelrhani Elachqar , Anouar Alami , Abdelilah El Hallaoui
Published: December 2010

New racemic methyl or ethyl α-aminoglycinate derivatives were synthesized by N-alkylation of amines (aniline, 4-methylaniline, 2-methylaniline, 2,4-dimethoxyaniline, 2-nitroaniline, 4-chloro-2-fluoroaniline, 2-naphthylamine, benzylamine, N,N-dibenzylamine, and cyclohexylamine) with methyl or ethyl α-azidoglycinate.
Molecular Modeling Studies on 11H-Dibenz[b,e]azepine and Dibenz[b,f][1,4]oxazepine Derivatives as Potent Agonists of the Human TRPA1 Receptor
Authors: Ai Yong , Song Fa-Jun , Wang Shao-Teng , Sun Qiang , Sun Ping-Hua
Published: December 2010

A computational strategy based on comparative molecular fields analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) was performed on a series of the 11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine and dibenz[b,f][1,4]oxazepine derivatives as potent agonists of the human TRPA1 receptor. The CoMFA and CoMSIA models resulting from a 21 molecule training set gave r2cv values of 0.631 and 0.542 and r2 values of 0.986 and 0.981, respectively. The statistically significant models were validated by a test set of five compounds with predictive r2pred. values of 0.967 and 0.981 for CoMFA and CoMSIA, respectively. A systemic external validation was also performed on the established models. The information obtained from 3D counter maps could facilitate the design of more potent human TRPA1 receptor agonists.
The Influence of Milling on the Dissolution Performance of Simvastatin
Authors: Zimper Ulrike , Aaltonen Jaakko , Krauel-Goellner Karen , Gordon Keith C. , Strachan Clare J. , Rades Thomas
Published: December 2010

Particle size reduction is a simple means to enhance the dissolution rate of poorly water soluble BCS-class II and IV drugs. However, the major drawback of this process is the possible introduction of process induced disorder. Drugs with different molecular arrangements may exhibit altered properties such as solubility and dissolution rate and, therefore, process induced solid state modifications need to be monitored. The aim of this study was two-fold: firstly, to investigate the dissolution rates of milled and unmilled simvastatin; and secondly, to screen for the main milling factors, as well as factor interactions in a dry ball milling process using simvastatin as model drug, and to optimize the milling procedure with regard to the opposing responses particle size and process induced disorder by application of a central composite face centered design. Particle size was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and image analysis. Process induced disorder was determined by partial least squares (PLS) regression modeling of respective X-ray powder diffractograms (XRPD) and Raman spectra. Valid and significant quadratic models were built. The investigated milling factors were milling frequency, milling time and ball quantity at a set drug load, out of which milling frequency was found to be the most important factor for particle size as well as process induced disorder. Milling frequency and milling time exhibited an interaction effect on the responses. The optimum milling settings using the maximum number of milling balls (60 balls with 4 mm diameter) was determined to be at a milling frequency of 21 Hz and a milling time of 36 min with a resulting primary particle size of 1.4 μm and a process induced disorder of 6.1% (assessed by Raman spectroscopy) and 8.4% (assessed by XRPD), at a set optimization limit of < 2 μm for particle size and < 10% for process induced disorder. This optimum was tested experimentally and the process induced disorder was determined to be 6.9% (± 2.2) by Raman spectroscopy and 7.8% (± 2.3) by XRPD. Subsequent intrinsic dissolution testing revealed that the process induced disorder was negligible with regard to the dissolution rate. The predicted primary particle size of 1.4 μm could be confirmed experimentally, but due to agglomeration of the primary particles a dissolution rate advantage was not shown, highlighting the importance of dissolution testing at an early stage of drug development.
Application of a Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) to the Study of the Séchilienne Landslide (Isère, France)
Authors: Kasperski Johan , Delacourt Christophe , Allemand Pascal , Potherat Pierre , Jaud Marion , Varrel Eric
Published: December 2010

The active Séchilienne landslide (Isère, France) has been continuously monitored by tacheometry, radar and extensometry devices for 25 years. Indeed, if the 3 mil. m3 of rocks in the active zone named ―Ruines‖ fell down, the debris would dam the Romanche valley. The breaking of the dam by overtopping and rapid erosion would bring a catastrophic flood and other dramatic consequences throughout the valley. Given the rockfall hazard in the most active zone, it is impossible to use targets in this area: Only reflectorless remote sensing techniques can provide information. A time-series of seven Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) point clouds acquired between 2004 and 2007 enable us to monitor the 3D displacements of the whole scanned area, although point coverage is not homogeneous. From this sequential monitoring, the volume of registered collapses can be deduced and the landslide movement along the main geological structures can be inferred. From monitoring associated subsidence and toppling observed on TLS data, it can be deduced that blocks rearrangements are linked to structural settings and that the Séchilienne landslide is complex. To conclude, TLS point clouds enable an accurate monitoring of the evolution of the inaccessible "Ruines" area and, proven its ability to provide reliable kinematic information, even in areas where on-site instrumentation is infeasible.
The Use of Wearable Inertial Motion Sensors in Human Lower Limb Biomechanics Studies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fong Daniel Tik-Pui , Chan Yue-Yan
Published: December 2010

Wearable motion sensors consisting of accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetic sensors are readily available nowadays. The small size and low production costs of motion sensors make them a very good tool for human motions analysis. However, data processing and accuracy of the collected data are important issues for research purposes. In this paper, we aim to review the literature related to usage of inertial sensors in human lower limb biomechanics studies. A systematic search was done in the following search engines: ISI Web of Knowledge, Medline, SportDiscus and IEEE Xplore. Thirty nine full papers and conference abstracts with related topics were included in this review. The type of sensor involved, data collection methods, study design, validation methods and its applications were reviewed.
A propos des Lettres d'Ignace d'Antioche
Authors: Wenger Antoine
Published: December 2010

REB 29 (1971) France p. 313-316.

A. Wenger, A propos des Lettres d'Ignace df Antioche. — La thèse de R. Weijenborg met en cause l'authenticité des Lettres d'Ignace d'Antioche : la recension moyenne, considérée comme authentique, serait en réalité un dérivé de la recension longue. Cela paraît impossible, en particulier d'après la terminologie christologique dont on ne peut admettre qu'elle dérive de la recension longue (deuxième moitié du IVe siècle).
Les lettres de Grégoire, higoumène d'Oxia
Authors: Gautier Paul
Published: December 2010

REB 31 1973 France p. 203-227

P. Gautier, Le dossier épistolaire de Grégoire, higoumène d'Oxia. — C'est une édition sans traduction de cinq lettres de Grégoire et d'une lettre de Théodore Prodrome, avec une notice biographique sur chacun des correspondants. On y apprend, entre autres choses, que Grégoire était le neveu de l'archevêque de Bulgarie, sans doute Jean Comnène, et qu'il fut higoumène du monastère d'Oxia, dit à tort du Bulgare, au milieu et dans la seconde moitié du XIIe siècle. Les correspondants de Grégoire sont peu connus.
Listes épiscopales du concile de Nicée (787)
Authors: Darrouzès Jean
Published: December 2010

REB 33 1975 France p. 5-76

J. Darrouzès, Listes episcopates du concile de Nicée (787) . — Les listes conciliaires restent la source principale de la géographie ecclésiastique ancienne (jusqu'au IXe s.). Celles du concile de 787 portent témoignage de la situation particulière des évêchés de l'Illyricum avant leur intégration dans le système hiérarchique byzantin. L'étude de la répartition intérieure des suffragants par métropoles repose sur un tableau général des noms selon les diverses listes de présence et de signature ; les noms grecs de ce tableau sont reclassés dans un index alphabétique des sièges (en français). Malgré la médiocrité des éditions, l'utilisation de ces listes est possible à condition d'appliquer les critères de la hiérarchie des sièges.
Autogestion et privatisations en Yougoslavie
Authors: Drouet Michel
Published: December 2010

Bien qu'ayant depuis les années 50 un marché des biens et services, le système économique yougoslave reste marqué jusqu'à la fin des années 80 par la propriété sociale des moyens de production. Ce régime de propriété serait à l'origine d'une relative inefficience dans l'affectation des ressources, notamment celle du capital (capacité d'autofinancement des entreprises réduite, persistance d'une contrainte budgétaire douce) d'où l'acuité du thème de la privatisation des actifs des entreprises.

Un programme de privatisation détermine les acteurs à l'origine du processus, les modalités du transfert des actifs (gratuit/payant, dans ce cas à quel prix) et le type d'actionnariat recherché (étranger/national, diffus/concentré). Les programmes définis en Yougoslavie jusqu'à l'été 1991 retiennent l'ensemble des modalités possibles hormis la distribution gratuite des actifs ; compte tenu de l'autogestion et de la faiblesse de l'épargne nationale, ils privilégient de fait l'actionnariat des salariés. En découlent la lenteur du processus de privatisation et des limites aux effets positifs attendus de la privatisation, ce qui conduit a remettre au premier plan la restructuration des entreprises demeurant sociales ainsi que la modification des relations, héritées de l'autogestion, des entreprises avec le secteur bancaire.
L'ordre social soviétique et l'économie administrée. Une grille utile pour l'analyse du post-communisme
Authors: Pouliquen Alain
Published: December 2010

L'analyse de l'Economie de Type Soviétique (ETS) comme dysfonctionnement ou réalisation imparfaite de l'« Économie Centralement Planifiée » a beaucoup apporté à sa connaissance et à sa compréhension. En revanche, cette problématique évitait largement la question des voies et moyens, en réalité largement décentralisés, par lesquels l'ETS a positivement assuré longtemps sa cohérence, sa viabilité et son progrès.

La construction de l'« économie de la pénurie » (J. Kornaï et ses disciples) a ouvert ce champ à l'analyse économique en élucidant le rôle-clef joué, sur ce plan, par les ajustements et rétroactions de « pénurie », à l'œuvre à tous les niveaux de l'économie. Mais la qualité et l'orientation de ces auto-régulations décentralisées apparaissent comme hautement tributaires de celles des lois de comportement des acteurs économiques de tout niveau et de leurs relations sociales spécifiques, dont l'assemblage global compose l'« Ordre Social Soviétique ». Nos observations, comme les progrès de la sociologie non officielle de l'ère communiste à l'Est, nous indiquent que c'est en effet essentiellement en tant que sujets de cet ordre social que ces acteurs agissent.

Cette approche conduit à considérer cet ordre social comme le « système nerveux » décentralisateur et unificateur de l'ETS. Elle a des conséquences importantes pour l'analyse de celle-ci à l'époque communiste, mais aussi pour celle des décompositions et recompositions économiques du post-communisme.
Agir ou subir : les nomenklaturas polonaise et tchèque face à la grande mutation économique (1988-1993)
Authors: Mink Georges , Szurek Jean-Charles
Published: December 2010

To act or to endure : the Polish and Czech nomenklaturas faced with major economic change (1988-1993).

The communist nomenklatura took the opportunity offered by the circumstances and their positions to profit by the change of regime - which, paradoxically, benefited them more than any other social group, even more than those on behalf of whom (workers, intellectuals) and by whom (human rights activists, democratic opposition, partisans of economic liberalism) the soviet-type social system was overthrown.

The authors conducted an empirical study (interviews with members of the former nomenklatura, converted to the private entreprise) in order to test the hypothesis of the existence of two different models of conversion, the first consisting in anticipation strategies (Hungary, Poland), the second in strategies of mere survival (Czech republic).
Structures et acteurs en République tchèque depuis 1989
Authors: Machonin Pavel , Tuček Milan
Published: December 2010

The Czech Republic since 1989 : structures and actors.

The main aim of this article is to communicate the recent results of certain studies - or of analysis arising therefrom - which have been carried out on the structure of Czech society. In this way, the authors hope to give an exact outline of the new structure which is gradually taking shape during this first phase of post-communist transformation. For this purpose, they first of all go back to the end of the 1980' s, recalling what type of social structure it was that the Czech Republic began to break away from, and what were the underlying causes of this about-turn.

And again, who are the prime movers in this change, who cleared the way for society's current transformation ? A description of the characteristics of their group may serve as a succint summary of the social context within which political development has taken place over the last five years. It may also serve to highlight the social environment of new political élites. Finally, this article seeks to answer the following questions : are we seeing the emergence of a new social differentiation within the Czech Republic ? What are the factors having the most marked bearing on this ? Which social groups are « winners » and « losers » during the process of differentiation ? Is it already possible to identify the lineaments of these new social structures in more concrete terms ? What possible, and what probable, direction are society's efforts at restructuring likely to follow in the near future ?