bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiments on the distortion of steel bars across cracks in reinforced concrete slabs
Authors: Morley C. T.
Published: July 2012

Summary

Long narrow model concrete slabs were bent in such a way that strains were everywhere uniaxial, thus simulating a yield line at different angles to the bars in a layer of mild-steel tensile reinforcement, so that the effect of distortion of steel across cracks could be directly measured. Most slabs were tested with zero membrane force normal to the yield line, but others were tested in proportional loading with different ratios of moment to membrane force. Separate analysis of the stresses in the steel and concrete shows that distortion of steel was insignificant at all stages after cracking.
A three-dimensional stress distribution problem in the anchorage zone of a post-tensioned concrete beam
Authors: Sundara Raja Iyengar K. T. , Yogananda C. V.
Published: July 2012

Summary

The results of a theoretical investigation carried out in the Department of Civil Engineering of the Indian Institute of Science to determine the stress distribution in the anchorage zone of a post-tensioned concrete beam are described. The problem was idealized as that of a circular concrete beam with a co-axial cable duct due to the application of circular concentrated load at one of its ends. A three-dimensional elasticity solution satisfying all the equations is given and the resulting numerical results are compared with those of other investigators.
A consistent limit-analysis theory for reinforced concrete slabs
Authors: Save M.
Published: July 2012

Summary

The paper aims to show that a consistent limit-analysis theory for reinforced concrete slabs can include the recent advances in yield-line theory. It starts by accepting a physical yield criterion for an element of a slab (a bending moment criterion), derives the yield surface in moment space, assumes plastic potential (normality law) and shows that yielding can occur in the form of yield lines and also of yielding regions. The fundamental theorems of limit analysis are then stated. Nodal-force theory is defined and the concept of upper-bound moment field is examined. Connexions between various approaches to nodal-forces formulae are noted, and particular aspects, such as the intersection of yield lines and the existence of torque in the yield lines, are discussed.
Differential thermal analysis in vacuo of pastes of Portland cement and of β-dicalcium silicate
Authors: Mikhail R. Sh. , Hussein A. T. , Gouda V. K.
Published: July 2012

Summary

Differential thermal analysis curves were obtained for a Portland cement paste and a fl-dicalcium silicate paste (β-C2S paste), by heating in vacuo and in air up to 1,200°C. The vacuum thermograms of both pastes showed a first single endotherm at 140 to 143°C which is mainly characteristic for the decomposition of tobermorite gel. For the Portland cement paste, this includes also the decomposition of the smaller amounts of aluminate hydrated salts. A second peak which appeared at 360 to 385°C is due to the decomposition of calcium hydroxide. Thermograms obtained by heating in air differ considerably from those obtained in vacuo. The first endothermal effect which mainly characterizes the decomposition of the tobermorite gel showed more than one peak; and the temperature, shape and area of the peaks are all affected by heating in air. These effects may be due to the reversibility of the reaction and to the liability of the dehydrated products to be rehydrated at an accelerated rate in the presence of air. At high temperatures, DTA in vacuo seems to be a useful technique for resolving some peaks which apparently are fused into a single effect in the air thermogram.
The shear strength of rectangular reinforced and prestressed concrete beams
Authors: Ojha S. K.
Published: July 2012

Summary

This paper describes a method of calculating the shear strength of reinforced and prestressed concrete rectangular beams under one or two point loads. A new failure criterion for the concrete of the compression zone has been developed with the help of the ‘distortion energy’ principle. A comparison with other criteria shows that this hypothesis describes the failure pattern of concrete with reasonable safety. The inclination of shear cracks has been introduced as an independent variable in this method. The expressions developed cover bending failure as a special case. The calculated results show good agreement with experimental evidence.
Briefing: Potential for ground energy systems in the waste industry
Authors: Preene Martin , Brown David
Published: July 2012

There are significant economic and environmental drivers for the reduction of industrial energy usage, and there is a corresponding interest in renewable and alternative sources of energy. Ground energy systems are an established low and zero carbon dioxide technology widely used in the UK outside the waste management industry to reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions associated with the heating and cooling of buildings and industrial processes. To date very few ground energy applications have been implemented on waste management sites. This may be a missed opportunity because many sites contain heat sources (including landfilled waste, leachate and compost) at elevated temperatures relative to natural ground. If these heat sources can be exploited and matched to on-site or off-site heat demands there are considerable opportunities to reduce energy costs, improve environmental performance and provide additional revenue streams to site operators.
Carbon storage, timber production, and biodiversity: comparing ecosystem services with multi‐criteria decision analysis
Authors: Schwenk W. Scott , Donovan Therese M. , Keeton William S. , Nunery Jared S.
Published: July 2012

Increasingly, land managers seek ways to manage forests for multiple ecosystem services and functions, yet considerable challenges exist in comparing disparate services and balancing trade‐offs among them. We applied multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and forest simulation models to simultaneously consider three objectives: (1) storing carbon, (2) producing timber and wood products, and (3) sustaining biodiversity. We used the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) applied to 42 northern hardwood sites to simulate forest development over 100 years and to estimate carbon storage and timber production. We estimated biodiversity implications with occupancy models for 51 terrestrial bird species that were linked to FVS outputs. We simulated four alternative management prescriptions that spanned a range of harvesting intensities and forest structure retention. We found that silvicultural approaches emphasizing less frequent harvesting and greater structural retention could be expected to achieve the greatest net carbon storage but also produce less timber. More intensive prescriptions would enhance biodiversity because positive responses of early successional species exceeded negative responses of late successional species within the heavily forested study area. The combinations of weights assigned to objectives had a large influence on which prescriptions were scored as optimal. Overall, we found that a diversity of silvicultural approaches is likely to be preferable to any single approach, emphasizing the need for landscape‐scale management to provide a full range of ecosystem goods and services. Our analytical framework that combined MCDA with forest simulation modeling was a powerful tool in understanding trade‐offs among management objectives and how they can be simultaneously accommodated.
Birds and bats reduce insect biomass and leaf damage in tropical forest restoration sites
Authors: Morrison Emily B. , Lindell Catherine A.
Published: July 2012

Both birds and bats are important insect predators in tropical systems. However, the relative influence of birds and bats on insect populations and their indirect effects on leaf damage have not previously been investigated in tropical forest restoration sites. Leaf damage by herbivorous insects can negatively affect the growth and survival of tropical plants and thus can influence the success of tropical forest restoration efforts. We used an exclosure experiment to examine the top‐down effects of birds and bats on insects and leaf damage in a large‐scale forest restoration experiment. Given the potential influence of tree planting design on bird and bat abundances, we also investigated planting design effects on bird and bat insectivory and leaf damage. The experiment included two planting treatment plots: islands, where trees were planted in patches, and plantations, where trees were planted in rows to create continuous cover. In both types of plots, insect biomass was highest on tree branches where both birds and bats were excluded from foraging and lowest on branches without exclosures where both birds and bats were present. In the island plots, birds and bats had approximately equal impacts on insect populations, while in plantations bats appeared to have a slightly stronger effect on insects than did birds. In plantations, the levels of leaf damage were higher on branches where birds and bats were excluded than on branches where both had access. In island plots, no significant differences in leaf damage were found between exclosure treatments although potential patterns were in the same direction as in the plantations. Our results suggest that both birds and bats play important roles as top predators in restoration systems by reducing herbivorous insects and their damage to planted trees. Tropical restoration projects should include efforts to attract and provide suitable habitat for birds and bats, given their demonstrated ecological importance.
Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α Inhibits Transforming Growth Factor‐β–Stimulated Myofibroblastic Differentiation and Extracellular Matrix Production in Human Gingival Fibroblasts
Authors: Arancibia Rodrigo , Oyarzún Alejandro , Silva Daniel , Tobar Nicolás , Martínez Jorge , Smith Patricio C.
Published: July 2012

Background: Fibroblasts play a critical role during wound healing and chronic inflammation through the synthesis and assembly of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. These responses may be modulated by soluble cytokines and growth factors present in tissues. In the present study, we evaluate whether transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) modulate myofibroblastic differentiation and the production of ECM components.

Methods: Primary cultures of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were stimulated with recombinant TGF‐β1 and TNF‐α. Protein levels of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), type I collagen, heat shock protein‐47 (HSP‐47), fibronectin (FN), ED‐A‐FN, and periostin and activation of the Smad pathway were evaluated through Western blot analysis. α‐SMA and actin fibers were identified by immunofluorescence. TGF‐β1, TNF‐α, and α‐SMA were identified by immunohistochemistry in biopsies of inflamed human gingival tissues. TGF‐β1 activity was evaluated using a plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) reporter transfected in HGFs.

Results: TGF‐β1 stimulated the differentiation of myofibroblasts as evidenced by strong expression of α‐SMA and ED‐A‐FN. Moreover, TGF‐β1 induced the production of type I collagen, HSP‐47, FN, and periostin. Costimulation with TNF‐α and TGF‐β1 significantly reduced the expression of all the above‐mentioned proteins. TNF‐α also inhibited the activation of the Smad2/3 pathway and the activity of the PAI‐1 reporter.

Conclusions: TNF‐α inhibits several cell responses induced by TGF‐β1, including the differentiation of myofibroblasts, the activation of the Smad signaling pathway, and the production of key molecules involved in tissue repair, such as type I collagen, FN, and periostin. The interaction between cytokines may explain the delayed tissue repair observed in chronic inflammation of gingival tissues.
e-Cigarette Awareness, Use, and Harm Perceptions in US Adults
Authors: Pearson Jennifer L. , Richardson Amanda , Niaura Raymond S. , Vallone Donna M. , Abrams David B.
Published: July 2012

Objectives. We estimated e-cigarette (electronic nicotine delivery system) awareness, use, and harm perceptions among US adults.

Methods. We drew data from 2 surveys conducted in 2010: a national online study (n = 2649) and the Legacy Longitudinal Smoker Cohort (n = 3658). We used multivariable models to examine e-cigarette awareness, use, and harm perceptions.

Results. In the online survey, 40.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 37.3, 43.1) had heard of e-cigarettes, with awareness highest among current smokers. Utilization was higher among current smokers (11.4%; 95% CI = 9.3, 14.0) than in the total population (3.4%; 95% CI = 2.6, 4.2), with 2.0% (95% CI = 1.0, 3.8) of former smokers and 0.8% (95% CI = 0.35, 1.7) of never-smokers ever using e-cigarettes. In both surveys, non-Hispanic Whites, current smokers, young adults, and those with at least a high-school diploma were most likely to perceive e-cigarettes as less harmful than regular cigarettes.

Conclusions. Awareness of e-cigarettes is high, and use among current and former smokers is evident. We recommend product regulation and careful surveillance to monitor public health impact and emerging utilization patterns, and to ascertain why, how, and under what conditions e-cigarettes are being used.
Poverty, Housing, and the Rural Slum: Policies and the Production of Inequities, Past and Present
Authors: Ramirez Sarah M. , Villarejo Don
Published: July 2012

We studied historical materials to examine the conditions that gave rise to California's rural slums, the consequences of their emergence, and how interpretations of housing, health, and welfare policies by government officials, and public health officials in particular, produced health inequities for residents of these communities. For more than a century, successive groups of immigrants and domestic migrant laborers have worked on California's farms and faced numerous challenges, among them a lack of safe and affordable housing, poor working conditions, and denial of public services. Although these experiences are not new, nor are they unique to agricultural workers, they illustrate a longer history in which inequities and injustices have been rooted in the exploitation and disposability of labor. Ameliorating or even redressing inequities will require understanding the social determinants of health through ecological approaches that can overcome the historical, social, and political causes of inequity.
Identifying the Core Elements of Effective Community Health Worker Programs: A Research Agenda
Authors: Arvey Sarah R. , Fernandez Maria E.
Published: July 2012

Community health workers (CHWs) are increasingly being incorporated into health programs because they are assumed to effectively deliver health messages in a culturally relevant manner to disenfranchised communities.

Nevertheless, the role of CHWs—who they are, what they do, and how they do it—is tremendously varied. This variability presents a number of challenges for conducting research to determine the effectiveness of CHW programs, and translating research into practice.

We discuss some of these challenges and provide examples from our experience working with CHWs. We call for future research to identify the “core elements” of effective CHW programs that improve the health and well-being of disenfranchised communities.
A New Framework for Childhood Health Promotion: The Role of Policies and Programs in Building Capacity and Foundations of Early Childhood Health
Authors: Mistry Kamila B. , Minkovitz Cynthia S. , Riley Anne W. , Johnson Sara B. , Grason Holly A. , Dubay Lisa C. , Guyer Bernard
Published: July 2012

Although the connection between early life experiences and later health is becoming increasingly clear, what is needed, now, is a new organizing framework for childhood health promotion, grounded in the latest science. We review the evidence base to identify the steps in the overall pathway to ensuring better health for all children. A key factor in optimizing health in early childhood is building capacities of parents and communities. Although often overlooked, capacities are integral to building the foundations of lifelong health in early childhood. We outline a framework for policymakers and practitioners to guide future decision-making and investments in early childhood health promotion.
Reducing Childhood Obesity by Eliminating 100% Fruit Juice
Authors: Wojcicki Janet M. , Heyman Melvin B.
Published: July 2012

The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 presents an opportunity to change the nutritional quality of foods served in low-income childcare centers, including Head Start centers.

Excessive fruit juice consumption is associated with increased risk for obesity. Moreover, there is recent scientific evidence that sucrose consumption without the corresponding fiber, as is commonly present in fruit juice, is associated with the metabolic syndrome, liver injury, and obesity.

Given the increasing risk of obesity among preschool children, we recommend that the US Department of Agriculture’s Child and Adult Food Care Program, which manages the meal patterns in childcare centers such as Head Start, promote the elimination of fruit juice in favor of whole fruit for children.
Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma of High Grade Transformation: The Case Report in the Buccal Mucosa
Authors: Lima Francisco Jadson , Porto Damião Edgleys , Cavalcante Josuel Raimundo , Oka Salomão Cury-Rad , Godoy Gustavo Pina
Published: July 2012

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma was first described by Danath et al. in 1972 and is classified as a rare low-grade biphasic neoplasm of the salivary glands. This case report presents a male patient who had a lesion in the oral mucosa with a history of recurrence of the tumor. The outcome resulted in a profile consistent with an epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma with a high degree of transformation. The case highlights the importance of histopathological evaluation of oral lesions, which occasionally may not present typical clinical aspects of malignant lesion.
Troponin T for the Detection of Dialysis-Induced Myocardial Stunning in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Breidthardt Tobias , Burton James O. , Odudu Aghogho , Eldehni Mohamed Tarek , Jefferies Helen J. , McIntyre Christopher W.
Published: July 2012

Background and objectives

Circulating troponin T levels are frequently elevated in patients undergoing long-term dialysis. The pathophysiology underlying these elevations is controversial.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

In 70 prevalent hemodialysis (HD) patients, HD-induced myocardial stunning was assessed echocardiographically at baseline and after 12 months. Nineteen patients were not available for the follow-up analysis. The extent to which predialysis troponin T was associated with the occurrence of HD-induced myocardial stunning was assessed as the primary endpoint.

Results

The median troponin T level in this hemodialysis cohort was 0.06 ng/ml (interquartile range, 0.02–0.10). At baseline, 64% of patients experienced myocardial stunning. These patients showed significantly higher troponin T levels than patients without stunning (0.08 ng/ml [0.05–0.12] versus 0.02 ng/ml [0.01–0.05]). Troponin T levels were significantly correlated to measures of myocardial stunning severity (number of affected segments: r=0.42; change in ejection fraction from beginning of dialysis to end of dialysis: r=−0.45). In receiver-operating characteristic analyses, predialytic troponin T achieved an area under the curve of 0.82 for the detection of myocardial stunning. In multivariable analysis, only ultrafiltration volume (odds ratio, 4.38 for every additional liter) and troponin T (odds ratio, 9.33 for every additional 0.1 ng/ml) were independently associated with myocardial stunning. After 12 months, nine patients had newly developed myocardial stunning and showed a significant increase in troponin T over baseline (0.03 ng/ml at baseline versus 0.05 ng/ml at year 1).

Conclusions

Troponin T levels in HD patients are associated with the presence and severity of HD-induced myocardial stunning.
Hemodialysis-Induced Regional Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction
Authors: Assa Solmaz , Hummel Yoran M. , Voors Adriaan A. , Kuipers Johanna , Westerhuis Ralf , de Jong Paul E. , Franssen Casper F.M.
Published: July 2012

Background and objectives

The hemodialysis procedure may acutely induce regional left ventricular systolic dysfunction. This study evaluated the prevalence, time course, and associated patient- and dialysis-related factors of this entity and its association with outcome.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Hemodialysis patients (105) on a three times per week dialysis schedule were studied between March of 2009 and March of 2010. Echocardiography was performed before dialysis, at 60 and 180 minutes intradialysis, and at 30 minutes postdialysis. Hemodialysis-induced regional left ventricular systolic dysfunction was defined as an increase in wall motion score in more than or equal to two segments.

Results

Hemodialysis-induced regional left ventricular systolic dysfunction occurred in 29 (27%) patients; 17 patients developed regional left ventricular systolic dysfunction 60 minutes after onset of dialysis. Patients with hemodialysis-induced left ventricular systolic dysfunction were more often male, had higher left ventricular mass index, and had worse predialysis left ventricular systolic function (left ventricular ejection fraction). The course of blood volume, BP, heart rate, electrolytes, and acid–base parameters during dialysis did not differ significantly between the two groups. Patients with hemodialysis-induced regional left ventricular systolic dysfunction had a significantly higher mortality after correction for age, sex, dialysis vintage, diabetes, cardiovascular history, ultrafiltration volume, left ventricular mass index, and predialysis wall motion score index.

Conclusions

Hemodialysis induces regional wall motion abnormalities in a significant proportion of patients, and these changes are independently associated with increased mortality. Hemodialysis-induced regional left ventricular systolic dysfunction occurs early during hemodialysis and is not related to changes in blood volume, electrolytes, and acid–base parameters.
A Randomized Trial Comparing Buttonhole with Rope Ladder Needling in Conventional Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: MacRae Jennifer M. , Ahmed Sofia B. , Atkar Rajneet , Hemmelgarn Brenda R.
Published: July 2012

Background and objectives

Buttonhole needling is reported to be associated with less pain than standard needling. The purpose of this study was to compare patient perceived pain and fistula complications in buttonhole and standard needling.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

In this study, 140 conventional hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to buttonhole or standard needling. The primary outcome was patient perceived pain with needling at 8 weeks. Fistula complications of hematoma, bleeding postdialysis, and infection were tracked.

Results

Median pain score at 8 weeks using a visual analog scale from 0 to 10 cm was similar for standard and buttonhole needling (1.2 [0.4–2.4] versus 1.5 [0.5–3.4]; P=0.57). Rate of hematoma formation in standard needling was higher (436 versus 295 of 1000 hemodialysis sessions; P=0.03). Rate of no bleeding postdialysis was 23.6 and 28.3 per 1000 in standard and buttonhole needling, respectively (P=0.40). Rate of localized signs of infection in standard versus buttonhole needling was 22.4 versus 50 per 1000 (P=0.003). There was one episode of Staphylococcal aureus bacteremia during the 8 weeks with buttonhole needling and no episodes with standard needling (P=1.00). Within 12 months of follow-up, another two buttonhole needling episodes developed S. aureus bacteremia, and nine buttonhole needling episodes had needling site abscesses requiring intravenous antibiotics versus zero standard needling episodes (P=0.003).

Conclusions

Patients had no difference in pain between buttonhole and standard needling. Although fewer buttonhole needling patients developed a hematoma, there was an increased risk of bacteremia and localized signs of infection. Routine use of buttonhole needling is associated with increased infection risk.
Knowledge based economy: The role of expert diaspora
Authors: Filipovic Jovan , Devjak Srecko , Putnik Goran
Published: July 2012

Diasporas stand out as an economic or cultural avant-garde of transformation.
This is especially true for academic and other intellectual Diaspora
communities, because science and knowledge creation are global enterprises.
Proclivity of knowledge workers to move in order to improve and absorb
transnational knowledge through Diaspora networks might be an essential
quality of an emerging national economy of a developing country. The article
treats the role of expert Diaspora in knowledge based economy, innovation and
talent management. Besides presenting the essentials of knowledge based
economy and innovation, it discusses the role of expert Diaspora in science,
technology and innovation (STI) capacity building. Also, the article
emphasizes the importance of leadership for talent and its implications for
Diaspora. Using WEF statistics, it illustrates negative consequences of the
sad policy of ?Chaseaway the brightest and the best? for innovative capacity,
competitiveness, and prosperity of nations.
WASP light curve of the eclipsing binary VZ CVn
Authors: Latkovic O.
Published: July 2012

The WASP light curve of the eclipsing binary VZ CVn, consisting of more than
14000 individual observations, is analyzed for photometric elements using the
modeling code of Djurasevic (1992). The spectroscopic parameters are adopted
from the recent radial velocity work by Pribulla et al. (2009). The results
of the study include new times of minimum light, an improved ephemeris, and
the updated physical and orbital parameters of the system.
IgA Anti-transglutaminase Autoantibodies at Type 1 Diabetes Onset Are Less Frequent in Adult Patients and Are Associated With a General Celiac-Specific Lower Immune Response in Comparison With Nondiabetic Celiac Patients at Diagnosis
Authors: Tiberti Claudio , Panimolle Francesca , Bonamico Margherita , Shashaj Blegina , Filardi Tiziana , Lucantoni Federica , Nenna Raffaella , Costantino Francesco , Lenzi Andrea , Morano Susanna
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the celiac-associated humoral autoimmunity in child, adolescent, and adult patients at type 1 diabetes (DM1) onset and to determine whether DM1 celiac-specific humoral immunoreactivity occurs similarly to that in nondiabetic patients at celiac disease (CD) diagnosis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

IgA anti-transglutaminase autoantibody (IgA-tTGAb) was detected in 654 new-onset DM1 sera. IgA-tTGAb+ DM1 sera were subsequently analyzed for IgG-tTG, deamidated gliadin (DGP), and actin antibodies, and results were compared with those found in 83 screen-detected nondiabetic patients at CD diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 12.8% DM1 sera were IgA-tTGAb+, with a lower autoantibody frequency in adult patients aged >18 years (6.8 vs. 15.1%, aged ≤18 years; P = 0.005). IgA-tTGAb titers, IgG-tTGAb, and DGPAb frequency/titers and mean number of celiac-autoantibody positivities per patient were significantly lower in IgA-tTGAb+ DM1 compared with nondiabetic CD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Age of diabetes onset is negatively associated with risk of CD. The celiac-specific humoral immunoreactivity at DM1 onset is significantly lower compared with that found in nondiabetic patients at CD diagnosis.
Growth-Differentiation Factor 15 Predicts Worsening of Albuminuria in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Hellemons Merel E. , Mazagova Magdalena , Gansevoort Ron T. , Henning Robert H. , de Zeeuw Dick , Bakker Stephan J.L. , Lambers-Heerspink Hiddo J. , Deelman Leo E.
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

Development of micro- or macroalbuminuria is associated with increased risk of cardiorenal complications, particularly in diabetes. For prevention of transition to micro- or macroalbuminuria, more accurate prediction markers on top of classical risk markers are needed. We studied a promising new marker, growth-differentiation factor (GDF)-15, to predict transition to increasing stage of albuminuria in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition, we looked at the GDF-15 potential in nondiabetic subjects with hypertension (HT).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Case and control subjects were selected from the PREVEND cohort, a large (n = 8,592), prospective general population study on the natural course of albuminuria, with >10 years of follow-up and repeated albuminuria measurements. We found 24 T2DM and 50 HT case subjects transitioning from normo- to macroalbuminuria and 9 T2DM and 25 HT case subjects transitioning from micro- to macroalbuminuria (average follow-up 2.8 years). Control subjects with stable albuminuria were pair matched for age, sex, albuminuria status, and diabetes duration. GDF-15 was measured in samples prior to albuminuria transition.

RESULTS

Prior to transition, GDF-15 was significantly higher in case subjects with T2DM than in control subjects (median [IQR] 1,288 pg/mL [885–1,546] vs. 948 pg/mL [660–1,016], P < 0.001). The odds ratio for transition in albuminuria increased significantly per SD of GDF-15 (2.9 [95% CI 1.1–7.5], P = 0.03). GDF-15 also improved prediction of albuminuria transition, with significant increases in C statistic (from 0.87 to 0.92, P = 0.03) and integrated discrimination improvement (0.148, P = 0.001). In HT, GDF-15 was also independently associated with transition in albuminuria stage (2.0 [1.1–3.5], P = 0.02) and improved prediction significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified GDF-15 as a clinically valuable marker for predicting transition in albuminuria stage in T2DM beyond conventional risk markers. These findings were confirmed in nondiabetic HT subjects.
Effect of selenium in organic and inorganic form on liver, kidney, brain and muscle of Wistar rats
Authors: Sochor Jiri , Pohanka Miroslav , Ruttkay-Nedecky Branislav , Zitka Ondrej , Hynek David , Mares Petr , Zeman Ladislav , Adam Vojtech , Kizek Rene
Published: July 2012

Selenium is a micronutrient, localized in the active sites of enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase, and participating together with these enzymes in an antioxidant defence system of organisms against free radicals. Administration of selenium is necessary for maintaining oxidative homeostasis. The present experiment is aimed at investigation of selenium impact on basal metabolic processes and selected antioxidants in a Wistar rat model, fed selenium in organic and inorganic forms. Liver, kidney, brain and muscle were sampled during a month-long feeding with four different doses of selenium (0.075 mg or 1.5 mg of inorganic and/or organic selenium per kg of feed). We found a significant reduction in glutathione level in liver tissue regardless of the form of the administered selenium. On the other hand, selenium caused a decreased glutathione reductase level in the liver and metallothionein level in the liver, kidney and muscle.
The effects on soil/water/plant/animal systems by platinum group elements
Authors: Sobrova Pavlina , Zehnalek Josef , Adam Vojtech , Beklova Miroslava , Kizek Rene
Published: July 2012

Emissions of toxic substances such as oxides of carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, and, in addition, aromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes and heavy metals are the most serious problem of road traffic affecting landscape. Platinum group elements (PGE), which are the main component of the catalyst, are one of the main sources of heavy metals in the environment. Here, we review the way by which emissions and forms of the emitted PGE end up in the environment especially to the soil-water-plant-animal system. The major points discussed are the following: 1) the main sources of PGE emission are automobile exhaust catalysts; 2) hospitals, where platinum is widely used to treat malignant neoplasm, and urban waste water belonging to other important sources of PGE in the environment; 3) soil is one of the most important components of the environment that may be contaminated with platinum metals; 4) phytotoxicity of PGE depends on the following conditions: the concentration of metals in the soil, time of exposure, the chemical form of metal, the chemical composition of exposed soil and plant species; 5) animals are also endangered by the increasing concentration of PGE in the environment. Moreover, we pay our attention to thiol-based mechanisms of how an organism protects itself against platinum group elements.
Corrosion resistance of stainless steel covered by 4-aminobenzoic acid films
Authors: Adamczyk Lidia , Pietrusiak Anna , Bala Henryk
Published: July 2012

The protective, anticorrosion properties of 4-aminobenzoic acid (4-ABA) films are evaluated in the paper. The 4-ABA films were electrodeposited on the surface of both X20Cr13 stainless steel and glassy carbon electrodes by galvanostatically and cyclic voltammetry methods. The protective properties of the resulting films on stainless steel were investigated in the aggressive medium of acidified (pH=4) 0.25 mol dm−3 K2SO4 in the absence and with the presence of 0.5 mol dm−3 KCl. Morphology of the 4-ABA films was examined using scanning electron microscopy.
Effects of release modifier on Carvedilol release from Kollidon SR based matrix
Authors: Das Urmi , Hossain Mohammad Salim
Published: July 2012

Sustained release Carvedilol matrix tablets constituting Kollidon SR were developed in this study in an attempt to investigate the effect of release modifiers on the release profile of Carvedilol from matrix. Three matrix tablet formulations were prepared by direct compression of Kollidon SR in combination with release modifier (HPMC and Microcrystalline Cellulose) and magnesium stearate. Tablets containing only Kollidon SR with the active ingredient demonstrated a rapid rate of drug release. Incorporation of HPMC in the matrix tablet prolonged the release of drug but incorporation of Microcrystalline Cellulose showed superimposable release pattern with an initial burst effect as confirmed by mean dissolution time and Higuchi release rate data. After 7 hours of dissolution, Carvedilol release from the matrix systems were 91.42%, 83.41%, from formulation F1 and F2 respectively. Formulation F3 exhibited 100 % release at 4 hours. All the tablet formulations showed acceptable pharmaco-technical properties and complied with the in-house specifications for tablet weight variation, friability, hardness, thickness, and diameter. Prepared tablets also showed sustained release property for carvedilol. The drug release mechanism from the matrix tablets of F1 and F2 was found to be followed by Fickian and F3 by Non-Fickian mechanism.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v1i8.11248 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(8): 186-192
Mass digitization of scientific collections: New opportunities to transform the use of biological specimens and underwrite biodiversity science
Authors: Beaman Reed , Cellinese Nico
Published: July 2012

New information technologies have enabled the scientific collections community and its stakeholders to adapt, adopt, and leverage novel approaches for a nearly 300 years old scientific discipline. Now, few can credibly question the transformational impact of technology on efforts to digitize scientific collections, as IT now reaches into almost every nook and cranny of society. Five to ten years ago this was not the case. Digitization is an activity that museums and academic institutions increasingly recognize, though many still do not embrace, as a means to boost the impact of collections to research and society through improved access. The acquisition and use of scientific collections is a global endeavor, and digitization enhances their value by improved access to core biodiversity information, increases use, relevance and potential downstream value, for example, in the management of natural resources, policy development, food security, and planetary and human health. This paper examines new opportunities to design and implement infrastructure that will support not just mass digitization efforts, but also a broad range of research on biological diversity and physical sciences in order to make scientific collections increasingly relevant to societal needs and interest.
L'enfant, sa vie sexuelle et son psychothérapeute
Authors: Hayez Jean-Yves
Published: July 2012

Avant l’achèvement de sa puberté, le psychothérapeute génère-t-il suffisamment d’échanges avec l’enfant à propos de sa vie sexuelle ? L’auteur en doute et décrit sa manière de procéder dans ce domaine, en se centrant davantage sur la sexualité désirée par l’enfant-sujet que sur celle subie dans l’abus sexuel. Il rappelle enfin que la fonction des éducateurs et des psychothérapeutes est partiellement différente pour accompagner l’enfant dans la gestion de sa sexualité.
Russie : le Web réinvente-t-il la politique ?
Authors: Nocetti Julien
Published: July 2012

Le Web connaît en Russie un développement spectaculaire, ouvrant un espace politique intermédiaire où les contestataires du régime ont pu se coaliser, comme l’ont montré les événements de fin 2011 et début 2012. Face à cet usage qui se diffuse, les autorités s’adaptent au Web par une approche visant à intégrer le numérique à la gouvernance du pays et par un contrôle sophistiqué du réseau. Dans la Russie de 2012, la politique se numérise tout autant que le numérique se politise.
Quand la crise menace la politique extérieure de l'Union européenne
Authors: Pertusot Vivien
Published: July 2012

La politique étrangère de l’Union européenne est en crise. L’Europe est en voie de démilitarisation et mise encore sur l’OTAN quand il s’agit de mener des opérations d’envergure. Pour ce qui est du soft power , l’UE a perdu de son aura, comme semble le montrer le « printemps arabe ». Dans ce contexte difficile, le Service européen pour l’action extérieure peine à produire des résultats convaincants et les États membres à affronter ces questions.
Un poeta-filologo al lavoro: Apollonio Rodio e la storia di Cizico (1, 935-1152)
Authors: Cozzoli Adele-Teresa
Published: July 2012

On peut se fonder sur une série importante
d’indices pour dire qu’il est probable que, pour l’épisode de Cyzique,
Apollonios a puisé à l’ensemble des sources historiques disponibles à
son époque, depuis les archives des temples jusqu’aux récits des
auteurs locaux, dans le but de récupérer les souvenirs les plus
anciens et les plus traditionnels du lieu. Il semble même que, dans
cet épisode des Argonautiques, il a développé
non seulement de simples notices, mais aussi un texte en hexamètre
qu’il avait peut-être déjà partiellement élaboré pour un autre projet
éditorial, peut-être une Fondation de Cyzique.
Une sélection minutieuse des variantes a été dès lors nécessaire afin
de réconcilier les mythes locaux relatifs à l’histoire de Cyzique et
l’épopée argonautique, mais aussi pour démêler les différents
témoignages écrits et oraux relatifs à la légende d’Héraclès qui
étaient associés à Cyzique. Jusqu’ici apparaissent dans toute leur
importance les qualités critiques et scientifiques du philologue
qu’est Apollonios, tandis qu’il appartient en propre au poète qu’est
Apollonios d’avoir fait de l’escale à Cyzique un point crucial dans le
voyage et dans le récit : alors qu’Héraclès est sur le point d’être
abandonné en Mysie dans l’épisode suivant, l’affirmation du caractère
sacré inéluctable des oracles met en évidence non seulement pour
l’oracle d’Apollon concernant Cyzique, mais aussi implicitement pour
l’oracle qui régit le début de l’expédition, que la volonté divine a
toute autorité en imposant Jason comme chef pour le succès de
l’entreprise.
Mediation vs. force: thoughts on female agency in Apollonius Rhodius' Argonautica
Authors: Mori Anatole
Published: July 2012

Cet article fait la proposition
que l’influence culturelle de la reine ptolémaïque a probablement
contribué à formuler à l’époque hellénistique une nouvelle « parole »
féminine, y compris dans une poésie alexandrine composée par des
hommes. Le sang-froid, la coopération et les autres « vertus
argonautiques » sont ainsi manifestés par des figures de pouvoir aussi
bien féminines que masculines. Dans le cas d’Héra, son intercession en
faveur de ses héros préférés rappelle l’action de son homologue
homérique, mais du fait de la marginalisation de Zeus le rôle d’Héra
en tant qu’intercesseur (maternel) n’est pas seulement mis davantage
en évidence, mais également davantage célébré. En outre, la manière
dont Héra exerce l’autorité à travers une série d’ordres indirects
contraste favorablement avec le pouvoir puissant, ne comptant que sur
lui-même, de Médée, d’Héraclès ou d’autres figures héroïques.
Epimenide e l’epos argonautico
Authors: Martina Antonio
Published: July 2012

L’articolo intende analizzare la
presenza di motivi desunti dall’epos argonautico in due frammenti di
Epimenide (PEG 58-59 F = FGrHist 457 FF 11-12), confrontandoli in modo
particolare con le Argonautiche di Apollonio
Rodio. In un caso è evidente l’affinità con l’opera di Eumelo di
Corinto, nell’altro Epimenide attingeva forse a un’indipendente saga
di Frisso e dei suoi figli. Il suo interessa per l’epos argonautico in generale doveva probabilmente
essere dovuto anche all’intersezione tra esso e l’isola di Creta.
Phaeacians at the birthday party: A.P. 11.44 (Philodemus) and its epic background
Authors: Bettenworth Anja
Published: July 2012

Dans son célèbre poème
d’invitation adressé à Pison, Philodème se réfère explicitement à
l’épisode phéacien d’Homère, quand il décrit les plaisirs qui
attendent son hôte. Par voie de conséquence, la discussion portant sur
les allusions épiques du poème de Philodème se sont principalement
concentrées sur le copieux banquet à Schérie. Cet article montre que,
à côté du modèle phéacien, Philodème évoque aussi le séjour d’Ulysse
dans l’humble cabane d’Eumée. L’allusion à ces deux scènes homériques
d’hospitalité permet de souligner la combinaison de biens matériels et
immatériels qui caractérise le festin à venir de Philodème. L’allusion
à Homère souligne également le sous-entendu poétique de l’épigramme en
général et, de manière plus spécifique, permet de clarifier la
signification très controversée du vers 7.
Poetry in the Iron Age: interplay of voices in Callimachus’ Iambi
Authors: Giuseppetti Massimo
Published: July 2012

Cet article explore l’utilisation
de la poésie iambique archaïque dans les Iambes
de Callimaque. En tant qu’iambographe, le poète hellénistique se place
en dehors de la sphère de la haute poésie dont il relève en général et
sa nouvelle et « légère » écriture iambique s’engage dans une
confrontation avec les adversaires à la fois personnels et littéraires
de Callimaque.
Strasbourg et les femmes publicistes du XVIe siècle
Authors: Heitz Anne-Marie
Published: July 2012

La Réformation a apporté de profondes modifications à la vie des femmes au XVIe siècle. A Strasbourg, des femmes ont su à la fois profiter des avantages que leur procurait la Réformation et utiliser les arguments évangéliques pour se créer de nouveaux rôles. Certaines n’ont ainsi pas hésité à intervenir dans la sphère publique, qui leur était pourtant fermée à cette époque.
Livres et livrets sur les fêtes princières à l’époque du Reichsland Elsass-Lothringen
Authors: Buscot Gilles
Published: July 2012

Si les fêtes impériales qui ont lieu dans le Reichsland Elsass-Lothringen constituent un outil au service de la (re)germanisation des esprits, cette remarque vaut tout autant pour les livres, livrets et brochures qui en relatent le contenu et en prolongent le souvenir. Ce type d’ouvrages va fleurir en Alsace et en Lorraine entre 1871 et 1918. Leur stratégie pédagogique est de créer l’impression d’une continuité historique avec des fêtes princières germaniques beaucoup plus anciennes, ce qui revient à minimiser ou à nier la « parenthèse » française qu’ont connu l’Alsace et la Lorraine depuis la Paix de Westphalie.
Aux origines de la vigne et du vin dans les vallées du Rhin et de la Moselle
Authors: Schnitzler Bernadette
Published: July 2012

Si la vigne sauvage semble présente dès le Néolithique dans la région et si la consommation de vin importé du Sud de la Gaule lors de banquets rituels est un important élément de prestige pour les princes celtes, c’est aux Romains que l’on doit le large développement de sa culture en Gaule. Textes d’auteurs antiques, amphores de types variés, vaisselle spécialisée, outillage, représentations iconographiques, mais aussi des découvertes de pépins de raisins ou de pressoirs sur certains sites sont autant de témoignages de l’importance de la vigne dans l’Alsace gallo-romaine et dans toute la vallée du Rhin.
Dieu et Bacchus
Authors: Muller Claude
Published: July 2012

En pays-vignoble, comme l’Alsace, la mention de la vigne apparaît à chaque détour d’archives, particulièrement dans les archives religieuses. Dans cet article sont présentés un florilège d’exemples mettant en relation « divin » et « vin » au XVIIIe siècle. Du haut-clergé princier jusqu’au plus modeste ecclésiastique œuvrant en milieu rural, chaque prêtre se trouve en relation avec le jus de la treille.
Un peu de vin casher
Authors: Braun Germaine
Published: July 2012

Consommé essentiellement pour sanctifier les repas du Shabbat et des jours de fête, le vin kasher est élaboré selon des règles très strictes. Quelques documents d’archives relatifs à l’histoire de Bergheim et de Ribeauvillé, livrent des renseignements sur les autorisations données aux juifs pour faire du vin kasher. Ce vin a aussi servi à rembourser un emprunt, contracté par Christian III auprès des juifs Meyer et Baruch Weil, pour acquérir la seigneurie de Bergheim.
Glanes sur l’eau-de-vie en Alsace au Moyen Âge
Authors: Metz Bernhard
Published: July 2012

C’est à partir du 3e quart du XIVe siècle que l’eau-de-vie apparaît en Alsace, et tout d’abord à Colmar, en quantités autres que pharmaceutiques. À la fin du XVIe siècle, on a déjà l’impression d’une production massive. Au départ, on distille uniquement du vin, puis au XVIe siècle aussi de la lie, dont l’alcool semble plus estimé. À cette époque d’essor de la viticulture, cela permet de valoriser une production de vin excédentaire ou de faible qualité. La distillation des fruits, en revanche, n’est pas attestée avant le XVIIIe siècle.
Les boissons dans le Bas-Rhin de 1800 à 1815
Authors: Vogler Chantal
Published: July 2012

Entre 1800-1815, le Bas-Rhin a de fortes garnisons militaires, qui augmentent la consommation de vins, bière et alcools : à Strasbourg, il y a un débit de boissons pour 10 maisons. Les sources sont principalement le Bottin de 1799-1800 et l’étude médicale de Graffenauer en 1816. Le vin, essentiellement blanc, est la principale boisson, mais il est souvent frelaté, surtout parce qu’il est soufré. Cependant sa production, très importante dans le Bas-Rhin, souffre des aléas climatiques (en 1809, 1810 et 1816). La hausse des prix n’est plus compensée comme avant par une politique de régulation. La bière, brune et forte, se buvait au pot et les 280 brasseries n’ont que 4 à 6 ouvriers chacune. L’eau-de-vie (schnaps) est surtout produite à partir de grains ou de pommes de terre, mais on distille aussi les cerises (kirsch) et d’autres fruits. Le café au lait devient une habitude matinale, mais ce n’est pas toujours du vrai café. Le thé est rare. Les eaux minérales d’Alsace ne se transportent pas et on en fait venir des régions proches d’Outre-Rhin.
L’histoire régionale chez les contemporanéistes français (1950-2000)
Authors: Cholvy Gérard
Published: July 2012

L’essor de l’histoire régionale en France date des années 1960, celles de la grande mutation culturelle de la société française. Une demande nouvelle vient du public et du public étudiant, qui se démocratise. L’augmentation du nombre des postes dans les Facultés, l’influence de quelques grands directeurs de recherche favorisent des recherches d’histoire régionale. Le pic des soutenances en histoire régionale contemporaine se situe dans les années 1985-1989. Un déclin s’amorce ensuite. Le vivier des étudiants n’est plus le même. L’éventail des centres d’intérêt s’élargit. L’Annuaire du CNRS (2000) montre qu’il y a plus de docteurs en histoire régionale moderne qu’en contemporaine, alors que le nombre de maîtrises en contemporaine est infiniment plus élevé qu’en moderne. On cherche à en proposer quelques explications.