bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teratogenic Effect of Crude Ethanolic Root Bark and Leaf Extracts of Rauwolfia vomitoria (Apocynaceae) on the Liver of Albino Wistar Rat Fetuses
Authors: Eluwa Mokutima A , Ekanem Theresa B , Udoh Paul B , Akpantah Amabe O , Ekong Moses B , Asuquo Olaitan R , Nwakanma Agnes A
Published: April 2013

Objectives: Rauwolfia vomitoria is a medicinal plant which is used locally for the treatment of a variety of disorders including snake and insect bites and stings, insomnia and insanity. This study was to investigate the teratogenic effect of the ethanolic root bark extract of R. vomitoria on the fetal liver. Material and methods: Twenty-five virgin female Wistar rats weighing between 180 – 200g were used. The animals were divided into 5 groups, labeled A, B, C, D and E, each consisting of 5 rats. Group A rats were the control, while Groups B, C, D and E were the experimental. The female rats at proestrous were mated with sexually matured male rats. The day after was designated as day zero of pregnancy. Groups B and C animals received oral doses of 150mg/kg and 250mg/kg body weight of the root bark extract while groups D and E animals received 150mg/kg and 250mg/kg body weight of the leaf extract respectively from 7th to 11th day of gestation. On the 20th day of gestation, the rats were sacrificed and the fetuses examined for gross anomalies. Each liver was routinely processed using Haematoxylin and Eosin method. Results: Histological observations of the fetal liver showed marked distortion of normal liver architecture in the treated groups when compared with the control, the effect being more pronounced in the groups that received the root bark extract. Conclusions: Our result suggests that ethanolic root bark and leaf extracts of Rauwolfia vomitoria maybe hepatotoxic to the developing rats liver. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i1.6848   Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 30-34
Atmospheric control of sea-ice thickness variability in the Amundsen Gulf, Canadian Beaufort Sea, and over the Labrador Shelf
Authors: Prinsenberg Simon J. , Peterson Ingrid K. , Scott Holladay J. , Galley Ryan J. , Nudds Shannon
Published: April 2013

Sea-ice thicknesses observed in Canadian coastal waters with helicopter-borne electromagnetic–laser sensors show large interannual variability caused by atmospheric fluctuations in two years for two areas where surveys were repeated, one in the Amundsen Gulf of the Canadian Beaufort Sea and one over the Labrador Shelf. For the Amundsen Gulf, the bimodal ice thickness peaks shifted by 40 cm to thinner thicknesses for the warmer winter of 2008 compared with 2004. The thinner ice in 2008 can be explained partially by reduced thermodynamic ice growth during the warmer winter of 2008. In addition, winds from the east were more persistent throughout the winter of 2008, increasing ice export from the Amundsen Gulf and thereby creating open-water areas where new ice growth in late winter produced the thinner ice classes. For the Labrador Shelf, the mean ice thicknesses of the warmer winter of 2011 (0.71 m) were much less than those of the near-normal winter of 2009 (1.60 m). Again the difference can be explained by the fact that along the entire Labrador Shelf the winter of 2011 was much warmer, reducing ice growth and resulting in thinner ice locally and thinner ice being transported into the survey region from northern latitudes. In addition, northwesterly winds occurred less frequently during the winter of 2011, reducing the transport of relatively thicker ice into the survey area from northern latitudes.
Variability of the climatic mass balance of Vestfonna ice cap, northeastern Svalbard, 1979-2011
Authors: Möller Marco , Finkelnburg Roman , Braun Matthias , Scherer Dieter , Schneider Christoph
Published: April 2013

Vestfonna ice cap, northeastern Svalbard, is one of the largest ice bodies in the European Arctic, but little is known about the evolution of its mass balance. This study presents a reconstruction of the climatic mass balance of the ice cap for the period 1979/80-2010/11. The reconstruction is based on calculations using a mass-balance model that combines a surface-elevation-dependent accumulation scheme with a spatially distributed temperature-index ablation model that includes net shortwave radiation. Refreezing is included, based on the basic Pmax approach. The model accounts for cloud-cover effects and surface albedo variations that are calculated by a statistical albedo model. ERA-Interim derived air temperature, precipitation and total cloud-cover data are used as input. Results reveal a mean climatic mass-balance rate of +0.09 ± 0.15 m w.e. a–1 for the study period. Annual balances show a slight, insignificant trend towards less positive values over the study period. Refreezing is estimated to contribute about one-third to annual accumulation, and a significant positive trend in refreezing is present over the study period. The modelling results reveal a significant steepening of the climatic mass-balance gradient and indicate a lengthening of the characteristic 3 month ablation period in recent years.
A Wicked Problem: Early Childhood Safety in the Dynamic, Interactive Environment of Home
Authors: Simpson Jean , Fougere Geoff , McGee Rob
Published: April 2013

Young children being injured at home is a perennial problem. When parents of young children and family workers discussed what influenced parents’ perceptions and responses to child injury risk at home, both “upstream” and “downstream” causal factors were identified. Among the former, complex and interactive facets of society and contemporary living emerged as potentially critical features. The “wicked problems” model arose from the need to find resolutions for complex problems in multidimensional environments and it proved a useful analogy for child injury. Designing dynamic strategies to provide resolutions to childhood injury, may address our over-dependence on ‘tame solutions’ that only deal with physical cause-and-effect relationships and which cannot address the complex interactive contexts in which young children are often injured.
The NASOROSSO (Rednose) Project: An Italian Study on Alcohol Consumption in Recreational Places
Authors: Pacifici Roberta , Pierantozzi Andrea , Giovannandrea Rita , Palmi Ilaria , Mastrobattista Luisa , Mortali Claudia , Pichini Simona
Published: April 2013

The Nasorosso project of the Italian Youth Department and the National Institute of Health, aimed to raise awareness about drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol among club goers with a series of initiatives. Within the framework of the project, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was measured on 106,406 individuals before and after clubbing in 66 different recreational sites from 11 Italian provinces, over 16 months. Participating individuals were interviewed regarding sociodemographic and environmental characteristics and alcohol intoxicated people were offered to be taken home. The BAC median at the club entry was 0.26 g/L with 65.3% subjects showing a BAC value under the driving legal limit of 0.5g/L. At the exit from clubs, BAC median value rose to 0.44 g/L and subjects with BAC value under the legal limit decreased to 54.9%. Being male, aged between 18 and 34 years with a diploma, being a drinker and entering the disco with a BAC already beyond the legal limit predicted a BAC value beyond 0.5 g/L at exit from the recreational place. Conversely, being a driver, being a student and exiting from the disco before 4 a.m. reduced the probability of having a BAC higher than 0.5 g/L at the end of the night. Health policies to prevent harmful use of alcohol in young people should continue to offer targeted information/ prevention; in order to steadily increase the awareness of the dangers and the damages of excessive use of alcohol.
Characterization, Purification of Poncirin from Edible Citrus Ougan (Citrus reticulate cv. Suavissima) and Its Growth Inhibitory Effect on Human Gastric Cancer Cells SGC-7901
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyan , Luo Fenglei , Zheng Yixiong , Zhang Jiukai , Huang Jianzhen , Sun Chongde , Li Xian , Chen Kunsong
Published: April 2013

Poncirin is a bitter flavanone glycoside with various biological activities. Poncirin was isolated from four different tissues (flavedo, albedo, segment membrane, and juice sac) of Ougan fruit (Citrus reticulate cv. Suavissima). The highest content of poncirin was found in the albedo of Ougan fruit (1.37 mg/g DW). High speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) combined with D101 resin chromatography was utilized for the separation and purification of poncirin from the albedo of Ougan fruit. After this two-step purification, poncirin purity increased from 0.14% to 96.56%. The chemical structure of the purified poncirin was identified by both HPLC-PDA and LC-MS. Poncirin showed a significant in vitro inhibitory effect on the growth of the human gastric cancer cells, SGC-7901, in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, poncirin from Ougan fruit, may be beneficial for gastric cancer prevention. The purification method demonstrated here will be useful for further studies on the pharmacological mechanism of poncirin activity, as well as for guiding the consumption of Ougan fruit.
The Expression of Millettia pinnata Chalcone Isomerase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Salt-Sensitive Mutants Enhances Salt-Tolerance
Authors: Wang Hui , Hu Tangjin , Huang Jianzi , Lu Xiang , Huang Baiqu , Zheng Yizhi
Published: April 2013

The present study demonstrates a new Millettia pinnata chalcone isomerase (MpCHI) whose transcription level in leaf was confirmed to be enhanced after being treated by seawater or NaCl (500 mM) via transcriptome sequencing and Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (QRT-PCR) analyses. Its full length cDNA (666 bp) was obtained by 3'-end and 5'-end Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE). The analysis via NCBI BLAST indicates that both aminoacid sequence and nucleotide sequence of the MpCHI clone share high homology with other leguminous CHIs (73%–86%). Evolutionarily, the phylogenic analysis further revealed that the MpCHI is a close relative of leguminous CHIs. The MpCHI protein consists of 221 aminoacid (23.64 KDa), whose peptide length, amino acid residues of substrate-binding site and reactive site are very similar to other leguminous CHIs reported previously. Two pYES2-MpCHI transformed salt-sensitive Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants (Δnha1 and Δnhx1) showed improved salt-tolerance significantly compared to pYES2-vector transformed yeast mutants, suggesting the MpCHI or the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway could regulate the resistance to salt stress in M. pinnata.
Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Suppresses Proliferation and Survival of TW2.6 Human Oral Cancer Cells via Inhibition of Akt Signaling
Authors: Kuo Ying-Yu , Lin Hui-Ping , Huo Chieh , Su Liang-Cheng , Yang Jonathan , Hsiao Ping-Hsuan , Chiang Hung-Che , Chung Chi-Jung , Wang Horng-Dar , Chang Jang-Yang , Chen Ya-Wen , Chuu Chih-Pin
Published: April 2013

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a bioactive component extracted from honeybee hive propolis. Our observations indicated that CAPE treatment suppressed cell proliferation and colony formation of TW2.6 human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells dose-dependently. CAPE treatment decreased G1 phase cell population, increased G2/M phase cell population, and induced apoptosis in TW2.6 cells. Treatment with CAPE decreased protein abundance of Akt, Akt1, Akt2, Akt3, phospho-Akt Ser473, phospho-Akt Thr 308, GSK3β, FOXO1, FOXO3a, phospho-FOXO1 Thr24, phospho-FoxO3a Thr32, NF-κB, phospho-NF-κB Ser536, Rb, phospho-Rb Ser807/811, Skp2, and cyclin D1, but increased cell cycle inhibitor p27Kip. Overexpression of Akt1 or Akt2 in TW2.6 cells rescued growth inhibition caused by CAPE treatment. Co-treating TW2.6 cells with CAPE and 5-fluorouracil, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug for oral cancers, exhibited additive cell proliferation inhibition. Our study suggested that administration of CAPE is a potential adjuvant therapy for patients with OSCC oral cancer.
Seven Means, Generalized Triangular Discrimination, and Generating Divergence Measures
Authors: Taneja Inder
Published: April 2013

Jensen-Shannon, J-divergence and Arithmetic-Geometric mean divergences are three classical divergence measures known in the information theory and statistics literature. These three divergence measures bear interesting inequality among the three non-logarithmic measures known as triangular discrimination, Hellingar’s divergence and symmetric chi-square divergence. However, in 2003, Eve studied seven means from a geometrical point of view, which are Harmonic, Geometric, Arithmetic, Heronian, Contra-harmonic, Root-mean square and Centroidal. In this paper, we have obtained new inequalities among non-negative differences arising from these seven means. Correlations with generalized triangular discrimination and some new generating measures with their exponential representations are also presented.
Development and Testing of a Fully Adaptable Membrane Bioreactor Fouling Model for a Sidestream Configuration System
Authors: Paul Parneet
Published: April 2013

A dead-end filtration model that includes the three main fouling mechanisms mentioned in Hermia (i.e., cake build-up, complete pore blocking, and pore constriction) and that was based on a constant trans-membrane pressure (TMP) operation was extensively modified so it could be used for a sidestream configuration membrane bioreactor (MBR) situation. Modifications and add-ons to this basic model included: alteration so that it could be used for varying flux and varying TMP operations; inclusion of a backwash mode; it described pore constriction (i.e., irreversible fouling) in relation to the concentration of soluble microbial products (SMP) in the liquor; and, it could be used in a cross flow scenario by the addition of scouring terms in the model formulation. The additional terms in this modified model were checked against an already published model to see if they made sense, physically speaking. Next this modified model was calibrated and validated in Matlab© using data collected by carrying out flux stepping tests on both a pilot sidestream MBR plant, and then a pilot membrane filtration unit. The model fit proved good, especially for the pilot filtration unit data. In conclusion, this model formulation is of the right level of complexity to be used for most practical MBR situations.
A Survey of Body Sensor Networks
Authors: Lai Xiaochen , Liu Quanli , Wei Xin , Wang Wei , Zhou Guoqiao , Han Guangyi
Published: April 2013

The technology of sensor, pervasive computing, and intelligent information processing is widely used in Body Sensor Networks (BSNs), which are a branch of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). BSNs are playing an increasingly important role in the fields of medical treatment, social welfare and sports, and are changing the way humans use computers. Existing surveys have placed emphasis on the concept and architecture of BSNs, signal acquisition, context-aware sensing, and system technology, while this paper will focus on sensor, data fusion, and network communication. And we will introduce the research status of BSNs, the analysis of hotspots, and future development trends, the discussion of major challenges and technical problems facing currently. The typical research projects and practical application of BSNs are introduced as well. BSNs are progressing along the direction of multi-technology integration and intelligence. Although there are still many problems, the future of BSNs is fundamentally promising, profoundly changing the human-machine relationships and improving the quality of people’s lives.
Imaging diagnosis and minimallyinvasive management of necrotizing fasciitis in a dog
Authors: Pivetta M. , Kussy F. , Rossanese M. , Stabile F. , Dennis R. , Holloway A. , Bowlt K. L.
Published: April 2013

Necrotising fasciitis is a rapidly progressive, aggressive bacterial infection of the subcutis associated with significant morbidity and mortality in both man and domestic animals. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first veterinary report of magnetic resonance imaging findings in necrotising fasciitis, and the first reported case in a dog to be successfully treated with minimally invasive surgical intervention.
Computed tomographic study of the optimal safe implantation corridors in feline thoraco-lumbar vertebrae
Authors: Bedu A. S. , Manassero M. , Viateau V. , Niebauer G. , Moissonnier P. , Vallefuoco R.
Published: April 2013

Objective: To define the implantation corridors in feline thoraco-lumbar vertebrae (T10-L7) using computed tomography (CT) for optimal safe placement of the implants (screws/pins) in spinal column stabilization.

Study design: Computed tomographic study.

Materials and methods: Computed tomography images of feline spinal column (n = 10) were used to define the optimal safe implantation corridors (OSIC) in the transverse plane. The OSIC were defined as corridors allowing the greatest amount of bone purchase with safe margins for implantation of the bicortical implants. They were characterized by their insertion point, optimal angle (from the midsagital plane), maximum and minimum safe angles (from the same insertion points), length, and width.

Results: The OSIC are located within the vertebral bodies. Insertion points were situated at the level of the vertebro-costal joint or the base of the transverse process of the vertebral body for thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, respectively. The mean optimal angle of the OSIC was 90.2° with a maximum deviation angle from optimal angle of 10° dorsally and 8.8° ventrally in thoracic vertebrae, and 90.5° with a maximum deviation angle from the optimal angle of 8.4° dorsally and 7.6° ventrally in lumbar vertebrae.

Conclusion and clinical relevance: Corridors drilled in the vertebral body perpendicular to the midsagital plane (90°) or with a small angle (≤10°) of deviation from the optimal angle provide an optimal safe placement of bicortical implants. However, perpendicular implant placement may not always be feasible due to surrounding soft tissue structures.
Microsatellite markers reveal a strong geographical structure in European populations of Castanea sativa (Fagaceae): Evidence for multiple glacial refugia
Authors: Mattioni Claudia , Martin M. Angela , Pollegioni Paola , Cherubini Marcello , Villani Fiorella
Published: April 2013

• Premise of the study: Large‐scale studies on the genetic diversity of forest trees are relevant for the inventory, conservation, and management of genetic resources and provide an insight into the geographical origins of the species. This approach is appropriate to use with Castanea sativa, a tree of great economic importance and the only species from the genus Castanea in Europe. The history of C. sativa was deduced from fossil pollen data, but the large‐scale genetic structure of this species needs to be elucidated. We evaluated the genetic diversity of C. sativa to define previously unclarified genetic relationships among the populations from Turkey and those from Greece and western Europe. The influence of natural events such as glaciations and human impact in terms of species distribution are discussed.

• Methods: Wild chestnut trees (779) were sampled in 31 European sites. Six polymorphic microsatellites were used for the analysis. A set of measures of intra‐ and interpopulation genetic statistics were calculated. The population structure was inferred by using a Bayesian approach.

• Key results: The population structure showed a genetic divergence between the eastern (Greek and Turkish) and western (Italian and Spanish) populations. Two gene pools and a zone of gene introgression in Turkey were revealed.

• Conclusions: The inferred population structure shows a strong geographical correspondence with the hypothesized glacial refugia and rules out the migration of the chestnut from Turkey and Greece to Italy. The homogeneous gene pool observed in Italy and Spain could have been originated from common refugia along with human‐mediated colonization.
Impact of spatial constraints during seed germination on the evolution of angiosperm cotyledons: A case study from tropical Hydatellaceae (Nymphaeales)
Authors: Sokoloff Dmitry D. , Remizowa Margarita V. , Beer Anton S. , Yadav Shrirang R. , Macfarlane Terry D. , Ramsay Margaret M. , Rudall Paula J.
Published: April 2013

• Premise of the study: A bipolar embryo with cotyledons is a characteristic feature that appeared early in the evolution of seed plants. Cotyledon number is an important character in angiosperm classification. We explore the links between functional aspects of seed germination and the number and location of the cotyledons, using as a model the early‐divergent angiosperm family Hydatellaceae, in which seedlings are superficially monocot‐like.

• Methods: Seedlings of two species of tropical Hydatellaceae were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy.

• Key results: Seedlings of Trithuria cowieana bear two free cotyledons. Each cotyledon possesses a green, filiform, vascularized blade that resembles subsequent leaves, and a basal, nonvascularized, haustorial outgrowth that remains in close contact with the endosperm. Seedlings of Trithuria konkanensis have two free cotyledonary haustoria inserted close to each other and a leaf blade probably belonging to one of the cotyledons. The cotyledonary node elongates between the haustoria and the leaf blade to form a mesocotyl.

• Conclusions: To date, the absence or presence of a cotyledonary tube represents the only known qualitative morphological difference between the two major clades of Hydatellaceae. Cotyledons with a haustorium and leaf blade are unusual at the scale of seed plants and probably evolved due to homeosis. The mesocotyl of T. konkanensis resembles that of grasses and sedges. Seedling diversity in Hydatellaceae and other seed plants is linked with the principal physical and spatial constraint of their embryo structure, with the primary root and shoot apical meristems located at opposite poles, and haustorial cotyledon tips.
New microsatellite markers for Tricyrtis macrantha (Convallariaceae) and cross‐amplification in closely related species
Authors: Ohki Noriko , Setoguchi Hiroaki
Published: April 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were characterized in Tricyrtis macrantha (sect. Brachycyrtis, Convallariaceae), a vulnerable species endemic to Japan, to investigate its genetic diversity and population structure.

• Methods and Results: Eleven microsatellite markers were developed. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to seven, and genetic diversity per locus ranged from 0.142 to 0.812. Four markers were successfully amplified in other species of sect. Brachycyrtis (T. ishiiana, T. ishiiana var. surugensis, and T. macranthopsis).

• Conclusions: The microsatellite markers can be used to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of the vulnerable and endangered species of Tricyrtis sect. Brachycyrtis, to aid in the development of conservation strategies for each species.
Development of microsatellite loci for the riparian tree species Melaleuca argentea (Myrtaceae) using 454 sequencing
Authors: Nevill Paul G. , Williams Anna , Krauss Siegfried , Bradbury Donna , Samaraweera Sunil , Gardner Michael G.
Published: April 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for Melaleuca argentea (Myrtaceae) to evaluate genetic diversity and population genetic structure of this broadly distributed northern Australian riparian tree species.

• Methods and Results: 454 GS‐FLX shotgun sequencing was used to obtain 5860 sequences containing putative microsatellite motifs. Two multiplex PCRs were optimized to genotype 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci. These loci were screened for variation in individuals from two populations in the Pilbara region, northwestern Western Australia. Overall, observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.27 to 0.86 (mean: 0.52) and the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 13 (average: 4.3).

• Conclusions: These microsatellite loci will be useful in future studies of the evolutionary history and population and spatial genetic structure in M. argentea, and inform the development of seed sourcing strategies for the species.
Article Commentary: Further Research Needed to Support a Policy of Antiretroviral Therapy as An HIV Prevention Initiative
Authors: Rodger Alison J , Bruun Tina , Vernazza Pietro , Collins Simon , Estrada Vicente , Van Lunzen Jan , Corbelli Giulio M , Phillips Andrew N , Lundgren Jens D ,   the PARTNER Study Group
Published: April 2013

The results from the HPTN 052 trial have increased the focus on use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for prevention of HIV transmission; however, condom use also effectively prevents HIV transmission. Studies in heterosexual serodiscordant couples with viral suppression have so far only reported follow-up data for 330 couple-years when condoms were not being used. Data are even more limited for anal sex in men who have sex with men. Additional data on the effectiveness of ART as prevention when practicing condom-less sex is urgently needed.
Les paradoxes de l'institutionnalisation de la lutte contre la pauvreté en France
Authors: Viguier Frédéric
Published: April 2013

Pour lutter contre la pauvreté et l’exclusion sociale qui augmentent dans les années 1980 en raison de la croissance du chômage et du sous-emploi, la France transforme son système de protection sociale. A côté des assurances sociales liées à l’emploi salarié stable, se met en place un système spécifique, subsidiaire, universel et minimal. Ce système vise en théorie à réparer les assistés ; il ménage un rôle important aux avocats des personnes pauvres ; il s’appuie sur une information économique et sociale qui scrute les dispositifs et leurs bénéficiaires. Près de trois décennies plus tard, le système n’a pas enrayé la pauvreté. Pire, il contribue à stigmatiser celles et ceux qui la vivent. L’argent des pauvres reste rare et insuffisant. S’il remédie aux pires situations de pauvreté, il fait aussi l’objet de soupçons d’intempérance et de contrôles accentués.
Entre « quantitatif » et « qualitatif ». Comment les investisseurs professionnels évaluent les gérants d'actifs financiers
Authors: de Larminat Pierre
Published: April 2013

Pour rendre compte de leurs placements, les investisseurs professionnels mobilisent des dispositifs d’analyse censés leur permettre de domestiquer l’incertitude financière. Ils les classent selon qu’ils sont « quantitatifs » ou « qualitatifs ». Cette représentation de leurs pratiques correspond aux ressources qu’ils ont acquises par socialisation et à la division sociale du travail d’analyse financière. En revanche, elle ne rend compte ni du sens technique des opérations d’analyse ni de la relation fonctionnelle qui les unit les unes aux autres. De ce fait, la forme de classification « quantitatif/qualitatif » opacifie les procédures d’analyse et préserve les professionnels de l’investissement du contrôle des fractions les moins initiées de leur clientèle.
Conflits et marchandages autour du secret bancaire en Suisse à l'issue de la Grande Guerre
Authors: Guex Sébastien
Published: April 2013

Dans l’immédiat après-Première Guerre mondiale le secret bancaire helvétique devient l’enjeu d’affrontements exceptionnellement vifs entre les représentants de différentes classes ou couches sociales dont le conflit, pour diverses raisons, a accru le poids politique. Si l’afflux de capitaux étrangers en Suisse, lié aux bouleversements politiques, monétaires et fiscaux que connaît l’Europe, ouvre des perspectives très prometteuses pour la place financière et le monde des affaires helvétiques, deux dangers venant de l’intérieur du pays mettent en péril leur concrétisation. Le premier provient des attaques en règle contre le secret bancaire menées par un mouvement ouvrier renforcé et radicalisé par l’affiliation de salariés appauvris. Le second, plus inattendu, émane des menaces brandies contre ce même secret par l’organisation qui structure et exprime les intérêts de l’agriculture helvétique, l’Union suisse des paysans (USP). En effet, l’USP profite de la situation pour marchander son soutien au secret bancaire contre, notamment, un accroissement du protectionnisme agricole. Par le décryptage de cet habile marchandage, il s’agit d’analyser un moment décisif dans la longue histoire du secret bancaire helvétique ainsi que dans l’alliance conflictuelle entre grand patronat et paysannerie, deux caractéristiques qui marquent encore aujourd’hui le paysage politique de la Suisse.
Contribution des paramètres magnétiques à l’identification des niveaux stratigraphiques et de la pédogenèse (Grotte del Angel, Espagne)
Authors: Djerrab Abderrezak , Hedley Ian , Camps Pierre , Abdessadok Salah , Barroso Ruiz Cecilio , Botella Ortega Daniel
Published: April 2013

[fr] La grotte d’Angel, datée du Pléistocène moyen et de la base du Pléistocène supérieur, a livré un important matériel lithique et faunistique, et présente un intérêt exceptionnel dans la Péninsule Ibérique. Vu son importance, et dans le cadre d’un programme de recherche européen (N°IDPH/ER/05), une étude pluridisciplinaire a été réalisée sur le remplissage sédimentologique et les vestiges archéologiques. Nous présentons dans cet article les résultats de l’étude des propriétés magnétiques du remplissage de la grotte. Cette approche a révélé la présence de deux unités stratigraphiques. L’unité magnetostratigraphique inférieure se caractérise par une forte concentration en grains magnétiques, parmi lesquels un fort pourcentage en grains superparamagnétiques (SP). Les minéraux magnétiques sont d’origine secondaire, de petite taille, de nature douce et dominés par la magnétite et la maghémite. Ces derniers ont subi une évolution géochimique post-dépositionnelle importante (forte pédogenèse). Au contraire, dans l’unité supérieure, les valeurs des différents paramètres magnétiques sont faibles et les minéraux magnétiques sont d’origine détritique et se caractérisent par une force coercitive élevée, conforme à la présence d’hématite.
Descripción de una nueva especie del género Pseudotriarthron Normand, 1938 para la península ibérica (Coleoptera, Leiodidae, Leiodinae)
Authors: Sáez Bolaño J. A. , Blanco Villero J. M. , Lencina J. L.
Published: April 2013

Se describe una nueva especie de Pseudotriarthron Normand, 1938 de la península ibérica. Los especímenes de la serie tipo proceden de Diapiro de la Rosa (Jumilla, Murcia). El género Pseudotriarthron fue creado por Normand en 1938 para P. numidicum para separarlo del género Triarthron Märkel, 1840. Previamente Wollaston había creado en 1857 el género Stereus para S. cercyonides. Ulteriormente se describió Triarthron thurepalmi (Israelson, 1978). Daffner (1983) unificó las tres especies, pero lo hizo bajo el género Stereus, género preocupado por Stereus Mannerheim, 1846 y por tanto no utilizable. Agrupamos ahora las tres especies más la que se describe bajo el género Pseudotriarthron Normand, 1938, que no ha vuelto a ser utilizado. Pseudotriarthron hispanicum n. sp. participa del conjunto de caracteres que tipifican dicho género. En la actualidad se conocen únicamente tres especies de Pseudotriarthron: P. cercyonides (Wollaston, 1857), P. numidicum Normand, 1938 y P. thurepalmi (Israelson, 1978). De ellas, únicamente P. thurepalmi está bien caracterizada, pues los Tipos de las otras dos están perdidos y no se conocen otros ejemplares, por lo que únicamente contamos con las descripciones originales. No obstante es posible separar con claridad Pseudotriarthron hispanicum n. sp. no sólo de S. thurepalmi, sino también de S. cercyonides y de S. numidicum tomando como base los caracteres morfológicos que se detallan en la Discusión.
Payerne VD, Abbatiale. Kapitelsaal und Marienkapelle – Stand der Forschung
Authors: Faccani Guido
Published: April 2013

La recherche archéologique et les études sur l’histoire architecturale de l’abbatiale de Payerne menées dès le xixe siècle, montrent toute l’importance de cette église dans l’architecture sacrée romane précoce. Depuis longtemps, on sait qu’à Payerne existait au vie siècle tardif un oratoire dédié à Sainte-Marie. Celui-ci n’a pas été localisé jusqu’à présent. Entre autres, à cause du fond très réduit des sources écrites, l’acte de la fondation du monastère clunisien dans la deuxième moitié du xe siècle reste à quelques détails près encore obscur. De même, il n’a pas été élucidé s’il existait autrefois une chapelle mariale à l’est de la salle capitulaire. Des études récentes démontrent, que la salle capitulaire est plus ancienne que le transept et le chevet existant. Le décor architectural de la salle date vraisemblablement de la première moitié du xie siècle. Avec les autres éléments architecturaux, le plan d’ensemble du monastère peut être reconstitué ; il présente des ressemblances avec celui de Villars-les-Moines.
One Moment in Time
Authors: Lukofsky Marla
Published: April 2013

In this patient narrative, the author describes how they were suddenly diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in their right breast, which had proliferated, into their lymph nodes, despite the fact that they had a negative mammogram and breast examination one month earlier. With a Bloom-Richardson rating of 7-9, the author underwent both a lumpectomy and lymph node removal, along with an aggressive course of chemotherapy followed by daily radiation treatments. They describe what made life in the radiation department unique to the author and fellow patients, as they suffered compounding hurdles both physically and emotionally. A brief exchange between the author and a medical technician shed light on both of them and changed the course of events for others. In keeping with one of the main objectives of ‘User Driven Healthcare,’ whereby integrating unique individual patient perspectives with evidence based knowledge around illnesses, this patient narrative invites the reader to share the author’s personal discovery as to what is most important in life after all.
Health Information for Consumers in Developing Nations
Authors: Sriganesh Vasumathi
Published: April 2013

Health information, both professional as well as consumer oriented, is an important component of the health care service. Professionals constantly need information for academics, research, preventive care, treatment and also to stay updated and to create and update health policies. Consumers need health information to stay healthy and to manage diseases and conditions. Generic search engines like Google and Yahoo answers are utilized extensively for getting health information (Akerkar & Bichile, 2004). However while utilizing these engines information seekers most often have to sift through volumes of data that often includes questionable sources of information. Health professionals face lacunae in receiving training about information resources and databases, and structured approach to searching these. Both consumers and health professionals spend far too much time searching for information, time that could be utilized much better in the actual health care delivery process. This article describes a medical librarian’s journey from being a health information consumer to a health information provider both to health professionals and consumers.
A Case of Poncet’s Disease Masquerading Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ghosh Gopal Chandra
Published: April 2013

Poncet’s disease is a rare clinical condition, occurs in in the setting of active pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis. It typically manifestated by arthritis of large joints, without direct invasion of joints by tubercle bacilli. Rarely it involves small joints thus sometimes mimic rheumatoid arthritis The author is reporting a case of a 17 year old female with evidence of active pulmonary tuberculosis presented with additive evidence of polyarthritis of large as well as small joints. On further investigation joint aspirate did not reveal any direct invasion by tubercle bacilli and patients symptoms responded completely to anti tuberculous therapy. The diagnosis of Poncet’s disease was established.
A Middle Aged Man with a Big Head since Childhood
Authors: Khiwani Kushaghra , Mahant Seema , Patel Swati , Baghel Vijay , Biswas Rakesh
Published: April 2013

This is a description of a middle aged man who had a large head hidden below his hair that was also unknown to his family until one day he was taken to the hospital after a fall in the bathroom and a subsequent loss of consciousness. He remained in a comatose state for several days before gradually recovering, which coincided with a recovery of motor and cognitive skills. A computerized tomography scan revealed a surprising finding, that this man had less brain tissue than what is commonly found in adult humans. The findings and its clinical relevance has been discussed in this case study.
Testing the Relevance of Daily MODIS Data to Monitor Mediterranean Shrubland Canopy Water Content with Temporal Cross-Correlation Analyses
Authors: Delenne Carole , Bailly Jean-Stéphane , Deshayes Michel
Published: April 2013

Drought alert systems for forest fire prevention often rely on vegetation water content (VWC) monitoring which is a key parameter in forest fire hazard. In southern France, VWC is now monitored through regular field surveys. Thanks to the theoretical sensitivity of shortwave infrared reflectance to VWC, MODIS satellite data are potentially able to monitor VWC depending on plant species VWC magnitude. In this paper, a specific statistical approach based on temporal cross-correlations is developed in order to test the correlation between two MODIS water indices and VWC measurements coming from field surveys. This test assesses the ability of daily MODIS data to monitor Mediterranean shrubland canopy water content and detect any delay effect between MODIS and field survey temporal series. Statistical tests are carried out for 29 sites containing 18 dominant shrubland Mediterranean species. 67% and 54% of significant correlation were found using respectively the NDII and NDWI indices from MODIS data. Correlation were found low with a dominant negative delay effect, i.e., with a MODIS signal that reacts a few days after the field VWC. Test results show that, even if deeper pre-processing of MODIS data may be required, site soil, site vegetation cover, and heterogeneity at MODIS pixel scale, as well as species VWC sensitivity make correlation between field VWC and MODIS water indices non univoque and highly variable. Many obstacles are still to overcome, for an accurate monitoring of Mediterranean shrubland canopy water content using MODIS daily data.
Evaluating the Potential of Landscape Metrics in Supporting Landscape Planning in Atlantic Forest
Authors: Turetta Ana Paula Dias , Prado Rachel Bardy , Valladares Gustavo de Souza
Published: April 2013

The landscapes are highly dependent on the dynamics of local land use and land cover, which directly affects landscape structure and determines the spatial patterns of forest patches, as well as to the major land uses within a specific region. The calculation of landscape metrics can support the understanding of such spatial distribution. In this study, 16 landscape metrics were analyzed in a drainage watershed in a high relief region in the Rio de Janeiro state, Southeastern Brazil, with the aim to evaluate the use of landscape metrics as indicators for agricultural management. Metrics calculation was followed by a Principal Component Analysis, which indicated the metrics that were most effective in evidencing the landscape structure in analysis. The results showed that the late-succession forest is the dominant component in the landscape. This class also presented the highest MPS metric value, related to the mean patch size by class. Some PCA results suggest that the metrics association was less effective in clustering the overgrown pasture, clean pasture, and annual crops classes, but this could result from the intrinsic association among those classes, by crop rotation, meaning the abandon of a site formerly occupied by an annual crop. Some metrics better suggested an interaction among land use classes and have potential to be use in the analyses of agricultural landscapes in high relief sites.
Dynamic Maps’ Use in Smart-Cities Learning Contexts
Authors: Pedroni Marco
Published: April 2013

This paper examines the potentialities and characteristics of dynamic maps in relationship with constructivist teaching, by considering maps’ support to four functions: the contents’ learning, the contextualization of Learning Objects, the contextualization of online learning interaction and the knowledge construction. Several algorithms for polymorphic and animated maps’ reconstruction, both bi-dimensional and tridimensional, will be examined and described in detail. Among these algorithms, a further differentiation is made between those concerning proximal, or hierarchical development, and those regarding gravitational developments. In the latter one the positioning of nodes derives from quantitative values, that express their relation’s attractive strength. Conclusions derived from this work are the unavoidable need to implement maps’ dynamic reconstruction algorithms, when the complexity of the disciplinary ontology makes the traditional static approaches unable to provide an effectively usable image of the map.
Efficient Synthesis of 3,4-Dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-Ketone Using SbCl3 as Catalyst under Ultrasonic Conditions
Authors: Lin Jin , Li Jing Fen , Zheng Bin Bin , Dai Xiao Ting , Feng Jia , Yu Ting Ting
Published: April 2013

In this study, SbCl3 as catalyst to benzaldehyde, ethyl acetoacetate and urea as raw material in the ultrasonic radiation synthesis of 3,4-Dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ketone. According to the orthogonal design optimization experiment, optimization method ultrasonic extraction technology, and ultimate pass to get the best synthetic condition for: material ratio 1.0,1.0,1.5(mol), ultrasonic power 100 w, ultrasonic time 2 hours, ultrasonic temperature 65°C, the yield is 61.08%.
Influence of Non-Pitch Based Activated Carbon on Flue Gas Desulfurization
Authors: Ding Jia Li , Zhao Yu Qiong , Zhang Yong Fa , Fu Ya Li
Published: April 2013

A new type of activated carbon for flue gas desulfurization is obtained by carbonization of non-pitch based formed-coal and characterized by the BET method. The results indicate that the activated carbon with non-pitch binder has higher mechanical strength and sulfur absorptive capacity than the pitch-based activated carbon at adding the same quantity binder. When the addition of non-pitch binder reaches 15.0 wt. %, the activated carbon exhibits the optimum performance. The characterization result shows that the activated carbon with non-pitch binder presents a more developed micro-pore structure, more specific surface area and higher adsorption capacity.
Development of Cement-Free Concrete Using Finely Grained Slag for Portland Cement
Authors: Ann Ki Yong , Kim Jaeh Wan , Song Seung Yeon
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The present study concerns a development of cement-free concrete using finely grained ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) rather than ordinary Portland cement (OPC) as a binder in concrete mix. The GGBS was very finely ground to the level of 10,000 cm2/g, prior to casting concrete, compared to OPC of which the Blaine value accounts for about 3,200 cm2/g. In concrete casting, the NaOH activator was added to mixing water to enhance the hydration rate for cement-free concrete. To ensure the compatibility of GGBS in concrete, a development of concrete strength, ionic penetrability and pore structure were examined. As a result, it was found that cement-free concrete using the GGBS has a higher concrete strength at all ages from 7 to 56 days. In turn, the ionic penetrability, in terms of chloride diffusivity, was slightly lower in cement-free concrete than OPC concrete, presumably due to the dense pore structure, which was confirmed by the mercury intrusion porosimetry. Simultaneously, the adiabatic temperature for cement-free concrete initially rose more rapidly, leading to an accelerated hydration process. This suggests that the cement-free concrete containing GGBS can be used for structural concrete structures, imposing an economical benefit and structural stability.
The Line Heating Temperature Field Theory Analysis and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Xu Wei Zheng , Zheng Shao Chun , Han Xu Dong
Published: April 2013

This paper analyzed the endothermic efficiency of the plate in line heating process combing with the need of researching on the recovery of waste heat in the gas flame process. Firstly the non-linear partial differential equations of three-dimensional transient temperature field were derived with the analysis of hexahedron in the plate. Then the temperature field of the plate was numerically simulated using gaussian heat source heat flux model with ANSYS software. Finally the heat absorption efficiency formula of the plate was derived based on the finite volume method. The endothermic efficiency model in this paper provides a basis for further analysis of the whereabouts of the heat released in line heating process in theory.
Impact of Window-Wall Ratio on Air Conditioning Energy Consumption under Different Residential Using Modes in Guangzhou
Authors: Li Hai Shan , Gao Yan , Zhao Guo Jun , Jing Ya Zhou
Published: April 2013

In this paper, with the aid of energy consumption simulation software DeST-h, the annual air conditioning energy consumption of a typical residential building in Guangzhou was simulated to study the impact of window-wall ratio on the energy consumption under two different operation modes: natural and mechanical. It was revealed that increasing of south window-wall ratio, building energy consumption is increased under all mechanical mode, but reduces under nature priority mode.
Analysis on the Effect of Fixed Shading over External Window on Energy Consumption and Efficiency of Residential Building in Shanghai
Authors: Zhao Guo Jun , Gao Yan , Li Hai Shan , Jing Ya Zhou
Published: April 2013

The building energy consumption simulation software DeST is used to analyze the effects of fixed shading over external window on energy consumption and efficiency, on the base of a residential building in Shanghai. The simulation results show that the fixed shading over south window has little effect on the overall energy saving of residential building. For east and west external window, if window area is not very large and its shading performance is better, the effect of fixed shading installation on energy saving is not obvious. On the contrary, if its area is large and its shading performance is ordinary, the effect is remarkable. Furthermore, when room ventilation capacity is poor, the effect of energy saving by fixed shading installation is more prominent.
Regional Policies for Sustainability in the Mediterranean Countries: The Role of a Proper HVAC System Maintenance in Museums
Authors: Galatioto Alessandra , Pitruzzella Salvatore , Scaccianoce Gianluca , Milone Daniele
Published: April 2013

Italy, like several Mediterranean countries, holds a very large number of cultural artifacts that are often exhibited and saved inside museums. Museums are usually part of historical buildings that, not rarely, originally had a different intended use and that have been currently transformed in place for conservation and for exhibition of works of art. The use of historical buildings as museums leads to limitations in the management and distribution of exhibition space, in design and managing HVAC systems and in the achievement of targets relating to the continuous monitoring of the microclimate for people comfort and for preservation of works of art. Moreover, the costs of the operation and maintenance of the HVAC system for this particular type of confined environment are often very expensive and the proper optimization of the required operations plays a main role. In this paper, authors propose a new decision support tool for curators regarding the operation and maintenance management of HVAC systems in museums especially in the case of their belonging to cultural heritage buildings.