bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in liver cirrhosis patients: An Egyptian experience
Authors: Gerges Shawkat S. , Seleem Mohamed I. , Ahmed Ashraf E. , Eldin Sameh S. , El‐Atrebi Kamal A. , Abdel Baky Amin M. , Halim Ghada W.
Published: October 2011

Aim:  Cirrhosis represents a common histological pathway for a wide variety of chronic liver diseases. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most important cause of liver cirrhosis in Egypt. Although cirrhosis has been regarded as a relative contraindication for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) as a result of bleeding complications and subsequent liver failure, several reports support the safety of LC in selected patients. This was a prospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LC in cirrhotic patients.

Methods:  A total of 177 hepatitis C positive patients with chronic calculus cholecystitis who here scheduled for LC between January 2010 and March 2011 were included in the present study. LC was carried out on patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Two risk stratification‐schemes were used to estimate the perioperative risk of patients with cirrhosis; the Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) score and the Model for End‐stage Liver Disease (MELD) score.

Results:  All patients were HCV‐positive patients with Child class A cirrhosis and MELD score ≤ 9. Mean surgical time was 55 min. Surgical difficulty varied between average in 64%, moderate in 28% and extensive in 8%, where 3.4% required conversion to open cholecystectomy. Postoperative follow up of all patients was a multidisciplinary approach by both surgeons and hepatologists. All patients showed sound recovery confirmed by abdominal sonar to exclude intra‐abdominal collections, and application of both CTP and MELD scores, where all patients kept a Child class A score and MELD score ≤ 9.

Conclusion:  LC is a safe procedure for hepatitis C‐positive cirrhotic patients when established risk stratifications systems, such as CTP and MELD scores, are used for evaluation.
Characterization of Hydrogeochemical Processes in Associated Aquifers of a Semiarid Region (SE Spain)
Authors: Barragán‐Alarcón Guillermo
Published: October 2011

The Lower Almanzora region possesses very limited water resources, which are variable in time and space. Because of this, the water demand of the population and the agricultural activities has to be aided on the use of groundwater from little interrelated aquifers. The physical‐chemical variability has been interpreted in the conceptual framework of the hydrogeology and hydrogeochemistry of the area. Hydrogeochemical processes have been studied according to different techniques involving physical‐chemical data, describing them as included in the conceptual framework of the hydrogeology and hydrogeochemistry of the area. Factor analysis (FA) has indicated strong influence of sulfate and chloride salts, a weaker influence of limestone dissolution due to CO2, and subsequent dissolution of silicated clays, also contamination of nitrate from intensive agriculture. The results of three techniques: Principal Component Factor Analysis (PCFA), inverse hydrochemical modeling and forward hydrochemical modeling, used jointly are different of the independent results of every technique by separate. The description and quantifying of the processes is, then, enhanced.
Structural Characterization of Inhibitors with Selectivity against Members of a Homologous Enzyme Family
Authors: Pavlovsky Alexander G. , Liu Xuying , Faehnle Christopher R. , Potente Nina , Viola Ronald E.
Published: October 2011

The aspartate biosynthetic pathway provides essential metabolites for many important biological functions, including the production of four essential amino acids. As this critical pathway is only present in plants and microbes, any disruptions will be fatal to these organisms. An early pathway enzyme, l‐aspartate‐β‐semialdehyde dehydrogenase, produces a key intermediate at the first branch point of this pathway. Developing potent and selective inhibitors against several orthologs in the l‐aspartate‐β‐semialdehyde dehydrogenase family can serve as lead compounds for antibiotic development. Kinetic studies of two small molecule fragment libraries have identified inhibitors that show good selectivity against l‐aspartate‐β‐semialdehyde dehydrogenases from two different bacterial species, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Vibrio cholerae, despite the presence of an identical constellation of active site amino acids in this homologous enzyme family. Structural characterization of enzyme–inhibitor complexes have elucidated different modes of binding between these structurally related enzymes. This information provides the basis for a structure‐guided approach to the development of more potent and more selective inhibitors.
Toward an Applied Developmental Science for Native Children, Families, and Communities
Authors: Spicer Paul , LaFramboise Teresa , Markstrom Carol , Niles Michael , West Amy , Fehringer Karen , Grayson Liane , Sarche Michelle
Published: October 2011

Abstract— This article summarizes current knowledge in applied developmental science for Native children and adolescents. Included are brief reviews of research documenting disparities in health and education, exploring cultural factors in development, and moving toward evidence‐based interventions for Native children. Opportunities for campus–community partnerships are made evident, especially in the area of intervention development that seeks to bridge cultural knowledge and strengths to address persistent disparities in health and development.
Trends in the aetiology of middle third facial injuries in southwest Nigeria
Authors: Udeabor S.E. , Akinmoladun V.I. , Fasola O.A. , Obiechina A.E.
Published: October 2011

Aim:  To study the trends in aetiologies of middle third facial injuries in South West Nigeria.

Material and methods:  A prospective analysis of 101 patients with varying degrees of injuries to the midfacial region presenting to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Results:  A male to female ratio of 5.3:1 was observed from the study and the 20‐ to 29‐year age group had the highest middle third facial injury rate of 44.6%. Road traffic accident was the leading cause of middle third facial injuries, accounting for 92 (91.1%) out of the 101 patients seen. However, motorbike‐related accidents accounted for 45.5% of all the causes of injuries, making it the single most important factor in the aetiology of middle third facial injuries in the present study. Abrasion and contusion were the commonest soft tissue injuries to the midface (40.1% and 33.7%, respectively), whereas zygomatic complex fractures occurred most (46.0%) amid the hard tissue injuries.

Conclusions:  Motorbike‐related road traffic accidents was the leading cause of middle third facial injuries in the current study, as opposed to motor vehicular accidents, which were reported to be the leading aetiological factor in a previous study conducted at the same centre.
Extranodal non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma in the malar region – a case report
Authors: Naveen Shankar V. , Ashwini N.S. , Kumar G.
Published: October 2011

The incidence of extranodal non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) in Asian subcontinent is very low. Extranodal NHL in the malar region are uncommon, and the incidence of these lesions in such site is unknown. Here is a case of slowly enlarging mass from the soft tissue over the right malar region, radiographically appeared to have involved maxillary sinus and histopathologically diagnosed as round cell tumour. Immunohistochemistry analysis was suggestive of diffused large B‐cell lymphoma. Definitive diagnosis by immunohistochemistry is a must for accurate diagnosis, treatment and better outcome for such lesions.
DNA barcoding of Caenogastropoda along coast of China based on the COI gene
Authors: SUN YAN , LI QI , KONG LINGFENG , ZHENG XIAODONG
Published: October 2011

DNA barcoding provides an efficient method for species‐level identifications. In this study, we have amplified partial sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene from 110 specimens of 45 species of Caenogastropoda collected from the coast along China to evaluate whether DNA barcodes can distinguish these species accurately. The average Kimura 2‐parameter (K2P) distances within species, genera and families were 0.44%, 13.96% and 22.27%, respectively. Both the neighbour‐joining tree and the Bayesian tree showed a clear discrimination of all the species in our study with highly supported clades. These results proved that the species of Caenogastropoda can be efficiently and accurately identified by DNA barcoding based on the COI gene.
Evolution of protoplanetary disk inferred from 26Al chronology of individual chondrules
Authors: KITA Noriko T. , USHIKUBO Takayuki
Published: October 2011

Abstract– We review the 26Al ages of chondrules in various type 3.0 chondrites. The 26Al ages of chondrules are 1–3 Myr after calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusion (CAI) for LL3.0, CO3.0, and Acfer 094 (Ungrouped C 3.0). Available data for chondrules in CR chondrites indicate that many chondrules are relatively younger (≥3 Myr), although data from chondrules in CR3.0 are not yet available to confirm their younger ages. The total ranges for the 26Al ages of chondrules in a single chondrite group are more than 0.5–1 Myr. However, most chondrules show relatively narrow range of ages in a single chondrite group (0.2–0.4 Myr, 1 SD), which might be short enough to preserve the group‐specific chemical and isotope signatures against radial diffusion of solid in the disk. Distinct oxygen isotope reservoirs might exist in the protoplanetary disk simultaneously, which could be spatially separated.
Mineral and chemical composition of the new iron meteorite Javorje from Slovenia
Authors: MILER Miloš , GOSAR Mateja
Published: October 2011

Abstract– The single‐piece iron meteorite Javorje, with a mass of 4920 g, is the heaviest and largest meteorite found in the territory of Slovenia. The meteorite Javorje is a medium octahedrite with kamacite bandwidth of 0.85 ± 0.26 mm. The bulk composition of Ni (7.83 wt%), Co (0.48 wt%) and trace elements Ga (25 μg/g), Ge (47 μg/g), Ir (7.6 μg/g), As (5.8 μg/g), Au (0.47 μg/g), and Pt (13.4 μg/g) indicates that the meteorite Javorje belongs to the chemical group IIIAB. Mineral and bulk chemical compositions are consistent with other reported group IIIAB meteorites. The presence of numerous rhabdites, carlsbergite, sparse troilite, and chromite and abundance of daubréelites are in accordance with low‐Ni and low‐P IIIAB iron meteorites. The severely weathered surface and secondary weathering products in the interior of the meteorite suggest its high terrestrial age.
Bonding quality of contemporary dental cements to sandblasted esthetic crown copings*
Authors: Abdelaziz Khalid M. , Al‐Qahtani Nasser M. , Al‐Shehri Abdulrahman S. , Abdelmoneam Adel M.
Published: October 2011

Aim:  To evaluate the shear bond strength of current luting cements to sandblasted crown‐coping substrates.

Methods:  Specimens of nickel‐chromium, pressable glass ceramic, and zirconia crown‐coping substrates were sandblasted in three groups (n = 30 each) with 50 (group 1), 110 (group 2), and 250 μm (group 3) alumina particles at a pressure of 250 kPa. Cylinders of glass ionomer, universal resin, and self‐adhesive resin cements were then built up on the sandblasted substrate surfaces of each group (n = 10). All bonded specimens were stressed to evaluate the cement–substrate shear bond strength. Both the mode and incidence of bond failure were also considered.

Results:  No difference was noticed between all test groups in terms of cement–substrate bond strength. In comparison to self‐adhesive type, the universal resin cement provided lower bond strengths to both metal and glass–ceramic substrates in group 1. The self‐adhesive resin cement provided the highest bond strengths to the zirconia substrates in groups 2 and 3. The adhesive type of bond failure was common in the metal and zirconia substrates in all groups.

Conclusions:  Cement–substrate bonding quality is not affected by the size of sandblasting particles. Resin cements bond better to different coping substrates. Self‐adhesive resin cement is the best choice to bond zirconia‐based substrates.
Automated intraoperative calibration for prostate cancer brachytherapy
Authors: Kuiran Chen Thomas , Heffter Tamas , Lasso Andras , Pinter Csaba , Abolmaesumi Purang , Burdette E. Clif , Fichtinger Gabor
Published: October 2011

Purpose:

Prostate cancer brachytherapy relies on an accurate spatial registration between the implant needles and the TRUS image, called “calibration”. The authors propose a new device and a fast, automatic method to calibrate the brachytherapy system in the operating room, with instant error feedback.

Methods:

A device was CAD‐designed and precision‐engineered, which mechanically couples a calibration phantom with an exact replica of the standard brachytherapy template. From real‐time TRUS images acquired from the calibration device and processed by the calibration system, the coordinate transformation between the brachytherapy template and the TRUS images was computed automatically. The system instantly generated a report of the target reconstruction accuracy based on the current calibration outcome.

Results:

Four types of validation tests were conducted. First, 50 independent, real‐time calibration trials yielded an average of 0.57 ± 0.13 mm line reconstruction error (LRE) relative to ground truth. Second, the averaged LRE was 0.37 ± 0.25 mm relative to ground truth in tests with six different commercial TRUS scanners operating at similar imaging settings. Furthermore, testing with five different commercial stepper systems yielded an average of 0.29 ± 0.16 mm LRE relative to ground truth. Finally, the system achieved an average of 0.56 ± 0.27 mm target registration error (TRE) relative to ground truth in needle insertion tests through the template in a water tank.

Conclusions:

The proposed automatic, intraoperative calibration system for prostate cancer brachytherapy has achieved high accuracy, precision, and robustness.
Suitability of miniature inductively coupled RF coils as MR‐visible markers for clinical purposes
Authors: Garnov Nikita , Thörmer Gregor , Trampel Robert , Gründer Wilfried , Kahn Thomas , Moche Michael , Busse Harald
Published: October 2011

Purpose:

MR‐visible markers have already been used for various purposes such as image registration, motion detection, and device tracking. Inductively coupled RF (ICRF) coils, in particular, provide a high contrast and do not require connecting wires to the scanner, which makes their application highly flexible and safe. This work aims to thoroughly characterize the MR signals of such ICRF markers under various conditions with a special emphasis on fully automatic detection.

Methods:

The small markers consisted of a solenoid coil that was wound around a glass tube containing the MR signal source and tuned to the resonance frequency of a 1.5 T MRI. Marker imaging was performed with a spoiled gradient echo sequence (FLASH) and a balanced steady‐state free precession (SSFP) sequence (TrueFISP) in three standard projections. The signal intensities of the markers were recorded for both pulse sequences, three source materials (tap water, distilled water, and contrast agent solution), different flip angles and coil alignments with respect to theB0 direction as well as for different marker positions in the entire imaging volume (field of view, FOV). Heating of the ICRF coils was measured during 10‐min RF expositions to three conventional pulse sequences. Clinical utility of the markers was assessed from their performance in computer‐aided detection and in defining double oblique scan planes.

Results:

For almost the entire FOV (±215 mm) and an estimated 82% of all possible RF coil alignments with respect toB0, the ICRF markers generated clearly visible MR signals and could be reliably localized over a large range of flip angles, in particular with the TrueFISP sequence (0.3°–4.0°). Generally, TrueFISP provided a higher marker contrast than FLASH. RF exposition caused a moderate heating (≤5 °C) of the ICRF coils only.

Conclusions

: Small ICRF coils, imaged at low flip angles with a balanced SSFP sequence showed an excellent performance under a variety of experimental conditions and therefore make for a reliable, compact, flexible, and relatively safe marker for clinical use.
Development of a human‐tissue‐like phantom for 3.0‐T MRI
Authors: Ikemoto Yusuke , Takao Wataru , Yoshitomi Keisuke , Ohno Seiichiro , Harimoto Takashi , Kanazawa Susumu , Shibuya Koichi , Kuroda Masahiro , Kato Hirokazu
Published: October 2011

Purpose:

A 3.0‐T MRI phantom having human‐tissue‐equivalent relaxation times was developed.

Methods:

The ingredients of the phantom are carrageenan (for gelatinization), GdCl3 (as a T1‐relaxation modifier), agarose (as a T2‐relaxation modifier), and NaN3 (as an antiseptic agent). Numerous samples with varying concentrations of GdCl3 and agarose were prepared, and T1 and T2 were measured using 3.0‐T MRI.

Results:

Relaxation times of the phantom samples ranged from 395 to 2601 ms for T1 values and 29 to 334 ms for T2 values. Based on the measured results, empirical formulae were devised to express the relationships between the concentrations of relaxation modifiers and relaxation times.

Conclusions:

Adjustment of GdCl3 and agarose concentrations allows arbitrary setting of relaxation times, and the creation of a phantom that can mimic relaxation times of human‐tissue. Carrageenan is considered the most suitable as a gelling agent for an MRI phantom, as it permits the relatively easy and inexpensive production of a large phantom such as for the human torso, and which can be easily shaped with a knife.
Serial Quantitative PCR Assay for Detection, Species Discrimination, and Quantification of Leishmania spp. in Human Samples
Authors: Weirather Jason L. , Jeronimo Selma M. B. , Gautam Shalini , Sundar Shyam , Kang Mitchell , Kurtz Melissa A. , Haque Rashidul , Schriefer Albert , Talhari Sinésio , Carvalho Edgar M. , Donelson John E. , Wilson Mary E.
Published: October 2011

The
Leishmania
species cause a variety of human disease syndromes. Methods for diagnosis and species differentiation are insensitive and many require invasive sampling. Although quantitative PCR (qPCR) methods are reported for leishmania detection, no systematic method to quantify parasites and determine the species in clinical specimens is established. We developed a serial qPCR strategy to identify and rapidly differentiate
Leishmania
species and quantify parasites in clinical or environmental specimens. SYBR green qPCR is mainly employed, with corresponding TaqMan assays for validation. The screening primers recognize kinetoplast minicircle DNA of all
Leishmania
species. Species identification employs further qPCR set(s) individualized for geographic regions, combining species-discriminating probes with melt curve analysis. The assay was sufficient to detect
Leishmania
parasites, make species determinations, and quantify
Leishmania
spp. in sera, cutaneous biopsy specimens, or cultured isolates from subjects from Bangladesh or Brazil with different forms of leishmaniasis. The multicopy kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) probes were the most sensitive and useful for quantification based on promastigote standard curves. To test their validity for quantification, kDNA copy numbers were compared between
Leishmania
species, isolates, and life stages using qPCR. Maxicircle and minicircle copy numbers differed up to 6-fold between
Leishmania
species, but the differences were smaller between strains of the same species. Amastigote and promastigote leishmania life stages retained similar numbers of kDNA maxi- or minicircles. Thus, serial qPCR is useful for leishmania detection and species determination and for absolute quantification when compared to a standard curve from the same
Leishmania
species.
Upper Ordovician conodont biostratigraphy and the age of the Collingwood Member, southern Ontario, Canada1Earth Science Sector (ESS) Contribution 20100302.
Authors: Zhang Shunxin , Tarrant Glen A. , Barnes Christopher R.
Published: October 2011

The Upper Ordovician stratigraphy in southern Ontario represents the clastic foredeep associated with the Appalachian Taconic Orogeny transitioning northwest into coeval carbonate platform facies. Ten measured and sampled sections in both the Collingwood area and on Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron, provide two relatively complete composite sections (277 and 95 m, respectively) through the marine part of the sequence. A total of 100 2 kg samples collected for a conodont biostratigraphic study yielded 77 215 well-preserved specimens. Taxonomic study of the fauna, illustrated herein, identified 34 species representing 22 genera and three taxa in open nomenclature. Taxonomic revisions are made to five species of Pseudobelodina and one of Rhipidognathus ; a new species, Pseudobelodina microdentata , is established. The fauna primarily represents the Midcontinent Province with incursions from the North Atlantic Province primarily in the Collingwood area. Four conodont zones are recognized that help refine the ages for the Upper Ordovician upper Lindsay (Collingwood Member), Blue Mountain, Georgian Bay, and Queenston formations. In particular, the Collingwood Member of the Lindsay Formation, a regionally distributed organic-rich shale of hydrocarbon source rock potential, is demonstrated to lie within the Amorphognathus ordovicicus Zone of North Atlantic Province and the Oulodus robustus Zone of Midcontinent Province and to be early Richmondian age.
Olenelloid trilobites from Cambrian Series 2 of Devon Island, Nunavut, Arctic Canada
Authors: Peel John S.
Published: October 2011

Four species of olenelloid trilobites characterized by advanced or robust genal spines are described from the lower Cambrian Rabbit Point Formation (Cambrian Series 2, Stage 4) of eastern Devon Island, representing the most diverse assemblage of olenelloids yet described from Arctic Canada. New taxa: Bristolia kurtzi n. sp., Paranephrolenellus cowiei n. sp., Siciliolenellus fritzi n. gen. and n. sp.
ORIENTIFOLD STRING VACUA AND STRINGS AT THE LHC
Authors: LÜST DIETER
Published: October 2011

We consider extensions of the Standard Model based on open strings ending on D-branes, with gauge bosons due to strings attached to stacks of D-branes and chiral matter due to strings stretching between intersecting D-branes. Assuming that the fundamental string mass scale is in the TeV range and the theory is weakly coupled, we discuss possible signals of string physics at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
THE POMERON AND ODDERON IN ELASTIC, INELASTIC AND TOTAL CROSS-SECTIONS AT THE LHC
Authors: JENKOVSZKY L. L. , LENGYEL A. I. , LONTKOVSKYI D. I.
Published: October 2011

A simple model for elastic diffractive hadron scattering, reproducing the dip-bump structure is used to analyze pp and [Formula: see text] scattering. The main emphasis is on the delicate and nontrivial dynamics in the dip-bump region, near t = -1 GeV 2. The simplicity of the model and the expected smallness of the absorption corrections enables one the control of various contributions to the scattering amplitude, in particular the interplay between the C-even and C-odd components of the amplitude, as well as their relative contribution, changing with s and t. The role of the nonlinearity of the Regge trajectories is scrutinized. The ratio of the real to imaginary parts of the forward amplitude, the ratio of elastic to total cross-sections and the inelastic cross-section are calculated. Predictions for the LHC energy region, where most of the existing models will be either confirmed or ruled out, are presented.
ON HIGHER-ORDER STICKELBERGER-TYPE THEOREMS FOR MULTI-QUADRATIC EXTENSIONS
Authors: MACIAS CASTILLO DANIEL
Published: October 2011

We prove, for all quadratic and a wide range of multi-quadratic extensions of global fields, a result concerning the annihilation as Galois modules of ideal class groups by explicit elements constructed from the values of higher-order derivatives of Dirichlet L-functions. This result simultaneously refines Rubin's integral version of Stark's Conjecture and provides evidence for the relevant case of the Equivariant Tamagawa Number Conjecture of Burns and Flach.
ON WELL-ROUNDED IDEAL LATTICES
Authors: FUKSHANSKY LENNY , PETERSEN KATHLEEN
Published: October 2011

We investigate a connection between two important classes of Euclidean lattices: well-rounded and ideal lattices. A lattice of full rank in a Euclidean space is called well-rounded if its set of minimal vectors spans the whole space. We consider lattices coming from full rings of integers in number fields, proving that only cyclotomic fields give rise to well-rounded lattices. We further study the well-rounded lattices coming from ideals in quadratic rings of integers, showing that there exist infinitely many real and imaginary quadratic number fields containing ideals which give rise to well-rounded lattices in the plane.
THE MULTILINEAR SUPPORT PROBLEM FOR PRODUCTS OF ABELIAN VARIETIES AND TORI
Authors: PERUCCA ANTONELLA
Published: October 2011

Let G be the product of an abelian variety and a torus defined over a number field K. The aim of this paper is detecting the dependence among some given rational points of G by studying their reductions modulo all primes of K. We show that if some simple conditions on the order of the reductions of the points are satisfied then there must be a dependency relation over the ring of K-endomorphisms of G. We generalize Larsen's result on the support problem to several points on products of abelian varieties and tori.
A Compensatory Approach to Multiobjective Linear Transportation Problem with Fuzzy Cost Coefficients
Authors: Gonce Kocken Hale , Ahlatcioglu Mehmet
Published: October 2011

This paper deals with the Multiobjective Linear Transportation Problem that has fuzzy cost coefficients. In the solution procedure, many objectives may conflict with each other; therefore decision‐making process becomes complicated. And also due to the fuzziness in the costs, this problem has a nonlinear structure. In this paper, fuzziness in the objective functions is handled with a fuzzy programming technique in the sense of multiobjective approach. And then we present a compensatory approach to solve Multiobjective Linear Transportation Problem with fuzzy cost coefficients by using Werner′s μand operator. Our approach generates compromise solutions which are both compensatory and Pareto optimal. A numerical example has been provided to illustrate the problem.
Nonparametric Monitoring for Geotechnical Structures Subject to Long-Term Environmental Change
Authors: Yun Hae-Bum , Reddi Lakshmi N.
Published: October 2011

A nonparametric, data-driven methodology of monitoring for geotechnical structures subject to long-term environmental change is discussed. Avoiding physical assumptions or excessive simplification of the monitored structures, the nonparametric monitoring methodology presented in this paper provides reliable performance-related information particularly when the collection of sensor data is limited. For the validation of the nonparametric methodology, a field case study was performed using a full-scale retaining wall, which had been monitored for three years using three tilt gauges. Using the very limited sensor data, it is demonstrated that important performance-related information, such as drainage performance and sensor damage, could be disentangled from significant daily, seasonal and multiyear environmental variations. Extensive literature review on recent developments of parametric and nonparametric data processing techniques for geotechnical applications is also presented.
Condylar Changes and Its Association with Age, TMD, and Dentition Status: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mathew Anuna Laila , Sholapurkar Amar A. , Pai Keerthilatha M.
Published: October 2011

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of radiographic changes in the condylar morphology and its association with age, clinical signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction and dentition status and also to evaluate the intra examiner and inter examiner reliability in assessing condylar changes using panoramic radiographs. A total of 75 subjects were recruited for the study. They were divided into 3 age groups. 20–40 yrs (Group A), 41–60 yrs (Group B) and 61 yrs and above (Group C). In each age group 25 subjects were evaluated both clinically and radiographically. The prevalence of radiographic changes in condylar morphology and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction was 81.3% and 18.6%, respectively. Radiographic abnormalities in the mandibular condylar morphology increased with age. They were seen more frequently in patients with clinical signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction and in patients with loss of teeth. Intra examiner and inter examiner reliability was high indicating a good reliability in assessing the condylar changes using panoramic radiograph.
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Infection Biomarkers and TP53 Mutations in Hepatocellular Carcinomas from Colombia
Authors: Navas Maria-Cristina , Suarez Iris , Carreño Andrea , Uribe Diego , Rios Wilson Alfredo , Cortes-Mancera Fabian , Martel Ghyslaine , Vieco Beatriz , Lozano Diana , Jimenez Carlos , Gouas Doriane , Osorio German , Hoyos Sergio , Restrepo Juan Carlos , Correa Gonzalo , Jaramillo Sergio , Lopez Rocio , Bravo Luis Eduardo , Arbelaez Maria Patricia , Scoazec Jean-Yves , Abedi-Ardekani Behnoush , Santella Regina M. , Chemin Isabelle , Hainaut Pierre
Published: October 2011

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Globally, the most important HCC risk factors are Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and/or Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), chronic alcoholism, and dietary exposure to aflatoxins. We have described the epidemiological pattern of 202 HCC samples obtained from Colombian patients. Additionally we investigated HBV/HCV infections and TP53 mutations in 49 of these HCC cases. HBV biomarkers were detected in 58.1% of the cases; HBV genotypes F and D were characterized in three of the samples. The HCV biomarker was detected in 37% of the samples while HBV/HCV coinfection was found in 19.2%. Among TP53 mutations, 10.5% occur at the common aflatoxin mutation hotspot, codon 249. No data regarding chronic alcoholism was available from the cases. In conclusion, in this first study of HCC and biomarkers in a Colombian population, the main HCC risk factor was HBV infection.
A Rare Case of Radiation-Induced Osteosarcoma of the Ethmoid Sinus
Authors: Alzahrani Musaed , Robier Alain , Pointreau Yoann , Bakhos David
Published: October 2011

Radiation therapy has been recognized as a useful modality of treatment in head and neck malignant tumors. However, radiation over 10 Gy may predispose to secondary tumors. Radiation-induced osteosarcoma of the ethmoid sinus is unusual. These tumors may present long after radiation with epistaxis. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and biopsy are the modalities of diagnosis. We report a case of radiation-induced osteosarcoma of the ethmoid sinus 9 years after initial exposure. We describe the clinical presentation, the radiological findings, and the management.
African Easterly Waves and Cyclonic Activity over the Eastern Atlantic: Composite and Case Studies
Authors: Camara Moctar , Diedhiou Arona , Gaye Amadou
Published: October 2011

This study aims to understand the main differences over the African continent and the Eastern Atlantic Ocean between African Easterly Waves (AEWs) associated with Atlantic cyclones (developing AEWs) and non-developing AEWs. A statistical study showed that most of the named cyclones generated near the West African coast have a long lifecycle and all are associated with intense AEWs. Using NCEP/NCAR reanalyses, a composite study of the characteristics of developing AEWs is carried out and compared to those of non-developing AEWs. Developing AEWs exhibit the greatest baroclinic and barotropic conversions which are known to be the main processes involved in AEWs growth suggesting that these AEWs are stronger than the non-developing ones. Moreover, the developing AEWs are characterized by the existence of a relatively more unstable environment over West Africa and the Atlantic Ocean. A case study using rawinsonde data showed that the developing AEW is associated with dynamic and thermodynamic conditions conducive for deep convection and subsequent cyclogenesis compared to the non-developing AEW case.
Neurosteroid Binding Sites on the GABAAReceptor Complex as Novel Targets for Therapeutics to Reduce Alcohol Abuse and Dependence
Authors: Hulin Mary W. , Amato Russell J. , Porter Johnny R. , Filipeanu Catalin M. , Winsauer Peter J.
Published: October 2011

Despite the prevalence of alcohol abuse and dependence in the US and Europe, there are only five approved pharmacotherapies for alcohol dependence. Moreover, these pharmacotherapeutic options have limited clinical utility. The purpose of this paper is to present pertinent literature suggesting that both alcohol and the neurosteroids interact at the GABAAreceptor complex and that the neurosteroid sites on this receptor complex could serve as new targets for the development of novel therapeutics for alcohol abuse. This paper will also present data collected by our laboratory showing that one neurosteroid in particular, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), decreases ethanol intake in rats under a variety of conditions. In the process, we will also mention relevant studies from the literature suggesting that both particular subtypes and subunits of the GABAAreceptor play an important role in mediating the interaction of neurosteroids and ethanol.
Using Partial Reconfiguration and Message Passing to Enable FPGA-Based Generic Computing Platforms
Authors: Saldaña Manuel , Patel Arun , Liu Hao Jun , Chow Paul
Published: October 2011

Partial reconfiguration (PR) is an FPGA feature that allows the modification of certain parts of an FPGA while the rest of the system continues to operate without disruption. This distinctive characteristic of FPGAs has many potential benefits but also challenges. The lack of good CAD tools and the deep hardware knowledge requirement result in a hard-to-use feature. In this paper, the new partition-based Xilinx PR flow is used to incorporate PR within our MPI-based message-passing framework to allow hardware designers to createtemplate bitstreams, which are predesigned, prerouted, generic bitstreams that can be reused for multiple applications. As an example of the generality of this approach, four different applications that use the same template bitstream are run consecutively, with a PR operation performed at the beginning of each application to instantiate the desired application engine. We demonstrate a simplified, reusable, high-level, and portable PR interface for X86-FPGA hybrid machines. PR issues such as local resets of reconfigurable modules and context saving and restoring are addressed in this paper followed by some examples and preliminary PR overhead measurements.
Measurement of Redox Potential in Nanoecotoxicological Investigations
Authors: Tantra Ratna , Cackett Alex , Peck Roger , Gohil Dipak , Snowden Jacqueline
Published: October 2011

Redox potential has been identified by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) as one of the parameters that should be investigated for the testing of manufactured nanomaterials. There is still some ambiguity concerning this parameter, i.e., as to what and how to measure, particularly when in a nanoecotoxicological context. In this study the redox potentials of six nanomaterials (either zinc oxide (ZnO) or cerium oxide (CeO2)) dispersions were measured using an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) electrode probe. The particles under testing differed in terms of their particle size and dispersion stability in deionised water and in various ecotox media. The ORP values of the various dispersions and how they fluctuate relative to each other are discussed. Results show that the ORP values are mainly governed by the type of liquid media employed, with little contributions from the nanoparticles. Seawater was shown to have reduced the ORP value, which was attributed to an increase in the concentration of reducing agents such as sulphites or the reduction of dissolved oxygen concentration. The lack of redox potential value contribution from the particles themselves is thought to be due to insufficient interaction of the particles at the Pt electrode of the ORP probe.
Modulation of Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis by Nitric Oxide and Antioxidants
Authors: Dooley Audrey , Bruckdorfer K. Richard , Abraham David J.
Published: October 2011

Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma: SSc) is a multisystem, connective tissue disease of unknown aetiology characterized by vascular dysfunction, autoimmunity, and enhanced fibroblast activity resulting in fibrosis of the skin, heart, and lungs, and ultimately internal organ failure, and death. One of the most important and early modulators of disease activity is thought to be oxidative stress. Evidence suggests that the free radical nitric oxide (NO), a key mediator of oxidative stress, can profoundly influence the early microvasculopathy, and possibly the ensuing fibrogenic response. Animal models and human studies have also identified dietary antioxidants, such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), to function as a protective system against oxidative stress and fibrosis. Hence, targeting EGCG may prove a possible candidate for therapeutic treatment aimed at reducing both oxidant stress and the fibrotic effects associated with SSc.
Negativity of the Basophil Activation Test in Quinolone Hypersensitivity: A Breakthrough for Provocation Test Decision-Making
Authors: Rouzaire Paul , Nosbaum Audrey , Denis Laure , Bienvenu Françoise , Bérard Frédéric , Cozon Grégoire , Bienvenu Jacques
Published: October 2011

Background: Quinolone hypersensitivity reactions are being more frequently reported. Skin tests in investigations of patients are known to not be fully reliable. The provocation test thus remains the gold standard in the definitive diagnosis of allergy, despite the risks involved. The aim of this study was to evaluate basophil activation tests (BATs) in the diagnosis of immediate-type reactions to quinolones. Methods: Thirty-four patients who presented an immediate-type hypersensivity reaction less than an hour after quinolone administration were studied. The allergologic workup of these patients consisted of a careful clinical history, a skin test and a BAT with the culprit quinolone. If not contraindicated, and in the case of high probability of a nonallergic reaction, provocation tests were performed to assess the nonimmunologic nature of the hypersensitivity. Results: Among the 34 patients studied, 17 (50%) presented a negative BAT to the suspected quinolone, while the other 17 (50%) patients presented a positive BAT for quinolone at the time of their reaction. Among the 17 patients with negative BATs, 15 (2 of whom had had positive skin tests) had quinolone successfully reintroduced. Conclusions: Our report suggests that the BAT, if negative for the culprit quinolone, is a valuable tool in the decision whether or not to perform provocation tests in patients with a history of immediate-type reaction to quinolones, in order to exclude an allergic reaction.
A Marxist Who Speaks About God: Reflections on Max Adler’s Religiosity and Jewish Sensitivity
Authors: Ridolfi Giorgio
Published: October 2011

This paper examines Max Adler’s philosophical thought, in order to elucidate how he was able to spot a religious meaning in the materialistic conception of history and to understand his connection to Judaism. The first part expounds on how the prominence of religious issues was perceived in the Marxist milieu; the second part analyzes Adler’s particular position, above all in harmony with Kantian philosophy; and the third part brings out the essential differences between Adler’s and Kant’s ideas on religion. Finally the paper shows how Adler’s hope in an ultramundane salvation of mankind separates his interpretation from Jewish messianism.
The Early Descendants of Avranches 238 (A) of Cicero’s De oratore 1)
Authors: Renting D.S.A.
Published: October 2011

The purpose of this paper is to determine how the following manuscripts of Cicero’s De oratore relate to each other: Avranches 238 (A), Erlangen 380 (E), Leiden, Voss. Lat. O. 26 (F) and Vatican, Reg. lat. 1762 (K; a florilegium). In the first section it is shown, on the basis of conjunctive and separative errors, that E and F must have had a common exemplar (α). Next, I argue that E and F (and hence also α) are derived from A (Section 2). In Section 3 I turn to K and argue that K’s excerpts must have been taken from two different exemplars: §§ 429-41 from α, §§ 401-28 from some related manuscript, probably A itself. Section 4 is devoted to a few questions of secondary importance. Finally, I give a stemma.
Caenum aut caelum: M. Livius Drusus and the Land
Authors: Tweedie Fiona C.
Published: October 2011

This article explores the legislative programme of M. Livius Drusus in 91 BC with particular attention to his plans for land distribution. This aspect of his legislation is often overlooked. I will argue that it was central to his plans for the year and that it was of the greatest importance in determining the response of the Italian allies to his programme. Land had been a friction point in Rome’s relations with the allied communities since the activities of the Gracchan land commission and Drusus’ proposals to distribute land alarmed them. It was this, rather than his citizenship bill, that drew the protests of the Etruscans and Umbrians reported by Appian. Appreciating the diversity of interest groups affected by Drusus’ legislation allows for a much better understanding of his tribunate and its aftermath.
Avicenna’s Hermeneutics
Authors: Bäck Allan
Published: October 2011

Like Plato, Aristotle uses dialectic to interpret and analyze ordinary discourse as well as to ascend to the first principles of philosophy and science. At the same time he says that it is intellect (noûs) that apprehends the first principle. With al-Fārābī and Avicenna (Ibn Sīnā), dialectic becomes relegated to dealing with ordinary language. For them demonstration in an ideal language from principles apprehended by the intellect suffices for the philosopher.
Praedicaturi supponimus. Is Gilbert of Poitiers’ approach to the problem of linguistic reference a pragmatic one?
Authors: Valente Luisa
Published: October 2011

The article investigates how the problem of (linguistic) reference is treated in Gilbert of Poitiers’ Commentaries on Boethius’ Opuscula sacra. In this text the terms supponere, suppositus,-a,-um, and suppositio mainly concern the act of a speaker (or of the author of a written text) that consists of referring—by choosing a name as subject term in a proposition—to one or more subsistent things as what the speech act (or the written text) is about. Supposition is for Gilbert an action performed by a speaker, not a property of terms, and his ‘contextual approach’ has a pragmatic touch: “we do not predicate in order to supposit as much as we supposit in order to predicate”. Language is considered by Gilbert as a system for communication between human beings, key notions are the ‘sense in the author’s mind’ (sensus mentis eius qui loquitur) and the ‘interpreter’s understanding’ (intelligentia lectoris). The phenomenon of ‘disciplinal’ discourse (“man is a species of individuals”) is treated by means of these hermeneutic notions and not by means of a special kind of supposition.
Pragmatics and Semantics in Thomas Aquinas
Authors: Amerini Fabrizio
Published: October 2011

Thomas Aquinas’s account of the semantics of names is based on two fundamental distinctions: the distinction between a name’s mode of signifying and the signified object, and that between the cause and the goal of a name’s signification, i.e. that from which a name was instituted to signify and that which a name actually signifies. Thomas endows names with a two-layer signification: names are introduced into language to designate primarily conceptions of extramental things and secondarily the particular extramental things referred to by such conceptions. On such a ‘conceptualistic’ account of names’ signification, Thomas recognizes that a generic acquaintance with external things is a sufficient condition for imposing names to signify things. Following this intuition, Thomas at times dwells on the role that pragmatic factors such as the common usage of names by a linguistic community (usus loquendi) and the speakers’ intention (intentio loquentium) play in explaining both the formation and semantic function of conventional language. This paper will focus on what Thomas had to say about such factors.
Wyclif on the Felicity (Conditions) of Marriage
Authors: Cesalli Laurent
Published: October 2011

Regarding marriage, John Wyclif defends the following position: strictly speaking, no words or any kind of sensory signs would be needed, since the consensus of the spouses together with God’s approbation would suffice for the accomplishment of marriage. But if words do have to be pronounced, then the appropriate formula should not be in the present, but in the future. In the following, I shall discuss Wyclif’s arguments by comparing them with some other medieval positions, as well as with some elements of contemporary theories of speech acts. It will appear that in his analysis of the only sacrament which is a “social act” in the literal sense of the expression, Wyclif (i) clearly acknowledges the central role of individual intentions behind (linguistic) conventions, and (ii) carefully distinguishes between the different, chronologically disparate acts involved in marriage and their respective (semantic, psychological and factual) felicity conditions.
Contexts of Utterance and Evaluation in Peter of Mantua’s Obligationes
Authors: Strobino Riccardo
Published: October 2011

In this paper I will examine the relation between the theory of obligations and its use in sophismatic contexts through the lens of certain pragmatic concerns. In order to do this, I will take a sophism discussed by Peter of Mantua in his treatise on obligations as a case-study. I will first provide a brief outline of the structure of the treatise and then examine a concrete case that shows how the relationship between background assumptions (casus and context of utterance) and criteria of response seems to suggest a way to qualify the application of general rules (especially for irrelevant sentences) in certain limit-cases. By discussing Peter’s presentation of the sophism, I will also argue for a connection between Peter of Mantua’s text and Mesino de Codronchi’s Questiones on the De Interpretatione.
Sovereign Gratitude: Hegel on Religion and the Gift
Authors: Lauer Christopher
Published: October 2011

In this paper I argue that one of the most important impulses that structure Hegel’s account of religion is the need to show gratitude for the gift of creation. Beginning with the “Love” fragment and 1805-6 Realphilosophie, I first explore what it means to see God’s relationship to spirit as one of externalization or divestment (Entäusserung). Then, relying on the Berlin Lectures on the Philosophy of Religion, I argue that Hegel takes Christianity to be the Consummate Religion because it not only offers its own divestment to match God’s, but actually takes itself to participate in God’s own divestment. This leads to a discussion of revealed religion in the Phenomenology, which, in contrast to simpler forms of religion such as the worship of luminous being (Lichtwesen), is able to conceive of a divine generativity in which spirit actively participates. I conclude by identifying two political implications of the centrality of divestment in Hegel’s account. First, it means that, since Hegel takes Christianity to be unique in its representation of divine divestment, he cannot be a simple pluralist on religious truth. Second, Hegel’s emphasis on divestment in his various accounts of religion helps set up his critique of sovereignty from the standpoint of philosophy or absolute knowing. While religion still clings to a vision of humanity as sovereign over nature, its origin in gratitude for creation proves to be incompatible with this vision.