bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of ephedrine on rapid intubation and haemodynamics using propofol and rocuronium: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Alim SM Abdul , Hossain Md Mozaffer , Khatun UH Shahera
Published: February 2014

Ephedrine is a suitable drug to increase the cardiac output and tissue perfusion, in adequate dose, resulting in faster delivery of drug to muscles. This study was designed to compare the effect of pretreatment with ephedrine 75,100, 150 ?g/kg and saline on intubating conditions and haemodynamics during rapid tracheal intubation using propofol and rocuronium. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different doses of ephedrine, given before induction, on intubating conditions and haemodynamics during rapid tracheal intubation. One hundred and twenty adult patients randomized into one of the four groups- I, II, III and IV were received iv ephedrine 75, 100, 150?g/kg and saline 0.9% (5ml) respectively, one minutes before administering propofol 2.5 mg/kg and rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg. Patients mean arterial pressure, heart rate, were recorded before induction (base line), just before intubation, and 1, 3, and 5 minutes after tracheal intubation. Data were analysed between the groups and within the groups using ANOVA test and X2-test. A p-value of <0.05 were considered as significant. Patients characteristics, baseline heart rate, and mean arterial pressure were comparable between the groups. Iutubating conditions were significantly better in group II (p=0.002). Pulse rate at different times were statistically significant (p<0.001) except base line and just before intubation. The mean difference of average mean blood pressure at different times were statistically significant (p<0.05) except baseline. In conclusion, pre-treatment with ephedrine 100 ?gm/kg improved the intubating conditions during rapid tracheal intubation using propofol and rocuronium. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsa.v22i1.18096 Journal of BSA, 2009; 22(1): 16-20
Conceptual prevalence in palliative care amongst the physicians of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University: a comparison between the post-graduate trainees and the trainers
Authors: Ahmad Nezam Uddin , Khan Farzana , Quadir Sayeda Sharmin , Rahman Mizanur , Laskar Manzoorul Hoq , Akhtaruzzaman AKM
Published: February 2014

Background: Palliative care program has no place either in the national health care service or in undergraduate or post graduate medical curriculum in Bangladesh. Introduction: First Palliative Care Service began in the only medical university of the country in 2007 and still in its early infancy. We hypothesized that medical practitioners mostly have low level of understanding in palliative care Aim of the study: To assess the level of self- perception and understanding in palliative care amongst the post graduate trainees and their trainers in the university and to find out if there is any difference between the two groups. Materials and methods: 127 post graduate trainees and 81 post graduate teachers participated in a survey study during the first one year of the beginning of the service in the university. The data were collected after the survey and the responses were analyzed. Results: The reported level of perception in palliative care appeared to be present in both the groups even without any formal teaching or training. The trainees claimed to have more exposure and understanding than the post graduate teachers who happen to be their trainers. Actual level of understanding was difficult to assess. Conclusion: The result of this survey make a strong case of further evaluating the actual level of understanding and skill determination required in the field of palliative care in different institutions. This will enable to compare and to determine the sharp contrast for palliative care need versus lack of education and training in this field. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsa.v22i1.18098 Journal of BSA, 2009; 22(1): 26-31
The Divivacities of Cixous and Derrida (with a Bracketed Response
Authors: O'Rourke Michael , Aghtan Kamillea
Published: February 2014

This pair of texts, article and response – a performance poem of sorts – focuses on the sexual and textual erotics which circulate in the texts written by Jacques Derrida and Hélène Cixous for and about each other. It is based on Michael O'Rourke's ‘The Divivacities of Cixous and Derrida’, a keynote lecture delivered at the Bodies in Movement conference at Edinburgh in May of 2011 and Kamillea Aghtan's response to O'Rourke. It seeks to discuss the textual intimacies of Hélène Cixous, Jacques Derrida (and by reflection Michael O'Rourke and Kamillea Aghtan) and the various sensual bodies of text created between them. As O'Rourke enfolds his textual subjects, Aghtan repositions O'Rourke's conception of textual friendship and love in terms of her response and, by doing so, suggests a new kind of (un)balanced relationship in its writing, the creation of different amalgams and further bodies of text that are thoroughly contingent, multiplying and obstinately open-ended.
‘Come, so that I may Chase you Away!’ On Ghost Hunts and Posthuman Ethics
Authors: Henriksen Line
Published: February 2014

‘Creepypastas’ are short horror stories that circulate online, spreading through the act of copying and pasting, and often threatening to ‘curse’ the reader in the process. In this article I explore what it might mean to strike up companionship with and show responsibility towards that which is considered non-existent yet, as in the case of creepypasta and its monsters, hauntingly present nonetheless. I do so through the framework of Jacques Derrida's ‘hauntology’ as well as Donna Haraway's work on responsibility as a question of how to respond to the response of the non/human other. The question I would like to ask is this: how might one respond to the response of the non/human other, if the non/human other is considered to not exist?
The Philosophy of ‘The Gap’: Feminist Fat and Corporeal (Dis)connection
Authors: Sellberg Karin
Published: February 2014

The title of this article is multi-faceted: the ‘gap’ is the name attributed to a hollow space between the thighs that has become an essential part of the contemporary female body beautiful, but my usage also indicates the disparity between different feminist discourses of libratory corporeality and excessive body fat. Considering a somatechnical approach to body fat in terms of Foucauldian dispositifs, it investigates discourses of fat and discussions of anorexia both in the works of feminists who combat the contemporary beauty ideals, such as Naomi Wolf and Susie Orbach, and some Deleuzean and queer feminists, who look to the productive and transgressive potentials of emaciation. In this discussion between academic fat studies, feminist theory and queer theory, one central question emerges: what is it about body fat that makes it such a charged cultural concept? Why is this very essential bodily substance at all considered in terms of desirability? This article argues that the physical qualities of body fat – and the hollows that are formed when it fails to appear – take part in constructing it as concept directly linked to desire. Exploring the dichotomy built between the presence and absence of fat, it explores the philosophical background to this erotic potential.
Movement and Moment: In-between Discreteness and Continuity
Authors: Douglas Anne , Coessens Kathleen
Published: February 2014

This paper explores a paradox. We breathe in, and then out. We walk by making paces, alternating left and right feet. Walking and breathing are made up of discrete intervals of space and time, involuntary actions of the living body, sustaining continuity. Continuity in movement is constituted by its opposite. The necessity to transpose the weight of our body between first the left and then the right foot creates motion. By analysing these discrete movements, it becomes possible to transpose them into languages of signs and symbols – notation, drawing, documenting what has happened to inform what might happen. Creativity intervenes, allowing us to vary the patterns playfully, because it is possible to do so with this kind of notational knowledge or trace. Languages of form building in art thereby constitute an effective, visual, embodied method of understanding how the body moves: a complex dialogue between gravity's pull towards stasis, the centre of the earth, countered by the urge to move from that centre into motion, into life.

We will take two examples of artistic processes: one in the visual arts and the other, musical performance to explore how notational practices such as scores that are used by artists in the process of developing their work, can and do inform understandings of embodiment more generally.
The Rock Paintings of Kuh-e-Donbeh in Esfahan, Central Iran
Authors: Karimi Ebrahim
Published: February 2014

Although a great number of petroglyphs have been identified in Iran, only a few rock painting sites have been found. Despite this, a considerable number of rock paintings have been discovered in Kuh-e-Donbeh, which is a mountain located to the south-west of the city of Esfahan in central Iran. The paintings can be found on the rims of seasonal water channels on this mountain. All the depictions are painted with red pigment sourced from the immediate region. The motifs depicted include zoomorphs, anthropomorphs, horse-riding scenes, and some unknown shapes, etc. A farming theme is also prevalent in the corpus. The paintings are located in five areas and, in some cases, have been subject to intense weathering. Some of the rock paintings may date to the historic period, but reliable dating is not currently possible. So, analysis of the pigments for more secure scientific dating will be required.
The Role of Cyclic Nucleotide Signaling Pathways in Cancer: Targets for Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Fajardo Alexandra , Piazza Gary , Tinsley Heather
Published: February 2014

For more than four decades, the cyclic nucleotides cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP) have been recognized as important signaling molecules within cells. Under normal physiological conditions, cyclic nucleotides regulate a myriad of biological processes such as cell growth and adhesion, energy homeostasis, neuronal signaling, and muscle relaxation. In addition, altered cyclic nucleotide signaling has been observed in a number of pathophysiological conditions, including cancer. While the distinct molecular alterations responsible for these effects vary depending on the specific cancer type, several studies have demonstrated that activation of cyclic nucleotide signaling through one of three mechanisms—induction of cyclic nucleotide synthesis, inhibition of cyclic nucleotide degradation, or activation of cyclic nucleotide receptors—is sufficient to inhibit proliferation and activate apoptosis in many types of cancer cells. These findings suggest that targeting cyclic nucleotide signaling can provide a strategy for the discovery of novel agents for the prevention and/or treatment of selected cancers.
Dimensionality Variation in Dinuclear Cu(II) Complexes of a Heterotritopic Pyrazolate Ligand
Authors: Hawes Chris , Kruger Paul
Published: February 2014

Two new Cu(II) complexes of the ligand 3-carboxy-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazole, H2L1, have been prepared and structurally characterized and found to be comprised of a similar [M2L2] dimer motif. Subtle variation in the synthetic conditions allowed isolation of two metal complexes: [Cu2L12(MeOH)2], 1, a discrete dimer linked by hydrogen bonding interactions in the solid state, and poly-[Cu2L12], 2, a polymeric material where the dimer motif is linked by carboxylate bridges to give an extended two-dimensional sheet. The selective isolation of each phase by careful synthetic control highlights the subtlety and importance of the underlying synthetic conditions.
A Bayesian Approach to the Balancing of Statistical Economic Data
Authors: Rodrigues João
Published: February 2014

This paper addresses the problem of balancing statistical economic data, when data structure is arbitrary and both uncertainty estimates and a ranking of data quality are available. Using a Bayesian approach, the prior configuration is described as a multivariate random vector and the balanced posterior is obtained by application of relative entropy minimization. The paper shows that conventional data balancing methods, such as generalized least squares, weighted least squares and biproportional methods are particular cases of the general method described here. As a consequence, it is possible to determine the underlying assumptions and range of application of each traditional method. In particular, the popular biproportional method is found to assume that all source data has the same relative uncertainty. Finally, this paper proposes a simple linear iterative method that generalizes the biproportional method to the data balancing problem with arbitrary data structure, uncertainty estimates and multiple data quality levels.
Life Gain in Italian Smokers Who Quit
Authors: Carrozzi Laura , Falcone Franco , Carreras Giulia , Pistelli Francesco , Gorini Giuseppe , Martini Andrea , Viegi Giovanni
Published: February 2014

This study aims to estimate the number of life years gained with quitting smoking in Italian smokers of both sexes, by number of cigarettes smoked per day (cig/day) and age at cessation. All-cause mortality tables by age, sex and smoking status were computed, based on Italian smoking data, and the survival curves of former and current smokers were compared. The more cig/day a man/woman smokes, and the younger his/her age of quitting smoking, the more years of life he/she gains with cessation. In fact, cessation at age 30, 40, 50, or 60 years gained, respectively, about 7, 7, 6, or 5, and 5, 5, 4, or 3 years of life, respectively, for men and women that smoked 10–19 cig/day. The gain in life years was higher for heavy smokers (9 years for >20 cig/day) and lower for light smokers (4 years for 1–9 cig/day). Consistently with prospective studies conducted worldwide, quitting smoking increases life expectancy regardless of age, gender and number of cig/day. The estimates of the number of years of life that could be gained by quitting smoking, when computed specifically for a single smoker, could be used by physicians and health professionals to promote a quit attempt.
Structure Analysis of Aerobic Granule from a Sequencing Batch Reactor for Organic Matter and Ammonia Nitrogen Removal
Authors: Li Jun , Cai Ang , Wang Danjun , Chen Chao , Ni Yongjiong
Published: February 2014

Aerobic granules were cultivated in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR). COD and ammonia nitrogen removal rate were 94% and 99%, respectively. The diameter, settling velocity and SVI10 of granules ranged from 2 to 5 mm, 80 to 110 m/h and about 40 mL/g, respectively. Freezing microtome images, DO concentration profiles by microelectrode, distribution of bacteria and EPS by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) show that the aerobic granules have a three-layer structure. Each layer has different thickness, character, bacteria, and DO transfer rate. A hypothesis for granule structure is proposed: the first layer, the surface of the granule, is composed mostly of heterotrophic organisms for organic matter removal, with a thickness range from 150 to 350 μm; the second layer, mostly composed of autotrophic organisms for ammonia nitrogen removal, with a thickness range from 250 to 450 μm; the third layer, located in the core of the granule, has mostly an inorganic composition and contains pores and channels.
HBx Protein Promotes Oval Cell Proliferation by Up-Regulation of Cyclin D1 via Activation of the MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt Pathways
Authors: Wang Heng-Yi , Yang Sheng-Li , Liang Hui-Fang , Li Chang-Hai
Published: February 2014

Growing evidence has shown that hepatic oval cells, also named liver progenitor cells, play an important role in the process of liver regeneration in various liver diseases. Oval cell proliferation has been reported in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and chronic liver disease. Studies have found expression of HBV surface and core antigens in oval cells in the livers of patients with HCC, suggesting that HBV infection of oval cells could be a mechanism of human hepatocarcinogenesis. In addition, there is evidence of multiplication of HBV in oval cell culture. However, little research has been performed to explore the role of HBV-encoded proteins in the proliferation of hepatic oval cells. Previously, we successfully transfected the HBV x (HBx) gene, one of the four genes in the HBV genome, into a rat LE/6 oval cell line. In this study, we tested whether or not the transfected HBx gene could affect oval cell proliferation in vitro. Our results show that overexpression of HBx promotes the proliferation of oval cells and increases cyclin D1 expression, assessed at both the mRNA and protein levels. We also found that HBx activated the PI-3K/Akt and MEK/ERK1/2 pathways in HBx-transfected oval cells. Furthermore, the HBx-induced increases in cyclin D1 expression and oval cell proliferation were completely abolished by treatment with either MEK inhibitor PD184352 or PI-3K inhibitor LY294002. These results demonstrated that HBx has the ability to promote oval cell proliferation in vitro, and its stimulatory effects on cell proliferation and expression of cyclin D1 depend on the activation of the MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in cultured oval cells.
Association between Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs1044925 and the Risk of Coronary Artery Disease and Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Wu Dong-Feng , Yin Rui-Xing , Cao Xiao-Li , Chen Wu-Xian
Published: February 2014

The present study was performed to clarify the association between the acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 (ACAT-1) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1044925 and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic stroke (IS) in the Guangxi Han population. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed to determine the genotypes of the ACAT-1 SNP rs1044925 in 1730 unrelated subjects (CAD, 587; IS, 555; and healthy controls; 588). The genotypic and allelic frequencies of rs1044925 were significantly different between the CAD patients and controls (p = 0.015) and borderline different between the IS patients and controls (p = 0.05). The AC/CC genotypes and C allele were associated with a decreased risk of CAD and IS (CAD: p = 0.014 for AC/CC vs. AA, p = 0.022 for C vs. A; IS: p = 0.014 for AC/CC vs. AA; p = 0.017 for C vs. A). The AC/CC genotypes in the healthy controls, but not in CAD or IS patients, were associated with an increased serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration. The present study shows that the C allele carriers of ACAT-1 rs1044925 were associated with an increased serum HDL-C level in the healthy controls and decreased risk in CAD and IS patients.
Anaerobic Thermophiles
Authors: Canganella Francesco , Wiegel Juergen
Published: February 2014

The term “extremophile” was introduced to describe any organism capable of living and growing under extreme conditions. With the further development of studies on microbial ecology and taxonomy, a variety of “extreme” environments have been found and an increasing number of extremophiles are being described. Extremophiles have also been investigated as far as regarding the search for life on other planets and even evaluating the hypothesis that life on Earth originally came from space. The first extreme environments to be largely investigated were those characterized by elevated temperatures. The naturally “hot environments” on Earth range from solar heated surface soils and water with temperatures up to 65 °C, subterranean sites such as oil reserves and terrestrial geothermal with temperatures ranging from slightly above ambient to above 100 °C, to submarine hydrothermal systems with temperatures exceeding 300 °C. There are also human-made environments with elevated temperatures such as compost piles, slag heaps, industrial processes and water heaters. Thermophilic anaerobic microorganisms have been known for a long time, but scientists have often resisted the belief that some organisms do not only survive at high temperatures, but actually thrive under those hot conditions. They are perhaps one of the most interesting varieties of extremophilic organisms. These microorganisms can thrive at temperatures over 50 °C and, based on their optimal temperature, anaerobic thermophiles can be subdivided into three main groups: thermophiles with an optimal temperature between 50 °C and 64 °C and a maximum at 70 °C, extreme thermophiles with an optimal temperature between 65 °C and 80 °C, and finally hyperthermophiles with an optimal temperature above 80 °C and a maximum above 90 °C. The finding of novel extremely thermophilic and hyperthermophilic anaerobic bacteria in recent years, and the fact that a large fraction of them belong to the Archaea has definitely made this area of investigation more exciting. Particularly fascinating are their structural and physiological features allowing them to withstand extremely selective environmental conditions. These properties are often due to specific biomolecules (DNA, lipids, enzymes, osmolites, etc.) that have been studied for years as novel sources for biotechnological applications. In some cases (DNA-polymerase, thermostable enzymes), the search and applications successful exceeded preliminary expectations, but certainly further exploitations are still needed.
Flash Thermography to Evaluate Porosity in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRPs)
Authors: Meola Carosena , Toscano Cinzia
Published: February 2014

It is a fact that the presence of porosity in composites has detrimental effects on their mechanical properties. Then, due to the high probability of void formation during manufacturing processes, it is necessary to have the availability of non-destructive evaluation techniques, which may be able to discover the presence and the distribution of porosity in the final parts. In recent years, flash thermography has emerged as the most valuable method, but it is still not adequately enclosed in the industrial enterprise. The main reason of this is the lack of sufficient quantitative data for a full validation of such a technique. The intention of the present work is to supply an overview on the current state-of-the-art regarding the use of flash thermography to evaluate the porosity percentage in fiber reinforced composite materials and to present the latest results, which are gathered by the authors, on porous carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates. To this end, several coupons of two different stacking sequences and including a different amount of porosity are fabricated and inspected with both non-destructive and destructive testing techniques. Data coming from non-destructive testing with either flash thermography or ultrasonics are plotted against the porosity percentage, which was previously estimated with the volumetric method. The new obtained results are a witness to the efficacy of flash thermography. Some key points that need further consideration are also highlighted.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Micromachines in 2013
Authors: Micromachines Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Micromachines would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Annexin-Mediated Calcium Signalling in Plants
Authors: Davies Julia
Published: February 2014

Calcium-permeable channels underpin elevations of free calcium that encode specific signals in stress adaptation, development and immunity. Identifying the genes encoding these channels remains a central goal of plant signalling research. Evidence now suggests that members of the plant annexin family function as unconventional calcium-permeable channels, with roles in development and stress signalling. Arabidopsis annexin 1 mediates a plasma membrane calcium-permeable conductance in roots that is activated by reactive oxygen species. Recombinant annexin 1 forms a very similar conductance in planar lipid bilayers, indicating that this protein could facilitate the in vivo conductance directly. The annexin 1 mutant is impaired in salinity-induced calcium signalling. Protein–protein interactions, post-translational modification and dynamic association with membranes could all influence annexin-mediated calcium signalling and are reviewed here. The prospect of annexins playing roles in calcium signalling events in symbiosis and immunity are considered.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Plants in 2013
Authors: Plants Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Plants would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Structural Validity of ‘Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire’ in Greek Sample
Authors: Dianni Maria , Proios Miltiadis , Kouthouris Charilaos
Published: February 2014

The aim of the present study was to investigate the structural validity and reliability of the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire (SCSRFQ) instrument in the Greek population. One hundred and three individuals (men n = 45, and women n = 58) participated in this study. Their age ranged from 17 to 86 years. More specifically, the study investigated the fit of both versions of SCSRFQ (10-item and 5-item). The results of the present study revealed that both versions have adequate fit and can be used by Greek researchers as a measure of strength of religious faith in the Greek population.
Deciphering the Precision of Stereo IKONOS Canopy Height Models for US Forests with G-LiHT Airborne LiDAR
Authors: Neigh Christopher , Masek Jeffrey , Bourget Paul , Cook Bruce , Huang Chengquan , Rishmawi Khaldoun , Zhao Feng
Published: February 2014

Few studies have evaluated the precision of IKONOS stereo data for measuring forest canopy height. The high cost of airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data collection for large area studies and the present lack of a spaceborne instrument lead to the need to explore other low cost options. The US Government currently has access to a large archive of commercial high-resolution imagery, which could be quite valuable to forest structure studies. At 1 m resolution, we here compared canopy height models (CHMs) and height data derived from Goddard’s airborne LiDAR Hyper-spectral and Thermal Imager (G-LiHT) with three types of IKONOS stereo derived digital surface models (DSMs) that estimate CHMs by subtracting National Elevation Data (NED) digital terrain models (DTMs). We found the following in three different forested regions of the US after excluding heterogeneous and disturbed forest samples: (1) G-LiHT DTMs were highly correlated with NED DTMs with R2 > 0.98 and root mean square errors (RMSEs) < 2.96 m; (2) when using one visually identifiable ground control point (GCP) from NED, G-LiHT DSMs and IKONOS DSMs had R2 > 0.84 and RMSEs of 2.7 to 4.1 m; and (3) one GCP CHMs for two study sites had R2 > 0.7 and RMSEs of 2.6 to 3 m where data were collected less than four years apart. Our results suggest that IKONOS stereo data are a useful LiDAR alternative where high-quality DTMs are available.
Enhanced Sensitivity of Surface Acoustic Wave-Based Rate Sensors Incorporating Metallic Dot Arrays
Authors: Wang Wen , Shao Xiuting , Liu Xinlu , Liu Jiuling , He Shitang
Published: February 2014

A new surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based rate sensor pattern incorporating metallic dot arrays was developed in this paper. Two parallel SAW delay lines with a reverse direction and an operation frequency of 80 MHz on a same X-112°Y LiTaO3 wafer are fabricated as the feedback of two SAW oscillators, and mixed oscillation frequency was used to characterize the external rotation. To enhance the Coriolis force effect acting on the SAW propagation, a copper (Cu) dot array was deposited along the SAW propagation path of the SAW devices. The approach of partial-wave analysis in layered media was referred to analyze the response mechanisms of the SAW based rate sensor, resulting in determination of the optimal design parameters. To improve the frequency stability of the oscillator, the single phase unidirectional transducers (SPUDTs) and combed transducer were used to form the SAW device to minimize the insertion loss and accomplish the single mode selection, respectively. Excellent long-term (measured in hours) frequency stability of 0.1 ppm/h was obtained. Using the rate table with high precision, the performance of the developed SAW rate sensor was evaluated experimentally; satisfactory detection sensitivity (16.7 Hz∙deg∙s−1) and good linearity were observed.
Ground Testing Strategies for Verifying the Slew Rate Tolerance of Star Trackers
Authors: Dzamba Tom , Enright John
Published: February 2014

The performance of a star tracker is largely based on the availability of its attitude solution. Several methods exist to assess star tracker availability under both static and dynamic imaging conditions. However, these methods typically make various idealizations that can limit the accuracy of these results. This study aims to increase the fidelity of star tracker availability modeling by accounting for the effects of detection logic and pixel saturation on star detection. We achieve this by developing an analytical model for the focal plane intensity distribution of a star in the presence of sensor slew. Using the developed model, we examine the effects of slew rate on star detection using simulations and lab tests. The developed approach allows us to determine the maximum slew rate for which a star of a given stellar magnitude can still be detected. This information can then be used to describe the availability of a star tracker attitude solution as a function of slew rate, both spatially, across the entire celestial sphere, or locally, along a specified orientation track.
Spectral Sharpening of Color Sensors: Diagonal Color Constancy and Beyond
Authors: Vazquez-Corral Javier , Bertalmío Marcelo
Published: February 2014

It has now been 20 years since the seminal work by Finlayson et al. on the use of spectral sharpening of sensors to achieve diagonal color constancy. Spectral sharpening is still used today by numerous researchers for different goals unrelated to the original goal of diagonal color constancy e.g., multispectral processing, shadow removal, location of unique hues. This paper reviews the idea of spectral sharpening through the lens of what is known today in color constancy, describes the different methods used for obtaining a set of sharpening sensors and presents an overview of the many different uses that have been found for spectral sharpening over the years.
A Textile-Based Wearable Sensing Device Designed for Monitoring the Flexion Angle of Elbow and Knee Movements
Authors: Shyr Tien-Wei , Shie Jing-Wen , Jiang Chang-Han , Li Jung-Jen
Published: February 2014

In this work a wearable gesture sensing device consisting of a textile strain sensor, using elastic conductive webbing, was designed for monitoring the flexion angle of elbow and knee movements. The elastic conductive webbing shows a linear response of resistance to the flexion angle. The wearable gesture sensing device was calibrated and then the flexion angle-resistance equation was established using an assembled gesture sensing apparatus with a variable resistor and a protractor. The proposed device successfully monitored the flexion angle during elbow and knee movements.
Overview of Scorpion Species from China and Their Toxins
Authors: Cao Zhijian , Di Zhiyong , Wu Yingliang , Li Wenxin
Published: February 2014

Scorpions are one of the most ancient groups of terrestrial animals. They have maintained a steady morphology over more than 400 million years of evolution. Their venom arsenals for capturing prey and defending against predators may play a critical role in their ancient and conservative appearance. In the current review, we present the scorpion fauna of China: 53 species covering five families and 12 genera. We also systematically list toxins or genes from Chinese scorpion species, involving eight species covering four families. Furthermore, we review the diverse functions of typical toxins from Chinese scorpion species, involving Na+ channel modulators, K+ channel blockers, antimicrobial peptides and protease inhibitors. Using scorpion species and their toxins from China as an example, we build the bridge between scorpion species and their toxins, which helps us to understand the molecular and functional diversity of scorpion venom arsenal, the dynamic and functional evolution of scorpion toxins, and the potential relationships of scorpion species and their toxins.
Fusarium Head Blight Control and Prevention of Mycotoxin Contamination in Wheat with Botanicals and Tannic Acid
Authors: Forrer Hans-Rudolf , Musa Tomke , Schwab Fabienne , Jenny Eveline , Bucheli Thomas , Wettstein Felix , Vogelgsang Susanne
Published: February 2014

Suspensions or solutions with 1% of Chinese galls (Galla chinensis, GC) or 1% of tannic acid (TA), inhibited germination of conidia or mycelium growth of Fusarium graminearum (FG) by 98%–100% or by 75%–80%, respectively, whereas dried bark from buckthorn (Frangula alnus, FA) showed no effect at this concentration. In climate chamber experiments where the wheat variety “Apogee” was artificially inoculated with FG and F. crookwellense (FCr) and treated with 5% suspensions of TA, GC and FA, the deoxynivalenol (DON) content in grains was reduced by 81%, 67% and 33%, respectively. In field experiments with two commercial wheat varieties and artificial or semi-natural inoculations, mean DON reductions of 66% (TA) and 58% (FA), respectively, were obtained. Antifungal toxicity can explain the high efficacies of TA and GC but not those of FA. The Fusarium head blight (FHB) and mycotoxin reducing effect of FA is probably due to elicitation of resistance in wheat plants. With semi-natural inoculation, a single FA application in the first half of the flowering period performed best. However, we assume that applications of FA at the end of ear emergence and a treatment, triggered by an infection period, with TA or GC during flowering, might perform better than synthetic fungicides.
Modulation of Homology-Directed Repair in T98G Glioblastoma Cells Due to Interactions between Wildtype p53, Rad51 and HCMV IE1-72
Authors: Kulkarni Amit , Fortunato Elizabeth
Published: February 2014

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous pathogen capable of causing life threatening consequences in neonates and immune-compromised individuals. HCMV inflicts site-specific double strand breaks (DSBs) in the cellular genome. DNA damage infliction raises the corollary question of virus modulation of DNA repair. We recently reported HDR was stimulated in wt human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) during fully permissive infection or expression of the HCMV protein IE1-72 (IE72). These studies have been extended into semi-permissive T98G glioblastoma cells. T98Gs encode a mutant p53, which may contribute to their high baseline rate of HDR. We fully expected HCMV infection to increase HDR in T98Gs, similar to its effects in HFFs. Surprisingly in T98Gs HCMV infection, or sole expression of IE72, decreased HDR by two-fold. Transient expression of wt p53 in T98Gs also reduced HDR by two-fold. Dual transient expression of wt p53 and IE72 restored high baseline HDR levels. GST pulldown experiments revealed that both IE72 and wt p53 bound the important HDR protein, Rad51. We conclude that the expression of certain HCMV proteins can modulate HDR in an infected cell, dependent upon p53 status. We propose a model of the protein interactions explaining this behavior.
Une balle de fronde au nom d'Onomarchos et sa monnaie
Authors: Hourlier Michel
Published: February 2014

A lead sling bullet bears an inscription on its side which is likely to be the name of a famous Phocian warrior, who won fame during the Third Sacral War, beginning in 356 BC. Onomarchos and his brother Phayllus struck coins in their names. Finally, with the metal won from the heavy penalty the Phocians had to pay after the war, the Amphictionic League struck a silver coin.
Le trésor « aux poulpes » : un petit trésor archaïque enfoui vers 478 av. J.-C
Authors: Mani Hurter Silvia
Published: February 2014

This article presents a small archaic hoard of silver coins which was probably found on Cyprus and which was deposited in c. 478 BC. Its main interest lies in the fact that it includes the fragment of a tetradrachm of Eretria with an octopus reverse and a Cypriot stater of an uncertain mint whose reverse bears an octopus copied from an Eretrian prototype.
Contribution à l'étude du monnayage athénien à l'époque classique (suite) : le trésor trouvé à Ano Voula en 1979
Authors: Oeconomides Mando
Published: February 2014

Le trésor d'Ano Voula 1979, probablement enfoui à la fin de la guerre du Péloponnèse, est composé de trente monnaies d'argent athéniennes (douze tétradrachmes, dix-sept drachmes et un triobole). La diversité stylistique de ces monnaies trouvées en Attique invite à reposer la difficile question de l'attribution de plusieurs monnaies : « imitations » ou productions de moindre qualité de l'atelier athénien ?
Corinthe et l'Ithôme, une image numismatique méconnue
Authors: Picard Olivier
Published: February 2014

The advice given to the Macedonian King Philip V to seize the Messene's acropolis so that he can keep the Péloponnèse under « by holding both the ox's horns » can be explained by comparison with aThessalian sport, the bull's seizure, which is depicted on 5th-cent. B.C. Thessalian coins. It is also mentioned in many texts and reliefs dating from the end of the 6th cent. B.C. to the imperial period.
Notes sur la terminologie monétaire en Grèce du nord
Authors: Psōmá Selī́nī
Published: February 2014

The small fractions of the 5th-century Temenid Kings and the Chalcidians of Thrace with the initials of their nominal values and combined epigraphic evidence from Amphipolis, Thasos, Delphi and Delos help us to verify the nominal values of different North Greek coinages.
Le trésor de Gézéïr (lac Mariout, Alexandrie)
Authors: Faucher Thomas , Shahin Mona
Published: February 2014

Le trésor de Gézéïr provient des rives du lac Mariout, non loin d'Alexandrie. Il comprend plus de deux cents monnaies en bronze dont la grande majorité appartient à un type peu connu de monnaies lagides datées. Cette trouvaille nécessite de resituer la frappe de cette émission dans la capitale lagide lors du règne de Ptolémée IX Sôter II à la fin du IIe s. av. J.-C.
Trapézonte du Pont sous l'Empire romain : étude historique et corpus monétaire
Authors: Wojan Franck
Published: February 2014

The ancient Pontic city of Trapezus (now called Trabzon, in Turkey) issued a bronze coinage under the Roman Empire (between the reign of Trajan - 98-1 17 A.D. - and the reign of Philip - 244-249 A.D. - to be more precise). First of all, this article aims at putting the ancient city back in its historical context (Antiquity) and also in its geographical context (the South-East basin of Pontus-Euxinus and the Northern littoral of the Anatolian Peninsula). Nowadays, the following corpus lists a range of 259 items spread over 20 issues. To finish, some statistics will allow us to characterize the Trapezus monetary workshop, which more or less functioned like most of its neighbours', and whose purpose was to supply the city and its area with divisonal coins.
Un premier atelier irrégulier du milieu du IVe siècle localisé en Gaule (Le Mesnil-Amelot, Seine-et-Marne, France)
Authors: Pilon Fabien
Published: February 2014

Excavations carried out in 2001 at the Gallo-Roman site οί La Pièce du Gué (Le Mesnil-Amelot, Seine-et-Marne, France), led to the finding of fifteen mid-4th-century forgeries (at least five of them struck with the same reverse die copying the « one standard » Gloria exercitus type) which were discarded in the fill of a cellar together with seventeen monetary artefacts (two cylinders and fifteen blanks). This material manifestly attests to the local striking of minimi, usually dated to the years 354-366 and having an average weight of 0.54 g and diameter of 9.7 mm. This production, evidently based on a third part of a nummus, with a rate of 1 92 to the pound, closely resembles the hoards found at Reims (Marne, France) and the North Leigh Roman villa (Oxfordshire, England), and raises the question of organisation concerning weight in mid-4th-century forgeries.
ΜΑΚΕΔΩΝΟΝ ΠΡΟΤΕΣ ΜΕΡΙΔΟΣ : Evidence for a coinage under the Antigonids
Authors: Kremydi-Sicilianou Sophia
Published: February 2014

This article discusses a rare didrachm issued in the name of the first district (=meris) of Macedonia that bears a Macedonian shield on the obverse and a club within an oak- wreath on the reverse. The unusual inscription ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ ΠΡΩΤΗΣ ΜΕΡΙΔΟΣ is divided between the obverse and the reverse of the coin. It is argued that this issue should be dated to the late years of Philip V's reign and not to the period of the Roman domination, as has been previously suggested (W. Schwabacher, NC5 19, 1939, p. 2-3). Its iconographical types and its denomination are very well placed within the context of the late Antigonid coinage, but the decisive argument for its dating is the presence of the rare monogram ME, which is also found on two bronze issues dated to the last years of the reign of Philip V. The dating of this issue to the period of the Antigonids offers one more argument in favour of the hypothesis put forward by historians and numismatists that the division of Macedonia into four districts was already implemented during reign of the Antigonids and was not a Roman innovation.
Le trésor de Lleshan (Elbasan)
Authors: Gjongecaj Shpresa
Published: February 2014

Un sanctuaire au-dessus de la via Egnatia, en Illyrie, près de la moderne Elbasan a donné un trésor de 2768 pièces. La grande majorité était constituée de monnaies de bronze de Dyrrachion, qui couvrent toute la production monétaire de la cité, depuis le IVe siècle jusqu'au milieu du Ier av. J.-C. La série la plus importante est aux types de Zeus et du trépied ; elle a duré du milieu du IIIe s. jusque vers 30 av. J.-C. Les noms de 39 monétaires sont connus et le trésor permet de reconstituer la succession des coins. Le trésor apporte des informations inédites sur les dernières émissions de la cité, après la guerre entre César et Pompée et avant sa transformation en colonie romaine. Enfin le trésor renseigne sur les déplacements sur la via Egnatia.
Capvt régis et couronne royale
Authors: Hourlier Michel
Published: February 2014

La couronne représentée sur une fibule du Xe siècle à légende Caput régis permet de reprendre la question des couronnes : à côté de l'opposition entre couronnes à arceaux et à fleurons, on peut interpréter certaines représentations antérieures à la Querelle des investitures comme des couronnes associant la couronne, symbole du pouvoir temporel, et le bonnet, symbole du pouvoir spirituel. Le résultat tel qu'il apparaît sur la fibule n'est pas sans évoquer le châtel tournois où l'on propose de voir la représentation d'une telle couronne.
Le métal des chrysobulles (XIe-XIIe siècle)
Authors: Morrisson Cécile , Blet-Lemarquand Maryse
Published: February 2014

On présente ici les premières analyses réalisées de bulles d'or impériales : l'une de Michel VII Doukas (1071-1078) de la collection Whittemore, les autres des empereurs latins de Constantinople, Baudouin Ier (1204-1205) et Henri Ier (1206-1216) conservées au Cabinet des Médailles (BnF). La composition suit celle de la monnaie d'or contemporaine et permet de dater la bulle de Michel VII du début du règne. Les bulles latines ont des teneurs conformes à celles des hyperpères du XIIe siècle et sont toutes deux formées de deux disques comme les bulles byzantines. Elles comportent au centre une feuille d'or enroulée dans laquelle passait le cordon de pourpre. La première a été soudée par brasure, les deux disques de l'autre ont été assemblés en rabattant la bordure du revers sur le droit.
Le monnayage gaulois BnF 357 1/72 et les origines préromaines de la cité de Béziers
Authors: Feugère Michel
Published: February 2014

Une série de monnaies gauloises en argent, portant au revers un cheval surmonté d'un fleuron, ne semble avoir été diffusée que dans une partie très limitée de l'actuel département de l'Hérault. Excluant les territoires de la plaine littorale, qui devaient dépendre à la fin de l'Âge du Fer de Béziers et d'Agde, cette distribution ignore également la partie septentrionale du futur territorium de la cité de Béziers, ainsi que la zone qui deviendra le territoire de Luteva, à l'exception notable du bassin de Gignac. On peut donc considérer qu'en 36 av. n. ère, la communauté émettrice, dont nous ignorons le nom et même la capitale (à moins que ce ne soit Piscinae. . . ?) a été intégrée dans la colonia baeterrensis en même temps que les anciens territoires du littoral (la Betarra préromaine), et ceux de l'arrière-pays qui ont pu être pris aux Ruteni. Le territoire de la civitas aurait donc été formé en agglomérant, selon plusieurs logiques, des amis et d'anciens ennemis. Le statut d'oppidum latinum pourrait alors témoigner des faveurs accordées aux uns (Cessero) pour les distinguer des autres (Ruteni).
Les médaillons impériaux de l'Antiquité tardive : nouvelle contribution
Authors: Bollard Isabelle
Published: February 2014

Following on our study of the silver content of bronze coins from Diocletian to Theodosius II, we analysed 173 silver-alloyed bronze, billon or lead-alloyed copper medallions from the Bibliothèque nationale de France in order to determine whether monetary reforms influenced the production of medallions. A non-destructive analysis method, fast neutron activation with a cyclotron, allowed the comparative study of coins and medallions' composition. The joint study of weight and metal data demonstrate that some bronze medallions can indeed be considered multiples of the contemporary current coins. The complexity and diversity of the bronze system in the Late Roman period is thus highlighted.
Analyses élémentaires de monnaies de Charlemagne et Louis le Pieux du Cabinet des Médailles : l'Italie carolingienne et Venise
Authors: Sarah Guillaume , Bompaire Marc , McCormick Michael , Rovelli Alessia , Guerrot Catherine
Published: February 2014

The whole Carolingian denarii collection kept at the Cabinet des Médailles of the Bibliothèque nationale de France struck in Italy between 781 and 822 under Charlemagne and Louis the Pious has been analysed, as well as some later issues minted between 822 and 855. The analysis revealed an enduring increase in the silver fineness of the coins struck by the two rulers between 781 and 822, followed by a slight decrease during the second part of Louis' reign (822- 840) that continued under Lothar (840-855). The results obtained also showed the particularity of the coins struck at Venice in the name of Louis the Pious from 818 to 822, even though the city was theoretically under Byzantine rule : these denarii are less fine than the other ones, and differ also regarding the content of some minor and trace elements.