bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analogue CMOS ASICs in Image Processing Systems
Authors: Jendernalik W. , Blakiewicz G. , Handkiewicz A. , Melosik M.
Published: December 2013

In this paper a survey of analog application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) for low-level image processing, called vision chips, is presented. Due to the specific requirements, the vision chips are designed using different architectures best suited to their functions. The main types of the vision chip architectures and their properties are presented and characterized on selected examples of prototype integrated circuits (ICs) fabricated in complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technologies. While discussing the vision chip realizations the importance of low-cost, low-power solutions is highlighted, which are increasingly being used in intelligent consumer equipment. Thanks to the great development of the automated design environments and fabrication methods, new, so far unknown applications of the vision chips become possible, as for example disposable endoscopy capsules for photographing the human gastrointestinal tract for the purposes of medical diagnosis.
What Values do Leisure Sports Create and What is Their Relationship to Competitiveness?
Authors: Szabó Ágnes
Published: December 2013

Sports play an increasingly important role in the economy and in society. Yet when it comes to the study of sports economics, most literature focuses on professional athletics; the topic of leisure sports receives scant attention on both the theoretical and the practical level, as Downward and his co-authors pointed out in 2009. This article will focus on leisure sports. Its goal is to highlight the values that leisure sports instill in individuals, companies, society and the economy, and to explore how leisure sports can make them more competitive. I will begin with a short conceptual definition of leisure sports and competitiveness, followed by a review of relevant academic literature. Finally, this paper will analyze the results of 31 qualitative in-depth interviews with business professionals, government officials, and representatives of civil society and university experts who specialize in sports business or sport sociology.
Significance of extremely elevated ferritin level in medical inpatients
Authors: Vardi Moshe , Hogerat Tahani , Cohen Sarit , Cohen Shai
Published: December 2013

The diagnostic and prognostic utility of extremely elevated ferritin values in hospitalized medical patients is lacking. We aimed to determine the clinical significance of ferritin levels ≥ 1000 ng/mL in adults hospitalized in the general medical service. We scanned the hospital laboratory database for ferritin values ≥ 1000 ng/mL, and evaluated the medical history, diagnoses, and survival of patients hospitalized in the general medical service. We compared the characteristics and outcomes of patients with values up-to versus above 2,999 ng/mL. Ferritin samples ranging from 1,003 to 12,170 ng/mL from 422 patients in the lower and 94 in the higher ferritin groups were included. Malignancy, repeat blood transfusions and recent chemotherapy were more prevalent in the higher ferritin group (p=0.003, p=0.002, and p<0.001, respectively). Infection (58.7%), chronic kidney disease (22.0%), and solid or hematological malignancies (21.6% and 17.1%, respectively) were the leading conditions associated with elevated ferritin. One-year survival was low, and significantly lower in patients in the higher ferritin group (10.8% vs. 16.9%, p=0.004). In conclusion, extremely elevated ferritin values in patients admitted to the general medical service are associated with multiplicity of clinical conditions and poor outcome.
Instability of transonic flow past flattened airfoils
Authors: Kuzmin Alexander
Published: December 2013

Transonic flow past a Whitcomb airfoil and two modifications of it at Reynolds numbers of the order of ten millions is studied. The numerical modeling is based on the system of Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. The flow simulations show that variations of the lift coefficient versus the angle of attack become more abrupt with decreasing curvature of the airfoil in the midchord region. This is caused by an instability of closely spaced local supersonic regions on the upper surface of the airfoil.
Vacuum-sintered body of a novel apatite for artificial bone
Authors: Tamura Kenichi , Fujita Tatsushi , Morisaki Yuriko
Published: December 2013

We produced regenerative artificial bone material and bone parts using vacuum-sintered bodies of a novel apatite called “Titanium medical apatite (TMA®)” for biomedical applications. TMA was formed by chemically connecting a Ti oxide molecule with the reactive [Ca10(PO4)6] group of Hydroxyapatite (HAp). The TMA powders were kneaded with distilled water, and solid cylinders of compacted TMA were made by compression molding at 10 MPa using a stainless-steel vessel. The TMA compacts were dried and then sintered in vacuum (about 10−3 Pa) or in air using a resistance heating furnace in the temperature range 1073–1773 K. TMA compacts were sintered at temperatures greater than 1073 K, thus resulting in recrystallization. The TMA compact bodies sintered in the range 1273-1773 K were converted into mixtures composed of three crystalline materials: α-TCP (tricalcium phosphate), β-TCP, and Perovskite-CaTiO3. The Perovskite crystals were stable and hard. In vacuum-sintering, the Perovskite crystals were transformed into fibers (approximately 1 µm in diameter × 8 µm in length), and the fiber distribution was uniform in various directions. We refer to the TMA vacuum-sintered bodies as a ”reinforced composite material with Perovskite crystal fibers.” However, in atmospheric sintering, the Perovskite crystals were of various sizes and were irregularly distributed as a result of the effect of oxygen. After sintering temperature at 1573 K, the following results were obtained: the obtained TMA vacuum-sintered bodies (1) were white, (2) had a density of approximately 2300 kg/m3 (corresponding to that of a compact bone or a tooth), and had a thermal conductivity of approximately 31.3 W/(m·K) (corresponding to those of metal or ceramic implants). Further, it was possible to cut the TMA bodies into various forms with a cutting machine. An implant made of TMA and inserted into a rabbit jaw bone was covered by new bone tissues after just one month because of the high biocompatibility of the TMA implant. TMA vacuum-sintered bodies are promising biomaterials for use as artificial bone materials to regenerate bone parts and produce bone reinforcement structures that are used for bone junctions in dental and orthopedic surgery.
Trade as a Socio-Economic Factor of Town Development. A Dynamic Perspective on the Example of Leszno
Authors: Budner Waldemar W. , Palicki Sławomir
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study is to determine the current role of trade as a town developing factor. The analysis was made on the example of a middle-size town - Leszno. During only the last few years a lot of have taken place in Leszno concerning the quality and quantity of trade as well as location of it in the town space. This study contains the analysis and assessment of changes in Leszno retail trade in the years 2010-2012. The survey was the basis for the assessment of the town prestige as a subregional trade centre, appraisal of the trade system, the arrangement of trade points in the town, the appeal of the town and its centre as a result of building new shopping malls.
The Use of Phosphorus Sorption Parameters in the Monitoring of Potential Emissions of this Component from the Arable Lands
Authors: Szara Ewa , Sosulski Tomasz
Published: December 2013

The study assesses the usefulness of different methods of determining the sorption properties of soils in relation to phosphorus in the agricultural soils from Central Poland in terms of the risk of environmental pollution posed by this component. As a reference parameter necessary to achieve the study.s objective, the sorption capacity of soils for phosphorus determined on the basis of the Langmuir model was used. The results of the tests were used to calculate the degrees of soil saturation with phosphorus: PE-R/Smax (Psat1); PE-R/PSI36 (Psat2), PM3/AlM3 + FeM3 (Psat3); Pox/Alox+Feox (Psat4); PE-R/AlM3+FeM3 (Psat5); PE-R/ Alox+Feox (Psat6). The usefulness of these indicators for assessing the risk of phosphorus emissions from agricultural land was determined on the basis of the coefficients of their correlation with the amount of active phosphorus in the soil. The study proved the usefulness of the Mehlich-3 and acid ammonium oxalate solutions for assessing the sorption capacity and the degree of saturation with phosphorus of typical Polish agricultural soils. For identifying the risk of phosphorus leaching from the soils, the parameter that specifies the extent of soil saturation with phosphorus as determined by the Egner-Riehm test and the sorption index (PSI) obtained by equilibrating the soils with a solution containing 36 mg P dm.3 at the soil-to-solution ratio of 1:10 (Psat2) were also found useful.
Failure Investigation of an Airline Engine Failure During Take Off
Authors: Andersson K. , Pederson R. , Pettersson B. , Klement U.
Published: December 2013

An Iran Airlines CF6–80C2A2F engine had a turbine failure during takeoff from the Arlanda airport in Sweden, in January 2010. Failure investigation of the engine was performed by Lufthansa Technik AG (LHT). The Swedish Accident Investigation Board (SHK) requested a second opinion of the available High Pressure Turbine (HPT) Diffuser Aft Seal hardware, received from LHT, and because of GKN Aerospace Sweden's extensive experience as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of Swedish fighter engines this second failure analysis work was performed by GKN. The failure investigation of the Diffuser Aft Seal pieces and fragments received from LHT revealed no fractures or fatigue cracks which are believed to be evidences of the primary cause to the failure. However, a secondary fatigue crack was found in an aft tooth fragment from the Diffuser Aft Seal. This tooth fragment has also a machining step on the forward surface, between a repair weld and the original tooth, with a geometry which gives a stress concentration factor of about 2.5 for radial and bending stresses in this area. This machining step may have contributed to initiate a fatigue crack in the seal tooth.
Histopathological assessment of fatal ipsilateral intraparenchymal hemorrhages after the treatment of supraclinoid aneurysms with the Pipeline Embolization Device
Authors: Hu Yin C. , Deshmukh Vivek R. , Albuquerque Felipe C. , Fiorella David , Nixon Randal R. , Heck Donald V. , Barnwell Stanley L. , McDougall Cameron G.
Published: December 2013

Object

Delayed ipsilateral intraparenchymal hemorrhage has been observed following aneurysm treatment with the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED). The relationship of this phenomenon to the device and/or procedure remains unclear. The authors present the results of histopathological analyses of the brain sections from 3 patients in whom fatal ipsilateral intracerebral hemorrhages developed several days after uneventful PED treatment of supraclinoid aneurysms.

Methods

Microscopic analyses revealed foreign material occluding small vessels within the hemorrhagic area in all patients. Further analyses of the embolic materials using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was conducted on specimens from 2 of the 3 patients. Although microscopically identical, the quantity of material recovered from the third patient was insufficient for FTIR spectroscopy.

Results

FTIR spectroscopy showed that the foreign material was polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a substance that is commonly used in the coatings of interventional devices.

Conclusions

These findings are suggestive of a potential association between intraprocedural foreign body emboli and post-PED treatment–delayed ipsilateral intraparenchymal hemorrhage.
Entropy Diversity in Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Pires Eduardo , Machado José , De Moura Oliveira Paulo
Published: December 2013

Multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) is a search algorithm based on social behavior. Most of the existing multi-objective particle swarm optimization schemes are based on Pareto optimality and aim to obtain a representative non-dominated Pareto front for a given problem. Several approaches have been proposed to study the convergence and performance of the algorithm, particularly by accessing the final results. In the present paper, a different approach is proposed, by using Shannon entropy to analyze the MOPSO dynamics along the algorithm execution. The results indicate that Shannon entropy can be used as an indicator of diversity and convergence for MOPSO problems.
Experimental Study on a Passive Fuel Cell/Battery Hybrid Power System
Authors: Chen Yong-Song , Lin Sheng-Miao , Hong Boe-Shong
Published: December 2013

A laboratory-scale passive hybrid power system for transportation applications is constructed and tested in this study. The hybrid power system consists of a fuel cell stack connected with a diode, a lithium-ion battery pack connected with a DC/DC power converter and another diode. The power converter is employed to regulate the output voltage of the battery pack. The dynamic responses of current and voltage of the stack to the start-up and acceleration of the load are experimentally investigated at two different selected output voltages of the DC/DC converter in the battery line. The power sharing of each power source and efficiency are also analyzed and discussed. Experimental results show that the battery can compensate for the shortage of supplied power for the load demand during the start-up and acceleration. The lowest operating voltage of the fuel cell stack is limited by the regulated output voltage of the DC/DC converter. The major power loss in the hybrid power system is attributed to the diodes. The power train efficiency can be improved by lowering the ratio of forward voltage drop of the diode to the operating voltage of the fuel cell stack.
External Pressure on Alliances: What Does the Prisoners’ Dilemma Reveal?
Authors: Binner Jane , Fletcher Leslie , Kolokoltsov Vassili , Ciardiello Francesco
Published: December 2013

Prompted by a real-life observation in the UK retail market, a two-player Prisoners’ Dilemma model of an alliance between two firms is adapted to include the response of a rival firm, resulting in a version of a three-player Prisoners’ Dilemma. We use this to analyse the impact on the stability of the alliance of the rival’s competition, either with the alliance or with the individual partners. We show that, while strong external pressure on both partners can cause Ally-Ally to become a Nash equilibrium for the two-player Prisoners’ Dilemma, weak or asymmetric pressure that plays on the partners’ differing objectives can undermine the alliance. As well as providing new insights into how allies should respond if the alliance is to continue, this also illustrates how a third party can most effectively cause the alliance to become unsustainable. We create a new game theoretic framework, adding value to existing theory and the practice of alliance formation and sustainability.
Volcanic Ash and Daily Mortality in Sweden after the Icelandic Volcano Eruption of May 2011
Authors: Oudin Anna , Carlsen Hanne , Forsberg Bertil , Johansson Christer
Published: December 2013

In the aftermath of the Icelandic volcano Grimsvötn’s eruption on 21 May 2011, volcanic ash reached Northern Europe. Elevated levels of ambient particles (PM) were registered in mid Sweden. The aim of the present study was to investigate if the Grimsvötn eruption had an effect on mortality in Sweden. Based on PM measurements at 16 sites across Sweden, data were classified into an ash exposed data set (Ash area) and an unexposed data set (No ash area). Data on daily all-cause mortality were obtained from Statistics Sweden for the time period 1 April through 31 July 2011. Mortality ratios were calculated as the ratio between the daily number of deaths in the Ash area and the No ash area. The exposure period was defined as the week following the days with elevated particle concentrations, namely 24 May through 31 May. The control period was defined as 1 April through 23 May and 1 June through 31 July. There was no absolute increase in mortality during the exposure period. However, during the exposure period the mean mortality ratio was 2.42 compared with 2.17 during the control period, implying a relatively higher number of deaths in the Ash area than in the No ash area. The differences in ratios were mostly due to a single day, 31 May, and were not statistically significant when tested with a Mann-Whitney non-parametric test (p > 0.3). The statistical power was low with only 8 days in the exposure period (24 May through 31 May). Assuming that the observed relative differences were not due to chance, the results would imply an increase of 128 deaths during the exposure period 24–31 May. If 31 May was excluded, the number of extra deaths was reduced to 20. The results of the present study are contradicting and inconclusive, but may indicate that all-cause mortality was increased by the ash-fall from the Grimsvötn eruption. Meta-analysis or pooled analysis of data from neighboring countries might make it possible to reach sufficient statistical power to study effects of the Grimsvötn ash on morbidity and mortality. Such studies would be of particular importance for European societies preparing for future large scale volcanic eruptions in Iceland.
Xylitol Affects the Intestinal Microbiota and Metabolism of Daidzein in Adult Male Mice
Authors: Tamura Motoi , Hoshi Chigusa , Hori Sachiko
Published: December 2013

This study examined the effects of xylitol on mouse intestinal microbiota and urinary isoflavonoids. Xylitol is classified as a sugar alcohol and used as a food additive. The intestinal microbiota seems to play an important role in isoflavone metabolism. Xylitol feeding appears to affect the gut microbiota. We hypothesized that dietary xylitol changes intestinal microbiota and, therefore, the metabolism of isoflavonoids in mice. Male mice were randomly divided into two groups: those fed a 0.05% daidzein with 5% xylitol diet (XD group) and those fed a 0.05% daidzein-containing control diet (CD group) for 28 days. Plasma total cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower in the XD group than in the CD group (p < 0.05). Urinary amounts of equol were significantly higher in the XD group than in the CD group (p < 0.05). The fecal lipid contents (% dry weight) were significantly greater in the XD group than in the CD group (p < 0.01). The cecal microbiota differed between the two dietary groups. The occupation ratios of Bacteroides were significantly greater in the CD than in the XD group (p < 0.05). This study suggests that xylitol has the potential to affect the metabolism of daidzein by altering the metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota and/or gut environment. Given that equol affects bone health, dietary xylitol plus isoflavonoids may exert a favorable effect on bone health.
Hypoxia-Induced Collagen Synthesis of Human Lung Fibroblasts by Activating the Angiotensin System
Authors: Liu Shan-Shan , Wang Hao-Yan , Tang Jun-Ming , Zhou Xiu-Mei
Published: December 2013

The exact molecular mechanism that mediates hypoxia-induced pulmonary fibrosis needs to be further clarified. The aim of this study was to explore the effect and underlying mechanism of angiotensin II (Ang II) on collagen synthesis in hypoxic human lung fibroblast (HLF) cells. The HLF-1 cell line was used for in vitro studies. Angiotensinogen (AGT), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) expression levels in human lung fibroblasts were analysed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after hypoxic treatment. Additionally, the collagen type I (Col-I), AT1R and nuclear factor κappaB (NF-κB) protein expression levels were detected using Western blot analysis, and NF-κB nuclear translocation was measured using immunofluorescence localization analysis. Ang II levels in HLF-1 cells were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that hypoxia increased Col-I mRNA and protein expression in HLF-1 cells, and this effect could be inhibited by an AT1R or AT2R inhibitor. The levels of NF-κB, RAS components and Ang II production in HLF-1 cells were significantly increased after the hypoxia exposure. Hypoxia or Ang II increased NF-κB-p50 protein expression in HLF-1 cells, and the special effect could be inhibited by telmisartan (TST), an AT1R inhibitor, and partially inhibited by PD123319, an AT2R inhibitor. Importantly, hypoxia-induced NF-κB nuclear translocation could be nearly completely inhibited by an AT1R or AT2R inhibitor. Furthermore pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), a NF-κB blocker, abolished the expression of hypoxia-induced AT1R and Col-I in HLF-1 cells. Our results indicate that Ang II-mediated NF-κB signalling via ATR is involved in hypoxia-induced collagen synthesis in human lung fibroblasts.
The Fouling of Zirconium(IV) Hydrous Oxide–Polyacrylate Dynamically Formed Membranes during the Nanofiltration of Lactic Acid Solutions
Authors: Polom Ewa
Published: December 2013

The results of investigations of flux decline during nanofiltration (NF) of lactic acid solutions using dynamically formed zirconium(IV) hydrous oxide/polyacrylate membranes (Zr(IV)/PAA) under conditions resulting in low and high lactic acid rejection are reported. The experimental permeate flux versus time curves were analyzed in the frame of resistance in a series model with the aim of developing the characteristic of resistances. Analysis of experimental data and results of calculations showed that the reduction of fouling effects in the investigated system could be achieved due to appropriate hydrodynamic process conditions and regular rinsing with deionized water.
Repetitive Two-Step Method for o,o,p- and o,p-Oligophenylene Synthesis through Pd-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Hydroxyterphenylboronic Acid
Authors: Yamaguchi Miyuki , Kimura Takeshi , Shinohara Naomi , Manabe Kei
Published: December 2013

A repetitive two-step method involving the Pd-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of hydroxyterphenylboronic acid and the subsequent nonaflation of the hydroxy group has been developed for the synthesis of oligophenylenes. This method readily afforded o,o,p- and o,p-oligophenylenes with defined chain lengths. X-ray crystallography was employed to obtain the structure of the o,p-oligophenylene 9-mer.
Phylogeographic Diversity of Pathogenic and Non-Pathogenic Hantaviruses in Slovenia
Authors: Korva Miša , Knap Nataša , Rus Katarina , Fajs Luka , Grubelnik Gašper , Bremec Matejka , Knapič Tea , Trilar Tomi , Županc Tatjana
Published: December 2013

Slovenia is a very diverse country from a natural geography point of view, with many different habitats within a relatively small area, in addition to major geological and climatic differences. It is therefore not surprising that several small mammal species have been confirmed to harbour hantaviruses: A. flavicollis (Dobrava virus), A. agrarius (Dobrava virus–Kurkino), M. glareolus (Puumala virus), S. areanus (Seewis virus),M. agrestis, M. arvalis and M. subterraneus (Tula virus). Three of the viruses, namely the Dobrava, Dobrava–Kurkino and Puumala viruses, cause disease in humans, with significant differences in the severity of symptoms. Due to changes in haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome cases (HFRS) epidemiology, a detailed study on phylogenetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of pathogenic and non-pathogenic hantaviruses circulating in ecologically diverse endemic regions was performed. The study presents one of the largest collections of hantavirus L, M and S sequences obtained from hosts and patients within a single country. Several genetic lineages were determined for each hantavirus species, with higher diversity among non-pathogenic compared to pathogenic viruses. For pathogenic hantaviruses, a significant geographic clustering of human- and rodent-derived sequences was confirmed. Several geographic and ecological factors were recognized as influencing and limiting the formation of endemic areas.
Intrusive trichome bases in the leaves of silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium; Solanaceae) do not facilitate fluorescent tracer uptake
Authors: Burrows Geoffrey E. , White Rosemary G. , Harper John D. I. , Heady Roger D. , Stanton Rex A. , Zhu Xiaocheng , Wu Hanwen , Lemerle Deirdre
Published: December 2013

• Premise of the study: Solanum elaeagnifolium (silverleaf nightshade), having originated in the Americas, is now a serious summer‐growing, perennial weed in many countries, including Australia. Most surfaces of the plants have a dense covering of trichomes, giving them a silvery‐white appearance, hence the common name. We aimed to identify structural and functional properties of its leaves, especially the trichomes, that may affect the uptake of foliar‐applied tracer dyes.

• Methods: The structure of leaves of Solanum elaeagnifolium was examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. The potential for transport of materials between trichomes and veins was studied with symplastic (carboxyfluorescein diacetate) and apoplastic (lucifer yellow) tracer dyes.

• Key results: Mature leaves had a dense covering of complex, stellate trichomes on both surfaces, particularly the abaxial. The basal cells of Solanum elaeagnifolium trichomes penetrated into the underlying palisade mesophyll layers. The innermost lobes of these basal cells sometimes contacted the bundle sheath of the veins, but were not observed to directly contact the xylem or phloem. We found that neither symplastic nor apoplastic dyes were transferred between the basal cells of the trichomes and the vascular tissues. The trichome layer repelled water‐based tracer dyes, while one of four adjuvants tested facilitated entry of both symplastic and apoplastic dyes.

• Conclusions: Our results did not support a transport function for the trichomes. The trichomes may protect the mesophytic leaves from invertebrate herbivory, while also probably decreasing radiation absorbed resulting in cooler leaves in this summer‐growing species.
Panitumumab Monotherapy Compared with Cetuximab and Irinotecan Combination Therapy in Patients with Previously Treated KRAS Wild-Type Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kennecke H. , Chen L. , Blanke C.D. , Cheung W.Y. , Schaff K. , Speers C.
Published: December 2013

Background: The survival benefit for single-agent anti–epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy compared with combination therapy with irinotecan in KRAS wildtype (wt) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients in the third-line treatment setting is not known. The objective of the present study was to describe the characteristics of, and to compare survival outcomes in, two cohorts of patients treated with either singleagent panitumumab or combination therapy with cetuximab and irinotecan. Methods: The study enrolled patients with KRAS wt mCRC previously treated with both irinotecan and oxaliplatin who had received either panitumumab or combination cetuximab–irinotecan before April 1, 2011, at the BC Cancer Agency (BCCA). Patients were excluded if they had received anti-EGFR agents in earlier lines of therapy. Data were prospectively collected, except for performance status (PS), which was determined by chart review. Information about systemic therapy was extracted from the BCCA Pharmacy Database. Results: Of 178 eligible patients, 141 received panitumumab, and 37 received cetuximab–irinotecan. Compared with patients treated with cetuximab–irinotecan, panitumumab-treated patients were significantly older and more likely to have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) PS of 2 or 3 (27.7% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.001). Other baseline prognostic variables and prior and subsequent therapies were similar. Median overall survival was 7.7 months for the panitumumab group and 8.3 months for the cetuximab–irinotecan group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that survival outcomes were similar regardless of the therapy selected (hazard ratio: 1.28; p = 0.34). An ECOG PS of 2 or 3 compared with 0 or 1 was the only significant prognostic factor in this treatment setting (hazard ratio: 3.37; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Single-agent panitumumab and cetuximab–irinotecan are both reasonable third-line treatment options, with similar outcomes, for patients with chemoresistant mCRC.
Sensitivity and Specificity of the Distress Thermometer in Screening for Distress in Long-Term Nasopharyngeal Cancer Survivors
Authors: Hong J.S. , Tian J.
Published: December 2013

Background: The Distress Thermometer (DT) is a screening tool recommended to quickly identify cancer patients with distress. Our study aimed to examine the sensitivity and specificity of the DT in detecting psychological distress in long-term Chinese nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) survivors. Methods: Data for the 442 participating NPC survivors were collected through a self-administered questionnaire based on the DT and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The HADS was used to define cases of psychological distress. Positive and negative groups were defined based on 4 HADS criteria (Anxiety, Depression, Anxiety or Depression, and overall score). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to examine the ability of all possible cut-off values of the DT to detect positive and negative cases. For each ROC curve, the area under the curve (AUC) was used as an indicator of the overall accuracy of the DT to identify positive cases of distress. Results: The positive AUC values [with 95% confidence intervals (CI)] for the 4 HADS criteria were 0.715 (95% CI: 0.667 to 0.764), 0.714 (95% CI: 0.661 to 0.768), 0.724 (95% CI: 0.677 to 0.771), and 0.724 (95% CI: 0.664 to 0.775) respectively. At a cut-off score of 4, the sensitivity of the DT to the four HADS criteria was, respectively, 0.366 (95% CI: 0.296 to 0.436), 0.448 (95% CI: 0.364 to 0.532), 0.362 (95% CI: 0.299 to 0.425), and 0.421 (95% CI: 0.339 to 0.502), and the specificity of the DT to the 4 HADS criteria was, respectively, 0.860 (95% CI: 0.818 to 0.902), 0.860 (95% CI: 0.821 to 0.899), 0.854 (95% CI: 0.814 to 0.894), and 0.854 (95% CI: 0.814 to 0.894). At a cut-off score of 5, the corresponding sensitivities were lower than those at the cut-off score of 4. All potential cut-off scores showed poor sensitivity (<0.90). Conclusions: The ROC analysis showed poor discrimination. No potential DT cut-off score had an acceptable sensitivity. The DT showed poor sensitivity in NPC survivors. Thus, the DT might not be a valid scale for psychological distress screening in long-term Chinese NPC survivors.
Transient inflammatory-like state and microbial dysbiosis are pivotal in establishment of mucosal homeostasis during colonisation of germ-free mice
Authors: El Aidy S. , Derrien M. , Aardema R. , Hooiveld G. , Richards S.E. , Dane A. , Dekker J. , Vreeken R. , Levenez F. , Doré J. , Zoetendal E.G. , van Baarlen P. , Kleerebezem M.
Published: December 2013

The gut microbiota is increasingly recognised as a key-player in defining the health status of the gastrointestinal tract. Recently, we demonstrated that colonisation of healthy germfree mice with a conventional microbiota (conventionalisation) elicits temporal and region specific host-microbe communication responses that lead to the establishment of a microbiota-accommodating homeostatic state within 30 days. Here, the microbiota composition profiles, mucosal transcriptomes and plasma-analytes in germ-free and conventionalised C57/BL 6 J mice were assessed to decipher the features of the distinctive and pivotal events occurring four days after initiation of the conventionalisation process. The dominance of the microbial genera Helicobacter, Sphingomonas and Mucispirillum in the gut microbiota coincided with the transient mounting of proinflammatory responses in the mucosa and the transiently elevated levels of specific (inflammatory) cytokines and amines in plasma. The overrepresented microbes have previously been associated with the potential to cause disease under certain conditions, illustrating that conventionalisation proceeds through a transient state that resembles situations associated with dysbiosis. However, no overt mucosal inflammation was observed, suggesting a pivotal role of the overrepresented bacterial groups in priming and maturation of the immune system during the process of conventionalisation. These findings imply that the transiently elevated relative overgrowth of particular microbial genera functions as pivotal adjuvants to elicit the corresponding proinflammatory cascades, which precede the full maturation of the different arms of the immune system following these events and is required to achieve a microbiota-accommodating homeostasis in healthy animals.
Las rivalidades hispano-neerlandesas en el Pacífico y la conquista de Australia: de Cornelis de Houtman a Abel Janszoon Tasman (1595-1651)
Authors: Crespo Solana Ana
Published: December 2013

A comienzos del siglo XVII la Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) pretendía localizar nuevos enclaves que sirvieran como factorías mercantiles y abrir una vía entre Nueva Guinea y el Pacífico. Se realizará una introducción general sobre las razones de estos viajes y un análisis de las causas que motivaron las expediciones holandesas. Se utilizará bibliografía especializada, memoriales e informes de la época, así como documentos del Archivo de la Compañía Holandesa de las Indias Orientales (VOC Archief) que se encuentran en el Archivo Nacional de La Haya.
Cavanilles y Zea: una amistad político-científica
Authors: Soto Arango Diana
Published: December 2013

No disponible.
Retórica y significación de las imágenes naturalistas en el siglo XVIII
Authors: De Pedro Antonio E.
Published: December 2013

La presente comunicación pretende significar la utilización de los recursos propios del lenguaje iconográfico en la estructuración y difusión de los elementos retóricos del lenguaje científico, con especial atención a los siglos XVII y XVIII, como momentos históricos destacados en la configuración de la denominada ciencia moderna.
Lamarckisme et solidarité
Authors: La Vergata Antonello
Published: December 2013

No disponible.
Catalogando la diversidad del comportamiento humano: la nosología francesa decimonónica ante las conductas delictivas (1800-1855)
Authors: Martínez-Pérez José
Published: December 2013

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo contribuir al conocimiento de los factores que influyen sobre el proceso de clasificación de la diversidad del comportamiento humano. Se estudia para ello los cambios operados a comienzos del siglo XIX en el modo de catalogar una forma de conducta desviada: la homicida. La creación por los psiquiatras franceses de la categoría diagnóstica de la monomanía homicida instintiva sirvió para que ciertos tipos de homicidios dejaran de ser interpretados como delitos y empezaran a ser contemplados como formas de locura. El surgimiento y progresiva desaparición de esta especie morbosa de las clasificaciones psiquiátricas de la primera mitad del siglo XIX pone de relieve cómo la asignación de un comportamiento aberrante a un tipo u otro de desviación depende de la manera en que se relacionan diversos factores: los cambios en las teorías científicas; las permutas en los objetivos profesionales de quienes hacen las clasificaciones; y el grado de consenso social que se consigue alcanzar para el nuevo significado que adquiere la conducta desviada al cambiar su ubicación entre las diversas formas de desviación.
The influence of new world species on the botany of the 16th century
Authors: Ubrizsy Savoia Andrea
Published: December 2013

El presente trabajo analiza cómo algunas especies botánicas del Nuevo mundo, no tan difundidas como el tomate, el tabaco, etc., formaron parte del conocimiento botánico europeo, haciendo especial referencia a la de obra de Ulisse Aldrovandi (1522-1605). Su herbario, sus colecciones iconográficas y manuscritos que contienen listas de semillas, maderas y otros materiales, se conservan en su Museo y algunas de las especies crecen en el Jardín Botánico de Bolonia.
Natureza, jardins botánicos e utopia
Authors: Janeira Ana Luisa
Published: December 2013

[pt] No mundo ocidental, o diálogo com a Natureza —ideias, comportamentos e práticas— não foi sempre o mesmo. Em qualquer dos casos, os jardins correspondem sempre a um modo singular de criar planos e construções —fronteiras entre a realidade e o imaginário, entre o possível e o impossível, entre a fuga e a reconstrução— o que ocorre nomeadamente nos jardins botânicos, porquanto a relação entre o microcosmos e o macrocosmos atinge aqui contornos de harmonia idealizada.
La difusión de la teoría evolucionista de Lamarck en la revista La Abeja (1862-1870) de Barcelona
Authors: Camós Cabeceran Agustí
Published: December 2013

La obra de Lamarck fue difundida, entre los años 1862 y 1865, por la revista La Abeja dirigida por Antoni Bergnes de las Casas y publicada en Barcelona. En dicha revista aparece explicada la teoría evolucionista de Lamarck tanto en la traducción de su obra. Histoire naturelle des végétaux, como en una serie de artículos anónimos sobre la reproducción de los seres vivos. Estos datos pueden revelar que, en la introducción del evolucionismo en España, la teoría evolucionista de Lamarck tuvo mayor influencia de la que generalmente se ha supuesto.
Nacionalismo e internacionalismo en las ciencias de la salud: el caso de la lucha antipalúdica en la Argentina
Authors: Kohn Loncarica Alfredo G. , Agüero Abel L. , Sánchez Norma Isabel
Published: December 2013

El médico sanitaristo Carlos Alberto Alvarado (1904-1986) realizó una obra que dio como resultado la erradicación del paludismo en la Argentina y puede presentarse como una ejemplificación de la espinosa cuestión del nacionalismo y el internacionalismo en la ciencia. Exponen los autores que la experiencia que protagonizó constituye una notable muestra de la inconveniencia de transplantar automáticamente a cualquier área, técnicas y procedimientos científicos eficaces en otros medios, siendo conveniente el desarrollo de investigación propia en los países periféricos.
La investigación en la España de hoy. Mapa de acciones y constricciones y su reflejo en el paisaje de 1997
Authors: Muñoz Emilio
Published: December 2013

El autor realiza un rápido recorrido por la ciencia española del siglo XX, en especial referido al proceso político e institucional. Se centra en los distintos organismos encargados de promover, gestionar y financiar la investigación, así como en las distintas políticas que los originaron, aportando una valoración crítica de los principales problemas de la ciencia en la España de hoy.
A propósito de la nueva orientación dada a las pensiones de arquitectura en el extranjero a mediados del siglo XIX. Francisco de Cubas y su proyecto para una Casa de Maternidad
Authors: Prieto González José Manuel
Published: December 2013

Entre las reformas experimentadas en el ámbito de la arquitectura a mediados del siglo pasado se encuentra la subrogación del tradicional y exclusivo enfoque artístico de sus pensiones en el extranjero, por otro que, más en consonancia con los requerimientos del nuevo régimen liberal-burgués, concilia los dos componentes básicos de la carrera y la profesión, el arte y la ciencia. Un proyecto del pensionado Francisco de Cubas ejemplifica por vez primera este cambio.
Asociacionismo y representación de intereses médicos en Buenos Aires, 1852-1880
Authors: González Leandri Ricardo
Published: December 2013

El presente artículo analiza el surgimiento de las primeras asociaciones médicas de Buenos Aires entre 1852 y 1880. La primera, la Asociación Médica Bonaerense, se caracterizó por su ambivalencia frente al elitismo de los catedráticos de la Facultad de Medicina. Tras su declive, consecuencia de la creación de la Academia de Medicina de Buenos Aires, el impulso asociativo fue retomado por el Círculo Médico Argentino, que recuperó su faceta más impugnadora e intentó aunar los intereses de estudiantes y profesores jóvenes.
Un foro de debate sobre el seguro de enfermedad: las conferencias del Ateneo de Madrid de 1934
Authors: Porras Gallo M. Isabel
Published: December 2013

En el presente trabajo, utilizando como fuente principal el contenido de las conferencias que el Ateneo de Madrid dedicó al Seguro de Enfermedad al inicio de 1934, se analiza una de las etapas del proceso negociador del Seguro Obligatorio de Enfermedad registrada en nuestro país. A través de dicho análisis se intentará mostrar cuáles eran las opiniones de los médicos sobre el Seguro Obligatorio de Enfermedad en esa fecha, y poner de relieve hasta qué punto éstas estaban influidas por las de sus colegas europeos. Se hará especial hincapié en detectar las diferencias y concomitancias con los profesionales alemanes y franceses, dado el peso que los modelos implantados en Alemania y Francia tuvieron a la hora de diseñar un plan de seguros sociales para nuestro país.
Metáforas finiseculares del declive biológico: degeneración y revolución en el anarquismo Español
Authors: Girón Álvaro
Published: December 2013

La sensación generalizada de un declive masivo en la calidad biológica de las poblaciones europeas se convirtió en un lugar común en la cultura de Fin de Siglo. Estos temores se articularon en gran medida a través del concepto psiquiátrico de degeneración. El lenguaje de la degeneración se asoció pronto a políticas represivas de carácter conservador. A pesar de ello, los anarquistas españoles consideraron que la degeneración era un hecho, aunque establecieron un diagnóstico y una terapia distinta. La decadencia biológica era causada por las condiciones ambientales patógenas creadas por el capitalismo, siendo la única solución realista la revolución. Algunos de ellos no se limitaron a este argumento, postulando el retomo a la naturaleza, la adopción de una forma de vida higiénica, o la difusión de la reforma sexual y el neomalthusianismo.
Introducción
Authors: Álvarez Peláez Raquel
Published: December 2013

No disponible.
El desarrollo de la eugenesia en Cuba
Authors: García González Armando
Published: December 2013

En este artículo se estudian las temáticas más generales que caracterizaron a la eugenesia cubana, como su incorporación a la enseñanza, los problemas racial e inmigratorio y las campañas higiénico-sanitarias, así como las posiciones más significativas adoptadas por algunos de sus relevantes defensores.
La eugenesia en España, entre la ciencia y la doctrina sociopolítica
Authors: Juárez González Francisca
Published: December 2013

Algunos pensadores españoles cercanos al totalitarismo desarrollaron, a lo largo de los años veinte y treinta, una serie de ideas eugénicas de gran transfondo política y socialmente conservador. Desde estos sectores se defienden ideas como la heredabilidad de la locura y la criminalidad y su vinculación con las clases sociales más desfavorecidas, y se considera que las ideas revolucionarias son un comportamiento psicótico y hereditario. Todo ello será un arma ideológica para la represión política después de la Guerra Civil, como sucedió con las «investigaciones» desarrolladas por el Dr. Vallejo Nágera con prisioneros políticos.
Filosofía y medicina en la antigua Grecia: modelos de conocimiento y sus repercusiones
Authors: Lloyd G. E. R.
Published: December 2013

En este trabajo se investigan algunas de las complejidades de la relación entre la filosofía y la medicina en la antigua Grecia. Algunos filósofos citan la medicina como análoga de la filosofía, por ejemplo en conexión con la afirmación de que puede haber expertos objetivos a quienes los meros profanos deben someterse. Algunos médicos, sin embargo, ponen objeciones a lo que representan como líneas dogmáticas, apriorísticas, de la indagación filosófica, y desarrollan una epistemología y una metodología alternativas de carácter empírico. El recuerdo y la experiencia se invocan de formas llamativamente divergentes porque el debate se desarrollaba dentro de y entre diferentes tradiciones filosóficas y médicas.
Teoría académica y práctica ciudadana en el paludismo. Las causas de las enfermedades endémicas en Murcia durante el siglo XVIII desde la perspectiva de la administración local
Authors: Miguel Sáez José , Marset Campos Pedro
Published: December 2013

A partir de informes de profesionales sanitarios y no sanitarios elaborados en 1719 en Murcia y en 1785 en Cartagena, analizamos las ideas científicas de sus autores y las relaciones que establecen entre el problema de la endemia palúdica y las circunstancias urbanísticas, económicas y sociales en las que se está produciendo. Los autores de ambos informes ven evidente la conexión entre todos estos factores y proponen la lucha contra las tercianas con medidas no sólo médicas y sanitarias, sino también con alternativas a la producción económica, y con reformas en la arquitectura de los locales públicos y obras de carácter urbanístico. Suponen por tanto un tímido intento de interpretar la enfermedad como problema social en sus causas, en sus consecuencias y en el modo de combatirla.
Las topografías médicas: revisión y cronología
Authors: Casco Solís Juan
Published: December 2013

Las Topografías Médicas constituyen la principal aportación bibliográfica de la medicina rural española a la Sanidad Pública. Son representantes cualificados de la línea de pensamiento médico que presta una detenida atención a los aspectos ambientales y sociales, en los procesos que afectan a la salud de las personas y de las comunidades. Son, por ello, un claro exponente de la mentalidad médica y socio-cultural de su respectivo tiempo. De ahí su interés histórico.Este trabajo resume su evolución histórica y organiza su distribución cronológica.
Testimonio kallawaya. Medicina indígena en la ciudad de «La Paz» (Bolivia)
Authors: Fernández Juárez Gerardo
Published: December 2013

El artículo presenta el caso de los médicos kallawayas en la ciudad de La Paz como reflejo de la situación multicultural que la ciudad boliviana vive en relación con la salud y otros ámbitos específicos de la cultura. El testimonio de Severino Vila, médico kallawaya, nos aproxima a los patrones kallawayas que inciden en los determinantes sobre salud y enfermedad que son pertinentes en las soluciones terapéuticas que proponen. Las categorías médicas kallawayas no coinciden con las propias de la medicina occidental, dando lugar a diferentes opciones de exclusividad y complementación en el itinerario de salud recorrido por los pacientes indígenas de la ciudad de La Paz.
Olayo Díaz Giménez (1810-1885): un buen ejemplo de científico «Intermedio»
Authors: López Fernández Carlos , Valera Candel Manuel
Published: December 2013

En este trabajo se ofrece una panorámica general sobre la vida y obra del catedrático Olayo Díaz Giménez (1810-1885), referida sobre todo a la etapa que vivió en la ciudad de Murcia, a la que llegó en 1862 y donde ya permaneció hasta su muerte. El trabajo ha sido estructurado en cuatro apartados, dentro de los cuales, junto a una reseña biográfica, se aborda la labor de Díaz como docente, como propagador de la ciencia de su época y como encargado de la Estación meteorológica. A su vez, dentro de la primera de estas facetas, destacó como forjador del Gabinete de Física del Instituto Provincial; dentro de la segunda, por sus colaboraciones en la prensa y como introductor en Murcia de las teorías evolucionistas; y dentro de la tercera, como autor de numerosas observaciones y de un libro sobre la meteorología murciana. De acuerdo con nuestro estudio, Olayo Díaz, además de mostrarse como uno de los científicos clave de la Murcia decimonónica, aparece como típico representante de los llamados «científicos intermedios», o aquéllos que sin poseer una obra propia destacada, colaboraron decisivamente a crear y mantener las condiciones necesarias para que la actividad científica arraigara en España.
Las expediciones científicas españolas en los siglos XIX y XX en el archivo del Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales
Authors: Maldonado Polo J. Luis
Published: December 2013

Presentamos en este trabajo la catalogación de las series documentales sobre viajes y expediciones científicas españolas realizadas en los siglos XIX y XX, existentes en el Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales.