bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EpCAM Induction Functionally Links to the Wnt-Enhanced Cell Proliferation in Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Shen Ching-I , Lee Hsiu-Chin , Kao Ying-Hsien , Wu Chieh-Shan , Chen Po-Hung , Lin Shinn-Zong , Lai Ping-Shan , Su Hong-Lin
Published: May 2013

Accelerating proliferation of primary keratinocytes benefits skin autografts for severely burned patients. Wnt signal, a conserved pathway controlling cell cycle and morphogenesis in embryo, also involves in cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in adult tissues. Here the effects of Wnt signal on the growth of human interfollicular keratinocytes were investigated. We demonstrated that recombinant Wnt3a significantly promoted the growth of primary keratinocytes at a low cell density. A well-characterized GSK-3b inhibitor, BIO, activated the Wnt signals and also enhanced the colony formation of keratinocytes dose dependently. Gene expression profile of the BIO-treated keratinocytes revealed the linkage of BIO with cell mitosis and indicated that epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), a Wnt target gene, was significantly upregulated. Compared to the sorted EpCAM- keratinocytes, the EpCAM+ cells showed a higher proliferation rate and efficacy of colony formation. Inhibiting the EpCAM expression by shRNA attenuated the proliferation effect of BIO and the growth advantage of the EpCAM+ keratinocytes. These evidences emphasize the positive roles of canonical Wnt and EpCAM on the regulation of cell growth and self-renewal of human keratinocytes.
Transplantation of Human Fetal Tissue for Neurodegenerative Diseases: Validation of a New Protocol for Microbiological Analysis and Bacterial Decontamination
Authors: Piroth Tobias , Pauly Marie-Christin , Schneider Christian , Wittmer Annette , Möllers Sven , Döbrössy Máté , Winkler Christian , Nikkhah Guido
Published: May 2013

Restorative cell therapy concepts in neurodegenerative diseases are aimed at replacing lost neurons. Despite advances in research on pluripotent stem cells, fetal tissue from routine elective abortions is still regarded as the only safe cell source. Progenitor cells isolated from distinct first-trimester fetal CNS regions have already been used in clinical trials and will be used again in a new multicenter trial funded by the European Union (TRANSEURO). Bacterial contamination of human fetal tissue poses a potential risk of causing infections in the brain of the recipient. Thus, effective methods of microbial decontamination and validation of these methods are required prior to approval of a neurorestorative cell therapy trial. We have developed a protocol consisting of subsequent washing steps at different stages of tissue processing. Efficacy of microbial decontamination was assessed on rat embryonic tissue incubated with high concentrations of defined microbe solutions including representative bacterial and fungal species. Experimental microbial contamination was reduced by several log ranks. Subsequently, we have analyzed the spectrum of microbial contamination and the effect of subsequent washing steps on aborted human fetal tissue; 47.7% of the samples taken during human fetal tissue processing were positive for a microbial contamination, but after washing, no sample exhibited bacterial growth. Our data suggest that human fetal tissue for neural repair can carry microbes of various species, highlighting the need for decontamination procedures. The decontamination protocol described in this report has been shown to be effective as no microbes could be detected at the end of the procedure.
Anakinra and Tocilizumab Enhance Survival and Function of Human Islets during Culture: Implications for Clinical Islet Transplantation
Authors: Sahraoui Afaf , Kloster-Jensen Kristine , Ueland Thor , Korsgren Olle , Foss Aksel , Scholz Hanne
Published: May 2013

Pretreatment culture before islet transplantation represents a window of opportunity to ameliorate the pro-inflammatory profile expressed by human β-cells in duress. Anakinra (IL-1 receptor antagonist) and tocilizumab (monoclonal IL-6 receptor antibody) are two known anti-inflammatory agents successfully used in the treatment of inflammatory states like rheumatoid arthritis. Both compounds have also been shown to reduce blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin in diabetic patients. We therefore sought to evaluate the impact of anakinra and tocilizumab on human β-cells. The islets were precultured with or without anakinra or tocilizumab and then transplanted in a marginal mass model using human islets in immunodeficient mice. Islet viability was evaluated in an in vitro model. The pretreatment culture led to a significantly improved engraftment in treated islets compared to the vehicle. Anakinra and tocilizumab are not toxic to human islets and significantly reduce markers of inflammation and cell death. These results strongly support a pretreatment culture with anakinra and tocilizumab prior to human islet transplantation.
Lifetime Costs for Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis in Patients in Taiwan
Authors: Kao Tze-Wah , Chang Yu-Yin , Chen Pau-Chung , Hsu Chih-Cheng , Chang Yu-Kang , Chang Yu-Hung , Lee Lukas Jyuhn-Hsiarn , Wu Kwan-Dun , Tsai Tun-Jun , Wang Jung-Der
Published: May 2013

Background

This study compared the lifetime costs for peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients in Taiwan.

Methods

Using the National Health Insurance (NHI) database of all end-stage renal disease patients on maintenance dialysis registered from July 1997 to December 2005, we matched eligible PD patients with eligible HD patients on age, sex, and diabetes status. The matched patients were followed until 31 December 2006. Patients were excluded if they were less than 18 years of age, had been diagnosed with cancer before dialysis, or had been dialyzed at centers or clinics other than hospitals. Outcomes—including life expectancy, total lifetime costs, and costs per life-year paid by the NHI—were estimated and compared.

Results

The 3136 pairs of matched PD and HD patients had a mean age of 53.2 ± 15.4 years. The total lifetime cost for PD patients (US$139 360 ± US$8 336) was significantly lower than that for HD patients (US$185 235 ± US$9 623, p < 0.001). Except for patients with diabetes (who had a short life expectancy), the total lifetime cost was significantly lower for PD patients than for HD patients regardless of sex and age ( p < 0.01).

Conclusion

In Taiwan, the total lifetime costs paid by the NHI were lower for PD than for HD patients.
High-density Lipoprotein Profiling Changes in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors: A Cohort Study
Authors: Jamnitski Anna , Levels Johannes H. , van den Oever Inge A. , Nurmohamed Michael T.
Published: May 2013

Objective.

We investigated changes in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) profiling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who started treatment by taking tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. The patients were stratified for European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response.

Methods.

A group of 100 patients naive for TNF inhibitors at baseline were randomly selected from 204 adalimumab-treated and 203 etanercept-treated patients on the basis of their EULAR response. HDL profiling was measured using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Results.

In EULAR good responders, mass charged markers representing serum amyloid A (SAA-1 and -2) decreased significantly after 4 months’ therapy. There were no significant differences in HDL profiling in EULAR nonresponders.

Conclusion.

Effective suppression of inflammation with TNF inhibitors results in favorable changes in HDL composition.
La vie quotidienne, entre colonisation et émancipation
Authors: Raulin Anne
Published: May 2013

La pensée d’Henri Lefebvre n’a pas été indifférente aux différences, aux spécificités identitaires et à leur affirmation ou raison d’exister. De son côté, l’anthropologie ne s’est pas fermée à ses apports, comme en témoigne l’ouvrage de Georges Condominas L’exotique est quotidien , conçu dans la foulée de la Critique de la vie quotidienne. Aujourd’hui, c’est moins l’attrait du lointain exotique que la diversification des espaces sociaux au sein même des villes mondiales qui engage à réinvestir les concepts lefebvriens comme le moment, le style, ou le rythme, aptes à éclairer ce que l’on qualifie ici d’« altérité minoritaire ». En particulier, sa théorie des moments peut-elle contribuer à composer pour la diversité des mondes urbains une partition dynamique ?
L'espace et le temps quotidiens comme enjeu politique
Authors: Lantz Pierre
Published: May 2013

La sociologie courante n’accorde de visibilité aux individus qu’au moment de leur appartenance à des institutions et à des organisations. Au contraire, chez Henri Lefebvre, le syntagme « vie quotidienne » désigne la continuité de ce qui est vécu par les individus singuliers en dehors des périodes de contrainte spécifique. Aussi, « la rue » représente-t-elle la continuité de notre vie sociale en rendant manifestes les multiples temporalités qui la traversent. Les lieux qui rassemblent marchands et acheteurs se métamorphosent en espace politique. L’urbain quotidien est un terrain d’affrontement entre rythmes routiniers, rassurants à certains égards, et élans collectifs de bouleversement social et politique. Les temporalités urbaines se font entendre à travers les bruits de la ville. Les pouvoirs religieux et politiques tentent de les dominer en imposant à la vie quotidienne l’ordre de leur calendrier et en marquant le temps urbain par les symboles sonores qui leur sont propres.
La pensée des possibles au temps des « alternatives infernales »
Authors: Milliot Virginie
Published: May 2013

Henri Lefebvre était un intellectuel engagé n’opérant aucune césure entre ce qu’il vivait, ce qu’il définissait comme objet de connaissance et ce qui motivait son engagement militant. Il pensait la ville et le quotidien pour trouver les ressorts du changement social. Enseignant à Nanterre de 1965 à 1968 il a analysé avec perspicacité l’espace en devenir de la Faculté et le mouvement contestataire qui y sourdait. Dans cet article, nous proposons d’observer cette université quarante ans plus tard au prisme des analyses de l’espace et de la vie quotidienne proposées par l’auteur. Nous interrogerons la portée de cette « pensée des possibles » dans un contexte de résignation généralisé face à la rationalisation économique des universités.
Le succès de Lefebvre dans les urban studies anglo-saxonnes et les conditions de sa redécouverte en France
Authors: Revol Claire
Published: May 2013

La pensée de Lefebvre est très influente dans les urban studies anglo-saxonnes, où des penseurs comme David Harvey ou Edward W. Soja l’ont introduite dans les années 1980. Son appropriation et sa transposition nécessita un travail d’exégèse conséquent dans les années 1990, préalable au développement de lectures contemporaines du droit à la ville, de la critique de la vie quotidienne ou encore de la théorie de la production des espaces-temps sociaux. Cet article propose une synthèse sur l’histoire et les thématiques de la réception de Lefebvre dans les urban studies anglo-saxonnes, préalable nécessaire à une réappropriation de ces débats en France et d’une redécouverte de Lefebvre.
Peuple et démocratie
Authors: Lantz Pierre
Published: May 2013

Le recours à l’anachronisme dans la recherche historique savante permet d’utiliser des idées nouvelles pour interroger un passé plus ancien. Réciproquement, les conceptions des philosophes des Lumières ou des acteurs de la Révolution française sont invoquées pour légitimer des décisions politiques incompatibles avec elles. Sophie Wahnich nous incite à repenser à neuf les concepts de peuple et ses relations avec les gouvernements qui prétendent agir en son nom. L’élite qui dispose du pouvoir législatif énonce ce que le peuple doit retenir et oublier. Un fossé se creuse alors entre le peuple et ses représentants ; inversement, l’amnistie facilite la connivence entre les gouvernements démocrates et les autocrates qui les ont précédés. Ainsi est rompue l’unité d’un peuple : cette scission peut amener à des émeutes. C’est la liberté effective du peuple qui fonde le bonheur public. La délégation de pouvoir n’autorise pas l’élite politique à manipuler la mémoire collective. Si la vigilance du peuple est indispensable à la démocratie et si la raison sensible fait partie intégrante d’une politique démocratique, les émotions et les mouvements populaires sont constitutifs de la conscience historique.
L'étude de cas pragmatique : une méthode de recherche rigoureuse et systématique qui parle aux praticiens
Authors: Fishman Daniel B.
Published: May 2013

Les études de cas en psychothérapie permettent de se relier directement au travail des praticiens parce qu’elles sont basées sur le même type de situation avec laquelle travaillent les cliniciens : le cas unique. Il n’est donc pas surprenant que les études de cas aient joué le rôle le plus important dans le développement d’un large éventail de modèles thérapeutiques, tels que la psychanalyse, la thérapie comportementale ou la thérapie centrée sur le patient. Cependant, jusqu’à récemment, les études de cas comme méthode de recherche sont tombées en désuétude, étant considérées comme subjectives et journalistiques. Cette situation a changé avec le développement du mouvement philosophique postmoderne, qui a encouragé le pluralisme dans les sciences sociales, et qui a stimulé en retour de nouvelles approches de l’étude de cas comme méthode sérieuse de recherche en psychothérapie. Cet article examine l’une de ces approches, l’étude de cas pragmatique, fondée sur le modèle des « méthodes mixtes » qui se développent rapidement dans les sciences sociales et qui cherchent de nouvelles voies pour intégrer les plans et les données de recherches qualitatives et quantitatives. L’article commence par une revue des divers types de recherches en psychothérapie, puis présente la structure de base d’une étude de cas pragmatique, dans la perspective de la thérapie vue comme un système adaptatif complexe et comme un exemple de ce que Peterson (1991) décrit comme modèle de « l’investigation disciplinée » de la pratique professionnelle. L’article fournit ensuite une idée plus concrète de l’étude de cas pragmatique en résumant les directives pour écrire une telle étude pour le journal en ligne Pragmatic Case Studies in Psychotherapy (PCSP), et en décrivant la structure d’un exemple spécifique d’une étude de cas pragmatique publiée dans ce journal, le cas de Caroline de Ueli Kramer.
L'apprentissage et l'épreuve de la conversation
Authors: Baziou Jean-Yves
Published: May 2013

La présence de l’Église dans l’espace public actuel s’énonce souvent en termes de dialogue ou de proximité. L’espace culturel contemporain est devenu hétéroclite : Vatican II en a pris acte et Paul VI avec lui (voir l’encyclique Ecclesiam suam ). La posture surplombante n’est plus pertinente et la valorisation du rôle des laïcs s’inscrit dans cette nouvelle perspective. Théologiquement, on peut parler à bon droit d’herméneutique relationnelle entée sur l’identité de Jésus lui-même. Jésus propose un dialogue non contraignant : c’est de la sorte que toute propagation de la foi peut avoir lieu. Mais le dialogue signifie d’abord qu’on ne peut éliminer l’autre. Dans l’histoire récente, d’aucuns ont opté pour l’action, au détriment des convictions. Pour ceux qui souhaitent aujourd’hui énoncer de nouveau leurs convictions, l’enjeu est de le faire sans déclencher le rejet. La question redoutable du silence de Dieu face à la souffrance, la question de l’univers prométhéen qu’est devenu le nôtre à travers la surpuissance techno-scientifique, rendent difficultueux le dialogue avec le monde de l’incroyance ou de l’indifférence. Partager des expériences communes est alors un chemin à emprunter. Plusieurs théologiens du siècle passé l’ont théorisé, de Rahner à Tillich ou Tracy. Le défi le plus redoutable n’est-il pas celui d’une identité en invention permanente ? À commencer par soi...
De l'amour socratique à l'homosexualité grecque
Authors: Mazaleigue-Labaste Julie
Published: May 2013

La figure essentialisée de « l’homosexualité grecque » est depuis la fin des années 1970 l’objet d’une déconstruction systématique par les historiens, et les études culturelles et gaies et lesbiennes, qui ont montré que l’expérience érotique antique ne se laissait nullement saisir au prisme des catégories contemporaines. C’est une représentation issue du XIX e siècle, qui possède sa propre historicité. En France, elle est le produit d’opérations successives de réécriture de l’histoire, qui engagent le statut social, politique et éthique des homoérotismes et la définition des identités homosexuelles. Puisant ses sources dans « le vice grec » des Lumières, son évolution épistémologique et politique est lisible dans les discours médicaux, psychologiques et psychiatriques pré-sexologiques, puis dans la première sexologie militante. Au tournant du XX e siècle, la construction de la représentation de l’homosexualité grecque est achevée, au croisement d’une entreprise de normalisation des homoérotismes, de définition de l’identité homosexuelle et de déconstruction des stéréotypes négatifs. Mais en dépit de sa fonction politique progressiste, elle conduit à renforcer ces derniers. Son destin relève ainsi des usages politiques de l’histoire.
Les Amours grecques : homosexualité et représentations, du Léonidas de Jacques-Louis David (1799-1814) au Swimming Hole de Thomas Eakins (1885)
Authors: Moulinat Francis
Published: May 2013

Les codes pénaux et 1791 et 1810 ont décriminalisé la sodomie et l’ont condamnée à l’absolue discrétion d’une sphère privée, en mettant en place les notions de bonnes mœurs, d’attentat à la pudeur, sans oublier la corruption de la jeunesse. Pourtant, dans la première moitié du XIX e siècle, une iconographie à racine pédérastique a fleuri (Hyacinthe, Cyparisse, Ganymède). Elle est montrée au Salon et sa réception met bien en évidence l’ambiguïté de ses significations – que montre-t-elle, amitié ou amour des garçons ? homoérotisme et homosocialibilité ? Quant à Sapho, on confond la poétesse historique avec la courtisane amoureuse de Phaon, le désespoir amoureux et le transport poétique. Pourtant, c’est grâce à un travail de reconstitution philologique et historique, que, vers le mitan du siècle, Sapho fait basculer la fiction mythologique dans la réalité des femmes damnées (Baudelaire, Courbet). A la fin du XIX e siècle, l’Arcadie pictorialiste de Fred Holland Day et de Wilhelm von Gloeden donne un corps et un visage à l’amour des garçons, la fiction grecque suffisant à sauver les apparences et la respectabilité nécessaires dans un l’espace public. Parallèlement, les scandales et les procès qui ponctuent la Belle Époque, ont rendu visibles l’homosexuel et la lesbienne dans la sphère publique.
Les Homosexualités d'un prince ou les avatars de la pornographie homosexuelle masculine au tournant des XIXe et XXe siècles
Authors: Cardon Patrick
Published: May 2013

La littérature pédérastique érotique non homophobe est rare au tournant des XIX e et XX e siècles en France. Les Homosexualités d’un prince , par Aimecoups, marque aussi un tournant mais de genre : un témoignage de l’invention d’un mode de vie, qui dépasse de loin sa forme décadente.
Inégalités de santé, inégalités de soins dans les territoires français
Authors: Vigneron Emmanuel
Published: May 2013

Au cours de l’histoire, l’approche territoriale des questions de santé a occupé une place importante. Souvent conduite par les médecins eux-mêmes sous la forme d’observations, cette approche s’est progressivement effacée au cours du XX e siècle en raison du progrès clinique et en dépit de la poursuite de travaux de recherche. Pourtant, les inégalités territoriales de santé se sont maintenues et récemment approfondies en relation avec la crise sociale et économique. Cette situation est d’autant plus sensible en France que l’égalité de traitement est la règle sur laquelle repose l’organisation du système de santé. La distance est un facteur important de renoncement aux soins. La concentration de la population dans les grandes aires urbaines et péri-urbaines implique d’apporter des solutions à la prise en charge de ceux qui en demeurent éloignés, géographiquement ou socialement. Le système de santé a pour justification d’aider ainsi la médecine à mieux s’exercer au profit de tous, et d’abord de ceux qui en ont le plus besoin.
La santé changée par les associations : l'exemple de l'AFM-Téléthon
Authors: Tiennot-Herment Laurence
Published: May 2013

L’AFM-Téléthon, association de malades et de parents de malades, s’est fixée un objectif : vaincre les maladies neuromusculaires. Sa volonté de comprendre ces maladies pour les guérir, ses choix stratégiques – d’innovation et d’intérêt général –, ont fait avancer la recherche, la santé et la société sur des problématiques bien plus globales. En effet, l’AFM-Téléthon a fait le choix d’investir massivement dans le domaine de la génétique et de l’innovation thérapeutique. Elle a compris, par ailleurs, l’importance d’unir les forces vives concernées par les maladies rares (6 à 8?000 maladies concernant 3 millions de personnes en France) afin de mieux porter leur parole. Et c’est dans ce même objectif qu’elle défend avec force et vigueur la citoyenneté et la nécessaire participation sociale des personnes en situation de handicap.
DIGITAL MAMMOGRAM ENHANCEMENT USING KAPUR MEASURE OF ENTROPY AND MATHEMATICAL MORPHOLOGY
Authors: Khehra Baljit Singh , Pharwaha Amar Partap Singh
Published: May 2013

Mammography is the most reliable, effective, low cost and highly sensitive method for early detection of breast cancer. Mammogram analysis usually refers to the processing of mammograms with the goal of finding abnormality presented in the mammogram. Mammogram enhancement is one of the most critical tasks in automatic mammogram image analysis. Main purpose of mammogram enhancement is to enhance the contrast of details and subtle features while suppressing the background heavily. In this paper, a hybrid approach is proposed to enhance the contrast of microcalcifications while suppressing the background heavily, using fuzzy logic and mathematical morphology. First, mammogram is fuzzified using Gaussian fuzzy membership function whose bandwidth is computed using Kapur measure of entropy. After this, mathematical morphology is applied on fuzzified mammogram. Mathematical morphology provides tools for the extraction of microcalcifications even if the microcalcifications are located on a nonuniform background. Main advantage of Kapur measure of entropy over Shannon entropy is that Kapur measure of entropy has α and β parameters that can be used as adjustable values. These parameters can play an important role as tuning parameters in the image processing chain for the same class of images. Experiments have been conducted on images of mini-Mammogram Image Analysis Society (MIAS) database (UK). Experiment results of the proposed approach are compared with histogram equalization (HE), contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) and fuzzy histogram hyperbolization (FHH) which are well-established image enhancement techniques. In order to validate the results, several different kinds of standard test images (fatty, fatty-glandular and dense-glandular) of mini-MIAS database are considered. Objective image quality assessment parameters: Target-to-background contrast enhancement measurement based on standard deviation (TBCSD), target-to-background contrast enhancement measurement based on entropy (TBCE), contrast improvement index (CII), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and average signal-to-noise ratio (ASNR) are used to evaluate the performance of proposed approach. The experimental results show that the proposed approach performs well. This study can be a part of developing a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system for early detection of breast cancer.
CHARACTERIZING THREE-DIMENSIONAL MICROSTRUCTURE OF COLLAGEN/CHITOSAN SCAFFOLDS USING MULTIPHOTON MICROSCOPE
Authors: Tan Hsin-Yuan , Lo Wen , Hsueh Chiu-Mei , Wang Chia-Yi , Lin Sung-Jan , Dong Chen-Yuan , Young Tai-Horng
Published: May 2013

In this work, we used multiphoton microscopic system for characterizing three-dimensional microstructure of collagen/chitosan polymeric scaffolds in a noninvasive fashion. Nonlinear optical signals including multiphoton autofluorescence (MAF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) derived from collagen/chitosan scaffolds were collected and analyzed. The three-dimensional porous microstructures of collagen/chitosan scaffolds were visualized by co-localized and evenly distributed MAF and SHG signals. The distribution of collagen and chitosan compositions within miscible collagen/chitosan blends cannot be either localized or differentiated simply using these nonlinear optical signals. However, the intensity of MAF signals in scaffolds was found to be markedly decreased in correlation to the supplementation of chitosan within blends, regardless of collagen/chitosan weight ratios. It therefore implied that the MAF-generating molecules within collagen being altered in miscible collagen/chitosan blends. And the SHG signals also decreased significantly in collagen/chitosan scaffolds with the supplementation of chitosan, regardless of different weight ratios. This finding supported the hypothesis regarding the miscibility of collagen/chitosan blends that triple helix structure of collagen, a proven SHG-generating microstructure, was altered in miscible collagen/chitosan blends. In conclusion, our work demonstrated that multiphoton imaging modality can be versatile for investigating three-dimensional microstructure of miscible polymeric scaffolds in a minimal invasive fashion, and may potentially be applicable in the field of tissue engineering.
Effects of 0.03MF2 – 0.12LiF (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) on the Sintering and Dielectric Properties of SrTiO3 Ceramics
Authors: Taïbi-Benziada Laldja , Kermoun Hassiba , Belaroussi Yasmina
Published: May 2013

Cold-pressed pellets were prepared from the mixtures SrTiO3- 0.03MF2- 0.12LiF, M = Ca, Sr or Ba, then air-fired at 950 °C for 2 hours. The obtained samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Each ceramic is a perovskite single phase and the relative density reaches 95% for all ceramics. The addition of 3 mol. % of the eutectic composition 1MF2- 4LiF (Tm~ 760 °C) to SrTiO3lowers the sintering temperature of pure strontium titanate from 1400 °C to 950 °C and induces a strong modification in the SrTiO3cubic phase: superlattice reflections are detected and the unit cell symmetry becomes orthorhombic. Dielectric measurements were performed between - 150 °C and 200 °C in the frequency range 20 Hz - 109Hz. The dielectric permittivity εrshowed no maximum in the temperature range investigated and is almost frequency independent. At room temperature, the dielectric losses tanδ are less than 0.1 %. Moreover, the frequency dependence of the complex permittivity exhibits a resonance in the microwave region. These fluorinated ceramics could be of interest in piezoelectric devices and are promising dielectrics for class I capacitors manufactured at low temperature.
Design and Testing of an Experimental Cassava Tuber Peeling Machine
Authors: Ebunilo Patrick , Egware Henry , Ukwuaba Samuel
Published: May 2013

A novel cassava peeling machine that operates on the principle of the lathe was designed, fabricated and tested. The unique peeling principle uses a self-loading, self-adjusting single point cutting tool that can follow the contour of the cut cassava tuber sections or sized lots. The single point cutting tool allows the peeler to peel both freshly harvested cassava tubers and cassava tubers that are up to four days old effectively and efficiently. Test results show a peeling efficiency of over 70% for all categories of tubers and a minimal loss of flesh.
Design and Development of a Livestock Feed Mixer with Spring-Controlled Packaging Unit
Authors: Olaniyan A.M. , Odewole M.M.
Published: May 2013

A vertical livestock feed mixer with spring-controlled packaging unit was designed, constructed and tested. This design had in focus a weighing and gauging mechanism which made possible a semi-automatic packaging in conjunction with feed mixing and discharge operations. The main components of the machine included a double-wall cylindrical mixing chamber consisting of recycling gate, discharge gate, evacuating gate, window and a screw conveyor inside an inner cylinder. The packaging mechanism is attached to the discharge gate and the base of the frame with the frame serving as the structural support for the machine and its contents. The main design parameters included screw conveyor features such as helix angle, fill ratio, normal pressure due to bulk load on screw shaft, axial force per pitch, total screw torque, capacity and power requirements of the screw conveyor. The design concept of the packaging mechanism involved determination of free length of spring, total active length, pitch of spring, spring index, stiffness of spring, maximum shear stress and total spring rate. In a hitch-free operation, the machine was designed to package 25 kg of mixed feed ingredients at a time. In operation, the feed ingredients are scooped and moved upward by the rotary movement of the screw conveyor and then sprayed back into the smaller cylinder without passing through the internal tube. A preliminary testing was carried out on the machine to determine the actual discharge rate and hence the performance of the packaging mechanism. Results revealed that an average discharge rate of 0.356 kg/s was obtained. Powered by a 2 hp single phase electric motor, the machine has a mixing capacity of 4.124 m3/h with a production cost of $470.
Effect of Zinc Oxide Films on Si Substrates Growth by Microwave Plasma Jet Sintering System
Authors: Su Chun Hsi , Huang Chia Min
Published: May 2013

Microwave plasma techniques offered many advantages over conventional fabricating methods. However, few studies have used microwave plasma energy to sinter traditional ceramics. Thus, the aim of this work is microwave plasma Jet sintering system (MPJSS) and simulate analyze the electric field of ZnO films on Si (100) substrates. Ansoft HFSS consists of MPJSS modules for the calculation of ZnO films electromagnetic field. Sinter of ZnO films occurs at approximately N2 with a 10 sccm gas flow rate for a process pressure of 35 Torr and several power of 300W, 600W, 900W and 1200W applied power. Optical emission spectroscopic (OES) studies of N2 microwave plasmas, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Micro-Raman, and FESEM spectrometry were used to characterize the produced ZnO films. The results of XRD and Micro-Raman showed that the synthesized ZnO films had a high crystalline wurzite structure. The Zn2SiO4 peaks reveal an increase of the crystals dimensions with the increase of the E-field. Intensity of diffraction peak of ZnO films increases with increasing microwave powers in MPJSS.
Silk Cocoon: "Emperor's New Clothes" for Pupa: Fractal Nano-Hydrodynamical Approach
Authors: Chen Rou Xi , Liu Fu Juan , He Ji Huan , Fan Jie
Published: May 2013

Blossman-Myer and Burggren (Comp. Biochem. Phys. A, 155, 2010,259-263) found that the cocoon of the silkworm,Bombyx mori, while creating a tough barrier offering mechanical protection to the pupa, imposes no barrier to the diffusion of oxygen or water vapor. In view of its mechanical properties, silk cocoon is an "emperor's new clothes" for pupa. A theoretical analysis is given to explain the fascinating phenomenon by a fractal hydrodynamic model for discontinuous membrane composed of hierarchical silk cascade. The model reveals that when the fractal dimensions of the microstructure of the cocoon meet a special condition, air and water vapor can flow through the cocoon as if there were no cocoon. However, at extremes of weather, the cocoon is an excellent thermal protection for both high and cool temperatures. A better understanding of the cocoon mechanism could help the further design of bio-mimetic artificial clothes for special applications.
Characterizations and Process Parameters of Titanium Dioxide Thin Film by RF Sputtering
Authors: Yang Chii Rong , Teng Tun Ping , Yeh Yun Yu
Published: May 2013

In this study, we successfully combined RF magnetron sputtering of a pure Ti metal target and one-stage oxidation process with a wider oxygen ratio (10%-90%) and total sputtering flow rate (16-24 sccm) to produce TiO2thin films on a glass substrate. The crystallization, morphology, roughness, and thickness of the thin films were examined using XRD, HR-FESEM, AFM, and a profilometer. Subsequently, the photocatalytic performance was examined using a spectrometer and video tensiometer. The experimental results show that the TiO2thin films with a majority of anatase and higher roughness exhibit superior photocatalytic performance; the total sputtering gas flow rate of 18 sccm and oxygen content at 10% is the optimal option. Finally, an empirical formula to correlate the film thickness with deposition time was conducted for the sputtering flow rate of 18 sccm and the oxygen content of 10%.
Microtrichial patterns of the mesothoracic wing surface in Scutelleridae (Hemiptera)
Authors: Czaja Joanna
Published: May 2013

New data on forewing microtrichial patterns are presented. Nineteen species representing 19 genera and seven subfamilies of Afrotropical Scutelleridae are investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Four types of microtrichial patterns are recognised. The taxonomic importance of these structures in the Scutelleridae is discussed.
Loss of TLR2 Worsens Spontaneous Colitis in MDR1A Deficiency through Commensally Induced Pyroptosis
Authors: Ey Birgit , Eyking Annette , Klepak Magdalena , Salzman Nita H. , Göthert Joachim R. , Rünzi Michael , Schmid Kurt W. , Gerken Guido , Podolsky Daniel K. , Cario Elke
Published: May 2013

Variants of the multidrug resistance gene (MDR1/ABCB1) have been associated with increased susceptibility to severe ulcerative colitis (UC). In this study, we investigated the role of TLR/IL-1R signaling pathways including the common adaptor MyD88 in the pathogenesis of chronic colonic inflammation in MDR1A deficiency. Double- or triple-null mice lacking TLR2, MD-2, MyD88, and MDR1A were generated in the FVB/N background. Deletion of TLR2 in MDR1A deficiency resulted in fulminant pancolitis with early expansion of CD11b+ myeloid cells and rapid shift toward TH1-dominant immune responses in the lamina propria. Colitis exacerbation in TLR2/MDR1A double-knockout mice required the unaltered commensal microbiota and the LPS coreceptor MD-2. Blockade of IL-1β activity by treatment with IL-1R antagonist (IL-1Ra; Anakinra) inhibited colitis acceleration in TLR2/MDR1A double deficiency; intestinal CD11b+Ly6C+-derived IL-1β production and inflammation entirely depended on MyD88. TLR2/MDR1A double-knockout CD11b+ myeloid cells expressed MD-2/TLR4 and hyperresponded to nonpathogenic Escherichia coli or LPS with reactive oxygen species production and caspase-1 activation, leading to excessive cell death and release of proinflammatory IL-1β, consistent with pyroptosis. Inhibition of reactive oxygen species–mediated lysosome degradation suppressed LPS hyperresponsiveness. Finally, active UC in patients carrying the TLR2-R753Q and MDR1-C3435T polymorphisms was associated with increased nuclear expression of caspase-1 protein and cell death in areas of acute inflammation, compared with active UC patients without these variants. In conclusion, we show that the combined defect of two UC susceptibility genes, MDR1A and TLR2, sets the stage for spontaneous and uncontrolled colitis progression through MD-2 and IL-1R signaling via MyD88, and we identify commensally induced pyroptosis as a potential innate immune effector in severe UC pathogenesis.
Compliance with the clinical practice guidelines for the management of hepatitis B and C virus-related chronic liver disease: a survey based on hospitalized cirrhotic patients
Authors: La Spada Emanuele , Augello Giuseppe , Anastasi Giovanni , Spadaro Aldo , Taormina Francesco , Fiorello Felice , Stornello Michele , Carroccio Antonio , Castiglione Umberto , Siciliano Rocco , Montalto Giuseppe , Collaborating Group The Internal Medicine
Published: May 2013

In recent years, significant progress has been made in furthering our knowledge of chronic liver disease (CLD) and evaluating the therapeutic approaches. These have been updated in the form of recommendations by international scientific societies. Through a retrospective analysis, this study aimed to verify whether these recommendations have been applied in real practice. The study design included data gathered from all patients consecutively hospitalized for decompensated liver cirrhosis during one year. A pre-made master form was used to record data on the patients’ past knowledge of the etiology and management of their liver disease. As expected, hepatitis C virus (HCV) was the most frequent cause of CLD, while 41 cases were cryptogenic. In 69 of 263 patients with HCV infection, viral genotyping had been performed, although only 39 of these cases had been treated. Only 3 of 44 patients suffering from hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver cirrhosis had been treated in the past, while 11 patients were still being treated. Among the remaining patients, 15 were not aware that they had CLD and 15 had never been considered for antiviral treatment. In 81 cases, the disease had progressed to hepatocellular carcinoma, but only 19 patients had discovered the tumor following regular ultrasound screening. Thirty-seven patients were receiving specific treatment consistent with the stage of their disease. The management of HBV- and HCV-related CLD in Sicily is far from optimal, and although the natural history and management practices of these diseases are well known, this knowledge is a long way from being applied in our daily practice.
Venous thromboembolism in non-small cell lung cancer patients: retrospective analysis of cases treated at the Oncology Day Hospital of Novara, Italy
Authors: Buosi Roberta , Borra Gloria , Alabiso Oscar , Galetto Alessandra , Pappagallo Giovanni , Campanini Mauro
Published: May 2013

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with cancer. The estimated risk of VTE in cancer patients is 0.5% per year and 0.04% per month. In small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) the cumulative incidence is 3% per year and it seems to be associated with advanced stage and histotype. We performed a retrospective analysis on data from all NSCLC treated at the Oncology Day Hospital in Novara, Italy, northern Italy, to assess the incidence of thromboembolic events in patients undergoing systemic cancer treatments. All patients diagnosed with NSCLC who were treated at the Oncology Day Hospital in Novara from January 2008 to May 2011 have been assessed. Many variables related to VTE were analyzed: age, gender, different NSCLC histotype, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, body mass index, stage of disease, treatment and chemotherapy regimen, development of a VTE event and its temporal correlation with chemotherapy, central venous catheter presence, use of erythropoietin, use of low molecular weight heparin at baseline, use of acetyl salicylic acid. A total of 355 patients were evaluated, 307 of whom were considered to be eligible for analysis. Median age was 68 years. Histology was as follows: 7% not otherwise specified, 60% adenocarcinoma, 31% squamous cell carcinoma and 2% large cell carcinoma. Thirty-six cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) have been reported (incidence 12%). Thirty-one DVT were recorded in patients who were candidates for or undergoing chemotherapy: 14 during treatment, 7 at the end of chemotherapy, and 10 before treatment. The incidence was significantly higher for patients treated with cisplatin (CDDP), both during chemotherapy and after chemotherapy. A correlation with disease stage was documented: 26.5% of total VTE occurred in locally advanced and metastatic stages (IIIB and IV); 18.8% in stage IIIA (N2). A significant correlation between non-squamous histology was also highlighted (P=0.015) and ECOG 0-1 (P=0.010). According to the high incidence of VTE in patients with NSCLC, especially adenocarcinoma, and the correlation highlighted in this study with ECOG performance status 0-1 and CDDP-based treatment, we believe that outpatients undergoing chemotherapy for advanced stage (IIIB-IV) lung cancer should receive thromboembolic prophylaxis at least for the duration of chemotherapy. It is, therefore, essential to propose a thrombo-prophylaxis clinical trial that recruits only lung cancer patients to evaluate the benefit of prophylaxis in this population and to assess the real risk of bleeding during antithrombotic treatment.
Conservative management of eosinophilic enteritis presenting with acute abdominal syndrome
Authors: Bassi Marco , Belmonte Gelorma , Luigiano Carmelo , Billi Paola , Salerno Angela , Ferrara Francesco , Ghersi Stefania , Giovanelli Silvia , Magnani Mirco , Nardi Roberto , D’Imperio Nicola
Published: May 2013

Eosinophilic enteritis, an increasing recognized condition, is rare and often presents with non-specific symptoms. We report a case of a 46-year old female who presented with acute onset abdominal pain and nausea associated with ascites, small bowel thickening and peripheral eosinophilia. Diagnosis was confirmed by biopsies taken at esophagogastroduodenoscopy demonstrating diffuse infiltration by inflammatory cells, mainly eosinophils. Appropriate therapy was instituted. The patient recovered well and was symptom-free at 1-month follow up. In this report, we discuss the clinical presentation and the diagnostic criteria of the eosinophilic enteritis, and examine the pathophysiological theories and therapeutic strategies. The relevant literature on eosinophilic enteritis is summarized.
Toward a sustainable and wise healthcare approach: potential contributions from hospital Internal Medicine Departments to reducing inappropriate medical spending
Authors: Nardi Roberto , Berti Franco , Fabbri Leonardo M. , Di Pasquale Giuseppe , Iori Ido , Mathieu Giovanni , Vescovo Giorgio , Fontanella Andrea , Mazzone Antonino , Campanini Mauro , Nozzoli Carlo , Manfellotto Dario , Their Friends in the FFA Project Group On behalf of the FADOI and
Published: May 2013

All countries are facing the question of how to maintain quality of care with shrinking health budgets, in the presence of a persistent increase in life expectancy, and with a significant growing demand for health care from aging populations and chronically ill patients. Current implementation of legislative measures is largely presented as a cost-cutting policy. With this political approach, there is a risk of services and the number of hospital beds being drastically reduced, mainly to detriment of the most vulnerable groups of the population and without considering the results obtained by each regional healthcare organization according to explicit evaluation markers. In our Scientific Society of Internal Medicine (the Federation of Associations of Hospital Doctors on Internal Medicine, FADOI), we want to support good medical practice because essential medicine is still a goal to be achieved throughout medical hospital care. We are looking for original ways to implement a sustainable and frugal hospital Internal Medicine policy by searching for wise and efficient clinical methodology to be applied in the care of patients admitted to internal medicine wards according to their real needs. We firmly believe that reinforcing a common agenda between medicine and public health, and sharing a common vision among professionals and decision makers in the planning of care, may be the greatest opportunity for any every health care reform. The future of the health care system cannot be restricted to mere cost reduction, but should aim to deliver better health care in relation to the money spent. Even in this period of austerity, new opportunities can still be found and doctors must lead efforts to meet this challenge.
An outline of phase equilibrium
Authors: Froese E
Published: May 2013

A collection of systems of different composition defines a composition space which can be described by components defined as the minimum number of combinations of elements in fixed proportion required to express the composition of all phases in the considered
systems. At stable equilibrium, and at constant pressure and temperature, each system is characterized by a minimum Gibbs energy G. In the space defined by the components n, there exists a minimum surface. If the compositional variation from system to system is continuous, the change of G along the
minimum surface can be described in differential form by (formula) where ñi refers to components other ni. Designating the partial molar Gibbs energy of a component as G, and integrating the expression gives (formula) and division by ni leads to (formula) where G is the molar Gibbs energy and X
is the mole fraction of a component. A projection of the minimum molar G surface onto the composition base, in terms of X, results in a phase diagram. 3
Teaching the Bible at public universities in South Africa: A proposal for multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Dube Zorodzai
Published: May 2013

How should the academy teach the Bible? I noted two challenges to this endeavour. Firstly, the Bible has been used as superstructure to justify and to solidify colonialism and apartheid in South Africa which resulted in people to mistrust the way the Western missionaries interpreted the Bible. It also gave birth to the inception of African Independent Churches (AIC) and an urgent need to reinterpret the Bible from the experiences of Africans. However, the initial question remains how the academy should teach the Bible. The complexity of this question is that despite the Bible’s association with a colonial legacy, the ordinary people did not stop reading the Bible and to make meaning of their lives from it. This study justifies the place of the Bible in public universities in South Africa and proposes ways the academy should teach the Bible. This study suggests a two-pronged approach to Biblical Studies at public universities. Firstly, the academy should critically engage the ideological presupposition underlying the theories used in the academy. Secondly, the academy must be open to the fact that the Bible is part of popular culture; hence, the academy should critically reflect how the Bible is used in public space. Therefore my hypothesis is that the academy should further focus on critiquing ideological inclinations that underline established truths in addition to focusing on the historical meaning of the Bible and establishing contextual similarities. Teaching the Bible should focus on analysing cultural, political and economic ideological truths that find support from the Bible. I propose that this line of thought is possible through cultural studies and/or interdisciplinary methods.