bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Undergraduates Perceive Their Professors: A Corpus Analysis of Rate My Professor
Authors: Gregory Karen M.
Published: February 2012

While many may disparage the online website Rate my Professor, it remains a popular public evaluation site for students to post their evaluations and commentary on their professors. What implications can be drawn about students' perceptions of instruction and what are the implications of students' perceptions for professors and their work? Using the folk pedagogy theory of Jerome Bruner, I examine students' perceptions of what constitutes quality instruction as expressed on the Rate My Professor website. Issues attendant to the worldwide cultural embrace of public evaluation are also examined. The extant research on the validity of traditional student evaluations, the debate on Rate My Professor's validity, and the cultural phenomenon of academic consumerism are examined. Simple concordancing is used to analyze the language of student evaluations and how forms of folk pedagogy concerning quality education are expressed. Results suggest that students favor professors who are demanding, yet helpful and attentive, and a class that is rigorous, fair, and informative, and thereby perceive quality teaching and learning to comprise the same.
A Survival Guide from an Early Adopter: How Web 2.0 and the Right Attitude Can Enable Learning and Expansive Course Design
Authors: O'Connor Eileen
Published: February 2012

Given the challenges facing higher education in the fast-changing educational and social environment, what can be learned from an instructor who has braved the rapidly changing stream of technologies and has subsequently developed a personal and productive approach to using emerging technologies to teach better and farther? What aspects of instruction and technology savvy can turn the frustrations when integrating new technologies into an adventure, with new learning and new relationships? And, where does the role of vision fit into this journey? And, what about instructor attitude? Student attitude? This article gathers the reflections of an early adopter who continuously develops, pilots, studies, and reports-on technology in online courses, examining a variety of aspects of technology-mediated instruction, sharing experience and research, and ultimately developing an applied, practical operational guide that can frame the questions, considerations, and challenges facing instructors venturing into 21st century technologies.
Aspects of reception of classical heritage in biography of despot Stefan Lazarevic of Constantine the Philosopher
Authors: Ristovic Nenad
Published: February 2012

The reception of the classical book heritage in the Biography of Despot
Stefan Lazarevic of Constantine the Philosopher (of Kostenec) is noticed
through the conspicuous reminiscences on classical antiquity, but it is also
manifested through the use of artistic procedures of classical literature and
the author?s high estimate of the accomplishment of pre-Christian Greek
thought. In the first two types of classicism Constantine surpasses other
medieval Serbian writers, while in the third he is unique among them, so his
relying on classical tradition in this work is the result both of literary
conventions caused by the choice of the genre of secular biography and of his
belonging to the most liberal section of medieval Christian intellectuals.
Outbreak of equine piroplasmosis in Florida
Authors: Short Michael A. , Clark Carol K. , Harvey John W. , Wenzlow Nanny , Hawkins Ian K. , Allred David R. , Knowles Donald P. , Corn Joseph L. , Grause Juanita F. , Hennager Steven G. , Kitchen Diane L. , Traub-Dargatz Josie L.
Published: February 2012

Case Description—A 7-year-old Quarter Horse gelding was hospitalized in Ocala, Fla, because of lethargy, fever, anorexia, and swelling of distal aspects of the limbs. A tentative diagnosis of equine piroplasmosis (EP) was made on the basis of examination of a blood smear. The case was reported to the Florida State Veterinarian, and infection with Babesia equi was confirmed. The subsequent investigation included quarantine and testing of potentially exposed horses for B equi and Babesia caballi infections, tick surveillance, and owner-agent interviews.

Clinical Findings—210 horses on 25 premises were tested for infection with EP pathogens. Twenty B equi–infected horses on 7 premises were identified; no horses tested positive for B caballi. Seven horses, including the index case, had clinical findings consistent with EP Dermacentor variabilis was considered the only potential tick vector for B equi collected, and all D variabilis specimens tested negative for Babesia organisms via PCR assay. Results of the epidemiological investigation suggested that B equi was spread by use of shared needles and possibly blood transfusions. All horses that tested positive were involved in nonsanctioned Quarter Horse racing, and management practices were thought to pose substantial risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens.

Treatment and Outcome—Final outcome of B equi–infected horses was euthanasia, death from undetermined causes, or shipment to a US federal research facility.

Clinical Relevance—This investigation highlights the importance of collaboration between private veterinary practitioners, state veterinary diagnostic laboratories, and regulatory officials in the recognition, containment, and eradication of foreign animal disease.
Preinjury and Postinjury Running Analysis Along With Measurements of Strength and Tendon Length in a Patient With a Surgically Repaired Achilles Tendon Rupture
Authors: Grävare Silbernagel Karin , Willy Richard , Davis Irene
Published: February 2012

Study Design

Case report.

Background

The Achilles tendon is the most frequently ruptured tendon, and the incidence of Achilles tendon rupture has increased in the last decade. The rupture generally occurs without any preceding warning signs, and therefore preinjury data are seldom available. This case represents a unique opportunity to compare preinjury running mechanics with postinjury evaluation in a patient with an Achilles tendon rupture.

Case Description

A 23-year-old female sustained a right complete Achilles tendon rupture while playing soccer. Running mechanics data were collected preinjury, as she was a healthy participant in a study on running analysis. In addition, patient-reported symptoms, physical activity level, strength, ankle range of motion, heel-rise ability, Achilles tendon length, and running kinetics were evaluated 1 year after surgical repair.

Outcomes

During running, greater ankle dorsiflexion and eversion and rearfoot abduction were noted on the involved side postinjury when compared to preinjury data. In addition, postinjury, the magnitude of all kinetics data was lower on the involved limb when compared to the uninvolved limb. The involved side displayed differences in strength, ankle range of motion, heel rise, and tendon length when compared to the uninvolved side 1 year after injury.

Discussion

Despite a return to normal running routine and reports of only minor limitations with running, considerable changes were noted in running biomechanics 1 year after injury. Calf muscle weakness and Achilles tendon elongation were also found when comparing the involved and uninvolved sides. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(6):521–529, Epub 25 January 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.3913
A model to calculate the viscosity of silicate melts
Authors: Kim Wan-Yi , Pelton Arthur D. , Decterov Sergei A.
Published: February 2012

Our recently developed model to describe the viscosity of silicate melts is extended to describe and predict the viscosities of alkali-rich silicate melts. The model requires one additional binary parameter for each M
2O–SiO2 system, where M is an alkali metal, to a total of three binary parameters per binary system alkali oxide – silica. In addition to unary and binary parameters, the model requires two ternary parameters for each alumina-containing ternary system MOx–Al2O3 –SiO2, where MOx is a basic oxide, to describe the viscosity maxima in these ternary systems due to the Charge Compensation Effect. The viscosity of multicomponent melts and of ternary melts MOx–NOy–SiO2, where MOx and NOy are basic oxides, is predicted by the model solely from the unary, binary and ternary parameters. The available viscosity data for the alkali-containing subsystems of the Al2O3–CaO–MgO–Na2O–K2O–SiO2 system are reviewed. The model reproduces the experimental data for binary and ternary melts and predicts the viscosities of multicomponent melts within experimental error limits. In particular, the viscosities of glass melts and melts of importance for petrology are well predicted by the model.
Effect of reaction media on the formation of CdS nanorods
Authors: Rajendran Varadharajan , Sridevi Durai
Published: February 2012

Cadmium sulfide nanorods were synthesized via a simple non ionic surfactant assisted hydrothermal method. Thioacetamide was selected as the sulfur source to maintain the homogeneity of the reaction environment and condition. Each of the nanorods is single crystalline. The length direction is along the c-axis of the crystal. The composition and purity of the samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images indicate that the surfactant, PEG 400, and reaction media played a key role in the formation of CdS nanorods. The formation of nanorods depends on the reaction media. Nanorods were formed in diluted strong acid solution media such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid and not in acetic media. PEG assisted nanorods showed large aspect ratios and uniform faces compared with the sample prepared in the absence of PEG. The optical properties of the products were studied using photoluminescence spectroscopy.
Effects of preparation methods on color properties of ZnO-based nano-crystalline green pigments
Authors: Rasouli Sousan , Safi Mahdi
Published: February 2012

Zn0.9Co0.1O green pigments, with crystallite sizes from 29 to 181 nm, were synthesized via solid state reaction and solution combustion using different fuels. The effects of experimental conditions on the color properties of the pigments were investigated by means of the spectral diffuse reflectance and the color coordinates determination. The results showed that the maximum perceptible color depth was obtained for the combustion method with citric acid. The calculated color properties as well as the hue angle values around 1578 confirmed a similar green shade with lightness ranging from 34 to 62. A good accordance was demonstrated between the results of the color properties in terms of the adsorption parameter of K/S and the crystallite size variations. K and S are the coefficients of absorption and scattering of monochromatic light of an opaque substrate. The optimum color characteristics were obtained for the combustion synthesized sample by using citric acid as fuel.
Phase diagram of the Sb–Te–I system and thermodynamic properties of SbTeI
Authors: Aliev Ziya S. , Babanly Mahammad B. , Shevelkov Andrei V. , Babanly Dunya M. , Tedenac Jean-Claude
Published: February 2012

The Sb–Te–I system was investigated by using differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis and electromotive force measurements with an antimony electrode. A number of polythermal sections and the projection of the liquidus surface were constructed. The fields of the primary crystallization, as well as the types and coordinates of nonand monovariant equilibriums were determined. It is shown that the quasi-binary sections SbI3–Sb2Te3, SbI3–Te, and SbI3–TeI4 triangulate the Sb–Te–I system, leading to four independent subsystems. From the electromotive force measurements, the partial molar functions of antimony as well as the standard integral thermodynamic functions of SbTeI were calculated. The latter were found to have the following values: ΔG0
f,298 = −55.77 ± 1.7 kJ · mol−1; ΔH0
f,298 = −55.72 ± 1.39 kJ · mol−1; S0
298 = 153.5 ± 2.8 J · K−1 · mol−1.
Morphological characterization of the Al–Ag–Cu ternary eutectic
Authors: Genau Amber , Ratke Lorenz
Published: February 2012

Ternary eutectic microstructures have a level of complexity far exceeding that of binary eutectics. As there is currently no detailed description of ternary eutectic structures in the literature, we have undertaken a systematic investigation of the structures formed by directional solidification of the ternary eutectic Al–Ag–Cu. Using a constant temperature gradient of 3 K mm−1 and solidification velocities between 0.2 and 5 μm s−1, we are able to observe different forms of the eutectic structure with varying degrees of alignment. We describe these structures both qualitatively and quantitatively, using measures including the volume fraction and composition of all phases, the distribution of interphase separations, and the number of nearest neighbor phases. The effects of solid-state transformations on the microstructure are also discussed.
Twenty years of cold surface layer thinning at Storglaciären, sub-Arctic Sweden, 1989-2009
Authors: Gusmeroli Alessio , Jansson Peter , Pettersson Rickard , Murray Tavi
Published: February 2012

This paper presents the changes in the thermal structure of the polythermal glacier Storglaciären, northern Sweden, over the 20 year period 1989-2009 derived by comparing maps of the depth of the englacial transition between cold ice (permanently frozen) and temperate ice (which contains water inclusions). The maps are based on interpreted ice-penetrating radar surveys from 1989, 2001 and 2009.

Complex thinning of the cold layer, first identified between 1989 and 2001, is still ongoing. A volume calculation shows that Storglaciären has lost one-third of its cold surface layer volume in 20 years, with a mean thinning rate of 0.80 ± 0.24 m a-1. We suggest that the thinning of the cold layer at Storglaciären is connected to the climatic warming experienced by sub-Arctic Scandinavia since the 1980s and we argue that repeated ice-penetrating radar surveys over the ablation area of polythermal glaciers offer a useful proxy for evaluating glacier responses to changes in climate.
A detailed 2840 year record of explosive volcanism in a shallow ice core from Dome A, East Antarctica
Authors: Jiang Su , Cole-Dai Jihong , Li Yuansheng , Ferris Dave G. , Ma Hongmei , An Chunlei , Shi Guitao , Sun Bo
Published: February 2012

A detailed history of volcanism covering the last 2840 years is reconstructed from the top 100.42 m of a 109.91 m ice core from Dome A (DA2005 ice core), East Antarctica. Using two known volcanic stratigraphic markers, the mean accumulation rate during the period AD 1260-1964 is found to be 23.2 mmw.e. a-1, consistent with the previously reported accumulation rate at Dome A. This mean accumulation rate is used to date the entire core. Volcanic eruptions in the period 840 BC-AD1998 are detected as outstanding sulphate events. Seventy-eight eruptions are identified, with a mean of 2.7 eruptions per century. Comparisons with previous Antarctic ice-core volcanic records are made to assess the quality of this new DA2005 record. In terms of dates for volcanic events, the DA2005 record is in good agreement with previous records in the second millennium ad (ad 1000-1998). A series of volcanic signatures found in both the DA2005 record and several other Antarctic ice-core records in the first millennium ad (ad 1-1000) appear to validate the DA2005 record during this time period. For the older periods, direct comparisons are difficult between the DA2005 record and other Antarctic ice-core records due to the lack of well-dated stratigraphic horizons.
Temporal evolution of the structural properties of seasonal sea ice during the early melt season
Authors: Ishii Haruki , Toyota Takenobu
Published: February 2012

During the early melt season, when sea-ice extent begins to retreat due to increasing heat absorption from the atmosphere and ocean, the sea ice becomes porous and weakens. This induces the break-up of ice floes and accelerates the melting process substantially. Determining how sea-ice structure evolves during this season is important for understanding the melting process on a global scale. We investigated this issue using field observations, laboratory experiments and numerical modeling, focusing on the effect of the C-shaped temperature profile on the internal structure of sea ice. Field observations were conducted to examine this effect on ~0.3 m thick ice on Lake Saroma, located at the coast of Hokkaido, Japan. To test the generalization from these observational case studies, laboratory experiments were conducted using a tank with 0.12 m thick ice. Additionally, evolution of ice structure from winter to early spring was numerically analyzed using meteorological data. From these studies, we find that the heat convergence, caused by the C-shape temperature profile, is essential to the internal melting particularly in the upper layer. This increases the porosity of the sea ice, leading to a rapid decrease in its flexural strength during the season.
Gag Reflex: No More A Gag To A Dentist The Behavioral Techniques, Pharmacological Techniques, Acupressure and Acupuncture in Controlling the Gag Reflex - A Review
Authors: Shriprasad S , Shilpashree HS
Published: February 2012

Gagging in dental patients can be disruptive to dental treatment and may be a barrier to a patient care, preventing the provision of treatment and the wearing of prostheses. Many management techniques have been described to control the gagging. This article reviews the literature on various management strategies described to prevent and control the gagging. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i1.9816 BJMS 2012; 11(1): 12-17
Percent Bed occupancy rate in a selected specialized tertiary care hospital in Dhaka city
Authors: Rahman H , Haque SME , Hafiz MA
Published: February 2012

Background and Aims: Providing a necessary care for a sick person outside home 'in hospes or hospital' dates back to nearly 300 century BC. In the present day hospital care facilities has been taken an institutional shape both in public and private sector. A hospital bed is both a scarce and expensive commodity in healthcare. Administrators running hospitals are in a dire need of objective measures and methods for efficient management of their limited financial resources. Bed utilization rates can be of immense help in realistic and effective decision making. The present study was undertaken to explore utilization of bed in a specialized tertiary care hospital in the Dhaka city. Methods: Hospital records of the year were reviewed- age, gender, disease profile, duration of hospital stay, outcome of treatment were recorded and bed occupancy rate was calculated. Data were presented as number, percentage and/ or mean SD, as appropriate. The dada were managed by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) for Windows Version 10. Results: The results showed in the year 2001 total number of admissions were 13,305 of which 9953 (74.8%) were male and 3352 (25.2%) female. Average monthly admission was 1109. Maximum number of admissions (1304) was observed in the month of September of that year. Male admission rate was higher than female admission throughout the year. Among all the admission 27.2% were of road traffic accident cases. Among the admitted patients there was 57.3% discharge with advice, 1.9% death, 14.6% discharge on request bond, 12.7% discharge on request. Of all the admission there 12.5% found to be absconded. Bed occupancy rate was 79.75% and average length of stay in the hospital 18.47 days. Conclusions: The present data suggest that (i) in terms of bed occupancy rate the NITOR found to run in optimal capacity which, however, might be attributed to the relative high rate of ascendance and discharges on requests; (ii) average length of stay of patients appeared to be relatively longer and (iii) the management need to look into the issue and take appropriate measures to reduce patients unwanted long duration of stay and make the tertiary care hospital improve the quality of services. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i1.9817 BJMS 2012; 11(1): 18-24
Role of Fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of Cervical lymphadenopathy
Authors: Kafi AH , Arif HB , Ruhul AS
Published: February 2012

Objective: A study was carried out to know the overall prevalence of various causes responsible for cervical lymphadenopathy of more than 3 weeks duration. FNAC has been evaluated as a diagnostic tool in our clinical set up. We aimed to present 120 cases which we treated in our center within last 4 years. Methods: A retrospective study has been carried out from August 2007 to August 2011 in the department of Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery at CMH Rangpur, Apollo Hospitals Dhaka And Ibn Sina Medical College Hospital Dhaka. All patients presented with cervical lymphadenopathy of more than 3 weeks duration. FNAC has been done for all suspected cases. CT neck has been done in 4 cases for deep jugular nodes. 60 patients underwent lymph node biopsy as FNAC report was non-specific lymphadenitis. For three cases we have done frozen section biopsy. Preoperative workup with routine blood tests, Xray chest and tuberculin tests have been carried out for all cases. Results: Out of 120 FNAC of cervical lymphadenopathy - 60 were non-specific lymphadenitis, 34 were tuberculosis, 13 were metastatic (with 2 occult primary), 7 were lymphomas (Immunocytochemistry proved ) and 6 were abscess. All 60 non-specific lymphadenopathy cases (FNAC report) underwent lymph node biopsy.5 cases were consistent with tuberculosis , 1 was lymphoma and rest were reactive . For 3 cases frozen section biopsy have been done. One was consistent with granulomatous disease and two cases were diagnosed as lymphoid hyperplasia. Both the lymphoid hyperplasia cases have been diagnosed as Castleman's disease after histopathology report. Conclusion: The study concluded the fact that the non-specific infection is the most common cause of cervical lymphadenopathy followed by tuberculosis .Supplemented with routine laboratory investigations, FNAC give very important clue to the physicians that can be routinely used in patients with cervical lymphadenopathy. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i1.9818 BJMS 2012; 11(1): 25-27
Bacteriocin production by rhizobia isolated from root nodules of Horse gram
Authors: Prabhavati E , Anthony JAM
Published: February 2012

Thirty two Rhizobium strains were isolated from the root nodules of Horse gram plants grown in 32 soil samples collected from various regions in Andhra Pradesh, India. They were identified as rhizobia by nodulation test. These isolates were used to study the production of bacteriocins. All the isolates produced bacteriocins against the remaining isolates. The isolates HGR-4 and 9 showed maximum activity/inhibition zone among all the isolates, and also found to be inhibiting more number of isolates than that of other bacteriocin producing isolates. The bacteriocin protein substance produced by the isolates HGR-4 and 9 showed a molecular weight of ~ 50 kDa by SDS-AGE and bacteriocin plasmids molecular weight is > 22 kb and > 24 kb. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i1.9819 BJMS 2012; 11(1): 28-32
Awareness of parents towards Teething
Authors: Bhavneet K
Published: February 2012

Objective: The relationship of the first deciduous tooth eruption and the general health of an infant has always been a subject of curiosity. The enigma of teething although historical, continues to pervade contemporary child health care due to many unexplained teething myths. The treatment modalities used in teething have been diverse. The objective of this study was to evaluate the awareness, beliefs and knowledge of parents towards teething symptoms. Materials and method: Hundred parents were randomly selected from two kindergarten schools and were interviewed according to a structured questionnaire. Collected data was analyzed by a statistical software known as SPSS. Results: Results revealed that though parents knew about teething but there was lack of awareness regarding diverse treatment modalities and the teething myths and realities. Conclusions: More educative programs should be initiated to make parents aware of teething myths and realities. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i1.9822 BJMS 2012; 11(1): 40-43
Assessing Climate Change Impacts on Global Hydropower
Authors: Hamududu Byman , Killingtveit Aanund
Published: February 2012

Currently, hydropower accounts for close to 16% of the world’s total power supply and is the world’s most dominant (86%) source of renewable electrical energy. The key resource for hydropower generation is runoff, which is dependent on precipitation. The future global climate is uncertain and thus poses some risk for the hydropower generation sector. The crucial question and challenge then is what will be the impact of climate change on global hydropower generation and what are the resulting regional variations in hydropower generation potential? This paper is a study that aims to evaluate the changes in global hydropower generation resulting from predicted changes in climate. The study uses an ensemble of simulations of regional patterns of changes in runoff, computed from global circulation models (GCM) simulations with 12 different models. Based on these runoff changes, hydropower generation is estimated by relating the runoff changes to hydropower generation potential through geographical information system (GIS), based on 2005 hydropower generation. Hydropower data obtained from EIA (energy generation), national sites, FAO (water resources) and UNEP were used in the analysis. The countries/states were used as computational units to reduce the complexities of the analysis. The results indicate that there are large variations of changes (increases/decreases) in hydropower generation across regions and even within regions. Globally, hydropower generation is predicted to change very little by the year 2050 for the hydropower system in operation today. This change amounts to an increase of less than 1% of the current (2005) generation level although it is necessary to carry out basin level detailed assessment for local impacts which may differ from the country based values. There are many regions where runoff and hydropower generation will increase due to increasing precipitation, but also many regions where there will be a decrease. Based on this evaluation, it has been concluded that even if individual countries and regions may experience significant impacts, climate change will not lead to significant changes in the global hydropower generation, at least for the existing hydropower system.
Seasonality of Suicidal Behavior
Authors: Woo Jong-Min , Okusaga Olaoluwa , Postolache Teodor T.
Published: February 2012

A seasonal suicide peak in spring is highly replicated, but its specific cause is unknown. We reviewed the literature on suicide risk factors which can be associated with seasonal variation of suicide rates, assessing published articles from 1979 to 2011. Such risk factors include environmental determinants, including physical, chemical, and biological factors. We also summarized the influence of potential demographic and clinical characteristics such as age, gender, month of birth, socioeconomic status, methods of prior suicide attempt, and comorbid psychiatric and medical diseases. Comprehensive evaluation of risk factors which could be linked to the seasonal variation in suicide is important, not only to identify the major driving force for the seasonality of suicide, but also could lead to better suicide prevention in general.
Bufalin Induces Lung Cancer Cell Apoptosis via the Inhibition of PI3K/Akt Pathway
Authors: Zhu Zhitu , Sun Hongzhi , Ma Guangyou , Wang Zhenghua , Li Enze , Liu Yangyang , Liu Yunpeng
Published: February 2012

Bufalin is a class of toxic steroids which could induce the differentiation and apoptosis of leukemia cells, and induce the apoptosis of gastric, colon and breast cancer cells. However, the anti-tumor effects of bufalin have not been demonstrated in lung cancer. In this study we used A549 human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line as the experimental model to evaluate the potential of bufalin in lung cancer chemotherapy. A549 cells were treated with bufalin, then the proliferation was detected by MTT assay and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry analysis and Giemsa staining. In addition, A549 cells were treated by Akt inhibitor LY294002 in combination with bufalin and the activation of Akt and Caspase-3 as well as the expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2 and livin were examined by Western blot analysis. The results showed that Bufalin inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells and induced the apoptosis of A549 cells in a dose and time dependent manner. Mechanistically, we found that bufalin inhibited the activation of Akt. Moreover, bufalin synergized with Akt inhibitor to induce the apoptosis of A549 cells and this was associated with the upregulation of Bax expression, the downregulation of Bcl-2 and livin expression, and the activation of Caspase-3. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that bufalin induces lung cancer cell apoptosis via the inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway and suggest that bufalin is a potential regimen for combined chemotherapy to overcome the resistance of lung cancer cells to chemotherapeutics induced apoptosis.
Development of Hydrogels and Biomimetic Regulators as Tissue Engineering Scaffolds
Authors: Shi Junbin , Xing Malcolm M. Q. , Zhong Wen
Published: February 2012

This paper reviews major research and development issues relating to hydrogels as scaffolds for tissue engineering, the article starts with a brief introduction of tissue engineering and hydrogels as extracellular matrix mimics, followed by a description of the various types of hydrogels and preparation methods, before a discussion of the physical and chemical properties that are important to their application. There follows a short comment on the trends of future research and development. Throughout the discussion there is an emphasis on the genetic understanding of bone tissue engineering application.
Cytotoxic Phenylpropanoids and a New Triterpene, Turformosinic Acid, from Turpinia formosana Nakai
Authors: Huang Hui-Chi , Chiou Chun-Tang , Hsiao Ping-Chun , Liaw Chia-Ching , Zhang Li-Jie , Chang Chao-Lin , Chen Ih-Sheng , Chen Wen-Chi , Lee Kuo-Hsiung , Kuo Yao-Haur
Published: February 2012

One new phenylpropanoid, turformosin A (1), and one new triterpene, turformosinic acid (2), together with 16 known compounds, were isolated from the stems of Turpinia formosana Nakai. All structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques and MS analysis. Selected isolated compounds were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity against four human cancer cell lines and antioxidant scavenging effects on DPPH. (−)-(7′S,8′S)-threo-carolignan X (3) exhibited cytotoxicity against Hep2, WiDr, Daoy, and MCF-7 cell lines with ED50 values of 3.60, 4.45, 6.07, and 13.7 μg/mL, respectively. Turformosin A (1), (−)-(7′S,8′S)- threo-carolignan X (3), methoxyhydroquinone-4-β-d-glucopyranoside (5), and methoxy-hydroquinone-1-β-d-glucopyranoside (6), exhibited similar anti-oxidative activity. Hep2 cells treated with 10 μg/mL of 3 showed elevation of sub-G1 population (from 20% at 8 h to 60% at 48 h), and activation of caspase-9/caspase-3/PARP cascade. Compound 3 induced intrinsic apoptotic pathway in Hep2 cells with dose and time dependence (10 μg/mL for 8 h).
Flood Management in California
Authors: Lund Jay R.
Published: February 2012

California’s development and success have been shaped by its ability to manage floods. This management has varied over the history of California’s economic and political development and continues in various forms today. California will always have flood problems. A range of options are available to aid in flood management problems and have been used over time. These options can be contrasted with flood management elsewhere and the types of options used to manage other types of hazards in California, such as earthquakes, wildfires, and droughts. In the future, flood management in California will require greater reliance on local funding and leadership, reflecting diminished federal and state funding, with more effective state and federal guidance. Effective flood management will also tend to integrate flood management with actions to achieve environmental and other water supply objectives, both to gain revenues from a broader range of beneficiaries as well as to make more efficient use of land and water in a state where both are often scarce.
Las representaciones de bulto redondo en el megalitismo del Noroeste
Authors: Fábregas Valcarce Ramón
Published: February 2012

Las excavaciones de la última década en megalitos gallegos han proporcionado una serie de representaciones sobre cantos rodados , decorados toscamente con incisiones o muescas. La mayoría han aparecido colocadas en una especie de atrio presente en sepulturas de corredor que se datan de la 2.ª mitad del III milenio. Algunas de estas piezas recuerdan el motivo del «tatuaje facial», común en figuras calcolíticas del Sur de la Península Ibérica.
Volviendo a pensar la Edad del Hierro
Authors: Hill J. D. , Cumberpatch C. G.
Published: February 2012

Este artículo defiende la urgente necesidad de evaluar críticamente las asunciones básicas manejadas por los arqueólogos de la Edad del Hierro en toda Europa. Sugiere que los marcos explicativos e interpretativos existentes son, en el mejor de los casos, inadecuados para comprender la evidencia arqueológica real sobre el período. En el peor, están reproduciendo todavía las ideologías nacionalistas y racistas decimonónicas (p. e. las preocupaciones por los “Celtas”, los “Iberos”, etc.). A partir de ejemplos de Gran Bretaña, y las Repúblicas Checa y Eslovaca, sostenemos que la evidencia arqueológica sobre la Edad del Hierro claramente no encaja con nuestras suposiciones modernas y eurocéntricas sobre lo que el período debería haber sido. Se sugiere que la arqueología de la Edad del Hierro tiene que reconocer la diferencia del pasado, el hecho de que las sociedades prehistóricas en Europa pudieron haber tenido formas de organización social, visiones del mundo y economías muy diferentes a las de la Historia europea posterior. Esto significa la puesta en cuestión crítica de la evidencia arqueológica y estar abierto a la posibilidad de que las interpretaciones existentes sean erróneas (p. e. recalcando el impacto de la Economía Mundial Mediterránea, el que los Oppida eran centros urbanos, o que los datos del poblamiento y subsistencia puede ser comprendidos de manera adecuada en términos capitalistas/funcionalistas modernos, etc.). Los estudios de la Edad del Hierro, en cuanto tales, sólo pueden ser una “Arqueología Contextual”.
Soliferrea de la Edad del Hierro en la Península Ibérica
Authors: Quesada Sanz Fernando
Published: February 2012

Este artículo plantea un análisis global del soliferreum. Se propone que apareció al norte de los Pirineos y que llegó a la Península Ibérica, junto con otros tipos de armas, en el s. VI a. C. Se presenta un sistema de clasificación, mapas de distribución actualizados y un catálogo de piezas. Se analizan sus características funcionales y las similitudes y diferencias con otras armas.
Las joyas orientalizantes de Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres)
Authors: González Cordero Antonio , De Alvarado Gonzalo Manuel , Blanco Fernández Jose Luis
Published: February 2012

En este trabajo abordamos el estudio de una serie de piezas fabricadas en oro inscritas en la temática orientalizante, descubiertas recientemente en Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres).
Su original configuración, estilo, técnica y cualidad, puesta en relación con el entorno del hallazgo, muestran hasta qué punto existen desarrollos locales de la orfebrería que hasta ahora sólo parecía que podía tener lugar en núcleos de profundo enraizamiento colonial.
La identidad fisiológica, un elemento en la interpretación de las representaciones femeninas paleolíticas
Authors: Duhard Jean-Pierre
Published: February 2012

[es] El estudio de las figuras humanas del Paleolítico Superior muestra que las mujeres se representan con más frecuencia que los hombres. Aparecen con morfologías muy diversas que reflejan su función vital y definen su identidad fisiológica. Esta elección expresiva parece indicar que los artistas han querido llamar la atención sobre el papel engendrador o sexual de la mujer y lleva a pensar en la utilización de un lenguaje fisiológico del cuerpo femenino en el arte paleolítico.

[fr] L'identité physiologique, un élément d'interprétation des figurations féminines paléolithiques.

L'étude des représentations humaines du Paléolithique supérieur montre que les femmes y sont figurées plus souvent que les hommes. Elles apparaissent sous des morphologies très diverses, reflétant leur vie fonctionnelle et définissant leur identité physiologique. Ce choix expressif semble indiquer que les artistes ont voulu attirer l'attention sur le rôle géniteur ou sexuel de la femme et incite à penser qu'a été utilisé un langage physiologique du corps féminin dans l'art paléolithique.
El Neolítico antiguo en el nordeste de Cataluña. Contribución a la problemática de la evolución de las primeras comunidades neolíticas en el Mediterráneo occidental
Authors: Bosch Lloret Ángel
Published: February 2012

El trabajo analiza la interacción funcional del conjunto de 28 asentamientos, en cueva, abrigo y al aire libre, conocidos en el nordeste de Cataluña, a partir de un enfoque del campo que pasa del marco estrictamente empírico hasta la creación de un marco interpretativo.
Los primeros grupos neolíticos presentan ya una producción de alimentos dentro de la más pura tradición de lo que entendemos como economía neolítica. La cohesión intergrupal, en la que los sistemas de parentesco eran aún fuertes, hace que se mantengan, por una parte, las unidades culturales con una regionalización poco acusada, y las redes de intercambio tradicionales, que confieren a estos grupos un cierto autarquismo en la obtención de recursos. A partir del V milenio, se inicia una evolución social hacia una jerarquización más acusada y un comercio a distancias cada vez superiores.
El arte rupestre galaico: una reflexión crítica sobre el presente y una propuesta para el futuro
Authors: Carrera Ramírez Fernando , Costas Goberna Fernando J. , De la Peña Santos Antonio , Rey García Jose Manuel
Published: February 2012

En el artículo se pasa revista a los principales problemas de conservación que afectan a los grabados rupestres galaicos y se propone un Plan de Gestión de los mismos. La idea básica es que se determina un Patrimonio, se evalúa y se actúa sobre el mismo para obtener una protección más efectiva y una mayor rentabilización social. Se sugieren acciones profundas sobre conjuntos relevantes y significativos científica y socialmente.
El simbolismo del jabalí en el ámbito celta peninsular
Authors: Cerdeño M. Luisa , Cabanes Emilio
Published: February 2012

Se subraya la existencia de numerosas representaciones de jabalí, mayoritariamente fíbulas zoomorfas, en la Meseta Occidental, territorio en el que se habló una lengua celta. Se apuntan las posibles similitudes con el mundo celta europeo donde el jabalí jugó un papel destacado y cuyas representaciones fueron igualmente abundantes.
Monumentos y petroglifos: la construcción del espacio en las sociedades constructoras de túmulos del Noroeste peninsular
Authors: Villoch Vázquez Victoria
Published: February 2012

El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una aproximación a la construcción del espacio en las sociedades prehistóricas del Noroeste peninsular, desde la perspectiva de la Arqueología del Paisaje. Para ello hemos procedido al análisis del emplazamiento de los monumentos tumulares en tres zonas del occidente gallego, aplicando un modelo convencional que prima cuatro factores de vinculación que determinan el emplazamiento: las líneas naturales de desplazamiento, los elementos naturales, la tradición y los lugares de asentamiento de los constructores de túmulos. Por otra parte, hemos podido observar la existencia de una relación significativa entre los túmulos y los petroglifos, lo que nos ha llevado a definir un nuevo factor de emplazamiento que parece determinante en la construcción del espacio y que viene dado por los grabados al aire libre.
Registro faunístico Pleistoceno Antiguo de Atapuerca (Burgos)
Authors: Aguirre Emiliano
Published: February 2012

Se presentan listas paleofaunísticas provisionales de cortes distintos en las localidades de Atapuerca e Ibeas de Juarros (Burgos). Los niveles inferiores de Gran Dolina (TD.3-6) contienen constantes restos de la asociación faunística conocida desde el final del Pleistoceno Inferior (post-Jaramillo) hasta las Freshwater Beds de West Runton (Cromer). Las capas superiores en Gran Dolina (TD.1O-11) y en el complejo Tres Simas (CTS.3) se correlacionan por sus conjuntos faunísticos con los de Europa del Pleistoceno Medio medio-alto, como La Fage, Swanscombe, Steinheim 2, Bilzingsleben, Castel di Guido (c.300 kaBP), Ehringsdorf. Los fósiles humanos y restos asociados de Ursus deningeri en «Sima de los Huesos" corresponden con toda probabilidad a una parte mediana del Pleistoceno Medio. Se comentan las asociaciones de vestigios arqueológicos con éstos y otros conjuntos faunísticos y las cuestiones que de ello derivan sobre la evolución de las poblaciones humanas en Europa.
Continuidad y cambio. Problemas de la neolitización en el este de la Península Ibérica
Authors: Schuhmacher Thomas X. , Weniger Gerd- C.
Published: February 2012

Se analiza la transición de una economía de cazadores y recolectores a otra basada en la agricultura y el pastoreo en la zona este de la Península Ibérica. Partiendo de un estudio comparativo de los yacimientos del Epipaleolítico y Neolítico antiguo con dataciones de carbono- 14 y/o estudios de fauna y hallazgos de cereales se proponen tres modelos para explicar el registro arqueológico.
El futuro de la Arqueología, ¿la Arqueología del futuro?
Authors: Criado Boado Felipe
Published: February 2012

Este trabajo pretende revisar la situación actual de la Arqueología en nuestro país. De partida acepta que la atención al Patrimonio Arqueológico constituye el horizonte de aplicación y futuro de la Arqueología; ésta deberá integrarse en el ámbito de la gestión de los Recursos Culturales, adaptarse para representar un papel específico dentro de la creciente Industria Cultural, y reconvertirse como disciplina de gestión del registro arqueológico. Se argüirá que es necesario diseñar un modelo integral de gestión y estudio del Patrimonio, que posibilite unificar la práctica arqueológica y supere la equívoca dicotomía gestión-investigación. Ese modelo debe estar orientado a partir de programas de investigación bien definidos, que primen las urgencias generadas por las necesidades del Patrimonio, y garanticen la compatibilidad entre esas demandas y la producción de conocimiento nuevo. Para ello se propone reconvertir la Arqueología en una Tecnología y adoptar un modelo adecuado de registro arqueológico. Paralelamente, se examinan los problemas que hoy presenta la Arqueología con el fin de superar éstos de forma crítica. Se planteará el papel que la Universidad podría desempeñar en este contexto.
Metalurgia en la Edad del Bronce: el Sur de la Cuenca Media del Ebro
Authors: Rodríguez de la Esperanza María Jesús
Published: February 2012

El objetivo de la investigación ha sido conocer el papel que desempeñó la metalurgia en las sociedades de la Edad del Bronce en el Sur de la Cuenca Media del Ebro. Los resultados de los análisis espectrográficos sobre una muestra de minerales metálicos y de artefactos metálicos de la misma zona se han puesto en relación con las posibilidades extractivas reales de las menas por parte de las gentes de la Edad Bronce. Además se estudiaron otros aspectos como la distribución de los artefactos y de los yacimientos de la época, las capacidades de los metalurgistas, y su función y representación social. El resultado deja a la metalurgia prehistórica de la zona en un justo término, apareciendo en el inicio de la Edad del Bronce como una actividad que conferiría prestigio y con escaso peso económico, que iría modificando su importancia al final del período.
Análisis de escorias férreas: nuevas aportaciones al conocimiento de la siderurgia prerromana en España
Authors: Gómez Ramos Pablo
Published: February 2012

La Edad del Hierro, iniciada con la llegada fenicia, supuso la introducción y expansión de la siderurgia en España. Aunque las referencias arqueológicas son numerosas, los datos fiables acerca de la tecnología de obtención del nuevo metal son escasos. En este artículo se presenta el estudio analítico y microscópico de escorias y revestimientos de hornos, llegándose a la conclusión de que la siderurgia prerromana estaba basada en hornos de pequeño tamaño, generalmente sin sangrado de escoria. Las escorias, de composición irregular, son fayalíticas y en ocasiones con abundante wustita y magnetita. Todo ello, junto al hecho frecuente de contener sílice libre, indica una tecnología de rasgos rudimentarios a lo largo de todo el período.
Excavaciones arqueológicas en Andalucía: 1984-1995
Authors: Rodríguez Temiño Ignacio , Rodríguez de Guzmán Sánchez Sandra
Published: February 2012

Este trabajo analiza la evolución de las excavaciones arqueológicas en Andalucía desde la transferencia de competencias del Gobierno del Estado a la Junta de Andalucía. Se presta especial atención a los efectos negativos de la división entre una arqueología de investigación y otra de salvamento; y a cómo el interés en favorecer la primera ha entorpecido el desarrollo conceptual de la segunda, corriendo el riesgo de ser considerada como un mero acto administrativo carente de proyección científica.
Estudio tecnomorfológico de la industria lítica de Ambrona (Soria)
Authors: Panera Gallego Joaquín , Rubio Jara Susana
Published: February 2012

Pese a la abundante bibliografía generada en tomo a los depósitos pleistocenos de Ambrona, su industria lítica está escasamente documentada, hecho que se acentúa notablemente en el Complejo Superior, ya que sólo se ha publicado el número total de piezas de las que se compone su serie. Con este trabajo pretendemos paliar dicha carencia caracterizando tecnomorfológicamente la industria lítica de este importante sitio, y enmarcarla en el Achelense de la Península Ibérica. El Complejo Inferior, adscrito al Pleistoceno medio pleno, con industria Achelense, se sitúa en la órbita de El Sartalejo, La Maya II, Áridos o Torralba, y el Complejo Superior, adscrito al Pleistoceno medio superior o incluso a un momento posterior, con industria Achelense final, lo hace en torno a La Maya I o a la fase III de Atapuerca.
Paisajes agrarios prehistóricos en la Meseta Peninsular: el caso de «Las Matillas» (Alcalá de Henares, Madrid)
Authors: Díaz-Del-Río Pedro , Consuegra Susana , Peña Chocarro Leonor , Márquez Belén , Sampedro Cristina , Moreno Ruth , Albertini Daniele , Pino Beatriz
Published: February 2012

Presentamos los resultados de un proyecto interdisciplinar diseñado para las condiciones efímeras de una intervención de urgencia. La excavación de una formación arqueológica característica de la Prehistoria reciente de la Meseta peninsular, el yacimiento de “fondos de cabaña”, ha permitido, mediante la aplicación de una rigurosa metodología estratigráfica, una recuperación sistemática de los restos y el cruce de distintas evidencias cuantificadas (cerámica, industria lítica, semillas, huesos), proponer la existencia de una estructuración funcional y social del yacimiento, identificando lo que entendemos como un área dedicada a la producción y reproducción del ciclo agrario. Todo ello posibilita la discusión de los factores sociales y económicos que determinan la formación de los depósitos arqueológicos y su distribución temporal y espacial, consecuencia de una sociedad cuyas relaciones de producción consideramos definidas por la apropiación de la tierra.