bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban design in a dynamic delta
Authors: Meyer H.
Published: March 2012

In urbanised coastal areas and delta areas, we are witnessing radical changes concerning the approaches of hydraulic engineering and water management as well as the approaches of spatial planning and urban design. The current change in approach in the Netherlands is a clear example. In the policy concerning flood control and water management, ‘hard core’ civil engineering approaches are discussed and substituted by approaches which emphasize resilience and working with nature. In a densely urbanised country like the Netherlands, the question is how this new approach can be combined with spatial planning and urban design goals. The ‘working with nature’ approach has been applied predominantly in rural areas while in the urbanised western part of the country a more traditional combination of ‘hard core’ hydraulic engineering and urban planning seems to be the best option. This is an obstacle for a comprehensive vision of the future of complex urban delta regions. This paper describes the Rotterdam region as an urbanised delta region ‘par excellence’ and discusses the peaceful coexistence of two different approaches. A perspective to combine both approaches in one method which enables engineers, designers and politicians to balance different options for combinations of urban development and water management is shown.
Testing wetland features to increase amphibian reproductive success and species richness for mitigation and restoration
Authors: Shulse Christopher D. , Semlitsch Raymond D. , Trauth Kathleen M. , Gardner James E.
Published: March 2012

Aquatic habitat features can directly influence the abundance, species richness, and quality of juvenile amphibians recruited into adult populations. We examined the influences of within‐wetland slope, vegetation, and stocked mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis) on amphibian metamorph production and species richness during the first two years post‐construction at 18 experimental wetlands in northeast Missouri (USA) grasslands. We used an information theoretic approach (AICc) to rank regression models representing total amphibian metamorph production, individual amphibian species metamorph production, and larval amphibian species richness. Total amphibian metamorph production was greatest at shallow‐sloped, fish‐free wetlands during the first year, but shallow‐sloped wetlands with high vegetation cover were best the second year. Species richness was negatively associated with fish and positively associated with vegetation in both survey years. Leopard frog (Rana blairi/sphenocephala complex) metamorph quality, based on average metamorph size, was influenced by slope and the number of cohorts in the wetland. However, the tested variables had little influence on the size of American toads (Bufo americanus) or boreal chorus frogs (Pseudacris maculata). Our results indicate that wetlands designed to act as functional reproductive habitat for amphibians should incorporate shallows, high amounts of planted or naturally established vegetation cover, and should be fish‐free.
A Novel Approach in Completing Unconventional Tight-Gas Condensate Wells Using Propellant Gas-Assist Perforating and Foam Matrix Acidizing: Case Study
Authors: Trehan Rakesh , Jones Norman , Kline Trace
Published: March 2012

After successful production from a few wells in a California field, two development/appraisal wells were drilled targeting the southwest flank of the structure. Based on experience with the offsets, it was expected that this sandstone formation would be fracture stimulated to mitigate formation damage.

Most of the wells in California have intervals ranging from 1,500 gross ft to ~600 net ft. Fracture stimulation or matrix acidizing are common stimulation techniques used on these types of wells. Fracture stimulation was attempted because of very low permeability but was not successful.

On the first well, several attempts were made to establish fracture initiation in different intervals; however, on each attempt, the fracturing pressure encountered was too high to safely continue the job. A fracture gradient of more than 1.1 psi/ft was estimated. After 20 days of unsuccessful attempts, the operator ceased fracture stimulation of the well, which was nearing the point of abandonment because producing oil or gas did not seem economically viable at this point.

After carefully studying the matrix rock, a gas-assisted perforating process followed by foamed matrix acidizing was recommended as an economical solution to produce the wells. This gas-assisted perforating process uses an extreme overbalanced (EOB) condition by using energized gas to simultaneously perforate and stimulate a well in a single intervention. During an EOB perforating application, wellbore pressures will exceed the fracture gradient for several seconds to minutes while injecting wellbore and tubing fluids at high rates.

This paper presents a case study of two unconventional tight-gas condensate wells where using a gas-assisted perforating process followed by foamed acidizing provided successful stimulation. The design considerations, stimulation technique, and job details are discussed.
Removal of cyanobacterial metabolites through wastewater treatment plant filters
Authors: Ho Lionel , Hoefel Daniel , Grasset Charlotte , Palazot Sebastien , Newcombe Gayle , Saint Christopher P. , Brookes Justin D.
Published: March 2012

Wastewaters have the potential to proliferate excessive numbers of cyanobacteria due to high nutrient levels. This could translate to the production of metabolites, such as the saxitoxins, geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), which can impair the quality of wastewater destined for re-use. Biological sand filtration was assessed for its ability to remove these metabolites from a wastewater. Results indicated that the sand filter was incapable of effectively removing the saxitoxins and in some instances, the effluent of the sand filter displayed greater toxicity than the influent. Conversely, the sand filter was able to effectively remove geosmin and MIB, with removal attributed to biodegradation. Granular activated carbon was employed as an alternative filter medium to remove the saxitoxins. Results showed similar removals to previous drinking water studies, where efficient removals were initially observed, followed by a decrease in the removal; a consequence of the presence of competing organics which reduced adsorption of the saxitoxins.
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes as electrode material for microbial fuel cells
Authors: Thepsuparungsikul N. , Phonthamachai N. , Ng H. Y.
Published: March 2012

The microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a novel and innovative technology that could allow direct harvesting of energy from wastewater through microbial activity with simultaneous oxidation of organic matter in wastewater. Among all MFC parts, electrode materials play a crucial role in electricity generation. A variety of electrode materials have been used, including plain graphite, carbon paper and carbon cloth. However, these electrode materials generated only limited electricity or power. Recently, many research studies have been conducted on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) because of their unique physical and chemical properties that include high conductivity, high surface area, corrosion resistance, and electrochemical stability. These properties make them extremely attractive for fabricating electrodes and catalyst supports. In this study, CNT-based electrodes had been developed to improve MFC performance in terms of electricity generation and treatment efficiency. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with carboxyl groups have been employed to fabricate electrodes for single-chamber air-cathode MFCs. The quality of the prepared MWCNTs-based electrodes was evaluated by morphology, electrical conductivity and specific surface area using a field emission scanning electron microscope, four-probe method and Brunauer–Emmerr–Teller method, respectively. The performance of MFCs equipped with MWCNT-based electrodes was evaluated by chemical analysis and electrical monitoring and calculation. In addition, the performance of these MFCs, using MWCNTs as electrodes, was compared against that using commercial carbon cloth.
Medical Interpretation for Immigrant Workers
Authors: Forst Linda , Masters Deborah , Zanoni Joseph , Avila Susan , Chaidez Francisco , Miller Arlene
Published: March 2012

Foreign-born workers have high rates of occupational mortality and morbidity, despite downward trends for the U.S. workforce overall. They have limited access to health care services. Medical interpreters (MIs) facilitate care of acutely injured, low-English-proficiency (LEP) patients, including those sustaining occupational injuries. Our goal was to assess the potential for MIs to serve as advocates of LEP patients injured at work and to deliver preventive messages. We conducted interviews and a focus group of MIs regarding their attitudes toward foreign-born workers, knowledge of occupational health, and perceived roles. They were familiar with occupational injuries and sympathetic toward foreign-born workers, and they described their roles as conduits, cultural brokers, and advocates for hospitals, providers, and patients. More detailed and representative data would require a larger investigation. However, the time-sensitive nature of policy-making at this point mandates that occupational health stakeholders participate in the national dialogue on standards, training, and licensure for MIs to promote improved access and quality of health care for LEP patients who have been injured at work.
Identifying At-Risk Communities for Action on Cancer Prevention: A Case Study in New Brunswick (Canada) Communities
Authors: Milewski Inka
Published: March 2012

Health statistics reported by large geographic area such as province, state, county or health region offer little insight into disease conditions at the community level where people live and work, where occupational and environmental exposures occur, and where industrial emissions are often concentrated. This study investigated overall patterns of cancer incidence and socioeconomic status (SES) among 14 communities in the province of New Brunswick (Canada). A multivariate ordination technique, hierarchical clustering, and permutation procedures were used to identify and test significance of community clusters and whether the overall pattern of SES was correlated with patterns of cancer among communities. Communities with significantly high or significantly low overall rates of cancers were identified, patterns that were not related to SES. The potential influence of age, small populations, diagnostic screening, smoking and environmental risk factors contributing to locally elevated cancer rates are discussed. Cancer incidence reported at smaller spatial scales provides health officials and researchers with a basis for identifying communities potentially at-risk and aids in the development of appropriate community-based risk reduction actions and cancer prevention.
Associations between Plasma Cytokines and Depressive Mood in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Kim Seon-Young , Kim Jae-Min , Kim Sung-Wan , Shin Il-Seon , Park Min-Ho , Yoon Jung-Han , Choi Chan , Yoon Jin-Sang
Published: March 2012

Objective:

The few studies on the associations between cytokines and depressive mood in patients with cancer have produced conflicting results. This study investigated the associations between plasma cytokines and depressive mood in patients with breast cancer using a large panel of pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating cytokines.

Methods:

We recruited 273 hospitalized patients with breast cancer awaiting surgery. Preoperative plasma samples were obtained for cytokine analysis, including pro-inflammatory (interleukin [IL]-2, IL-12, interferon [IFN]-γ, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF-α]), anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13), and immune-modulating (granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF]) cytokines. Depressive mood was measured using the Montgomery—Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) at 2–5 days postoperatively, when the patients could cooperate. Covariates included various demographic and clinical characteristics. The association between the MADRS score and each cytokine level was estimated using linear regression models.

Results:

Cytokine levels were significantly inter-correlated. Depressive mood was associated with lower levels of pro-inflammatory (IL-2, IL-12, and TNF-α), anti-inflammatory (IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13), and immune-modulating (GM-CSF) cytokines independent of potential covariates such as living area or functional level.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest that depressive mood is associated with a generally decreased inflammatory reaction or immune function in patients with breast cancer.
Effects of Depression and Social Support on Comprehension and Recall of Informed Consent Information among Parkinson Disease Patients and Their Caregivers
Authors: Teng Ellen J. , Petersen Nancy J. , Hartman Christine , Matthiesen Ellen , Kallen Michael
Published: March 2012

Objective:

Relatively little attention has focused on the impact of psychiatric conditions on human subjects' comprehension of consent information. The purpose of this randomized study was to determine whether depression affects comprehension and recall of informed consent information among persons with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers and to evaluate the effects of support on comprehension and recall during the consent process.

Method:

Comprehension and recall of information were assessed using a modified version of the Modified Quality of Informed Consent Questionnaire, taken 1 week and 1 month later, and scored using a consensus-based algorithm. Participants also completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Data analyses were conducted on 129 patients and caregivers ( t-tests, Fisher's exact tests, and ANCOVAs).

Results:

T-tests showed no significant differences in comprehension and recall between depressed and nondepressed participants at 1 week and 1 month. However, ANCOVA showed patients with a support person present had significantly higher comprehension and recall at 1 week but not at 1 month compared with controls. Caregivers present with a patient had lower comprehension/recall than those without a patient present ( p = 0.02).

Conclusions:

Having a support person present during the informed consent process helps depressed PD patients better retain information in the short term, but effects diminish over the long term. Implications for interventions will be discussed.
The Effect of Prayer on Depression and Anxiety: Maintenance of Positive Influence One Year after Prayer Intervention
Authors: Boelens Peter A. , Reeves Roy R. , Replogle William H. , Koenig Harold G.
Published: March 2012

Objective:

To investigate whether the effect of direct contact person-to-person prayer on depression, anxiety, and positive emotions is maintained after 1 year.

Design, Setting, and Participants:

One-year follow-up of subjects with depression and anxiety who had undergone prayer intervention consisting of six weekly 1-hour prayer sessions conducted in an office setting. Subjects (44 women) completed Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression and Anxiety, Life Orientation Test, and Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale after finishing a series of six prayer sessions and then again a month later in an initial study. The current study reassessed those subjects with the same measures 1 year later. One-way repeated measures ANOVAs were used to compare findings pre-prayer, immediately following the six prayer sessions, and 1 month and again 1 year following prayer interventions.

Results:

Evaluations post-prayer at 1 month and 1 year showed significantly less depression and anxiety, more optimism, and greater levels of spiritual experience than did the baseline (pre-prayer) measures ( p < 0.01 in all cases).

Conclusions:

Subjects maintained significant improvements for a duration of at least 1 year after the final prayer session. Direct person-to-person prayer may be useful as an adjunct to standard medical care for patients with depression and anxiety. Further research in this area is indicated.
Use of Templates for Clinical Documentation in Psychiatric Evaluations—Beneficial or Counterproductive for Residents in Training?
Authors: Bajgier Joanna , Bender James , Ries Rose
Published: March 2012

In psychiatry, as in other disciplines, electronic templates are replacing handwritten records to meet health care financing regulations and requirements of third-party payers. We address whether these checklists are helpful for residents, especially those beginning training, in learning the foundational skills of their discipline and in recording a comprehensive set of patient data. An informal survey of our residents suggests that residents find the templates useful, though they have advantages and disadvantages. We also review relevant literature from psychiatry and other fields on the use of electronic templates and pose questions about how we might gauge the usefulness of the templates in residents' training and in obtaining valid data for clinical decision-making.
The Effects of Long-Term Oral Benfotiamine Supplementation on Peripheral Nerve Function and Inflammatory Markers in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Fraser David A. , Diep Lien M. , Hovden Inger Anette , Nilsen Kristian B. , Sveen Kari Anne , Seljeflot Ingebjørg , Hanssen Kristian F.
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of long-term oral benfotiamine supplementation on peripheral nerve function and soluble inflammatory markers in patients with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study randomly assigned 67 patients with type 1 diabetes to receive 24-month benfotiamine (300 mg/day) or placebo supplementation. Peripheral nerve function and levels of soluble inflammatory variables were assessed at baseline and at 24 months.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients completed the study. Marked increases in whole-blood concentrations of thiamine and thiamine diphosphate were found in the benfotiamine group (both P < 0.001 vs. placebo). However, no significant differences in changes in peripheral nerve function or soluble inflammatory biomarkers were observed between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that high-dose benfotiamine (300 mg/day) supplementation over 24 months has no significant effects upon peripheral nerve function or soluble markers of inflammation in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Risk factors for urate uroliths in cats
Authors: Albasan Hasan , Osborne Carl A. , Lulich Jody P. , Lekcharoensuk Chalermpol
Published: March 2012

Objective—To identify demographic factors associated with urate urolithiasis in cats and determine whether the rate of urolith submission to a laboratory had changed over time.

Design—Case series and case-control study.

Animals—Cases consisted of 5,072 cats with urate uroliths submitted to the Minnesota Urolith Center between January 1, 1981, and December 31, 2008. Controls consisted of 437,228 cats without urinary tract diseases identified in records of the Veterinary Medical Database during the same period.

Procedures—Information on cat breed, age, sex, reproductive status, and location of uroliths was used to identify risk factors. Changes in annual urolith submission rates were evaluated.

Results—Purebred cats had significantly higher odds of developing urate uroliths than did cats of mixed breeding (reference group). On the other hand, cats of the Abyssinian, American Shorthair, Himalayan, Manx, and Persian breeds had significantly lower odds of developing urate uroliths than did mixed breeds. Neutered cats were 12 times as likely to develop urate uroliths as were sexually intact cats. Cats in all age groups had significantly increased odds of developing urate uroliths, compared with cats < 1 year of age (reference group). Cats ≥ 4 but < 7 years of age had the highest odds of all groups and were 51 times as likely to develop urate uroliths as were cats < 1 year of age. Urolith submission rates did not change significantly with time.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Findings of this study suggested that the typical cat with urate uroliths was a purebred neutered cat, 4 to 7 years old, with uroliths in the bladder or urethra. This information may be helpful in predicting mineral composition of uroliths in vivo. However, no conclusions can be made regarding cause-and-effect relationships.
Supervisory fault tolerant control with integrated fault detection and isolation: A switched system approach
Authors: Yang Hao , Jiang Bin , Cocquempot Vincent , Lu Lingli
Published: March 2012

Supervisory fault tolerant control with integrated fault detection and isolation: A switched system approach

This paper focuses on supervisory fault tolerant control design for a class of systems with faults ranging over a finite cover. The proposed framework is based on a switched system approach, and relies on a supervisory switching within a family of pre-computed candidate controllers without individual fault detection and isolation schemes. Each fault set can be accommodated either by one candidate controller or by a set of controllers under an appropriate switching law. Two aircraft examples are included to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Elevated body mass index and risk of postoperative CSF leak following transsphenoidal surgery
Authors: Dlouhy Brian J. , Madhavan Karthik , Clinger John D. , Reddy Ambur , Dawson Jeffrey D. , O'Brien Erin K. , Chang Eugene , Graham Scott M. , Greenlee Jeremy D. W.
Published: March 2012

Object

Postoperative CSF leakage can be a serious complication after a transsphenoidal surgical approach. An elevated body mass index (BMI) is a significant risk factor for spontaneous CSF leaks. However, there is no evidence correlating BMI with postoperative CSF leak after transsphenoidal surgery. The authors hypothesized that patients with elevated BMI would have a higher incidence of CSF leakage complications following transsphenoidal surgery.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective review of 121 patients who, between August 2005 and March 2010, underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgeries for resection of primarily sellar masses. Patients requiring extended transsphenoidal approaches were excluded. A multivariate statistical analysis was performed to investigate the association of BMI and other risk factors with postoperative CSF leakage.

Results

In 92 patients, 96 endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal surgeries were performed that met inclusion criteria. Thirteen postoperative leaks occurred and required subsequent treatment, including lumbar drainage and/or reoperation. The average BMI of patients with a postoperative CSF leak was significantly greater than that in patients with no postoperative CSF leak (39.2 vs 32.9 kg/m2, p = 0.006). Multivariate analyses indicate that for every 5-kg/m2 increase in BMI, patients undergoing a transsphenoidal approach for a primarily sellar mass have 1.61 times the odds (95% CI 1.10–2.29, p = 0.016, by multivariate logistic regression) of having a postoperative CSF leak.

Conclusions

Elevated BMI is an independent predictor of postoperative CSF leak after an endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approach. The authors recommend that patients with BMI greater than 30 kg/m2 have meticulous sellar reconstruction at surgery and close monitoring postoperatively.
Impact of spinopelvic alignment on decision making in deformity surgery in adults
Authors: Ames Christopher P. , Smith Justin S. , Scheer Justin K. , Bess Shay , Bederman S. Samuel , Deviren Vedat , Lafage Virginie , Schwab Frank , Shaffrey Christopher I.
Published: March 2012

Sagittal spinal misalignment (SSM) is an established cause of pain and disability. Treating physicians must be familiar with the radiographic findings consistent with SSM. Additionally, the restoration or maintenance of physiological sagittal spinal alignment after reconstructive spinal procedures is imperative to achieve good clinical outcomes. The C-7 plumb line (sagittal vertical axis) has traditionally been used to evaluate sagittal spinal alignment; however, recent data indicate that the measurement of spinopelvic parameters provides a more comprehensive assessment of sagittal spinal alignment. In this review the authors describe the proper analysis of spinopelvic alignment for surgical planning. Online videos supplement the text to better illustrate the key concepts.
Developing A New Combination And Proportion Of Chemicals For The Production Of Laundry Detergent At Low Cost In Context Of Bangladesh
Authors: Afreen Sadia
Published: March 2012

This work proposes a new combination and proportion of chemicals available in the local market to prepare laundry detergent at low cost in context of Bangladesh. The proposed formula ensures good foaming and washing quality of the detergent that can compete the existing other laundry detergents in the market. The pH of the product is maintained at 10 which is close to that of other detergent powder being sold in market now. The cost analysis in accordance with the proposed formula shows that the production of 1 kg detergent powder costs 20-25 BDT; therefore, can be sold at a price lower than the other detergents available in market. The proposed formula can reduce the selling price of the detergent at 40-45 BDT, whereas the other companies are selling it from 50-140 BDT in the market. This offers a new scope to produce laundry detergent at a very low cost as well as good washing performance of the product using the locally available chemicals in Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v26i1.10184 JCE 2011; 26(1): 50-53
Study Of Commonly Used Conventional Methods For Gas Reserve Estimation
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Shahedul , Ibne Hossain Mohammad Asad , Akhter Salma
Published: March 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v26i1.10185JCE 2011; 26(1): 54-61
Study Of Fusiform Gyrus Of Brain Region In Modeling Autism Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Rahman M Zamilur , Ali M Hanif
Published: March 2012

In the present work, fusiform Gyrus (FG) of brain region has been studied, as many researchers have the opinion that autism is a neurological disorder of the brain. From various researchers, it has been observed that abnormalities in face perception are a core feature of social deficits in autism. The FG along with other cortical regions are responsible for face processing tasks in controls are hypoactive in patients with autism. Recently, through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), it has been observed that neurons in FG are fewer and smaller in patients with autism. In the present approach FG of brain region has been studied to analyze autism employing artificial neural network (ANN). As FG is responsible for face perception, the images of the whole faces are considered to be the input image. The images of faces are acquired and converted into gray scale images, which in turn, transformed into binary form. The produced binary information are fed into the backpropagation network (BPN) for learning. In this study the algorithm of backpropagation network has been implemented employing C++. The number of face images, size, learning rate, input and output neurons have been considered as 4, 50X50 pixels, 0.5, 2500, and 2 respectively, in the present BPN. At the time of train the network, the hidden neurons have been varied to observe the learning pattern of the FG for different set of input images. It has been observed that the learning pattern improved as hidden neurons increased for different input images. When neurons in the network increased, the face processing tasks of patients with autism seems to be normal. These results also justify the observation of fMRI for the autistic patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v26i1.10187 JCE 2011; 26(1): 66-69
Eco-Friendly Jute Processing In Bangladesh
Authors: Feroz Hasin M , Nahar J , Rahman M
Published: March 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v26i1.10188 JCE 2011; 26(1): 70-74
A Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell without an Air Cathode
Authors: Nimje Vanita Roshan , Chen Chien-Cheng , Chen Hau-Ren , Chen Chien-Yen , Tseng Min-Jen , Cheng Kai-Chien , Shih Ruey-Chyuan , Chang Young-Fo
Published: March 2012

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a novel technology for wastewater treatment with electricity production. Electricity generation with simultaneous nitrate reduction in a single-chamber MFC without air cathode was studied, using glucose (1 mM) as the carbon source and nitrate (1 mM) as the final electron acceptor employed by Bacillus subtilis under anaerobic conditions. Increasing current as a function of decreased nitrate concentration and an increase in biomass were observed with a maximum current of 0.4 mA obtained at an external resistance (Rext) of 1 KΩ without a platinum catalyst of air cathode. A decreased current with complete nitrate reduction, with further recovery of the current immediately after nitrate addition, indicated the dependence of B. subtilis on nitrate as an electron acceptor to efficiently produce electricity. A power density of 0.0019 mW/cm2 was achieved at an Rext of 220 Ω. Cyclic voltammograms (CV) showed direct electron transfer with the involvement of mediators in the MFC. The low coulombic efficiency (CE) of 11% was mainly attributed to glucose fermentation. These results demonstrated that electricity generation is possible from wastewater containing nitrate, and this represents an alternative technology for the cost-effective and environmentally benign treatment of wastewater.
Dihydrolipoic Acid Induces Cytotoxicity in Mouse Blastocysts through Apoptosis Processes
Authors: Houng Wei-Li , Lin Cheng-An J. , Shen Ji-Lin , Yeh Hung-I , Wang Hsueh-Hsiao , Chang Walter H. , Chan Wen-Hsiung
Published: March 2012

α-Lipoic acid (LA) is a thiol with antioxidant properties that protects against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. LA is absorbed from the diet, taken up by cells and tissues, and subsequently reduced to dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA). In view of the recent application of DHLA as a hydrophilic nanomaterial preparation, determination of its biosafety profile is essential. In the current study, we examined the cytotoxic effects of DHLA on mouse embryos at the blastocyst stage, subsequent embryonic attachment and outgrowth in vitro, in vivo implantation by embryo transfer, and early embryonic development in an animal model. Blastocysts treated with 50 μM DHLA exhibited significantly increased apoptosis and a corresponding decrease in total cell number. Notably, the implantation success rates of blastocysts pretreated with DHLA were lower than that of their control counterparts. Moreover, in vitro treatment with 50 μM DHLA was associated with increased resorption of post-implantation embryos and decreased fetal weight. Data obtained using an in vivo mouse model further disclosed that consumption of drinking water containing 100 μM DHLA led to decreased early embryo development, specifically, inhibition of development to the blastocyst stage. However, it appears that concentrations of DHLA lower than 50 μM do not exert a hazardous effect on embryonic development. Our results collectively indicate that in vitro and in vivo exposure to concentrations of DHLA higher than 50 μM DHLA induces apoptosis and retards early pre- and post-implantation development, and support the potential of DHLA to induce embryonic cytotoxicity.
Debating "the Social": Towards a Critique of Sociological Nostalgia
Authors: Elliott Anthony , Turner Bryan S.
Published: March 2012

Although sociology can be commonsensically and parsimoniously defined as the study of society, the problems of defining such terms as ‘society’, ‘the social’, and ‘the social system’ remain an ongoing irritant of sociological theory. In addition to these traditional conceptual problems, there is currently a strong sense that ‘society’ as an empirical reality and ‘society’ as a concept are in crisis. Given the contemporary view of ‘the end of the social’ there is also manifestly a potent and nostalgic interest in the past as a time of comforting solidarity and meaningfulness. To clarify this debate, we start by making a distinction between three approaches to society, namely structure, solidarity and creation. Nostalgia hinges around the certainties that followed from reliable social structures, and from the comfort of community. We illustrate these forms of nostalgia through an examination of the social philosophy of Alasdair MacIntyre. Recognizing that his criticisms of the loss of virtue represent a powerful indictment of modernity, we argue that past societies were also fractured by moral discord. More importantly, MacIntyre rules out the possibility of moral re-invention by excluding the rise of human rights as a moral framework. In conclusion, the forms of social creativity may not enjoy the ‘sticky’ solidarity of the past, but they do testify Georg Simmel’s idea of the social (Vergesellschaftung).
The Architecture and Measurement of an Ecosystem Services Index
Authors: Banzhaf H. Spencer , Boyd James
Published: March 2012

This paper discusses the construction of an ecosystem services index (ESI) and the respective roles of ecology and economics in that effort. It extends the concept of an ESI, analogous to Gross Domestic Product, to other analogous indices, including an ecosystem price or value index, and a net ESI that accounts for interactions between ecosystem stocks and service flows. A central aim of this paper is to account for services in an economically and ecologically defensible manner. It thus also discusses the connection between ecological models and economic models in the construction of ecosystem services indices, the former on the quantity side and the latter on the price/value side of the index.
Reflexiones sobre los meses del calendario micénico de Cnoso y sobre la fecha de la caída del palacio
Authors: Melena José Luis
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Homero y el perro de Hades (Hiliada VIII 368 y Odisea XI 623)
Authors: Thiry H.
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Apicio IV 2, 21
Authors: Baltar Veloso Ramón
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Agamemnonea
Authors: Marcovich Miroslav
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Notas para la Historia del pentámetro dactílico griego
Authors: Brioso Máximo
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Grafías latinas y grafías romances: a propósito de los materiales «ortográficos» en el último tomo de la edición crítica de la vulgata
Authors: Morreale Margherita
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Anotaciones al texto del libro I de Tito Livio
Authors: Fontán Antonio
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Huella de H (procedente de s) en la Ilíada y el origen de la épica
Authors: Vara José
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
El nombre personal «Iklamoul» en PPalau Rib. inv. 180
Authors: O’Callaghan José
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Anotaciones al texto del libro I de Tito Livio (Conclusión)
Authors: Fontán A.
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Precisiones sobre las sátiras diatríbicas de Horacio
Authors: Codoñer C.
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Tiresias o el adivino como mediador
Authors: García Gual Carlos
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Sobre la identidad de Simicidas y Licidas del Id. VII de Teócrito
Authors: Vara José
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Los problemas del stemma de la Ciropedia
Authors: García Valdés Manuela
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Some comments to Cicero, De Natura Deorum II 37, 95-96: a fragment of Aristotle’s On Philosophy
Authors: Chroust Anton-Hermann
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Reconstrucción del Erecteo de Eurípides
Authors: Martínez Díez Alfonso
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
¿Un término médico en Apicio?
Authors: Baltar Veloso Ramón
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Plauto, Pseudolus 67 b
Authors: Pociña Andrés , López Aurora
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
De Catulo a Apuleyo. Consideraciones sobre la transmisión de los nombres de las amadas de los líricos latinos
Authors: Mayer Marcos
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Tradición manuscrita y ediciones del De aquaeductu urbis Romae de Frontino
Authors: Rolán Tomás G.
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
El prólogo en la tragedia de Sófocles (continuación)
Authors: Lucas José María
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Nosse peccandi modum (Seneca, Phaedra 141)
Authors: Pötscher Walter
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
La enclítica te en los dialectos eólicos
Authors: Moralejo Álvarez Juan J.
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Aportaciones al estudio de la lengua a la determinación de la cronología de dos tratados del Corpus Hippocraticum
Authors: Mendoza Julia
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Dramatic unity in Tibullus: a tribute to Propertius
Authors: Ball Robert J.
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Parens y parentālia
Authors: Pariente Ángel
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
El epigrama de Arriano a Artemis
Authors: Giangrande Giuseppe
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
La poesía griega «de amigo» y los recientes hallazgos de Arquíloco
Authors: Gangutia Elvira
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Miscelánea epigráfica
Authors: Contreras Rafael , D'Ors Álvaro
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Correcciones a los trabajos sobre onomástica personal indígena de M. Palomar Lapesa y M.ª Lourdes Albertos Firmat
Authors: Albertos María Lourdes
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Situación del ms. T (= Toletanus 97-12) en el conjunto de la tradición del De Medicina de A. Corn. Celso
Authors: Ollero Granados D.
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
El estudio de la literatura latina
Authors: Classen C. Joachim
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
De fantasmas y similares
Authors: Baltar Veloso Ramón
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Consideraciones en torno a la Collectio Vocum Atticarum de Manuel Moscopulo
Authors: Morocho G.
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Le bœuf du Prêtre Thêodore, ou la datation du Cod. Barcinonensis 399
Authors: Politis Linos
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Los dorios: su migración y su dialecto
Authors: Moralejo Álvarez Juan J.
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Nasalización en griego antiguo
Authors: López Eire Antonio
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Las tragedias latinas de tesis
Authors: Pociña Andrés
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
«Misso ad vesperum senatu, omnes qui sunt eius ordinis a Pompeio evocantur», Caes., Ciu. I 3
Authors: Hinojo Andrés Gregorio
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Pindar, Olympians I and IX
Authors: Craik Elizabeth M.
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Poesía oral gnómica en Los trabajos y los días: una muestra de su dicción formular
Authors: Fernández Delgado J. Antonio
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Propuestas para una nueva edición e interpretación de Estesicoro
Authors: Adrados Francisco R.
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Lat. classis, luv. -ašši-, y el carácter ide. del sufijo -si-
Authors: González Fernández Julián
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Más información sobre el Diccionario Griego-Español
Authors: López Facal Javier
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
¿Otra consagración poética?: Anacreóntica primera
Authors: Brioso Sánchez Máximo
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
El progreso de la epigrafía romana en Hispania (1972-1977)
Authors: Castillo Carmen
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
La «digamma», Bentley y algunos problemas de grafía
Authors: Morocho Gayo Gaspar
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Estudio del grado ø ă de las raíces disilábicas indoeuropeas
Authors: González Fernández J.
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Hetita e indoeuropeo
Authors: Villar F.
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Arqueología y diferenciación del indoeuropeo
Authors: Adrados Francisco R.
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Indignus amor. El tema del amor en las Bucólicas de Virgilio: su interpretación a través de las imágenes
Authors: González Vázquez José
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Sobre el origen de las formas áticas -tt- y -rr-
Authors: Vara J.
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Varia lexicographica graeca manuscripta III: lexica botanica
Authors: Bravo García Antonio
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
A propósito del hapax etrusco patara y su posible reflejo en latín
Authors: Oroz Francisco J.
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Sobre los compuestos nominales latinos con prefijo de valor intensivo. (Conclusión.)
Authors: Pariente Ángel
Published: March 2012

No disponible.
Shear strengthening of reinforced concrete members with CFRP sheets
Authors: Alzate A. , Arteaga A. , De Diego A. , Cisneros D. , Perera R.
Published: March 2012

In light of their excellent mechanical properties and other advantages over conventional systems for repairing and rehabilitating structures, fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) are commonly used to enhance the shear strength of RC members. Because of the relatively recent application of the technique in civil engineering, however, it is addressed in very few recommendations or guides. While the design guides in place contain a single, well defined and generally accepted procedure for calculating bending moments, they collectively propose a wide variety of numerical models for shear, none of which is universally acknowledged. The present article focuses on the calculation of ultimate shear strength and describes an experimental study in that context conducted on reinforced concrete beams retrofitted with unidirectional carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) fabric.
Historia, antropología y arte: tres sujetos, dos pasados y una sola nación verdadera
Authors: Pérez Vejo Tomás
Published: March 2012

Análisis de la reordenación museística llevada a cabo por el Estado mexicano entre 1944, inauguración del refundado Museo Nacional de Historia, y 1964, inauguración de los museos nacionales de Antropología y del Virreinato, y del relato de nación que la sustenta.
Museo Nacional y museos privados en Guatemala: patrimonio y patrimonialización. Un siglo de intentos y frustraciones
Authors: Casaús Arzú Marta Elena
Published: March 2012

A lo largo del siglo XIX la mayoría de los países de América Latina impulsaron la creación de museos nacionales (que incluían la propia arqueología, antropología y etnología) como uno de los vehículos para promover la construcción de los estados nacionales y para sentar las bases de la homogenización de la nación, entendiendo esas instituciones como lugares destinados a la educación cívica de los ciudadanos, la recuperación de la memoria y la construcción de un pasado común que permitieran la formación de una identidad nacional. El caso de Guatemala, sin embargo, destaca por su singularidad y su tendencia a ir en dirección inversa: negar el pasado histórico maya, no aceptar el principio de nación homogénea y dejar en manos de la Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País, en el siglo XIX, la construcción del primer Museo Nacional y, posteriormente, en manos de la iniciativa privada la construcción de los museos de arqueología, generándose con ello un proceso de patrimonialización de la cultura y, al mismo tiempo, de privatización del patrimonio nacional.
Los museos de frontera de la provincia de Buenos Aires: entre el gliptodonte y el indio poblador
Authors: Quijada Mónica
Published: March 2012

A lo largo del siglo XIX la provincia argentina de Buenos Aires fue un espacio fronterizo en el que la sociedad mayoritaria, en oleadas, fue extendiéndose de norte a sur, empujando a las poblaciones indígenas de la zona y creando al compás de su avance nuevas poblaciones y ciudades. Una parte de los grupos indígenas quedaron dentro del lado «blanco» de la frontera, que era un espacio poroso, en el que se dieron múltiples interacciones y mestizajes. A lo largo del siglo XX en las antiguas ciudades de frontera se crearon museos destinados a guardar la memoria de la comunidad, que son en parte la contrapartida, en América, de los museos «coloniales» europeos. El objetivo del presente artículo es estudiar la relación de esos museos con los distintos contingentes de población que fueron ocupando las tierras, en particular las agrupaciones de «indios amigos» que se fueron integrando en la frontera al compás del avance poblacional. Los museos estudiados, mayoritariamente comunitarios, se han clasificado a partir de cuatro categorías: museos pot pourri, «culturalistas», «estetizantes» e «historizantes».
Los museos comunitarios mexicanos en el proceso de renovación museológica
Authors: Burón Díaz Manuel
Published: March 2012

Los museos comunitarios suponen un paso más allá en el largo proceso de renovación museológica. El sorprendente hecho de que ciertas comunidades decidan levantar sus propios museos, que en sus plazas aparezcan estos nuevos edificios, en el mismo plano que iglesias y ayuntamientos, parece responder tanto a ciertas coyunturas económicas y académicas, como a un progresivo ascenso del concepto de cultura como clave ideológica, que en determinadas ocasiones, puede ser usado para el desarrollo de estas poblaciones.
O conceito de região em três registros. Exemplificando com o Nordeste brasileiro
Authors: Vesentini José William
Published: March 2012

Este ensaio é uma reflexão sobre regionalização que utiliza como exemplo o Nordeste do Brasil. Ele compara regionalização em geografia com periodização em história e mostra que em ambos os procedimentos existem elementos objetivos e subjetivos. Faz ainda um resumo crítico das três principais concepções sobre a região Nordeste: uma tradicional, centrada na análise das paisagens; outra moderna, preocupada com a divisão territorial do trabalho; e a terceira pós-moderna e que enfatiza a invenção dessa região – por determinados políticos, intelectuais e pela mídia – a partir dos anos 1920. No final há um balanço que mostra os prós e contras de cada uma dessas concepções regionais.
Capital financeiro e commodities: um estudo das bolsas de valores de Mumbai, São Paulo e Joanesburgo
Authors: Mattos Margarida Maria C. L.
Published: March 2012

Historicamente, as cidades constituíram elemento espacial vital tanto para o desenvolvimento do capitalismo mercantil como para o industrial via formação de mercados nacionais. É aí também que se conforma o capital financeiro, cuja lógica é a dominante no ambiente globalizado, no qual, cada vez mais, estreitam-se as relações entre os mercados, envolvendo aqueles de economias emergentes. Nestas, algumas cidades ganham protagonismo e importância estratégica, incorporando funções que ultrapassam as fronteiras dos países onde se inserem. Toma-se neste artigo três cidades desses países – Mumbai, São Paulo e Joanesburgo – e examina-se a composição e o comportamento dos principais índices das Bolsas de Valores nelas sediadas. Estas instituições, por sua dimensão multiescalar, permitem compreender a lógica, a direção e a intensidade da inserção dos investimentos do país na economia global. O estudo revelou não apenas o peso das commodities correlacionando os três índices como também uma distribuição regionalizada dos investimentos, referida a cada uma das Bolsas.
La problématique de la représentation des paysages brésiliens dans les manuels scolaires français
Authors: Ulhôa Leonardo Moreira , Vlach Vânia Rúbia Farias
Published: March 2012

Ce texte procède d’un certain nombre de réflexions permettant de poser la problématique des représentations des paysages brésiliens dans les manuels scolaires français, principalement ceux de ces paysages qui intègrent l’iconographie des livres de Géographie. Il s’agit d’une recherche encore en cours, mais dont il est déjà possible d’extraire des éléments permettant de décoder a posteriori les significations attribuées aux paysages du Brésil, en France.