bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical modification and characterization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) surfaces for collagen immobilization
Authors: Drobota Mioara , Persin Zdenka , Zemljic Lidija , Mohan Tamiselvan , Stana-Kleinschek Karin , Doliska Ales , Bracic Matej , Ribitsch Volker , Harabagiu Valeria , Coseri Sergiu
Published: August 2013

The functionalization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) surface films by reactions with multifunctional amines such as triethylenetetramine (TETA), and tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) was investigated. For the functionalization of PET films surface we used a new way of treatment, a “sandwich model”. Physical-chemical properties of functionalized PET films were analysed. Qualitative and quantitative determination of the introduced amine groups were examined by means of Fourier Transform Infrared Attenuated Total Reflexion (FTIR — ATR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and potentiometric titration. Gained wetting properties were determined by using contact angle measurements and thoroughly analysed by acid-base approach. In addition, surface topography was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The amount of the introduced amino groups after TETA incorporation has been found to be two times higher as compared to TEPA. Wetting properties were significantly improved after aminolysis. Surface free energy was higher for PET — TETA treated film than that observed for PET — TEPA treated which is in accordance with titration results. The collagen immobilization onto PET treated films was evidenced by using AFM and subsequently by using XPS.
Analysis and Design of Tradable Credit Schemes under Uncertainty
Authors: Shirmohammadi Nima , Zangui Mahmood , Yin Yafeng , Nie Yu (Marco)
Published: August 2013

Market-based instruments for congestion mitigation can be generally classified into two groups: price-based and quantity-based. The former, widely known as congestion pricing, charges tolls to influence travelers' decisions; the latter directly regulates congestion. More specifically, credits or permits are first distributed by a government agency, and travelers are then required to pay a certain number of credits to access transportation facilities. The credits can be traded between travelers, and the price is determined by the market through free trading. In this study the identity between congestion pricing and tradable credit schemes in managing network mobility is formally established. A numerical example demonstrates how the identity falls apart when uncertainty is associated with transportation supply or demand. A sensitivity analysis of the coupled network and market equilibrium is then conducted to predict how credit price varies with respect to the perturbation associated with the supply or demand. A safety-valve policy is investigated to balance regulation success and price volatility under uncertainty.
Optimization of Variable Speed Limits for Efficient, Safe, and Sustainable Mobility
Authors: Yang Yanni , Lu Huapu , Yin Yafeng , Yang Hai
Published: August 2013

In an envisioned variable speed limit system, speed limits vary strategically and periodically in accordance with traffic and weather conditions to achieve better safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability on a traffic network. For such a variable speed limit system, a three-objective, bi-level programming model is proposed to design optimal link-specific speed limits that minimize system travel time, number of expected accidents, and traffic exhaust emissions simultaneously for each specific strategic scenario. A solution framework is developed to solve the model that implements a nondominated sorting genetic algorithm and integrates various tools for performance evaluation. The proposed model and solution framework are demonstrated with the road network within the second ring road in Beijing.
Airport Pavement Missing Data Management and Imputation with Stochastic Multiple Imputation Model
Authors: Farhan J. , Fwa T. F.
Published: August 2013

In practice, missing data in pavement condition databases have been one of the most prevalent problems in airport pavement management systems. Missing data present problems in pavement performance analysis and uncertainties in pavement management decision making. A number of data imputation approaches are available for handling missing data. This paper examines the limitations of the conventional data imputation methods and proposes a stochastic multiple imputation (MI) approach to overcome major limitations associated with conventional data imputation methods. A case study is presented to appraise the effectiveness of the proposed approach against three conventional data imputation methods, namely, substitution by mean, substitution by interpolation, and substitution by regression methods. The roughness and friction data of a 4-km-long runway pavement and the roughness data of a 4-km-long taxiway pavement were considered in the study. The effectiveness of auxiliary variables in data imputation models was also demonstrated. Results from the performance appraisal indicated that the proposed stochastic MI method yielded the smallest errors for the roughness as well as friction data. Furthermore, the substitution by mean method resulted in imputed values with the highest amount of deviations from the observed values, followed by the substitution by regression method, and the substitution by interpolation method. Therefore, it is concluded that the proposed stochastic MI method outperformed conventional methods in handling missing runway and taxiway pavement roughness and friction data and provides an effective approach to impute missing data required in an airport pavement management system.
Partly reversible central auditory dysfunction induced by cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Ponzetto Ester , Vinetti Marco , Grandin Cécile , Duprez Thierry , van Pesch Vincent , Deggouj Naïma , Lhommel Renaud , Hantson Philippe
Published: August 2013

The authors describe a rare case of central auditory dysfunction induced by cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). A 55-year-old woman who was admitted after aneurysmal SAH developed cerebral vasospasm on Day 3 affecting mainly the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) and partly the left MCA. The vasospasm became refractory to conventional therapy and was ultimately improved by intraarterial infusion of nimodipine in the right MCA and angioplasty. Severe auditory dysfunction was apparent from Day 10 as the patient was not reactive to speech or environmental sounds. Brain MRI on Day 17 demonstrated infarcted areas mainly in the right hippocampus, medial occipital lobe, and thalamus. The patient underwent further examination using audiometry, speech testing, auditory evoked potentials, functional MRI, and cerebral PET. The initial diagnosis was extended nonverbal agnosia and total pure word deafness. The central auditory dysfunction improved over 6 months, with persisting hyperacusis, tinnitus, and amusia. Central auditory dysfunction is a rare complication after SAH. While cortical deafness may be associated with bilateral lesions of the temporal cortex, partly reversible central auditory dysfunction was observed in this patient after prominently unilateral right temporal lesions. The role of the interthalamic connections can be discussed, as well as the possibility that a less severe vasospasm on the left MCA could have transiently impaired the left thalamocortical auditory pathways.
Intramedullary spinal capillary hemangiomas: clinical features and surgical outcomes
Authors: Wu Liang , Deng Xiaofeng , Yang Chenlong , Xu Yulun
Published: August 2013

Object

Intramedullary capillary hemangiomas are exceedingly rare lesions in the spinal cord, and have been previously reported in the literature as case reports. The authors review their experience in 5 surgically treated patients with intramedullary capillary hemangiomas and discuss the clinical features, radiological findings, and surgical outcomes.

Methods

Clinical and imaging data of 5 patients with intramedullary spinal capillary hemangiomas treated at a single institution were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

There were 4 men and 1 woman, and their ages ranged from 18 to 63 years (mean 47.2 years). The thoracic cord was affected in 4 patients, and the cervicothoracic cord in 1 patient. Four patients underwent a gross-total resection. One patient initially underwent a subtotal removal and then underwent a second surgery due to enlargement of the residual lesion. Long-term neurological function was improved in all patients and MRI showed no tumor recurrence.

Conclusions

Capillary hemangiomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intramedullary spinal vascular lesions. Complete resection is the treatment of choice for these lesions. When total resection cannot be achieved, subtotal or even partial removal of the tumor is advised and repeat removal of the lesion is indicated when residual tumor regrowth is associated with neurological deterioration.
Application of Multivariate Empirical Mode Decomposition and Sample Entropy in EEG Signals via Artificial Neural Networks for Interpreting Depth of Anesthesia
Authors: Huang Jeng-Rung , Fan Shou-Zen , Abbod Maysam , Jen Kuo-Kuang , Wu Jeng-Fu , Shieh Jiann-Shing
Published: August 2013

EEG (Electroencephalography) signals can express the human awareness activities and consequently it can indicate the depth of anesthesia. On the other hand, Bispectral-index (BIS) is often used as an indicator to assess the depth of anesthesia. This study is aimed at using an advanced signal processing method to analyze EEG signals and compare them with existing BIS indexes from a commercial product (i.e., IntelliVue MP60 BIS module). Multivariate empirical mode decomposition (MEMD) algorithm is utilized to filter the EEG signals. A combination of two MEMD components (IMF2 + IMF3) is used to express the raw EEG. Then, sample entropy algorithm is used to calculate the complexity of the patients’ EEG signal. Furthermore, linear regression and artificial neural network (ANN) methods were used to model the sample entropy using BIS index as the gold standard. ANN can produce better target value than linear regression. The correlation coefficient is 0.790 ± 0.069 and MAE is 8.448 ± 1.887. In conclusion, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of sample entropy value using ANN and MEMD is 0.969 ± 0.028 while the AUC of sample entropy value without filter is 0.733 ± 0.123. It means the MEMD method can filter out noise of the brain waves, so that the sample entropy of EEG can be closely related to the depth of anesthesia. Therefore, the resulting index can be adopted as the reference for the physician, in order to reduce the risk of surgery.
Assessment of Seasonal Energy Efficiency Strategies of a Double Skin Façade in a Monsoon Climate Region
Authors: Hong Taehoon , Kim Jimin , Lee Juyoung , Koo Choongwan , Park Hyo
Published: August 2013

As climate change and global warming have become two of the most significant environmental issues today, the double-skin façade (DSF) is getting considerable attention as an energy-efficient passive design. This study is aimed at assessing the seasonal energy efficiency strategies of a DSF targeting library facilities in the climate region with hot summers and cold winters. Toward this end, this study was conducted in four steps: (i) establishment of seasonal energy-efficient strategies; (ii) application of seasonal energy-efficient strategies; (iii) analysis of energy saving effect by season; and (iv) life cycle cost and life cycle CO2 analyses for selecting an optimal DSF. Results show that a shaft box DSF energy model (EMS) #2, which applied winter strategies, was optimal with an energy saving rate of 4.13%, while a multi-story DSF energy model (EMM) #5, which applied summer strategies, was optimal with an energy saving rate of 12.67%. In terms of savings to investment ratio (SIR40) and breakeven point (BEP40), the multi-story DSF (3.20; 9 years) was superior. The results of this study can be used for (i) seasonal energy efficiency strategies of a DSF in East Asian monsoon climates, and (ii) as a guideline for the application of a DSF both in existing and new buildings.
Emerging Roles of Small Epstein-Barr Virus Derived Non-Coding RNAs in Epithelial Malignancy
Authors: Lung Raymond , Tong Joanna , To Ka-Fai
Published: August 2013

Latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is an etiological factor in the progression of several human epithelial malignancies such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and a subset of gastric carcinoma. Reports have shown that EBV produces several viral oncoproteins, yet their pathological roles in carcinogenesis are not fully elucidated. Studies on the recently discovered of EBV-encoded microRNAs (ebv-miRNAs) showed that these small molecules function as post-transcriptional gene regulators and may play a role in the carcinogenesis process. In NPC and EBV positive gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC), 22 viral miRNAs which are located in the long alternative splicing EBV transcripts, named BamH1 A rightward transcripts (BARTs), are abundantly expressed. The importance of several miR-BARTs in carcinogenesis has recently been demonstrated. These novel findings enhance our understanding of the oncogenic properties of EBV and may lead to a more effective design of therapeutic regimens to combat EBV-associated malignancies. This article will review the pathological roles of miR-BARTs in modulating the expression of cancer-related genes in both host and viral genomes. The expression of other small non-coding RNAs in NPC and the expression pattern of miR-BARTs in rare EBV-associated epithelial cancers will also be discussed.
Decline in Serum 25 Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in HIV–Hbv-Coinfected Patients after Long-Term Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Avihingsanon Anchalee , Apornpong Tanakorn , Ramautarsing Reshmie A , Ubolyam Sasiwimol , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Ananworanich Jintanat , Lange Joep MA , Matthews Gail , Lewin Sharon R , Ruxrungtham Kiat ,   HIV-NAT 105 study team
Published: August 2013

Background

Vitamin D insufficiency plays an important role in the development of fibrosis in chronic liver disease.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study from Thailand. Liver fibrosis was assessed by transient elastography. Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D)<30 ng/ml was defined as hypovitaminosis D. 25(OH)D was assessed prior to and following tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). Factors related to 25(OH)D levels were determined by logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 158 HIV–HBV-coinfected patients (32% female, median age 43 years) were included. Overall, liver disease was mild with 13.4% having a fibrosis score (FS) of 7.1–14 kPa and 2% with a FS>14 kPa. Median (IQR) duration on TDF was 5 years (4–7). The median estimated glomerular filtration rate was 96.9 ml/min/1.73 m2. The median (IQR) serum 25(OH)D levels prior to and following TDF were 24.8 ng/ml (21.3–30.6) and 22.8 ng/ml (18.0–27.7), respectively; P≤0.001). The proportion of patients with hypovitaminosis D significantly increased from 72.2% (95% CI 64.7, 78.6) prior to TDF to 84.2% (95% CI 77.7, 89.0) after taking TDF ( P=0.01). Factors associated with hypovitaminosis D by multivariate analysis were female sex (adjusted OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.1, 13.7; P=0.038) and duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART)>5 years (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.2, 8.8; P=0.017). Vitamin D levels were not associated with significant liver fibrosis.

Conclusions

Although our HIV–HBV-coinfected patients live in the tropics, there was a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D, especially in female patients and those receiving prolonged ART. Since HIV–HBV-coinfection requires long-term use of the HBV-active drug, TDF, which can also contribute to bone loss, routine vitamin D assessment and supplementation as necessary should be considered.
Evaluation of Four Tenofovir-Containing Regimens as First-Line Treatments in Cameroon and Senegal: The Anrs 12115 Dayana Trial
Authors: Landman Roland , Koulla-Shiro Sinata , Sow Papa Salif , Ngolle Maguy , Diallo Mahamadou-Baila , Guèye Ndèye Fatou Ngom , Le Moing Vincent , Eymard-Duvernay Sabrina , Benalycherif Aïda , Charpentier Charlotte , Peytavin Gilles , Delaporte Eric , Girard Pierre-Marie ,   the DAYANA Study Group
Published: August 2013

Background

The aim of the present study was to determine appropriate tenofovir-based regimens meriting evaluation in large-scale randomized trials among sub-Saharan African patients.

Methods

This was a randomized open-label 96-week prospective pilot study evaluating four first-line regimens: tenofovir/emtricitabine/nevirapine (group 1), tenofovir/ lopinavir/ritonavir (group 2), tenofovir/emtricitabine/zidovudine (group 3) and tenofovir/emtricitabine/efavirenz (group 4) in antiretroviral-naive, HIV-1-infected patients in Senegal and Cameroon. The primary end point was defined as an HIV-1 RNA viral load <50 copies/ml (study detection limit) at week 16 in ≥50% of patients using intention-to-treat analysis.

Results

At baseline, 119 patients included were 34% male, had a median plasma viral load of 5.4 log10 copies/ml and median CD4+ T-cell count of 200 cells/mm3 (range 53–358). The primary end point was achieved for groups 1, 3 and 4 (58% [ n=31], 62% [ n=29] and 53% [ n=30], respectively), but not for group 2 (38% [ n=29]). At week 96, undetectable HIV-1 RNA had been achieved in 74% of patients in group 1, 38% in group 2, 72% in group 3 and 73% in group 4. Patients with detectable HIV-1 RNA at week 16 were more likely to have baseline HIV-1 RNA≥100,000 copies/ml (adjusted OR 5.56, 95% CI 1.72, 16.67). HIV mutations associated with protease inhibitor resistance emerged in three patients, all of whom were in group 2. Anaemia occurred in two group 3 patients and was the only serious treatment-related adverse event.

Conclusions

Three efficient and safe tenofovir-based triple regimens were identified; the two-drug regimen (tenofovir/lopinavir/ritonavir) did not achieve the protocol-defined virological threshold of efficacy.
L'irréductibilité de la souveraineté territoriale
Authors: Maulin Éric
Published: August 2013

Cet article affirme l’irréductibilité de la souveraineté territoriale. L’auteur considère que les discours sur la mondialisation sont avant tout des discours prospectifs sur un monde annoncé comme inéluctable, mais qu’en fait, la raison d’État sanctuarise le territoire national. Si l’évolution liée à la mondialisation peut affecter la nature de l’État, elle n’en change pas le principe de son existence souveraine ; d’autant que seule la souveraineté du peuple garantit le principe démocratique.
La voie juridique vers l'indépendance d'un territoire espagnol
Authors: Perez-Calvo Alberto
Published: August 2013

Cet article étudie les possibilités de sécession de communautés autonomes dans le cadre de la constitution espagnole. En évoquant les distinctions entre « peuple » et « nationalités » dans la constitution, la question du référendum, ainsi que la révision de la constitution, l’auteur conclut à l’impossibilité de faire reconnaître la sécession dans le cadre constitutionnel espagnol actuel. Il ajoute que dans le cadre juridique européen, l’indépendance entraînerait la sortie de l’Union européenne de l’État sécessionnaire.
Les dettes publiques sont-elles souveraines ?
Authors: Dévoluy Michel
Published: August 2013

La perte de souveraineté financière des États au cours des trente dernières années n’est pas due pour l’essentiel à l’absence de rigueur budgétaire. Elle résulte avant tout de trois mouvements de fond : la financiarisation des dettes publiques, la conversion libérale des politiques fiscales et, pour ce qui concerne spécifiquement l’Europe, la mise sous tutelle des budgets nationaux. La crise n’a fait qu’accélérer cette tendance. Le chemin de la reconquête d’une autonomie financière exige des États qu’ils s’émancipent du paradigme néolibéral. Les membres de la zone euro doivent remplir une condition supplémentaire : s’engager résolument vers une Europe fédérée.
Towards a Europeanisation of French Mediterranean Politics?
Authors: Martins Verónica
Published: August 2013

L’analyse de l’européanisation de la politique française en Méditerranée constitue le thème principal de cet article qui aborde également la dynamique du couple franco-allemand en politique étrangère. En considérant simultanément les relations bilatérales à travers trois Présidents de la République et la politique méditerranéenne de la France au niveau européen, il est possible d’observer que les deux dimensions co-existent et que la politique étrangère française est tombée dans une « dépendance au sentier » particulièrement marquée pour le Maghreb, alors que la politique envers la Turquie semble s’améliorer. L’européanisation se vérifie dans ses deux dimensions : ‘bottom-up’ où la France se présente particulièrement comme un ‘policy-shaper’ et un ‘policy supporter’ et ‘top down’ où elle assume la forme d’une ‘absorption’ dans laquelle la logique européenne, orientée par l’Allemagne, a contré les projets de ‘refrancisation’ de la politique européenne.
Élever un enfant ce n'est pas seulement le nourrir. Approche ethnopsychanalytique de la crianza chez les Purépechas du Mexique
Authors: Barriguete Jorge Armando , Aguilar Carlos A. , Moro Marie Rose , Ríos Enrique , Lerin Sergio
Published: August 2013

Résumé Ce texte présente les résultats d’une recherche transculturelle chez les indigènes Purépechas du Michoacán (Mexique) fondée sur la méthode ethnopsychanalytique, approche clinique qui explore les dimensions anthropologique et psychanalyse. Grâce à sa méthode complémentariste, elle peut être utilisée pour l’observation participante du développement précoce, la crianza , ce qui permet l’exploration des représentations sous jacentes aux pratiques traditionnelles. La conduite alimentaire a été choisie comme modalité privilégiée d’entrée dans la crianza .
L'Envie : récits, mythes et psychanalyse
Authors: Wassef Olfat
Published: August 2013

Résumé L’être humain est confronté dès sa naissance à la frustration et, de ce fait, au sentiment d’envie. Les religions ici citées ont mis en place des lois et des règles visant à maîtriser ce sentiment. Les récits, contes et mythes ont illustré la façon dont l’envieux cherche à ravir à l’envié sa place ou ses biens. La clinique psychothérapeutique nous enseigne les différentes issues trouvées par les sujets en proie au sentiment d’envie : le refoulement, la projection, le phantasme ou la sublimation.
Réfugiés nord-coréens en Corée du Sud
Authors: Baubet Thierry , Buissonnière Marine , Delaunay Sophie , Salignon Pierre
Published: August 2013

Résumé Violences, privations infligées par le régime de Kim Jong Il et pénurie alimentaire contraignent à l’exil de nombreux Nord-Coréens. Lorsqu’ils parviennent à gagner la Chine, la traque systématique qu’ils subissent ne leur offre d’autre issue que la fuite désespérée vers un pays tiers, au péril de leur vie. Mais quand ils arrivent en Corée du Sud, c’est aussi à une véritable négation de leur identité qu’on assiste, sacrifiée sur l’autel d’enjeux politiques. A partir d’une mission exploratoire menée par Médecins Sans Frontières à Séoul, nous évoquerons différents problèmes théoriques et techniques que pose cette situation.
Innovación y cultura: la medida social de la innovación
Authors: Menéndez Viso Armando
Published: August 2013

En estas líneas se pretende ofrecer pistas sobre cómo podría medirse, no ya la innovación como efecto, sino la innovación como acción; es decir, las condiciones de posibilidad de la innovación. Se argumentará que esta medida debe basarse en ciertas variables culturales, que ponderen la diversidad de los individuos y grupos de una sociedad, como indicador de su capacidad combinatoria. Se concluirá que una medida estable y precisa de la innovación es irrealizable.
Continuidad de las innovaciones tecnológicas: el reto de las intervenciones biomédicas de mejora humana
Authors: López Frías Francisco Javier
Published: August 2013

Uno de los debates más recientes referentes a la innovación tecnológica entre los especialistas en ética es aquel sobre la mejora humana, el cual ha surgido a raíz de la posibilidad de modificar los límites de la naturaleza humana usando el poder de la ciencia. Muchos filósofos nos han avisado del peligro de modificar técnicamente nuestra naturaleza humana. Otros, por contra, defienden que no existe diferencia moral relevante alguna entre las nuevas técnicas biomédicas de mejora y las tecnologías aceptadas como habituales por los seres humanos. Este artículo pretende examinar críticamente tal argumento. El fin de este análisis crítico será doble, primero, mostrar que los autores que defienden esta posición poseen visiones sesgadas y prejuiciosas de la realidad y, segundo, que es necesario establecer una definición más precisa y acotada del término “mejora”.
Gobernar el conocimiento
Authors: Eizagirre Andoni
Published: August 2013

La respuesta a los efectos no deseados de la tecnología ha consolidado un amplio conjunto de bases legales e instrumentos análiticos ligados a la evaluación de los riesgos. Este artículo plantea que buena parte de las controversias sobre los riesgos tecnológicos más que a la ausencia de su regulación se debe paradójicamente a la generalización de las políticas basadas en la ciencia. En el origen encontramos una concepción equívoca del conocimiento científico. La ciencia como gobierno de la sociedad requiere previamente una reflexión sobre las dinámicas del conocimiento y su gobierno.
Eros platónico y amor a los muchachos
Authors: Mas Salvador
Published: August 2013

En el presente trabajo intento analizar, por una parte, el complejo entramado institucional, político e intelectual tejido en torno a la pederastia griega; por otra, la respuesta platónica ante él. Quizá en sus orígenes la pederastia fuera un rito iniciático sometido a una fuerte reglamentación; posteriormente se transformó en un tema cantado por los poetas y en un elemento de la autocomprensión aristocrática. Platón sabe que la tradición de sus admiradas Esparta y Creta, así como los poetas, ofrecen cierta cobertura ideológica a las prácticas pederasticas; tal vez no fuera ajeno a ellas y, en todo caso, se movía en círculos que intentaban difíciles síntesis entre las enseñanzas socráticas y la tradición y los poetas, insertando la pederastia en un marco educativo más amplio e intentando desterrar de ella cualquier connotación sexual. Platón sabe asimismo que las enseñanzas socráticas son difíciles de cumplir, que en ellas hay algo importante y que su cumplimiento pide renuncias. Ahora bien, que la armonía del alma consigo misma pida renuncias no implica desterrar radicalmente todo elemento erótico. De aquí la centralidad de la cuestión de la pederastia en el pensamiento platónico, porque en ella se ve con especial claridad las dificultades esbozadas en las líneas anteriores, como si la pederastia fuera una especie de modelo en miniatura donde poder plantear el problema político que verdaderamente interesa a Platón, al que apuntan los diálogos examinados en este artículo y que alcanza su máxima expresión en las Leyes: el control de los deseos (en la medida de lo posible y por todos los medios posibles) como elemento fundamental en la construcción de esa organización política que, “si existiera, todo serían bienes para la ciudad en la que se diera” (Rep. 471 c).
Una defensa ética de lo teatral. Rousseau o el sobrino de Rameau
Authors: De Eugenio Pérez Guillermo
Published: August 2013

En este trabajo se discuten dos modelos opuestos de construcción de la identidad a partir de la contraposición que hace el filósofo Bernard Williams de las figuras de Rousseau y el sobrino de Rameau de Diderot. Frente a la concepción representacional de la identidad como copia o proyección de un ser interior, se propone una noción performativa de la personalidad basada en la espontaneidad y la multiplicidad como fuentes del sujeto contemporáneo. En el trasfondo de esta reflexión se encuentra la hipótesis de que ambos métodos de producción ética de la identidad personal responden a concepciones estéticas profundamente enraizadas, una más próxima al modelo pictórico de copia de un original y la otra, teatral, basada en la importancia de la interpretación en los procesos de creación.
Modulation of Inflammasome-Mediated Pulmonary Immune Activation by Type I IFNs Protects Bone Marrow Homeostasis during Systemic Responses to Pneumocystis Lung Infection
Authors: Searles Steve , Gauss Katherine , Wilkison Michelle , Hoyt Teri R. , Dobrinen Erin , Meissner Nicole
Published: August 2013

Although acquired bone marrow failure (BMF) is considered a T cell–mediated autoimmune disease, possible innate immune defects as a cause for systemic immune deviations in response to otherwise innocuous infections have not been extensively explored. In this regard, we recently demonstrated an important role of type I IFNs in protecting hematopoiesis during systemic stress responses to the opportunistic fungal pathogen Pneumocystis in lymphocyte-deficient mice. Mice deficient in both lymphocytes and type I IFN receptor (IFrag−/− mice) develop rapidly progressing BMF due to accelerated bone marrow (BM) cell apoptosis associated with innate immune deviations in the BM in response to Pneumocystis lung infection. However, the communication pathway between lung and BM eliciting the induction of BMF in response to this strictly pulmonary infection has been unclear. In this study, we report that absence of an intact type I IFN system during Pneumocystis lung infection not only causes BMF in lymphocyte-deficient mice but also transient BM stress in lymphocyte-competent mice. This is associated with an exuberant systemic IFN-γ response. IFN-γ neutralization prevented Pneumocystis lung infection–induced BM depression in type I IFN receptor–deficient mice and prolonged neutrophil survival time in BM from IFrag−/− mice. IL-1β and upstream regulators of IFN-γ, IL-12, and IL-18 were also upregulated in lung and serum of IFrag−/− mice. In conjunction, there was exuberant inflammasome-mediated caspase-1 activation in pulmonary innate immune cells required for processing of IL-18 and IL-1β. Thus, absence of type I IFN signaling during Pneumocystis lung infection may result in deregulation of inflammasome-mediated pulmonary immune activation, causing systemic immune deviations triggering BMF in this model.
From the religious a priori to intending the absolute: Reflections on the methodological principles in Otto and Tillich against the backdrop of their historical problematic
Authors: Danz Christian
Published: August 2013

This contribution examines Rudolf Otto’s and Paul Tillich’s theories of religion against the background of the debates around 1900. Beginning with Wilhelm Windelband’s motifs and Ernst Troeltsch’s philosophies of religion, it is shown that Otto and Tillich alike elaborate on a performance-bound conception of religion from transcendental-philosophical and phenomenological motifs. Tillich, following Edmund Husserl, ultimately resolves the idea of a religious a priori as a concept of religion elaborated in terms of the theory of intentionality.
Integration of HIV prevention into Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in an urban setting in South Africa
Authors: Parker Shireen , Scott Vera
Published: August 2013

Background: The United Nations Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS of 2006 stressed the need to strengthen policy and programme linkages between HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH). However, the effectiveness and best practices for strengthening SRH and HIV linkages are poorly researched in the context of family-planning services. In Cape Town, HIV-prevention services have been integrated into family-planning services. There are two models of service configuration: dedicated stand-alone reproductive health clinics and family planning services located in comprehensive primary-care facilities.Objective: To describe how reproductive health services are integrating HIV prevention and care strategies and to measure the coverage and quality of these integrated services.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using structured interviews with facility managers; a facility-based checklist; and a patient record review to assess the availability of resources, training, access, quality and integration.Results: Facilities in Cape Town are equipped adequately to offer integrated HIV-prevention and SRH services. Overall there was poor coverage of integrated services with 54% of family planning clients having a known HIV status; 47% being screened for a sexually transmitted infection and 55% being offered HIV counselling and testing and receiving condoms. Quality and continuity of care seemed better at the dedicated clinics than at the comprehensive facilities,supported by better training coverage.Conclusion: Engaging middle-level management is crucial with regard to improving integration within a well-resourced setting.
A Pilot Study of Concurrent Lead and Cotinine Screening for Childhood Tobacco Smoke Exposure: Effect on Parental Smoking
Authors: Joseph Anne , Murphy Sharon , Thomas Janet , Okuyemi Kolawole S. , Hatsukami Dorothy , Wang Qi , Briggs Anna , Doyle Brandon , Winickoff Jonathan P.
Published: August 2013

Purpose.

To investigate whether a biomarker screening approach for tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) conducted concurrently with lead screening at well-child visits would increase parental smoking cessation and implementation of home smoking restrictions.

Design.

Observational, quasi-experimental.

Setting.

Pediatric clinic in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Subjects.

Eighty parents who smoked and their children presenting for well-child visits.

Intervention.

Children in the intervention group had serum cotinine measured with lead screening. Laboratory results were sent to providers and parents and a counselor proactively contacted parents to offer an eight-session telephone intervention to help parents stop smoking. The comparison group, a historical control, received usual care.

Measures.

Parental smoking, engagement in tobacco treatment, and home and car smoking policies 8 weeks later.

Analysis.

Mean/standard deviation for continuous data or frequency/percentage for categorical data.

Results.

Eighty-four percent of eligible parents agreed to have their child tested for TSE along with lead testing. Measurable cotinine was identified in 93% of children. More parents in the intervention group received tobacco treatment than in the comparison group (74% vs. 0%) and more parents reported 7-day point-prevalent abstinence from smoking at 8 weeks (29% vs. 3%).

Conclusion.

These data demonstrate the feasibility of adding cotinine measurement to routine well-child lead screening to document TSE in small children. Data suggest providing this information to parents increases engagement in tobacco treatment and prompts smoking cessation.
Relationships between Transtheoretical Model Stages of Change, Decisional Balance, Self-Efficacy, and Physical Activity Level among Nigerian Market Vendors
Authors: Maruf Fatai Adesina , Ibikunle Peter Olanrewaju , Raji Najim Olanrewaju
Published: August 2013

Purpose.

This study explored decisional balance, self-efficacy, and physical activity (PA) level in relation to stages of change (SoC) for PA among Nigerian vendors The study explored associations among decisional balance, self-efficacy, and PA level, and examined differences, by stage, in decisional balance, self-efficacy, and PA level.

Design.

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting.

Outdoor markets located in Eke Amobi, Nkwo, and Okpuno Egbu in Nnewi, southeastern Nigeria.

Subjects.

Participants were 499 market vendors (98 males and 401 females).

Measures.

Self-efficacy, perceived barrier and benefit, PA level, and SoC for PA.

Analysis.

Spearman rank-order and partial correlations; analysis of variance by gender with Bonferroni post hoc adjustment.

Results.

Self-efficacy (r = 069; p = 0.000), perceived benefit (r = .12; p = .007), and perceived barrier (r = –.11; p = .017) for PA were related to the SoC. Adjusting for age, gender, and marital status, only self-efficacy (r =.48; p = .000) remained correlated with the SoC. In males, significant differences in perceived barrier (p = .003) and benefit (p = .003) lay between stages of contemplation and preparation and between stages of precontemplation and contemplation for self-efficacy (p = .006). In females, there were significance differences in self-efficacy across stages of precontemplation and contemplation (p = .000) and preparation and action (p = .007).

Conclusion.

When designing PA interventions, age, gender, and marital status should be considered in explaining the relationships between outcome constructs of transtheoretical model (TTM) and SoC in vendors. It is also important to note that the stages at which outcome constructs of TTM change during PA interventions vary in males and females.
Sensitivities of NOx transformation and the effects on surface ozone and nitrate
Authors: Lei H. , Wang J. X. L.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. As precursors for tropospheric ozone and nitrate aerosols, Nitrogen oxides (NOx) in present atmosphere and its transformation in responding to emission and climate perturbations are studied by CAM-Chem model and air quality measurements including National Emission Inventory (NEI), Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET) and Environmental Protection Agency Air Quality System (EPA AQS). It is found that not only the surface ozone formation but also the nitrate formation is associated with the relative emissions of NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOC). Due to the availability of VOC and associated NOx titration, ozone productions in industrial regions increase in warmer conditions and slightly decrease against NOx emission increase, which is converse to the response in farming region. The decrease or small increase in ozone concentrations over industrial regions result in the responded nitrate increasing rate staying above the increasing rate of NOx emissions. It is indicated that ozone concentration change is more directly affected by changes in climate and precursor emissions, while nitrate concentration change is also affected by local ozone production types and their seasonal transfer. The sensitivity to temperature perturbations shows that warmer climate accelerates the decomposition of odd nitrogen (NOy) during the night. As a result, the transformation rate of NOx to nitrate decreases. Examinations on the historical emission and air quality records on typical pollution areas further confirm the conclusion drawn from modeling experiments.
NAT nucleation and denitrification in the Arctic stratosphere
Authors: Grooß J.-U. , Engel I. , Borrmann S. , Frey W. , Günther G. , Hoyle C. R. , Kivi R. , Luo B. P. , Molleker S. , Peter T. , Pitts M. C. , Schlager H. , Stiller G. , Vömel H. , Walker K. A. , Müller R.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) particles in the polar stratosphere have been shown to be responsible for vertical redistribution of reactive nitrogen (NOy). Recent observations by Cloud–Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) aboard the CALIPSO satellite have been explained in terms of heterogeneous nucleation of NAT on foreign nuclei, revealing it to be an important formation pathway for the NAT particles. In state of the art global or regional scale models, heterogeneous NAT nucleation is currently simulated in a very coarse manner using a constant, saturation-independent nucleation rate. Here we present first simulations for the Arctic winter 2009/2010 applying a new saturation-dependent parametrisation of heterogeneous NAT nucleation rates within the Chemical Lagrangian Model of the Stratosphere (CLaMS). The simulation shows good agreement of chemical trace species with in situ and remote sensing observations. The simulated PSC optical properties agree better with CALIOP observations than those simulated with a constant rate model. A comparison of the simulated particle size distributions with observations made using the Forward Scattering Spectrometer Probe (FSSP) aboard the high altitude research aircraft Geophysica, showed that the model reproduces the observed size distribution, except for the very largest particles above 15 μm diameter. The vertical NOy redistribution caused by the sedimentation of the NAT particles, in particular the denitrification and nitrification signals observed by the ACE-FTS satellite instrument and the in-situ SIOUX instrument aboard the Geophysica, are reproduced by the model, but the improvement of the new parametrisation with respect to the constant rate model remains small.
Rapid marine deglaciation: asynchronous retreat dynamics between the Irish Sea Ice Stream and terrestrial outlet glaciers
Authors: Patton H. , Hubbard A. , Bradwell T. , Glasser N. F. , Hambrey M. J. , Clark C. D.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Understanding the retreat behaviour of past marine-ice sheets provides vital context to accurate assessment of the present stability and long-term response of contemporary polar-ice sheets to climate and oceanic warming. Here new multibeam swath-bathymetry data and sedimentological analysis are combined with high resolution ice-sheet modelling to reveal complex landform assemblages and process-dynamics associated with deglaciation of the British-Celtic Ice Sheet (BCIS) within the Irish Sea Basin. Our reconstruction indicates a non-linear relationship between the rapidly receding Irish Sea Ice Stream, the largest draining the BCIS, and the retreat of outlet glaciers draining the adjacent, terrestrially based ice sheet centred over Wales. Retreat of Welsh ice was episodic; superimposed over low-order oscillations of its margin are asynchronous outlet re-advances driven by catchment-wide mass balance variations that are amplified through migration of the ice cap's main ice-divide. Formation of large, linear ridges which extend at least 12.5 km offshore (locally known as sarns) and dominate the regional bathymetry are attributed to repeated frontal and medial morainic deposition associated with the re-advancing phases of these outlet glaciers. Our study provides new insight into ice-sheet extent, dynamics and non-linear retreat across a major palaeo-ice stream confluence zone, and has ramifications for the interpretation of recent fluctuations observed by satellites over short-time scales across marine-sectors of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets.
Lack of association between IRF6 polymorphisms and nonsyndromic oral clefts in South Indian population
Authors: Gurramkonda Venkatesh Babu , Murthy Jyotsna , Syed Altaf Hussain , Lakkakula Bhaskar VKS
Published: August 2013

Objective: This present study is aimed to investigate the association between interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and nonsyndromic cleft lip without without cleft palate (NSCLP) in the South Indian population. Subject and Methods: For this study, 190 unrelated NSCLP patients and 189 controls without clefts were genotyped with rs2235371 (V2741) and rs642961 SNPs using PCR-RFLP. The associations between NSCLP groups and IRF6 gene polymorphisms, as well as haplotypes, were analyzed using chi-squared test and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of the odds ratios were calculated with the control groups as reference. Results: For controls, the minor allele frequencies of both variants, V2741 and rs642961, were 7.1% and 21.1%, respectively. Genotype data for both variants in control and cleft groups follow the Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium. Between cases with NSCLP and controls, the two SNPs showed no differences in frequencies of the genotypes or alleles. The pairwise linkage disequilibrium (LD) values (D’=1 and r2=0.027) between V2741 and rs642961 revealed that these two SNPs are not in strong LD. Haplotype G-T showed a significantly reduced risk for oral clefts (p<0.001) and haplotype A-T increased the risk for oral clefts (p=0.043). Gene-gene interaction showed that the higher risk group contains more GG-CC combination of cases that the controls, but this model was not significantly associated with cleft status (p=0.136) Conclusion: In conclusion, while IRF6 is strongly associated in other populations, this study demonstrated that variants in IRF6 may play a role in NSCLP in a South Indian population, but other genes are expected to play a role in this population as well.
Consumerism, the Nigeria Experience: Study of the Food and Drink Industries 1980-2012
Authors: Oko A. E. Ndu , Linus Osuagwu
Published: August 2013

The work is an evaluation of consumerism activities in Nigeria with specific interest in the food and drink industries. It considered the growth and challenges to consumerism, the impact of the non-active nature of consumerism on the health and environmental standard of the country. Data generated based on the use of sets questionnaire were analyzed using analysis of variance statistical tool. Findings include that the inactive nature of consumerism in Nigeria contributes significantly to the exploitative attitude of manufacturers, explicitly through high price of products and implicitly by the debasement of the environment through improper management of residues (waste), resulting to poor health and environmental standard. Solution among others is that firms by suasion should be encouraged to adopt marketing concept philosophies, principles, policies and strategies for the maximization of corporate goal, consumer welfare (satisfaction) and macro economic development of the society.
Histogenesis of potato light sprouts in healthy plants and those infected with potato leaf roll virus
Authors: Garbaczewska Grażyna
Published: August 2013

Developmental stages of potato (Solanum tuberosum) light sprouts in healthy plants and those infected with potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) have been distinguished. Potato light sprouts from healthy tubers differentiate in the early stages to the apical and basal parts, which are characterized by distinct dynamics of growth. Ultrastructural examination of apex meristem and phloem ontogeny was carried out for healthy plants. In the development of potato light sprouts of plants infected with PLRV a great many anomalies have been described. Three types of light sprouts developed from infected tubers. Anatomical investigations indicated a rapid growth of the number of necroses in the phloem, and submicroscopic observations showed the presence of virus particles and cytopathological structures: tubular and vesicular structures, paramural bodies and callose deposits. In the companion cells of the phloem the occurrence of very regular inclusions of virus particles was recorded.
Branching of tillers in some grasses
Authors: Olszewska Leontyna , Wielicka Maria
Published: August 2013

In investigations on the grass regeneration biology a special attention was paid to the formation of aerial tillers and branching pseudostolons in Dactylis glomerata L., Festuca arundinacea Schreb., Festuca pratensis Huds., Festuca rubra L., Phleum pratense L., Lolium multiflorum Lam., Lolium perenne L., Phalaris arundinacea L., Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) P. B., Holcus lanatus L., Agropyron repens (L.) P. B., Avenastrum pubescens (Huds) Opiz and Agrostis alba L. Aerial tillers, vegetative short ones and with partly elongated internodes as well as generative tillers formed in tufted and rhizomatous grasses. Parental raised tillers, on which aerial tillers developed, had the anatomical structure specific for grass stems. In tufted grasses, moreover, parental branching pseudostolons developed; in their cross section the arrangement of tissues specific for stolons was observed. They constituted the starting point for agglomerations of new plants rooting in soil, contrary to raised tillers. In some grass species, beside pendant roots, shorter roots grew at the base of aerial tillers; they surrounded with a ring the parent shoot in the node, thus reinforcing the connection of aerial tillers with the stem. An attention was paid to the favourable role of branching pseudostolons in the sward thickness formation. Conditions of the arrangement of tissues in the stem cross section, owing to which the rhizomatous form is developed, are discussed. The fertilization with compost or the covering with sand results in the formation of tillers resembling pseudorhizomes.