bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein Profiling of Blood Samples from Patients with Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Cancer by Surface-Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kamai Takao , Tomosugi Naohisa , Abe Hideyuki , Kaji Yasushi , Oyama Tetsunari , Yoshida Ken-Ichiro
Published: November 2012

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) is an extremely rare syndrome with autosomal dominant inheritance. HLRCC is characterized by a predisposition to leiomyomas of the skin and the uterus as well as renal cell carcinoma. The disease-related gene has been identified as fumarate hydratase (fumarase, FH), which encodes an enzyme involved in the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle. Protein profiling may give some insight into the molecular pathways of HLRCC. Therefore, we performed protein profiling of blood samples from HLRCC patients, their family members, and healthy volunteers, using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS) coupled with IMAC-Cu chips. For hierarchical clustering analysis, we used the 45 peaks that revealed significant differences in single-marker analysis over the range from 1500 to 15,000 m/z. Heat map analysis based on the results of clustering distinguished the HLRCC kindred from non-HLRCC subjects with a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 90%. SELDI-TOF MS profiling of blood samples can be applied to identify patients with HLRCC and to assess specific molecular mechanisms involved in this condition.
Optimization of Pressurized Liquid Extraction of Three Major Acetophenones from Cynanchum bungei Using a Box-Behnken Design
Authors: Li Wei , Zhao Li-Chun , Sun Yin-Shi , Lei Feng-Jie , Wang Zi , Gui Xiong-Bin , Wang Hui
Published: November 2012

In this work, pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) of three acetophenones (4-hydroxyacetophenone, baishouwubenzophenone, and 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone) from Cynanchum bungei (ACB) were investigated. The optimal conditions for extraction of ACB were obtained using a Box-Behnken design, consisting of 17 experimental points, as follows: Ethanol (100%) as the extraction solvent at a temperature of 120 °C and an extraction pressure of 1500 psi, using one extraction cycle with a static extraction time of 17 min. The extracted samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography using an UV detector. Under this optimal condition, the experimental values agreed with the predicted values by analysis of variance. The ACB extraction yield with optimal PLE was higher than that obtained by soxhlet extraction and heat-reflux extraction methods. The results suggest that the PLE method provides a good alternative for acetophenone extraction.
Lateral Distribution of NBD-PC Fluorescent Lipid Analogs in Membranes Probed by Molecular Dynamics-Assisted Analysis of Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) and Fluorescence Quenching
Authors: Loura Luís
Published: November 2012

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a powerful tool used for many problems in membrane biophysics, including characterization of the lateral distribution of lipid components and other species of interest. However, quantitative analysis of FRET data with a topological model requires adequate choices for the values of several input parameters, some of which are difficult to obtain experimentally in an independent manner. For this purpose, atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can be potentially useful as they provide direct detailed information on transverse probe localization, relative probe orientation, and membrane surface area, all of which are required for analysis of FRET data. This is illustrated here for the FRET pairs involving 1,6-diphenylhexatriene (DPH) as donor and either 1-palmitoyl,2-(6-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino] hexanoyl)- sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (C6-NBD-PC) or 1-palmitoyl,2-(12-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino]dodecanoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (C12-NBD-PC) as acceptors, in fluid vesicles of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-3-glycerophosphocholine (DPPC, 50 °C). Incorporation of results from MD simulations improves the statistical quality of model fitting to the experimental FRET data. Furthermore, the decay of DPH in the presence of moderate amounts of C12-NBD-PC (>0.4 mol%) is consistent with non-random lateral distribution of the latter, at variance with C6-NBD-PC, for which aggregation is ruled out up to 2.5 mol% concentration. These conclusions are supported by analysis of NBD-PC fluorescence self-quenching. Implications regarding the relative utility of these probes in membrane studies are discussed.
Subereamolline A as a Potent Breast Cancer Migration, Invasion and Proliferation Inhibitor and Bioactive Dibrominated Alkaloids from the Red Sea Sponge Pseudoceratina arabica
Authors: Shaala Lamiaa A. , Youssef Diaa T. A. , Sulaiman Mansour , Behery Fathy A. , Foudah Ahmed I. , Sayed Khalid A. El
Published: November 2012

A new collection of several Red Sea sponges was investigated for the discovery of potential breast cancer migration inhibitors. Extracts of the Verongid sponges Pseudoceratina arabica and Suberea mollis were selected. Bioassay-directed fractionation of both sponges, using the wound-healing assay, resulted into the isolation of several new and known brominated alkaloids. Active fractions of the sponge Pseudoceratina arabica afforded five new alkaloids, ceratinines A–E (2–6), together with the known alkaloids moloka’iamine (1), hydroxymoloka’iamine (7) and moloka’iakitamide (8). The active fraction of the sponge Suberea mollis afforded the three known alkaloids subereamolline A (9), aerothionin (10) and homoaerothionin (11). Ceratinine B (3) possesses an unprecedented 5,7-dibrominated dihydroindole moiety with an epoxy ring on the side chain of a fully substituted aromatic moiety. Ceratinines D (5) and E (6) possess a terminal formamide moiety at the ethylamine side chain. Subereamolline A (9) potently inhibited the migration and invasion of the highly metastatic human breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 at the nanomolar doses. Subereamolline A and related brominated alkaloids are novel scaffolds appropriate for further future use for the control of metastatic breast cancer.
Variation of Medicinal Components in a Unique Geographical Accession of Horny Goat Weed Epimedium sagittatum Maxim. (Berberidaceae)
Authors: Liang Qiong , Wei Guoyan , Chen Jianjun , Wang Ying , Huang Hongwen
Published: November 2012

Herbal Epimedium species have been widely in Traditional Chinese Medicine for sexual enhancement, immunity improvement, anticancer and anti-aging treatment, with flavonoids and polysaccharides being the major active components. However, exhaustive depletion of wild sources warrants germplasm evaluation and quality resource exploration. A preliminarily analysis had previously indicated that a specific local geographic accession of Epimedium sagittatum found in Luotian (LT) county of Hubei Province (China) had a much higher content of total flavonoids and polysaccharides. In this study, we further investigated the medicinal component variation in the LT type under different light intensities and in different regions by the common-garden experiment. The results indicated a light intensity range of 40–160 μmol/m2/s was the most suitable for the synthesis and accumulation of total flavonoids, while polysaccharide accumulation was negatively correlated with the light intensity. Icariin was the component displaying the highest content among flavonoids, and the content of major flavonoid bioactive components was relatively stable in the third year after cultivation. There was significant correlation between the major flavonol glycoside constituents and the geographic location, and Central China followed by Northern China were the highly suitable regions for cultivation of LT type E. sagittatum. The results revealed that there was a functional balance between flavonoids and polysaccharides at different developmental stages, and the best harvesting stage should consider the primary contents of interest. This study provides important information on the exploration of quality resources, further breeding approaches and cultivation practices of E. sagittatum, and thus the important insights to enhance our understanding of quality control of traditional medicinal plants.
Decentralized Cooperative TOA/AOA Target Tracking for Hierarchical Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Chen Ying-Chih , Wen Chih-Yu
Published: November 2012

This paper proposes a distributed method for cooperative target tracking in hierarchical wireless sensor networks. The concept of leader-based information processingis conducted to achieve object positioning, considering a cluster-based network topology. Random timers and local information are applied to adaptively select a sub-cluster for thelocalization task. The proposed energy-efficient tracking algorithm allows each sub-clustermember to locally estimate the target position with a Bayesian filtering framework and a neural networking model, and further performs estimation fusion in the leader node with the covariance intersection algorithm. This paper evaluates the merits and trade-offs of the protocol design towards developing more efficient and practical algorithms for objectposition estimation.
Shiga Toxins and the Pathophysiology of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Humans and Animals
Authors: Mayer Chad L. , Leibowitz Caitlin S. , Kurosawa Shinichiro , Stearns-Kurosawa Deborah J.
Published: November 2012

Food-borne diseases are estimated at 76 million illnesses and 5000 deaths every year in the United States with the greatest burden on young children, the elderly and immunocompromised populations. The impact of efficient food distribution systems and a truly global food supply ensures that outbreaks, previously sporadic and contained locally, are far more widespread and emerging pathogens have far more frequent infection opportunities. Enterohemorrhagic E. coli is an emerging food- and water-borne pathogen family whose Shiga-like toxins induce painful hemorrhagic colitis with potentially lethal complications of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The clinical manifestations of Shiga toxin-induced HUS overlap with other related syndromes yet molecular mechanisms differ considerably. As discussed herein, understanding these differences and the novel properties of the toxins is imperative for clinical management decisions, design of appropriate animal models, and choices of adjunctive therapeutics. The emergence of new strains with rapidly aggressive virulence makes clinical and research initiatives in this field a high public health priority.
Pharmacophore Selection and Redesign of Non-nucleotide Inhibitors of Anthrax Edema Factor
Authors: Schein Catherine H. , Chen Deliang , Ma Lili , Kanalas John J. , Gao Jian , Jimenez Maria Estrella , Sower Laurie E. , Walter Mary A. , Gilbertson Scott R. , Peterson Johnny W.
Published: November 2012

Antibiotic treatment may fail to protect individuals, if not started early enough, after infection with Bacillus anthracis, due to the continuing activity of toxins that the bacterium produces. Stable and easily stored inhibitors of the edema factor toxin (EF), an adenylyl cyclase, could save lives in the event of an outbreak, due to natural causes or a bioweapon attack. The toxin’s basic activity is to convert ATP to cAMP, and it is thus in principle a simple phosphatase, which means that many mammalian enzymes, including intracellular adenylcyclases, may have a similar activity. While nucleotide based inhibitors, similar to its natural substrate, ATP, were identified early, these compounds had low activity and specificity for EF. We used a combined structural and computational approach to choose small organic molecules in large, web-based compound libraries that would, based on docking scores, bind to residues within the substrate binding pocket of EF. A family of fluorenone-based inhibitors was identified that inhibited the release of cAMP from cells treated with EF. The lead inhibitor was also shown to inhibit the diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) in a murine model, perhaps by serving as a quorum sensor. These inhibitors are now being tested for their ability to inhibit Anthrax infection in animal models and may have use against other pathogens that produce toxins similar to EF, such as Bordetella pertussis or Vibrio cholera.
Friction and durability of virgin and damaged skin with and without skin cream treatment using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Bhushan Bharat , Chen Si , Ge Shirong
Published: November 2012

Skin can be damaged by the environment easily. Skin cream is an effective and rapid way to moisten the skin by changing the skin surface properties. Rat skin and pig skin are common animal models for studies and were used as skin samples in this study. The nano- and macroscale friction and durability of damaged skin were measured and compared with those of virgin (intact/undamaged) skin. The effect of skin cream on friction and durability of damaged and virgin skin samples is discussed. The effects of velocity, normal load, relative humidity and number of cycles were studied. The nanoscale studies were performed by using atomic force microscope (AFM), and macroscale studies were performed by using a pin-on-disk (POD) reciprocating tribometer. It was found that damaged skin has different mechanical properties, surface roughness, contact angle, friction and durability compared to that of virgin skin. But similar changes occur after skin cream treatment. Rat and pig skin show similar trends in friction and durability.
Enhancing Learning Through an Interprofessional Project Competition
Authors: McComb Sara A. , Banerjee Amarnath , Mechler Kathleen K. , Morrow Robert B.
Published: November 2012

This article describes the process of using an interprofessional team project to address one of the most commonly occurring challenges in health care delivery—medication reconciliation. We describe the planning and execution of the process and the lessons learned from the experience. The intent of this article is to document the significance of each process and the importance of each member involved in the process, and to act as a guideline for institutions planning similar interprofessional team project experiences for students.
WaveLight FS200 vs Hansatome LASIK: Intraoperative Determination of Flap Characteristics and Predictability by Hand-held Bioptigen Spectral Domain Ophthalmic Imaging System
Authors: Shetty Rohit , Malhotra Chintan , D’Souza Sharon , Wadia Kareeshma
Published: November 2012

PURPOSE:

To intraoperatively determine and compare the characteristics and predictability of LASIK flaps made by the WaveLight FS200 femtosecond laser (Alcon Laboratories Inc) and Hansatome (Bausch & Lomb) microkeratome using a hand-held spectral domain ophthalmic imaging system (Bioptigen Inc).

METHODS:

Sixty eyes from 30 patients undergoing bilateral LASIK were prospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into two equal groups to undergo flap creation with either 100-μm femtosecond laser flaps (FS flap group) or 120-μm microkeratome flaps (MK flap group). Flap thickness was measured intraoperatively after creation of the flap but prior to lifting using the hand-held probe of the spectral domain imaging system. Geometry of the flap edge and smoothness of the stromal bed after lifting the flap was also evaluated in all cases.

RESULTS:

Mean difference between planned and achieved flap thickness in the paracentral region was 2.84±3.16 mm for the FS flap group and 11.33±10.27 mm for the MK flap group, whereas in the periphery, it was 5.72±3.26 mm in the FS flap group and 24.67±10.35 mm in the MK flap group. The differences between groups were statistically significant (
P
<0.001, Kruskal-Wallis test). The edges of the flaps were vertical in the FS flap group and the stromal bed was smoother, whereas in the MK flap group, the edges were more sloping and the stromal bed more irregular.

CONCLUSIONS:

The WaveLight FS200 femtosecond laser is able to produce planar flaps with a high degree of predictability between the desired and achieved flap thickness. The ability to study the flap characteristics intraoperatively (when flap edema and stromal bed hydration changes have not yet occurred) with the hand-held probe of the Bioptigen imaging system ensures greater accuracy than measurements done postoperatively using other anterior segment optical coherence tomography prototypes.
Optimized Femto-LASIK Maintains Preexisting Spherical Aberration Independent of Refractive Error
Authors: Au John D. , Krueger Ronald R.
Published: November 2012

PURPOSE:

To report the visual outcomes and change in spherical aberration in the first cohort of eyes treated at the Cole Eye Institute using the FS200 laser (Alcon Laboratories Inc).

METHODS:

A chart review was performed on 100 eyes targeted for emmetropia with wavefront-optimized femto-LASIK using the WaveLight Allegretto Wave Eye-Q (Alcon Laboratories Inc) and FS200 lasers. Patients were subdivided into low (<−3.00 D, n=23), moderate (−3.00 to −6.00 D, n=45), and high myopia (>−6.00 D, n=32). Pre- and 3- to 9-month postoperative wavefront aberrometry and uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) were compared.

RESULTS:

An increase was found in spherical aberration of 0.03±0.02 μm (
P
=.14) for low myopia, but decreases were found of 0.01±0.01 μm (
P
=.45) for moderate myopia and 0.02±0.04 μm (
P
=.48) for high myopia. An increase in coma was noted of 0.02±0.02 μm (
P
=.37), 0.04±0.02 μm (
P
=.02), and 0.11±0.04 μm (
P
=.01) for low, moderate, and high myopes, respectively. An increase was found in total higher order aberrations of 0.05±0.04 μm (
P
=.17), 0.04±0.01 μm (
P
=.01), and 0.11±0.03 μm (
P
=.01) for low, moderate, and high myopes, respectively. Uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/15 and 20/20 was achieved in 70% and 91% of low myopes, 58% and 93% of moderate myopes, and 34% and 78% of high myopes, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Wavefront-optimized femto-LASIK with the WaveLight Allegretto Wave Eye-Q and FS200 lasers achieved excellent postoperative UDVA outcomes, with no significant induction of spherical aberration at all refractive errors.
Clinical Results of Topography-based Customized Ablations for Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism
Authors: Tan Jerry , Simon Daniel , Mrochen Michael , Por Yong Ming
Published: November 2012

PURPOSE:

To evaluate clinical outcomes after primary treatments for myopia and myopic astigmatism with topography-based ablation profiles on the Allegretto Wave Eye-Q platform (Alcon Laboratories Inc).

METHODS:

Records of patients who underwent topography-guided, Q-adjusted LASIK were retrieved and analyzed. Patients with mean refractive spherical equivalent up to −16.00 diopters (D) and cylindrical errors up to 6.00 D were included (2051 eyes). Refractive outcomes and visual acuities were analyzed preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS:

Manifest spherical refractive error decreased from −5.05±2.33 to +0.04±0.35 D. Manifest cylindrical refractive error decreased from 0.83±0.75 to 0.23±0.22 D. At 3 months postoperatively, 86.1% (1766 eyes) had a spherical equivalent refraction within ±0.50 D of targeted refraction. The number of eyes with uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/16 and 20/20 was 851 (41.5%) and 1495 (72.9%), respectively. At 3 months, 0.10% (2 eyes) lost more than 2 lines of corrected distance visual acuity and a loss of 2 lines occurred in 0.24% (5 eyes). All patients who lost lines of visual acuity were found to have corneal erosions related to dryness and recovered vision on further follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of this retrospective study demonstrate refractive predictability, efficacy, and safety comparable to other treatment modalities such as wavefront-optimized and wavefront-guided treatments. Results are also similar to those reported with other topography-guided systems.
Progression of Keratoconus and Efficacy of Corneal Collagen Cross-linking in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Chatzis Nico , Hafezi Farhad
Published: November 2012

PURPOSE:

To study the progression rate of keratoconus and assess the clinical outcome of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) with riboflavin and ultraviolet A light in children and adolescent patients up to 3 years after treatment.

METHODS:

Fifty-nine eyes from 42 children and adolescents (aged 9 to 19 years) with confirmed keratoconus were included in this retrospective interventional cohort study. Refraction, slit-lamp examination, Placido-based corneal topography, and Scheimpflug imaging were performed bilaterally in all patients preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Maximal keratometry readings (Kmax), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), corneal thickness, and the keratoconus index (KI) were analyzed. Follow-up was up to 36 months (mean follow-up: 26.3 months [range: 12 to 36 months]).

RESULTS:

Fifty-two of the 59 eyes enrolled in this study showed progression, corresponding to a progression rate of 88%. Forty-six eyes were treated by CXL. Maximal keratometry, CDVA, and KI showed significant changes over the follow-up period. However, significant Kmax reduction observed up to 24 months after CXL lost significance at 36 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

Cross-linking seems to be safe in children and adolescents. Progression of keratoconus occurred in 88%. We propose that awaiting documentation of progression is not mandatory and CXL in children and adolescents should be performed as soon as the diagnosis has been made. However, the effect of arrest of disease progression might not be as long-lasting as in adults and longer follow-up is needed to verify this trend.
Outcomes of a New Microwave Procedure Followed By Accelerated Cross-linking for the Treatment of Keratoconus: A Pilot Study
Authors: Vega-Estrada Alfredo , Alió Jorge L. , Plaza Puche Ana B. , Marshall John
Published: November 2012

PURPOSE:

To analyze the initial data obtained in a group of patients treated with microwave keratoplasty followed by accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) for the correction of keratoconus.

METHODS:

Prospective, nonrandomized clinical study including six eyes from four patients treated with microwave thermal keratoplasty followed by accelerated CXL. Refractive, topographic, anterior aberrometry, and corneal biomechanics outcomes were analyzed during 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS:

Immediately after the procedure, a significant reduction of >7.00 diopters (D) was observed in mean keratometry (
P
=.02). Uncorrected distance visual acuity increased from 0.92±0.52 logMAR (Snellen 20/160) preoperatively to 0.47±0.19 logMAR (Snellen 20/60) postoperatively (
P
=.05). No statistically significant change was found in corrected distance visual acuity (
P
=.28). Corneal higher order aberration decreased from 1.89±0.90 to 1.51±0.65 μm and corneal primary coma aberration decreased from 1.45±0.68 μm preoperatively to 0.84±0.23 μm postoperatively (
P
>.10). No statistically significant changes were found in the biomechanics variables (
P
=.40). A significant regression of the effect was assessed in keratometry at the end of follow-up (
P
=.03).

CONCLUSIONS:

The Keraflex procedure may have the ability to improve refractive status in patients who suffer from keratoconus, as well as induce corneal remodeling to a more anterior regular surface. However, the current treatment regimen is not sufficient to maintain the flattening effect achieved and significant regression occurs.
Corneal Collagen Cross-linking for Nonectatic Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bettis Daniel I. , Hsu Maylon , Moshirfar Majid
Published: November 2012

PURPOSE:

To provide a background regarding the biochemical rationale for corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) and outline its current use, critically evaluate the current literature for the use of CXL in nonectatic disorders, highlight limitations and areas for further research, and address additional novel applications of CXL.

METHODS:

A literature search was performed using the EMBASE and MEDLINE database from 1970 to November 2011. Keywords included “corneal collagen cross linking,” “crosslinking,” “cross-linking,” “ultraviolet,” “riboflavin,” “corneal edema,” and “keratitis” in various combinations. A search through the references of retrieved articles was also performed.

RESULTS:

Cross-linking for corneal edema showed a temporary improvement in objective measures of central corneal thickness, corrected distance visual acuity, and corneal clarity along with subjective measures such as pain and irritation. Cross-linking was also tolerated as an adjunctive therapy for infectious keratitis without complications. In all studies, the progression of corneal melting was halted after treatment, avoiding the need for emergency keratoplasty.

CONCLUSIONS:

Cross-linking with riboflavin and ultraviolet A light is a promising, minimally invasive treatment for corneal ectasia. A growing number of studies suggest additional application in corneal edema and infectious keratitis may be beneficial. However, further studies are needed to address long-term outcomes and safety concerns.
Landscape transformation in the low karst plain of Bela krajina (SE Slovenia) over the last 220 years
Authors: Paušič Andrej , Čarni Andraž
Published: November 2012

The changes in land use, landscape structure and heterogeneity in Bela krajina were compared over a time interval of 220 years and linked to the socioeconomic factors. A significant increase of forested areas in the past 220 years is evident, which has led to forestation of open pastures. Until 1913, the landscape was agricultural. After human emigration at the beginning of the 20th century and World War I, the land was partly abandoned. During and after the World War II local inhabitants migrated from the region. The land structure changed and became of a transitional type. The third wave of emigration started in the 1960s. By around 1980, the study area had become completely forested. After 1981, the number of inhabitants again increased in settlements near traffic routes but people were employed in other economic activities. This trend had no significant impact on the landscape. The study shows that the present landscape structure is substantially different from those in past and reflects the current social and economic features.
La Ciencia en el Semanario Pintoresco Español
Authors: Sánchez Álvarez-Insúa Alberto
Published: November 2012

Alberto Sánchez en su conferencia trató sobre el papel de la ciencia en el Semanario Pintoresco Español con el objeto de desmentir el tópico o el concepto erróneo de que la ciencia no interesó a los españoles del siglo XIX. Se estudia la evolución de la ciencia en España durante el siglo XIX.
La representación de los indígenas en los relatos del Semanario Pintoresco Español: hacia una propuesta teórico-metodológica para un estudio comparado
Authors: Del Valle Rojas Carlos , Mayorga Rojel Alberto Javier
Published: November 2012

El presente trabajo tiene la finalidad de presentar una propuesta teórico-metodológica que profundiza los estudios acerca de la representación de los indígenas en los diversos relatos/discursos producidos por la prensa en América, desde la colonia hasta nuestros tiempos. Para cumplir con lo enunciado, se procederá a 1) presentar, por una parte, algunos antecedentes teóricos respecto a nociones como relación de sucesos, representaciones, prensa, discurso y poder; 2) se entregarán algunas referencias acerca de los avances de investigaciones centradas en el tema de lo mapuche; y, finalmente, 3) se describirá una propuesta metodológica focalizada en un modelo de análisis del discurso que permita desarrollar de forma pertinente el estudio de la representación discursiva de la otredad/indígena en la prensa hispanoamericana.
Los articuentos de Mesonero Romanos
Authors: Fanconi Paloma
Published: November 2012

En este trabajo se analizan una serie de artículos de Mesonero Romanos pertenecientes al Panorama matritense. El Curioso Parlante , que se afirma escritor costumbrista, descriptor de escenas y cuadros, roza a veces la narración y construye unos textos difícilmente clasificables desde el punto de vista genérico.
La mujer: escenas y tipos costumbristas en el Semanario Pintoresco Español
Authors: Ayala María de los Ángeles
Published: November 2012

Los artículos de costumbres que tienen como finalidad la presentación de la mujer en el Semanario Pintoresco Español son fuente importante para la reconstrucción de la imagen de la mujer del siglo XIX, de ahí que centremos nuestra atención en el análisis de un tipo femenino, la literata, presente en el Semanario y cuya pintura, años más tarde, en manos de otros autores, se proyecta en las colecciones costumbristas que a lo largo del siglo XIX se publican.
La imagen de la mujer en el Semanario Pintoresco Español
Authors: Palomo María del Pilar
Published: November 2012

Se han revisado los siete primeros años del Semanario, los dirigidos por Mesonero Romanos. A través de textos y grabados se llega a la imagen femenina que en ellos aparece, y se puede determinar la idea de lectora ideal que se plasma en la revista: la madre de familia, de contexto ciudadano y clase social de mentalidad conservadora. A ella se opone la heroína de novelas y dramas, en la línea antirromántica del propio Mesonero.
América como texto y como pretexto en El Artista
Authors: Arroyo Almaraz Antonio
Published: November 2012

Proponemos cuatro lecturas sobre la temática americana en El Artista: la primera, sobre la presencia de figuras como Cortés, Pizarro y los incas en el teatro, novelas, espectáculos... europeos. La segunda, las recreaciones literarias del Descubrimiento del Nuevo Mundo, base para una reivindicación de una nación española situada en aquel pasado idealizado. La tercera, la aparición de un Otro, el indio, en la dualidad con el conquistador, y su lectura romántica. Por último, el testimonio literario sobre la independencia de las colonias americanas.
Memoria del folletín en la prensa romántica: heterogeneidad y modos literarios en El Correo Nacional (1838-1842)
Authors: Gómez-Elegido Centeno Ana María
Published: November 2012

Con este trabajo se pretende trazar sucintamente la génesis y evolución de la sección de folletín en la prensa romántica española a través del periódico El Correo Nacional (1838-42). El seguimiento de los textos publicados en este espacio periodístico permite constatar la presencia inicial de una gran diversidad de manifestaciones literarias unidas por el factor de la amenidad y el de la formación (cultura) que posteriormente irán desapareciendo hasta dejar un protagonismo casi exclusivo a la literatura de creación y ficción representada especialmente en un nuevo subgénero como es el de la novela de folletín.
La classification des songes de Macrobe en moyen français : continuité, ruptures et déplacements
Authors: Demaules Mireille
Published: November 2012

Parmi les classifications des rêves de l’Antiquité, celle de Macrobe, grammairien latin du ive-ve siècle après Jésus-Christ, a connu une très large diffusion dans les milieux lettrés jusqu’au xve siècle comme en témoigne la fidèle traduction dans la langue française de tous les termes latins dénommant les catégories de songes.Toutefois la typologie savante de Macrobe n’a pas totalement pénétré la langue populaire, notamment quand il s’agit d’évoquer les variétés du songe illusoire. Ainsi s’imposent peu à peu en moyen français et dans la langue classique des mots nouveaux comme « rêve » et « cauchemar » dont le sémantisme et l’étymologie sont plus étranges et mystérieux. L’article explique pourquoi la savante classification macrobienne, fidèlement retranscrite par les lettrés, n’a pu se maintenir et comment les croyances populaires ont fini par imposer de nouveaux substantifs pour nommer jusqu’à ce jour toutes nos expériences oniriques.
L’Épître aux Pisons d’Horace dans l’Antiquité et au Moyen Âge : prégnance de l’interprétation théorique
Authors: Glinatsis Robin
Published: November 2012

L’Épître aux Pisons d’Horace, plus connue sous le nom d’Art poétique, a été perçue, dès l’Antiquité, comme un texte technique. Quintilien, puis les grammairiens latins des premiers siècles de notre ère y voient une somme de préceptes et de considérations sur l’histoire littéraire dans laquelle il leur est permis de puiser à loisir. L’épître horatienne parvient ensuite aux hommes du Moyen Âge accompagnée des scholies antiques du Pseudo-Acron et de Porphyrion, qui confortent sa lecture théorique. Les penseurs médiévaux s’engagent donc à leur tour dans cette voie interprétative tout en s’attachant à un domaine de référence particulier, celui de l’art oratoire. Les auteurs d’accessus et de traités de poésie considèrent ainsi que l’Épître aux Pisons fournit un matériau théorique homogène et cohérent. Toute cette tradition occulte les spécificités discursives, nombreuses, du texte. Horace y parle de l’art poétique à la manière d’un poète, exploitant toute la liberté que lui offre la langue souple et débridée du sermo.
Le vol d’Icare, du Roman de la Rose à Christine de Pizan : de la dénonciation de l’orgueil à la défense de la curiositas intellectuelle
Authors: Mühlethaler Jean-Claude
Published: November 2012

À la fin du Moyen Âge, la fable de Dédale et Icare ne sert pas seulement, comme on a pu le croire, à dénoncer l’orgueil auquel succombe le mauvais chrétien. Tandis que les traités mythologiques et l’historiographie s’insèrent volontiers dans cette tradition morale, Le Roman de la Rose ou Renart le Contrefait font du récit ovidien une utilisation surprenante en l’entraînant dans les jeux de la satire et de la parodie. La désobéissance d’Icare, même si elle n’est jamais valorisée positivement, n’est pas toujours un exemplum à portée générale, qui s’adresse à un chacun ; elle est aussi utilisée de manière subjective et s’applique alors à une situation et une expérience individuelles. Sous la plume de Christine de Pizan, la chute d’Icare permet ainsi de légitimer, par contraste, la curiositas de l’intellectuelle qui cherche à comprendre les causes profondes des malheurs que vit la France. Pour Christine, comme, plus tard, pour Martin Le Franc, la fable sert de repoussoir, quand il s’agit de célébrer l’ascension à la lumière. On perçoit, au-delà de la suspicion face à l’acte transgressif du héros, une fascination qui prépare le terrain à la récupération d’Icare à l’époque moderne.
Can EGP learning strategies be successfully used in the ESP learning process?
Authors: Blagojevic Savka
Published: November 2012

Comme la méthodologie actuelle de l’anglais recommande l’emploi systématique de stratégies d’apprentissage dans l’enseignement de l’anglais général, cet article préconise l’application de ces mêmes stratégies dans le processus d’apprentissage de l’anglais de spécialité afin d’en renforcer l’efficacité et de rendre les apprenants d’anglais de spécialité plus compétents dans le transfert de leur savoir en science et technologie sur l’acquisition de nouvelles formes langagières.
Multiple Myeloma and Paget’s disease with abnormal skull lesions and intracranial hypertension
Authors: Caravita Tommaso , Siniscalchi Agostina
Published: November 2012

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Strengthening Your Surgical Hand: Strengths-Based Profiling and Coaching of Surgical Trainees
Authors: Macafee D.A.L. , Macafee M.P. , Brewerton P.
Published: November 2012

Introduction

As scientific and professional disciplines, medicine and surgery have a tendency to focus on deficiencies, namely what trainees do not know or are not good at doing. The philosophy of Positive Psychology and the notion of “Strengths” takes a different stance. It is an inherently positive process, seeing each trainee as an individual bringing a unique set of strengths to every situation. There is clear evidence from the commercial sector regarding improved performance and well-being when focusing on one's strengths. We were therefore keen to investigate its potential role in the global development of trainee surgeons.

Methods

Surgical trainees from Core Training 1 to Specialty Training 8 in one training region of the United Kingdom were invited to voluntarily undertake the online Strengthscope™ assessment tool. The computer-generated report was reviewed by an Occupational Psychologist and trainees were then invited to have a strengths-focused feedback discussion on that report, either face-to-face or via telephone.

Results

Thirty four surgical trainees ranging from CT1 to ST6 completed the tool and 28 undertook the voluntary feedback sessions. Decisiveness, self-improvement, efficiency, emotional control and critical thinking were common strengths identified. Less commonly represented were leading, creativity and developing others. Trainees found that the tool and feedback helped them identify their strengths and embrace them, rather than fitting the surgical mould. It further aided the recognition of strengths in-overdrive and for some trainees it helped explain difficulties they had experienced in previous jobs. It provided insight into individual motivations and character whilst also highlighting how others in the workplace might perceive them. Trainees liked the emphasis on the building up of positive attributes and utilizing innate skills and strengths. The feedback consultation from an accredited coach trained in the Strengthscope™ tool was judged by trainees to be crucial to a full understanding of the report and its potential implications.

Conclusions

Surgical trainees have a wide range of strengths which, if identified and focused upon, could help them to fulfil their greatest potential at work. Strengthscope™ has provided new insights into the range of skills and talents of surgical trainees and has a potential role in providing more advanced educational supervision and mentorship. For these trainees, the assessment and feedback discussion aided their personal and professional development, highlighting where their most significant strengths lay with a view to making their daily working lives more fulfilling and, hopefully, helping them excel.
Need to Increase Awareness among Urologists regarding the Possible Association between Pioglitazone and Bladder Cancer
Authors: Chandru Sundaramoorthy , Janarthanan Vijay Venkatraman , Mohan Viswanathan
Published: November 2012

No abstract supplied.
Variation in stable carbon and oxygen isotopes of individual benthic foraminifera: tracers for quantifying the magnitude of isotopic disequilibrium
Authors: Ishimura T. , Tsunogai U. , Hasegawa S. , Nakagawa F. , Oi T. , Kitazato H. , Suga H. , Toyofuku T.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Stable carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions (δ13C and δ18O) of benthic foraminiferal carbonate shells have been used to reconstruct past bottom-water environments. However, the details of factors controlling the isotopic disequilibrium between the shells and the surrounding bottom seawater (so-called the "vital effect") are still ambiguous. In this study, we analyzed the isotopic composition of individual benthic foraminifera of multiple species by using a customized high-precision analytical system, and found that the magnitude of the isotopic disequilibrium between benthic foraminiferal shell and the surrounding bottom seawater (δ13CDIC and δ18Owater) in different species is correlated with inter-individual isotopic variations. As a result, we can choose suitable species as bottom-water proxies by using the inter-individual isotopic variations. In addition, by using the simplified interpretation of the inter-individual and inter-species isotopic variations established in this study, we could reconstruct the δ13C values of dissolved inorganic carbon in bottom water by correcting foraminiferal isotopic compositions for the isotopic shift resulting from the isotopic effects (vital effect, microhabitat effect, and many other reported isotopic effects). Our findings will allow the use of isotope data for benthic foraminifera as more reliable proxies for reconstructing past bottom-water conditions and evaluating global carbon cycling.
Flood discharge measurement of mountain rivers
Authors: Chen Y.-C.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. An efficient method that accounts for personal safety, accuracy and reliability for measuring flood discharge of mountain rivers is proposed. It is composed of new measurement method, tools, and techniques. Measuring flood discharge from mountain rivers by using conventional method is costly, time-consuming, and dangerous. Thus previous discharge measurements for mountainous areas were typically based on estimated precipitation, which alone cannot generate accurate measurements. This study applies a novel flood discharge measurement system composed of an Acoustic Doppler Profiler and crane system to accurately and quickly measure velocity distributions and water depths. Moreover a novel and efficient method for measuring discharge, which is based on the relationship between mean and maximum velocities and the relationship between cross-sectional area and gauge height is applied to estimate flood discharge. Flood discharge from mountain rivers can be estimated easily and rapidly by measuring maximum velocity in the river crosssection and the gauge height. The measured flood discharges can be utilized to create a reliable stage-discharge relationship for continuous estimations of discharge using records of water stage. The proposed method was applied to the Nanshih River, Taiwan. Results of measured discharges and estimated discharges only slightly differed from each other, demonstrating the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method.
New climate change scenarios reveal uncertain future for Central Asian glaciers
Authors: Lutz A. F. , Immerzeel W. W. , Gobiet A. , Pellicciotti F. , Bierkens M. F. P.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Central Asian water resources largely depend on (glacier) melt water generated in the Pamir and Tien Shan mountain ranges, located in the basins of the Amu and Syr Darya rivers, important life lines in Central Asia and the prominent water source of the Aral Sea. To estimate future water availability in the region, it is thus necessary to project the future glacier extent and volume in the Amu and Syr Darya river basins. The aim of this study is to quantify the impact of uncertainty in climate change projections on the future glacier extent in the Amu and Syr Darya river basins. The latest climate change projections provided by the fifth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) generated for the upcoming fifth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) are used to model future glacier extent in the Central Asian region for the two large river basins. The outcomes are compared to model results obtained with the climate change projections used for the fourth IPCC assessment (CMIP3). We use a regionalized glacier mass balance model to estimate changes in glacier extent as a function of glacier size and projections of temperature and precipitation. The model is developed for implementation in (large scale) hydrological models, when the spatial model resolution does not allow for modelling of individual glaciers and data scarcity is an issue. Both CMIP3 and CMIP5 model simulations point towards a strong decline in glacier extent in Central Asia. However, compared to the CMIP3 projections, the CMIP5 projections of future glacier extent in Central Asia provide a wider range of outcomes, mostly owing to greater variability in precipitation projections among the latest suite of climate models. These findings have great impact on projections of the timing and quantity of water availability in glacier melt dominated rivers in the region. Uncertainty about the size of the decline in glacier extent remains large, making estimates of future Central Asian glacier extent and downstream water availability uncertain.
Arctic surface temperatures from Metop AVHRR compared to in situ ocean and land data
Authors: Dybkjær G. , Tonboe R. , Høyer J. L.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. The ice surface temperature (IST) is an important boundary condition for both atmospheric and ocean and sea ice models and for coupled systems. An operational ice surface temperature product using satellite Metop AVHRR infra-red data was developed for MyOcean. The IST can be mapped in clear sky regions using a split window algorithm specially tuned for sea ice. Clear sky conditions prevail during spring in the Arctic, while persistent cloud cover limits data coverage during summer. The cloud covered regions are detected using the EUMETSAT cloud mask. The Metop IST compares to 2 m temperature at the Greenland ice cap Summit within STD error of 3.14 °C and to Arctic drifting buoy temperature data within STD error of 3.69 °C. A case study reveals that the in situ radiometer data versus satellite IST STD error can be much lower (0.73 °C) and that the different in situ measurements complicate the validation. Differences and variability between Metop IST and in situ data are analysed and discussed. An inter-comparison of Metop IST, numerical weather prediction temperatures and in situ observation indicates large biases between the different quantities. Because of the scarcity of conventional surface temperature or surface air temperature data in the Arctic, the satellite IST data with its relatively good coverage can potentially add valuable information to model analysis for the Arctic atmosphere.
Kinematic-Kinetic-Rigidity Evaluation of a Six Axis Robot Performing a Task
Authors: Karagulle H. , Amindari A. , Akdag M. , Malgaca L. , Yavuz Ş.
Published: November 2012

Six axis serial robots of different sizes are widely used for pick and place, welding and various other operations in industry. Developments in mechatronics, which is the synergistic integration of mechanism, electronics and computer control to achieve a functional system, offer effective solutions for the design of such robots. The integrated analysis of robots is usually used in the design stage. In this study, it is offered that the integrated analysis of robots can also be used at the application stage. SolidWorks, CosmosMotion and ABAQUS programs are used with an integrated approach. Integration software (IS) is developed in Visual Basic by using the application programming interface (API) capabilities of these programs. An ABB-IRB1400 industrial robot is considered for the study. Different trajectories are considered. Each task is first evaluated by a kinematic analysis. If the task is out of the workspace, then the task is cancelled. This evaluation can also be done by robot programs like Robot Studio. It is proposed that the task must be evaluated by considering the limits for velocities, motor actuation torques, reaction forces, natural frequencies, displacements and stresses due to the flexibility. The evaluation is done using kinematic, kinetic and rigidity evaluation charts. The approach given in this work can be used for the optimal usage of robots.
Micrometre Scale Performances of Industrial Robot Manipulators
Authors: Dandash Diala , Brethé Jean-François , Vasselin Eric , Lefebvre Dimitri
Published: November 2012

Robot precision is usually characterized by repeatability and accuracy. In this paper, we show that these indices are not sufficient to describe robot behaviour at the micrometre scale. New, precision performances are discussed and the experimental procedure to estimate these indices is described. The main results of the experimental work performed on Samsung Faraman and Epson Scara robots are displayed. Reversibility, hysteresis and spatial resolution have to be taken into account when the robot has to be controlled precisely at the micrometre scale. A granular control design including harmonization poses is proposed as a conclusion.