bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Losses of Chromosome 5q and 14q Are Associated with Favorable Clinical Outcome of Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Buffart Tineke E. , Carvalho Beatriz , Grieken Nicole C.T. , Wieringen Wessel N. , Tijssen Marianne , Kranenbarg Elma Meershoek-Klein , Verheul Henk M.W. , Grabsch Heike I. , Ylstra Bauke , Velde Cornelis J.H. , Meijer Gerrit A.
Published: April 2012

Purpose.

To improve the clinical outcome of patients with gastric cancer, intensified combination strategies are currently in clinical development, including combinations of more extensive surgery, (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The present study used DNA copy number profiling to identify subgroups of patients with different clinical outcomes. We hypothesize that, by identification of subgroups, individual treatment strategies can be selected to improve clinical outcome and to reduce unnecessary treatment toxicity for patients with gastric cancer.

Experimental Design.

DNA from 206 gastric cancer patients was isolated and analyzed by genomewide array comparative genomic hybridization. DNA copy number profiles were correlated with lymph node status and patient survival. In addition, heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) expression was analyzed and correlated with survival in 230 gastric cancer patients.

Results.

Frequent (>20%) DNA copy number gains and losses were observed on several chromosomal regions. Losses on 5q11.2-q31.3 and 14q32.11-q32.33 (14% of patients) were correlated with good clinical outcome in univariate and multivariate analyses, with a median disease-free survival interval of 9.2 years. In addition, loss of expression of HSP90, located on chromosome 14q32.2, was correlated with better patient survival.

Conclusion.

Genomewide DNA copy number profiling allowed the identification of a subgroup of gastric cancer patients, marked by losses on chromosomes 5q11.2-q31.3 and 14q32.11-q32.33 or low HSP90 protein expression, with an excellent clinical outcome after surgery alone. We hypothesize that this subgroup of patients most likely will not benefit from (neo)adjuvant systemic treatment and/or radiotherapy, whereas anti-HSP90 therapy may have clinical potential in patients with HSP90-expressing gastric cancer, pending validation in an independent dataset.
The good will
Authors: Babic Jovan
Published: April 2012

Kant begins his most important ethical writing, Groundwork of the metaphysics of morals, with a very strong statement that 'it is impossible to think of anything at all in the world, or indeed beyond it, that could be considered good without limitation except a good will'. Other goods, or good features of human nature and the benefits of a good life, are good only under some proper conditions, the most important of which is precisely the good will. It is the capacity of autonomy, and entirely independent of all external ('empirical') conditions, and such a capacity is present in every moral agent capable to act 'from the duty', i. e. on the basis that morality could be the sole reason for doing what is right. So, good will is the ground of morality, and an expression of the presence of the personal autonomy.
Ontological function of sketch
Authors: Draskic-Vicanovic Iva
Published: April 2012

The paper puts an emphasis on the importance of sketch as one of the fine art's forms. Sketch (mere outline) possessing strength, precision and attraction shows at the same time a specific ontological power that seems to be in some kind of play of finished and unfinished lines and contours. Sketch displays an ambition to present a substantial form omitting everything less important. For all that, omitted and unfinished lines present magic visual support to finished contours. Starting from the thesis that design can be treated as crucial point in common to all fine arts, author of this text claims that it is possible to go a step forward and by process which can be named figural or ontological reduction, reduce figural and ontological residuum from design to mere outline (sketch). Aesthetic principle of unfinished defining sketch as such, has been recognized as powerful figureforming tool with significant ontological function.
Hermeneutische Phänomenologie der Wahrheit: Vom pragmatischen Kern des Wahrheitsproblems auf dem Ausarbeitungsweg der Fundamentalontologie
Authors: Grubor Nebojsa
Published: April 2012

(nemacki) In diesem Text wird zuerst Heideggers Verst?ndnis des Wahrheitsproblems in Sein und Zeit behandelt (I), dann folgt die Er?rterung von der ph?nomenologischen Begr?ndung des Wahrheitsph?nomens (II) und am Ende wird im Hinblick auf einige gegenw?rtige Interpretationen von Heideggers Wahrheitsbegriff (C. F. Gethmann, F. W. von Herrmann, E. Tugendhat) gezeigt, worin der pragmatisch-hermeneutische Kern von Wahrheitsproblem in Heideggers Philosophie von Sein und Zeit und Marburger Vorlesungen Prolegomena zur Geschichte des Zeitbegriffs (1925) und Logik. Die Frage nach der Wahrheit (1925/26) besteht (III) aber auch, worin die Distinktion zwischen weiterem und enegerem Sinn des Pragmatischen in Heideggers fr?her Philosophie besteht (IV).
Ethics and morality
Authors: Babic Jovan
Published: April 2012

The article is an encyclopedia item prepared for an Encyclopedia of Democracy, forthcoming in Sluzbeni Glasnik, Belgrade, in collaboration with the School for Political Sciences at Belgrade University. The main goal in the article is to develop a definition of the morality as the subject of study for ethics, a part of philosophy dealing with the nature and the scope of possible application of morality as a specific evaluational criterion. Some basic features of this specificity have been explored, and a list of ethical theories have been briefly analyzed, two of them in some more details. A squelch of a possible connection between ethics and democracy has been given at the very end of the article.
Internalism and the problem of an isolated epistemic community
Authors: Lazovic Zivan
Published: April 2012

In this paper the author deals with one form of relativism which stems from the internalist account of epistemic justification. In the recent epistemological literature this form of relativism is usually indicated as the problem of an isolated epistemic community. By way of an example concerning an isolated epistemic community, it is shown that internalism is unable to provide a consistent account of epistemic justification due to the fact that internalist justification cannot secure the objective connection between beliefs and truth making it the case that one's epistemically justified belief is likely to be true. That means that in explaining epistemic justification we have to resort to some externalist requirements.
Intentionality and the stream of thought: Brentano and James
Authors: Andjelkovic Miroslava
Published: April 2012

Philosophers have not done much research on the connection between philosophical and psychological views of Franz Brentano and William James. This connection is of particular historical interest because their views influenced Edmund Husserl, but it also bears philosophical importance as one can show why in James' philosophy of mind there is no correlate to Brentano's notion of intentionality which designates the relationship between mental and physical phenomena. Given this, intentionality, if there is room for it in James' psychology, would be the relation which holds between the correlates of these phenomena in his analysis of consciousness. I am trying to show that there is such a correlation between mental phenomena and James' notion of transitive segments, as well as between physical phenomena and James' notion of substantive segments of consciousness. The question is whether the segments of consciousness stand in the relationship of intentionality and I argue that this is not the case.
Montaigne's revival of pyrrhonism
Authors: Bogdanovski Masan
Published: April 2012

The Pyrrhonian arguments used by Michel de Montaigne in his essay An Apology for Raymond Sebond are presented in detail in this paper. The paper explores the reasons that have induced Montaigne to utilize them in an apparently paradoxical context of Catholic apologetics. As a consequence of the influence this essay had exerted in the Early Modern philosophy, a considerable interest has been developed for the Ancient Skepticism, notwithstanding the fact that the Skeptical arguments were not always correctly interpreted in Montaigne's work.
Yuch as Biblion: Cognitive dispositions and pleasures at Philebus 38e12-40c
Authors: Deretic Irina
Published: April 2012

In this paper the author attempts to elucidate comparison with the illustrated book in the Philebus (38e12) in a more detailed manner in order to find out what cognitive dispositions underlie our experiencing a variety of pleasures, particularly the pleasures of anticipation. In doing so, she shall argue against the commentators of the Philebus, who claim that only perception and memory are responsible for forming perceptual judgments concerning pleasures, supporting the interpretation, according to which our capacity to think (dianoia) is also involved in that process.
Erotic freedom in the philosophy of Georges Bataille
Authors: Govedarica Milanko
Published: April 2012

In this paper the author deals with one of the main questions in the complex work of Georges Bataille. The sense and possibility of erotic freedom are reconsidered in immanent framework and with respect to broader philosophical understanding. Through immanent analysis it is shown that Bataille's erotism implies striving for unification and continuity as well as sovereignty transgression of limits, consumption and violence. Contrary to him, the author exposes some relevant ideas of P. Bruckner, A. Finkielkraut, E. Fink and H. Marcuse. By means of this confrontation it is shown that question about possibility of erotic freedom is hermeneutical open, because of the balance between arguments pro et contra.
Metaontology and the problem of quantification
Authors: Mancic Zeljko
Published: April 2012

This text is concerned with the latest philosophical discipline - metaontology - which main objective is to examine traditional metaphysics and ontological sentences which it includes, as well as with its main theories pluralism, realism and skepticism. While first two of these theories try to provide more or less acceptable arguments in their favor, and show that quantification is justified, it will be shown that they make crucial mistake by neglecting problem of ontological commitment, which is, basically, main source of all metaphysical issues. I shall try to put forward advantages of skepticism over these rival theories, and why one should embrace it in metaontology.
Lepo kao odnos pojavljivanja - osnovna ideja Hartmanove estetike
Authors: Grubor Nebojsa
Published: April 2012

(nemacki) TIn dieser Arbeit wird die Grundidee von Nicolai Hartmanns Asthetik behandelt. Im Text wird zuerst Hartmanns Philosophie als eine kritisch-realistische Ontologie bestimmt (I) und die Frage uber die Natur von Hartmanns Asthetik gestellt: ob sie eine phanomenologische oder ontologische Asthetik ist (II). Dann folgt die Erorterung von Hartmanns Argumentation dass das Sch?ne der universale Gegenstand der Asthetik ist (III) und dass das Sch?ne als Gesamtphanomen (IV) von subjektiv asthetischer (V) wie auch von objektiv asthetischer Seite befasst werden sollte (VI). Am Ende wird Hartmanns ?sthetische Grundidee behandelt, dass das Schone im Erscheinungsverhaltnis besteht (VII) und es werden auch einige kritische Bemerkungen uber Grenzen von Hartmanns Philosophie und Asthetik er?rtert (VIII).
Post-scriptum: Pharmacodemocracy
Authors: Barker Stephen
Published: April 2012

The essay continues the discussion on democracy begun in Derrida Today 4:2, interrogating the associations between the nature of the pharmakon and democracy ‘itself’, seen as ‘the sovereignty of the people’. Starting with Derrida's notion of writing (and grammatology in general) as what he calls the ‘errant democrat’, shared by – and indeed defining – all, and at the same time prior to the demos, Bernard Stiegler makes the further claim that this foundation of democracy, the pharmakon, is not simply a dialectical site of poison and remedy, as it is often seen, but rather a neutral space or referent that simultaneously connects and disconnects through Stiegler's wider sense of grammatisation, which includes Derrida's sense but extends to all tertiary memory, those external mnemonic devices that not only articulate but guide and indeed anticipate culture and its evolution. The implications of a pharmako-democracy are enormous in a hypertechnological epoch in technics as a tool has emerged as a controlling cultural force. In this sense pharmacopolitics are the only politics. The essay considers how Derrida's exploration of this pharmako-neutrality is at work in Specters of Marx as well as ‘Plato's Pharmacy’, and how it provides a frame for and a bridge to Jean-François Lyotard's related sense of desire in Libidinal Economy, where pharmacological neutrality must also be seen as excess or, in Lyotard's word for it, ‘inascribable’.
P190B RhoGAP Regulates Chromosome Segregation in Cancer Cells
Authors: Hwang Melissa , Peddibhotla Sirisha , McHenry Peter , Chang Peggy , Yochum Zachary , Park Ko Un , Sears James Cooper , Vargo-Gogola Tracy
Published: April 2012

Rho GTPases are overexpressed and hyperactivated in many cancers, including breast cancer. Rho proteins, as well as their regulators and effectors, have been implicated in mitosis, and their altered expression promotes mitotic defects and aneuploidy. Previously, we demonstrated that p190B Rho GTPase activating protein (RhoGAP) deficiency inhibits ErbB2-induced mammary tumor formation in mice. Here we describe a novel role for p190B as a regulator of mitosis. We found that p190B localized to centrosomes during interphase and mitosis, and that it is differentially phosphorylated during mitosis. Knockdown of p190B expression in MCF-7 and Hela cells increased the incidence of aberrant microtubule-kinetochore attachments at metaphase, lagging chromosomes at anaphase, and micronucleation, all of which are indicative of aneuploidy. Cell cycle analysis of p190B deficient MCF-7 cells revealed a significant increase in apoptotic cells with a concomitant decrease in cells in G1 and S phase, suggesting that p190B deficient cells die at the G1 to S transition. Chemical inhibition of the Rac GTPase during mitosis reduced the incidence of lagging chromosomes in p190B knockdown cells to levels detected in control cells, suggesting that aberrant Rac activity in the absence of p190B promotes chromosome segregation defects. Taken together, these data suggest that p190B regulates chromosome segregation and apoptosis in cancer cells. We propose that disruption of mitosis may be one mechanism by which p190B deficiency inhibits tumorigenesis.
Kinetics of Holographic Recording and Spontaneous Erasure Processes in Light-Sensitive Liquid Crystal Elastomers
Authors: Gregorc Marko , Li Hui , Domenici Valentina , Ambrožič Gabriela , Čopič Martin , Drevenšek-Olenik Irena
Published: April 2012

The optical mechanism for imprinting one-dimensional grating structures into thin films of a light-sensitive monodomain liquid crystal elastomer is investigated by analyzing the time dependence of optical diffraction properties. The recording kinetics shows an irregular oscillatory behavior, which is most expressed at small grating spacings and at temperatures close to the nematic-isotropic phase transition. The oscillations are attributed to the opto-mechanical response of the film, i.e., to contraction of the film during the recording process. At temperatures far below the nematic-isotropic phase transition, the spontaneous erasure kinetics exhibits exponential relaxation with relaxation time following the Arrhenius activation law. However, at temperatures close to the nematic-isotropic phase transition, the erasure process shows an interesting nonmonotonic behavior that we attribute to the non-linear relation between the concentration of the photo-transformed chemical groups and the nematic order parameter.
Comparison of Different Approaches to Define the Applicability Domain of QSAR Models
Authors: Sahigara Faizan , Mansouri Kamel , Ballabio Davide , Mauri Andrea , Consonni Viviana , Todeschini Roberto
Published: April 2012

One of the OECD principles for model validation requires defining the Applicability Domain (AD) for the QSAR models. This is important since the reliable predictions are generally limited to query chemicals structurally similar to the training compounds used to build the model. Therefore, characterization of interpolation space is significant in defining the AD and in this study some existing descriptor-based approaches performing this task are discussed and compared by implementing them on existing validated datasets from the literature. Algorithms adopted by different approaches allow defining the interpolation space in several ways, while defined thresholds contribute significantly to the extrapolations. For each dataset and approach implemented for this study, the comparison analysis was carried out by considering the model statistics and relative position of test set with respect to the training space.
Synthesis of New Indole Derivatives Structurally Related to Donepezil and Their Biological Evaluation as Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Ismail Mohamed M. , Kamel Mona M. , Mohamed Lamia W. , Faggal Samar I.
Published: April 2012

New series of indole derivatives analogous to donepezil, a well known anti-Alzheimer and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drug, was synthesized. A full chemical characterization of the new compounds is provided. Biological evaluation of the new compounds as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors was performed. Most of the compounds were found to have potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor activity compared to donepezil as standard. The compound 1-(2-(4-(2-fluorobenzyl) piperazin-1-yl)acetyl)indoline-2,3-dione (IIId) was found to be the most potent.
Validation of NOAA-Interactive Multisensor Snow and Ice Mapping System (IMS) by Comparison with Ground-Based Measurements over Continental United States
Authors: Chen Christine , Lakhankar Tarendra , Romanov Peter , Helfrich Sean , Powell Al , Khanbilvardi Reza
Published: April 2012

In this study, daily maps of snow cover distribution and sea ice extent produced by NOAA’s interactive multisensor snow and ice mapping system (IMS) were validated using in situ snow depth data from observing stations obtained from NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) for calendar years 2006 to 2010. IMS provides daily maps of snow and sea ice extent within the Northern Hemisphere using data from combination of geostationary and polar orbiting satellites in visible, infrared and microwave spectrums. Statistical correspondence between the IMS and in situ point measurements has been evaluated assuming that ground measurements are discrete and continuously distributed over a 4 km IMS snow cover maps. Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) land and snow classification data are supplemental datasets used in the further analysis of correspondence between the IMS product and in situ measurements. The comparison of IMS maps with in situ snow observations conducted over a period of four years has demonstrated a good correspondence of the data sets. The daily rate of agreement between the products mostly ranges between 80% and 90% during the Northern Hemisphere through the winter seasons when about a quarter to one third of the territory of continental US is covered with snow. Further, better agreement was observed for stations recording higher snow depth. The uncertainties in validation of IMS snow product with stationed NCDC data were discussed.
Partnering with the Pinoleville Pomo Nation: Co-Design Methodology Case Study for Creating Sustainable, Culturally Inspired Renewable Energy Systems and Infrastructure
Authors: Shelby Ryan , Perez Yael , Agogino Alice
Published: April 2012

This paper describes the co-design methodology created by the authors to partner with communities that have historical trauma associated with working with outsiders on projects that involved substantial use of engineering and science—renewable energy technologies, for example—that have not integrated their value system or has been historically denied to them. As a case study, we present the lessons learned from a partnership with the Pinoleville Pomo Nation (PPN) of Ukiah, CA and UC Berkeley’s Community Assessment of Renewable Energy and Sustainability (CARES) team to develop sustainable housing that utilizes sustainability best practices and renewable energy technology as well as reflect the long-standing culture and traditions of the PPN. We also present the Pomo-inspired housing design created by this partnership and illustrate how Native American nations can partner with universities and other academic organizations to utilize engineering expertise to co-design solutions that address the needs of the tribes.
Chair Yoga: Benefits for Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Osteoarthritis
Authors: Park Juyoung , McCaffrey Ruth
Published: April 2012

The aim of this pilot study was to examine whether chair yoga was effective in reducing pain level and improving physical function and emotional well-being in a sample of community-dwelling older adults with osteoarthritis. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to examine the effectiveness of chair yoga at baseline, midpoint (4 weeks), and end of the intervention (8 weeks). Although chair yoga was effective in improving physical function and reducing stiffness in older adults with osteoarthritis, it was not effective in reducing pain level or improving depressive symptoms. Future research planned by this team will use rigorous study methods, including larger samples, randomized controlled trials, and follow up for monitoring home practice after the interventions.
The Challenges of Clinical Psychopharmacological Management
Authors: Howland Robert H.
Published: April 2012

Collaboration among health care providers in the treatment of mental health patients with comorbid medical and neurological conditions can be very challenging, especially with pharmacotherapy management where medications are prescribed by multiple providers. An individual example of a patient with a number of comorbid conditions taking multiple concurrent medical and psychotropic medications is described to highlight how challenging such situations can be. Medical conditions or medical medications might trigger or exacerbate symptoms of mental disorders. Psychotropic drugs may cause adverse effects that come to the attention of medical providers. Accurate communication among providers—and between the patient and providers—is important to avoid misinformation or misunderstandings in the care of patients with complicated problems.
Images du Moyen Âge dans la ville : l’inscription spatiale de médiévalité
Authors: Fraysse Patrick
Published: April 2012

Résumé Cette étude qui s’inscrit dans l’histoire des représentations s’appuie, dans une perspective sémio-pragmatique, sur l’analyse d’un corpus d’images permettant de mettre au jour des influences (imitations, copies, allusions…) ou des glissements (du monumentaire au documentaire). Ces transformations des monuments vers les panneaux, les affiches et les ronds-points, dans l’espace public des mises en scène touristiques, procèdent d’une intertextualité (intericonicité) au sens large. L’étude de la circulation des signes de l’architecture médiévale formant « le décor de l’histoire » ou suggérant une « médiévalité » met au jour des représentations construites par des médiations. Cette approche communicationnelle des monuments dessine en retour une conversion monumentaire des documents illustrant des stéréotypes du Moyen Âge.
Aux origines de la « rubrique » dans la presse : des gazettes de l’Ancien Régime aux journaux de la Révolution
Authors: Feyel Gilles
Published: April 2012

Résumé La « rubrique » : titre ou contenant textuel ? Avant même son entrée dans le vocabulaire journalistique au début du xix e  siècle, la « rubrique-titre » coiffant les nouvelles segmente le texte des gazettes dès leur origine au xvii e  siècle, et ordonne déjà l’espace-papier, cependant que la « rubrique-contenant » apparaît avec les différents « cahiers » proposés par la Gazette de Renaudot. À la fin xviii e  siècle, quelques gazettes enrichissent leur contenu, alors qu’apparaissent les journaux d’information, puis d’opinion au temps de la Révolution. Juxtaposant désormais des textes de statuts différents, variant leurs formats, les journaux mettent en place de véritables « systèmes rubricaux », où les rubriques (titres et/ou contenants), les effets de mise en page et de mise en forme mettent en ordre l’information, facilitant ainsi la lecture.
Shrub Seed Banks in Mixed Conifer Forests of Northern California and the Role of Fire in Regulating Abundance
Authors: Knapp Eric E. , Weatherspoon C. Phillip , Skinner Carl N.
Published: April 2012

Understory shrubs play important ecological roles in forests of the western US, but they can also impede early tree growth and lead to fire hazard concerns when very dense. Some of the more common genera (Ceanothus, Arctostaphylos, andPrunus) persist for long periods in the seed bank, even in areas where plants have been shaded out. To determine shrub seed density and investigate the feasibility of managing shrub abundance by regulating the size of the soil seed bank with fire, we sampled the seed bank in 24 mixed conifer forest stands throughout northern California. Twenty stands were unburned, two had recently burned in wildfires, and two (McCloud and Jennie Springs) were subjected to experimental prescribed fires with unburned controls. Seeds were extracted from duff and soil that was collected in six layers, to a depth of 10 cm in the mineral soil.Ceanothusseeds were the most abundant (mean = 246 seeds m−2), noted at all sites and at 88% of sampling locations within unburned sites.ArctostaphylosandPrunusseeds were less abundant (mean = 29 seeds m−2and 6 seeds m−2, respectively), but still recorded at 64% and 45% of the unburned sites, respectively. The depth of seed burial varied at all unburned sites, but some seed was present even at the deepest (6 cm to 10 cm) soil layer, where seed mortality due to heat from burning is least likely. Seed density was substantially reduced, but not eliminated, by October prescribed burns at both McCloud and Jennie Springs, while seed density following July burns at Jennie Springs did not differ from the control. The abundance of buried seed indicates that restoring shrubs to forest understory should be possible even in areas where they are currently lacking. If preventing shrubs from colonizing a site is the management goal, the effectiveness of a single prescribed fire may be limited.
Bilateral Inverted Papilloma of the Paranasal Sinus: Literature Review
Authors: Gras-Cabrerizo Juan Ramon , Montserrat-Gili Joan R , Olmo Albert Pujol , Juan Manuel de , Massegur-Solench Humbert
Published: April 2012

Objective

We describe an unusual case of bilateral nasal inverted papilloma.

Case report

Inverted papilloma is a benign epithelial tumor that frequently occurs unilaterally. We report a 65-year-old male patient with a bilateral inverted papilloma located in the ethmoid and maxillary sinus. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed in order to completely remove both tumors.

Conclusion

We present a rare entity of bilateral independent sinonasal papilloma treated successfully with endoscopic sinus approach.
Chondroid Syringoma at Tip of the Nose: A Rare Site
Authors: Dhanda Sunil Kumar
Published: April 2012

Chondroid syringoma is an uncommon, benign, sweat gland tumor. The usual presentation is of an asymptomatic, slowly growing mass. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult and generally histopathology examination confirms the diagnosis. We report a case of chondroid syringoma in 24-year-old male for its rarity at the tip of the nose.
Hairy Polyp of Nasopharynx
Authors: Singh Digvijay , Daharwal Ajit , Banjara Hansa , Sarkar Sutanu
Published: April 2012

Hairy polyps are rare benign congenital malformations occurring in the nasopharynx or oropharynx. They arise during early embryogenesis and are invariably benign. They usually present at or soon after birth with signs of airway obstruction or feeding difficulties. Hairy polyps rarely present in older patients and only few cases have been reported in adults. We report a case of hairy polyp of nasopharynx in a 22-year-old female.
Pyogenic Granuloma of Nasal Septum
Authors: Kulkarni Anuja Santosh
Published: April 2012

Pyogenic granuloma also known as lobular capillary hemangioma is although rare but well-documented clinical entity. However, it is more commonly reported in cases pertaining to lesions of oral cavity and especially in female patients during pregnancy usually in third decade of life. But, here we report a very uncommon presentation of pyogenic granuloma arising from nasal septum in a 52-year-old male patient who presented to us with history of epistaxis and left-sided nasal obstruction since 4 months.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Nose: An Unusual Presentation
Authors: Mishra Aseem , Nagle Smita K , Oberoi Vikram , Jagade Mohan Vasant , Kasbekar Vimal
Published: April 2012

Most commonly, a carcinoma of nose is a basal cell carcinoma and a squamous cell carcinoma commonly arise from the dorsum of the nose. We present here a case of 35-year-old female with a squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule, which started as a wart and was very slowly progressive, until it was excised by a practitioner in a village. It then progressed rapidly and presented to us. The mass appeared a squamous cell carcinoma arising from nasal vestibule. The wart-like presentation also associates the etiology of squamous cell carcinoma to human papilloma virus and the disadvantages of excision of mass without proper histopathological diagnosis. The case was successfully managed with wide local excision with reconstruction by buccal and Estlander's flap.
The Challenges of the Detection of Subclinical Keratoconus at Its Earliest Stage
Authors: Saad Alain
Published: April 2012

Undetected subclinical keratoconus (KC) is the main risk factor for iatrogenic ectasia. Many parameters have been proposed to help differentiate normal from subclinical KC corneas. Linear discriminant analysis is a technique that models the difference between different classes of data by looking for linear combinations of variables which best explain the data. The association of surfaces elevation, corneal thickness profile and anterior curvature indices leads to the best sensitivity and specificity for the discrimination between normal and early subclinical KC corneas.

How to cite this article

Gatinel D, Saad A. The Challenges of the Detection of Subclinical Keratoconus at Its Earliest Stage. Int J Keratoco Ectatic Corneal Dis 2012;1(1):36-43.
Collagen Corneal Cross-Linking followed by Intac Implantation in a Case of Post-PRK Ectasia
Authors: Abdelaziz Lamis , Zadok David , Pikkel Joseph , Garzozi Hanna , Marcovich Arie , Nasser Orwa
Published: April 2012

Collagen corneal cross-linking (CXL) has proved to be effective in halting the progression of keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia.

Post-photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) ectasia, a rare PRK complication, has been reported in only a few cases, although PRK is the oldest form of laser refractive surgery. CXL for post- PRK ectasia has not been reported yet.

Here is a case of a 22-year-old male who developed post- PRK ectasia more than 1 year after the procedure and was treated using CXL. A few months after CXL, an Intac (Addition Technology) was implanted due to contact lens intolerance.

How to cite this article

Barbara R, Zadok D, Pikkel J, Marcovich A, Garzozi H, Nasser O, Abdelaziz L, Barbara A. Collagen Corneal Cross-Linking followed by Intac Implantation in a Case of Post-PRK Ectasia. Int J Keratoco Ectatic Corneal Dis 2012;1(1):68-72.
Modelling snow accumulation on Greenland in Eemian, glacial inception and modern climates in a GCM
Authors: Punge H. J. , Gallée H. , Kageyama M. , Krinner G.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. Changing climate conditions on Greenland influence the snow accumulation rate and surface mass balance (SMB) on the ice sheet and, ultimately, its shape. This can in turn affect local climate via orography and albedo variations and, potentially, remote areas via changes in ocean circulation triggered by melt water or calving from the ice sheet. Examining these issues in the IPSL global model requires improving the representation of snow at the ice sheet surface. In this paper, we present the new snow scheme implemented in LMDZ, the atmospheric component of the IPSL coupled model. We analyze surface climate and SMB on the Greenland ice sheet under insolation and oceanic boundary conditions for modern, but also for two different past climates, the last glacial inception (115 kyr BP) and the Eemian (126 kyr BP). While being limited by the low resolution of the GCM, present-day SMB is on the same order of magnitude as recent regional model findings. It is affected by a moist bias of the GCM in Western Greenland and a dry bias in the north-east. Under Eemian conditions, the SMB diminishes largely, and melting affects areas with today high surface altitude including recent ice core drilling sites as NEEM. In contrast, glacial inception conditions lead to a higher mass balance overall due to the reduced melting in the colder summer climate. Compared to the widely applied positive degree day (PDD) parameterization of SMB, our direct modelling results suggest a weaker sensitivity of SMB to changing climatic forcing. In addition, significant differences in surface climate and SMB are found between simulations using monthly climatological mean and actual interannually varying monthly mean forcings for the ocean surface temperature and sea ice cover, in particular for the Eemian.
Some Classes of Pseudosymmetric Contact Metric 3-Manifolds
Authors: Moutafi Evaggelia
Published: April 2012

We study (a) the class of 3-dimensional pseudosymmetric contact metric manifolds with harmonic curvature and constant along the direction of and (b) the class of ()-contact metric pseudosymmetric 3-manifolds of type constant in the direction of .
Synthesis Without Protecting Groups
Authors: Hoffmann Reinhard W.
Published: April 2012

Synthesis of complex target structures is likely more efficient when the use of protecting groups can be reduced or avoided. This can be attained by following biogenetic precedent, by enlisting functional group‐tolerant skeleton‐forming reactions, and – most important – by changing the sequence in which functional groups are introduced.
One‐Pot Hydroacetylation of Menadione (Vitamin K3) to Menadiol Diacetate (Vitamin K4) by Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Dobrinescu Claudiu , Iorgulescu Elena E. , Mihailciuc Constantin , Macovei Dan , Wuttke Stefan , Kemnitz Erhard , Parvulescu Vasile I. , Coman Simona M.
Published: April 2012

Vitamin K4 (menadiol diacetate, MDD) can be easily synthesized through cleaner and more efficient catalytic alternatives following the green chemistry principles. Ionic gold‐based hydroxylated fluorides are active bi‐functional catalysts for the one‐pot hydroacetylation of menadione leading to MDD with 77% selectivity. Unprecedent results were obtained in the presence of oxide‐fluoride catalysts by using a microwave‐assisted hydrogen‐transfer (Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley reaction) coupled with an acetylation approach, yielding very high selectivities for the target product (95%).
Modeling Nonlinearities in the U.S. Soybean‐to‐Corn Price Ratio: A Smooth Transition Autoregression Approach
Authors: Ubilava David
Published: April 2012

The soybean‐to‐corn price ratio has long been considered one of the triggers that farmers use in the decision to produce corn or soybeans, but little has been done to analyze its dynamics. Recently, the soybean‐to‐corn price ratio options were introduced on the Chicago Board of Trade, providing the market participants with an opportunity to trade the relative prices of the crops. In this study, the author investigates potentially nonlinear dynamics of the soybean‐to‐corn price ratio by applying the smooth transition autoregression (STAR) modeling framework to the soybean‐to‐corn price ratio, derived from monthly futures prices of corn and soybeans. The estimated model demonstrates nonlinear dynamics, resulting in asymmetries in the adjustment to the long‐run equilibrium of the soybean‐to‐corn price ratio. The findings of this research provide insightful implications to crop producers, input suppliers, and other market participants.
Variable‐temperature Fourier transform infrared studies of matrix–nanofiller interactions in amorphous polyamide/layered silicate nanocomposites
Authors: Zhang Xingui , Loo Leslie S.
Published: April 2012

Variable‐temperature Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate matrix–nanofiller interactions in amorphous semiaromatic polyamide/layered silicate nanocomposites prepared by melt intercalation. The types of polymer–nanofiller interactions were found to be strongly dependent on the nature of the polymer matrix and the surfactant‐modified layered silicate. Improved compatibility resulted when hydrogen‐bonding interactions occurred between the surfactant and polymer chains. The presence of surfactants with phenyl groups also led to a more stable molecular structure of the polymer matrix because of the enhanced resonance effect between aromatic groups. SiO stretching vibrations in the layered silicate shifted to lower wavenumbers with increasing temperature; this indicated the presence of weaker polymer‐layered silicate interactions. The results of this study demonstrate that for the polymer nanocomposites prepared by melting intercalation, more important interfacial interactions existed between the polymer and the surfactant. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation, characterization, and dyeing properties of calcium alginate fibers
Authors: Lv Fangbing , Zhu Ping , Wang Chaoxia , Zheng Limin
Published: April 2012

A novel attempt has been investigated in this article to dye calcium alginate fibers with acid dyes. The calcium alginate fibers were prepared by wet spinning and their dyeing properties were studied. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the surface of calcium alginate fibers was relatively smooth and uniform with many small grooves. The X‐ray diffraction results indicated that the crystallinity of the fibers was 61%. The dyeing conditions were optimized by testing the exhaustion (%). Moreover, the kinetics of dyeing calcium alginate fibers was determined as a function of dyeing time with various acid dyes. The results also showed that the calcium alginate fibers exhibited good dyeability with the fastnesses to washing and dry rubbing around 4 grades. At the same time, the dyeing process had no significant influence on the mechanical properties of the fibers with the strength loss only around 0.3 cN/dtex. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation and properties of cyclic olefin copolymers multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites
Authors: Chen Zhen‐hua , Zeng Changchun , Zhang Chuck , Wang Ben , Cao Kun , Yao Zhen
Published: April 2012

Nanocomposites of cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and two types of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with different aspect ratios were prepared. The morphology, thermal behavior, and electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis, and the DC conductivity measurement. It was found that the developed nanocomposite preparation method resulted in good nanotubes dispersion in the polymer matrix for both types of MWCNTs. No appreciable differences in glass transition temperatures were observed between the pure COC and nanocomposites. On the other hand, CNTs significantly improved the thermo‐oxidative stability of the COC. The nanocomposites showed significant delay in onset of degradation and the degradation temperature was ∼ 40°C higher than that of the pure COC. The nanocomposites also showed substantially higher DC conductivity, which increased with the nanotube concentration and aspect ratio. An increase of DC electrical conductivity over 109 times can be achieved by the addition of 2 wt % CNTs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
An easy‐to‐obtain silicone‐containing flame retardant and its effects on the combustion of polycarbonate
Authors: Ding Liping , Song Rongjun , Li Bin
Published: April 2012

A novel silicone‐containing flame retardant (HSOBA) synthesized from hydrogen‐containing silicone oil and Bisphenol A via a simple approach has been incorporated into polycarbonate (PC) matrix to study its effects on the flame retardancy. The flame retardancy of PC/HSOBA composites is investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning tests (UL‐94), and cone calorimeter measurement. The LOI value of the composites is 31.7 and the UL‐94 rating reaches V‐0, when the content of HSOBA is 3 wt %. Cone calorimeter data confirm that the HSOBA acts as an effective additive functioning both as flame retardants and as smoke suppressant. Evolution of the thermal behaviors of the composites tested by TGA, the morphological structures, and the constituent of char residue after LOI tests characterized by scanning electronic microscopy‐energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis were used to explain the possible flame‐retardant mode. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Sustained release of an antitumoral drug from alginate‐chitosan hydrogel beads and its potential use as colonic drug delivery
Authors: Torelli‐Souza Rebecca R. , Cavalcante Bastos Layanna A. , Nunes Hermano G. L. , Camara Celso A. , Amorim Rosa Valéria S.
Published: April 2012

Few researches are directed at drug delivery systems for β‐lapachone (β‐lap), a powerful anticancer agent but with limited pharmaceutical use. To overcome its limitations, we investigated controlled delivery systems of β‐lap in simulated gastric fluids in vitro from chitosan (CS) and alginate (AL) hydrogel beads with purpose for oral administration. The AL‐CS hydrogel beads were formed by coacervation and were characterized by morphology, swelling ratio, and their physicochemical properties. The hydrogel beads, with sizes of roughly 1 mm, presented good stability, and low porosity. The in vitro drug release profile was in good agreement with kinetics profiles and the Fickian model indicating diffusion as the release mechanism, with low burst effect, especially in an acid medium and allowing a prolonged release of ∼ 72 h (pH 1.2; k2 = 0.19 ± 0.04) and (pH 7.4; k2 = 0.20 ± 0.01). The beads were resistant to the acid medium and may be an alternative for β‐lap therapy of colorectal cancer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Heterocycles 27. Microwave Assisted Synthesis and Antitumour Activity of Novel Phenothiazinyl‐Thiazolyl‐Hydrazine Derivatives
Authors: Ignat Adriana , Lovasz Tamas , Vasilescu Mihai , Fischer‐Fodor Eva , Tatomir Corina Bianca , Cristea Castelia , Silaghi‐Dumitrescu Luminiţa , Zaharia Valentin
Published: April 2012

A series of new phenothiazinyl‐thiazolyl‐hydrazine derivatives were synthesized by Hantzsch cyclization of 1‐(10‐ethyl‐10H‐phenothiazin‐3‐yl)‐methylidene‐thiosemicarbazide with α‐halocarbonyl derivatives. Comparison between classical and microwave assisted synthesis emphasizes the great advantages induced by microwaves irradiation which afforded high reaction yields in much shorter reaction time. Structural assignments were based on spectroscopic methods (high resolution NMR, FTIR, MS). The new compounds were tested in vitro for their antiproliferative activity against tumor cell lines using spectrometric methods. Most of the compounds exhibit cytotoxicity against hepatic and colon tumor cells in a dose‐dependent mode and a relationship between the structure and their biological activity was observed.
2‐Benzazepine Nitrones Protect Dopaminergic Neurons against 6‐Hydroxydopamine‐Induced Oxidative Toxicity
Authors: Soto‐Otero Ramón , Méndez‐Álvarez Estefanía , Sánchez‐Iglesias Sofía , Labandeira‐García José Luís , Rodríguez‐Pallares Jannette , Zubkov Fedor I. , Zaytsev Vladimir P. , Voskressensky Leonid G. , Varlamov Alexey V. , de Candia Modesto , Fiorella Filomena , Altomare Cosimo
Published: April 2012

A number of C‐3 spirocyclic 2‐benzazepine analogs of α‐phenyl‐N‐tert‐butyl nitrone (PBN) were synthesized and tested for their activity in protecting rat brain mitochondria and dopaminergic (DA) neurons against 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA), a toxin inducing destruction of the DA nigro‐striatal pathway in rodent models of Parkinson's disease. The newly synthesized nitrone derivatives were firstly investigated for their activity in decreasing the level of hydroxyl radicals generated during 6‐OHDA oxidation, and inhibit lipid peroxidation (TBARS assay) and protein carbonyl content (PCC) in rat brain mitochondria. Most of the studied 2‐benzazepine nitrones showed inhibitory potencies in both TBARS and PCC assays at least two magnitude orders higher than that of PBN. The data obtained usefully complemented the known structure–activity relationships. In particular, 5 and 10, bearing C‐3 spiro cyclopentyl and tetrahydropyranyl moieties, respectively, at 8 µM concentration proved to be significantly more effective than PBN in protecting cultured DA neurons exposed to 6‐OHDA, which alone causes about 45% cell loss in 24 h. In addition, we found that 5 inhibited butyrylcholinesterase with an IC50 value of 16.8 µM, which would enhance its potential as neuroprotective agent in Alzheimer's neurodegeneration. These findings extend the utility of benzazepine‐based PBN analogs in the treatment of age‐related free radical‐mediated disorders.
Ischemic colitis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Ben‐Dor Itsik , Pichard Augusto D. , Waksman Ron
Published: April 2012

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a novel therapeutic approach for high‐risk patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. The success rate of this new procedure is high; however, it is associated with issues such as vascular access site complications and embolization related to the advancement of a large bore delivery catheter through the femoral and iliac arteries and aortic arch. Using the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve, we describe a case of transfemoral catheter aortic valve implantation complicated by a mobile mass attached to the valve, probable due to atherosclerotic plaque from the aorta. Shortly thereafter, the patient presented with ischemic colitis and subsequently died. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theoretical Study of Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones Catalyzed by Amino Acid‐Derived Rhodium Complexes
Authors: Nordin Mikael , Liao Rong‐Zhen , Ahlford Katrin , Adolfsson Hans , Himo Fahmi
Published: April 2012

Density functional theory calculations are employed to study the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones catalyzed by rhodium–arene complexes containing hydroxamic acid‐functionalized amino acid ligands. Firstly, the ligand–metal binding is investigated and it is shown that both the N,N and O,O binding modes Are viable. For each of these, the full free energy profile for the transfer hydrogenation is calculated according to the outer‐sphere reaction mechanism. Three factors are demonstrated to influence the stereoselectivity of the process, namely the energy difference between the metal–ligand binding modes, the energy difference between the intermediate hydrogenated catalyst, and the existence of a stabilizing CH–π interaction between the Cp* ligand of the catalyst and the phenyl moiety of the substrate. Theoretical reproduction of the selectivity of a slightly modified ligand that is shown experimentally to yield the opposite enantioselectivity corroborates these results. Finally, a technical observation made is that inclusion of dispersion interactions (using the B3LYP‐D2 correction or the M06 functional) proved to be very important for reproducing the enantioselectivity.