bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-Modal Sensory Integration of Visual-Tactile Motion Information: Instrument Design and Human Psychophysics
Authors: Pei Yu-Cheng , Chang Ting-Yu , Lee Tsung-Chi , Saha Sudipta , Lai Hsin-Yi , Gomez-Ramirez Manuel , Chou Shih-Wei , Wong Alice
Published: May 2013

Information obtained from multiple sensory modalities, such as vision and touch, is integrated to yield a holistic percept. As a haptic approach usually involves cross-modal sensory experiences, it is necessary to develop an apparatus that can characterize how a biological system integrates visual-tactile sensory information as well as how a robotic device infers object information emanating from both vision and touch. In the present study, we develop a novel visual-tactile cross-modal integration stimulator that consists of an LED panel to present visual stimuli and a tactile stimulator with three degrees of freedom that can present tactile motion stimuli with arbitrary motion direction, speed, and indentation depth in the skin. The apparatus can present cross-modal stimuli in which the spatial locations of visual and tactile stimulations are perfectly aligned. We presented visual-tactile stimuli in which the visual and tactile directions were either congruent or incongruent, and human observers reported the perceived visual direction of motion. Results showed that perceived direction of visual motion can be biased by the direction of tactile motion when visual signals are weakened. The results also showed that the visual-tactile motion integration follows the rule of temporal congruency of multi-modal inputs, a fundamental property known for cross-modal integration.
Guided immobilisation of single gold nanoparticles by chemical electron beam lithography
Authors: Schaal Patrick A , Simon Ulrich
Published: May 2013

The fabrication of periodic arrays of single metal nanoparticles is of great current interest. In this paper we present a straight-forward three-step procedure based on chemical electron beam lithography, which is capable of producing such arrays with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Preformed 6 nm AuNPs are immobilised on thiol patterns with a pitch of 100 nm by guided self-assembly. Afterwards, these arrays are characterised by using atomic force microscopy.
Camera-enabled techniques for organic synthesis
Authors: Ley Steven V , Ingham Richard J , O’Brien Matthew , Browne Duncan L
Published: May 2013

A great deal of time is spent within synthetic chemistry laboratories on non-value-adding activities such as sample preparation and work-up operations, and labour intensive activities such as extended periods of continued data collection. Using digital cameras connected to computer vision algorithms, camera-enabled apparatus can perform some of these processes in an automated fashion, allowing skilled chemists to spend their time more productively. In this review we describe recent advances in this field of chemical synthesis and discuss how they will lead to advanced synthesis laboratories of the future.
Nuevos registros de la mosca endémica de la nieve Chionea (Spaeconopilus) pyrenaea (Bourne, 1981) y actualización de la distribución de las especies de mosca de nieve en los Pirineos
Authors: D’Amico F. , Oosterbroek P.
Published: May 2013

Las moscas sin alas del género Chionea spp son artrópodos especializados de la fauna supranivea, de los cuales se tiene escasa información ecológica. De las siete especies europeas del subgénero Chionea (Sphaeconophilus), se sabe que al menos cuatro se distribuirían en los Pirineos: C. pyrenaea Bourne 1981, C. bezzii Oosterbroek & Reusch 2008, C. alpina Bezzi 1908 and C. lutescens Lundström 1907. Las dos últimas serían, posiblemente, endémicas ya que están descritas en una única localización y solamente individuos macho. En este trabajo hemos ilustrado por primera vez el habitus de la hembra de C. pyrenaea proporcionando además una distribución actualizada de las moscas alpinas en los Pirineos. En el contexto futuro de una subida generalizada de las temperaturas y una reducción de la cubierta de la profundidad y duración de la cubierta de nieve, estos resultados indican la vulnerabilidad de estas especies al cambio climático.
Primeras jornadas Iperinas: presentación de nuevas líneas de investigación del Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (CSIC)
Authors: Pardo I. , Aranbarri J. , Barreiro F. , Bravo P. A. , Chaparro H. A. , Comín F. , Corriá R. , Español C. , Felipe-Lucía M. , Frugone M. , García-García M. , García-Prieto E. , Gil-Romera G. , Gimeno I. , Lasheras L. , Moreno A. , Palacio S. , Pérez-Sanz A. , Pironon S. , Pueyo Y. , Reig F. , Saiz H. , Sangüesa-Barreda G. , Tarrats P. , Zabalza J. , Revuelto J.
Published: May 2013

En diciembre de 2012, se celebraron las primeras Jornadas IPErinas, reunión que permitió compartir al personal del Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (CSIC), muchos de los trabajos de investigación que actualmente se están llevando a cabo por los distintos grupos del centro. Estas Jornadas surgieron de la necesidad de compartir y difundir los principales objetivos y resultados más relevantes de nuevas líneas de investigación desarrolladas actualmente en el centro, como parte fundamental de la comunicación científica y transferencia de conocimiento a la sociedad. Bajo estas líneas, se presenta una reseña de la las primeras Jornadas IPErinas, a través de un breve resumen de las charlas presentadas.
Plutarque contre Colotès contre Empédocle
Authors: Gigandet Alain
Published: May 2013

In the section of Against Colotes
dedicated to the polemic that the Epicurean, in his writing, developed
against Empedocles, Plutarch uses what he considers a bad procedure to
traverse the area of dialectic and to arrive at that of the principles
of Atomist physics, whose incoherence he feigns to demonstrate.
Parmenide e Platone (e Aristotele) nel Contro Colote di Plutarco
Authors: Bonazzi Mauro
Published: May 2013

The chapters dedicated to
Parmenides and Plato play a decisive role in the composition strategy
of the Adversus
Colotem, since this is where Plutarch most clearly defines the
background dualist thesis that will help demonstrate that Platonism is
superior to Epicurism. By showing Parmenides too as a dualist engaged
in distinguishing between the sensible and the intelligible world,
Plutarch structures a history of ancient philosophy entirely focused
on Plato. These chapters also bear witness of another centre of
interest, namely Aristoteles (§ 14), who, despite the criticism he
aimed at the theory of ideas, is not completely refuted, but rather
used as a possible ally against epicurean materialists, Plutarch’s
true bête noire.
È realmente esistita una polemica tra Arcesilao e la scuola epicurea?
Authors: Corti Aurora
Published: May 2013

Lo scopo del presente lavoro è cercare di ricostruire il dibattito intercorso tra la scuola epicurea e l’Accademia scettica nel III secolo a.C. Si prenderà in esame una sezione dell’Adversus Colotem plutarcheo (1121E-1122F), che si presenta come una testimonianza particolarmente significativa a favore dell’effettiva esistenza di tale dibattito. Si concentrerà l’attenzione non tanto sulle questioni in gioco in tale dibattito – alle quali si faranno alcuni accenni, ma su cui esiste un’ampia letteratura – quanto piuttosto su aspetti propriamente storiografici: dall’individuare il promotore di tale polemica alle ragioni che la fecero nascere. Rispondendo a questi quesiti sarà possibile mostrare che l’originalità del pensiero di Colote merita di essere maggiormente valorizzata, anche perché Colote svolse all’interno dell’Epicureismo un ruolo importante proprio come iniziatore della polemica antiscettica.
Myxofibrosarcoma: A Diagnostic Pitfall
Authors: Castronovo Charlotte , Arrese Jorge E. , Quatresooz Pascale , Nikkels Arjen F.
Published: May 2013

Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) is a variant of the group of malignant fibrous histiocytomas. It is one of the most aggressive types of soft tissue neoplasms. The clinical presentation is not pathognomonic and the histological aspects are highly heterogenous, frequently delaying the diagnosis or leading to misdiagnosis. Complementary histochemical and immunohistochemical stainings are mandatory to achieve the diagnosis of MFS. A 78-year-old male patient is presented illustrating this diagnostic pitfall. Extensive surgery followed by radiotherapy is the first choice treatment.
Two- and 3-Dimensional Knee Valgus Are Reduced After an Exercise Intervention in Young Adults With Demonstrable Valgus During Squatting
Authors: Bell David R. , Oates D. Craig , Clark Micheal A. , Padua Darin A.
Published: May 2013

Context:

Two-dimensional (or medial knee displacement [MKD]) and 3-dimensional (3D) knee valgus are theorized to contribute to anterior cruciate ligament injuries. However, whether these displacements can be improved in the double-legged squat (DLS) after an exercise intervention is unclear.

Objective:

To determine if MKD and 3D knee valgus are improved in a DLS after an exercise intervention.

Design:

 Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Setting:

Research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

A total of 32 participants were enrolled in this study and were randomly assigned to the control (n = 16) or intervention (n = 16) group. During a DLS, all participants demonstrated knee valgus that was corrected with a heel lift.

Intervention(s):

 The intervention group completed 10 sessions of directed exercise that focused on hip and ankle strength and flexibility over a 2- to 3-week period.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

We assessed MKD and 3D knee valgus during the DLS using an electromagnetic tracking system. Hip strength and ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion were measured. Change scores were calculated for MKD and 3D valgus at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% phases, and group (2 levels)-by phase (6 levels) repeated-measures analyses of variance were conducted. Independent t tests were used to compare change scores in other variables (α < .05).

Results:

The MKD decreased from 20% to 50% of the DLS (P = .02) and 3D knee valgus improved from 30% to 50% of the squat phase (P = .001). Ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion (knee extended) increased in the intervention group (P = .009). No other significant findings were observed (P > .05).

Conclusions:

 The intervention reduced MKD and 3D knee valgus during a DLS. The intervention also increased ankle range of motion. Our inclusion criteria might have limited our ability to observe changes in hip strength.
The ‘enemy within’ the post-Vatican II Roman Catholic Church
Authors: Duncan Graham A.
Published: May 2013

The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) is regarded as one of the most significant processes in the ecumenical church history of the 20th century. At that time, a younger generation of Roman Catholic theologians began to make their mark in the church and within the ecumenical theological scene. Their work provided an ecumenical bridge between the Reforming and the Roman Catholic ecclesiastical traditions, notwithstanding the subsequent negative response of the Roman church hierarchy. Despite important advances, recent pontificates significantly altered the theological landscape and undermined much of the enthusiasm and commitment to unity. Roman Catholic theological dissent provided common ground for theological reflection. Those regarded as the ‘enemy within’ have become respected colleagues in the search for truth in global ecclesiastical perspective. This article will use the distinction between the history and the narratives of Vatican II.
Disasters in ‘development’ contexts: Contradictions and options for a preventive approach
Authors: Hewitt Kenneth
Published: May 2013

The relations of development and disaster offer a starting point for an overview of disaster risk reduction (DRR) in African contexts. A social vulnerability approach is adopted with its goal of improving conditions for persons and places most at risk. However, this approach faces serious contradictions in both the disasters and development scenes. Disaster events and losses have grown exponentially in recent decades. So have advances in disaster-related knowledge and the institutions and material resources devoted to disaster management. Evidently, the latter have not reduced disaster incidence or over all losses. Similar contradictions appear in development. By some measures, in most developing countries the economy has grown much faster than population. Yet, indebtedness, unemployment and insecurity seem worse in many countries. Poverty, the avowed target, remains huge in urban, peri-urban and rural areas singled out by disaster losses. Problems also arise from separate treatment of development and disaster. Climate change and the global financial crises challenge some of the most basic assumptions. The promise of ‘developed nations’, built around massive use of fossil fuels, puts global and African economic growth on a collision course with environmental calamity. The 2008 financial crisis has undermined the safety of global majorities, as well as reliance on development assistance. The case for alternatives in development and DRR is reinforced, including the vulnerability-reducing responses highlighted in the Hyogo framework for action. However, this is being undermined by a return to a civil defence-type approach, an increasingly militarised, and for-profit, focus on emergency management.
Unity-in-multiplicity as structural framework in the poetry of T.T. Cloete, with emphasis on volume construction
Authors: Odendaal Bernardus J.
Published: May 2013

Close-knitted coherence or iconic ‘co-communicativity’ is an outstanding characteristic of 20th–century poetry, and the oeuvre of Afrikaans poet T.T. Cloete. This characteristic, which has also become a dominant literary reading convention, is not only manifested on the micro- and intermediate textual levels, but also on the macrotextual (on the level of poetry volume construction). In Afrikaans, compared to what has happened in a language like Dutch, relatively vibrant and profound theorising on poetry volume construction has occurred. Raidt’s 1962 dissertation and Strydom’s 1976 thesis serve as two of the landmarks in the Afrikaans literary field in this regard. T.T. Cloete, apparently, has played a mediating role in this theorising process. In this article, an overview was given of the manifestation of ‘co-communicativity’ on the micro-, intermediate and macro-textual levels of Cloete’s own poetry oeuvre. It is viewed as a poetic iconisation of the way in which God makes himself known through the phenomenon of dynamic earthly and cosmic unityin- diversity (as perceived by Cloete). The focus was on characteristic ways of poetry volume construction by Cloete. It is concluded that his poetry oeuvre primarily takes on a series construction character, and that it is provisionally to be divided into three groups of three volumes each – but which, seen as a three-deckered whole, also showed a certain cyclic nature because of the ‘narrative’ it thereby embodies.
Spatial variation of epoxyscillirosidine concentrations in Moraea pallida (yellow tulp) in South Africa
Authors: Botha Christo J. , Coetser Heleen , Schultz Rowena A. , Labuschagne Leonie , Van der Merwe Deon
Published: May 2013

Moraea pallida (yellow tulp) poisoning is economically the most important intoxication of livestock in South Africa. Poisoning varies according to locality, climatic conditions and growth stage of the plant. The primary objective of this study was to determine the concentration of the toxic principle, epoxyscillirosidine, in yellow tulp leaves and to ascertain the variability of epoxyscillirosidine concentrations within and between different locations. A secondary objective was to utilise Geographic Information Systems in an attempt to explain the variability in toxicity. Flowering yellow tulp plants were collected at 26 sampling points across 20 districts of South Africa. The leaves of five plants per sampling point were extracted and submitted for liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. A large variation in mean epoxyscillirosidine concentrations, ranging from 3.32 μg/g – 238.27 μg/g, occurred between different geographical regions. The epoxyscillirosidine concentrations also varied tremendously between individual plants (n= 5) collected at the same sampling point, with up to a 24 times difference between the lowest and highest concentration detected. No generalised correlation between epoxyscillirosidine concentrations and soil elemental concentrations could be established. However, samples obtained from the north-eastern part of the sampling region tended to have higher epoxyscillirosidine concentrations compared to samples obtained from the south-western part of the sampling region. Higher toxin concentrations in the northeast were associated with statistically significant higher soil concentrations of iron, bismuth, bromide, cadmium, chromium, rubidium, tellurium, thallium, titanium and zinc, whilst soil concentrations of strontium and soil pH, were significantly lower. This study corroborated the contention that epoxyscillirosidine concentration in yellow tulp fluctuates and may explain the variability in toxicity.
Diagnostic accuracy of urinary reagent strip to determine cerebrospinal fluid chemistry and cellularity
Authors: Joshi Deepti , Kundana Keerthi , Puranik Apurva , Joshi Rajnish
Published: May 2013

Background: The gold standard for diagnosis of meningitis depends on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination by microscopy, biochemistry, and culture, which require an experienced microscopist and laboratory support. We conducted this study to determine if urinary reagent strip is useful to make a semi‑quantitative assessment of protein, glucose, and presence of leukocyte esterase in CSF. Materials and Methods: All consecutive CSF samples were evaluated in a blinded fashion. CSF was tested using Combur‑10 urinary reagent strip as an index test, and CSF microscopy and biochemistry as reference standards. Combur‑10 (Boehringer Mannheim) is a urinary reagent strip used to estimate ten parameters including protein, glucose, and leukocytes. We estimated diagnostic accuracy of each index test using corresponding cut‑off levels (glucose 1 + vs. CSF glucose >50 mg/dL; protein 1 + and 2 + vs. CSF protein >30 mg/dL and >100 mg/dL; leukocyte esterase positivity vs. >10 granulocytes in CSF sample). We constructed receiver operating curves (ROC) to evaluate overall performance of index tests and estimated area under the curve (AUC). Results: CSF samples of 75 patients were included in the study. All the three indicator tests (CSF cells, protein, and glucose) were normal in 17 (22.6%) samples. Of the three tests, diagnostic accuracy of protein estimation (1 + or more on reagent strip) was best for detection of CSF proteins greater than 30 mg/dL [sensitivity 98.1% (95% CI 90.1-100%); specificity 57.1% (95% CI 34-78.2%)], with AUC of 0.97. Sensitivity and specificity for 2 + on reagent strip and CSF protein > 100 mg/dL were 92.6% (95% CI 75.1-99.1) and 87.5% (95% CI 74.8-95.3), respectively, with AUC of 0.96 (95% CI 0.92-1.01). Leukocyte esterase positivity by test strip had a sensitivity of 85.2 (95% CI 66.3-95.8%) and specificity of 89.6 (95% CI 77.3-96.5%) for detection of CSF granulocytes of more than 10/mm3. Conclusion: Existing urinary reagent strips can be used to diagnose meningitis in low‑resource settings.
Cytologic diagnosis of undifferentiated high grade pleomorphic sarcoma of breast presenting with brain metastasis
Authors: Chakrabarti Indranil , Ghosh Nilanjana , Giri Amita
Published: May 2013

Primary sarcoma of breast are rare. Diagnosis by aspiration cytology is difficult due to nonspecific cytomorphologic features. An initial presentation with neurological symptoms due to metastasis of breast sarcoma to the brain has not been previously reported. Here, we describe a case of a 60‑year-old female who presented with headache, dizziness and convulsion and was subsequently diagnosed with undifferentiated high grade pleomorphic sarcoma of breast with cerebellar metastasis.
Genital self-mutilation in an attempt of suicide by a patient with a borderline personality
Authors: Aalouane Rachid , Rammouz Ismail , Hafidi Hicham , Boujraf Saïd
Published: May 2013

Self‑mutilation acts are known to characterize the borderline personality disorders. However, voluntary cutting of the male genital organ remains extremely rare. The present paper reports a case of a 25‑years‑old young male with a borderline personality. The patient committed a genital self‑mutilation (GSM) targeting suicide during incarceration stage in jail. In addition, a discussion of the epidemiological and psychopathological aspects of the self‑mutilation of borderline patients was been conducted. A particular interest is attributed to the genital self‑mutilation and a review of the literature is presented.
Challenges in care of the child with special health care needs in a resource limited environment
Authors: Eseigbe Edwin Ehi , Taju Nuhu Folorunsho , Lateef Sheikh Taiwo
Published: May 2013

To identify challenges encountered in the care of children with special health care needs in a resource limited environment a 10 year‑old child with a diagnosis of Tuberous Sclerosis was studied. Challenges identified were in: making a definitive diagnosis, provision of adequate care, cost of care, meeting parental expectations and accessing community support for the child and family. Available specialist health care and related services, including community rehabilitation, were provided for the child and family. The study highlights the need for improved community awareness, development in the provision of specialist health care services and institution of governmental policies that identify, support and protect children with special health care needs.
A rare case of an extra.axial cavernous angioma in the cerebellopontine angle
Authors: Ghanta Rajesh K. , Tangella Perumallu , Koti Kalyan , Dandamudi Srinivas
Published: May 2013

Intracranial extra‑axial cavernous angiomas are rare lesions. We report a rare case of extra‑axial cavernous angioma in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) in a 50‑year‑old male, who presented with lower cranial nerve palsy and gait ataxia. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain showed a hyperdense lesion in the left cerebellopontine angle. The lesion was totally excised by the retrosigmoid approach and a pathological examination confirmed the lesion to be a cavernous angioma. Following surgery, the lower cranial nerve palsy recovered significantly
An unusual extra‑axial hypodense lesion mimicking a chronic subdural haematoma
Authors: Ramnarayan R , Anilkumar T V , Nayar Rani
Published: May 2013

A 59-year-old man was found on the road with multiple injuries. CT scan showed a hypodense extra axial lesion in the left fronto‑temporal region suggestive of chronic subdural haematoma. He was treated conservatively but did not improve. He underwent craniectomy after lesion was shown to be increasing in size, only solid tissue was seen which was not biopsied. Patient made good recovery after steroids were put on. He deteriorated again 6 weeks later and radiology showed the frontal lesion without involvement of the brain and with minimal enhancement and mass effect. He underwent biopsy decompression of the lesion with steroids, post‑operatively he improved well, but deteriorated when the steroids were tapered. Histopathology report was Non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma. No primary was found and the patient died during oncology treatment. This illustrates manifestation of primary dural lymphoma radiologically mimicking chronic subdural haematoma, another common disorder.
Unilateral asterixis, thalamic astasia and vertical one and half syndrome in a unilateral posterior thalamo‑subthalamic paramedian infarct: An interesting case report
Authors: Ramakrishnan Subasree , Narayanaswamy Veera Rajkumar
Published: May 2013

A 42-year-old young lady presented with acute onset of dizziness, drooping of left eye with binocular diplopia and inability to walk unassisted. She had past history of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and hypertension. On examination, she had left fascicular type of third nerve palsy, vertical one and half syndrome (VOHS), left internuclear ophthalmoplegia and skew deviation with ipsilesional hypertropia. She also had thalamic astasia and right unilateral asterixis. Her MRI revealed T2 and Flair hyper intense signal changes with restricted diffusion in the left thalamus, subthalamus and left midbrain. MR Angiography was normal. Thalamic‑subthalamic paramedian territory infarct is relatively uncommon. It can present with oculomotor abnormalities including vertical one and half syndrome, skew deviation, thalamic astasia and asterixis. This case is reported for the rarity of the presenting clinical findings in unilateral thalamo‑mesencephalic infarcts.
Lower motor neuron facial palsy in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
Authors: Kulkarni Girish Baburao , Ravi Yadav , Nagaraja Dindigur , Veerendrakumar Mustare
Published: May 2013

With advances in the neuro‑imaging modalities, diverse manifestations of the cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) are being recognized. There are very few reports of isolated cranial nerve palsies in CVT. In this case report, we describe a patient of lower motor neuron facial palsy with CVT who was successfully treated with anticoagulation, highlighting the atypical manifestation of the disease.
An Uncommon Case of Neurofibromatosis Type 2: A Tribute to the Intracranial Calcifications
Authors: Ozgür Anıl , Karaman Yasemin , Apaydin Feramuz Demır , Duce Meltem Nass
Published: May 2013

Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) is a genetic disorder associated with schwannomas, meningiomas, and ependymomas. Intracranial calcifications, either tumoral or non-tumoral, are relatively lesser known features of NF2. Here, we present a case of NF2, in which the diagnosis was suspected due to the presence of choroid plexus and subependymal calcifications, although no obvious schwannoma or meningioma was detected initially on standard computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. This case highlights the importance of further evaluation with appropriate imaging techniques.
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection alters enzymatic and ultrastructural features of peripheral blood monocytes
Authors: Gabali Ali M , Jazaerly Tarek , Cleveland Ronald , Kass Lawrence
Published: May 2013

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infected monocytes are now believed to serve as a reservoir for HIV-1 infection, and to play a role in viral rebound phenomena in certain groups of patients who failed or stopped highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).Data characterizing the morphological changes of peripheral blood monocytes in HIV-1-infected individuals are limited. Materials and Methods: In this study, we collected monocytes from 21 asymptomatic HIV-1-infected individuals with CD4 count more than 500 cells/mm 3 and healthy individuals. The monocytes ultrastructural morphologic changes and α-naphthyl butyrate esterase (ANBE) activity were compared between the two groups. Results: In monocytes from patients infected with HIV-1, activity of α?naphthyl butyrate esterase?(ANBE) was markedly increased compared with normal monocytes. In both light microscopic and ultrastructural studies, the cytoplasm of monocytes from HIV?1?infected patients contained a haphazard appearing network of thin fibrils. Cell surface expression of the activation marker HLA?DR molecule was upregulated. There were no discernible differences between the cell surface expression of CD4, CD14, and CD16 molecules comparing normal monocytes to those from HIV?1?infected patients. -naphthyl butyrate esterase (ANBE) was markedly increased compared with normal monocytes. In both light microscopic and ultrastructural studies, the cytoplasm of monocytes from HIV-1-infected patients contained a haphazard appearing network of thin fibrils. Cell surface expression of the activation marker HLA-DR molecule was upregulated. There were no discernible differences between the cell surface expression of CD4, CD14, and CD16 molecules comparing normal monocytes to those from HIV-1-infected patients. Conclusions: Possibly, changes in the activity of ANBE along with a disrupted appearing cytoplasmic fibril network contribute to monocyte dysfunction in HIV-1-infected patients.
Western and Islamic bioethics: How close is the gap?
Authors: Chamsi-Pasha Hassan , Albar Mohammed Ali
Published: May 2013

The relation between Islam and medicine has been described as intimate. Muslims are expected to be moderate and balanced in all matters, including health. Islamic law is based on a complete system of morality that can provide a moral context in medicine from a legal perspective. Islamic teaching is also very flexible and adaptable to many new and novel situations. Islamic Ethics also upholds "the four principles" of biomedical ethics proposed by Beauchamp and Childress. Several authors claim that the roots of these principles are clearly identifiable in Islamic teachings. However, there are some differences in the applications of these principles. This article shed light on the roots of the four principles in Islamic teachings and elaborates on the differences between Islamic and contemporary western bioethics.
Red discoloration of urine caused by Serratia rubidae: A rare case
Authors: Kumar Simit , Bandyopadhyay Maitreyi , Chatterjee Mitali , Mukhopadhyay Prabir , Pal Suranjan , Poddar Sumon , Banerjee Parthajit
Published: May 2013

There have been only a few reported human cases of infections caused by Serratia rubidae in literature. Among these sparse cases there is only one reported case of urinary tract infection (UTI) due to S. rubidae in literature. The organism is known to produce a red pigment known as prodigiosin. We report a case of UTI caused by S. rubidae in a diabetic patient who presented with burning micturition and reddish discoloration of urine, which on laboratory diagnosis, was proved to be due to the reddish pigment produced by the organism. This case report highlights that this rare organism might be associated with UTI leading to reddish discoloration of urine.
Renal artery embolization for managing uncontrolled hypertension in a kidney transplant candidate
Authors: Alhamid Naji , Alterky Hani , Othman Mohammad Imad
Published: May 2013

We report a case of pre-operative bilateral renal artery embolization to control the resistant and malignant hypertension in a patient prepared for kidney transplantation. A 34-year-old man with end-stage renal disease as a result of the focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and uncontrolled hypertension that precluded the transplantation surgery and the patient′s post-transplant blood pressure and the renal function remained within normal limits following the transplant for 6 months of follow-up.
Initial carbon dynamics of perennial grassland conversion for annual cropping in Manitoba
Authors: Fraser Trevor J. , Amiro Brian D.
Published: May 2013

Fraser, T. J. and Amiro, B. D. 2013. Initial carbon dynamics of perennial grassland conversion for annual cropping in Manitoba. Can. J. Soil Sci. 93: 379–391. Sequestering atmospheric carbon in agricultural soil is an attractive option for mitigation of rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. Perennial crops are more likely to gain carbon whereas annual crops are more likely to lose carbon. A pair of eddy covariance towers were set up near Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada, to measure the carbon dioxide flux over adjacent paired perennial grass hay fields with high soil organic carbon. A Treatment field was converted to annual cropping by spraying with herbicide, cutting and tilling. A Control field was cut, but allowed to re-grow. Differences in net ecosystem productivity between the fields were mainly caused by a loss of gross primary productivity in the Treatment field; ecosystem respiration was similar for both fields. When biomass removals and manure applications are included in the carbon budget, the Treatment field lost 149 g C m−2 whereas the Control field sequestered 96 g C m−2, for a net difference of 245 g C m−2 over the June to December period (210 d). This suggests that perennial grass converted for annual cropping can lose more carbon than perennial grassland can sequester in a season.
Crop yield and soil fertility as affected by papermill biosolids and liming by-products
Authors: Ziadi Noura , Gagnon Bernard , Nyiraneza Judith
Published: May 2013

Ziadi, N., Gagnon, B. and Nyiraneza, J. 2013. Crop yield and soil fertility as affected by papermill biosolids and liming by-products. Can. J. Soil Sci. 93: 319–328. Papermill biosolids (PB) in combination with alkaline industrial residuals could benefit agricultural soils while diverting these biosolids from landfill. A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the effect of three types of PB at rates of 0, 30, and 60 wet Mg ha−1, as well as five liming by-products at 3 wet Mg ha−1 along with 30 Mg PB ha−1 on crop yield, nutrient accumulation, and soil properties. De-inking paper biosolids (DB, C/N of 65) were applied to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], and two combined PB (PB1, C/N of 31; and PB2, C/N of 14) were applied to dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), respectively. The liming by-products included lime mud (LM), wood ash (WA) from paper mills, commercial calcitic lime (CL), Mg dissolution by-product (MgD), and Mg smelting and electrolysis work (MgSE). Compared with the control, PB2 increased barley yield and total Mg and Na accumulation, and both PB increased plant N, P, and Ca accumulation in barley and dry bean. The impact of DB on soybean was limited. The addition of liming by-products to PB or DB did not affect crop attributes except the combination with MgSE, which severely reduced the growth of dry bean and, to a lesser extent, soybean. Soil NO3-N was immobilized following DB application, whereas there was a net release with both PB. Combining PB and liming by-products produced the greatest changes in soil properties at harvest. Generally, LM and CL raised pH and Mehlich-3 Ca, and MgSE caused a strong increase in Mehlich-3 Mg and Na and water-soluble Cl. When used with appropriate crops, biosolids from paper mills and alkaline residuals other than MgSE can efficiently enhance soil fertility by providing organic C and macronutrients for balanced crop fertilization.
Palaeoclimatological perspective on river basin hydrometeorology: case of the Mekong Basin
Authors: Räsänen T. A. , Lehr C. , Mellin I. , Ward P. J. , Kummu M.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Globally, there have been many extreme weather events in recent decades. A challenge has been to determine whether these extreme weather events have increased in number and intensity compared to the past. This challenge is made more difficult due to the lack of long-term instrumental data, particularly in terms of river discharge, in many regions including Southeast Asia. Thus our main aim in this paper is to develop a river basin scale approach for assessing interannual hydrometeorological and discharge variability on long, palaeological, time scales. For the development of the basin-wide approach, we used the Mekong River basin as a case study area, although the approach is also intended to be applicable to other basins. Firstly, we derived a basin-wide Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) from the Monsoon Asia Drought Atlas (MADA). Secondly, we compared the basin-wide PDSI with measured discharge to validate our approach. Thirdly, we used basin-wide PDSI to analyse the hydrometeorology and discharge of the case study area over the study period of 1300–2005. For the discharge-MADA comparison and hydrometeorological analyses, we used methods such as linear correlations, smoothing, moving window variances, Levene type tests for variances, and wavelet analyses. We found that the developed basin-wide approach based on MADA can be used for assessing long-term average conditions and interannual variability for river basin hydrometeorology and discharge. It provides a tool for studying interannual discharge variability on a palaeological time scale, and therefore the approach contributes to a better understanding of discharge variability during the most recent decades. Our case study revealed that the Mekong has experienced exceptional levels of interannual variability during the post-1950 period, which could not be observed in any other part of the study period. The increased variability was found to be at least partly associated with increased El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) activity.
Impacts of climate change on the seasonality of low flows in 134 catchments in the River Rhine basin using an ensemble of bias-corrected regional climate simulations
Authors: Demirel M. C. , Booij M. J. , Hoekstra A. Y.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. The impacts of climate change on the seasonality of low flows are analysed for 134 sub-catchments covering the River Rhine basin upstream of the Dutch–German border. Three seasonality indices for low flows are estimated, namely seasonality ratio (SR), weighted mean occurrence day (WMOD) and weighted persistence (WP). These indices are related to the discharge regime, timing and variability in timing of low flow events respectively. The three indices are estimated from: (1) observed low flows; (2) simulated low flows by the semi distributed HBV model using observed climate; (3) simulated low flows using simulated inputs from seven climate scenarios for the current climate (1964–2007); (4) simulated low flows using simulated inputs from seven climate scenarios for the future climate (2063–2098) including different emission scenarios. These four cases are compared to assess the effects of the hydrological model, forcing by different climate models and different emission scenarios on the three indices. The seven climate scenarios are based on different combinations of four General Circulation Models (GCMs), four Regional Climate Models (RCMs) and three greenhouse gas emission scenarios. Significant differences are found between cases 1 and 2. For instance, the HBV model is prone to overestimate SR and to underestimate WP and simulates very late WMODs compared to the estimated WMODs using observed discharges. Comparing the results of cases 2 and 3, the smallest difference is found in the SR index, whereas large differences are found in the WMOD and WP indices for the current climate. Finally, comparing the results of cases 3 and 4, we found that SR has decreased substantially by 2063–2098 in all seven subbasins of the River Rhine. The lower values of SR for the future climate indicate a shift from winter low flows (SR > 1) to summer low flows (SR < 1) in the two Alpine subbasins. The WMODs of low flows tend to be earlier than for the current climate in all subbasins except for the Middle Rhine and Lower Rhine subbasins. The WP values are slightly larger, showing that the predictability of low flow events increases as the variability in timing decreases for the future climate. From comparison of the uncertainty sources evaluated in this study, it is obvious that the RCM/GCM uncertainty has the largest influence on the variability in timing of low flows for future climate.
Urban micro-scale flood risk estimation with parsimonious hydraulic modelling and census data
Authors: Arrighi C. , Brugioni M. , Castelli F. , Franceschini S. , Mazzanti B.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. The adoption of 2007/60/EC Directive requires European countries to implement flood hazard and flood risk maps by the end of 2013. Flood risk is the product of flood hazard, vulnerability and exposure, all three to be estimated with comparable level of accuracy. The route to flood risk assessment is consequently much more than hydraulic modelling of inundation, that is hazard mapping. While hazard maps have already been implemented in many countries, quantitative damage and risk maps are still at a preliminary level. A parsimonious quasi-2-D hydraulic model is here adopted, having many advantages in terms of easy set-up. It is here evaluated as being accurate in flood depth estimation in urban areas with a high-resolution and up-to-date Digital Surface Model (DSM). The accuracy, estimated by comparison with marble-plate records of a historic flood in the city of Florence, is characterized in the downtown's most flooded area by a bias of a very few centimetres and a determination coefficient of 0.73. The average risk is found to be about 14 € m−2 yr−1, corresponding to about 8.3% of residents' income. The spatial distribution of estimated risk highlights a complex interaction between the flood pattern and the building characteristics. As a final example application, the estimated risk values have been used to compare different retrofitting measures. Proceeding through the risk estimation steps, a new micro-scale potential damage assessment method is proposed. This is based on the georeferenced census system as the optimal compromise between spatial detail and open availability of socio-economic data. The results of flood risk assessment at the census section scale resolve most of the risk spatial variability, and they can be easily aggregated to whatever upper scale is needed given that they are geographically defined as contiguous polygons. Damage is calculated through stage–damage curves, starting from census data on building type and function, for the main categories in the study area: structures, household contents and commercial contents. This method is tested in the area of the St. Croce district in Florence, one of the most seriously affected in the famous 1966 flood.
Monitoring water accumulation in a glacier using magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Legchenko A. , Vincent C. , Baltassat J. M. , Girard J. F. , Thibert E. , Gagliardini O. , Descloitres M. , Gilbert A. , Garambois S. , Chevalier A. , Guyard H.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Tête Rousse is a small polythermal glacier located in the Mont Blanc area (French Alps) at an altitude of 3100 to 3300 m. Recent accumulation of melt water in the glacier was assumed to occur, but such accumulation had yet to be confirmed. Using Surface Nuclear Magnetic Resonance imaging (3-D-SNMR), we showed that the temperate part of the Tête Rousse glacier contains two separate water-filled caverns (central and upper caverns). In 2009, the central cavern contained about 55 000 m3 of water. Since 2010, the cavern is drained every year. Using 3-D-SNMR, we monitored the changes caused by this pumping in the water distribution within the glacier body. Twice a year, we carried out magnetic resonance imaging of the entire glacier and estimated the volume of water accumulated in the central cavern. Our results show the changes in cavern geometry and recharge rate: in two years, the central cavern lost about 73% of its initial volume, but 65% were lost in one year after the first pumping. We also observed that, after being drained, the cavern was recharged at an average rate of 20 to 25 m3 d−1 over the winter months and 120 to 180 m3 d−1 in summer. These observations illustrate how ice and water may refill englacial volume being emptied by artificial draining. Comparison of the 3-D-SNMR results with those obtained by drilling and pumping showed a very good correspondence, confirming the high reliability of 3-D-SNMR imaging.
Book Review: Julia Kristeva, The Severed Head: Capital Visions
Authors: McLennan Matthew R
Published: May 2013

The following reviews Kristeva's 2011 text on artistic, cultural, and political uses of images of severed heads.
Kristeva's Thérèse: Mysticism and Modernism
Authors: Bové Carol Mastrangelo
Published: May 2013

This essay focuses on Julia Kristeva’s recent volume Thérèse mon amour:  Sainte Thérèse d’Avila (2008), describing and placing this blend of novel, play, psychoanalytic cultural theory, and case history in the context of her work.  I argue that the volume contributes to an understanding of religion’s impact—especially Catholic mysticism--on Western categories of women.  I address in particular Thérèse’s mysticism and modernist use of a feminine figure to subvert practices threatening the vitality of the psyche and of social relations.  As in Kristeva’s earlier writing, her psychoanalytic approach to Catholicism’s influence continues to raise questions concerning the apparent stereotypes the approach may feed, especially that of the masochistic woman.
Julia Kristeva's Voyage in the Thérèsian Continent: The Malady of Love and the Enigma of an Incarnated, Shareable, Smiling Imaginary
Authors: Margaroni Maria
Published: May 2013

Drawing on Julia Kristeva's amorous dialogue with Therese in Therese, mon amour, her third volume on the powers and limits of psychoanalysis (La haine et le pardon), and Cet incroyable besoin de croire, my aim in this essay is to unpack Kristeva's theory of sublimation which, I suggest, Therese helps her elaborate, enrich and complicate. In particular, I focus on Kristeva's foregrounding of the mediating role of language in the sublimatory process and her rethinking of the experience and stakes of sublimation in light of what has been discussed as the central problematic of the baroque: namely, the blurring of the distinction between appearance and reality and the uninhibited celebration of illusion. As I demonstrate, this problematic and Therese's unique response to it are most important for Kristeva since they enable her to raise questions which carry her beyond her previous treatments of sublimation. These questions relate to the amorous source of the imaginary; the dynamic established between idealization and sublimation; the dangers of an unbridled imaginary; the uncomfortable residue of matter and the body; the dialectic between finitude and infinity, unity and multiplicity.
Stockholm: Going Beyond the Human through Dance
Authors: Kristeva Julia
Published: May 2013

I will then uphold that new political actors are incarnating and realizing this refoundation of humanism which the globalized world  direly needs.  I take as examples two of these experiences which cruelly lack a means of expression in today’s codes of humanism: adolescents in want of ideals and maternal passion at the cross-roads of biology and meaning. At these crossroads of body and meaning, of biology and sublimation it is perhaps dance more than other trans-linguistic experience that informs and accompanies the process of transhumanisation as it counters the crisis and exceeds the impending threat of apocalypse.
Kenosis, Economy, Inscription
Authors: Miller Elaine
Published: May 2013

Part of a roundtable on Julia Kristeva's The Severed Head:  Chapters Five and Six of Julia Kristeva’s The Severed Head
Review Essay: Daniel W. Smith, Essays on Deleuze
Authors: Noe Kenneth
Published: May 2013

A review essay of Daniel W. Smith, Essays on Deleuze (Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press,  2012).
Review Essay: Suzanne Césaire, The Great Camouflage: Writings of Dissent (1941-1945)
Authors: Jeffers Chike
Published: May 2013

Review of a recently published collection of the complete writings of Suzanne Césaire, arguing that it is an important moment for the emerging field of Afro-Caribbean philosophy.