bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the methanol leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus in some laboratory animals
Authors: Ofuegbe Sunday Oluwaseun , Adedapo Adeolu Alex , Adeyemi Abiodun Adegoke 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background:
Phyllanthus amarus is used in Nigeria and other parts of the world as a medicinal plant. The plant has a history of use in Ayurvedic medicine for over 2000 years as well as a wide variety of traditional applications. It is being evaluated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential because these phenomena have assumed a worldwide dimension as a result of their implications in a variety of diseases.

Methods: The methanol extract of the leaves of P. amarus was investigated for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in Wistar strain albino rats and mice using carrageenan-induced inflammation as well as histamine-induced edema. The analgesic effect was determined using acetic acid writhing method and formalin-induced paw lick test. Standard phytochemical analysis was carried out to determine the active constituents responsible for biological effects.

Results: The extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg reduced significantly (p<0.05) the formation of edema induced by histamine and carrageenan. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the extract showed good analgesic activity characterized by a significant reduction in the number of writhes with 100 and 200 mg/kg doses used when compared to the control group. In the formalin-induced paw lick test, the extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg doses exhibited good analgesic activity characterized by a significant reduction in the number of paw licks at both the early and the late phases of the induced pain when compared with the untreated control group. Ibuprofen at 10 mg/kg served as the reference drug in all these tests.

Conclusions: Results suggested that methanol extract of the leaves of P. amarus has great anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential. These biological effects exhibited by the extract of this plant may be attributed to the presence of flavonoids and other phenols contained therein.
Harm Reduction and Illicit Drugs in U.S. Newspapers
Authors: Eversman Michael H. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Illicit drug abuse remains a serious problem in the United States. While contemporary U.S. drug policies emphasize a prohibitionist “War on Drugs,” other countries have embraced public health based harm reduction. Whereas the current U.S. policy aims to eliminate drug use, harm reduction seeks to reduce its inevitable consequences, revealing an important ideological tension. Newsprint media depictions of drugs influence public opinion, discourse, and policy, particularly surrounding harm reduction programs and services. Combining textual discourse and qualitative content analyses, this study explores and describes discursive use of the term “harm reduction” with illicit drugs in a sample of 296 U.S. newspaper pieces published between 1990 and 2012. Typically describing harm reduction and “Drug War” strategies as incompatible, harm reduction supporters advocated a range of policy changes, whereas opponents described harm reduction as something to be avoided given the danger of drugs. A discourse theory framework situates the debate over harm reduction as tension in the U.S. drug policy hegemony, and considers domestic and international politic dynamics, and beliefs regarding the nature of substance use, addiction, and recovery.
Wear and corrosion behaviour of AISI 310 and AISI 316 stainless steels in synthetic mine water
Authors: Andrews Anthony , Motsi Glenda T. , Olubambi Peter. A. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The synergistic effects of chloride and sulphate ions on friction, wear and pitting corrosion of AISI 310 and AISI 316 have been investigated using electrochemical methods and a tribometer. The results show that increasing the sulphate concentration in synthetic mine water mitigates the detrimental effects of chloride ions on both the general corrosion rate and pitting potentials of both materials. The E
corr shifted to more positive values as the sulphate-to-chloride ratio increased in the electrolyte. The AISI 316 is more resistant to wear than the AISI 310 both in dry and wet unidirectional sliding conditions. Whereas the wear mechanism under the dry condition is mainly adhesive, there was transition from abrasive wear to adhesive wear under the wet sliding condition as the sulphate concentration increased in both materials.
Hot pressing of Al2O3 matrix ceramic materials improved by diopside additive
Authors: Changxia Liu , Junlong Sun , Zhongmin Tian 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
As a sintering aid, diopside was introduced into alumina matrix ceramic materials. Composites were fabricated using transient liquid phase sintering, during which new phases such as mullite, anorthite and CaO · 6Al2O3 were produced by the chemical reactions taking place between alumina and diopside. The densification rate of the composites as a function of diopside volume content is discussed. The hardness, fracture toughness and bending strength of the composites were tested. Meanwhile, the effects of diopside content, grain size and interface on mechanical properties and fracture mechanism of alumina matrix ceramic materials are analyzed and discussed.
Optimization of the hot rolling parameters for evaluation of the formability of Nb-microalloyed steel sheet by using the Taguchi method
Authors: Ayaz Mohsen , Khaki Daavood Mirahmadi , Arab Nasrollah Bani Mostafa , Noroozi Ali 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
In this paper, the influence of major hot rolling process parameters on strain hardening exponent and grain size as criteria for the formability of Nb-microalloyed steel sheet was investigated and an optimum level of parameters by using Taguchi grey relational analysis has been obtained. For this purpose, parameters of roughing, finishing and coiling temperatures were chosen and four levels for these temperatures were considered. Sixteen experiments for each response were conducted based on an orthogonal array of the Taguchi method. Analysis of variance, signal to noise ratios and grey relational grade were calculated in order to optimize strain hardening exponent and grain size of Nb-microalloyed steel sheets, simultaneously. It was observed that the roughing temperature of 1 050 °C; finishing temperature of 850 °C; and coiling temperature of 700 °C are the optimum parameter values producing better formability in terms of strain hardening exponent and grain size. The validity of Taguchi grey relational analysis to process optimization was also well established by means of confirmation tests.
La performance ou la renaissance de l'action
Authors: Pradier Jean-Marie 
Published: July 2013

L’intérêt relativement récent manifesté en France pour le mot « performance » est-il le signe du retour à la question de l’action via le pragmatisme et les Performance Studies ? Ce mot n’est-il pas également du vocabulaire du turf ? L’étude génétique de la notion d’action montre combien il a été difficile de la faire admettre à la fin du xix e siècle par les tenants de la philosophie de l’idée. Par ailleurs, l’appartenance du mot « performance » au vocabulaire sportif rend compte de son glissement dans l’idéologie de l’économie de la production et de la consommation.
Turkey's Historical Involvement in Middle Eastern Alliances: Saadabad Pact, Baghdad Pact, and Phantom Pact
Authors: Volk Thomas 
Published: July 2013

Cet article sur l’implication historique de la Turquie dans les alliances au Moyen-Orient traite des relations turco-arabes et turco-islamiques depuis la proclamation de la République turque en 1923 jusqu’à la fin des années 1970. En démontrant les engagements régionaux de la Turquie au sein du pacte de Sa’dabad de 1937, du pacte de Bagdad de 1955, ainsi qu’au sein de l’Alliance périphérique de 1958, l’auteur fait valoir que la Turquie n’a jamais été aussi unilatéralement orientée vers l’Occident qu’il l’est admis dans la plus grande partie de la littérature. Suite à l’analyse des protocoles de l’assemblée nationale turque et d’une grande variété de littérature secondaire, cet article est en désaccord avec les annonces d’une orientation « néo-ottomane » de la politique étrangère de la Turquie depuis le début des années 2000. Au contraire, l’auteur soutient que depuis les années 1930, la Turquie, à côté de son affiliation occidentale, prend naturellement part aux affaires du Moyen-Orient. Dans le contexte du 90 e anniversaire de la République, cet article souligne la position historique de la Turquie au Moyen-Orient entre realpolitik et idéologie.
Automatic filtering of ERT monitoring data in mountain permafrost
Authors: Rosset Etienne , Hilbich Christin , Schneider Sina , Hauck Christian 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTContinuous monitoring of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) surveys can be a powerful tool for all kind of long‐term applications in the field of hydrogeophysics and cold‐region geophysics due to its high sensitivity to changes in water and ice content of the near subsurface. However, the large amount of data often calls for autonomous data processing schemes. In this study, a new filter algorithm designed to automatically detect and delete measurement errors from multiple ERT monitoring data is presented. Three successive filter steps were developed in order to eliminate technical errors, overall high‐value outliers and relative outliers within single data levels. The filter procedure is site‐independent and was tested on four different mountain permafrost sites in the Swiss Alps, representing various landforms (talus slope, rock plateau, rock glacier, bedrock). The filter performance is assessed by analysing the effect of the filter procedure on the mean apparent resistivity and on the resulting data misfit of the inversion and both, after the entire filter procedure as well as after each individual filter step. The new filter procedure is expected to yield rapid and high‐quality filtering for monitoring applications. In our study, the procedure is developed to support early detection of electrical resistivity changes associated with freezing and thawing events in permafrost conditions. The filter is applied to 128 ERT data sets from permafrost monitoring stations in Switzerland, including a four year long (2005–2008) ERT monitoring data set from the high‐mountain permafrost monitoring station Stockhorn, which serves as an illustrating example.
Detection of soil and groundwater domestic pollution by the electrical resistivity method in the West Bank, Palestine
Authors: Sirhan Asal , Hamidi Mohammad 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThe environmental assessment of domestic pollution is required to minimize the risk of soil and groundwater contamination. Septic storages (localized sources) may affect the surrounding soil and permeable chalky formations by the intrusion of waste water within the formations. The aim was to develop a clearer understanding of waste water leakage due to numerous waste septic storages implemented within chalk formations at different towns and villages in the West Bank, Palestine. The possession of such information may be used to maintain not only sustainable development but also the protection of the environment. Since waste water is a good electrical conductor, the Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) technique was employed for its ability in determining lateral and vertical electrical resistivity variations of possible infiltration zones of waste water. Furthermore, extracted vertical electrical soundings (VES) provide indications about the nature of the geological features that can affect the behaviour of leakage. Geo‐electrical surveys were carried out to investigate their utility in detecting and examining the effect of pollution. The two‐dimensional (2D) inverted models obtained by many electrode array configurations; Schlumberger, Wenner and dipole‐dipole were consistent. Interpretation of Direct Current (DC) geoelectrical resistivity field data demonstrates the existence of low‐apparent electrical resistivity zones ( < 15 ·m). A trend of decreasing resistivity is observed towards the horizontal direction of the existing storages, indicating the location of pollution plumes in soil and chalky formations. In addition, the heterogeneity of the shallow subsurface can be considered as the main reason for the fluids infiltration. The relative percentage of the resistivity is well documented, the value is minimized as a significant difference appears i.e., the relative percentage reaches ‐82% at the upper surface and it reaches to ‐44% where the septic tanks are located. These reliable results are considered as a key role in monitoring the environmental impacts of waste water on a groundwater system and high‐conductivity zones. Therefore, further geophysical prospecting projects for environmental issues can be realized by this technique.
Investigation of the Azraq sedimentary basin, Jordan using integrated geoelectrical and electromagnetic techniques
Authors: Yogeshwar P. , Tezkan B. , Haroon A. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThe Eastern Mediterranean has been used as a passageway for human migration from Africa to the Middle East, the Balkans and Europe. The Azraq basin in the eastern desert of Jordan has been a major spot for human settlements since the middle Pleistocene. The former lake in the basin centre has developed to a hyper‐saline alluvial mudflat, the Qa’ Al Azraq. In the mudflat thick sequences of alluvial sediments are deposited. Such sediment successions are promising archives used for reconstructing a paleoclimate.In order to identify geological structures and to derive suitable borehole locations in the area for a paleoclimatical reconstruction, the Transient Electromagnetic (TEM) and the Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) methods were utilized. Two transects were investigated from the edge of the basin to the basin centre, crossing three geological formations. The data sets of both methods are interpreted by 1D and 2D inversion algorithms and appraised by inversion statistics. Previously uncertain geological boundaries are determined from geoelectrical models along both transects. Furthermore, a transition zone from fresh to saline groundwater is clearly detected.
Generalized Kähler–Einstein Metrics and
Energy Functionals
Authors: Zhang Xi , Zhang Xiangwen 
Published: July 2013

Abstract.In this paper, we consider a generalized Kähler–Einstein equation on a Kähler manifold M. Using the twisted 𝒦–energy introduced by Song and Tian, we show that the existence of generalized Kähler–Einstein metrics with semi–positive twisting (1, 1)–form θ is also closely related to the properness of the twisted 𝒦-energy functional. Under the condition that the twisting form θ is strictly positive at a point or M admits no nontrivial Hamiltonian holomorphic vector field, we prove that the existence of generalized Kähler–Einstein metric implies a Moser–Trudinger type inequality.
The Cult of St. Margaret of Antioch at Tarrant Crawford:
Authors: Jenny C. Bledsoe 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT
The Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Tarrant Crawford, features wall paintings (fourteenth century) and a psalter (fifteenth century) narrating the life of St. Margaret of Antioch. The twelfth-century home of anchoresses and, later, a nunnery, Tarrant Crawford is associated with several hagiographical narratives about St. Margaret, all of which were written after and informed by the Fourth Lateran Council (1215). Popular throughout medieval England, St. Margaret's vita provided poignant examples for religious women living isolated, ascetic lives. Both local narratives (the wall paintings and psalter) use St. Margaret's body to convey an exemplary model to their audiences. Through the saint's example, medieval Christians learned to use their own bodies to express piety through self-denial, personal awareness of sin, and the maintenance of virginity.
Gene Signatures Distinguish Stage-Specific Prostate Cancer Stem Cells Isolated From Transgenic Adenocarcinoma of the Mouse Prostate Lesions and Predict the Malignancy of Human Tumors
Authors: Mazzoleni Stefania , Jachetti Elena , Morosini Sara , Grioni Matteo , Piras Ignazio Stefano , Pala Mauro , Bulfone Alessandro , Freschi Massimo , Bellone Matteo , Galli Rossella 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The relevant social and economic impact of prostate adenocarcinoma, one of the leading causes of death in men, urges critical improvements in knowledge of the pathogenesis and cure of this disease. These can also be achieved by implementing in vitro and in vivo preclinical models by taking advantage of prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs). The best-characterized mouse model of prostate cancer is the transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) model. TRAMP mice develop a progressive lesion called prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia that evolves into adenocarcinoma (AD) between 24 and 30 weeks of age. ADs often metastasize to lymph nodes, lung, bones, and kidneys. Eventually, approximately 5% of the mice develop an androgen-independent neuroendocrine adenocarcinoma. Here we report the establishment of long-term self-renewing PCSC lines from the different stages of TRAMP progression by application of the neurosphere assay. Stage-specific prostate cell lines were endowed with the critical features expected from malignant bona fide cancer stem cells, namely, self-renewal, multipotency, and tumorigenicity. Notably, transcriptome analysis of stage-specific PCSCs resulted in the generation of well-defined, meaningful gene signatures, which identify distinct stages of human tumor progression. As such, TRAMP-derived PCSCs represent a novel and valuable preclinical model for elucidating the pathogenetic mechanisms leading to prostate adenocarcinoma and for the identification of molecular mediators to be pursued as therapeutic targets.
Représentations, chez les enseignants, de la pratique du modelage dans le contexte d’une rédaction
Authors: Lamarre Nicole , Cavanagh Martine 
Published: July 2013

Le but de cette étude de cas est de mettre en évidence les représentations que deux enseignants au postsecondaire se font du modelage en situation de rédaction. Des entrevues ont été menées auprès de deux chargés de cours qui ont mis cette intervention pédagogique en oeuvre dans leur cours de dissertation. Trois conditions d’emploi efficace du modelage se dégagent de l’analyse inductive de leurs propos : l’enseignant doit être prédisposé à faire le modelage, il doit cibler une stratégie appropriée et il doit pouvoir travailler dans la complexité inhérente à cette pratique enseignante.
Transcutaneous Bowel Sonography for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is Sensitive and Specific When Performed in a Nonexpert Low‐Volume North American Center
Authors: Sey Michael Sai Lai , Gregor Jamie , Chande Nilesh , Ponich Terry , Bhaduri Mousumi , Lum Andrea , Zaleski Witek , Yan Brian 
Published: July 2013

ObjectivesTranscutaneous bowel sonography is a nonionizing imaging modality used in inflammatory bowel disease. Although available in Europe, its uptake in North America has been limited. Since the accuracy of bowel sonography is highly operator dependent, low‐volume centers in North America may not achieve the same diagnostic accuracy reported in the European literature. Our objective was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of bowel sonography in a nonexpert low‐volume center.
MethodsAll cases of bowel sonography at a single tertiary care center during an 18‐month period were reviewed. Bowel sonography was compared with reference standards, including small‐bowel follow‐through, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, colonoscopy, and surgical findings.
ResultsA total of 103 cases were included for analysis during the study period. The final diagnoses included Crohn disease (72), ulcerative colitis (8), hemolytic uremic syndrome (1), and normal (22). The sensitivity and specificity of bowel sonography for intestinal wall inflammation were 87.8% and 92.6%, respectively. In the subset of patients who had complications of Crohn disease, the sensitivity and specificity were 50% and 100% for fistulas and 14% and 100% for strictures. One patient had an abscess, which was detected by bowel sonography. Abnormal bowel sonographic findings contributed to the escalation of treatment in 55% of cases.
ConclusionsBowel sonography for inflammatory bowel disease can be performed in low‐volume centers and provides diagnostic accuracy for luminal disease comparable with published data, although it is less sensitive for complications of Crohn disease.
Spectral Doppler Sonography
Authors: Hillelsohn Joel H. , Chuang Kai-Wen , Goldenberg Etai , Gilbert Bruce R. 
Published: July 2013

ObjectivesSonography is a noninvasive, office‐based diagnostic tool often used for evaluation of subfertile men. Previous studies have suggested that a resistive index (RI) greater than 0.6 is associated with impaired spermatogenesis. We sought to validate this threshold in a urologic patient population presenting for infertility evaluation.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 99 consecutive patients seen for nonobstructive male infertility at our institution. Patient demographics, semen analysis parameters, hormone profiles, lipid profiles, and penile and scrotal sonographic measurements were recorded. The RI was calculated from measurements of the peak systolic velocity and end‐diastolic velocity. Ninety‐one patients fit the inclusion criteria and were subsequently divided into 2 groups based on RI: group 1 with RI values of 0.6 or less (n = 49) and group 2 with RI values greater than 0.6 (n = 42).ResultsVariables that were significantly different between the groups included age, total sperm count, percent motile sperm, total motile sperm, follicle‐stimulating hormone, high‐density lipoprotein, and testis volume. On the other hand, body mass index, forward progression, World Health Organization score, total testosterone, free testosterone, estradiol, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein, and triglycerides were not significantly different between the groups. A receiver operating characteristic curve revealed an area under the curve of 0.64 (confidence interval, 0.52–0.75; P = .025). At the threshold of greater than 0.6, the RI had specificity of 63.27% and a 1.56 likelihood ratio to predict total motile sperm less than 20 × 106 at spermatogenesis.ConclusionsAn intratesticular RI greater than 0.6 is associated with impaired spermatogenesis. This finding supports the use of testicular spectral Doppler sonography as a noninvasive tool for evaluation of testicular function.