Publications

Using Chandra, XMM-Newton and optical data (published photometric catalogs and our 2dF spectroscopic survey) we study the X-ray binary (XRB) populations of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). We find that the number of Be/X-ray binaries (Be-XRBs) peaks at the age of maximum Be-star formation ~30-70 Myr ago. We also examine the ``overabundance'' of Be-XRBs in the SMC fields covered by Chandra, in comparison with the Milky Way. Even after taking into account the difference in the formation rate of OB stars, we estimate that Be-XRBs are ~2 times more common in the SMC when compared to the Milky Way and for luminosities down to ~1034 erg s-1. We explain this large number of SMC Be-XRBs as the result of both its low metallicity environment (~1/5 solar) and its high star-formation (SF) rate at the age of maximum formation of Be stars.

Springtime constitutes the most favorable period for Sahara dust outbreaks and transport over Eastern Mediterranean. This study investigates the aerosol properties during April 2005 using remote-sensing and ground-based measurements. Three dust events with high aerosol optical depth (AOD) values have been observed during the measuring period, with duration of two days, i.e. 11-12, 16-17 and 25-26 April 2005. In this paper we mainly focus on the intense dust event of 16-17 April 2005, when a thick dust layer transported from Libya affected the whole Greek territory. Very high AOD values obtained from Aqua-MODIS sensor were observed over Greece (mean 2.42 ± 1.25) on 17 April, while the respective mean April value was 0.31 ± 0.09. The AOD at 550 nm (AOD 550) values over Crete were even larger, reaching ∼4.0. As a consequence, the PM 10 concentrations over Athens dramatically increased reaching up to 200 μg m -3. On the other hand, the fine-mode fraction values obtained from Terra-MODIS showed a substantial decrease in the whole Greek area on 17 April with values below 0.2 in the Southern regions. The intense dust layer showed a complex behavior concerning its spatial and temporal evolution and allowed us to study the changes in the optical properties of the desert dust particles along their transport routes due to the mixing processes with other aerosol types. The results from different measurements (ground-based and remote-sensing) did not contradict each other and, therefore, are adequate for monitoring of dust load over the Eastern Mediterranean. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Acute complicated diverticulitis, particularly with colon perforation, is a rare but serious condition in transplant recipients with high morbidity and mortality. Neither acute diverticulitis nor colon perforation has been reported in young heart-lung grafted patients. A case of subclinical peritonitis due to perforated acute sigmoid diverticulitis 14 years after heart-lung transplantation is reported. A 26-year-old woman, who received heart-lung transplantation 14 years ago, presented with vague abdominal pain. Physical examination was normal. Blood tests revealed leukocytosis. Abdominal X-ray showed air-fluid levels while CT demonstrated peritonitis due to perforated sigmoid diverticulitis. Sigmoidectomy and end-colostomy (Hartmann's procedure) were performed. Histopathology confirmed perforated acute sigmoid diverticulitis. The patient was discharged on the 8th postoperative day after an uneventful postoperative course. This is the first report of acute diverticulitis resulting in colon perforation in a young heart-lung transplanted patient. Clinical presentation, even in peritonitis, may be atypical due to the masking effects of immunosuppression. A high index of suspicion, urgent aggressive diagnostic investigation of even vague abdominal symptoms, adjustment of immunosuppression, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and immediate surgical treatment are critical. Moreover, strategies to reduce the risk of this complication should be implemented. Pretransplantation colon screening, prophylactic pretransplantation sigmoid resection in patients with diverticulosis, and elective surgical intervention in patients with nonoperatively treated acute diverticulitis after transplantation deserve consideration and further studies.

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease encountered by general physicians as well as medical specialists. Subcutaneous sarcoidosis is not an uncommon clinical presentation of sarcoidosis and is challenging for physicians because it can mimic cellulitis or several chronic infections. Our patient presented with a swollen forearm and hand which were initially treated as acute cellulitis with antibiotics by general physicians but without any improvement. A skin biopsy showed granulomatous panniculitis but confirmation of the diagnosis of systemic sarcoidosis was based on the characteristic chest roentgenogram, the high CD4/CD8 ratio of T lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage, and the typical 'panda' and 'lambda' signs on the (67)Ga scan. Such cases with atypical clinical presentation cause some difficulty in reaching the diagnosis but a skin biopsy as well as typical imaging and laboratory signs are usually important to establish the diagnosis of sarcoidosis, when invasive procedures cannot be performed to get confirmation from a second target organ.

The "supercritical pile" is a very economical GRB model that provides for the efficient conversion of the energy stored in the protons of a relativistic blast wave (RBW) into radiation and at the same time produces — in the prompt GRB phase, even in the absence of any particle acceleration — a spectral peak at an energy ~ 1 MeV. We extend this model to include also the evolution of the RBW Lorentz factor Γ and thus follow the spectral and temporal features of this model into the GRB early afterglow stage. One of the novel features of the present treatment is the inclusion of the feedback of the GRB produced radiation on the evolution of Γ with radius. This way one can obtain afterglow light curves with steep decays followed by a relatively flatter flux stage, as observed in a large number of bursts.

Posterior wall fractures are the commonest type of acetabular fracture. Nonoperative management is associated with significant complications and poor outcome. Consequently, open reduction and internal fixation has become increasingly common. In this article, inaugurating the new section of "how do I do it", we present our current approach to the treatment of posterior wall fractures of the acetabulum, including the preoperative planning, the details of the operative procedure in terms of patient's positioning and draping, surgical approach, osteosynthesis and wound closure.

OBJECTIVE: To describe factors associated with survival in Alzheimer disease (AD) in a multiethnic, population-based longitudinal study. METHODS: AD cases were identified in the Washington Heights Inwood Columbia Aging Project, a longitudinal, community-based study of cognitive aging in Northern Manhattan. The sample comprised 323 participants who were initially dementia-free but developed AD during study follow-up (incident cases). Participants were followed for an average of 4.1 (up to 12.6) years. Possible factors associated with shorter lifespan were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models with attained age as the time to event (time from birth to death or last follow-up). In subanalyses, median postdiagnosis survival durations were estimated using postdiagnosis study follow-up as the timescale. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 10.7 per 100 person-years. Mortality rates were highest [corrected] among those diagnosed at older ages, and among non-Hispanic whites compared to [corrected] Hispanic [corrected] The median lifespan of the entire sample was 92.2 years (95% CI: 90.3, 94.1). In a multivariable-adjusted Cox model, history of diabetes and history of hypertension were independently associated with a shorter lifespan. No differences in lifespan were seen by race/ethnicity after multivariable adjustment. The median postdiagnosis survival duration was 3.7 years among non-Hispanic whites, 4.8 years among African Americans, and 7.6 years among Hispanics. CONCLUSION: Factors influencing survival in Alzheimer disease include race/ethnicity and comorbid diabetes and hypertension.

Objective: To establish the spectrum of presentation, natural history and gynaecological outcomes in women with Swyer syndrome. Design: Retrospective notes review. Setting: Tertiary referral centre for disorders of sex development. Population: A total of 29 adult women with Swyer syndrome. Methods: Information was collected on age at diagnosis, biometric characteristics, timing of gonadectomy, histology of gonad, bone mineral density, uterine size and fertility. Main outcome measures: Age at diagnosis, risk of gonadal malignancy, bone mineral density, uterine size. Results: With regard to presentation, 26/29 (90{%}) women in this series presented with delayed puberty, and the median age at diagnosis was 17.2 years (range 0-55 years). The median age at gonadectomy was 18 years (range 9-33 years). Histology of the gonad was available in 22 women and demonstrated streak gonads with no evidence of malignancy in 12, dysgerminoma in 7 and gonadoblastoma in 3. The youngest patient diagnosed with dysgerminoma was 10 years old. The median height of the women was 1.73 m (range 1.54-1.95 m). Twelve out of the 20 (60{%}) women had evidence of osteopenia on dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. The uterine size and shape was assessed in eight women after completion of induction of puberty, and the uterine cross-section was found to be significantly lower than that in normal controls. Fertility was achieved with ovum donation in three women, all of whom had live births and one subsequently had a second successful pregnancy. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of Swyer syndrome is necessary in view of the risk of dysgerminoma that can develop at an early age. Adequate hormone replacement is required to maintain bone mineral density and may improve the uterine size and shape. © 2008 The Authors.

A variety of lipophilic 2-oxoamides containing sulfonamide analogs of γ-amino acids as well as acyl sulfonamides of γ-aminobutyric acid were synthesized. Their ability to inhibit intracellular GIVA cPLA2 and GVIA iPLA2 as well as secreted GV sPLA2 was evaluated. The sulfonamide group seems a bioisosteric group suitable to replace the carboxyl group in 2-oxoamide inhibitors of GVIA cPLA2.

The development of selective inhibitors for individual PLA2 enzymes is necessary in order to target PLA2-specific signaling pathways, but it is challenging due to the observed promiscuity of known PLA2 inhibitors. In the current work, we present the development and application of a variety of synthetic routes to produce pentafluoro, tetrafluoro, and trifluoro derivatives of activated carbonyl groups in order to screen for selective inhibitors and characterize the chemical properties that can lead to selective inhibition. Our results demonstrate that the pentafluoroethyl ketone functionality favors selective inhibition of the GVIA iPLA2, a very important enzyme for which specific, potent, reversible inhibitors are needed. We find that 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoro-7-phenyl-heptan-3-one (FKGK11) is a selective inhibitor of GVIA iPLA2 (XI(50) = 0.0073). Furthermore, we conclude that the introduction of an additional fluorine atom at the α′ position of a trifluoromethyl ketone constitutes an important strategy for the development of new potent GVIA iPLA2 inhibitors.

We use new on-land and offshore structural data and scaled analogue models to analyse the fault tectonic pattern at Nisyros Island (Greece), which has an active caldera that shows a complicated network of faults, fractures and volcano-tectonic structures. We measured 157 faults that show dominant dip-slip normal motions along planes mainly striking NE-SW, NNE-SSW, and NNW-SSE. Inside the caldera, dykes, necks and morphometric parameters of volcanic domes, explosion craters and fumarole pits indicate the control by NE-striking discontinuities on magma and gas paths. The NNW- and NE-striking faults bound a major block that underwent repeated downthrow and uplift movements during the late Pleistocene-Holocene. Experiments with scaled models of caldera resurgence and two magma chambers indicate the formation of an hourglass-shaped fault pattern, as seen in plan view, with an asymmetric increase in the fault offset and a widening of the fault divergence towards the volcano flank. All these data suggest that regional fault tectonics and stress state strongly guided magma upwelling and the emplacement of volcanic centres, whereas periodical bulging due to the overpressure of a second magma chamber located northwest of the caldera combined with faulting due to tectonic stresses, can account for the overall deformation field.

Thalidomide with dexamethasone (thal-dex) is an active therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM). In this Practice Point, we discuss the findings of a trial by Rajkumar et al. that aimed to compare the response rate, time to progression and progression-free survival among previously untreated patients with MM who received either thal-dex or placebo plus dexamethasone. The thal-dex regimen was associated with a significantly higher response rate at the expense of more-frequent adverse effects, in particular deep-vein thrombosis, which occurred in almost 20% of patients. Median time to progression was three times longer with thal-dex than with placebo plus dexamethasone, but was shorter, however, than the time to progression observed in studies in which thalidomide or bortezomib was added to melphalan and prednisone. Nevertheless, thal-dex is a convenient oral and relatively inexpensive non-myelosuppressive regimen, which can be used in patients with previously untreated MM.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of neurological disability. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been used in the management of patients with MS with equivocal efficacy. With this work we would like to present our experience with 10 patients (seven male and three female, mean age 34 years [range 27-53 years]) with secondary progressive MS, who were treated with immunomodulating agents and who also underwent TPE. The patients' expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score of entry to the study varied from 5.0 to 6.5. One year before study entry all patients showed a marked deterioration (12 months before starting TPE they had been rated 4.5-5.5 on the EDSS). TPE was performed three times a week for two weeks and thereafter once a week, or once a month for the stable patients. The machine used was the Cobe Spectra and albumin 5% was the replacement fluid. Peripheral veins were used in nine patients and indwelling vascular access was required in one patient. Eighteen months later, patients stopped taking the immunomodulating agent therapy and continued only with TPE. No side-effects occurred during the TPE session. After 36 months of TPE therapy, five patients were stabilized in their disability, while two patients showed a minor progression of the disease (an additional 0.5 degree in disability as determined by the EDSS). No relapses occurred during TPE. Three patients stopped the therapy: one patient because of persistent nausea and two patients for reasons unrelated to TPE. Periodic TPE was associated with reduced accumulation of neurological deficits (as documented by EDSS) in patients with secondary progressive MS. © 2008 International Society for Apheresis.

Aims: The purpose of this study is to find transient X-ray sources in M 31 and to investigate and classify their nature. Methods: Three X-ray transients were observed with Swift. For each of the three X-ray transients, we used the Swift X-ray and optical data with observations from XMM-Newton and Chandra to investigate the lightcurves and the spectra of the outburst, thereby identifying the source types. Results: The outburst of XMMU J004215.8+411924 lasted about one month. The source had a hard power-law spectrum with a photon index of 1.6. It was previously identified as a Be/X-ray binary based on the optical identification with a star. However, we show that, with improved source coordinates it is clear that the optical source is not the counterpart to the X-ray source. The source SWIFT J004217.3+411532 had a bright outburst, after which it slowly decayed over half a year. The spectrum was soft, corresponding to a thermal accretion disc with an innermost temperature of ~250-600 eV. The source was not seen in the optical, and the soft spectrum indicates that the source is most likely a black-hole low-mass X-ray binary. M31N 2006-11a is a nova that was previously observed in the optical. We detected it both in X-rays and UV with Swift ~half a year after the optical maximum, after which it decayed below the Swift detection threshold within a month. The spectrum of the X-ray transient can be modelled by a black-body with a temperature of 50 eV. We use catalogues of X-ray transients in M 31 to estimate their rate, and we find a lower limit of 9 yr-1.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of short-term resistance training and detraining on shot put throwing performance. Eleven young healthy subjects with basic shot put skills participated in 14 weeks of resistance training, which was followed by 4 weeks of detraining. Shot put performance in four field tests was measured before (T1) and after (T2) resistance training and after detraining (T3). At the same time points, one repetition maximum (1RM) was measured in squat, bench press, and leg press. Fat-free mass (FFM) was determined with dual x-ray absorptiometry and muscle biopsies obtained from vastus lateralis for the determination of fiber type composition and cross-sectional area (CSA). 1RM strength increased 22-34% (p < 0.01) at T2 and decreased 4-5% (not significantly different) at T3. Shot put performance increased 6-12% (p < 0.05) after training and remained unaltered after detraining. FFM increased at T2 (p < 0.05) but remained unchanged between T2 and T3. Muscle fiber CSA increased 12-18% (p < 0.05) at T2. Type I muscle fiber CSA was not altered after detraining, but type IIa and IIx fiber CSA was reduced 10-12% (p < 0.05). The percentage of type IIx muscle fibers was reduced after training (T1 = 18.7 +/- 4, T2 = 10.4 +/- 1; p < 0.05), and it was increased at T3 compared with T2 (T3 = 13.7 +/- 1; p < 0.05). These results suggest that shot put performance remains unaltered after 4 weeks of complete detraining in moderately resistance-trained subjects. This might be linked to the concomitant reduction of muscle fiber CSA and increase in the percentage of type IIx muscle fibers.

OBJECTIVE: Thyroid disease has been associated with leukemia and lymphoma. No previous study using clinical and laboratory data has explored whether thyroid disease and especially autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) is associated with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) risk. In this case-control study, we investigated the association of ATD with MDS. METHODS: Our study included 101 cases with incident primary MDS confirmed by histology and cytogenetics, and 101 controls matched on gender and age, admitted for non-neoplastic and non-infectious diseases. All subjects were submitted to clinical, ultrasound thyroid evaluation and serum free T3, free T4, TSH, thyroglobulin, and thyroperoxidase antibodies determination. RESULTS: Adjusting for age, gender, and body mass index, there was statistically significant evidence that ATD is associated with increased risk of MDS (OR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.29-5.16). Interestingly, ATD starting from the remote past (more than 10 years from MDS onset) was positively associated with MDS risk (OR = 5.73. 95% CI 2.03-16.16). Mean serum levels of fT3, fT4, and thyroid antibodies were significantly higher in MDS patients and mean TSH serum levels were significantly lower in MDS patients than in controls (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Biological plausibility and empirical evidence highlights the importance of ATD in MDS etiopathogenesis. Further studies are needed to explore underlying mechanisms associating thyroid autoimmunity with leukemogenesis.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to compare the outcome of total thyroidectomy using the electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system, the harmonic scalpel, and the classic suture ligation technique. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of prospectively collected data from 382 consecutive total thyroidectomies from September 2004 to August 2006. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group SL patients (n = 90) underwent total thyroidectomy with the classic suture ligation technique, group L (n = 148) with the electrothermal bipolar vessel sealer, and group U (n = 144) with the harmonic scalpel. The main outcomes measured were surgical and hospitalization time, intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, postoperative hypocalcemia, and superior and inferior laryngeal nerves injuries. RESULTS: The 3 groups were similar in terms of demographics, thyroid gland weight and pathology, perioperative complications, and hospital stay. Compared with the classic technique, surgical time was reduced significantly by about 20% when the bipolar vessel sealer or harmonic scalpel was used (93.3 +/- 12.5 vs 74.3 +/- 14.2 and 73.8 +/- 13.8 min, P = .001, and P = .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Both the bipolar vessel sealer and harmonic scalpel are safe, useful, and time-saving alternatives to the traditional suture ligation technique for thyroid surgery. Because no differences were observed regarding these 2 devices, the choice should be made based on the surgeon's preferences and experience.

We report a consistent derivation of a tight-binding formalism, both in the frequency and in the time domain, for the analysis of electromagnetic energy transfer in single-mode cavity-plasmon waveguides. Moreover, we derive closed-form solutions of the relevant tight-binding equations, which describe the response of these waveguides under time-varying excitations by a localized light source. In this context, we discuss the possibility of efficient single-mode waveguiding through coupled cavity-plasmon modes in chains of spheroidal silicon nanoparticles in silver at optical frequencies.

We present the mathematical formulation and numerical results for the resonance characteristics of the TMmp modes in a coaxial cavity with a longitudinally corrugated insert. Based on the spatial harmonics method, the eigenvalues of the transverse plane are calculated, and then, the Vlasov approximation is used to calculate the resonance frequency, diffractive quality factor, and longitudinal field profile of every mode. The numerical results are presented and compared with those found in the literature.

Transfusion-related lung injury (TRALI) is the leading cause of mortality following transfusion of blood products. Despite increasing awareness, the condition often remains unrecognised and therefore underreported. A 28-year-old with moderate preeclampsia had a post-partum haemorrhage following emergency caesarean section. Shortly after receiving three units of packed red cells she went into respiratory failure, which progressed to cardiac arrest. She was successfully resuscitated and made a slow but full recovery. Investigation through the National Blood Service confirmed the diagnosis of TRALI. TRALI is an increasingly common life-threatening complication of blood transfusion and should be included in the differential diagnosis of collapse in an obstetric patient who has recently received a blood product transfusion. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A 52-year-old man presented with a 3-week history of right knee pain, significant enough to prevent weight bearing. There was no history of knee injury or disease. On knee examination, an effusion and medial joint line tenderness was noted. Knee range of motion was full, but painful. Radiographs revealed minor osteoarthritic changes. Laboratory values were within normal limits, including those associated with infection. Magnetic resonance imaging showed decreased signal intensity on T1-weighted images within the medial femoral condyle and corresponding increased signal intensity on T2-weighted consistent with bone marrow edema as well as edema to the adjacent soft tissues. Bone scanning showed increased uptake of radioisotope in the medial femoral condyle. The patient was diagnosed with bone marrow edema syndrome, and managed medically with analgesics and continued non weight-bearing status. At the 1-month follow-up, his symptoms had improved significantly. The patient progressively increased weight bearing as tolerated over the subsequent weeks. At 12-week follow-up, symptoms had completely resolved. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no signal abnormalities in the affected knee. Transient osteoporosis is an uncommon and typically self-limiting condition that can be challenging to diagnose and treat. The clinician must be aware of this entity, as well as its typical course, to prevent unnecessary testing and invasive intervention.

The authors examined the effectiveness of the local anti-microbial treatment on methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) experimental osteomyelitis. Thirty-six rabbits with chronic MRSA osteomyelitis of the right femur were treated with local grepafloxacin delivery system prepared by a mixture of acrylic bone cement (polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA) plus 4% grepafloxacin. Osteomyelitis was induced by inoculating MRSA (100 microl of cultured bacteria; 10(7)) and the local insertion of a needle, serving as a foreign body, at the upper third of the femur. The course of the infection was followed by clinical, radiographic and microbiological examination. In the third week, all animals were re-operated, needles were removed, and antibiotic containing acrylic cement was implanted. Thereafter, one control and five treated animals were sacrificed per week, within 6 weeks. Osteomyelitis was found in all rabbits. In vitro grepafloxacin levels remained high throughout the 6 weeks of the experiment. Histologically tissue reaction against the cement was not observed. Osteomyelitis lesions and bone structure were progressively repaired after cement implantation. Biomechanical analysis showed no significant influence on the mechanical properties of acrylic cement due to grepafloxacin. The above mixture could prove to be an important supplementary method for the treatment of bone infections. Such a system could replace the use of gentamycin PMMA beads in the treatment of patients with chronic osteomyelitis due to MRSA. Furthermore, the proposed method could be used as a spacer after removal septic loosened prostheses in combination with systemic administration of antibiotics.

Renal failure is a common feature of multiple myeloma and a major management problem. However there is limited data regarding the reversibility of renal failure, the kinetics of serum creatinine and the safety of novel agents such as bortezomib when administered to newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory patients with renal failure. Patients and Methods. We evaluated 20 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and renal failure, defined as a serum creatinine ≥ 2 mg/dl. All patients received bortezomib with dexamethasone or in combination with other agents (thalidomide, doxorubicin or melphalan). Results. Reversal of renal failure was documented in 40% of all patients and the median time to reversal was 17 days. Moreover 10 patients (50%) had 50% decrease in serum creatinine and the median time to decrease was 35 days. Some decrease of creatinine was documented in 85% of patients. The objective response rate was 65%. Toxicities were similar to those seen in myeloma patients without renal failure. Conclusions. Bortezomib based regimens can be administered to myeloma patients with renal impairment and their toxicity and efficacy are similar to those observed in patients without renal impairment. Moreover, bortezomib-based regimens induce improvement of serum creatinine in most patients and reversal of renal failure in approximately one-third.

Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug, structurally related to thalidomide, with pleiotropic activity including antiangiogenic and antineoplastic properties. It is the product of advances in our understanding of the biology of myeloma cells, their interactions with the microenvironment and of the underlying molecular pathways. In preclinical and clinical studies, lenalidomide was more potent and less toxic than thalidomide. Subsequent phase II and III studies confirmed the activity of lenalidomide either as a single agent or in combination with dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory myeloma patients, whereas combinations with chemotherapy induce high response rates and durable remissions. Lenalidomide has been used successfully as an upfront treatment either with high or low dose dexamethasone or with melphalan and prednisone, resulting in high overall response and complete response rates and excellent 1-year survival. Lenalidomide causes less neuropathy than thalidomide; however, the risk of thromboembolism is high, especially in patients treated with lenalidomide and steroids. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of action, toxicity and clinical activity, and the current role of lenalidomide in patients with multiple myeloma or other related plasma cell disorders.

Primary objective: Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is used for the mobilization of bone marrow and endothelial progenitor cells, though G-CSF-induced inflammation may cause endothelial dysfunction. We examined the effects of G-CSF on endothelium, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines namely interleukin 10 (IL-10). Research design: We studied 60 women with breast cancer, who were randomized to either subcutaneous G-CSF (5 μg/kg), o.d. for 5 days after adjuvant chemotherapy (n = 40) or placebo (n = 20). Experimental interventions: We measured flow-mediated dilatation (FMD%) of the brachial artery by ultrasonography, CRP, TNF-α, IL-10 and the ratio TNF-α/IL-10 blood levels before, 2-h and 5-days after the G-CSF or placebo treatment. Main outcomes and results: There was a greater increase of FMD, IL-10 and reduction of TNF-α/IL-10, 2 h and 5 days after the G-CSF treatment compared to placebo. Although, CRP and TNF-α were higher, TNF-α/IL-10 was lower at the end of G-CSF treatment compared to placebo. Improvement of FMD was related to changes of IL-10 and TNF-α/IL-10. Conclusions: Treatment with G-CSF improves endothelial function in vivo, possibly by shifting the balance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

We report the discovery of two new, bright possible novae in M 31 on dithered stacked R filter CCD images, obtained on 2008 August 09, with the 1.3m Ritchey Chretien f/7.5 telescope at Skinakas Observatory, Crete, Greece, using an Andor DZ436-BV CCD Camera (with a Marconi 2k x 2k chip with 13.5µm sq. pixels). The first object is visible in two different pointings of four images taken on 2008 August 09.96 and three images taken on 2008 August 09.97, respectively.

Recently, several works have focused on the lacertid lizards of the genus Podarcis, revealing cases of hidden diversity and paraphyly, and offering evidence that suggests the revision of the extant taxonomical arrangements within the genus. Hidden diversity and paraphyly have been shown to exist in the relationships betweentheBalkan species P. peloponnesiacaandP. erhardii as well. Herewecouple a molecular (mtDNA) dataset with a corresponding morphological one, consisting of morphometric and pholidotic characters, to check for concordance between the two. Phylogenetic analyses reinforced previous suggestions for paraphyly of P. erhardii with respect to P. peloponnesiaca.We found the variation of certain pholidotic characters concordant with the relationships inferred from partial mtDNA sequences, whereas morphometric characters were not. The latter is possibly due to greater influence of morphometric characters by environmental factors. To avoid the observed paraphyly we proceed with the description of the populations from Crete and the islet of Pori, until now designated as P. erhardii, as separate taxa at the species level.

Context: Observations of collimated outflows in young stellar objects indicate that several features of the jets can be understood by adopting the picture of a two-component outflow, wherein a central stellar component around the jet axis is surrounded by an extended disk wind. The precise contribution of each component may depend on the intrinsic physical properties of the YSO-disk system as well as its evolutionary stage. Aims: This article reports a systematic separate investigation of these jet components via time-dependent simulations of two prototypical and complementary analytical solutions, each closely related to the properties of stellar outflows and disk winds. These models describe a meridionally and a radially self-similar exact solution of the steady-state, ideal hydromagnetic equations, respectively. Methods: Using the PLUTO code to carry out the simulations, the study focuses on the topological stability of each of the two analytical solutions, which are successfully extended to all space by removing their singularities. In addition, their behavior and robustness over several physical and numerical modifications is extensively examined. Therefore, this work serves as the starting point for the analysis of the two-component jet simulations. Results: It is found that radially self-similar solutions (disk winds) always reach a final steady-state while maintaining all their well-defined properties. The different ways to replace the singular part of the solution around the symmetry axis, being a first approximation towards a two-component outflow, lead to the appearance of a shock at the super-fast domain corresponding to the fast magnetosonic separatrix surface. These conclusions hold true independently of the numerical modifications and/or evolutionary constraints that the models have undergone, such as starting with a sub-modified-fast initial solution or different types of heating/cooling assumptions. Furthermore, the final outcome of the simulations remains close enough to the initial analytical configurations, thus showing their topological stability. Conversely, the asymptotic configuration and the stability of meridionally self-similar models (stellar winds) is related to the heating processes at the base of the wind. If the heating is modified by assuming a polytropic relation between density and pressure, a turbulent evolution is found. On the other hand, adiabatic conditions lead to the replacement of the outflow by an almost static atmosphere.

Supernova remnant (SNR) blast shells can reach the flow speed $v_s = 0.1 c$ and shocks form at its front. Instabilities driven by shock-reflected ion beams heat the plasma in the foreshock, which may inject particles into diffusive acceleration. The ion beams can have the speed $v_b \approx v_s$. For $v_b \ll v_s$ the Buneman or upper-hybrid instabilities dominate, while for $v_b \gg v_s$ the filamentation and mixed modes grow faster. Here the relevant waves for $v_b \approx v_s$ are examined and how they interact nonlinearly with the particles. The collision of two plasma clouds at the speed $v_s$ is modelled with particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, which convect with them magnetic fields oriented perpendicular to their flow velocity vector. One simulation models equally dense clouds and the other one uses a density ratio of 2. Both simulations show upper-hybrid waves that are planar over large spatial intervals and that accelerate electrons to $\sim$ 10 keV. The symmetric collision yields only short oscillatory wave pulses, while the asymmetric collision also produces large-scale electric fields, probably through a magnetic pressure gradient. The large-scale fields destroy the electron phase space holes and they accelerate the ions, which facilitates the formation of a precursor shock.

Plasmonic excitations in two- and three-dimensional ordered assemblies of metal-dielectric-metal nanosandwiches are studied by means of full-electrodynamic calculations using the layer-multiple-scattering method. Plasmon hybridization results in collective electric-dipole-like and magnetic-dipole-like resonant modes, which are directly controlled by the lattice constant and the geometrical characteristics of the building units. It is shown that, in planar arrays of such composite nanoparticles on a dielectric substrate, the magnetic resonance induces a negative effective permeability, as large as −2  , which can be tuned within the range of near-infrared and visible frequencies. However, as successive layers are stacked together to build a three-dimensional crystal, the region of negative effective permeability shrinks and disappears for relatively thick slabs. Our analysis demonstrates that the complex photonic band structure is a valuable tool in the study of three-dimensional metamaterials and their effective-medium description.

BACKGROUND: Unintentional parathyroidectomy during thyroidectomy has been evaluated in a few studies. Moreover, the impact of the surgeon's experience and operative technique has not been evaluated. Our aim was to identify the incidence of unintentional parathyroidectomy during total thyroidectomy, its clinical consequences, and factors affecting its occurrence. METHODS: We reviewed all total thyroidectomies during a 2-year period. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: those with unintentional parathyroidectomy (parathyroidectomy group) and those without unintentional parathyroidectomy (no-parathyroidectomy group). RESULTS: Incidental parathyroidectomy occurred in 100 (19.7%) of the 508 patients. The groups were comparable in age, thyroid weight and pathology, operative time, surgeon experience (high/low volume), operative technique (suture-ligation, LigaSure, or Ultracision), postoperative calcium, and transient hypocalcemia. No permanent hypocalcemia occurred. However, 11% of the parathyroidectomy group was men compared with 22% of the no-parathyroidectomy group (p =.002). CONCLUSIONS: Unintentional parathyroidectomy, although common, has no clinical consequences. Unlike surgeon's experience and operative technique, patient sex was the only factor affecting its occurrence.

At a time when the European Union is further expanding and countries, such as Turkey are being accepted for eventual membership, the question of what is meant by a unified Europe and how that might be achieved has never been more pressing. Europe is more than a system of rules and political institutions that regulate European citizenship: it is also a space of political traditions, political experiences and cultural memories. Can political integration ever be realised without an understanding and acceptance of the complexity of the political cultures that make up Europe ? In this volume, European scholars from a diversity of backgrounds explore the issues that must be addressed if the challenge of an integrated Europe is to be successfully met.

Objective: Data exchange and interoperability are necessary to support modern healthcare. The purpose of this study was to use a data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach in order to evaluate the degree of efficiency and interoperability of Information Technology within Greek Regional Health Authorities. Methods: Publicly available data were collected from the Greek Information Society organisation regarding specific IT attributes of relevant Greek healthcare organisations for the period 2000 until 2006 and a DEA approach was applied against them. Inputs were network and software infrastructure and outputs were interoperability, data exchange mechanisms and ability to support open standards. Results: Results obtained for 15 of the 17 healthcare regions clearly demonstrated limited utilisation of the physical and software infrastructure for achieving interoperability. Conclusion: Based on the fact that the input data reflect a specific period of time, there is a need to increase the level of interoperability amongst existing healthcare information systems within the healthcare regions in Greece. Key factors in achieving this will be standardisation, and the adoption and introduction of new, open technologies. © The Journal on Information Technology in Healthcare 2008.

In this paper the counteractive dynamic marine and river environments responsible for a river mouth’s and a delta’s modulation is studied. The Acheloos River (West Greece) was chosen as the case study due to the recent changes taken place in its basin. The aim of this study is to analyze the present dominant environment and the impact of human activity on this balance. A GIS database was developed and updated in order to provide access for future use and computer analysis (both spatial and chronological). The study, includes an estimation of the delta forming processes, the impact of the anthropogenic parameters on these processes, and, finally, their representation.

Background. The utilization of modern achievements from nanobiotechnology has resulted in novel modalities for renal replacement therapy. For conventional intermittent haemodialysis (HD), sophisticated membranes are currently being manufactured that guarantee selective removal of target toxins. These membranes have a narrow pore-size distribution that is focused around a mean value at the nanometre level. For continuous HD, novel artificial renal devices are currently being designed and evaluated in in vitro experiments that will be both implantable and have continuous function. Methods. We present mock-dialysis experiments using magnetically assisted HD (MAHD) that we very recently introduced for the selective removal of target toxins. MAHD is based on the preparation of conjugates (Cs) made up of biocompatible ferromagnetic nanoparticles (FNs) and a specifically designed targeted binding substance that must have a high affinity for a specific target toxin substance. The FN-targeted binding substance Cs should be administered to the patient prior to MAHD to allow for binding with the target toxin substance in the bloodstream. The complex FN-targeted binding substance-target toxin substance will then be removed by a 'magnetic dialyzer' that is installed in the dialysis machine in series to the conventional dialyzer. In the present work, we compared the in vitro efficiency of MAHD to conventional HD for the removal of homocysteine (Hcy) during mock-dialysis experiments. Results. These mock-dialysis experiments performed on Hcy revealed that both the removal rate and the overall removal efficiency of MAHD were significantly greater than conventional HD. Conclusions. MAHD appears to be a promising method that can be employed for the selective and more efficient extraction of toxins that are not adequately removed by conventional HD.

Tropical days (TD) are defined as the days with a maximum air temperature greater than 30.0°C. It is clear that the study of TD includes also the absolute maximum temperatures, which are of great interest for the description of a region's climate. These days are considered as very hot, and they particularly are of great importance not only for bioclimatology and applied sciences, but also for the individuals who are sensitive in the heat-stress. The regime of the TD in Greece is the focus of this study. The aim is to demonstrate their changes from decade to decade, for the time period 1960-2000. For this study, the Annual Number of Tropical Days (ANTD) recorded by each of the 26 meteorological stations of National Meteorological Service, which are uniformly distributed in the Hellenic peninsula, was calculated and analysed. In terms of quantifying the conditions in a human-biometeorological manner, the thermal index Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) and the consecutive days for Athens have been included in this study. The trends of the TD for each station were analysed through the Mann-Kendall technique, while the spatial distribution per decade reveals the regions with change (increase or decrease) in the ANTD during the examined period. Two characteristic periods of change for the ANTD appear in the majority of the meteorological stations in Greece. The first period (1955-1976) is determined by a negative trend, which is statistically significant (c.l. 95%), for adequate stations. In the period between 1976 and 2000, the increase in the ANTD and the maximum temperature exceed the corresponding maximum that appeared in the beginning of the 1950s for several of the examined meteorological stations. The human-biometeorological analysis shows that the consecutive days of PET >35°C have had a positive trend in the last two decades of the last century. © Springer-Verlag 2007.

Living coccolithophores were collected in August 2001, at different photic depths (0-120 m), form 8 stations along a transect in the gulf of Korthi (Andros island). The analysis of the vertical distribution of coccolithophores certified high differentiation in density and diversity, as well as in the species composition at different depth levels. As a result, the photic zone is separated into three distinct sub-zones: upper (0-25 m depth), middle (45-60 m depth) and lower (90-120 m depth). The total cell density varies between 14.7x103 cells/l and 1.9x103 cells/l, and is usually higher in the upper and middle photic zone, while in the lower photic zone it gradually decreases. The highest species richness (max=34 taxa) was observed at the middle photic zone. Emiliania huxleyi, Rhabdosphaera clavigera and holococcolithophores preferred the upper photic zone. On the contrary, in the lower photic zone, the presence of Florisphaera profunda and Algirosphaera robusta becomes important, making up the typical deep community. Umbellosphaera tenuis is an additional important component of the summer heterococcolithophore nannoflora, especially in the middle photic zone. The studied coastal marine coccolithophore communities indicate that temperature and availability of nutrient concentrations are the most important controlling factors controlling their vertical distribution.

The associations between various meteorological parameters, concentrations of PM10, SO2, and O3 pollutants and bronchial asthma of residents of the wider region of Athens are examined in this study. For this purpose, 1,288 patients’ admissions (412 males and 876 females) recorded in 13 pneumonological clinics of Sotiria Hospital, which is the major Hospital for respiratory diseases in Athens, were analyzed for the period 1/1/2001–31/12/2002. The meteorological data were available by the National Observatory of Athens and the concentrations of PM10, SO2, and O3 pollutants were obtained by the air pollution network of 10 stations of the Ministry of Environment (Directorate of Air and Noise pollution Control).The evaluation of the possible relationship between the bronchial asthma admissions (BAA) and the meteorological variables was achieved by the application of Generalized Linear Models with Poisson distribution, because the medical dataset presents large divergence from a Gaussian distribution. The results showed that a statistically significant (p < 0.01) negative correlation between all examined air temperature variables, water vapor pressure, evaporation, sunshine, total solar irradiance, and BAA exists. Moreover, the findings of the analysis showed that a statistically significant relationship between the examined pollutants and BAA on the same day does not exist, with the exception of O3, which is correlated negatively (p < 0.01) with BAA. Nevertheless, there is a statistically significant lag effect (7–8 days) between the increase in BAA and the peak in the concentrations of PM10, SO2, and O3 pollutants. During the cold period of the year (October–April), BAA is significantly associated with O3 lag 2 day. The interannual variation of bronchial asthma admissions (BAA) reveals peaks within the transitional seasons of the year (spring and autumn), while the main minimum is apparent during summer period and especially in August.

Wegener's granulomatosis is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis that usually involves the kidneys, typically causing segmental necrotizing glomerulonephritis. An association between Wegener's granulomatosis and renal cell carcinoma was recently reported. We describe a case of Wegener's granulomatosis presenting as a renal mass in a 72-year-old woman. Histologic examination of the mass revealed granulomatous inflammation, an extremely rare manifestation of this disease. We also review the incidence of renal mass in Wegener's granulomatosis and highlight the importance of excluding the coexistence of renal cell carcinoma. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The determination of the chemical composition of rainfall related to the origin of the air masses, in two urban sites in Greece during the year 2006, is investigated in this study. Two model automatic rain samplers were installed, the first in the city of Larissa, Thessaly, central Greece and the second in Heraklio, Attica, a northern suburb of Athens. The concentrations (ppm) of the major cations (H+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, NH4+ and Mg2+) and major anions (NO 3-, NO2-, HCO3 -, and SO42-), as well as total hardness (ppm CaCO3), pH and electric conductivity in 25°C (μS/cm) for 27 rainfall samples -11 samples in Larissa and 16 samples in Heraklio (Athens)- were determined. In Larissa, the figures of pH range from 5.13 to 6.13 while in Heraklio (Athens), the pH within the range 5.62 to 7.88 indicates a shift of the rainfalls towards alkalinity. The electric conductivity in Larissa ranges from 16.30 μS/cm to 110.60 μS/cm and in Heraklio (Athens) from 7.00 μS/cm to 151.00 μS/cm. The analysis showed that Ca2+ and Mg2+ appear the highest concentrations out of the examined cations, while HCO 3- and SO42- present the highest concentrations within the anions. Moreover, in order to find out the origin of the air masses, the air mass back trajectories were calculated using the HYSPLIT 4 model of Air Resources Laboratory of NOAA for two different levels: 1500 and 3000 m (a.m.s.l.). © by PSP 2008.

The incidence of proximal femoral fractures has increased significantly in recent years, and is expected to continue to rise with increasing life expectancy. However, the optimal method of treatment of these fractures is still debated. This article summarises current evidence concerning the most controversial issues in the treatment of intracapsular and extracapsular proximal femoral fractures. Despite initial enthusiasm, many new treatment options have been proved inferior to older, traditional methods, and physicians should be cautious when it comes to managing these fractures. It seems that meticulous surgical technique and implant selection according to fracture pattern and the characteristics of the individual patient offer the best route to optimal final outcome.

Women Writing Greece explores images of modern Greece by women who experienced the country as travellers, writers, and scholars, or who journeyed there through the imagination. The essays assembled here consider women's travel narratives, memoirs and novels, ranging from the eighteenth to the late twentieth century, focusing on the role of gender in travel and cross-cultural mediation and challenging stereotypical views of 'the Greek journey', traditionally seen as an antiquarian or Byronic pursuit. This collection aims to cast new light on women's participation in the discourses of Hellenism and Orientalism, examining their ideological rendering of Greece as at once a luminous land and a site crossed by contradictory cultural memories. Arranged chronologically, the essays discuss encounters with Greece by, among others, Lady Elizabeth Craven, Lady Hester Stanhope, Lady Montagu, Lady Morgan, Mary Shelley, Felicia Skene, Emily Pfeiffer, Eva Palmer, Jane Ellen Harrison, Virginia Woolf, Ethel Smyth, Christa Wolf, Penelope Storace and Gillian Bouras, and analyse them through a variety of critical, historical, contextual and theoretical frames.

We present preliminary results from a study of the X-ray source population and the star formation history (SFH) of the nearby galaxy M81, based on archival Chandra data and our HST/ACS survey. These data provide the deepest and most detailed picture of the stellar populations in this prototypical spiral galaxy. The preliminary analysis of the ACS data shows variations of the SFH across the galaxy. The Chandra observations allow us to classify the X-ray sources and study their link with the SFH. In combination with the ACS data we can identify their optical counterparts and classify them, based on their photometric properties. We can classify 80% of the detected X-ray sources as OB stars, globular clusters, giant/supergiant stars, and background AGNs, demonstrating the diagnostic power of combining high spatial resolution optical and X-ray observations.

Στη θεωρητική αυτή εργασία εξετάζεται η ηλικιακή περίοδος από το 18ο μέχρι το 25ο έτος περίπου υπό το πρίσμα μιας καινούριας θεώρησης που χαρακτηρίζει την περίοδο αυτή ως «αναδυόμενη ενηλικίωση» (Arnett, 2004) και με βάση σχετικές έρευνες κυρίως από τις Η.Π.Α. και τη Δ. και Β. Ευρώπη, οι οποίες ανασκοπούνται. Αρχικά, επιχειρούνται αποσαφηνίσεις της έννοιας αυτής και η διάκρισή της από άλλους όρους που έχουν χρησιμοποιηθεί για να αποδώσουν την ίδια περίοδο. Στη συνέχεια, περιγράφονται τα γενικά χαρακτηριστικά της αναδυόμενης ενηλικίωσης και εντοπίζονται κοινωνικο-πολιτισμικές παράμετροι με τις οποίες συνδέεται η ύπαρξη και η αναγνώρισή της. Παρουσιάζονται αναλυτικά οι αντιλήψεις των νεαρών ατόμων για την ηλικία αυτή, καθώς και τα αναπτυξιακά χαρακτηριστικά τους και, τέλος, συνδέεται η αναδυόμενη ενηλικίωση με τη φοίτηση στην τριτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση.

Cette étude porte sur l’évolution de la question de la parité linguistique dans quatre régions de la francophonie à partir des années 1970 : la France, le Québec, la Communauté française de Belgique et la Suisse romande. Elle examine le degré d’adaptation de la langue française aux conquêtes professionnelles et politiques du sexe féminin. Sont pris en considération les paramètres suivants :1. Les prises de position divergentes des linguistes. À la fin du XXe siècle deux sont les camps formés au sein des communautés francophones (notamment en Europe) : d’une part, les linguistes traditionnels prônent le caractère inaltérable d’une langue qui ne peut en conséquence devenir, en aucun cas, objet de revendications féministes ; d’autre part, les thèses des linguistes féministes qui mettent en valeur la dimension sociale de la question : à leur sens, la langue n’est pas neutre, mais constitue, au contraire, un vecteur privilégié de culture, d’idéologie.2. Les politiques en la matière mises en oeuvre par les pouvoirs publics dans les quatre pays de la francophonie considérés. Le Québec fut le premier à prendre des mesures en faveur de la féminisation linguistique ; suivent les autres pays, à partir des années 1990 notamment.3. La mise en application de la réforme linguistique dans le secteur administratif, dans le domaine de la lexicographie et des médias également. En ce qui concerne le secteur public, les enquêtes effectuées ont enregistré des résultats encourageants : utilisation des formes féminines des noms de métier, grade, fonction et titre dans les documents émanant des administrations ou des partis politiques. Presse et télévision ont largement contribué à la diffusion de la question en médiatisant le débat ; en adoptant également, dans la majorité des cas, les règles de la féminisation linguistique. La lexicographie, enfin, suit, bien que plus lentement, les évolutions dans ce domaine.

(2008). Γογγάκη, Κωνσταντίνα. Σημειώσεις Εισαγωγής στη Φιλοσοφία: Ψυχή και σώμα στον αρχαίο ελληνικό και στο σύγχρονο κόσμο, έκδοση Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών.   Η ζωή, ένα τόσο αντίθετο φαινόμενο στα έμψυχα όντα από την άψυχη ύλη, είναι για τον άνθρωπο κάτι ανεξήγητο και μυστήριο, και παρά τα εκατομμύρια χρόνια ύπαρξης και παρουσίας του στον πλανήτη, τα ερωτήματα και ο προβληματισμός σχετικά με τη ζωή παραμένουν χωρίς να μπορεί να δώσει κανείς με απόλυτη βεβαιότητα τον ορισμό και την απαρχή της. Η αντίθεση μεταξύ ζωής και θανάτου προξένησε μεγάλη αναστάτωση στη συνείδηση του ανθρώπου, καθώς ο τελευταίος δεν μπορεί να αποδεχθεί ότι ο βιολογικός του θάνατος αποτελεί φυσική συνέχεια, αναγκαία για την οικονομία της φύσης. Το γεγονός οτι από τη στιγμή της σύλληψης και της γέννησής του κουβαλάει ο άνθρωπος το σπέρμα του θανάτου, συνιστά μιαν αντίφαση της οποίας μόνο αυτός, από τους άλλους οργανισμούς, έχει την επίγνωση. «Τι είναι ζωή;» Από τη φύση του προβλήματος στο πέρασμα του χρόνου δημιουργήθηκαν διάφορες περί ζωής αντιλήψεις. Τα ερωτήματα οδήγησαν στην υπόθεση μιας πηγής ζωής. Σύμφωνα με τη θεωρία αυτή η πηγή ζωής ολόκληρου του σύμπαντος είναι η ψυχή. Αλλά τι είναι «ψυχή;» Και από πού πηγάζει η ζωή; Τι είναι φύση; Γιατί ο άνθρωπος έχει τη δυνατότητα του «συμπεριφέρεσθαι;» Και γιατί συμπεριφέρεται με αυτόν και όχι με τον άλλο τρόπο; Η μελέτη του ερωτήματος τι είναι ψυχή και ποια η ουσία, η προέλευση και το περιεχόμενό της, οδήγησε σε μεταφυσικές, οντολογικές κοσμολογικές και θεολογικές ερμηνείες για την αρχή της ζωής, ενώ με τη φιλοσοφική προσέγγιση του θέματος ασχολούνται πρώτοι οι προσωκρατικοί φιλόσοφοι. Η έννοια της ψυχής, εν γένει, από καταβολής κόσμου θεωρείται αλληλένδετη με την έννοια της ζωής.      Οι επικρατέστερες αντιλήψεις ζωής είναι η δυναμική και η μηχανιστική αντίληψη. Η πρώτη, επιβιώνοντας σε όλη τη διάρκεια της αρχαίας φιλοσοφίας, επικρατεί και κατά την περίοδο του Μεσαίωνα, οπότε η φιλοσοφία είναι επηρεασμένη από τον Αριστοτέλη και κυρίως από την ιουδαϊκή και τη χριστιανική θεολογία. Η «ζωή» για τη θεωρία αυτή είναι κάτι διαφορετικό από την ύλη και τις ιδιότητές της, είναι μια πραγματικότητα sui generis, η οποία διαθέτει τη δική της αρχή και ρυθμό. Η δεύτερη αντίληψη για τη ζωή, η μηχανιστική, ερμηνεύει τα φαινόμενα της ζωής και της ψυχής από φυσικές αιτίες. Οι περισσότεροι Ίωνες φιλόσοφοι, παρά το οτι οι θεωρίες τους είναι ακόμη ακαθόριστες, στο βάθος τους είναι μηχανιστές. Και για τους Στωϊκούς, όμως, αιτία της ζωής είναι το πνεύμα. Η θεωρία των ζωϊκών πνευμάτων, είναι μια τρίτη θεωρία της αρχαιότητας για τη ζωή, στην οποία πρωτοστατούν οι γιατροί, σύμφωνα με την οποία ο άνθρωπος έχει μέσα του κάποιον αγέρα, ένα είδος πνεύματος, το οποίο θέτει σε λειτουργία τον οργανισμό. Το πνεύμα αυτό, βάζοντας τον οργανισμό σε κίνηση, επιτυγχάνει να ενεργεί η ψυχή πάνω στο σώμα και ταυτόχρονα το σώμα πάνω στην ψυχή. Τα ζωϊκά πνεύματα με τη λειτουργία τους προκαλούν την ψυχική λειτουργία και τις σωματικές κινήσεις, μεσολαβούν ανάμεσα στην ψυχή και το σώμα εξηγώντας την αμοιβαία τους επίδραση. Η θεωρία των ζωϊκών πνευμάτων έλαβε την οριστική της μορφή στην ιατρική σχολή της Αλεξάνδρειας, τον 2ο μ.Χ. αιώνα, από τον ιατροφιλόσοφο Γαληνό. Στη συνέχεια επικράτησε σαν επιστημονική αλήθεια, ενώ κατά το Μεσαίωνα και την Αναγέννηση λαμβάνει τον χαρακτήρα αδιαμφισβήτητης φυσιολογικής ερμηνείας. Τον 17ο αιώνα υποστηρίζεται από τον Άγγλο φιλόσοφο Bacon, ενώ αργότερα ο Descartes σε αυτήν βασίζεται προκειμένου να ερμηνεύσει τις σχέσεις μεταξύ ψυχής και σώματος. Η θεωρία των ζωϊκών πνευμάτων καταργήθηκε μόνο από τη στιγμή που έγινε γνωστή η φυσιολογία του μηχανισμού της κυκλοφορίας του αίματος! Η φυσική επιστήμη στην αρχή, η φυσιολογία και η ψυχολογία αργότερα, δημιουργούν νέες θεωρίες για τη ζωή, οι οποίες ανατρέπουν πολλές από τις απόψεις της αρχαιότητας και του Μεσαίωνα. Οι ‘βιολογικές’ θεωρίες που επικρατούν από την Αναγέννηση και εξής αλληλοδιαδέχονται η μία την άλλη, περιστρεφόμενες όμως κυρίως γύρω απ’ τις παλιές βιταλιστικές θεωρίες. Η διανόηση, που εξαιτίας της ανάπτυξης της μαθηματικής και της φυσικής επιστήμης έχει ωριμάσει, καταφεύγει σε διαρκώς θετικότερες ερμηνείες, με τη μηχανιστική αντίληψη να επικρατεί οριστικά στα μέσα του 19ου αιώνα. Έτσι, σταδιακά, η έννοια του ‘φυσιολογικού’ διαλευκαίνεται, και αποσπάται από την έννοια του ‘ψυχικού’, κερδίζοντας ολοένα και ευρύτερο έδαφος η μηχανιστική ερμηνεία και οι νόμοι της φυσικής και της χημείας. Ο οριστικός διαχωρισμός του ‘φυσιολογικού’ από το ‘ψυχικό’ οφείλεται κυρίως στον Descartes, ο οποίος, μεταξύ άλλων, την έννοια της ψυχής την περιορίζει στη νόηση, εκλαμβάνοντας, αντίθετα με τον Πλάτωνα και τον Αριστοτέλη, την ψυχή ως αρχή της πνευματικής ζωής και όχι και της οργανικής. Η μηχανιστική αντίληψη της ζωής εξελισσόμενη στη συνέχεια από επιστήμονες όπως ο Hobbes, και υλιστές φιλοσόφους όπως οι Diderot και Holbach, κατέλαβε κεντρική θέση στην επιστήμη, χωρίς όμως να εξοβελίσει εξ ολοκλήρου τις βιταλιστικές αντιλήψεις. Η φυσιολογία του 19ου αιώνα, κατ’ εξοχήν μηχανιστική ούσα, ασκεί αποφασιστική παρέμβαση στις εξελίξεις. Στη διευρυνόμενη κυριαρχία της μηχανιστικής θεωρίας διαπιστώνεται, από τους υποστηρικτές των θετικών επιστημών μέχρι τους δαρβινιστές και τους υλιστές, μια σύγκλιση απόψεων. Η μηχανιστική ερμηνεία της ζωής κυριάρχησε κατά τα μέσα του 20ου αιώνα στη φυσιολογία, μαζί με την πίστη πως οι φυσικο-χημικές ερμηνείες είναι οι μόνες γόνιμες. Σαν αντίδραση απέναντι στις απόψεις αυτές, και μέσα στη δογματική και ιδεαλιστική ατμόσφαιρα της εποχής, αναπτύχθηκαν νέες δυναμικές θεωρίες, όπως ο ‘νεοβιταλισμός’, υποστηρίζοντας πως οι φυσικοχημικές ερμηνείες από μόνες τους δεν εξηγούν καθ’ ολοκληρίαν το φαινόμενο της ζωής, και επομένως είναι αναγκαία η καταφυγή σε μεταφυσικές ή απόκρυφες δυνάμεις. Με κύριο εκφραστή τον βιολόγο Driesch, ο οποίος βρίσκεται κοντά στη φυσιολογία, ή τον Bergson, αναπτύσσεται η βιολογική φιλοσοφία.    

Στο σύγχρονο κόσμο, γίνεται όλο και περισσότερο φανερό ότι οι οικονομικές, πολιτικές, κοινωνικές και πολιτιστικές εξελίξεις έχουν επιπτώσεις που συχνά υπερβαίνουν τα σύνορα των κρατών. Η διεθνής αλληλεπίδραση αυξάνεται με τη συμμετοχή των χωρών σε διεθνείς οργανισμούς και παγκόσμια δίκτυα, την υπογραφή πολυμερών ή διεθνών συμφωνιών και την ενσωμάτωση διεθνών κανονισμών στις εθνικές νομοθεσίες. Στο περιβάλλον της «παγκοσμιοποίησης», η εκπαίδευση αποτελεί όλο και περισσότερο αντικείμενο διεθνών διεργασιών, αφού θεωρείται σημαντικός παράγοντας για την οικονομική ανάπτυξη και την κοινωνική συνοχή, στο πλαίσιο των σύγχρονων «κοινωνιών και οικονομιών της γνώσης». Σ’ αυτή τη νέα πραγματικότητα που διαμορφώνεται, η μελέτη των διεθνών εκπαιδευτικών εξελίξεων μπορεί να συμβάλλει στην καλύτερη κατανόηση και ανάλυση των ζητημάτων που απασχολούν την εκπαίδευση σε μια χώρα, προσθέτοντας στην εμπειρογνωμοσύνη και διευρύνοντας την αντίληψη των πρακτικών ζητημάτων και άλλων παραμέτρων που επηρεάζουν τις εκπαιδευτικές πολιτικές. Το τεύχος αυτό έχει ως κύριο αντικείμενο ακριβώς αυτό: Τη μελέτη του σύγχρονου διεθνούς συγκειμένου της εκπαίδευσης, και ιδιαίτερα των εξελίξεων που σχετίζονται με τη συμμετοχή της χώρας μας στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση. Η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση αποτελεί, ιδιαίτερα τα τελευταία χρόνια, σημαντικό φορέα εκπαιδευτικών πρωτοβουλιών που επηρεάζουν τις πολιτικές και τις δράσεις για την εκπαίδευση όχι μόνο στα κράτη-μέλη της, αλλά και σε ολόκληρο τον κόσμο. Το συγκεκριμένο εγχειρίδιο έχει ως στόχο να παρουσιάσει τις βασικές κατευθύνσεις των πολιτικών της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης στον τομέα της εκπαίδευσης.Τα στελέχη της εκπαίδευσης αποτελούν το συνδετικό κρίκο ανάμεσα στο μακροεπίπεδο της εκπαιδευτικής πολιτικής και στο μικροεπίπεδο της εκπαιδευτικής πράξης. Καλούνται να κατανοήσουν τις εκπαιδευτικές πολιτικές αλλά και να συμβάλλουν από τη θεσμική τους θέση στην υλοποίησή τους. Είναι γι’ αυτό, ιδιαίτερα σημαντική η συμμετοχή των στελεχών στον προβληματισμό σχετικά με το περιεχόμενο, τις μεθοδολογίες και τις βασικές πολιτικές της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. Πολιτικές, όπως η «δια βίου μάθηση», το ευρωπαϊκό πλαίσιο προσόντων, τα ευρωπαϊκά επίπεδα αναφοράς κ.ά., οι οποίες διαδραματίζουν σημαντικό ρόλο στη χάραξη της ευρωπαϊκής εκπαιδευτικής πολιτικής και επηρεάζουν σε μεγάλο βαθμό την ελληνική εκπαιδευτική πραγματικότητα, όπως συμβαίνει σε όλα τα κράτη-μέλη.Στόχος του τόμου αυτού είναι να παρουσιάσει μια σφαιρική εικόνα των ευρωπαϊκών εξελίξεων στον τομέα της εκπαίδευσης, τις κεντρικές επιλογές και τις εφαρμογές τους στο ελληνικό εκπαιδευτικό σύστημα. Δεν αποβλέπει στο να εξαντλήσει, στο περιορισμένο του μέγεθος, το ευρύ εκπαιδευτικό περιεχόμενο της συγκεκριμένης θεματολογίας, αλλά προσβλέπει στο να αποτελέσει ουσιαστική βάση για την ποιοτική επιμόρφωση των στελεχών της εκπαίδευσης, τόσο σε θεωρητικό όσο και σε πρακτικό επίπεδο, στο εν λόγω θεματικό πεδίο.Στο κεφάλαιο 1 γίνεται διεξοδική αναφορά στις γενικές κατευθύνσεις και τάσεις των ευρωπαϊκών πολιτικών στο τομέα της εκπαίδευσης-κατάρτισης καθώς και στα δίκτυα ενημέρωσης, που θα βοηθήσουν τα στελέχη της εκπαίδευσης να ανατροφοδοτούν συνεχώς τις γνώσεις τους στον τομέα αυτό. Στο κεφάλαιο 2 παρουσιάζονται οι τάσεις και οι προοπτικές σε ευρωπαϊκό επίπεδο σχετικά με την επιμόρφωση και την αξιολόγηση των στελεχών της εκπαίδευσης. Στο κεφάλαιο 3 αναπτύσσονται οι τάσεις και οι προοπτικές σε ευρωπαϊκό επίπεδο για την ανάδειξη και το ρόλο των στελεχών της εκπαίδευσης. Το κεφάλαιο 4 αφορά τις ικανότητες-κλειδιά και το πλαίσιο προσόντων των στελεχών της εκπαίδευσης. Στο κεφάλαιο 5 αναπτύσσεται η προσέγγιση της «δια βίου μάθησης» και οι προεκτάσεις της στην ελληνική εκπαίδευση ενώ το κεφάλαιο 6 είναι αφιερωμένο στην ετερότητα και στην ταυτότητα του πολίτη στο πλαίσιο ανάδειξης και δημιουργικής αξιοποίησης της πολυπολιτισμικότητας τόσο σε κοινωνικό όσο και σε εκπαιδευτικό επίπεδο.Το βιβλίο συμπληρώνει ένα γλωσσάριο ειδικών όρων και η πλήρης αναφορά της βιβλιογραφίας που χρησιμοποιήθηκε.

το πλαίσιο των διαδικασιών προώθησης προϊόντων και υπηρεσιών για την ικανοποίηση αναγκών ή επιθυμιών των καταναλωτών εφαρμόζονται ποσοτικές μέθοδοι για την ανάλυση της αγοράς. Με αυτό τον τρόπο επιδιώκεται η ανάδειξη των αποφάσεων που πρέπει να λαμβάνονται, προκειμένου να αξιοποιούνται κατά τον άριστο δυνατό τρόπο οι διατιθέμενοι παραγωγικοί συντελεστές.Στο βιβλίο αναλύονται μέσα από την εφαρμογή μεθόδων ποσοτικής ανάλυσης οι ακόλουθες ελληνικές αγορές: η αγορά αναψυκτικών, η αγορά μπύρας, η αγορά αυτοκινήτων, η αγορά οδοντόκρεμας, η αγορά τσιγάρων, συγκριτική αξιολόγηση της διαφήμισης και της διανομής συγκεκριμένου προϊόντος και η τουριστική αγορά.Μέσα από την ανάλυση αυτών των αγορών, αναδεικνύονται τα θέματα που αναφέρονται στα ακόλουθα επιχειρησιακά επιστητά:

• Συμπεριφορά του καταναλωτή
• Βασικές αρχές που ισχύουν κατά τη λειτουργία της αγοράς
• Προσδιορισμός των πολιτικών marketing των προϊόντων / υπηρεσιών στην αγορά (Marketing Mix)
• Εκτίμηση και σύγκριση της αποτελεσματικότητας της διανομής προϊόντων και της διαφήμισης
• Προσδιορισμός του ύψους της διαφημιστικής δαπάνης και διαχρονικός προγραμματισμός της
• Προσδιορισμός του άριστου μείγματος μέσων προώθησης προϊόντων στην αγορά (Μedia Mix)
• Διερεύνηση των εφαρμοστέων πολιτικών προώθησης προϊόντων στην αγορά στην περίπτωση εισαγωγής νέων προϊόντων
• Αλληλεπίδραση των στρατηγικών προώθησης ανταγωνιστικών προϊόντων στις πωλήσεις τους
• Προσδιορισμός των παραγόντων που επιδρούν στη διαμόρφωση των πωλήσεων προϊόντων εποχικής ζήτησης.

Τα Ζητήματα Θεωρίας των Επιστημών της Φύσης είναι μια συλλογή αυτόνομων κειμένων που ασχολούνται με επιλεγμένα ζητήματα της θεωρίας της επιστήμης και ειδικότερα της θεωρίας των επιστημών της φύσης, δηλαδή της Φυσικής, της Χημείας και των υποκλάδων τους. Για τους συγγραφείς η επιστήμη δεν είναι απλώς ένα διατεταγμένο σύνολο από νόμους και θεωρίες, αλλά μια δυναμικά εξελισσόμενη διαδικασία με διαμάχες, αντιπαραθέσεις και ανατροπές θεωριών και ως εκ τούτου η μελέτη της κάθε επιστήμης δεν είναι δυνατόν να αποκοπεί από τη μελέτη της ιστορίας της.Τα κείμενα του βιβλίου εξετάζουν: 

• Τις επιστημονικές επαναστάσεις και διαμάχες στη Φυσική, εστιάζοντας στην αντιπαράθεση Newton-Leibniz για τη βαρύτητα, τον χώρο και τον χρόνο.
• Την πειραματική πρακτική.
• Τη Χημεία και τη σχέση της με την Αλχημεία.
• Την ιστορική διαμόρφωση της σχέσης των Φυσικών Επιστημών με τα Μαθηματικά και τα επιστημονικά όργανα.
• Τις προσεγγίσεις των επιστημών και της ιστορίας τους με βάση το φύλο καθώς και προτάσεις εκπαιδευτικών στρατηγικών υπονόμευσης των έμφυλων στερεοτύπων.
• Την ιστορία των Φυσικών Επιστημών στην Ελλάδα και την υποδοχή των θεωριών της Σχετικότητας και της Κβαντομηχανικής στον ελληνικό χώρο.
• Την επίδικη σχέση μεταξύ της ιστορίας των επιστημών και της διδασκαλίας των Φυσικών Επιστημών.

Το βιβλίο απευθύνεται σε προπτυχιακούς και μεταπτυχιακούς φοιτητές, σε εκπαιδευτικούς Πρωτοβάθμιας και Δευτεροβάθμιας Εκπαίδευσης που θα ήθελαν να εμβαθύνουν σε ζητήματα της καθημερινής πρακτικής τους, καθώς και σε κάθε αναγνώστη με αντίστοιχα ενδιαφέροντα. 

Η ελληνική γλώσσα από την ομηρική αρχαιότητα μέχρι τη σύγχρονη εποχή αξιοποίησε το επιρρηματικό πρόθεμα «ευ» με πολλαπλούς τρόπους, αναδεικνύοντας ιδιότητες και αξίες ή φωτίζοντας ηθικά νοήματα. Το ‘ευ’, παρότι σύντομο, δρα ανατρεπτικά, καθώς εισηγείται την διαφοροποίηση της ποιότητας της λέξης. Η προσθήκη του ‘ευ’ στο ουσιαστικό ‘δαίμων’, επί παραδείγματι, συνθέτει τη λέξη που, κατά τον Αριστοτέλη, αποτελεί τον υψηλότερο σκοπό της ζωής, δηλαδή τον ευ-δαίμονα, καθώς και την ευδαιμονία και την ευτυχία. Το θαυματουργό ‘ευ’ εμπεριέχει μια πολύτιμη δυναμική, την οποία προβάλλει σ’ εκείνη τη λέξη που θα έχει την εύνοιά του. Η θετική αυτή εμφάνιση κατορθώνει την αντιστροφή της ατυχίας και όλων όσων αρνητικών περιέχουν οι έννοιες εκείνες στις οποίες προπορεύεται το άλφα-στερητικό ή το ‘κακός’, όπως το κακοτυχία, το κακοδαιμονία ή το αζωΐα. Έτσι, με τη μαγική εσωτερική του δύναμη, αφού κατορθώνει έναν απλό ‘λόγο’ να τον μετατρέψει σε ευ+λόγο, ήτοι σε ‘ευλογία’, το ‘ευ’ αποτελεί κάτι το περιζήτητο, όχι μόνο επειδή θέτει τα όρια της ηθικής, αλλά, επιπλέον, γιατί συνιστά το όριο υπέρβασης της μετριότητας.                Το «ευ ασκείσθαι» υπήρξε καθολικό βίωμα των Ελλήνων, σε όλες τις εκφάνσεις της πολιτιστικής τους δραστηριότητας. Κατά την κλασική περίοδο όμως της ελληνικής αρχαιότητας η αίσθηση της αξίας του ‘ευ’ και του ‘καλού αγώνα’, φτάνει στο απόγειό της. Η ομηρική αριστεία εξανθρωπίζεται, λαμβάνοντας μια διάσταση πιο ανθρώπινη, η οποία προσιδιάζει στο ιδανικό του τέλειου ανθρώπου. Ο εναρμονισμός των ανθρώπινων υποστάσεων μέσω της γύμνασης και της μουσικής εξυπηρετεί την ιδέα του καλού κ’ αγαθού πολίτη, του ανθρώπου της μεσότητας, καθώς και την ιδέα του ευ ζειν. Ο αθλητικός αγώνας συνιστά μια προέκταση των αρετών του ιδανικού πολίτη. Στην έννοια του «ευ» αποτυπώνεται η ηθική αντίληψη του κλασικού κόσμου, η οποία προβάλλεται και στους αγώνες. Οι λέξεις που ως πρώτο συνθετικό έχουν το ‘ευ’ ή το ‘καλός’, συνιστούν αρετές σώματος και ψυχής, και ως τέτοιες υπόκεινται σε αγώνα και σε κρίση. Στο σύγχρονο κόσμο, αντί του ‘ευ αγωνίζεσθαι’, επικράτησε ο όρος “Fair Play”, κυρίως, χάρη στη χρήση του από τα Βρετανικά Δημόσια Σχολεία του 19ου αιώνα, τα οποία με την σειρά τους διεκδικούσαν ρίζες στον κλασικό ελληνικό αθλητισμό. Στα μέσα του 19ου αιώνα ο αθλητισμός αποτελούσε την αποκλειστικότητα μιας ταξικής ελίτ, των μορφωμένων, αριστοκρατών και αργόσχολων ανδρών, οι κοινές αξίες των οποίων επεκτείνονταν και στις αθλητικές τους συνήθειες. Ο εκδημοκρατισμός του αθλητισμού επέτρεψε την είσοδο αθλητών από πολύ ευρύτερη ποικιλία προπαίδειας, ενώ σιγά-σιγά ακόμη και γυναίκες επικράτησε να συμμετάσχουν στον αθλητισμό. Οι παλιές ξεκάθαρες αντιλήψεις, όμως, μερικές φορές δεν αντανακλώνταν, πλέον, στις πρακτικές των αθλητών. Το «ευ αγωνίζεσθαι» ως έννοια σε ορισμένες περιπτώσεις σήμαινε περισσότερο την επιθυμία να χρησιμοποιηθούν τα αθλήματα για τη διδαχή κάποιων θετικών αξιών, παρά το στόχο να γίνει κατανοητή η φύση της ίδιας της έννοιας. Πάνω σ’ αυτήν την αντίληψη το «ευ αγωνίζεσθαι» διαμορφώνει ένα σύνολο γενικών ηθικών ή κοινωνικών αξιών που διδάσκονται μέσα από τα αθλήματα και τη σωματική δραστηριότητα.                Η ευ-γενής άμιλλα, ως εκ τούτου, λειτουργεί διαχρονικά ως στοιχείο ηθικής αγωγής, αποτελώντας, δικαίως, τον πυρήνα του αθλητικού ιδεώδους. Λειτουργεί ως ασπίδα στην επίθεση ενός παράλογου ανταγωνισμού, ο οποίος μετατρέπει την αγαθή έριδα σε ανελέητη μάχη. Η ισχύς του «ευ αγωνίζεσθαι» εξαρτάται, ωστόσο, παράλληλα, και από άλλες αρχές, τις οποίες οφείλει ν’ αναγνωρίζει ο αθλητής εξίσου: την ισονομία, την αξιοκρατία, τη δημοκρατία, καθώς και την αδιάκοπη προσπάθεια περιφρούρησης του αθλητισμού από την ευκολία, τους «στημένους αγώνες», τους ιδιοτελείς παράγοντες και τις κατευθυνόμενες συνειδήσεις. Ο συνδυασμός των αξιών αυτών ασκεί αποτελεσματική πολεμική τακτική ενάντια στα αθέμιτα μέσα που περιβάλλουν τον αθλητισμό. Στην Ελλάδα, τη χώρα της σμίλευσης της αρμονίας λόγου και πράξης, εδώ και τέσσερις χιλιετίες ξεπήδησε η ιδέα της σωματικής δραστηριότητας ως μέσου ανύψωσης του ανθρώπου, καθώς και αυτή του αγώνα ως τρόπου επίδειξης του ηρωικού πνεύματος. Οι ιδέες αυτές εξελίχθηκαν, ενισχύοντας την αξία της γύμνασης ως μέσου συνένωσης της φυσικής ενέργειας και της ζωηρότητας του πνεύματος. Όλη αυτή η αξιοποίηση συντελέστηκε με την αρωγή εκείνων των αρετών που διέπουν τον υγιή αθλητισμό. Δεν της αξίζει, ως εκ τούτου, αυτής της χώρας, σαν συνέχεια η κακοδαιμονία, η απληστία, το ευέξαπτο, το ευτελές, το εύκολο, το κακοπροαίρετο. Αντιθέτως, της αξίζει να προκύπτουν από το χώρο του αθλητισμού νοήματα θετικά, συνδεόμενα με το ‘ευ’, όπως ευχαρίστηση, ευφορία, ευσυνειδησία, ευνομία, καθώς και αθλητές και θεατές που διαθέτουν ευγένεια, ευαισθητοποίηση, ευθυκρισία, ευθύνη, ευπρέπεια, όντες ευαγείς.

ISBN 960-86870-9-8. Η εισήγηση βασίζεται, όσον αφορά τη θέση των ορθοδόξων, στη διπλωματική μας μεταπτυχιακή εργασία ειδίκευσης, καθώς μετά από δέκα χρόνια από την υποβολή της, ζητήθηκε να παρουσιαστούν τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας σε μια από τις επτά ομιλίες στη Διεπιστημονική Σύσκεψη, περί Συζυγίας και Τεκνογονίας, που διοργάνωσε η Ειδική Συνοδική Επιτροπή Γάμου, Οικογένειας, Προστασίας Παιδιού και Δημογραφικού προβλήματος της Ιεράς Συνόδου της Εκκλησίας της Ελλάδος, που τελικά πραγματοποιήθηκε στην Αθήνα στις 13-14 Δεκεμβρίου 2002. Οι θέσεις των Ρωμαιοκαθολικών, προτεσταντών, όσο και της ιουδαϊκής και μουσουλμανικής θρησκείας για την τεκνογονία στο θεσμό του γάμου αποτελούν πρωτότυπο έργο και βασίζονται σε δημοσιευμένα κείμενα που βρίσκονται είτε σε έντυπη μορφή είτε στο διαδίκτυο.

Στο κείμενο αυτό παρουσιάζονται με συντομία οι απόψεις του αγ. Γρηγορίου Νύσσης για τη μεταθανάτια κατάληξη των νηπίων και επιχειρείται η αναλογική σύνδεση του θέματος με τα έμβρυα που καταστρέφονται στις σύγχρονες αναπαραγωγικές τεχνολογίες. Ωστόσο το άρθρο δεν φιλοδοξεί να απαντήσει για την αβέβαιη κατάληξη των υπάρξεων αυτών, αλλά να προβληματίσει με τα ερωτήματα που  απορρέουν, είτε από το έργο του αγίου Γρηγορίου για τα νήπια είτε από τα σημερινά δεδομένα για τα έμβρυα.

Συλλογικός τόμος της Σχολής Επιστημών Αγωγής του Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης

In this essay, we describe, compare and comment on various psychoanalytic approaches to loneliness. Loneliness has long been neglected by psychologists and psychiatrists, and there are very few studies on the psychoanalytic interpretation of this universal human condition. After some conceptual clarifications, the developmental origins of loneliness are discussed (on the basis of Mahler’s and Stern’s theories). Subsequently, the relation of loneliness to anxiety and narcissism is analyzed, drawing from the Freudian framework, as well as the theories of Klein, Bion, Bowlby, Zilboorg, Kohut, Kernberg, and Balint. Other facets of the pathology of loneliness are discussed, such as the loneliness of the depressed and the borderline individual (Freud, Fairbairn, Guntrip, Kernberg). Finding solace in alternative worlds (e.g., phantasies, illusions, manic defenses, obsessive acts) is a way of dealing with painful loneliness, described in this essay. The capacity to play and to live in the location of cultural experience, according to Winnicott, are evaluated as fundamental ways of making creative use of aloneness. Solitude or beneficial aloneness – a human state highly neglected by psychology (theory and research) – is psychoanalytically approached in the theories of Freud, Winnicott, Storr, and Quinodoz. Moreover, the notion of the private self (Winnicott, Bollas, Stern, Modell, Ogden) is also developed in relation to solitude. In conlusion, the role that loneliness has played in the lives of several psychoanalysts is stressed, and an attempt to delineate the many faces of loneliness is made.

Ο σύγχρονος αθλητισμός, από πολιτικής και οικονομικής επόψεως, ανήκει σε ευνομούμενες χώρες, ενώ για τις χώρες που έχουν προβλήματα επιβίωσης ο αθλητισμός συνιστά πολυτέλεια - εκτός αν εξαιρέσει κανείς τις περιοχές των εθνικοαπελευθερωτικών κινημάτων, όπου ασκούνται στρατιωτικά για να διατηρούν την φυσική τους κατάσταση σε καλό επίπεδο, και πάλι όμως για λόγους επιβίωσης. Η σύγκριση αυτή καθιστά φανερό πως η αξία του αθλητισμού έρχεται δεύτερη, συγκριτικά με τη μάθηση της γλώσσας, της ιστορίας, της αριθμητικής και των συναφών αντικειμένων στις χώρες όπου προέχει ο αγώνας της επιβίωσης. Στην Ελλάδα όμως, και γενικότερα στα κράτη της δυτικής Ευρώπης, που διαθέτουν ένα προηγμένο πολιτικό σύστημα και τον λεγόμενο ‘δυτικό πολιτισμό’, δεν μπορεί κανείς ν’ αφαιρεί ή ν’ αγνοεί το δικαίωμα της σωματικής άσκησης και κουλτούρας. Αθλητική παιδεία, όμως, δεν μπορεί να πραγματοποιηθεί χωρίς παράλληλες, εκπαιδευτικές, οικολογικές και πολιτιστικές υποδομές. Η ανάπτυξη όλων αυτών επικοινωνεί σ’ ένα σχήμα συγκοινωνούντων δοχείων, που αλληλεπιδρούν. Κέντρο αυτής της συμφωνίας είναι η βελτίωση του επιπέδου της ζωής και η αίσθηση οτι ζει κανείς όπως του αξίζει: Μια καθημερινότητα ανάλογη της ανθρώπινης υπόστασης, αντάξια όχι μόνο της αντικειμενικής, αλλά και της υποκειμενικής του ποιότητας, και του επιπέδου του προσωπικού πολιτισμού του. Η ύπαρξη, συνεπώς, του αθλητισμού προϋποθέτει κάποιο οντολογικής φύσεως ερώτημα: τι είδος ανθρώπου δηλαδή και τι είδος κοινωνίας επιθυμεί κανείς να δημιουργήσει; Η απάντηση σ’ ένα τέτοιο ερώτημα προϋποθέτει την διασαφήνιση της ποιότητας του πολιτικού συστήματος στο οποίο προσβλέπει, ώστε να δοθούν ιδεολογικά χαρακτηριστικά στην ‘παιδεία’ και τον ‘πολιτισμό’ που παράγουν τις αντίστοιχες αξίες. Στο πλαίσιο μιας καπιταλιστικής οικονομίας, δηλαδή μιας γενικευμένης εμπορευματικής και ανταγωνιστικής οικονομίας, πόσο εφικτή είναι η ανατροπή της κυρίαρχης ιδεολογίας που αντανακλάται στην παιδεία; Η νευρωτική ιδεολογία της αποτίμησης και της αναγνωρισμένης αξιοποίησης, η τάση κοινωνικής αντικειμενικοποίησης των αξιών, στην οποία και ο αθλητισμός όπως τόσες άλλες κοινωνικές δραστηριότητες εντάσσονται, μπορούν ν’ αντικατασταθούν με οτιδήποτε αναφέρεται ως «υγιές», «αυθεντικό», «φυσικό» και «αληθινό»; Αν ναι, τότε, αντί για τη χειραγώγηση ή την απώθηση του αυθεντικού σώματος, θα μπορεί κανείς να μιλήσει για το παιχνίδι, την αίσθηση, τη συγκίνηση, τη μνήμη του σώματος, που έχουν και πνευματικές διαστάσεις. Αντί για τον καταπιεστικό χαρακτήρα του πολιτισμού και της εκπαίδευσης θα μπορεί κανείς να μιλήσει για ελευθερία, και όχι ελευθεριότητα. Αντί για ένα σώμα που θα είναι πηγή δυσφορίας και έλλειψης ικανοποίησης, θα μιλήσει για «αυθεντικό σώμα», που δεν θα είναι ακρωτηριαστικό, αντιαισθητικό κι εκμεταλλευτικό. Τότε η αθλητική δραστηριότητα θα λάβει τον χαρακτήρα της πολιτιστικής κατάκτησης και της πρακτικής εφαρμογής μιας ηθικής, ενώ στην εκπαίδευση, που είναι προέκταση του πολιτισμού και της κουλτούρας, θ’ ανακτήσει έναν διαπαιδαγωγικό, παιδευτικό χαρακτήρα.

Ἡ ἐπικρατοῦσα ἀγγλοσαξωνικὴ γεωστρατηγικὴ προσέγγισις, ἰδιαιτέρως κατὰ τὴν περίοδο τοῦ ψυχροῦ πολέμου ἐκφράζεται ἀπολύτως ἀπὸ δύο σημαντικωτάτους ἀγγλοσάξωνες γεωγράφους καὶ γεωπολιτικοὺς: τὸν Sir Halford Mackinder (1861-1947) καὶ τὸν Nicholas Spykman (1893-1943). Ἐκεῖνο τὸ ὁποῖον προκύπτει ἀπὸ τὰ συγκεκριμένα γεωπολιτικὰ μοντέλα εἶναι ὅτι τὸ στρατηγικὸ τμῆμα τῆς Rimland τὸ ὁποῖον παραμένει ὡς σημεῖον ἀσταθείας καὶ γιὰ τὴν περίπτωση τῆς νοτιοανατολικῆς πτέρυγος τοῦ ΝΑΤΟ, εἶναι ἡ κατακόρυφος γεωγραφικὴ ζώνη τοῦ αἰγαιακοῦ ἀρχιπελάγους καὶ ἡ συνέχειά της στὴν Κρήτη καὶ τὴν Κύπρο. Τὸ ἀγγλοσαξωνικὸ ἐνδιαφέρον γιὰ τὴν διατήρηση τοῦ στρατηγικοῦ ἐλέγχου αὐτῶν τῶν σημείων ὑπῆρξε διακαὲς καθ’ ὅλην τὴν διάρκεια τοῦ Κ΄ αἰῶνος καὶ ἔφθασε στὰ κορυφαῖά του σημεῖα κατὰ τὴν περίοδο τοῦ ψυχροῦ πολέμου. Το παρόν κείμενο αναφέρεται στον Βρεταννικὸ Παράγων, στον Κυπριακὸ Ἀγὼν καὶ στὰ Σεπτεμβριανά τοῦ 1955.

  Επεξεργαζόμαστε τις μαρτυρίες (στις αρχές του 20ου αιώνα) που αφορούν το θέμα της βίαιης εξολόθρευσης των Ελλήνων και άλλων αυτόχθων αλλοεθνών του Πόντου και της Μικρά Ασίας που άρχισε με την εξαφάνιση των νεολαίων-ανδρών στα εργατικά τάγματα και συνεχίστηκε με τις μαζικές σφαγές, τις μαζικές εκτοπίσεις και τον απαγχονισμό. Η Μάστιγα του Τρομερού Φόβου, τρομοκρατία, συνεχής τρόμος, ο αφανισμός όλων των στοιχείων που δεν είναι καθαροί Μουσουλμάνοι, δικτατορία, μίσος, εξολόθρευση, σφαγές, πρόσφυγες, βάναυσα βασανιστήρια, βίαιες εκτοπίσεις, εχθρότητα, εξόντωση, περιφρόνηση, λιμοκτονία, κ.α. Αυτούς τους όρους, μεταξύ άλλων, χρησιμοποιεί στο άρθρο της με τίτλο «Ο Κουτσός Δήμαρχος της Κερασούντας», η Blanche Norton, Αμερικανίδα περιηγήτρια-ιατρός στην Τραπεζούντα, στην Κερασούντα, στην Κωνσταντινούπολη, στο Καραχισάρ και στο Μπουλανκτζάκ, για να περιγράψει την κατάσταση των Ελλήνων και των Αρμενίων  της Μικρά Ασίας και του Πόντου, και όχι μόνο.   «Όσον αφορά τους πρόσφυγες, τι μπορώ να πω γι’ αυτούς τους ανθρώπους που δεν έχει ήδη ειπωθεί, και ποιες λέξεις είναι αρκετά δυνατές για να τους ζωγραφίσουν στους Αμερικανούς, οι οποίοι ποτέ δεν έχουν δει πρόσφυγα; Πριν το πόλεμο η πόλης κατοικούταν από Έλληνες. Τώρα, υπάρχουν μόνο 200, οι περισσότεροι γυναίκες και παιδιά που επέστρεψαν μετά από μεγάλη περιπλάνηση. Στους δρόμους έβλεπα ομάδες θλιμμένων και ταλαιπωρημένων ανθρώπων, άστεγοι[...] » (Blanche Norton, 1922: 289-290)  Η Αμερικανίδα ιατρός του Near East Relief, στο άρθρο της, που δημοσιεύτηκε στις 4 Απριλίου του 1822, καταγγέλλει και καταδικάζει για τον αφανισμό όλων των στοιχείων που δεν είναι Μουσουλμάνοι ή καθαροί Μουσουλμάνοι, όχι μόνο τους Τούρκους, αλλά «την ιμπεριαλιστική Βρετανία, την ιμπεριαλιστική Γαλλία, την ιμπεριαλιστική Ελλάδα και την αδιάφορη Αμερική.» Η Αγγλίδα περιηγήτρια-συγγραφέας, Dorina L. Neave στο έργο της «Είκοσι-Έξι Χρόνια στο Βόσπορο» (1933:174,179),  υποστηρίζει ότι «Επικρατούσε ένα τρομερό καθεστώς τρομοκρατίας, μία τρομερή κατάσταση τρομοκρατίας [...] Η κυριαρχία της Τρομοκρατίας στην Τουρκία σκανδάλιζε και συγκλόνιζε ολόκληρο τον κόσμο […] θύμιζε την χειρότερη τρομοκρατία του Μεσαίωνα». Η δημοσιογράφος-περιηγήτρια Lady Dorothy Mills από την Άγκυρα γράφει: «Ο Τούρκος έχει αποδειχθεί ότι είναι ένας άνδρας πολέμου [...] έχοντας κερδίσει με πόλεμο μία χώρα, νομίζει ότι εκείνη μπορεί να διοικείται από μόνη της. Στην περίπτωση των Αρμενίων και των Ελλήνων, και άλλων εμπορικών λαών που έκαναν τόση μεγάλη ευημερία για την Τουρκία, ο Τούρκος ικανοποιήθηκε να τους πετάξει στη θάλασσα, αντί να χρησιμοποιήσει προς όφελός του για τα χαρίσματά τους και τις ικανότητές τους στο εμπόριο.» 

Οἱ δύο θεμελιωτὲς τῆς ἀγγλοσαξωνικῆς σχολῆς τῆς γεωπολιτικῆς, οἱ γεωγράφοι Sir Halford Mackinder (1861-1947) καὶ Nicholas J. Spykman (1893-1943) καὶ τὰ ἀντίστοιχα γεωστρατηγικά τους Ὑποδείγματα ἔχουν ἀσφαλῶς ἔντονες ἐπιρροὲς ἀπὸ τὶς διπλωματικὲς πραγματικότητες τοῦ ΙΘ΄ αἰῶνος. Οἱ δύο γεωγράφοι κατέγραψαν κάθε φυσικο-γεωγραφικὸ καὶ οἰκονομικο-γεωγραφικὸ παράγοντα τῆς Εὐρασίας, στὴν ὁποίαν περιλαμβάνονται καὶ τὰ Βαλκάνια. Η παρούσα εισήγηση αναφέρεται στους Βαλκανικούς Πολέμους τοῦ 1912-13 ὡς περιπτωσιολογικὴ μελέτη στὰ Γεωπολιτικὰ καὶ Γεωστρατηγικὰ Ὑποδείγματα τῶν Sir Halford Mackinder καὶ Nicholas Spykman.

Στο άρθρο αυτό αναλύονται αφενός τα νομικά ζητήματα που έχουν απασχολήσει τα Δικαστήρια κατά την ενοποίηση δημόσιων νομικών προσώπων με δημόσια νομικά πρόσωπα και αφετέρου τα διαφορετικής φύσεως νομικά ζητήματα που απασχόλησαν τα Δικαστήρια κατά την ενοποίηση ιδιωτικών νομικών προσώπων με δημόσιο νομικό πρόσωπο. Η διαφορετική φύση των ζητημάτων που ανέκυψαν οφείλεται στο διαφορετικό νομικό καθεστώς των ιδιωτικών νομικών προσώπων.  Σχολιάζονται επίσης τα δύο εκ διαμέτρου αντίθετα πρακτικά επεξεργασίας του ΣτΕ, το 190/2006 επί αρχικού σχεδίου προεδρικού διατάγματος και  στη συνέχεια το (Ολ.) 240/2006 επί του τροποποιηθέντος ιδίου σχεδίου προεδρικού διατάγματος καθώς και η 116/2008 απόφαση του Μονομελούς Πρωτοδικείου Αθηνών που έκρινε το κύρος της καταγγελίας των παραπάνω συλλογικών συμφωνιών. Τα πολιτικά και διοικητικά Δικαστήρια εκκινούν από διαφορετική αφετηρία και καταλήγουν σε εκ διαμέτρου αντίθετα συμπεράσματα. α) Το ΠΕ (Ολ.) ΣτΕ 240/2006 εκκινεί από τη σκέψη ότι στο άρθρο 22 παρ. 5 του Συντάγματος εμπίπτει η κύρια και η επικουρική κοινωνική ασφάλιση καθώς και η  αναγνωριζόμενη ως ισοδύναμη με την επικουρική ασφάλιση σε ιδιωτικά νομικά πρόσωπα. Αντίθετα, το Μονομελές Πρωτοδικείο Αθηνών θεωρεί ότι από το πεδίο εφαρμογής του 22 παρ. 5 του Συντάγματος εξαιρείται η προαιρετική, ιδιωτική, επικουρική ασφάλιση που παρέχεται δυνάμει συλλογικών ενοχικών συμφωνιών μεταξύ εργοδοτών και εργαζομένων.  β) Το ΣτΕ δεν ελέγχει αν πράγματι συντρέχουν λόγοι δημοσίου συμφέροντος για την ενοποίηση του ταμείου. Αντίθετα, το Μον. Πρωτοδικείο Αθηνών κάνει έναν εξαιρετικά αναλυτικό και εμπεριστατωμένο έλεγχο ως προς το ότι δεν αποτελεί σπουδαίο λόγο για την καταγγελία των εν λόγω συλλογικών συμβάσεων και συμφωνιών το αναφερόμενο στην αιτιολογική έκθεση του νόμου δημόσιο συμφέρον και συγκεκριμένα ο κίνδυνος  να καταστούν τα πιστωτικά ιδρύματα μη βιώσιμα ή οριακά μη βιώσιμα μετά την τυχόν εμφάνιση των υποχρεώσεών τους προς τα ταμεία σύμφωνα με τα διεθνή λογιστικά πρότυπα. γ) Το ΣτΕ, μη ελέγχοντας τη συνδρομή των λόγων δημοσίου συμφέροντος, δεν ελέγχει ούτε την αναλογικότητα των περιορισμών των δικαιωμάτων των εν λόγω ταμείων και των ασφαλισμένων. Αντίθετα, το πολιτικό δικαστήριο κάνει σχετικές κρίσεις. Η απόφαση του Μον. Πρωτοδικείου Αθηνών είναι αιτιολογημένη ως προς το ότι δεν συντρέχουν οι λόγοι δημοσίου συμφέροντος που επικαλείται ο νομοθέτης όσον αφορά στη διασφάλιση της αξίας των μετοχών των συγκεκριμένων πιστωτικών ιδρυμάτων μετά την εφαρμογή των διεθνών λογιστικών προτύπων και ως προς το ότι οι περιορισμοί που εισάγονται είναι δυσανάλογοι με τον σκοπό που επιδιώκει ο νομοθετης. Ωστόσο, δεν εξετάζεται αν οι  λοιποί λόγοι δημοσίου συμφέροντος τους οποίους επικαλείται η αιτιολογική έκθεση του νόμου συνιστούν σπουδαίο λόγο για την καταγγελία των εν λόγω συλλογικών συμβάσεων εργασίας και συμφωνιών. Απαιτείται αντίστοιχη τεκμηρίωση για τον σπουδαίο λόγο σε σχέση με τους λοιπούς λόγους δημοσίου συμφέροντος που αναφέρει η αιτιολογική έκθεση.                Το άρθρο καταλήγει ότι η νομοθεσία και η νομολογία δεν έχουν αξιοποιήσει τις αρχές του δικαίου της κοινωνικής ασφάλισης που θα μπορούσαν να συμβάλουν στη στη δικαστική αξιολόγηση του δημοσίου συμφέροντος και της αναλογικότητας των ενοποιήσεων. Οι  ενοποιήσεις δεν είναι πανάκεια. Για να αρθούν οι ανισότητες και να επιτευχθούν οι στόχοι της δικαιότερης κατανομής του πλούτου μεταξύ των γενειών και μεταξύ των ασφαλισμένων απαιτείται ενοποίηση των καθεστώτων, όχι κατ’ ανάγκην των οργανισμών κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως. Η κρατική παρέμβαση θα πρέπει να εστιάζει στον εξορθολογισμό της νομοθεσίας που διέπει τους ειδικούς ασφαλιστικούς οργανισμούς, τη σύγχρονη διοικητική οργάνωση και την υποστήριξη του έργου των ασφαλιστικών οργανισμών, έτσι ώστε η προσφυγή στις ενοποιήσεις να μην υποδηλώνει αδυναμία συντονισμού και ελέγχου.   

Τὸ παρὸν κείμενον, χρησιμοποιῶντας τὴν μεθοδολογία τῆς Συστημικῆς Γεωπολιτικῆς Ἀναλύσεως (Systemic Geopolitical Analysis), προσεγγίζει τὸ ζήτημα τῶν δυνατοτήτων σταθεροποιήσεως τοῦ γεωστρατηγικοῦ περιβάλλοντος τοῦ Ἰσραὴλ θεωρῶντας ὅτι ἡ διανυομένη συγκυρία παρουσιάζει ἰδιαίτερη εὐπάθεια ἀναφορικῶς πρὸς τὴν βελτίωση τῆς σταθερότητος στὸ κομβικὸ αὐτὸ σημεῖο γιὰ τὶς γεωστρατηγικὲς ἰσορροπίες τῆς Μέσης Ἀνατολῆς. Στὸ παρὸν κείμενο ὁρίζονται τὰ κατωτέρω τρία, γεωστρατηγικῆς φύσεως καὶ μέσου Συστημικοῦ ἐπιπέδου1 δεδομένα, ἀλλὰ μὲ τὰ ποιοτικὰ χαρακτηριστικὰ τῆς προ-Ὀμπάμα ἐποχῆς: i) τοῦ διατηρουμένου συγκρουσιακοῦ κλίματος μεταξὺ PKK καὶ τουρκικῶν στρατευμάτων στὴν Ν/Α Τουρκία καὶ στὸ βόρειο Ἰρὰκ μὲ τὶς ἐπακόλουθες τουρκικὲς ἐπιθέσεις, ii) τῆς διαφαινομένης ἀσταθείας στὸν νότιο Λίβανο, ὅπου ἡ ἀνάμιξις τῆς ∆αμασκοῦ προκαλεῖ ἀντιδράσεις ἀπὸ πλευρᾶς της χειραφετημένης πλέον, καὶ μὲ ὑψηλὸν κῦρος στοὺς σηιτικοὺς πληθυσμοὺς τῆς χώρας, Χεζμπαλᾶ. Τὰ γεγονότα αὐτὰ δὲν ἐπιτρέπουν τὴν σταθεροποίηση τῶν ὅποιων θετικῶν ὑπερσυστημικῶν καὶ ἐνδοσυστημικῶν πολιτικο-οἰκονομικῶν συντελεστῶν τῆς παρούσης συγκυρίας καὶ iii) τῆς ὑπαρχούσης στασιμότητος στὴν δυναμικὴ τῆς Ἀναπόλεως (26-28 Νοεμβρίου 2007), λόγῳ τῆς ἀμφισήμου στάσεως τῆς ∆αμασκοῦ.

This theoretical paper presents and discusses recent research findings on victimization in childhood as assessed by children themselves and by peers. The two sources of information are found to yield four categories of victims: true victims, self-identified victims (or "paranoids", or "sensitives"), peer-identified victims (or "deniers", or "defensives"), and non victims. Discussion focuses on the different characteristics of these categories of victims, on age and gender differences, as well as on the implications of the existing research data for prevention and intervention.

Στο άρθρο αυτό παρουσιάζονται ερευνητικά αποτελέσματα που αφορούν τη χρήση ειδικού υπολογιστικού εργαλείου δυναμικού χειρισμού γεωμετρικών μεγεθών στο πλαίσιο του πειραματισμού 13χρονων μαθητών για την αυξομείωση γεωμετρικών κατασκευών με βάση σχέσεις αναλογίας μεταξύ μεταβλητών μεγεθών. Τα παιδιά εργάστηκαν σε ομάδες στο εργαστήριο υπολογιστών του σχολείου τους χρησιμοποιώντας ειδικά σχεδιασμένα υπολογιστικά εργαλεία συμβολικής και γραφικής αναπαράστασης των μεταβλητών μεγεθών, που παράλληλα μπορούσαν να τα χειριστούν ελέγχοντας με δυναμικό τρόπο την αριθμητική μεταβολή τους. Η ανάλυση εστιάζεται στα σχήματα που αναδύθηκαν κατά τη χρήση του εργαλείου δυναμικού χειρισμού αλλά και στις μεταξύ τους διασυνδέσεις. Στα ευρήματα καταγράφεται η αξιοποίηση του δυναμικού χειρισμού ως πλαισίου αναγνώρισης και έκφρασης συσχετίσεων μεταξύ των μεταβλητών μεγεθών μιας γεωμετρικής κατασκευής με στόχο την αυξομείωσή της στο πλαίσιο κατάλληλα σχεδιασμένων δραστηριοτήτων.

Cette étude fut élaborée dans le cadre d’une bourse de recherche du gouvernement canadien (Canadian Studies Faculty Enrichment Award) et s’appuie sur un matériel récolté dans divers centres de recherche (Bibliothèque nationale du Québec à Montréal, Bibliothèque des sciences humaines et sociales de l’université Laval, Centre de documentation de la Centrale de l’enseignement du Québec) et organismes québécois (Centre de documentation et Coordination à la condition féminine au ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport). La recherche ambitionne de combler un vide historiographique : au Québec, une des régions les plus progressistes de la francophonie en matière d’égalité des sexes et de parité, le champ d’investigation des représentations des sexes et du genre dans les manuels scolaires du secondaire est encore inexploré.L’étude porte plus précisément sur les manuels d’histoire des deux dernières classes de l’enseignement secondaire en usage entre 1980 et 2004. Pourquoi des manuels du second cycle du secondaire ? Dépourvus des stéréotypes trop voyants rencontrés parfois dans les manuels de l’école primaire, ils se prêtent plus facilement à l’analyse. Pourquoi des manuels si récents ? Compte tenu de la mission civique dont ils sont investis, l’examen de ces ouvrages permet d’interroger un avenir en train de s’inventer. La démarche méthodologique adoptée est à la fois quantitative et qualitative : constituer un corpus de notations sexuées afin d’examiner la place de chaque sexe dans l’histoire scolaire québécoise ; comparative également : il s’agit de mettre en évidence tant les évolutions advenues au cours de vingt-cinq ans que les lignes de force communes et les disparités entre manuels.Deux axes se profilent : l’examen des sources imprimées (programmes d’études, manuels) qui révèle un certain progrès de la place accordée au sexe féminin dans l’espace historique ; la proposition d’une relecture de deux périodes historiques fondée sur les apports des spécialistes de l’histoire des femmes et du genre, afin de repérer les vides laissés dans le récit historique : il s’agit des XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles (étude de l’histoire de la colonie française de la Nouvelle-France) d’une part, de la période de l’entre-deux-guerres (étude de l’histoire de France), d’autre part. L’étude des chapitres correspondants des manuels québécois révèle que l’action des individus est largement mesurée à l’aune des structures du pouvoir interprétées au masculin ; les femmes, n’étant pas toujours concernées par cet aspect de l’histoire, restent souvent invisibles.

Total reaction cross section measurements for the 6,7Li + 28Si systems have been performed at near-barrier energies. The results indicate that, with respect to the potential anomaly at barrier, 6Li and 7Li on light targets exhibit similar energy dependence on the imaginary potential. Comparisons are made with 6,7Li cross sections on light and heavy targets, extracted via previous elastic scattering measurements and also with CDCC calculations. Energy dependent parametrisations are also obtained for total reaction cross sections of 6,7Li on Si, as well as on any target, at near barrier energies. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The role of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) system, and osteopontin (OPN) was studied in patients with solid tumors metastatic to the bone in relation to the type of malignancy and the neoplastic burden to the skeleton. Levels of soluble RANKL (sRANKL), OPG and OPN were assessed in 61 patients with breast, lung and prostate cancer with newly-diagnosed metastasis to the bone, in parallel with bone resorption [C-telopeptide of type-I collagen (CTX), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRACP-5b)] and bone formation markers [bone-alkaline phosphatase (bALP), osteocalcin (OC), and C-terminal propeptide of collagen type-I (CICP)]. Patients had elevated serum levels of sRANKL, OPG, OPN, TRACP-5b, and bALP, and reduced OC levels compared to controls. OPG correlated with the extent of metastatic bone burden. Patients with breast and lung cancer shared increased levels of sRANKL, OPG, and OPN whereas prostate cancer patients had elevated values of OPG and bALP only. These results suggest that patients with solid tumors metastatic to the bone have severe disruption of the sRANKL/OPG axis. Breast and lung cancer seem to exert their osteolytic action through upregulation of the sRANKL/OPG system and OPN, whereas prostate cancer seems to provoke profound elevation of OPG levels only, thus leading to increased osteoblastic activity. © 2007 Taylor & Francis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histologic changes that occur between 3 and 12 weeks in an intra-articular, semitendinosus autograft, which was harvested without detachment of its tibial insertion and was placed through tibial and femoral drill holes, in a rabbit model. About 30 New Zealand white rabbits underwent ACL replacement using a semitendinosus tendon autograft. The normal ACL was transected at its femoral and tibial insertions. The tendon graft was harvested without detachment of its tibial insertion and its free end was secured with sutures. The graft was then passed through one tibial and one femoral tunnel and secured at the lateral femoral condyle. All animals were divided into three groups and were killed at 3, 6 and 12 weeks after surgery. Nine more animals underwent ACL reconstruction using a free semitendinosus tendon autograft. These animals were used as controls. The intra-articular portion of the graft and the interface between the bone tunnel and the graft was evaluated postoperatively for gross morphology and histological appearance. Results of this study showed that in a rabbit model the semitendinosus tendon autograft retained its viability when harvested without detachment of its peripheral insertion. On contrary, at the control group, necrosis of the graft was observed 3 weeks after surgery and progressively revascularization and maturation occurred 6 and 12 weeks after surgery. Retaining the tibial insertion of the semitendinosus autograft seems to preserves its viability and bypasses the stages of avascular necrosis and revascularization that occurs with the use of a free tendon autograft.

Kyparissiakos Gulf forms a 45 km long zone located at 70-80 km east from the Hellenic trench with a general direction NNW-SSE. Onshore studies show the existence of several neotectonic horsts and grabens bounded by E-W trending normal faults. Thrust sheets of the underlying Hellenides crop out within the horst areas and younger sediments, mostly Lower Pleistocene, have been deposited in the grabens. The age of the marine sediments is mostly Lower Pleistocene. Throw rate on the normal faults varies between 0.7 and >1.0 mm/yr, accommodating extension in the N-S direction. Subsidence rates during Early Pleistocene are between 0.1 and 0.3 mm/yr, whereas uplift rates during Middle Pleistocene-Present are between 0.18 and 0.50 mm/yr. Offshore data were obtained using bathymetric and air-gun litho-seismic profiles. The shelf has been disrupted by active faults with several meters of throw. Average Holocene throw rates are 0.4-0.6 mm/yr, but in some areas adjacent Filiatra and Olympia values greater than 3 mm/yr are detected. Holocene and Upper Pleistocene marine sediments thicken gradually to the north, as do the marine Lower Pleistocene sediments onshore. A NNW-SSE offshore longitudinal fault parallel to the Kyparissiakos coast with throw rate above 3 mm/yr is the dividing structure between the uplifted coastal area and the present-day gulf. This indicates a major change in paleogeography between Early and Middle Pleistocene. Present-day transition from E-W compression in the Hellenic Trench to E-W extension in the Kyparissiakos Gulf and to N-S extension in Western Peloponnesus is discussed. The development of E-W structures in Western Peloponnesus since Latest Pliocene may be related to the Central Hellenic Shear Zone, which accommodates differential GPS rates between Northern Greece and Southern Peloponnesus.

Background: The prognostic significance of age in ovarian cancer has not been clarified. We investigated the characteristics of ovarian cancer presenting in ages >70 years and assessed the prognostic significance of advanced age. Patients and Methods: Four hundred and fifty-three patients with stage IIC-IV ovarian cancer (age>70 years n=106 [23%]), treated postoperatively with platinum-based chemotherapy were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Median overall survival (OS) of patients ≤70 years old (52.3 months, 95% CI: 43.2-61.3) was longer than that of older patients (38.8 months, 95% CI: 29.9-47.7) (p=0.005), but this difference was not significant in a multivariate analysis (p=0.978). Age >70 years was correlated with worse performance status (PS) (p=0.019), higher tumor grade (p=0.033), residual disease >2 cm (p=0.006) and less frequent paclitaxel administration (p<0.001). Toxicity from chemotherapy was similar between the two age groups, but the relative dose intensity of paclitaxel was lower among elderly patients. Conclusion: The worse outcome of ovarian cancer in elderly patients may be attributed to other associated adverse prognostic factors, but advanced age was not an independent prognostic factor.

Three advanced models of pharmacokinetics are described. In the first class are physiologically based pharmacokinetic models based on in vitro data on transport and metabolism. The information is translated as transporter and enzyme activities and their attendant heterogeneities into liver and intestine models. Second are circulatory models based on transit time distribution and plasma concentration time curves. The third are fractal models for nonhomogeneous systems and non-Fickian processes are presented. The usefulness of these pharmacokinetic models, with examples, is compared.

A long-term (2000-2005) monitoring of aerosol data from the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) is analyzed focusing on the Greater Athens Area (GAA) in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The MODIS aerosol optical depth standard product (AOD at 550 nm) and its respective ratio attributed to fine-mode (FM) particles are employed to evaluate the seasonal variability of the aerosol properties over Athens. The climatological trend of both parameters in the period 2000-2005 is nearly absent, while remarkable year-to-year variability can be observed. The seasonal analysis reveals a significant AOD variability over Athens, with minimum values in winter (AOD550 ∼ 0.2), and maximum in summer (AOD550 ∼ 0.45). Regarding the FM fraction, maximum values are present in spring and minimum in summer, thus revealing the dominance of FM and coarse-mode particles, respectively. For the whole data set, a method is implemented to distinguish the main aerosol types (urban/industrial (hereafter UI), clean maritime (hereafter CM type) and desert dust (hereafter DD) over Athens, based on both AOD and FM values. Because of the mixing processes in the atmosphere the majority of the cases (46.6%) belong to a mixed (hereafter MT) aerosol type. The UI aerosols are more frequent in spring (41.2%) and less in winter (9.1%), while the coarse particles, probably DD, more frequent in summer (35.8%) and less in winter (3.5%). In contrast, the clean atmospheric conditions are more frequent in winter (23.9%), when the mixing processes are also well established (63.5%). For each aerosol type, the mean AOD550 and FM values are also computed. Their seasonal variability exhibits a clear summer maximum for UI, CM and MT aerosols, while the DD exhibits maximum in spring. As regards the FM values of the different aerosol types they exhibit a rather constant variation with small fluctuations from season to season. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The description of coastal recession is a difficult asset that is characterized by highuncertainty. This uncertainty stems from the nature of the different factors that constitute the coastal systems. Physical features such as the different geological formations, the tectonic state of the coastal area and the sea level are all factors that complicate the efforts to describe the situation. In addition, any GIS software is lacking the tools to explain or map the uncertainty factors. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce a tool that may handle the natural factors in a GIS interface. In this paper we present an algorithm that works on a GIS interface and uses grid modelingtechniques. Taking into account factors such as the geology of the areas that are examined, the drainage system, the coastal type etc., the system applies a set of user defined empirical rules, to estimate the evolution of the recession process in the affected areas. For this paper we have tested the algorithm at the island of Samos (Eastern Aegean, Greece). In the last 20 years, huge problems of coastal erosion have been observed at the northeastern part of the island near the town of Karlovassi and at the southwestern part near the Castle of Pythagorion.The algorithm may prove to be of great assistance as a decision support tool for the municipalities in these areas, since the measures that have been taken so far are temporary and do not envision the future development of the coastline.

ualitative research conducted with specific focus groups in areas representative of Greece - urban, industrial and agricultural populations, confirms the gender impact factor on digital illiteracy. A large part of the population in Greek society today is displaying technophobia, women in particular, as is the case internationally. Gender-constrained attitudes against science and technology are formulated very early. The compatibility of private life and career is essentially a female problem, a factor that is clearly evident in the latest EU average employment quota for women which is marked by a decrease of 14.3 percent, in contrast to the 5.6 percent increase in the employment quota for men. The situation is even worse in the science and technology fields. Alarming are the results of the latest study of the EU-Commission ‘She Figures 2006’, according to which women remain a minority among researchers in the EU. The first part of the study is based on questionnaires, group interviews and discourse analyses with specific focus group: (1) female and male university students, (2) female students, and (3) primary and secondary male and female school teachers. In the second unity, social theories and theoretical approaches are used to examine the multivariable inclusive vs. exclusionary factors that result in the ‘leaky pipeline’ and the ‘glass ceiling’, namely the digital divide, the under-representation of women in science and technology. Although efforts are being made to attract women to the knowledge economy and IT professions, educational reforms alone will have very limited impact without the systematic promotion of inter and multidisciplinary research, international collaborations, interdisciplinarity in Education, the promotion of a gender-inclusive labor market that recruits and retains women as well as the establishment of a more flexible and family-friendly oriented working environment. *************KEYWORDS:   Gender neutral vs gender constrained, Gender-neutral technological education, Technoethos, Technophobia, Gender factor in digital illiteracy, Digital divide, Gender gaps, Women's underrepresentation, Gender-inclusive labor market, Recruitment, Retention, Flexible and family-friendly oriented working environment, Gender mainstreaming.

Background: p53 protein is regarded as a valuable prognostic marker in cancer with a potential use as a molecular target. Here, we sought to determine the prognostic value of p53 in ovarian cancer using a novel method of compartmentalized in situ protein analysis. Patients and methods: A tissue array composed of 141 advanced stage ovarian cancers uniformly treated was constructed. For evaluation of p53 protein expression, we used an immunofluorescence-based method of automated in situ quantitative measurement of protein analysis (AQUA). Results: High nuclear p53 expression levels were associated with better outcome for overall survival (OS) (P = 0.0023) and disease-free survival (P = 0.0338) at 5-years. High cytoplasmic p53 expression levels were associated with better outcome for OS (P = 0.0002). In multivariable analysis, high nuclear and high cytoplasmic p53 level with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage were the most significant predictor variables for OS and high nuclear p53 level with FIGO stage were the significant predictor variables for disease-free survival. Conclusions: Assessment of the prognostic value of p53 protein levels using conventional immunohistochemistry is limited by the nonquantitative nature of the method. AQUA provides precise estimation of p53 protein levels and was able to elucidate the association of p53 protein levels and ovarian cancer prognosis. © 2007 Oxford University Press.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Procleix Ultrio human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)/hepatitis C virus (HCV)/hepatitis B virus (HBV) (Ultrio) assay simultaneously detects HIV-1 RNA, HCV RNA and HBV DNA in individual blood donations. The main objective of the study was to assess the analytical and clinical sensitivity of the multiplex and discriminatory probe assays in samples with a low viral load. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The VQC HIV RNA genotype B, HCV RNA genotype 1 and HBV DNA genotype A standard dilutions were tested in 26 repeats. The probability of detection by Ultrio was compared with previously obtained data of the Procleix Duplex HIV-1/HCV assay on the same reference panels. A selection of 121 anti-HIV-1, 138 anti-HCV and 190 HBsAg positive samples from patients receiving antiviral therapy were tested. The majority of patient samples had a viral load below the detection limit of the diagnostic nucleic acid test assays, which made them suitable to evaluate the performance of the multiplex and discriminatory assays on yield cases with a similar low viral load. RESULTS: The 95% and 50% detection end-points of the Ultrio assay along with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals are 53.7 (32.9-117.2) and 8.6 (6.2-12.1) geq/ml for HIV-1 RNA, 30.3 (19.0-62.4) and 5.2 (3.7-7.2) geq/ml for HCV RNA and 393.7 (147.9-6978) and 54.5 (22.4-143.8) geq/ml for HBV DNA. The analytical sensitivity of Ultrio expressed as a potency factor relative to previously obtained Duplex results on the same HIV-1 RNA and HCV-RNA standard dilutions was 1.09 (0.20-6.10) and 1.11 (0.21-5.89), respectively. The assay detected all 22 HIV-1 infected patients with viral load > 50 copies/ml, and 41 of 99 patients (41%) with viral load < 50 copies/ml, of which 23 (56%) were detected by the discriminatory assay. All 47 patients with HCV RNA load > 521 IU/ml and 10/91 polymerase chain reaction-negative patients with viral load < 50 IU/ml tested positive in Ultrio assay of which five were missed in the discriminatory test. The assay detected 53/55 HBV infected patients (96%) with viral load > 250 copies/ml and 108/135 patients (80%) with viral load < 250 copies/ml of which 17 (16%) were missed by the discriminatory test. CONCLUSIONS: The new Procleix Ultrio assay is as sensitive as the Procleix Duplex assay for HIV-1 and HCV detection meeting the requirements of universal guidelines. The ability of the assay to detect HBV DNA in low viral load samples could be useful for screening blood. Inevitable negative results of discriminatory probe assays caused by stochastic sample variation will reduce the chance of recognizing low viraemic blood donors detected by individual donation nucleic acid test.

A democratic European Turkey, that endorses the acquis communautaire and the European political culture as that has evolved over the last 50 years is not considered by Greece as a security threat. However, certain forms of conduct on the part of our neighbor and NATO ally cause serious concern to Athens and the Greek people, which determines the approach of the Greek government towards Greek-Turkish relations.

Purpose of investigation: Uterine sarcomas are rare neoplasms characterized by a high rate of local recurrences and distant metastases. The role of chemotherapy in early-stage completely resected disease remains controversial. Methods: Thirty-one patients with Stage I or II uterine sarcomas, referred to our center for adjuvant chemotherapy, received anthracycline-based regimens. Seventeen (54.8%) patients received ifosfamide, etoposide and epirubicin, six (19.4%) were treated with doxorubicin and carboplatin, three (9.6%) were administered doxorubicin and ifosfamide, while five (16.1%) patients received various anthracycline-based regimens. Results: With a median follow-up of 82 months disease recurred in 12 (38.7%) patients. Five-year survival probability is estimated at 54%. Both median overall survival and time to progression for all patients have not been reached yet. Patients who received ifosfamide-containing regimens had a statistically significant benefit in overall survival (p ≤ 0.05) when compared with those treated with non-ifosfamide-containing regimens. Conclusion: Our data suggest a potential role for anthracycline- and ifosfamide-containing chemotherapy in the adjuvant setting for early-stage uterine sarcomas.

The electronic properties of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been studied using dc magnetization and electron spin resonance (ESR). The dc magnetization displays a weak diamagnetic susceptibility of ≈ 10-7 emu/g. ESR measurements reveal a narrow resonance line of low intensity and metallic line shape. The spin susceptibility shows a major Pauli contribution at high temperatures (T>150 K) and an appreciable Curie component at lower temperatures. A marked drop of the spin susceptibility is observed at T<14 K, pointing to the opening of a spin gap at low temperatures. The underlying mechanism is discussed in terms of an electronic instability of the SWNTs or the occurrence of defect-mediated spin magnetism. © 2007 The American Physical Society.

Respiratory infections by bacteria and viruses often trigger symptoms of asthma in both adults and children. This observation and subsequent mechanistic studies have demonstrated important interactions among allergens, microbes and the atopic host. The mechanisms responsible for microbe-induced asthma exacerbations are only incompletely understood. A focal point of current research is the inflammatory response of the host following an encounter with a pathogenic microbe, including variations in chemokine and cytokine production and resulting in changes in bronchial hyper-responsiveness and lung function. Direct bronchial infection, exposure of nerves with resulting neurogenic inflammation and a deviated host immune response are among the mechanisms underlying these functional disorders. Lately, suboptimal innate immune responses, expressed as defective interferon production, have gained attention as they might be amenable to intervention. This review describes the suggested mechanisms involved in the complex interactions between 'asthmagenic' microbes, the immune system and atopy, based on in-vitro and in-vivo experimental models and epidemiological evidence. In addition, it provides a synopsis of potential therapeutic strategies either directly against the microorganisms or in respect to the associated inflammation.

Objective: We evaluated safety and efficacy of first-line gemcitabine/carboplatin in unfit-for-cisplatin patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma and the effect on the quality of life and functional status of elderly patients (aged >70). Methods: Unfit patients had ECOG performance status (PS) ≥2, creatinine clearance <50 ml/min or comorbidities precluding cisplatin administration. Carboplatin at area under the curve of 2.5 and gemcitabine 1,250 mg/m2 were administered biweekly. Elderly patients were stratified into group 1 (no activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental ADL dependency and no comorbidities), group 2 (instrumental ADL dependency or 1-2 comorbidities) and group 3 (ADL dependency or ≥2 comorbidities). Results: Thirty-four patients were enrolled: 68% had PS 2-3, 69% a creatinine clearance <50 ml/min and 65% had 1 or more comorbidities. There were 3 cases of grade 3 toxicity (9%). Response rate was 24% [95% confidence interval (CI) 11-41]. Median follow-up was 8 months, median progression-free survival 4.4 months (95% CI 1.03-7.75) and median overall survival 9.8 months (95% CI 4.7-14.9). Patients in geriatric assessment groups 1 and 2 had a significantly longer median progression-free survival compared to group 3 [6.9 months (95% CI 1.3-12.4) vs. 1.9 months (95% CI 0.5-3.2); p = 0.005]. Conclusion: First-line gemcitabine/carboplatin combination is active in unfit-for-cisplatin patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma. Pretreatment quality of life and geriatric assessment may be useful in selecting patients likely to benefit from this treatment. Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG.

Objectives: Synergism between gemcitabine and cisplatin is supported by preclinical and clinical data. The present study explores the efficacy of a biweekly regimen in platinum-resistant/refractory, paclitaxel-pretreated ovarian and peritoneal cancer. Methods: 50 paclitaxel-pretreated patients with platinum-resistant/refractory ovarian or peritoneal carcinoma who had previously received paclitaxel chemotherapy, were treated with six cycles of gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 followed by cisplatin 40 mg/m2 on days 1 and 15, repeated every 4 weeks. Results: The median platinum-free interval (PFI) was 4 months while the median number of previous treatment lines was 2. Chemotherapy was well tolerated. Objective responses were observed in 31.5% of evaluable patients (n = 35). CA125 response was observed in 68% of patients with elevated CA125 (n = 41). Median overall survival (OS) was 13.2 months (95% Confidence Interval, CI: 10.2-16.2) while progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.9 months (95%CI: 3.5-6.4). A PFI of less than 3 months was associated with lower objective response rates (15.8% versus 50%, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Biweekly gemcitabine and cisplatin is feasible for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian or peritoneal cancer and is associated with a favorable toxicity profile. In a population with recent exposure to platinum, a PFI of less than 3 months was the major factor influencing response to chemotherapy. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Aim. This study examined the ventilatory responses and blood lactate concentration after a simulated synchronized swimming routine of athletes of two different age categories. Methods. Sixteen trained female synchronized swimmers, 8 competing at the comen category (age: 13.8±0.2 years) and 8 competing at the senior category (age: 22.6±0.9 years), performed a maximal 400 m swimming test and a simulated synchronized swimming routine. Oxygen uptake (V̇O2) of the tests was obtained by backward extrapolation of a monoexponential curve fitted to the postexercise oxygen uptake data. Results. There were no differences in V̇O2 at the end of the routine (37.4±2.7 vs 40.5±2 mL·kg -1·min-1, or 81.8±3.1% and 85.8±2.7% of V̇O2peak) and blood lactate (5.7*0.9 vs 4.5±0.4 mmol-L-1) between senior and comen synchronized swimmers. There was no difference in the half-time of V̇O2 decay (T1/2) between the athletes of the two categories, but T1/2 was significantly higher after the routine compared with the V̇O2peak test for both categories (senior: 45.2±5.9 vs 33.1±2.1 s, P<0.05, comen: 38.2±6 vs 27.4±8.2 s, P<0.05). The mean end-tidal pressure of CO2 during the second half of the recovery was higher after the routine than after the V̇O2peak test (37.2±1.4 vs 34.5±1.5 mmHg, P<0.05), possibly due to the prolonged periods of breath holding (55±4% of routine time). Breathing frequency was also high (30±2.2 breaths.min-1) at the later part of recovery after the routine. Conclusion. Cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses to a simulated synchronized swimming routine were similar in senior and comen athletes. The slower recovery of V̇O2 after the routine could be related to the elevated cost of ventilation, especially during the later stages of recovery, possibly as a result of the prolonged apnea.

Aim. This study examined the ventilatory responses and blood lactate concentration after a simulated synchronized swimming routine of athletes of two different age categories. Methods. Sixteen trained female synchronized swimmers, 8 competing at the comen category (age: 13.8±0.2 years) and 8 competing at the senior category (age: 22.6±0.9 years), performed a maximal 400 m swimming test and a simulated synchronized swimming routine. Oxygen uptake (V̇O2) of the tests was obtained by backward extrapolation of a monoexponential curve fitted to the postexercise oxygen uptake data. Results. There were no differences in V̇O2 at the end of the routine (37.4±2.7 vs 40.5±2 mL·kg -1·min-1, or 81.8±3.1% and 85.8±2.7% of V̇O2peak) and blood lactate (5.7*0.9 vs 4.5±0.4 mmol-L-1) between senior and comen synchronized swimmers. There was no difference in the half-time of V̇O2 decay (T1/2) between the athletes of the two categories, but T1/2 was significantly higher after the routine compared with the V̇O2peak test for both categories (senior: 45.2±5.9 vs 33.1±2.1 s, P<0.05, comen: 38.2±6 vs 27.4±8.2 s, P<0.05). The mean end-tidal pressure of CO2 during the second half of the recovery was higher after the routine than after the V̇O2peak test (37.2±1.4 vs 34.5±1.5 mmHg, P<0.05), possibly due to the prolonged periods of breath holding (55±4% of routine time). Breathing frequency was also high (30±2.2 breaths.min-1) at the later part of recovery after the routine. Conclusion. Cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses to a simulated synchronized swimming routine were similar in senior and comen athletes. The slower recovery of V̇O2 after the routine could be related to the elevated cost of ventilation, especially during the later stages of recovery, possibly as a result of the prolonged apnea.

Aim. This study examined the ventilatory responses and blood lactate concentration after a simulated synchronized swimming routine of athletes of two different age categories. Methods. Sixteen trained female synchronized swimmers, 8 competing at the comen category (age: 13.8±0.2 years) and 8 competing at the senior category (age: 22.6±0.9 years), performed a maximal 400 m swimming test and a simulated synchronized swimming routine. Oxygen uptake (V̇O2) of the tests was obtained by backward extrapolation of a monoexponential curve fitted to the postexercise oxygen uptake data. Results. There were no differences in V̇O2 at the end of the routine (37.4±2.7 vs 40.5±2 mL·kg -1·min-1, or 81.8±3.1% and 85.8±2.7% of V̇O2peak) and blood lactate (5.7*0.9 vs 4.5±0.4 mmol-L-1) between senior and comen synchronized swimmers. There was no difference in the half-time of V̇O2 decay (T1/2) between the athletes of the two categories, but T1/2 was significantly higher after the routine compared with the V̇O2peak test for both categories (senior: 45.2±5.9 vs 33.1±2.1 s, P<0.05, comen: 38.2±6 vs 27.4±8.2 s, P<0.05). The mean end-tidal pressure of CO2 during the second half of the recovery was higher after the routine than after the V̇O2peak test (37.2±1.4 vs 34.5±1.5 mmHg, P<0.05), possibly due to the prolonged periods of breath holding (55±4% of routine time). Breathing frequency was also high (30±2.2 breaths.min-1) at the later part of recovery after the routine. Conclusion. Cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses to a simulated synchronized swimming routine were similar in senior and comen athletes. The slower recovery of V̇O2 after the routine could be related to the elevated cost of ventilation, especially during the later stages of recovery, possibly as a result of the prolonged apnea.

Human rhinoviruses (RVs) are responsible for the majority of upper respiratory tract infections. Despite the high prevalence, the pathogenesis is incompletely understood. Experimental models would permit study of the immunological response to infections. Animal models have many limitations because of the anatomic and physiological differences between mammalian species. The only nonhuman animals susceptible to RV are chimpanzees and gibbons. Mouse models are not used because of host cell tropism of RV. This problem may have been partially overcome by transfecting mouse cells with viral RNA, by replacing mouse ICAM-1 with the human counterpart and by using a variant virus. It remains to be seen if these advances will translate into establishment of useful mouse models. In the absence of animal models, epithelial cell lines such as BEAS-2B, A549, 16HBE and HEp-2 have been used. Fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells have also been used. Although transformed cell lines have many properties in common with normal epithelial cells, they lose certain differentiated functions. Therefore, primary and recently well-differentiated cultures are used to study the immune response. In addition to a local inflammatory response, a systemic immune response to RV does develop; therefore peripheral blood mononuclear cells and dendritic cells have been infected with RV, shedding additional light on cell-mediated immunity. Cellular models are invaluable investigational tools for understanding mechanisms of RV-induced asthma and evaluating new targets for therapy.

Background: In this study we investigated whether administering CEOP (cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, vincristine [Oncovin], and prednisone) every 2 weeks (CEOP-14) instead of every 3 weeks (the standard CEOP-21 regimen) improves outcomes in patients with previously untreated aggressive lymphomas. In a secondary analysis we evaluated the impact of adding rituximab to CEOP-14/CEOP-21 chemotherapy. Study Design: The trial opened in March 1999, and patients were randomly assigned to either CEOP-14 or CEOP-21. All patients enrolled from May 2002 onward received rituximab with each chemotherapy cycle, and those attaining a complete response received rituximab consolidation. Results: Complete and overall response rates in the CEOP-21 ± rituximab (N ≤ 114) and CEOP-14 ± rituximab (N ≤ 103) arms were similar, as were the overall survival (P ≤ 0.769) and time to progression distributions (P ≤ 0.969). Rituximab was shown to have a beneficial effect both on the overall survival and on the time to progression. Conclusions: Thus far, no significant improvement in outcome has been demonstrated with CEOP-14 ± rituximab versus CEOP-21 ± rituximab. However, with addition of rituximab to CEOP-21/CEOP-14, significant improvements in time to progression and overall survival were achieved. © 2007 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

The purpose of this study was to use quantitative methods to measure the size and shape of the sella turcica and thus establish normative reference standards that could assist in a more objective evaluation and detection of pathological conditions. Standardized lateral cephalograms of 184 healthy Greeks (91 males and 93 females) were used. The age range was between 6 and 17 years. Conventional measurements included three different heights of the sella turcica (anterior, posterior, median), its length, and width, measured in relation to the Frankfort reference line. In addition, the area of sella turcica was calculated. Morphometric methods were used to assess shape. The tracings were superimposed using the Procrustes method, and the average shape was computed. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess shape variability. The data were correlated with centroid size, age, and gender. Unpaired t-tests were used to determine gender differences. Sella height anteriorly was the only variable found to be significantly different between the genders, being larger in females by 0.5 mm. Linear and area measurements were found to be significantly correlated with age, but all correlations were low (r(2) below 8 per cent). Sella turcica shape, as described by PCA, was different between males and females, mainly at the posterior aspect of the sella outline. However, although there was an extensive overlap between the genders, and differences were minimal. Age was not found to be correlated with the shape coefficients, although, in the female group, the first principal component of shape was marginally not significant. Allometry was observed in both genders, the sella showing a tendency towards a flatter and wider shape with increase in size. The results of this study constitute quantitative reference data that could be used for objective evaluation of sella shape.

We discuss the results from the optical study of the X-ray sources detected in our Chandra survey of the central region of the Small Magellanic Cloud. Based on the OGLE-II and MCPS optical photometric catalogs we propose the most likely counterpart for 113 X-ray sources, 32 of which are identified with early type counterparts (of OB spectral type based on their position in color-magnitude diagrams). Optical spectroscopy of these counterparts with the 2dF spectrograph (AAT) reveals 13 new Be-XRBs in the SMC "bar". We estimate that these Be-XRBs have an age of 15-85 Myr, consistent with the typical age of Be stars. We also examine the "overabudance" of Be-XRBs in the SMC fields covered by Chandra, in comparison to the Milky Way, and we show that there is residual excess, even after accounting for the higher star formation rate of the SMC. This excess can be attributed to the lower metallicity of the SMC. Finally, we present a preliminary study of the parent stellar populations of these X-ray binaries based on deep IMACS observations. This work was supported by NASA LTSA grant NAG5-13056, and NASA grant G02-3117X.

The present work describes the interfacial polymerization of aniline in the absence or presence of surfactants. Polyaniline was readily obtained in the semi-oxidized doped state and was cast from the aqueous phase. The structural and morphological characteristics of the polyanilines were deduced from X-ray Diffractometry and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Various morphologies were obtained depending on the surfactant addition. Conductivity measurements recorded for HCl doped polyaniline nanoneedles from 5 to 330 K showed a T, value at 230 K, where their transport behaviour changes from metallic-like above T, to semiconductive below T,. Furthermore, extensive magnetic measurements have been performed as a function of applied field and temperature. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The goal of this study is to determine the chemical composition of rain, in the wider region of Athens, Greece for the time period 1st September 2001 to 31st August 2002. Two model automatic rain samplers were installed in the Meteorological Station of Laboratory of Climatology (latitude: 37Β° 58β€² N, longitude: 23Β° 47β€² E) inside the Athens University Campus and in a site at Heraklio Attica, a northern suburb of Athens (latitude: 38Β° 03β€² N, longitude: 23Β° 45β€² E). The concentrations (ΞΌeq l -1) of the major cations (H +, Na +, K +, Ca 2+ and Mg 2+) and anions (Cl -, NO 3 -, HCO 3 - ΞΊΞ±ΞΉ SO 4 2-, as well as pH and conductivity of rain in 39 total samples were determined. The figures of pH range from 6.4 to 8.4 and conductivity from 8 to 207 ΞΌS cm -1. The analysis showed that Ca 2+ ions are abundant within all examined samples, while HCO 3 - and SO 4 2- present the highest concentrations from the anions. In order to find out the origin of the air masses, the air mass back trajectories were calculated. Five sectors of the origin of air masses were revealed: the North, the South, the Local, the West and the East sector. Multivariate methods included Factor Analysis and Discriminant Analysis were applied to the examined ion concentrations and three main factors were extracted, which discriminated the ions according to their origin. The first group of ions is interpreted as the result of the anthropogenic activity, the second group represents the acidity-alkalinity independently of their source and the third one the marine influence. Β© 2007 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

OBJECTIVE: Adiponectin plays a protective role in several malignancies, including myeloblastic leukemia, whereas leptin may increase the proliferation of progenitor cells and may stimulate leukemic cell growth in vitro. We investigated the role of adiponectin and leptin levels in the etiopathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), a preleukemic condition with increasing incidence which has recently been associated with obesity. METHODS: In a case-control study, 101 cases with incident, histologically confirmed primary MDS and 101 controls matched on gender and age were studied between 2004 and 2007, and blood samples were collected. RESULTS: Higher serum adiponectin levels were associated with lower risk of MDS by bivariate analysis and after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index and serum levels of leptin (p < 0.001). Subjects in the third quartile for leptin levels had a lower risk of MDS than controls, and low leptin concentrations were observed in low-risk MDS patients with normal or good prognostic karyotype after adjusting for age, gender and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating adiponectin and leptin may play an important role in MDS etiopathogenesis. Future studies are needed to confirm these associations and to explore underlying mechanisms.

{OBJECTIVE: To determine circulating levels of adiponectin in preterm infants and examine possible associations with anthropometric measurements, weight gain, and leptin and insulin levels. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: A university hospital neonatal care unit. Study population: 62 preterm (mean (SD) gestational age 32.0 (2.1) weeks) and 15 full-term infants (reference group). INTERVENTIONS: Blood samples taken at discharge (40.9 (14.8) days of life) from the preterm infants and at a comparable postnatal age in full-term infants. All infants were fed the same commercial formula, but in nine preterms the formula contained long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum levels of adiponectin, leptin and insulin. Associations of adiponectin levels were tested only in the preterm group. RESULTS: Serum levels of adiponectin were lower in preterm (40.9 (14.8) microg/ml) than full-term infants (53.1 (16.0) microg/ml, p<0.01). However, after adjustment for body weight, the influence of prematurity on adiponectin levels was no longer significant. In preterm infants, adiponectin levels independently correlated with being born small for gestational age (SGA) (beta=-0.35

1. Καμπερίδου, Ε. (2007). Ένα είδος Φυλετικού Διαχωρισμού» (Pardoe, 1837) στους υποτελείς λαούς της Οθωμανικής Αυτοκρατορίας: οι επιβαλλόμενες φυλετικο-χρωματικές διακρίσεις στις οικίες, στα ενδύματα και στα υποδήματα των υποτελών λαών. Φιλοσοφία & Παιδεία, 44-45, 22-25.  J.4 in APELLA

• Kamberidou, I. (2007). Colour Segregation according to race in Ottoman Society. Philosophy & Education (EKDEF), issue, 44-45, Nov.-Dec. 2007,  pp. 22–25.  J.4 in APELLA

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of cisplatin, etoposide and irinotecan as first-line treatment in patients with extensive small-cell lung cancer (E-SCLC). Patients and methods: Chemo-naïve adult patients with a performance status (PS) of 0-2 and adequate organ function were eligible. Patients received cisplatin 20 mg/m2 i.v. daily for three consecutive days, etoposide 75 mg/m2 i.v. daily for three consecutive days and irinotecan 120 mg/m2 i.v. on day 2, every 21 days for six to eight cycles. Administration of G-CSF was given in the presence of febrile neutropenia and as a 5-day prophylaxis around the recorded nadir day in patients who developed grades 3-4 neutropenia. Results: Fifty-six patients were assessable. The median age was 62.2 years; 96.4% had PS 0-1, 33.5% had >3 metastatic sites. The overall response rate was 80.4% with 8 (14.3%) patients achieving a complete response. The median time to tumor progression was 7.8 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 7.1-8.6 months] with a median survival of 15.1 months [95% CI, 9.7-20.5 months] and 1-year survival rate of 56.5%. One patient died from toxicity. Grades 3-4 neutropenia occurred in 37.5% of patients, grades 3-4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 10.9% of patients and 11 (19.6%) patients developed febrile neutropenia. Grades 3-4 non-hematological toxicities were primarily nausea-vomiting 3.6%, diarrhea 7.1% and fatigue 3.6%. Conclusion: This study strongly suggests that cisplatin, etoposide and irinotecan combination is very effective for the treatment of E-SCLC with good safety profile. The triplet regimen currently seems a promising regimen and has to be further explored in phase III trials. © 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy has become a standard therapy for locoregionally advanced inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The purpose of this phase II trial was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of concurrent chemoradiotherapy following induction with non-platinum chemotherapy in patients with inoperable locally advanced NSCLC. Patients and Methods: All patients with locally advanced inoperable NSCLC ECOG performance status (PS): 0-1 following staging received paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 in a 3-h infusion on day 1 and gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 every 21 days for two cycles. The patients with a response or stable disease (SD) continued to receive paclitaxel 60 mg/m2 weekly and radiotherapy 63 Gy given at 1.8 Gy once a day for 7 weeks. Results: Forty-three eligible patients entered the study. The median age was 63 years (range 42-76), male 93%, IIIB 63% and IIIA 37%. Following induction 15 (36.5%) of the patients responded: complete response (CR), 2%; partial response (PR), 33%; and 19 (46.5%) SD. From those with SD, 7 (37%) improved to a PR following concurrent chemoradiotherapy. With a median follow-up of 44 months (95% CI: range 36-53) the median survival was 20.8 months (95%c CI: range 15.4-26.3) and time-to-progression 8.4 months (95% CI: range 6.2-10.6). The median survival of those who had improved response from SD to PR was 31.4 months (95% CI: range 18.7-44.1) versus 20.8 months (95% CI: range 5.5-11.3) for those who had no improvement (p=0.20). The commonest grade 3/4 toxicity in induction was neutropenia 12% with 2 febrile neutropenic patients whereas in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy neutropenia, neurotoxicity and oesophagitis were observed in 6% of the patients. Conclusion: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy following induction chemotherapy in patients with stage III NSCLC is feasible with reasonable efficacy and acceptable toxicity.

Most recent molecular studies revealed the phylogeny of Greek Podarcis species, which for years remained elusive, due to discordant data produced from various chromosomal, complement fixation and protein studies. In this report, we analyzed cellular immune responses of spleen derived lymphocytes from six allopatric Podarcis species encountered in Greece, by assessing two-way mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR)-induced proliferation. On the basis of stimulation indices (S.I.) as determined from cultures set up from xenogeneic splenocytes coincubated in pairs, we generated a phylogenetic tree, fully consistent with the phylogenetic relationships of Podarcis as determined by parallel analyses basedon partial mitochondrial (mt) DNA sequences. Although the exact mechanisms triggering lymphocyte responses in lizard two-way xenogeneic MLR are not fully understood, our results show the potential use of cell-mediated immune responses as an additional approach to mtDNA analysis, for species delimitation within specific lizard taxa.

During the period 2004 to 2005, the following symposia and colloquia were related to the activities of the commission: The A-Star Puzzle (IAUS224), Massive Star Birth: A Crossroads of Astrophysics (IAUS227), and From Lithium to Uranium: Elemental Tracers of Early Cosmic Evolution (IAUS228).

The Commission business meeting was held on 17 August 2006. Approximately 20 people attended, including the Commission vice-president, Rainer Spurzem. The sole member of the Commission Organizing Committee that was present was Gary Da Costa, who, along with Patricia Whitelock, the outgoing president of Division VII and Commission 33, served as chairs of the meeting.

A study on the Mizoroki-Heck coupling of selected aryl bromides with acrylates catalysed by a series of Pd complexes of bidentate pyridyl-, picolyl-, diphenylphosphinoethyl- and diphenylphosphinomethyl-functionalised N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) is reported. The observed activity is dependent on the type of solvent and base used and the nature of the "classical" donors of the mixed-donor bidentate ligand and its bite angle. A mechanistic model is presented for the pyridine-functionalised NHC complexes based on an in situ EXAFS study under dilute catalyst conditions (2 mM Pd). The model involves pre-dissociation of the pyridine functionality and oxidative addition of ArBr in the early stages of the reaction, as well as formation of monomeric and dimeric Pd species at the time of substrate conversion. © 2007 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

We study the effects of disruption risk in a supply chain where one retailer deals with competing risky suppliers who may default during their production lead times. The suppliers, who compete for business with the retailer by setting wholesale prices, are leaders in a Stackelberg game with the retailer. The retailer, facing uncertain future demand, chooses order quantities while weighing the benefits of procuring from the cheapest supplier against the advantages of order diversification. For the model with two suppliers, we show that low supplier default correlations dampen competition among the suppliers, increasing the equilibrium wholesale prices. Therefore the retailer prefers suppliers with highly correlated default events, despite the loss of diversification benefits. In contrast, the suppliers and the channel prefer defaults that are negatively correlated. However, as the number of suppliers increases, our model predicts that the retailer may be able to take advantage of both competition and diversification. © 2007 INFORMS.

The scope of the present research is to examine the spatial consequences of the predicted future sea-level rise upon the active area of the delta of the River Acheloos, which forms part of the NW coast of the Gulf of Patras (Ionian Sea). The growth of the Acheloos River deltaic plain, prior to the construction of dams and channelization of the lower part of the river, took place through the progradation of four main distributaries which transported 5-6 million tones of sediments annually.Following the construction of the dams, the hydraulic regime of Acheloos has changed and its propagation has ceased. The present investigation aims to quantify coastal changes on the deltaic plain of the Acheloos river due to the combined effect of (i) the process of inundation induced by a future sea level rise of 0.5 and 1 m and (ii) coastal erosion caused by the increased exposure to wave action due to sea-level rise and subsequent coastline retreat. The results of our analysis show severe shoreline recession (up to 1900m), extensive submergence of the active deltaic plain (~ 2586⋅103 m2 or 61.4 %) and elimination of most of the lagoonal areas. The substantial loss of deltaic land, accompanied by salinisation of the groundwater table, will cause severe damage to the agricultural economy of the area. Furthermore, we show that the consequences of a future sea-level rise on a low-relief fluviallydominated delta cannot be predicted accurately by simple conceptual models; instead, a holistic approach incorporating topographic, geomorphological, sedimentological, morphodynamic and hydrodynamic analyses is required.

In the current paper are presented the results of a multidisciplinary study (stratigraphical, sedimentological, geophysical and geochemical) combined with modern techniques (G.I.S. and remote sensing). This study aims at integrating the natural and anthropogenic factors affecting the Korissia lagoon. It is a shallow coastal lagoon, communicating with the sea via an artificial channel. The area around the lagoon consists of alluvial sediments hosting, in places, newly formed and/or “old” (pre – Holocene) sand-dunes. The broader area constitutes a post- alpine sedimentary basin characterised by smooth morphological relief. The lower stratigraphic unit of the post-alpine sequence is a Pleistocene marly formation, which was detected as the basement (5-15 hm.m) by the geophysical survey. The resistivity-based basement map implies the existence of a “palaeo-gulf” trending E- W. These marls constitute the impermeable basement of a shallow aquifer hosted in the area. The salinity of the lagoon is very high during summer (>40psu) but it does not affect significantly the wells around it. The lagoon is well oxygenated, while the wells have lower D.O. values. Ammonia and nitrates are the main inorganic Nitrogen forms, in the lagoon and the wells, respectively. Phosphorus is the limiting factor for phytoplankton growth. Human activities affect the area that is in need of an environmental management plan in order to prevent ecological degradation.

In the current paper are presented the results of a multidisciplinary study (stratigraphical, sedimentological, geophysical and geochemical) combined with modern techniques (G.I.S. and remote sensing). This study aims at integrating the natural and anthropogenic factors affecting the Korissia lagoon. It is a shallow coastal lagoon, communicating with the sea via an artificial channel. The area around the lagoon consists of alluvial sediments hosting, in places, newly formed and/or “old” (pre – Holocene) sand-dunes. The broader area constitutes a postalpine sedimentary basin characterised by smooth morphological relief. The lower stratigraphic unit of the post-alpine sequence is a Pleistocene marly formation, which was detected as the basement (5-15 Οhm.m) by the geophysical survey. The resistivity-based basement map implies the existence of a “palaeo-gulf” trending EW. These marls constitute the impermeable basement of a shallow aquifer hosted in the area. The salinity of the lagoon is very high during summer (>40psu) but it does not affect significantly the wells around it. The lagoon is well oxygenated, while the wells have lower D.O. values. Ammonia and nitrates are the main inorganic Nitrogen forms, in the lagoon and the wells, respectively. Phosphorus is the limiting factor for phytoplankton growth. Human activities affect the area that is in need of an environmental management plan in order to prevent ecological degradation.

We examine the intersubband transition dynamics of a single semiconductor quantum well when the ground and the first excited subbands are coupled by strong electromagnetic fields, with emphasis given to controlled intersubband population inversion. The system dynamics is described by the nonlinear density matrix equations that include the effects of electron‐electron interactions. We present analytical results for the electromagnetic field that can lead to high‐efficiency population inversion in the system. The validity of the analytical results is tested with numerical solutions of the density matrix equations for various values of the electron sheet density for a realistic GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well.

The Author list was incomplete in ATel#1152. On 2007 July 21.46 UT a spectrum of the nova candidate M31N 2007-07c (see ATel#1146, ATel#1149) was obtained with Double-Beam Spectrograph on the Palomar Hale-5m telescope. The 400/6000 grism (3.5 angstrom FWHM) and 158/7500 grating (8.6 angstrom FWHM) were used with 1200s exposure, each. The H-alpha line displays a P-Cygni profile. The measured expansion velocity is -1630+/-20 km/ sec (blue shifted), based on measurements of the Ca H+K lines, the G Band, H-beta, Mg lines and the near-infrared Ca-triplet.

Objective: To evaluate the cytokine concentration patterns during the first 5 days of life by measuring serum concentrations of type-1 cytokines, like interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and type-2 cytokines, like IL-4, as well as the receptors of IL-2 (sIL-2R) and IL-4 (sIL-4R) during the early neonatal period. Subjects and methods: Forty-two healthy term neonates were included in the study. Cytokine concentrations were measured in umbilical cord, in the 1st and 5th day after birth and compared with those in serum of 30 healthy adults. Results: IL-2 concentrations presented a decrease trend from umbilical cord to 5th day, while sIL-2R showed a significant elevation from umbilical cord to 5th day after birth. IL-4 concentrations did not differ significantly among umbilical cord, the 1st and the 5th day, while the sIL-4R showed the highest values in the 1st day after birth. Both IL-4 and sIL-4R concentrations in neonatal samples were elevated compared to adults. IFN-γ concentrations increased significantly from umbilical cord to 5th day of life. Conclusion: Our findings indicate a dysregulation among IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-γ concentrations during the 1st day after birth, favoring a more precocious expression of IL-2 and IL-4 against IFN-γ that seems to be ameliorated in the end of the 1st week of life. © 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

As evidenced by the development of tools that enable proper analysis of river systems, floodplain modeling is more important than ever before. Current legislative and socioeconomic aspects of integrated water resource management often require a hydraulic analysis prior to development or construction in a floodplain. To aid in accurate floodplain modeling, scientists use computer models in planning and analyzing floodplain hydraulic situations while having difficult modeling problems depending on data needs and data availability. On the one hand, floodplain models are successful in dealing with time variation, and models with hundreds or even thousands of time steps are common. On the other hand, spatial disaggregating of the study area has been relatively simple, assuming, in many cases, uniform spatial properties or allow for small numbers of spatial subunits within which properties are uniform. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) offer the potential to increase the degree of definition of spatial subunits, in number and in descriptive detail. This paper focuses in integrating GIS and floodplain modeling in order to produce fast, accurate and easy to understand, through thematic and animated maps, results, through the development of an integrated Decision Support System (DSS). The system was applied in Prasianos watershed, Rethimnon, Crete isl., to enable prediction of spatial runoff distribution, calculate flood hydrographs and simulate the flooding following an earthen dam breach.

The Karlovassi Basin is an area that has suffered many catastrophic events such as fires or floods within the last 10 years. These intense phenomena, that take place mostly at its northern part, along with the human activities, have significantly accelerated the evolution rate of the local landforms. The result is the noticeable alteration of the geomorphological landscape within these last ten years.When dealing with landscape evolution, the time is a basic factor since it determines the intensity of the morphologic development. For this paper we used an algorithm for the temporal analysis of the changes in the landscape, because of the erosional processes. The software that has been developed to apply the algorithm is GIS based and uses the concept of the cellular automata for the geospatial calculations. For each grid cell it calculates the altitude and soil thickness of the area, based on the continuity equation, which involves parameters of different natural processes such as the weathering of rocks, the river and slope sediment yield, etc. Since time is an important factor in this equation, each parameter is characterized as timeconstant or time dependent. The temporal variation of the physical process parameters is expressed by simple mathematical expressions, which may represent time constant values, as well as abrupt, smooth or periodical variations with time.This algorithm may support the local authorities in decision making issues, since it may identify the areas that require protection against the intense physical phenomena of the last years. Moreover, it may be useful in geomorphological and environmental research, concerning the way that some landforms evolve.

The purpose of the present study was to describe the development and validation of the Self-Talk Questionnaire (S-TQ), designed to measure two functions of self-talk strategies, namely the motivational function and the cognitive function, used by athletes to enhance their sport performances. The study was conducted in three phases. The first phase targeted item selection and content relevance. The second phase set out to test the factor structure of the instrument. The aim of the third phase was focused on further examination of the psychometric properties of the instrument. The results of an exploratory factor analysis provided adequate support for the instrument. The S-TQ consists of 11 items, representing two factors (motivational and cognitive). A confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable fit to the data. The factors were internally consistent, the correlations with external criteria were significant, and test-retest reliability values were very good. Examining the relationships between the S-TQ and similar constructs supported convergent validity. Discriminant validity was supported by correlations between the S-TQ and a different construct. The S-TQ appears to be a promising psychometric instrument that can be used in research and psychological intervention programs.

In the present paper we develop a software in order to describe, in quantitative terms, the time variation of the shape and dimensions of a landform. The software is based on an iterative cellular automata algorithm. In each step, the algorithm calculates the altitude and soil thickness of each cell, which represents a piece of land. The calculations are based on the continuity equation. Parameters which express the intensity of weathering of rock masses, soil transport along slopes and fluvial transport of sediments by rivers (physical processes parameters), are incorporated in the continuity equation, using empirical relations. These parameters may be time constant or time dependent. The physical meaning of a time dependent parameter is that the rate of a geomorphological process may change with time, as a result of human activities or changes in the climate. The temporal variation of the physical processes parameters are expressed by simple mathematical expressions, which may represent smooth, rapid or periodical changes.This software may be useful in geomorphological and environmental research, inorder to estimate the future development of a landform, as a result of physicalprocesses and human activities.

This paper is based on the research on the possible structure of an information system for the purposes of occupational health and safety management. We initiated a questionnaire in order to find the possible interest on the part of potential users in the subject of occupational health and safety. The depiction of the potential interest is vital both for the software analysis cycle and development according to previous models. The evaluation of the results tends to create pilot applications among different enterprises. Documentation and process improvements ascertained quality of services, operational support, occupational health and safety advice are the basics of the above applications. Communication and codified information among intersted parts is the other target of the survey regarding health issues. Computer networks can offer such services. The network will consist of certain nodes responsible to inform executives on Occupational Health and Safety. A web database has been installed for inserting and searching documents. The submission of files to a server and the answers to questionnaires through the web help the experts to perform their activities. Based on the requirements of enterprises we have constructed a web file server. We submit files so that users can retrieve the files which they need. The access is limited to authorized users. Digital watermarks authenticate and protect digital objects.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing in prevalence. There are no known preventive or curative measures. There is evidence that oxidative stress, homo-cysteine-related vitamins, fats, and alcohol have a role in the pathogenesis of AD. Some epidemiologic studies suggest that higher dietary intake of antioxidants, vitamins B(6), B(12), and folate, unsaturated fatty acids, and fish are related to a lower risk of AD, but reports are inconsistent. Modest to moderate alcohol intake, particularly wine, may be related to a lower risk of AD. The Mediterranean diet may also be related to lower AD risk. However, randomized clinical trials of supplements of vitamins E, B(12), B(6), and folate have shown no cognitive benefit, and randomized trials for other nutrients or diets in AD are not available. The existing evidence does not support the recommendation of specific supplements, foods, or diets for the prevention of AD.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether replacement of broad-spectrum cephalosporins (CEPs) by piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP) as first-line empirical therapy may have an effect on beta-lactam resistance among Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli in a tertiary care hospital. Data regarding CEP and TZP consumption and resistance were collected on a bimonthly basis during an open-label 2-year (1 year observational and 1 year interventional) study. Consumption of ceftazidime was reduced by 64.5%. In contrast, consumption of the other third-generation CEPs (cefotaxime and ceftriaxone) remained almost stable, whereas an increase in consumption of TZP by 2.8-fold was observed. A significant decrease in resistance to third-generation cephalosporins among K. pneumoniae isolates was observed, and the incidence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing isolates was notably reduced. These findings were less evident among E. coli isolates. Despite the significant increase in TZP consumption, the respective resistance rates of both bacterial species examined have remained almost unchanged.

The evolution of imipenem disk-diffusion susceptibility results of 2652 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae and 7596 Escherichia coli isolated during the period 2000-2005 were analysed. Screening for production of metallo-beta-lactamases was performed using the EDTA-synergy method. The percentage rate of K. pneumoniae isolates having a zone diameter < or =25 mm increased from 20% in 2000 to 41% in 2005, whereas the respective rate of isolates having a zone diameter > or =30 mm decreased from 48 to 23%. These changes were more evident during 2000-2002, followed in 2003 by the isolation of the first imipenem-resistant strains. Regarding E. coli, a similar decrease was observed (the rates of isolates having a zone diameter < or =25 mm and > or =30 mm changed from 7% and 68% in 2000, to 32% and 36% in 2005, respectively) following the respective changes of K. pneumoniae. A total of 20 K. pneumoniae strains, but no E. coli, were confirmed as metallo-beta-lactamase producers. In conclusion, a decrease of the imipenem susceptibility prior to the isolation of the first resistant strains in a tertiary care hospital was detected, as well as differences in this decrease between the two species. These findings indicate that monitoring of the evolution of imipenem susceptibility in real-time may help in unveiling forthcoming resistance and in implementing the appropriate diagnostic techniques.

Temperature sensitivity of digestive processes has important ramifications for digestive performance in ectothermic vertebrates. We conducted a comparative analysis of temperature effects on digestive processes [gut passage times (GPTs) and apparent digestive efficiencies (ADEs)] in five lacertid lizards occurring in insular ( Podarcis erhardii, P. gaigeae ), and mainland ( P. muralis, P. peloponnesiaca, Lacerta graeca ) Mediterranean environments. GPTs were negatively correlated to temperature with mainland taxa having 10–20% longer GPTs than island taxa. In contrast to previous studies that estimate ADEs using bomb calorimetry, we compare ADEs by analyzing discrete efficiencies for lipids, sugars and proteins at three temperature regimes (20, 25, and 30°C); each of these categories produces different results. ADEs for lipids and sugars showed a monotonic increase with temperature whereas ADEs for proteins decreased with temperature. Island taxa had consistently higher ADEs than their mainland counterparts for lipids and for proteins but not for sugars. They are characterized by superior energy acquisition abilities despite significantly shorter GPTs. Their increased digestive performance relative to the mainland species appears to allow them to maximize energy acquisition in unproductive island environments where food availability is spatially and seasonally clustered.

A 44-year old male patient with a past medical history of a complete surgical excision of pelvic hydatid cyst two years previously presented with constant pelvic floor pain and plasma IgG anti-echinococcal antibody titres of 14.27 U/mL. Based on that and the imaging findings of abdominal ultrasound (US), Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance (MR) the diagnosis of a recurrent retrorectal pelvic hydatid cyst was made. Three courses of oral albendazole treatment were administered and sixteen weeks later, the patient was admitted for a planned elective operation. At that time, a new CT scan revealed disappearance of the cyst, while the serological tests showed a decrease in the IgG anti-echinococcal antibody titres to 0. 71 U/mL. Four different species of the Echinococcus tapeworm can produce infection in humans. E granulosus and E multilocularis are the most common, causing cystic and alveolar echinococcosis respectively, while E vogeli and E oligarthrus, have only rarely been associated with human infection. Although surgical resection remains the treatment of choice for hydatid disease, the present case could suggest that especially in cases of recurrent intraabdominal extrahepatic hydatid cyst, treatment with albendazole may lead to disappearance of the recurrent cyst therefore, should constitute a first line therapeutic option prior to any planned reoperation.

1. Καμπερίδου, Ειρήνη (2007). Απόψεις Ξένων Περιηγητριών για την Περίοδο της Τουρκοκρατίας: «Δυστυχώς οι πόλεις είναι γεμάτες Έλληνες (1853). ΦΙΛΟΣΟΦΙΑ & ΠΑΙΔΕΙΑ, Περιοδική Επιστημονική Έκδοση της Ένωσης Καθηγητών για την Προαγωγή της Φιλοσοφίας στην Εκπαίδευση (ΕΚΔΕΦ), ‘Έτος 13ο , Τεύχος 41 (Ιανουάριος-Απρίλιος 2007): 34-37.    J.5 in APELLA

• [Kamberidou, I. (2007). Discourse/Observations on the Hellenes (Greeks) by 19th century western women travellers: "Unfortunately the cities are full of Greeks- 1853". Philosophy & Education (EKDEF), issue 41, Jan.-April 2007, 34-37. J.5 in APELLA

BACKGROUND: Disruptive behavior is common in Alzheimer disease (AD). There are conflicting reports regarding its ability to predict cognitive decline, functional decline, institutionalization, and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the presence of disruptive behavior has predictive value for important outcomes in AD. DESIGN: Using the Columbia University Scale for Psychopathology in Alzheimer Disease (administered every 6 months, for a total of 3438 visit-assessments and an average of 6.9 per patient), the presence of disruptive behavior (wandering, verbal outbursts, physical threats/violence, agitation/restlessness, and sundowning) was extracted and examined as a time-dependent predictor in Cox models. The models controlled for the recruitment cohort, recruitment center, informant status, sex, age, education, a comorbidity index, baseline cognitive and functional performance, and neuroleptic use. SETTING: Five university-based AD centers in the United States and Europe (Predictors Study). PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred ninety-seven patients with early-stage AD (mean Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination score, 20 of 30 at entry) who were recruited and who underwent semiannual follow-up for as long as 14 (mean, 4.4) years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cognitive (Columbia Mini-Mental State Examination score, < or = 20 of 57 [approximate Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination score, < or = 10 of 30]) and functional (Blessed Dementia Rating Scale score, parts I and II, > or = 10) ratings, institutionalization equivalent index, and death. RESULTS: At least 1 disruptive behavioral symptom was noted in 48% of patients at baseline and in 83% at any evaluation. Their presence was associated with increased risks of cognitive decline (hazard ratio 1.45 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-2.03]), functional decline (1.66 [95% CI, 1.17-2.36]), and institutionalization (1.47 [95% CI, 1.10-1.97]). Sundowning was associated with faster cognitive decline, wandering with faster functional decline and institutionalization, and agitation/restlessness with faster cognitive and functional decline. There was no association between disruptive behavior and mortality (hazard ratio, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.71-1.25]). CONCLUSION: Disruptive behavior is very common in AD and predicts cognitive decline, functional decline, and institutionalization but not mortality.

c-Jun is a transcription factor activated by phosphorylation by the stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway in response to extracellular signals and cytokines. We show that adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of the dominant negative form of c-Jun (dn-c-Jun) in C57BL/6 mice increased greatly apoE hepatic mRNA and plasma levels, increased plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, and very low density lipoprotein levels, and resulted in the accumulation of discoidal high density lipoprotein particles. A similar but more severe phenotype was generated by overexpression of the mouse apoE in C57BL/6 mice, suggesting that dyslipidemia induced by dn-c-Jun was the result of apoE overexpression. Unexpectedly, infection of apoE(-/-) mice with adenovirus expressing dn-c-Jun reduced plasma cholesterol by 70%, suggesting that dn-c-Jun affected other genes that control plasma cholesterol levels. To identify these genes, we performed whole genome expression analysis (34,000 genes) of isolated livers from two groups of five apoE(-/-) mice, infected with adenoviruses expressing either the dn-c-Jun or the green fluorescence protein. Bioinformatic analysis and Northern blotting validation revealed that dn-c-Jun increased 40-fold the apoE mRNA and reduced by 70% the Scd-1 (stearoyl-CoA-desaturase 1) mRNA. The involvement of Scd-1 in lowering plasma cholesterol was confirmed by restoration of high cholesterol levels of apoE(-/-) mice following coinfection with adenoviruses expressing dn-c-Jun and Scd-1. In conclusion, dn-c-Jun appears to trigger two opposing events in mice that affect plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels as follows: one results in apoE overexpression and triggers dyslipidemia and the other results in inhibition of Scd-1 and offsets dyslipidemia.

In this study, an attempt is made to investigate possible teleconnection patterns of atmospheric circulation, centered over eastern Mediterranean (EM) with the aid of gridded NCEP/NCAR daily values of geopotential heights for the period 1958-2003. For this purpose, two approaches have been used: correlation analysis and rotated principal component analysis (PCA) on a seasonal and monthly basis. A teleconnection pattern between the EM and northeastern Atlantic was identified at 500 and 300 hPa in winter, which will be referred to as the Eastern Mediterranean Pattern (EMP), appearing as an independent mode of the upper circulation. The pattern also exists in autumn but is substantially weakened with its dipole centers being shifted eastwards. Significant monthly variations were found in the location, strength and structure of the pattern. The employment of a standardized index demonstrated that the negative phase of the EMP prevails throughout the year with the maximum frequency at wintertime. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.

OBJECTIVES: To report on recent efforts in the field of consumer health informatics (CHI) and education. METHODS: A review of the literature we selected on using search engines and Medline with terms from consumer health informatics and education. Twenty two articles match these criteria. RESULTS: A great diversity of work spans the field of CHI. This relatively new field now faces challenges due to rapidly advancing technologies and the increasing empowerment of citizens connected over the worldwide web. CONCLUSION: The benefits of enhancing CIH components within existing medical curricula are already being noted. Additionally, updated recommendations on health and medical informatics should incorporate CHI.

The rationale of this magnetoencephalographic (MEG) study was the quest for temporal aspects of the fMRI-characterized hemispheric asymmetries of auditory cortex functions during the processing of simple linearly frequency-modulated (FM) tones. We searched for parameters which distinguish a stimulus-related task condition—the categorical discrimination of direction (upward versus downward) of frequency modulation—from mere exposure to the same FM tones. We found that the M100-peak latency after FM tones was significantly shorter in the task condition than in the exposure condition, in the left but not in the right hemisphere.

OBJECTIVES: Aim of this study is the evaluation of the impact of a multimedia CD (MCD) on preoperative anxiety and postoperative recovery of patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: Sixty consecutive candidates for elective LC were randomly assigned to four groups. Group A included 15 patients preoperatively informed regarding LC through the MCD presented by Registered Nurse (RN). Patients in group B (n = 15) were informed through a leaflet. Patients in group C (n = 15) were informed verbally from a RN. Finally, the control Group D included 15 patients informed conventionally by the attending surgeon and anesthesiologist, as every other patient included in groups A, B, and C. Preoperative assessment of knowledge about LC was performed after each informative session through a questionnaire. Evaluation of preoperative anxiety was conducted using APAIS scale. Postoperative pain and nausea scores were measured using an NRS scale, 16 hours after the patient had returned to the ward. RESULTS: Statistical processing of the results (single linear regression) showed that patients in groups A, B, and C achieved a higher knowledge score, less preoperative anxiety score and less postoperative pain and nausea, compared to Group D. In multiple regression analysis, group A had a higher knowledge score compared to the four groups (p < 0.001 r(2) = 0.41). CONCLUSION: Informative sessions using MCD is an effective means of improving patient's preoperative knowledge, especially in day-surgery cases, like LC.

Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) and bortezomib have been recently used in the management of patients with both newly diagnosed and relapsed/ refractory multiple myeloma. Except of their direct anti-myeloma effect, these agents also alter the interactions between myeloma cells and marrow microenvironment. Several recent studies have investigated their potential effect on myeloma bone disease. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that IMiDs reduce osteoclast formation and function in vitro. Clinical studies have confirmed that thalidomide reduces markers of bone resorption, while lenalidomide induces osteoclast arrest in myeloma patients. However, IMiDs seem to have no effect on osteoblast exhaustion present in myeloma. The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib restores abnormal bone remodeling through the inhibition of osteoclast function and the increase in osteoblast differentiation and activity in vitro. In myeloma patients, bortezomib reduces biochemical markers of bone resorption and normalizes the RANKL/osteoprotegerin ratio, while at the same time increases bone formation markers reducing levels of dickkopf-1 protein. Whether these effects are direct and not only a consequence of the agents' antimyeloma activity is not totally clear. This review summarizes all available data for these attractive agents that combine potent anti-myeloma activity with beneficial effects on bone and may alter the way of management of myeloma-related bone disease.

BACKGROUND: A 9-month course of isoniazid monotherapy is currently recommended for the treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and has been shown to be effective in both children and adults. Reduced compliance with this regimen has forced physicians to explore shorter regimens. The aim of this study was to compare 3- and 4-month combination regimens of isoniazid plus rifampin with a 9-month regimen of isoniazid monotherapy for the treatment of LTBI in children. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted over an 11-year period (1995-2005). In period 1 (1995-1998), 232 patients received isoniazid therapy for 9 months (group A), and 238 patients received isoniazid and rifampin for 4 months (group B). In period 2 (1999-2002), 236 patients were treated with isoniazid and rifampin for 4 months (group C), and 220 patients received the same regimen for 3 months (group D). All patients were observed for > or = 3 years. RESULTS: Overall compliance with treatment was good, but patients who received isoniazid monotherapy were less compliant than were those who received short-course combination therapy (P=.011, for group A vs. group B; P=.510, for group C vs. group D). No patient in any group developed clinical disease during the follow-up period. New radiographic findings suggestive of possible active disease were more common in patients who received isoniazid monotherapy (24%) than in those treated with shorter regimens (11.8%, 13.6%, and 11% for groups B, C, and D, respectively; P=.001 for group A vs. group B; P=.418 for group C vs. group D). Serious drug-related adverse effects were not detected. CONCLUSIONS: Short-course treatment with isoniazid and rifampin for 3-4 months is safe and seems to be superior to a 9-month course of isoniazid monotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscle wasting commonly occurs in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has been associated with the presence of systemic inflammation. This study investigated whether rehabilitative exercise training decreases the levels of systemic or local muscle inflammation or reverses the abnormalities associated with muscle deconditioning. METHODS: Fifteen patients with COPD (mean (SE) forced expiratory volume in 1 s 36 (4)% predicted) undertook high-intensity exercise training 3 days/week for 10 weeks. Before and after the training programme the concentration of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in plasma was determined by ELISA, and vastus lateralis mRNA expression of TNFalpha, IL-6, total insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and its isoform mechanogrowth factor (MGF) and myogenic differentiation factor D (MyoD) were assessed by real-time PCR. Protein levels of TNFalpha, IGF-I and MyoD were measured by Western blotting. RESULTS: Rehabilitation improved peak exercise work rate by 10 (2%) (p = 0.004) and mean fibre cross-sectional area from 4061 (254) microm(2) to 4581 (241) microm(2) (p = 0.001). Plasma inflammatory mediators and vastus lateralis expression of TNFalpha and IL-6 were not significantly modified by training. In contrast, there was a significant increase in mRNA expression of IGF-I (by 67 (22)%; p = 0.044), MGF (by 67 (15)%; p = 0.002) and MyoD (by 116 (30)%; p = 0.001). The increase observed at the mRNA level was also seen at the protein level for IGF-I (by 72 (36)%; p = 0.046) and MyoD (by 67 (21)%; p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary rehabilitation can induce peripheral muscle adaptations and modifications in factors regulating skeletal muscle hypertrophy and regeneration without decreasing the levels of systemic or local muscle inflammation.

This study evaluated and compared the effectiveness of two different off-season, short-term basketball training programs on physical and technical abilities of young basketball players. Twenty-seven adolescent basketball players (14.7 ± 0.5 years; Tanner stage: 3.5 ± 0.5) were randomly divided into a specialized basketball training group (SP, n = 10), a mixed basketball plus conditioning training group (MX, n = 10) and a control group (n = 7). Training included five sessions per week (100-120 min each) and was performed for 4 weeks. Maximal oxygen uptake was similarly improved after SP (4.9 ± 1.8%) and MX (4.9 ± 1.4%), but there was no effect on ventilatory threshold. Peak and mean power output measured during the Wingate test were also improved by a similar magnitude after SP (21 ± 5%) and MX (15 ± 6%). Trunk muscle endurance was equally increased (SP: 23 ± 4%, MX: 25 ± 5%), but arms endurance was improved significantly more after MX (50 ± 11%) compared to SP (11 ± 14%, p < 0.05). Performance in four basketball technical skills was similarly increased (by 17-27%) in both groups, with a tendency for greater improvement of the SP groups in the technical skills of shooting and passing. These results indicate that a SP basketball training program, performed exclusively on-court was as effective as a MX training program in terms of aerobic and anaerobic fitness improvement. Furthermore, the decrease of the total on-court training time in the MX group resulted in a tendency for a smaller improvement of basketball technical skills. In conclusion, both SP and MX training are equally effective in order to limit and/or reverse the detraining effects that occur during the off-season in basketball. © 2006 Sports Medicine Australia.

{This study evaluated and compared the effectiveness of two different off-season, short-term basketball training programs on physical and technical abilities of young basketball players. Twenty-seven adolescent basketball players (14.7 ± 0.5 years; Tanner stage: 3.5 ± 0.5) were randomly divided into a specialized basketball training group (SP

{This study evaluated and compared the effectiveness of two different off-season, short-term basketball training programs on physical and technical abilities of young basketball players. Twenty-seven adolescent basketball players (14.7 ± 0.5 years; Tanner stage: 3.5 ± 0.5) were randomly divided into a specialized basketball training group (SP

The Leonardo project under the name European Interprofessional Education Network (EIPEN) in health and social care, has been dealing with the challenges of Interprofessional Education (IPE). The EIPEN project tries to develop a transnational network of universities and employers in the six participating countries and at the same time to promote good practices in Interprofessional LearningTeaching in healthsocial care. IPE provides opportunities for students and practitioners to learn with, from and about each other during qualifying and post-qualifying training and in their practice. IPE in health and social care includes the education and training of practitioners in human and animal medicine, dentistry, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy and all other health professions including public and environmental health and health promotion, and social work. The outcomes of the EIPEN Project will provide means, material and guidelines for the enhancement of professional education in the multidisciplinary field of Health Informatics.

The present work demonstrates the first application of Brillouin light scattering (BLS) to probe film-guided elastic waves in transparent-substrate supported polymer thin films. In comparison with earlier BLS studies that were restricted to films either free-standing or supported on opaque substrates, the progress made in this work substantially extends the applicability of BLS and permits direct access to the elastic properties of thin films lying on transparent substrates, which is of important practical relevance. A series of thin supported polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) films with thickness in the range of 40−500 nm were explored, and no noticeable trend in elastic properties with thickness has been found, in conformity with earlier BLS results. The first measurement of glass transition temperature, Tg, of supported polymer thin films by BLS is also reported. We observed that the ultrathin (40 nm) films for both polymers exhibit a clear reduction in Tg.

The book is a detailed study on the structure and the topics of Ovid’s compedium of the Trojan Saga in Metamorphoses 12.1-13.622, the section also referred to as the “Little Iliad”. It explores the motives and the objectives behind the selected narrative moments from the Epic Cycle that found their way into the Ovidian version of the Trojan War. By thoroughly mastering and inspiringly refashioning a vast amount of literary material, Ovid generates a systematic reconstruction of the archetypal hero, Achilles. Thus, he projects himself as a worthy successor of Homer in the epic tradition, a master epicist, and a par to his great Latin predecessor, Vergil.

Hydatid disease, although endemic mostly in sheep-farming countries, remains a public health issue worldwide, involving mainly the liver. Intrabiliary rupture is the most frequent complication of the hepatic hydatid cyst. Endoscopy is advocated, preoperatively, to alleviate obstructive jaundice caused by intracystic materials after a frank rupture and is also a useful and well-established adjunct in locating postoperative biliary fistulas. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with sphincterotomy has been successful as the sole and definitive means of treatment of intrabiliary ruptured hydatid cysts. A case of an elderly woman with frank rupture is presented, where the rupture was definitively managed endoscopically in conjunction with sphincterotomy to remove the intrabiliary obstructive daughter cysts and to achieve decontamination of the biliary tree. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography provided an excellent diagnostic and therapeutic modality in the present case and, thus, it should be considered as definitive treatment in similar cases especially if surgical risk is anticipated to be high.

In this work we study the transport properties of hybrids that consist of exchange biased ferromagnets (FMs) combined with a low-T-c superconductor (SC). Not only different FMs but also various structural topologies have been investigated: results for multilayers of La1-xCaxMnO3 combined with Nb in the form of [La0.33Ca0.67MnO3/La0.60Ca0.40MnO3](15)/Nb, and for more simple Ni80Fe20/Nb/Ni80Fe20 trilayers and Ni80Fe20/Nb bilayers are presented. The results obtained in all hybrid structures studied in this work clearly uncover that the exchange bias mechanism promotes superconductivity. Our findings assist the understanding of the contradictory results that have been reported in the recent literature regarding the transport properties of relative FM/SC/FM spin valves.

We have studied the spatial and temporal variation of the surface longwave radiation (downwelling and net) over a 21-year period in the tropical and subtropical Pacific Ocean (40 S-40 N, 90 E-75 W). The fluxes were computed using a deterministic model for atmospheric radiation transfer, along with satellite data from the ISCCP-D2 database and reanalysis data from NCEP/NCAR (acronyms explained in main text), for the key atmospheric and surface input parameters. An excellent correlation was found between the downwelling longwave radiation (DLR) anomaly and the Ni&ntilde;o-3.4 index time-series, over the Ni&ntilde;o-3.4 region located in the central Pacific. A high anti-correlation was also found over the western Pacific (15-0 S, 105-130 E). There is convincing evidence that the time series of the mean downwelling longwave radiation anomaly in the western Pacific precedes that in the Ni&ntilde;o-3.4 region by 3-4 months. Thus, the downwelling longwave radiation anomaly is a complementary index to the SST anomaly for the study of ENSO events and can be used to asses whether or not El Ni&ntilde;o or La Ni&ntilde;a conditions prevail. Over the Ni&ntilde;o-3.4 region, the mean DLR anomaly values range from +20 Wm-2 during El Ni&ntilde;o episodes to -20 Wm-2 during La Ni&ntilde;a events, while over the western Pacific (15-0 S, 105-130 E) these values range from -15 Wm-2 to +10 Wm-2, respectively. The long- term average (1984-2004) distribution of the net downwelling longwave radiation at the surface over the tropical and subtropical Pacific for the three month period November-December-January shows a net thermal cooling of the ocean surface. When El Ni&ntilde;o conditions prevail, the thermal radiative cooling in the central and south-eastern tropical Pacific becomes weaker by 10 Wm-2 south of the equator in the central Pacific (7-0 S, 160-120 W) for the three-month period of NDJ, because the DLR increase is larger than the increase in surface thermal emission. In contrast, the thermal radiative cooling over Indonesia is enhanced by 10 Wm-2 during the early (August-September-October) El Ni&ntilde;o phase.

INTRODUCTION: Taking into consideration the need for an updated survey on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Greece, we conducted the HELIOS study (HELlenic Infarction Observation Study), aiming to recruit a cohort of AMI patients that would be representative of the total AMI population. METHODS: The HELIOS study is a countrywide registry of AMI, conducted during 2005-2006 by the Prevention Working Group of the Hellenic Cardiological Society. We enrolled 1840 AMI pts from 31 hospitals (mean age 68 +/- 13 years, 75% men, 1096 ST-elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI] patients), with a proportional representation of all types of hospitals and of all geographical areas. The study recruited 10% of the total number of AMI cases that occur per year on a countrywide basis, taking into consideration the seasonal variations of the population in each geographical area. RESULTS: Despite demographic changes, there is still a male predominance among AMI patients and an increasing prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors, (obesity, diabetes, hypertension) compared to previous AMI studies in the Greek population. Almost 60% of STEMI patients received reperfusion therapy, but the median value of the pain-to-door time was 180 minutes. The rates of administration of evidence-based medications during hospitalisation or upon discharge and the short-term mortality rates were in accordance with those observed in other international AMI registries. CONCLUSIONS: The HELIOS study provided valuable insights into the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, management and outcome of patients with AMI in the Greek population. Although there are notable advances compared to previous reports, there is still considerable room for improvement and we should particularly focus on minimising the time delay between arrival at the emergency department and performance of reperfusion, by either pharmacological or catheter-based approaches.

We retrospectively investigated the outcome of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in women less than 45 years and over 70 years treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy. We also investigated the impact of various factors on patients' survival. The tumor registry of the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group was used to identify women less than 45 years and over 70 years with EOC diagnosed between 1979 and 2004. Survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the independent effect of each variable on survival. Of 1748 EOC patients, 200 were 45 or younger and 282 were over 70 years old. In the univariate analysis, younger age (P < 0.001), better performance status (PS) (P < 0.001), early stage (P < 0.001), 0-2 cm residual disease (P < 0.001), and well or moderate differentiation grade (P = 0.004) were significant prognostic factors for improved survival. In the multivariate analysis, older age (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.27-2.77, P = 0.002), advanced stage (HR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.49-5.52, P = 0.002), PS >1 (HR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.18-3.08, P = 0.008), and residual disease (HR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.01-2.13, P = 0.046) were independently associated with inferior survival. With a median follow-up of 45 months (range 0.1-197 months), median survival (118.5 months) of younger patients differed significantly compared to that of older patients (33 months) (P < 0.001). In conclusion, younger women with EOC have significantly improved survival compared to older patients. Age, PS, stage of the disease at diagnosis, and residual disease are important independent predictors for survival. © 2007, IGCS and ESGO.

We consider a single server Markovian queue with setup times. Whenever this system becomes empty, the server is turned off. Whenever a customer arrives to an empty system, the server begins an exponential setup time to start service again. We assume that arriving customers decide whether to enter the system or balk based on a natural reward-cost structure, which incorporates their desire for service as well as their unwillingness to wait. We examine customer behavior under various levels of information regarding the system state. Specifically, before making the decision, a customer may or may not know the state of the server and/or the number of present customers. We derive equilibrium strategies for the customers under the various levels of information and analyze the stationary behavior of the system under these strategies. We also illustrate further effects of the information level on the equilibrium behavior via numerical experiments. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

BACKGROUND: Inhibition of lung cell apoptosis in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of septic patients may have a prognostic value for the severity of sepsis. The present study evaluated apoptosis in the nasal and buccal mucosa of septic patients as an alternative and less invasive approach for studying the cells involved in bronchial inflammation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was designed. Nasal and buccal mucosa brushings were obtained from 20 consecutive septic patients who were admitted to two intensive care units. Twenty-four patients scheduled to undergo surgery for colorectal cancer or laparascopic cholocystectomy were the control group. Apoptosis was evaluated using a TUNEL assay, while BCL-2 and BAX expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Significantly reduced apoptosis in the nasal mucosa of septic patients compared to the control group (p=0.043) was detected only by the TUNEL assay. CONCLUSION: Reduced apoptosis was found during sepsis in the nasal mucosa in accordance with the reduced apoptosis in the lungs of septic patients. In contrast to septic lungs the underlying mechanism leading to apoptosis in the nasal mucosa was unrelated to the expression of two apoptosis-related genes BCL-2 and BAX.

Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug, structurally related to thalidomide, which has pleotropic activity, including antiangiogenic and antineoplastic properties. This agent is the product of advances in the understanding of the biology of neoplastic cells, their interaction with the microenvironment and of the underlying molecular pathways. Lenalidomide has shown significant activity in refractory/resistant multiple myeloma, and further studies have shown its activity in other hematologic malignancies with some very encouraging results, especially in subsets of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. This article reviews the data on lenalidomide use in patients with multiple myeloma, as well as in myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia. © 2007 Informa UK Ltd.

Saddam Hussein’s execution on Saturday December 31, 2006 and its broadcast over the internet in the form of video footage “leaked” by one of the bystanders constitutes a milestone of important geostrategic developments in the Middle East, mainly as a multiplier of the Shia-Sunni tension, between the followers of Moktanta al Sadr and the Sunnis, between the Shiites of Tehran and the Lebanese Muslims (Shiites and Sunnis). The execution also triggered a chain reaction of the Kurdish ethnic pockets in the area, starting with Iraqi Kurdistan. This reaction engages Turkey in the issue of geostrategic reshuffling in the area and provides its military regime with the opportunity to use this threat to achieve EU tolerance as regards the country’s accession process without having to implement the necessary adjustments stipulated by the “acquis communautaire” and without trying to clear the “Cyprus hurdle” in the course of the entry talks. Greece and Cyprus must adopt a coordinated approach at all levels to deal with this situation, in which even “hot conflict provocations” by Turkey against Greece, but also an increase of pressure from across the Atlantic directed against Levkosia and Athens, cannot be ruled out.

The Paros Island (Cyclades Islands, Aegean Sea, Greece) is characterized by a Mediterranean type of climate, while the Tihany Peninsula (Trans Danubian Middle Range Mountains, Lake Balaton, Hungary) is characterized by a Sub-Mediterranean type of climate. The Paros Island has abrupt rainfalls and lower temperatures during winters and long term sunshine accompanied by dry periods during the summer. The situation is similar in the Tihany Peninsula, except that there is snowfall in the winter and very intensive but short rainfalls in the summertime. These circumstances constitute a tough environment for the land. The low or sparse vegetation and steep slopes of the investigated areas leaves the ground exposed and very vulnerable to erosion. The recent change to the activities of the local people from agricultural to touristic ones and especially the abandonment of the agricultural terraces during the last 50 years has influenced the soil cover of the island, leading to total soil lossand exposure of the bedrock in many areas. The increase of tourist activities caused the same results however the agricultural activities have not ceased but increased a little. The slopes of the examined areas are high in general terms thus making soil regeneration almost impossible. The soil that is transferred is either moving towards the small alluvial plains of the island and inside the peninsula in Hungary. We try to compare the situation of the investigated Greek island and Hungarian peninsula bypointing out the areas that still appear to be in a high risk for erosion and to estimate the average amount of soil loss. For the later the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) was tested on the data of the island. The application of the USLE took place with the use of MapInfo and ArcGIS Tools. We wish to give some details about the experiences of using the USLE model on these two territories.

The paper studies changes in daily precipitation records at the National Observatory, Athens, during the period 1891-2004. This is the longest available time series of precipitation for Greece. The results show that both the shape and scale parameter of a fitted two parameter gamma distribution for the last two decades do show a significant difference of these parameters, when compared to any previous period from the 1890s through the 1970s. Also important changes are observed in daily precipitation totals exceeding various thresholds such as 10, 20, 30 and 50 mm. More specifically, a negative trend in the number of wet days (remarkable after 1968) and a positive trend in extreme daily precipitation are evident. The changes of heavy and extreme precipitation events in this part of SE Europe have significant environmental consequences which cause considerable damage and loss of life.

This paper investigates the correlation between control and finiteness in Greek subjunctive clauses. It is shown that the main control pattern is Partial Control (PC) and that Exhaustive Control (EC) is very limited and occurs only with Anaphoric Subjunctives. On the basis of evidence from distribution and case agreement, it is claimed that Greek subjunctive T is finite, so that it always checks nominative case on the subject, even in EC constructions. It is therefore argued that control in Greek subjunctives cannot be accounted for by a PRO or a movement/Agree approach, because (i) the attested control pattern does not exhibit the properties of control as predicted by these approaches and (ii) their licensing conditions are not met. Additional crucial evidence is presented from constructions where control is attested over a lexical (either pronoun or DP) subject or even an object clitic. Thus, it is claimed that control in Greek subjunctive clauses is not the result of the licensing of the properties of their subject, but it derives from the licensing of their special temporal properties and from the semantic requirements of the main predicate.

{The authors determine from first principles the Curie temperature T-C for bulk Co in the hcp, fcc, bcc, and body-centered-tetragonal (bct) phases, for FeCo alloys, and for bcc and bct Fe. For bcc Co

FR258900 has been discovered as a novel inhibitor of human liver glycogen phosphorylase a and proved to suppress hepatic glycogen breakdown and reduce plasma glucose concentrations in diabetic mice models. To elucidate the mechanism of inhibition, we have determined the crystal structure of the cocrystallized rabbit muscle glycogen phosphorylase b-FR258900 complex and refined it to 2.2 angstrom resolution. The structure demonstrates that the inhibitor binds at the allosteric activator site, where the physiological activator AMP binds. The contacts from FR258900 to glycogen phosphorylase are dominated by nonpolar van der Waals interactions with Gln71, Gln72, Phe196, and Val45' (from the symmetry-related subunit), and also by ionic interactions from the carboxylate groups to the three arginine residues (Arg242, Arg309, and Arg310) that form the allosteric phosphate-recognition subsite. The binding of FR258900 to the protein promotes conformational changes that stabilize an inactive T-state quaternary conformation of the enzyme. The ligand-binding mode is different from those of the potent phenoxy- phthalate and acyl urea inhibitors, previously described, illustrating the broad specificity of the allosteric site.

The present contribution is dealing with the outcrops and the hydrogeological behaviour of the fractured rocks (mainly igneous, metamorphic and not karstified carbonate rocks, as they have been defined by the I.A.H Commission of the Hardrock Hydrogeology). The presentation starts with the description of the geotectonic regime of the Hellenic territory into the adopted different geotectoniczones. For each zone a general lithological and structural description is attempted accompanied by the description of the main aquifers and the general directions of the groundwater flow related to the formation of the rock mass fractures. Finally, an analytical description of some case studies is presented.

Free Choice Items (FCIs), such as French n’importe qui, Greek opjosdhipote and English anyone, are well known for their limited distributional properties. Most former analyses have been influenced by the polarity sensitivity tradition, accounting for the distribution of FCIs in terms of the conditions of licensing and anti­licensing by the semantics of a given context. Based on French, Greek and English data, this study proposes that FCIs occur in all contexts as long as their lexical semantics is compatible with both the semantics and the pragmatics of the context.Data, mostly extracted from the Free Choice Item Database constructed by the author, show that the majority of FCIs are grammatical in veridical contexts. Consequently, the condition of licensing does not apply to FCIs. FCIs express widening, indiscriminacy, indistinguishability, ignorance, indifference and low­level. These readings can be pragmatically blocked in all contexts. Widening, indiscriminacy, indifference and ignorance can be semantically blocked too. An FCI is ungrammatical if and only if all its readings are blocked. Consequently, the condition of anti­licensing does not apply to FCIs either, because it does not take into account the pragmatics of the context. The distribution of FCIs is, then, entirely free with the exception of certain cases in which semantic blocking is expected.This dissertation is of interest to researchers concerned with the study of FCIs, indefinites, definites and quantifiers, scholars working on more general issues concerning the semantics­pragmatics interface, and linguists interested in cross­linguistic and typological studies.

We report on the infrared transmission and light emission of Si-rich nitride (SRN) films prepared by low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) from dichlorosilane (SiH2Cl2, DCS) and ammonia (NH3) mixtures. The main absorption band at about 830 cm- 1, attributed to Si-N vibration mode and observed in stoichiometric silicon nitride, shifted to slightly higher wavenumbers with increasing Si content in the SRN films. Annealing at temperatures higher than the deposition temperature induced a further shift of the main band to higher wavenumbers. Additionally, a new band appeared as a "shoulder" at about 1080 cm- 1, attributed to partial oxidation of the silicon nanocrystals. Photoluminescence (PL) obtained from the SRN films increased considerably and shifted to shorter wavelengths as the Si content decreased whereas annealing caused further enhancement and a slight shift to shorter wavelengths in comparison with the as-grown films. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

For a better understanding of the physical properties of semiconductor quantum dot ensembles, we have followed the behaviors of the transport and photoluminescence above, at, and below the percolation threshold of ensembles of Si quantum dots that are embedded in a Si O2 matrix. Our study revealed the roles of the interdot conduction, the single dot charging, and the connectivity in such systems. We conclude that while the first two determine the global transport, a connectivity dependent migration determines the coupling between the electrical and optical properties. © 2007 The American Physical Society.

Early genetic and physiological work in bacteria and fungi has suggested the presence of highly specific nucleobase transport systems. Similar transport systems are now known to exist in algae, plants, protozoa and metazoa. Within the last 15 years, a small number of microbial genes encoding nucleobase transporters have been cloned and studied in great detail. The sequences of several other putative proteins submitted to databases are homologous to the microbial nucleobase transporters but their physiological functions remain largely undetermined. In this review, genetic, biochemical and molecular data are described concerning mostly the nucleobase transporters of Aspergillus nidulans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the two model ascomycetes from which the great majority of data come from. It is also discussed as to what is known on the nucleobase transporters of the two most significant pathogenic fungi: Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. Apart from highlighting how a basic process such as nucleobase recognition and transport operates, this review intends to highlight features that might be applicable to antifungal pharmacology.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate gemcitabine- carboplatin (GCb) versus single-agent gemcitabine (G) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and a performance status (PS) of 2. The primary endpoint was clinical benefit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to either 1250 mg/m of G (arm A) or 1250 mg/m of G plus carboplatin area under the curve of 3 (arm B). Both treatments were given on days 1 and 14 and were repeated every 28 days for up to four cycles. RESULTS: Among the 90 eligible patients (47 in arm A and 43 in arm B), in arm A, two (4%) had partial responses (95% CI, 0.52%-14.5%) and 10 (21%) had stable disease (95% CI, 10.7%-35.7%). In arm B, six (14%) had partial responses (95% CI, 5.3%-27.9%) and nine (21%) had stable disease (95% CI, 10%-36%) (p = 0.14). No significant difference was found in terms of clinical benefit between the two treatment groups after two cycles of treatment or at the end of chemotherapy. Furthermore, no association was found between clinical benefit and response to treatment (p > 0.05). Median survival was 4.8 months (95% CI, 2.45-7.25) for arm A and 6.7 months (95% CI, 2.47-10.8) for arm B (p = 0.49). Neutropenia (p = 0.007) and thrombocytopenia (p < 0.001) were more common in group B. Nevertheless, no significant differences were found in terms of severe toxicities (p > 0.05 in all cases). CONCLUSION: No significant difference was found in terms of clinical benefit in patients with NSCLC and PS 2 who received single-agent G or GCb. Nevertheless, GCb caused more toxicity, particularly neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. © 2007International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Although General Practice (GP) was recognized as a medical specialty in Greece in 1986, the number of GPs is insufficient to cover needs and only few medical graduates choose GP as a career option. In the present study we investigated the profile of medical students in terms of their decisions regarding specialization and the possible association of career choices different from GP with the status of undergraduate training regarding GP. METHODS: The sample consisted of final year students in the Medical School of the University of Athens, Greece. Students filled in a self-reported questionnaire focusing on medical specialization, and GP in particular. RESULTS: Response rate was 82.5% with 1021 questionnaires collected, out of 1237 eligible medical students. Only 44 out of the 1021 (4.3%) respondents stated that GP is -or could be- among their choices for specialty. The most popular medical specialty was General Surgery (10.9%), followed by Cardiology (9.6%), Endocrinology (8.7%) and Obstetrics-Gynaecology (8.3%). The most common criterion for choosing GP was the guaranteed employment on completion of the residency (54.6%) while a 56.6% of total respondents were positive to the introduction of GP/FM as a curriculum course during University studies. CONCLUSION: Despite the great needs, GP specialty is currently not a career option among undergraduate students of the greater Medical University in Greece and is still held in low esteem. A university department responsible for undergraduate teaching, promotion and research in GP (where not available) is essential; the status of undergraduate training in general practice/family medicine seems to be one of the most important factors that influence physician career choices regarding primary care specialties.

Korissia lagoon located in the southwest end of Corfu separated from the open Ionian Sea by a narrow (<250 m) stip of land. It has a surface of 4,2 km2 and depths <2m, communicating with the sea via an artificial-dredged channel. The bed of the lagoon consists of fine-grainned sediment (sandy silt – silty sand). Its drainage basin covers an area of 16 km2 and is characterized by low relief. It receives the freshwater inputs form a low relief (maximum elevation 319 m) of the drainage basin. The influx of fresh water is surficial includes also an underground flow, as indicated by the presence of a phreatic aquifer and a large number of wells at its nearby surrounding area. The water budget of the lagoon is characterised by a wet (October-March) and a dry (April-September) period. During the wet period the incoming volume of fresh water (5,3x106 m3 ) is much larger than its total volume (2,5 x 106 m3 ); this implies an outflow of lagoonal waters whilst lagoonal waters are characterised by relatively lower salinity values (<20 ppt) compare to those of the Ionian Sea (38 ppt). In contrast, during the dry period, the fresh water influx (1,2 x106 m3 ) is smaller than the volume of the lagoon; this induces an influx of sea water, which in association with the high levels of evaporation moduled hyper-saline (>50 ppt) hydrologic conditions within the lagoonal basin.

This chapter concerns the application of computing technologies in Geoarchaeology. The main issue is the combination of GIS and remote sensing technologies with on-site observations of the archaeological, geomorphological and geological characteristics of the area. This combination involves gathering all the necessary information of the spatial structures: geological, topographical, geomorphological and archaeological data. The main target is the composition of the palaeolandscape in order to reveal the paleotopography of Thera and the archaeological site of Akrotiri before the Minoan eruption. GIS analytical tools may help to recreate the different phases of landform evolution of Thera before the Minoan era till nowadays. Thus, 3D models before the Minoan, during the Minoan and after the Minoan phase were produced. Furthermore, the chapter focuses on the geomorphology of Akrotiri site, the most important archaeological site on Thera. The geological formations and the dominant erosion and deposition processes were mapped in order to understand the geomorphological evolution of the area. The extensive reworking and adaptation of the geomorphology from sustained volcanic activity over a long period has resulted in huge physical changes: loss of a central area of the island, coastline modifications, soil loss, deposition and abandonment of valleys and settlement sites. This abrupt evolution have played a major role to the land use change and land cultivation, strongly affecting the local communities, perhaps emphasising and coinciding with distinctive periods of cultural expansion and contraction.

In this paper we investigate the relations between the landforms and thediscontinuous tectonism. A multistep methodology has been adopted. Thus, first westudy the topography of a given area and by proper procedures we classify thegeoforms. We next examine the geological formations of the area, the drainagesystem, the landuse, the vegetation and the human impact.Finally, we study the tectonic zones of this area (faults and fractures zones). Datahas also been obtained by airphotos and satellite images. All the above information is analyzed in a G.I.S platform using expert system methodology. This procedure has been applied to some selected places of the Greek territory.

The Lebanon II war required the utmost attention, in foreign policy terms, from both Greece and Cyprus. This is because the conflict between Israel and Lebanon resulted in obvious dangers for the flaring up of all the national-state and ethnic actors in the region.

This paper is a geopolitical and geostrategic analysis of the Israel-Hezbollah asymmetric war. It also unveils how Iran and Syria influence the Middle East geostrategic subsystem and the Lebanon case.

This paper examines the lessons learned from the IsraelHezbollah war at a political and military level. It demonstrates the political benefits for Israel in security terms, and its military weak points. It also unveils how Iran and Syria influence the Middle East geostrategic subsystem and the Lebanon case, and suggests that a US attack against Iran is not realistic. It draws on valid evidence and statements by political figures from all involved parties.

In the present study the involvement of human activities is assessed in the revalorization of groundwater quality. The groundwater quality was assessed on the basis of physical and chemical analysis (electric conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, NO3 -, NO2 -, SO4 -2, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, residual sodium absorption (RSC) and sodium absorption ratio (SAR) for the period 2000-2004. From the analysis of results, it emerges that there are significant differences on the quality of water among the sample areas studied. The degradation of groundwater quality is mainly due to the pollution caused by the rural use of land, as well as its intensive exploitation. The salination and toxicity are potential problems of groundwater quality, especially in some areas, indicating that there is a need to take direct actions for the purpose of the optimum management of water resources in the Region of Thessaly. Β© 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Despite the long lasting research the ideal method of reconstructing the ACL has not been found so far. The last year's attention has shifted to the use of the multistrand hamstring tendon grafts. High ultimate tensile load, multiple-bundle replacement that better approximates the anatomy of the normal ACL and low donor site morbidity are the main advantages of this ACL replacement graft. These theoretical advantages have been multiplied when surprisingly studies have shown that semitendinosus and gracilis tendons actually regenerate after harvesting for use as ACL autografts. In this review article we summarize the current knowledge concerning the hamstring regeneration and we focus on issues that have clinical relevance or issues that have not been answered so far.

Depressed cardiac Ca cycling by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) has been associated with attenuated contractility, which can progress to heart failure. The histidine-rich Ca-binding protein (HRC) is an SR component that binds to triadin and may affect Ca release through the ryanodine receptor. HRC overexpression in transgenic mouse hearts was associated with decreased rates of SR Ca uptake and delayed relaxation, which progressed to hypertrophy with aging. The present study shows that HRC may mediate part of its regulatory effects by binding directly to sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase type 2 (SERCA2) in cardiac muscle, which is confirmed by coimmunostaining observed under confocal microscopy. This interaction involves the histidine- and glutamic acid-rich domain of HRC (320-460 aa) and the part of the NH(2)-terminal cation transporter domain of SERCA2 (74-90 aa) that projects into the SR lumen. The SERCA2-binding domain is upstream from the triadin-binding region in human HRC (609-699 aa). Specific binding between HRC and SERCA was verified by coimmunoprecipitation and pull-down assays using human and mouse cardiac homogenates and by blot overlays using glutathione S-transferase and maltose-binding protein recombinant proteins. Importantly, increases in Ca concentration were associated with a significant reduction of HRC binding to SERCA2, whereas they had opposite effects on the HRC-triadin interaction in cardiac homogenates. Collectively, our data suggest that HRC may play a key role in the regulation of SR Ca cycling through its direct interactions with SERCA2 and triadin, mediating a fine cross talk between SR Ca uptake and release in the heart.

We give an overview of [1], in collaboration with G. Skandalis, where we construct the holonomy groupoid and the C*-algebras associated with any singular foliation (in the sense of Stefan and Sussmann).