bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of an iodine-restricted food on client-owned cats with hyperthyroidism
Authors: van der Kooij Marieke , Bečvářová Iveta , Meyer Hein P , Teske Erik , Kooistra Hans S
Published: November 2013

The objective of this prospective, multicentre, non-controlled, open-label study was to evaluate the effects of an iodine-restricted food on circulating total thyroxine (TT4) concentrations and clinical parameters in client-owned cats with hyperthyroidism. Two hundred and twenty-five cats were enrolled in the study and adapted to the iodine-restricted food. Data from physical examinations, questionnaires completed by veterinarians and owners, and circulating concentrations of TT4, urea and creatinine were recorded at weeks 0, 4 and 8. The study group included 136 female and 89 male cats (median age 15 years, range 4–21 years). Group 1 (n = 113) had been on previous anti-thyroid medication, while group 2 (n = 112) consisted of newly diagnosed cats. No differences were found between the two groups at any time point. Circulating TT4 concentrations had decreased ( P <0.0001) at week 4 and did not change significantly from week 4 to week 8. Circulating TT4 concentration was within the reference range in 56/88 cats at week 4 and in 51/68 cats at week 8. Clinical parameters (vomiting, polyuria, polydipsia, hyperactivity, polyphagia, weight loss, hair coat quality, and quality of life) had improved ( P <0.0001) by week 4. Circulating creatinine concentration decreased ( P = 0.001) from week 0 to week 4. Side effects associated with feeding the iodine-restricted food were not observed. In conclusion, in client-owned cats with hyperthyroidism an iodine-restricted food is a valuable management option to normalise circulating TT4 concentrations, and improve clinical signs of hyperthyroidism within 4 weeks. This applies to newly diagnosed cats, as well as to previously diagnosed cats receiving anti-thyroid drugs.
The embodied boundaries of ethnicity
Authors: Valkonen Sanna
Published: November 2013

Drawing on interviews and autobiographic writings by Sámi, this article examines the construction of an ethnic category, the Sámi as an embodied phenomenon. The article investigates what creates the ethnic difference between the Sámi and the majority populations since many modern Sámi are not always very different from the majority. By applying the theory of performativity, the article concludes that the ethnic boundary of the Sámi is an embodied question. People who are born Sámi are Sámi by the expected particularity of their body, which can appear as outward appearance and/or mental characteristics. Their Sáminess can also take the form of ‘Sámi DNA’. Being a cultural Sámi is possible, natural, permitted and desirable for a person who is born Sámi. One’s origin is thus a performative which both enables and naturalizes an individual’s Sámi ethnicity. It produces a Sámi body by naturalizing certain bodily qualities as well as a certain cultural identity.
Embodying sexualisation: When theory meets practice in intergenerational feminist activism
Authors: Edell Dana , Brown Lyn Mikel , Tolman Deborah
Published: November 2013

This interchange explores the role of girl (ages thirteen to twenty-two) activism in the USA organisation SPARK (Sexualization Protest: Action, Resistance, Knowledge). Some of the many initiatives and programmes SPARK has enacted with girls, including online forums, blog spaces, marches, and summits directly address recent calls to attend to the complexity in understanding and resisting ‘sexualisation’ with teen girls. Several of the girls’ media appearances are explored in detail to illustrate the dynamics of girls’ agency and resistance that emerge in their embodied engagements with ‘sexualisation’.
Japan, postfeminism and the consumption of sexual(ised) schoolgirls in male-authored contemporary manga
Authors: Gwynne Joel
Published: November 2013

Critical attention has been paid to the aftermath of second-wave feminism in contemporary Japan, particularly in terms of the current state of twenty-first century feminist activism. Yet, there has been scarce attention paid to the nation’s articulation of postfeminist discourses within popular culture. Drawing on the cultural significance of manga in modern, neoliberal Japan, this article seeks to understand the cultural currency of the highly sexual and highly sexualised representations of the schoolgirl within postfeminism. In this article, I suggest that Kazuto Okada’s Sundome embodies a comparatively positive representational shift for shōjo sexuality, and that this transformation has occurred partly as a consequence of masculine anxieties activated by moral panics surrounding girls’ sexual behaviour in Japan. The article demonstrates how male-authored contemporary manga is progressive in a number of ways, particularly in terms of the representation of girls’ sexual practices and sexual decision-making.
Civil religion and anticlericalism in James Harrington
Authors: Beiner Ronald
Published: November 2013

In the last few years, there has been a notable surge of interest in the themes of civil religion and the battle against “priestcraft” among historians of political thought. Examples include Eric Nelson’s The Hebrew Republic; Paul Rahe’s Against Throne and Altar; Jeffrey Collins’s The Allegiance of Thomas Hobbes; Jonathan Israel’s work on the legacy of Spinoza; Justin Champion’s work on John Toland; and my own book, Civil Religion. Within the intellectual space created by this recent scholarship, this article focuses on relevant themes in the work of the one of the two thinkers who J.G.A. Pocock identified as most responsible for the “implantation of the values of civic humanism in English political thought” – namely, James Harrington (the other being the 3rd Earl of Shaftesbury).
The relationship between inhibitors of the Wnt signalling pathway (sclerostin and Dickkopf-1) and carotid intima-media thickness in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Gaudio Agostino , Privitera Filippo , Pulvirenti Ivana , Canzonieri Elena , Rapisarda Rosario , Fiore Carmelo E
Published: November 2013

The aim of the study was to investigate the association of the extracellular inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin signalling sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We performed a cross-sectional study including 40 T2DM postmenopausal women and 40 healthy controls. CIMT was measured by B-mode ultrasound. Serum sclerostin and Dkk-1 were measured by solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum sclerostin and Dkk-1 concentrations were significantly higher in T2DM group than in controls. There was a significant negative correlation between sclerostin and Dkk-1 and CIMT in T2DM ( p = 0.0063 and p = 0.0017, respectively). After adjustment for potential confounders, associations remained significant only for sclerostin. These data suggest that sclerostin, an established modulator of the canonical Wnt signalling, may protect against progression of vascular complications in diabetic patients, possibly by attenuating upregulation of β-catenin activity in the vascular cells.
Media Memes and Prosumerist Ethics
Authors: Kien Grant
Published: November 2013

This article argues that media memes have arisen as a unique media phenomenon in the context of our globally networked condition, which manifests in the physical world as hugely disproportional effects. Thus, memes invoke unique ethical implications, perpetuating issues such as hipster racism and slactivism. The author works forward from Godwin’s statement that we have an “obligation to improve our informational environment” (Godwin, 1994). Deconstructing several examples of memetic disproportional effect, the article argues that Godwin’s “counter-meme” solution alone is not enough to correct damage done by harmful memes. Examining memes through several traditional communication theory lenses, the author concludes by suggesting several principles that could ethically improve online behavior and address the unique ways memes perpetuate social ills.
How Hegel became a philosopher: Logos and the economy of logic
Authors: Ward Graham
Published: November 2013

Sketching the current division within receptions of Hegel, this article argues for Hegel as a philosophical theologian in a way that is not covered by the recent investigations into Hegel's theological project. Examining in particular the early work on Jesus Christ, the article analyses the changes in this work and how these changes in his understanding of Christology enabled Hegel to appreciate the logic of the Logos. This logic of the Logos is the basis for all his subsequent philosophy. It is a logic that is made possible in his philosophical theology of mediation, incarnation, and reconciliation.
Effect of nickel and vanadium on iron bearing intermetallic phases in AA 5657 simulated DC castings
Authors: Zhang Z. , Li G. , Chen X-G.
Published: November 2013

The effect of Ni and V trace additions at various levels on the transition and distribution of Fe bearing intermetallic phases on AA 5657 was investigated with a direct chill casting simulator. Phase identification and quantification were performed using a combination of SEM, electron backscattered diffraction, energy dispersive spectrum and image analysis techniques to accurately evaluate the effect of Ni and V on ingot microstructures. The Ni addition promotes Al3Fe and α-AlFeSi while suppressing AlmFe. At high Ni levels, a new Ni rich AlFeNi phase was observed. On the other hand, V strongly encourages AlmFe and lowers the critical cooling rates of the phase formation. However, at low Ni or V levels (70–150 and 170–240 ppm respectively), the effect of Ni and V on phase selection is still weak and may not significantly affect the material properties. A counteractive effect of the combined Ni and V additions on the phase selection was observed.
Inhibition of poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase attenuates lung-kidney crosstalk induced by intratracheal lipopolysaccharide instillation in rats
Authors: Khin Hnin Si May , Mitaka Chieko , Tulafu Miniwan , Abe Shinya , Kitagawa Masanobu , Ikeda Satoshi , Eishi Yoshinobu , Kurata Shunichi , Tomita Makoto
Published: November 2013

Background

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe form of lung injury that frequently occurs during pneumonia and sepsis. Lung inflammation in ARDS patients may have deleterious effects on remote organs such as the kidney. The nuclear enzyme poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enhances the nuclear factor (NF)-κB-dependent transcription of inflammatory cytokines. This study was conducted to elucidate two questions: first, whether the activation of PARP and NF-κB mediates the renal inflammation secondary to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung inflammation; second, whether a PARP inhibitor, 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB), attenuates lung and kidney inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB-dependent proinflammatory cytokines.

Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats were anesthetized, ventilated, and divided into three groups; a control group (n = 8); an LPS group (n = 12) intratracheally instilled with LPS (16 mg/kg), and an LPS + 3-AB group (n = 12) given the same dose of LPS by the same method followed by an intravenous injection of 3-AB (20 mg/kg). Hemodynamics, arterial blood gas, and the plasma levels of lactate, creatinine and potassium were measured at 0,1,2,3, and 4 h after treatment. The lung wet/dry ratio was measured at 4 h. The mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in the lung and kidney were measured by TaqMan real-time PCR. PARP and NF-κB in the lung and kidney were histologically examined by immunostaining and assigned expression scores.

Results

LPS induced metabolic acidosis, hypotension, hypoxemia, increased the lung wet/dry ratio, increased the plasma levels of creatinine and potassium, and increased the cytokine mRNA expressions in the lung and kidney. All of these effects were associated with strong expression of PARP and NF-κB. Treatment with 3-AB prevented the LPS-induced metabolic acidosis and hypotension, reduced the plasma levels of lactate, creatinine and potassium, reduced the cytokine mRNA expressions, reduced the expression of PARP and NF-κB, improved pulmonary edema and oxygenation and preserved renal function.

Conclusions

The PARP inhibition attenuated lung-kidney crosstalk induced by intratracheal LPS instillation, partly via an inhibition of NF-κB dependent proinflammatory cytokines.
Post-stress left ventricular ejection fraction drop in patients with diabetes: a gated myocardial perfusion imaging study
Authors: Ferro Adele , Petretta Mario , Acampa Wanda , Fiumara Giovanni , Daniele Stefania , Petretta Maria Piera , Cantoni Valeria , Cuocolo Alberto
Published: November 2013

Background

To evaluate the relevance of stress-induced decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with type-2 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 684 diabetic patients with available rest and post-stress gated myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (MPS) data were enrolled. An automated algorithm was used to determine the perfusion scores using a 17-segment model. LVEF drop was considered significant if the post-stress LVEF was ≥5% below the rest value. Follow-up data were available in 587 patients that were followed for the occurrence of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or unstable angina requiring revascularization.

Results

A post-stress LVEF drop ≥5% was observed in 167 (24%) patients. Patients with LVEF drop had higher summed stress score (p < 0.05), summed difference score (p < 0.001), and rest LVEF (p < 0.001) compared to patients without. Conversely, summed rest score, a measure of infarct size, was comparable between the two groups. At multivariable analysis, summed difference score and rest LVEF were independent predictors (both p < 0.001) of post-stress LVEF drop. Myocardial perfusion was abnormal in 106 (63%) patients with post-stress LVEF drop and in 296 (57%) of those without (p = 0.16). The overall event-free survival was lower in patients with post-stress LVEF drop than in those without (log rank χ2 7.7, p < 0.005). After adjusting for clinical data and MPS variables, the hazard ratio for cardiac events for post-stress LVEF drop was 1.52 (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

In diabetic patients stress-induced ischemia is an independent predictor of post-stress LVEF drop; however, a reduction in LVEF is detectable also in patients with normal perfusion. Finally, post-stress LVEF drop increases the risk of subsequent cardiac events in diabetic patients.
A case of skeletal tuberculosis and psoas abscess: disease activity evaluated using 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography
Authors: Kimizuka Yoshifumi , Ishii Makoto , Murakami Koji , Ishioka Kota , Yagi Kazuma , Ishii Ken , Watanabe Kota , Soejima Kenzo , Betsuyaku Tomoko , Hasegawa Naoki
Published: November 2013

Background

Psoas abscess complicating tuberculous spondylitis is a rare morbidity in extrapulmonary tuberculosis. There are no established guidelines for evaluating the clinical response of psoas abscess. Although several studies have shown that positron emission tomography-computed tomography with18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose can play a potential role in diagnosing multifocal tuberculosis and monitoring the clinical response of pulmonary tuberculosis, to our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that positron emission tomography-computed tomography is useful for evaluating local inflammation and disease activity of a tuberculous psoas abscess.

Case presentation

We report a case of multifocal bone and lymph node tuberculosis with concomitant lumbar psoas abscess in a 77-year-old man, along with a literature review. An initial positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan showed intense18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose accumulation in the sternum, ribs, vertebrae, and lymph nodes. The patient was successfully treated with antitubercular agents and computed tomography-guided drainage therapy. A follow-up positron emission tomography-computed tomography after abscess drainage and 9 months of antitubercular drug treatment revealed that the majority of lesions improved; however, protracted inflammation surrounding the psoas abscess was still observed. These results indicate that disease activity of psoas abscess can remain, even after successful drainage and antitubercular medication regime of appropriate duration.

Conclusion

We have successfully followed up the extent of skeletal tuberculosis complicated with psoas abscess by positron emission tomography-computed tomography. In this patient, positron emission tomography-computed tomography is useful for evaluating the disease activity of tuberculous psoas abscess and for assessing the appropriate duration of antitubercular drug therapy in psoas abscess.
PIK3R1 underexpression is an independent prognostic marker in breast cancer
Authors: Cizkova Magdalena , Vacher Sophie , Meseure Didier , Trassard Martine , Susini Aurélie , Mlcuchova Dana , Callens Celine , Rouleau Etienne , Spyratos Frederique , Lidereau Rosette , Bièche Ivan
Published: November 2013

Background

The present study focused on the prognostic roles ofPIK3CAandPIK3R1genes and additional PI3K pathway-associated genes in breast cancer.

Methods

The mutational and mRNA expression status ofPIK3CA, PIK3R1andAKT1, and expression status of other genes involved in the PI3K pathway (EGFR,PDK1,PTEN, AKT2, AKT3, GOLPH3, WEE1, P70S6K)were assessed in a series of 458 breast cancer samples.

Results

PIK3CAmutations were identified in 151 samples (33.0%) in exons 1, 2, 9 and 20.PIK3R1mutations were found in 10 samples (2.2%) and underexpression in 283 samples (61.8%).AKT1mutations were found in 15 samples (3.3%) and overexpression in 116 samples (25.3%).PIK3R1underexpression tended to mutual exclusivity withPIK3CAmutations (p = 0.00097).PIK3CAmutations were associated with better metastasis-free survival andPIK3R1underexpression was associated with poorer metastasis-free survival (p = 0.014 and p = 0.00028, respectively). By combiningPIK3CAmutation andPIK3R1expression status, four prognostic groups were identified with significantly different metastasis-free survival (p = 0.00046). On Cox multivariate regression analysis, the prognostic significance ofPIK3R1underexpression was confirmed in the total population (p = 0.0013) and in breast cancer subgroups.

Conclusions

PIK3CAmutations andPIK3R1underexpression show opposite effects on patient outcome and could become useful prognostic and predictive factors in breast cancer.
The impact of heat on mortality and morbidity in the Greater Metropolitan Sydney Region: a case crossover analysis
Authors: Wilson Leigh Ann , Gerard Morgan Geoffrey , Hanigan Ivan Charles , Johnston Fay H , Abu-Rayya Hisham , Broome Richard , Gaskin Clive , Jalaludin Bin
Published: November 2013

Background

This study examined the association between unusually high temperature and daily mortality (1997–2007) and hospital admissions (1997–2010) in the Sydney Greater Metropolitan Region (GMR) to assist in the development of targeted health programs designed to minimise the public health impact of extreme heat.

Methods

Sydney GMR was categorized into five climate zones. Heat-events were defined as severe or extreme. Using a time-stratified case-crossover design with a conditional logistic regression model we adjusted for influenza epidemics, public holidays, and climate zone. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated for associations between daily mortality and hospital admissions with heat-event days compared to non-heat event days for single and three day heat-events.

Results

All-cause mortality overall had similar magnitude associations with single day and three day extreme and severe events as did all cardiovascular mortality. Respiratory mortality was associated with single day and three day severe events (95thpercentile, lag0: OR = 1.14; 95%CI: 1.04 to 1.24). Diabetes mortality had similar magnitude associations with single day and three day severe events (95thpercentile, lag0: OR = 1.22; 95%CI: 1.03 to 1.46) but was not associated with extreme events. Hospital admissions for heat related injuries, dehydration, and other fluid disorders were associated with single day and three day extreme and severe events. Contrary to our findings for mortality, we found inconsistent and sometimes inverse associations for extreme and severe events with cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease hospital admissions. Controlling for air pollutants did not influence the mortality associations but reduced the magnitude of the associations with hospital admissions particularly for ozone and respiratory disease.

Conclusions

Single and three day events of unusually high temperatures in Sydney are associated with similar magnitude increases in mortality and hospital admissions. The trend towards an inverse association between cardio-vascular admissions and heat-events and the strong positive association between cardio-vascular mortality and heat-events suggests these events may lead to a rapid deterioration in persons with existing cardio-vascular disease resulting in death. To reduce the adverse effects of high temperatures over multiple days, and less extreme but more frequent temperatures over single days, targeted public health messages are critical.
Cognitive performance in older elderly men with late-life depression and cardiovascular comorbidities: symptomatological correlation
Authors: Chang Yun-Hsuan , Liu Mu-En , Huang Chih-Chun , Ku Yan-Chiou , Lee Sheng-Yu , Chen Shiou-Lan , Liu Wen-Chien , Lu Ru-Band
Published: November 2013

Background

Whether depression or cardiovascular disease would have a greater effect on worsening cognitive impairment in the burgeoning older elderly population is uncertain. Which disorder causes greater cognitive impairment was investigated.

Methods

A cross section of 207 cognitively impaired older elderly (≥75 years old) men was recruited from outpatient clinics in southern Taiwan between 2004 and 2008. Their medical charts were reviewed for their history of medical illnesses, and those undergoing a current major depressive episode were screened using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Four groups of men were enrolled: 33 healthy controls (HC), 101 cognitively impaired patients with cardiovascular comorbidities (CVCs), 34 patients with late-life depression (LLD), and 49 patients with LLD and cardiovascular comorbidities (LLD + CVC). Several neuropsychological tests (e.g., Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), WCST, and Trail Making Test (TMT) parts A and B) were used to assess the participants.

Results

Cognitive function scores were highest in the HC group and lowest in the LLD + CVC group. There were no significant differences between the two groups with LLD comorbidity, and LLD was mostly associated with cognitive performance. LLD + CVC group members had the lowest recall memory, but their overall MMSE score was not significantly different. Moreover, this group had a higher but nonsignificantly different perseverative error than did the LLD group. Similarly, the LLD + CVC group was nonsignificantly slower at the TMT-A and TMT-B tasks than was the LLD group.

Conclusions

LLD worsens neuropsychological function more than cardiovascular comorbidities do.
Left ventricular post-infraction pseudoaneurysm mimicking mitral valve endocarditis
Authors: Dedeilias Panagiotis , Koukis Ioannis , Roussakis Antonios , Tsipas Pantelis , Rouska Effie
Published: November 2013

In this report we present a patient who was initially diagnosed as suffering from mitral valve endocarditis. The proper use of diagnostic modalities revealed a pseudo aneurysm of the left ventricle which was mimicking mitral valve vegetations. This allowed better planning of the subsequent operation. The optimal preoperative diagnostic studies are discussed along with the proper surgical treatment.
What is the clinical course of transient synovitis in children: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Asche Sylvana S , van Rijn Rogier M , Bessems Johannes HJM , Krul Marjolein , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita MA
Published: November 2013

Background

Transient synovitis of the hip (TS) is considered to be a self-limiting disease in childhood. However, because the etiology is unclear and some cases precede Legg-Perthes’ disease, data on follow-up are important. Our aim was to summarize the knowledge on the clinical course of TS in children.

Methods

The study design was a systematic review and a literature search was conducted in Medline and Embase. Studies describing short and/or long-term follow-up of TS in children were included. Case reports, reviews and studies describing traumatic hip pain were excluded. Study quality was scored and data extraction was performed. The main outcome measures were short-term and long-term clinical course, and recurrence of symptoms.

Results

A total of 25 studies were included of which 14 were of high quality. At two-week follow-up, almost all children with TS were symptom free. Those with symptoms persisting for over one month were more prone to develop other hip pathology, such as Legg-Perthes’ disease. The recurrence rate of TS ranged from 0–26.3%. At long-term follow-up, 0-10% of the children diagnosed with TS developed Legg-Perthes’ disease. Hip pain after intensive physical effort and limited range of motion of the hip at long-term follow-up was reported in 12-28% and in 0-18% of the children, respectively.

Conclusions

The majority of the studies indicate that children with TS recover within two weeks; recurrence was seen in 0-26% of the cases. Children with TS should be followed at least six months to increase the likelihood of not missing Legg-Perthes’ disease.
Ευρετήριο
Authors: Μιχαηλάρης Παναγιώτης Δ.
Published: November 2013

no abstract
Η βιβλιοθήκη Guilford στην Κέρκυρα (1824-1830)
Authors: Μπόμπου Σταμάτη Βασιλική
Published: November 2013

No abstract
Bell’s palsy during interferon alpha 2a treatment in a case with Behçet uveitis
Authors: Yalçindağ Fatime Nilüfer , Alay Cem
Published: November 2013

Purpose: To present a case who developed Bell’s palsy while using interferon alpha 2a for Behçet uveitis.

Methods: A patient with Behçet disease presented with decreased vision in his right eye. Ophthalmic examination, fundus fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography were performed. After developing facial paralysis while on interferon therapy, the patient was referred to our neurology service for differential diagnosis and treatment.

Results: Examination of right eye revealed panuveitis with branch retinal vein occlusion, so high dose steroids were prescribed. In three days there was no improvement in terms of vitreous inflammation and so steroids were replaced with interferon. At the seventh month, patient experienced a facial paralysis. After eliminating other causes, including viral infections, trauma, cold exposure and neurological evaluation with cranial MRI, the patient was diagnosed to have Bell’s palsy by a neurologist. Interferon was replaced with mycophenolate mofetil and the Bell’s palsy was treated with oral steroids.

Conclusion: It is important to be alert to both common and rare complications while treating with interferon.
On the Structure of Reduced Kernel Lattice Bases
Authors: Aardal Karen , von Heymann Frederik
Published: November 2013

Lattice-based reformulation techniques have been used successfully both theoretically and computationally. One such reformulation is obtained from the kernel lattice associated with an input matrix. Some of the hard instances in the literature that have been successfully tackled by lattice-based techniques have randomly generated input. Since the considered instances are very hard even in low dimension, less experience is available for larger instances. Recently, we have studied larger instances and observed that the LLL-reduced basis of the kernel lattice has a specific sparse structure. In particular, this translates into a map in which some of the original variables get a “rich”' translation into a new variable space, whereas some variables are only substituted in the new space. If an original variable is important in the sense of branching or cutting planes, this variable should be translated in a nontrivial way. In this paper we partially explain, through a probabilistic analysis, the obtained structure of the LLL-reduced basis in the case that the input matrix consists of one row. The key ingredient is a bound on the probability that the LLL-algorithm will interchange two subsequent basis vectors.
Exhibition Review
Authors: McClendon Alphonso D.
Published: November 2013

American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, 19 October 2012–28 April 2013.
Reviews
Authors: Beasley Carolyn , Chudy Tessa , Franks Rachel
Published: November 2013

The Richmond Conspiracy, Andrew Grimes (2012) Melbourne: Text Publishing, 320 pp., ISBN: 9781921922664, p/bk, AU $29.99.

The Female Detective, Andrew Forrester (2012) London: The British Library, 328 pp., ISBN: 9780712358781, p/bk, AUS $13.

The Broken Shore, Peter Temple (2011) Melbourne: Text Publishing, 345 pp., ISBN: 9781921656774, p/bk, AUS$23.95
Detection in the second degree in French urban mystery novels
Authors: Wigelsworth Amy
Published: November 2013

This article uses the palimpsest as an interpretative lens through which to consider Fortuné du Boisgobey’s Mystères du Nouveau Paris (1876) as a rewriting of Eugène Sue’s Mystères de Paris ([1842–43] 1989). In particular, via an examination of Boisgobey’s use of the hunting metaphor, I demonstrate the central role of the mystères urbains/urban mysteries in a hypertextual chain linking the adventure novel and the later roman policier/detective novel. Boisgobey veers between emphasizing the familiarity of the hunting cliché and wilfully subverting it, and this playful oscillation is echoed en abyme within the diegesis. The urban mystery novel, I suggest, emerges as an important precursor of the detective novel, in that this deliberate and sophisticated alternation between the predictable and the surprising echoes the ambiguity inherent to the palimpsest and integral to modern crime fiction.
Current problems and future possibilities of procedural audio in computer games
Authors: Böttcher Niels
Published: November 2013

Procedural audio is an alternative approach to sound design in computer games, which offers extensive possibilities for dynamic audio. There are many arguments for using this approach to sound design, but as of today procedural audio has not been utilized in many contemporary commercial computer games. This article is based on a series of interviews with audio programmers, sound designers and audio middleware software developers between December 2011 and May 2012. The article discusses and summarizes the most important conclusions from these interviews concerning procedural audio in computer games. In doing so it seeks to answer the question: Why is this approach to sound design not more popular in modern computer games? The lack of well-integrated tools is mentioned as being one of the most important issues. Sound quality, education and poor communication between the industry and academia are other important issues. There are different approaches for designing procedural audio tools and different possibilities for improving the perceived sound quality of the models. In the future, one would not expect to see a full integration of procedural tools directly in the audio middleware, it being more likely to see those tools as plug-ins from third-party companies.
‘You could, couldn’t you?’: A preliminary investigation of older people’s interaction with a bespoke virtual environment using a gesture interface
Authors: McSeveny Kerry , Heller Ben , Light Ann , Machaczek Katarzyna Karolina
Published: November 2013

This study is a preliminary investigation of whether exploring and interacting in a virtual world, using a customized gesture-based interface, can encourage physical activity in an older population. Older people were consulted to find out what features of a virtual world would appeal to them. Informed by this consultation, a garden was implemented in Second Life. In order to allow users without IT experience to access the garden, and to provide a stimulus for physical exertion, a gesture interface was developed to allow small user movements to control larger or faster avatar movements. We termed this system Second Lives for the Third Age (SL3A). Preliminary evaluation was performed with two older female users. They were both able to use SL3A, despite some difficulties caused by excessive speed of some avatar responses. One user was positive and the other was indifferent about the relevance of such a system to them.
A decade of research into player communities in online games
Authors: Warmelink Harald , Siitonen Marko
Published: November 2013

The social dynamics of player communities in online games have been the subject of much research during the last decade. Following a systematic review of empirical research publications from 2000–2010, this article synthesizes the key methods and concepts researchers have used to study and characterize player communities. It also synthesizes the key aspects and operationalizations researchers have concentrated on. The analysis shows that qualitative approaches have been more common than quantitative ones. The concepts used to characterize player communities were often not clearly defined or overlapped in meaning. Yet they revealed a prevalence of micro (groups or teams), meso (guilds or organizations) and macro (communities and networks) perspectives. About 22 different aspects and operationalizations of player communities were identified. Six were most common, i.e. culture and social norms, social structuring, rationale, number of members, used information and communication technologies and time of existence. The article concludes with several suggestions for future research.
Virtual gender: How men and women use videogame bodies
Authors: Geraci Robert M. , Geraci Jovi L.
Published: November 2013

Qualitative and quantitative data reveal that residents of virtual worlds have rich expectations for their in-game bodies (avatars), and that these expectations are important to how players respond to the typically hypersexualized bodies produced for most games. This paper argues that players are not a homogenous group in their response to such sexualization, but rather that while some players object to it, others, both male and female, enjoy it. The sexualization of videogame avatars participates in the social construction of gender norms and this process can disenfranchise players, but it also offers many players opportunities reclaim, subvert, and/or transform gender norms and thereby experience feelings of empowerment. As players have varied responses to the sexualization of videogame bodies, game designers need to provide a wide variety of customization options for both male and female bodies; these need not eliminate those currently offered, but should supplement them with other body types.
Thermodynamics of CuInO2Preparation by Cation Exchange Reaction
Authors: Yao Yun , Xie Gang , Song Ning , Hou Yanqing , Yu Xiaohua , Li Rongxing
Published: November 2013

To investigate the optimum conditions of the CuInO2 (CIO) preparation by cation exchange reaction method, the standard entropy, thermal capacity at constant pressure, standard enthalpy and standard Gibbs free energy of formation were estimated. The relations of temperature (T) and thermodynamic equilibrium constants (K), the conditions for three independent reactions were analyzed in CuInO2 preparation. The curves of Gibbs free energy-T, K − T and PCuCl
 − T for those reactions have been plotted. The results showed that the CIO powder could be synthesized by cation exchange reaction. There were two main reactions through the way of NaInO2 reacting with CuCl. One was NaInO2(s) reacting with CuCl(s) at T ≥ 1698 K. The cost was higher in the way. The other was NaInO2(s) reacting with CuCl(g) at T < 1698 K. However, the yield of CIO would be decreased because CuInO2 powder decomposed into Cu2O(s) and In2O3(s) with the temperature reduced, especially when T ≤ 573 K. And the higher vapor pressure of CuCl(g) was necessary for the process, which needs the higher temperature since the vapor pressure of CuCl(g) increases with increasing temperature, especially when T > 973 K. It was recommended that NaInO2(s) react with CuCl(g) for preparing CIO under conditions of 973 < T ≤ 1698 K and the vacuum in the reactor.
Obesidade: principal fator de risco para hipertensão arterial sistêmica em adolescentes brasileiros participantes de um estudo de coorte
Authors: Moreira Naiara Ferraz , Muraro Ana Paula , Brito Flávia dos Santos Barbosa , Gonçalves-Silva Regina Maria Veras , Sichieri Rosely , Ferreira Márcia Gonçalves
Published: November 2013

OBJETIVO: Identificar a prevalência e os fatores associados à hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) em adolescentes de uma coorte. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 1.716 adolescentes, de 10 a 16 anos, participantes de um estudo de coorte. Os dados sociodemográficos, econômicos e de estilo de vida foram obtidos por meio de entrevista e os dados referentes ao nascimento e à infância foram obtidos na linha de base. Foram considerados hipertensos os adolescentes que apresentaram pressão arterial sistólica e/ou diastólica acima do percentil 95, segundo a classificação preconizada pelo Second Task Force High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents. O estado nutricional foi diagnosticado pelo índice de massa corporal (IMC), segundo o escore z. O perímetro da cintura foi medido ao nível da cintura natural. A associação da HAS com as variáveis explicativas foi estimada por regressão logística. RESULTADOS: Os entrevistados correspondem a 71,4% dos avaliados na linha de base, sendo 50,7% do sexo masculino. A prevalência global de HAS foi de 11,7%. Na análise ajustada para idade, sexo e cor de pele, a hipertensão arterial associou-se à obesidade [OR = 2,27; IC (95%) = 1,64-3,14], mas não ao perímetro da cintura, que, após ajuste para o IMC, perdeu a associação. Os eventos precoces na vida não foram associados à HAS na adolescência. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados enfatizam a obesidade como principal fator associado à HAS em adolescentes.
Evolution of thyroid cancer mortality in adults in Brazil
Authors: Guimarães Raphael Mendonça , Muzi Camila Drumond , Parreira Viviane Gomes , Santos Renan Duarte dos , Sampaio João Roberto Cavalcante
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE: To assess the trend of thyroid cancer mortality in Brazil between 1980 and 2010. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ecological study of time series. Mortality rates for thyroid cancer adjusted by age according to gender were calculated between 1980 and 2010. Data were analyzed by three distinct strategies: polynomial regression, joinpoint analysis, and moving averages. RESULTS: Over 70% of deaths occur in the elderly, regardless of sex. Among young adults, the mortality rate is low, with no difference between men and women. Among mature adults and elderly, mortality is increasing, and significantly, for women. There is a trend of decreasing mortality in all female adults and overall population, and in males and 40-59 years and overall population, both excluding the elderly, with statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Knowledge about trends allows setting priorities and allocating resources toward positive changes in this scenario in the Brazilian population.
Fontes e proporções de materiais orgânicos na germinação de sementes e crescimento de plantas jovens de goiabeira
Authors: Oliveira Francisco Tomaz de , Hafle Oscar Mariano , Mendonça Vander , Moreira Joserlan Nonato , Mendonça Luciana Freitas de Medeiros
Published: November 2013

Os diversos materiais orgânicos e as proporções usadas como substratos na produção de mudas de goiabeira podem fazer a diferença na qualidade final, trazendo benefícios ao produtor e ao meio ambiente. O objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar o efeito de fontes e as proporções de materiais orgânicos na germinação de sementes e no crescimento de plantas jovens de goiabeira. O experimento foi realizado no período de setembro de 2010 a março de 2011, na Fazenda Experimental do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia da Paraíba, Câmpus Sousa, localizado no Perímetro Irrigado de São Gonçalo, Município de Sousa, Paraíba. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos completos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 3x4 (esterco bovino, esterco ovino e húmus de minhoca, nas seguintes proporções: 0;20; 40 e 60%), com quatro repetições e dez plantas por unidade experimental. As características avaliadas foram: comprimento da parte aérea, diâmetro do caule, massa seca da parte aérea, massa seca das raízes, massa seca total e os teores de macronutrientes (N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S) na massa seca da parte aérea. O esterco de ovino e o húmus de minhoca são as fontes orgânicas que proporcionam os mais altos valores médios para as características morfológicas avaliadas. A proporção de 40% do material orgânico, independentemente da fonte usada, favoreceu o crescimento das mudas de goiabeira. Proporções crescentes das fontes orgânicas no substrato provocam redução no teor de fósforo.
Características pós-colheita de bananas 'Prata-Anã' e 'BRS Platina' armazenadas sob refrigeração
Authors: Oliveira Carlinne Guimarães de , Donato Sérgio Luiz Rodrigues , Mizobutsi Gisele Polete , Silva Juceliandy Mendes da , Mizobutsi Édson Hiydu
Published: November 2013

As cultivares de bananeira mais plantadas no Brasil são suscetíveis às principais doenças da cultura, estando em curso a busca por variedades resistentes que possam substituí-las com boa aceitação dos produtores e consumidores. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as características físicas, químicas e sensoriais de frutos da bananeira 'Prata-Anã' e seu híbrido 'BRS Platina', armazenados a 15 ºC e a 25 ºC, ao longo do amadurecimento. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, no esquema fatorial 2 (genótipos) x 2 (temperaturas) x 4 (estádios de maturação). Os frutos foram avaliados sensorialmente e quanto à coloração da casca, diâmetro, comprimento, resistência ao despencamento, firmeza, massa com e sem casca, espessura da casca, relação polpa/casca, sólidos solúveis, pH, acidez titulável, açúcares totais, açúcares redutores e amido. A 'BRS Platina' apresenta frutos com maior diâmetro, comprimento e massa, acidez semelhante e menor doçura em comparação à 'Prata-Anã'. O armazenamento a 15 ºC confere maior firmeza e resistência ao despencamento aos frutos de 'Prata-Anã' e 'BRS Platina', em comparação com o armazenamento a 25 ºC. Os frutos de 'BRS Platina' apresentam índice de aceitação satisfatório, porém inferior ao obtido para os de 'Prata-Anã'.
O Interacionismo Simbólico e os estudos sobre cultura e poder
Authors: Gadea Carlos A.
Published: November 2013

Existe uma relação conceitual entre o Interacionismo Simbólico e os contem porâneos estudos sobre cultura e poder, o pós-estruturalismo e a denominada crítica pós-moderna. O interesse é evidenciar em que medida assistimos a um gesto teórico e analítico que insere a problemática da política e do poder em claro nexo com os aspectos culturais e a ordem simbólica própria das interações sociais. Assim mesmo, o objetivo é sugerir que os heterogêneos Estudos Culturais, bem como a própria crítica pós-moderna se apresentam como uma espécie de reutilização de perspectivas interacionistas na sociologia na atualidade.
Gestão da informação pública: um estudo sobre o Portal Transparência Goiás
Authors: Campos Rosana , Paiva Denise , Gomes Suely
Published: November 2013

Esta pesquisa se propõe a compreender se e como o governo do Estado de Goiás trabalha para tornar a gestão pública mais transparente, através da divulgação eletrônica de suas ações, a partir da lei complementar 131/2009. O objeto desse estudo é o Portal Transparência Goiás e os canais e fluxos de informações que o alimentam. É um estudo exploratório com metodologia qualitativa. A pesquisa identificou falhas no processo de divulgação das informações e constatou que a transparência ainda tem sido tratada como uma questão menor pela gestão pública, ainda que tenham havido êxitos no processo.
II Principe e seus contratempos: De Sanctis, Croce e Gramsci
Authors: Bianchi Alvaro , Mussi Daniela
Published: November 2013

Com a constituição da moderna nação italiana, a partir de meados do século XIX, tornou-se característico do pensamento político da península o constante apelo à reconstrução de uma tradição intelectual nacional. Esta era parte dos desafios da construção de uma nova ordem política e social que orientava, entre outras coisas, um retorno à história do Renascimento e à figura de Nicolau Maquiavel. A partir de 1859, o Risorgimento italiano ganharia novo impulso e culminaria com a derrota do papado e a construção de uma nova nação entre 1861 e 1871. Ao longo dessa década, período de triunfo da unificação, foi preparado um retorno definitivo de Maquiavel à cultura italiana. O revigoramento da historiografia e da ciência política italiana não deixou de ser, assim, um reencontro com a tradição maquiaveliana. O Risorgimento foi, também, o renascimento de Maquiavel. Este ensaio busca analisar três momentos desse retorno, que foram, ao mesmo tempo, tentativas de um acerto de contas com uma história italiana que remonta ao século XVI, cristalizada nas obras de Francesco De Sanctis (1817-1883), Benedetto Croce (1866-1952) e Antonio Gramsci (1891-1937).
Maquiavel e Harrington: medicina e história como métodos políticos
Authors: Falcão Luís
Published: November 2013

O artigo visa preencher uma lacuna na bibliografia especializada sobre a relação entre Maquiavel e Harrington. Comumente, as aproximações são feitas a partir do republicanismo e da redução aos princípios. Argumentamos que, de um ponto de vista do método, ambos os autores utilizam a medicina e a história como fontes de conhecimento político. A medicina é tratada por meio de metáforas e comparações entre corpos naturais e corpos políticos, a partir do vocabulário dos "remédios". Os autores também se aproximam no entendimento teórico das continuidades e rupturas históricas, pautadas na língua e na religião, para além da utilização de exemplos. Concluímos que os dois aspectos se complementam mutuamente pela rejeição dos autores a quaisquer critérios transcendentais para o entendimento político.
Association between markers of cardiovascular risk and clinical parameters of periodontitis
Authors: Domingues José Eduardo Gomes , Vettore Mario Vianna , Lima Emerson Silva
Published: November 2013

INTRODUCTION: Periodontal disease is an inflammatory response to bacteria that reside in the gum tissue and can have systemic repercussion. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between periodontitis and markers of cardiovascular risk. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Ninety selected patients were assigned into two groups in accordance with their levels of probing pocket depth (PPD) and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL): control group, n= 45 (< 4 sites with PPD ≥ 4.0 mm and CAL ≥ 3.0 mm) and case group, n= 45 (≥ 30% of sites with PPD ≥ 4.0 mm and CAL ≥3.0 mm). Plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein, high sensitive CRP, high-density lipoproteins (HDL-c) and electronegative low density lipoproteins (LDL) were assessed in all participants. Data from medical history and socioeconomic level were also collected from patients. RESULT: Plasma levels of HDL-c were lower in subjects with periodontal disease (p = 0.016) and were inversely associated with the number of sites with PPD ≥ 3 mm (rho= -0.325) and number of sites with PPD ≥ 3 mm and CAL ≥ 3 mm (rho= -0.216). These associations remained significant after adjustments for dental plaque and smoking using Univariate Analysis of Covariance (p < 0.05). Adjusted odds ratio between periodontal disease and levels of HDL-c was 0.94 (CI95% 0.88-0.99) after adjusting for age, smoking and dental plaque. Other investigated markers of cardiovascular risk were not related to periodontal disease. CONCLUSION: Clinical parameters of periodontitis were inversely associated with plasma concentrations of HDL-c.