bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Episodic ataxia type 1 mutations differentially affect neuronal excitability and transmitter release
Authors: Heeroma Joost H. , Henneberger Christian , Rajakulendran Sanjeev , Hanna Michael G. , Schorge Stephanie , Kullmann Dimitri M.
Published: September 2009

Heterozygous mutations of KCNA1, the gene encoding potassium channel Kv1.1 subunits, cause episodic ataxia type 1 (EA1), which is characterized by paroxysmal cerebellar incoordination and interictal myokymia. Some mutations are also associated with epilepsy. Although Kv1.1-containing potassium channels play important roles in neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter release, it is not known how mutations associated with different clinical features affect the input-output relationships of individual neurons. We transduced rat hippocampal neurons, which were cultured on glial micro-islands, with lentiviruses expressing wild-type or mutant human KCNA1, and injected either depolarizing currents to evoke action potentials or depolarizing voltage commands to evoke autaptic currents. α-Dendrotoxin and tetraethylammonium allowed a pharmacological dissection of potassium currents underlying excitability and neurotransmission. Overexpression of wild-type Kv1.1 decreased both neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter release. By contrast, the C-terminus-truncated R417stop mutant, which is associated with severe drug-resistant EA1, had the opposite effect: increased excitability and release probability. Another mutant, T226R, which is associated with EA1 that is complicated by contractures and epilepsy, had no detectable effect on neuronal excitability; however, in common with R417stop, it markedly enhanced neurotransmitter release. The results provide direct evidence that EA1 mutations increase neurotransmitter release, and provide an insight into mechanisms underlying the phenotypic differences that are associated with different mutations.
Performance in Nursing
Authors: DeLucia Patricia R. , Ott Tammy E. , Palmieri Patrick A.
Published: September 2009

Nurses spend more time with patients than do any other health care providers, and patient outcomes are affected by nursing care quality. Thus, improvements in patient safety can be achieved by improving nurse performance. We review the literature on nursing performance, including cognitive, physical, and organizational factors that affect such performance, focusing on research studies that reported original data from nurse participants. Our review indicates that the nurse's work system often does not accommodate human limits and capabilities and that nurses work under cognitive, perceptual, and physical overloads. Specifically, nurses engage in multiple tasks under cognitive load and frequent interruptions, and they encounter insufficient lighting, illegible handwriting, and poorly designed labels. They spend a substantial amount of their time walking, work long shifts, and experience a high rate of musculoskeletal disorders. Research is overdue in the areas of cognitive processes in nursing, effects of interruptions on nursing performance, communications during patient handoffs, and situation awareness in nursing. Human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) professionals must play a key role in the redesign of the nurses' work system to determine how overloads can be reduced and how the limits and capabilities of performance can be accommodated. Collaboration between nurses and HF/E specialists is essential to improve nursing performance and patient safety.
Aviation Automation: General Perspectives and Specific Guidance for the Design of Modes and Alerts
Authors: Pritchett Amy R.
Published: September 2009

Automation has long been a significant component of the flight deck, to the point that it is often referred to as a “team member.” This review notes the recent insights into aviation human-automation interaction, starting with a quick tour of the modern flight deck to illustrate the current state of the art in applying automation in safety-critical systems. The review then contrasts three prevalent perspectives on applying automation: those that focus on the technology itself, on automation within the operating environment, and on automation as a team member. Next, this review discusses two prevalent forms of aviation automation for which significant research and design guidance has been developed: automation based on modal behaviors, such as the flight management system, and alerting functions, which direct attention or motivate action as warranted by events. Finally, the review notes considerations regarding the certification, testing, and evaluation of automation (and human-automation interaction) in the safety-critical domain of aviation.
Effects of Base Support and Load Transfer Efficiency (LTE) on Portland Concrete Pavement Performance
Authors: Chen Dar-Hao , Lin Huang-Hsiung
Published: September 2009

This paper presents the results of seven field investigations (US59, IH20, SH342, US75, US90, MLK Blvd., and US96) to identify the underlying causes of settling and irregular cracking in Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement. Settling and cracking are not intended, and they are detrimental to the long-term performance of PCC pavement. The falling weight deflectometer and dynamic cone penetrometer were utilized to characterize the load transfer efficiency (LTE) and base support conditions. It was found that when there is adequate base support (e.g., a modulus>345 MPa), the irregular cracks remain tight even after decades of truck trafficking, as evident in the IH20 and MLK projects. Irregular cracks on these projects were caused by late or too-shallow saw cutting. In areas that had 50 % lower base moduli, the cracks typically grew to about 57 mm. The subsidence and settling on US59 and US75 were observed in the areas with LTE in the range of 40 %. Tie bars were found to be ruptured in those areas. When LTE exceeds 80 %, the tie bar was intact and no settling was observed. The maximum deflections were approximately eight to ten times higher in the area with settling than the area without settling. It is because the low load transfer efficacy would lead to higher deflection under truck trafficking. The high deflection would initiate pumping and then settling. Despite severe spalling observed before the overlay on US96, the stone-mastic asphalt overlay is now 5 years old, and no visible cracks can be observed. This is because of the high LTE (exceeding 85 %) and sufficient base support (modulus exceeding 1378 MPa). The results from the seven projects investigated indicate that base support and LTE play a critical role in concrete pavement performance. To minimize the cracking and settling, it is preferable to have a base modulus and LTE exceeding 345 MPa and 80 %, respectively.
Evaluation of Engineering Properties of Rubberized Laboratory Mixes Containing Warm Mix Additives
Authors: Akisetty Chandra K. , Lee Soon-Jae , Rogers Will , Amirkhanian Serji N.
Published: September 2009

Warm mix asphalt (WMA) refers to technologies which allow a significant reduction of mixing and compaction temperatures of asphalt mixes. From previous studies, it is observed that warm mix additives work in different ways, either in reducing the viscosity of the asphalt binder or allowing better workability of the asphalt mix at lower temperatures through volume expansion in the binder. If the technologies of WMA are incorporated into rubberized asphalt mixes, which are generally produced and compacted at higher temperature than conventional mixes, it is possible to reduce the mixing and compaction temperatures of rubberized mixes to those of conventional mixes. This paper presents a limited study that characterizes the engineering properties of crumb rubber modifier (CRM) mixtures containing warm mix additives. Six CRM mixtures (two of control mixtures and four of warm mixtures) were prepared using two aggregate sources and two additives: Aspha-min® and Sasobit®. Evaluation of all mixtures included the following testing procedures: tensile strength ratio, asphalt pavement analyzer, resilient modulus, and resilient modulus after long-term oven aging. The results from this study showed that in general, there was no significant difference between the control and warm CRM mixtures for the properties evaluated in this study, indicating that the use of WMA technologies into CRM mixes is expected to have no negative effect on the mixture’s engineering properties.
Position Reporting Error of Intelligent Compaction and Continuous Compaction Control Roller-Measured Soil Properties
Authors: Facas Norman W. , Mooney Michael A.
Published: September 2009

A field investigation was conducted with four intelligent compaction/continuous compaction control rollers to characterize the spatial reporting of vibratory roller-measured soil properties and to investigate global positioning system (GPS)-based position reporting error. The key reporting characteristics examined include the spatial resolution of roller measurement values (MVs) and the volume/area reflected in each MV. Each vibration-based roller MV investigated is a reflection of soil properties over spatial dimensions that vary across manufacturers. The reporting resolution of roller MVs also varied across manufacturers. Three sources of GPS-determined position error were observed, namely, (1) accuracy of GPS, (2) unaccounted for physical offset of roller-mounted GPS receiver from the drum center, and (3) the spatial averaging of vibration data during roller MV calculation coupled with possible computational latency. The physical offset error was found to be as great as 1.0–2.0 m, while the error due to spatial averaging of vibration data coupled with latency ranged from 0.4 to 0.8 m. Both of these errors are significant but can be estimated and corrected by using a validation procedure described in the paper. Left uncorrected, these errors have a significant adverse effect on the analysis and interpretation of roller MV data when used in quality control/quality assurance specifications.
Provenance and Impact of Complex Event Processing (CEP): A Retrospective ViewUrsprung und Bedeutung von Complex Event Processing (CEP): eine retrospektive Sicht
Authors: Chakravarthy Sharma , Adaikkalavan Raman
Published: September 2009

This paper retrospectively outlines the progress of event-based capability over the last three decades. It further briefly elaborates the impact of this technology and how it has been adapted for a variety of domains and applications. Although research on event-based approaches started in a humble manner with the intention of introducing triggers in database management systems for monitoring application state and to automate applications by reducing/eliminating user intervention, currently it has become a force to reckon with as it finds use in many diverse domains. This is primarily due to the fact that a large number of real-world applications are indeed event-driven for which this paradigm is the most appropriate.
The PADRES Event Processing Network: Uniform Querying of Past and Future EventsDas PADRES Ereignisverarbeitungsnetzwerk: Einheitliche Anfragen auf Ereignisse der Vergangenheit und Zukunft
Authors: Jacobsen Hans-Arno , Muthusamy Vinod , Li Guoli
Published: September 2009

This paper outlines requirements and sketches techniques for introducing to the publish/subscribe model the capability to uniformly access data produced in the past and future. The new model can filter, aggregate, correlate and project any combination of historic and future data. A flexible architecture is presented consisting of distributed and replicated data repositories that can be provisioned in ways to tradeoff availability, storage overhead, query overhead, query delay, load distribution, parallelism, redundancy and locality.
Event Correlation in Heterogeneous EnvironmentsEreigniskorrelation in heterogenen Umgebungen
Authors: Schilling Björn , Pletat Udo , Rothermel Kurt
Published: September 2009

Complex event processing (CEP) is an emerging software technology for detecting business-relevant situations in streams of events and for providing these detected situations to business processes that are interested in it. While currently CEP-systems are mostly deployed within a single business domain at a limited scale, the cooperative nature of business applications gives reason that complex event processing will soon address multiple business domains and involve an increasingly large number of business events. In order to ensure interoperability as well as efficient utilization of processing and network capability, we motivate the need for heterogeneous correlation technology in the context of business applications. In this article we give an overview of the project “Distributed heterogeneous event processing” (DHEP) involving the IBM Böblingen lab and the Universität Stuttgart, where this need is adressed. The key aspect of the project is the deployment of collections of event correlation rules to a network of heterogeneous event correlation engines. We give an overview of challenges and possible solutions for the dynamic configuration of such environments and present our architecture which supports network-wide cooperation between different correlation engines.
Short-term treatment with olanzapine does not modulate gut hormone secretion: olanzapine disintegrating versus standard tablets
Authors: Vidarsdottir Solrun , Roelfsema Ferdinand , Streefland Trea , Holst Jens J , Rehfeld Jens F , Pijl Hanno
Published: September 2009

Background

Treatment with olanzapine (atypical antipsychotic drug) is frequently associated with various metabolic anomalies, including obesity, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. Recent data suggest that olanzapine orally disintegrating tablets (ODT), which dissolve instantaneously in the mouth, might cause less weight gain than olanzapine standard oral tablets (OST).

Design and methods

Ten healthy men received olanzapine ODT (10 mg o.d., 8 days), olanzapine OST (10 mg o.d., 8 days), or no intervention in a randomized crossover design. At breakfast and dinner, blood samples were taken for measurement of pancreatic polypeptide, peptide YY, glucagon-like peptide-1, total glucagon, total ghrelin, and cholecystokinin (CCK) concentrations.

Results

With the exception of pre- and postprandial concentration of ghrelin at dinner and preprandial CCK concentrations at breakfast, which were all slightly increased (respectivelyP=0.048,P=0.034 andP=0.042), olanzapine did not affect gut hormone concentrations. Thus, olanzapine ODT and OST had similar effects on gut hormone secretion.

Conclusion

Short-term treatment with olanzapine does not have major impact on the plasma concentration of gut hormones we measured in healthy men. Moreover, despite pharmacological difference, gut hormone concentrations are similar during treatment with olanzapine ODT and OST. The capacity of olanzapine to induce weight gain and diabetes is unlikely to be caused by modulation of the secretion of gut hormones measured here. We cannot exclude the possibility that olanzapine's impact on other gut hormones, to impair insulin sensitivity and stimulate weight gain, exists.
3-Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase expression is regulated by HOXA10 in murine endometrium and human endometrial cells
Authors: Du Hongling , Vitiello Danielle , Sarno Jennifer L , Taylor Hugh S
Published: September 2009

3-Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH, 3-PGDH) is an enzyme necessary forde novol-serine biosynthesis. HOXA10 expression is required for endometrial receptivity; however, few target genes of HOXA10 regulation are known. Using a microarray we identifiedPhgdhas a target of HOXA10 regulation in murine endometrium and confirmed this regulatory relationship in human endometrial cells. PHGDH was downregulated 2.0-fold by HOXA10 and upregulated 4.4-fold by HOXA10 antisensein vivo. In human endometrial cells, real-time PCR results show that pcDNA3.1/HOXA10 transfection decreasedPHGDHmRNA expression to 40% of pretreatment level (P<0.05), whilePHGDHmRNA expression was increased 2.1-fold (P<0.05) byHOXA10siRNA. Western blot results confirmed the regulatory relationship in both primary human endometrial stromal and epithelial cells, as well as in human endometrial stromal cells and Ishikawa cells. In human cycling endometrial tissue, immunohistochemical results showed that PHGDH expression is relatively high in the proliferative phase in glandular cells and lower in the secretory phase. Here we report novel expression and regulation of PHGDH in murine and human endometrium. PHGDH is expressed in both endometrial epithelial and stromal cells. HOXA10 represses endometrial PHGDH expression. PHGDH is necessary for serine biosynthesis, which serves as a substrate for protein synthesis. One mechanism by which HOXA10 regulates cellular differentiation may involve limiting protein synthesis in the secretary phase.
Eficácia e pH de caldas de glifosato após a adição de fertilizantes nitrogenados e utilização de pulverizador pressurizado por CO2
Authors: Carvalho Saul Jorge Pinto de , Damin Virginia , Dias Ana Carolina Ribeiro , Yamasaki Gaspar Miura , Christoffoleti Pedro Jacob
Published: September 2009

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar a eficácia e o pH de caldas de glifosato após a adição de fertilizantes nitrogenados e utilização de pulverizador pressurizado por CO2. Em campo, foram aplicadas duas doses de glifosato (360 e 720 g ha-1), isoladas ou combinadas a duas concentrações de ureia (2,5 e 5,0 g L-1) ou sulfato de amônio (7,5 e 15,0 g L-1). Em laboratório, mensurou-se o pH de caldas de glifosato após o uso de diferentes concentrações do produto e dos fertilizantes nitrogenados e após a utilização do pulverizador pressurizado por CO2. Em todas as avaliações do experimento em campo, a menor dose de glifosato teve maior eficácia biológica após a adição de sulfato de amônio (15 g L-1) à calda. A ureia (5 g L-1) proporcionou efeitos benéficos somente na avaliação aos 28 dias após a aplicação. Em laboratório, o aumento da concentração de glifosato promoveu gradativa acidificação da calda de pulverização, com estabilização do pH da solução em 4,5. O sulfato de amônio causou pequena acidificação da calda herbicida, enquanto a ureia não alterou o pH. O uso do pulverizador pressurizado por CO2 pouco alterou o pH da calda de glifosato. A maior eficácia do glifosato após a adição de fertilizantes nitrogenados à calda está pouco relacionada com alterações no pH da solução.
Prevalência para tuberculose caprina no semi-árido paraibano
Authors: Pignata Walkyria Antunes , Alves Clebert José , Azevedo Sérgio Santos de , Dantas Antônio Flávio Medeiros , Gomes Albério Antônio de Barros , Remígio Francisco Rubens , Lima Fabiano da Silva , Mota Pedro Moacyr P.
Published: September 2009

A tuberculose é uma enfermidade infecciosa, de distribuição mundial, provocada por micobactérias patogênicas, que afeta o homem e diversas espécies de mamíferos. Visando determinar a prevalência da Tuberculose Caprina e identificar fatores de risco associados à infecção foram tuberculinizados, através do Teste Tuberculínico Comparado (TCC), 1.866 caprinos de diferentes raças e idades, oriundas de 84 propriedades localizadas na microrregião de Monteiro, Estado da Paraíba, Brasil. A interpretação do TCC foi aferida pelo cálculo da diferença obtida entre as cutimetrias correspondentes às respectivas tuberculinas, antes e 72 horas após a inoculação: negativa, quando PPD bovina for menor que a aviária ou maior em até 1,8mm; suspeita ou inconclusiva, reação à PPD bovina maior que a aviária entre 1,9 e 2,4mm; positiva, reação à PPD bovina maior ou igual a aviária em 2,5mm. Das cabras submetidas ao TCC, 0,47% (9/1866), reagiram positivamente (IC 95% = 0,23-0,94%). A prevalência de propriedades positivas para a Tuberculose Caprina foi de 10,71% (IC 95% = 5,02-19,37%). Quando submetido à necropsia e exame histopatológico, um caprino positivo ao teste tuberculínico apresentou lesões compatíveis com tuberculose; também foi detectada a presença de Bacilos Álcool Ácidos Resistentes (BAAR) através da bacterioscopia direta; em relação ao tamanho do rebanho, as propriedades que possuíam um número maior de animais ( >25), apresentaram maior ocorrência da doença e a presença de infecção foi evidenciada nas propriedades que criavam bovinos em associação com caprinos e que não realizavam testes tuberculínicos nos bovinos.
Feeling powerless: a feeling expressed by caregivers of sexual violence victims
Authors: Correa Maria Eduarda Cavadinha , Labronici Liliana Maria , Trigueiro Tatiane Herreira
Published: September 2009

This phenomenological study aimed to reveal the meaning of providing care to victims of sexual violence. The study was carried out from December 2006 to March 2007 with 12 health professionals. Data were collected through tape-recorded semi-structured interviews, whose analysis followed the phenomenological trajectory. The following theme emerged: Feeling powerless, a feeling expressed by caregivers of sexual violence victims. The feeling of powerlessness is continuously fed by health professionals' daily routines, given the impossibility of solving situations of violence, of problems that emerge from the other's subjectivity, as well as social issues, because these professionals were not trained for that. Thus, it is essential to address the issue both in undergraduate and graduate programs in health and human areas. Institutions should promote continuing education so that these professionals can act properly.
Intracellular expression of reactive oxygen species-generating NADPH oxidase NOX4 in normal and cancer thyroid tissues
Authors: Weyemi Urbain , Caillou Bernard , Talbot Monique , Ameziane-El-Hassani Rabii , Lacroix Ludovic , Lagent-Chevallier Odile , Al Ghuzlan Abir , Roos Dirk , Bidart Jean-Michel , Virion Alain , Schlumberger Martin , Dupuy Corinne
Published: September 2009

NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) belongs to the NOX family that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). Function and tissue distribution of NOX4 have not yet been entirely clarified. To date, in the thyroid gland, only DUOX1/2 NOX systems have been described. NOX4 mRNA expression, as shown by real-time PCR, was present in normal thyroid tissue, regulated by TSH and significantly increased in differentiated cancer tissues. TSH increased the protein level of NOX4 in human thyroid primary culture and NOX4-dependent ROS generation. NOX4 immunostaining was detected in normal and pathologic thyroid tissues. In normal thyroid tissue, staining was heterogeneous and mostly found in activated columnar thyrocytes but absent in quiescent flat cells. Papillary and follicular thyroid carcinomas displayed more homogeneous staining. The p22phox protein that forms a heterodimeric enzyme complex with NOX4 displayed an identical cellular expression pattern and was also positively regulated by TSH. ROS may have various biological effects, depending on the site of production. Intracellular NOX4–p22phox localization suggests a role in cytoplasmic redox signaling, in contrast to the DUOX localization at the apical membrane that corresponds to an extracellular H2O2 production. Increased NOX4–p22phox in cancer might be related to a higher proliferation rate and tumor progression but a role in the development of tumors has to be further studied and established in the future.
The role of let-7 in cell differentiation and cancer
Authors: Boyerinas Benjamin , Park Sun-Mi , Hau Annika , Murmann Andrea E , Peter Marcus E
Published: September 2009

MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are small noncoding RNAs capable of regulating gene expression at the translational level. Current evidence suggests that a significant portion of the human genome is regulated by microRNAs, and many reports have demonstrated that microRNA expression is deregulated in human cancer. The let-7 family of microRNAs, first discovered in Caenorhabditis elegans, is functionally conserved from worms to humans. The human let-7 family contains 13 members located on nine different chromosomes, and many human cancers have deregulated let-7 expression. A growing body of evidence suggests that restoration of let-7 expression may be a useful therapeutic option in cancers, where its expression has been lost. In this review, we discuss the role of let-7 in normal development and differentiation, and provide an overview of the relationship between deregulated let-7 expression and tumorigenesis. The regulation of let-7 expression, cancer-relevant let-7 targets, and the relationship between let-7 and drug sensitivity are highlighted.
Injection Strategies To Overcome Gravity Segregation in Simultaneous Gas and Water Injection Into Homogeneous Reservoirs
Authors: Rossen W.R.. R. , van Duijn C.J.. J. , Nguyen Q.P.. P. , Shen C.. , Vikingstad A.K.. K.
Published: September 2009

We extend a model for gravity segregation in steady-state gas/water injection into homogeneous reservoirs for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). A new equation relates the distance gas and water flow together directly to injection pressure, independent of fluid mobilities or injection rate. We consider three additional cases: coinjection of gas and water over only a portion of the formation interval, injection of water above gas over the entire formation interval, and injection of water and gas in separate zones well separated from each other.

If gas and water are injected at fixed total volumetric rates, the horizontal distance to the point of complete segregation is the same, whether gas and water are coinjected over all or any portion of the formation interval. At fixed injection pressure, the deepest penetration of mixed gas and water flow is expected when fluids are injected along the entire formation interval.

At fixed total injection rate, injection of water above gas gives deeper penetration before complete segregation than does coinjection, but again exactly where the two fluids are injected does not affect the distance to the point of segregation. At fixed injection pressure, injection of water above gas is predicted to give deeper penetration before complete segregation. When injection pressure is limited, the best strategy for simultaneous injection of both phases from a vertical well would be to inject gas at the bottom of the reservoir and water over the rest of the reservoir height, with the ratio of the injection intervals adjusted to maximize overall injectivity.

The 2D model applies equally to gas/water flow and to foam, and to injection of water above gas from separate intervals of a vertical well or from two parallel horizontal wells, as long as injection is uniform along each horizontal well. Sample computer simulations for foam injection agree well with the model predictions if numerical dispersion is controlled.
Introduction
Authors: Fu Yongqi
Published: September 2009

A brief historic evolution and literature review of subwavelength optics was given. Then some descriptions were presented
for multidisciplinary education, training, and research. Finally, scope of this book and brief contents for each chapter were introduced
in this chapter.
MAXWELL EQUATIONS AND ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE PROPAGATION
Authors: Fu Yongqi
Published: September 2009

Basic theory, electromagnetic field, and surface plasmons, were described briefly in this chapter. Maxwell equations and
electromagnetic wave propagation were illustrated. Finally, metal optics and surface plasmon poloritons excitation were presented.
They are essential issues for the theory of plasmonics and Nanophotonics.
Index
Authors: Fu Yongqi
Published: September 2009

Full text available
Health Risks: Illustrating the Link between Social Determinants, Health Equity and Development
Authors: Boutayeb Abdesslam
Published: September 2009

Between and within countries, disadvantaged people are the most affected by health risks
globally. Underweight, micronutrients deficiency, lack of hygiene, unsafe water, inadequate sanitation,
work and road accidents, violence and sex abuse, are clearly more prevalent among children, women,
elderly, poor and less educated people, workers with low occupations, and other discriminated groups on
the basis of ethnicity, culture, religion, and other. More globally, under nutrition, overweight, blood
pressure, high cholesterol, tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, low fruits and vegetables intake, physical
inactivity, unsafe sex, work injuries, road accidents, violence and environmental hazards constitute
important health risks which illustrate the link between social determinants, health equity and
development. Millions of deaths and tens of millions of disability years can be saved by tackling these
factors worldwide in general and in developing countries in particular.
A Decade of Equity: A Selection of Recent Bibliography on Equity and Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Boutayeb Abdesslam , Boutayeb Saber
Published: September 2009

Equity in health has become a central issue. However, equity can mean different things to
different people. Moreover, the principles underlying its definition and conceptualization may vary
according to economic, medical, philosophical, political, ethical and other considerations. During the last
decades, the literature on health equity has known an exponential increase. Although the majority of
publications are produced in developed countries, the part devoted to developing countries is rapidly
increasing

This chapter is dedicated to a selection of recent papers published on equity and social determinants
underlying it. Our intention is not to give an exhaustive panorama of all papers which dealt with the theme
of equity, rather we have selected some of the papers that could help the reader to easily get an overview of
the multidimensional aspects of equity as illustrated by the large number of publications dealing with
definitions and concepts of equity, the difference between inequalities and inequities, inequity in access to
health services and health status, and many other aspects.

For each paper cited, we have tried to summarise the method used, the main results and the conclusion.
When a detailed abstract was available, we have used it in a slightly different and concise form.

The papers reviewed were grouped into sub topics:

s and Concepts, 2. Social determinants of Health, 3. Diseases and equity, 4. Equity and
children health, 5. Maternal health and violence, 6. Geographic disparity, 7. Migrants and heath equity, 8.
Equity and finance.
Modelling for the Dynamics and the Burden of Dengue: A Review
Authors: Derouich Mohammed , Boutayeb Abdesslam
Published: September 2009

Among the re-emergent diseases, dengue fever/dengue haemorrhagic fever is one of the most
important by its wide spreading, the frequency of its epidemics and the complexity caused by the four virus
serotypes associated with it. With more than 2.5 billion at risk, the global burden of dengue is growing
dramatically. The literature associated with different aspects of dengue is abundant, this paper is a review
of a large part of publications dealing with dengue and environmental health, the burden of disease and
mathematical modelling mainly during the last decade.
Inequalities and Disparities in North Africa
Authors: Boutayeb Saber , Boutayeb Abdesslam , Bensouda Youssef
Published: September 2009

Health and education constitute a cornerstone for human development of nations worldwide and
especially for developing countries. In this context very few studies are devoted to Algeria, Egypt, Libya,
Morocco and Tunisia as a group of countries forming what is called North Africa. These countries are
often included in other regions like the Arab World, Africa, World Health Eastern Mediterranean Region
(WHO-EMRO) and Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Belonging at the same time to Africa,
Mediterranean Region, Arab World and Islamic countries, North African countries share language, religion
and social and cultural custom. Consequently, it would be interesting to carry out a comparative study on
their achievements in terms of human development and underlying components such as education, health,
social welfare and violence.
Fifty Years of Human Development in Morocco: The Necessity of Equity Analysis
Authors: Boutayeb Abdesslam
Published: September 2009

Like many other developing countries, Morocco is struggling to achieve the main targets fixed
by the Millennium Development Declaration for 2015. The report published in 2006 on “Fifty years of
human development in Morocco and perspectives 2025” was a bold and praiseworthy initiative but it failed
to carry out an equity analysis that indicates how to tackle the causes of the causes of persistent inequalities
and disparities engendering underdevelopment. In this commentary, we give few examples illustrating the
need to go beyond goals fixed in terms of average numbers, by tackling also the crucial problem of unfair
and avoidable inequalities.
Determinants of Economic Growth in Japan: The Role of Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Asheghian Parviz
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this study is: (1) to examine the determinants of economic growth in Japan over time, and (2) to see if there is any time-series support for FDI-led growth hypothesis in Japan. To achieve these goals the study uses a model that is based on the postulates of de Mello. Employing a 35-year period of annual data, the model is estimated by using the Beach-Mackinnon technique, which corrects for autocorrelation. The estimation results suggest: (1) the major determinants of economic growth in Japan are total factor productivity, and domestic investment growth; (2) there are no causal relationships between foreign direct investment growth and economic growth in either direction; and (3) there are no causal relationships between foreign direct investment growth and total factor productivity growth in either direction.
A theorem on a representation of ·-regularly varying sequences
Authors: Djurcic Dragan
Published: September 2009

In this paper we shall prove a theorem on a representation of ?-regularly varying sequences in the sense of Karamata [1].
Some difference sequence spaces defined by an Orlicz function
Authors: Bilgin Tunay
Published: September 2009

In this paper we introduce some new difference sequence spaces combining lacunary sequences and Orlicz functions. We establish some inclusion relations between these spaces.
Lacunary strong convergence of difference sequences with respect to a modulus function
Authors: Colak Rifat
Published: September 2009

A sequence ? = (kr) of positive integers is called lacunary if k0 = 0, 0 < kr < kr+1 and hr = kr ? kr-1 ? ? as r ? ?. The intervals determined by ? are denoted by Ir = (kr-1, kr]. Let ? be the set of all sequences of complex numbers and f be a modulus function. Then we define N?(?m, f) = {x ? ?: lim 1/hr ? f(|?m xk -l|)=0 for some l} r k?Ir N?0(?m, f) = {x ? ?: lim 1/hr ? f(|?m xk|)=0} r k?Ir N??(?m, f) = {x ? ?: sup 1/hr ? f(|?m xk|)< ?} r k?Ir where ?xk = xk - xk+1, ?mxk = ?m-1xk - ?m-1xk+1 and m is a fixed positive integer. In this study we give various properties and inclusion relations on these sequence spaces.
Dual polarity in optimization of polynomial representation of switching functions
Authors: Jankovic Dragan , Stankovic Radomir , Moraga Claudio
Published: September 2009

Compact representations of switching functions provide for simplified realizations of logic networks. Recent advent of digital technology and VLSI raised a considerable interest in polynomial expressions for switching functions. Complexity of these expressions is estimated through the number of product terms. For a given function and the selected class of polynomial expressions, the number of products can be reduced by a suitable selection of polarities for switching variables, which results in Fixed Polarity Polynomial Expressions (FPPEs). This paper proposes a method for optimization of polynomial representation of switching functions. The method exploits the notion of dual polarity of switching variables and takes advantages of a simple relationship between two FPPEs for dual polarities. Calculation of FPPEs is performed along the extended dual polarity route so that each FPPE is calculated from its extended dual polarity FPPE. Conversion from one FPPE to another is carried out by using one-bit check, which ensures the efficiency of the method. The proposed method can be applied to arbitrary polynomial expressions providing that the corresponding transform matrix has the Kronecker product structure.
Data variation in fractal interpolation
Authors: Kocic Ljubisa
Published: September 2009

A fractal interpolant of the proper interpolation data is fully determined by the functional equation of Read- Bejraktarevic type and a free vertical scaling vector ? such that ||?|| < 1. In this note, it is shown how insertion of the data impacts the related Read-Bejraktarevic equation and the interpolant. Some examples support the theory.
Inclusion Weierstrass-like root-finders with corrections
Authors: Petkovic Ljiljana , Petkovic Miodrag , Milosevic Dusan
Published: September 2009

In this paper we present iterative methods of Weierstrass's type for the simultaneous inclusion of all multiple zeros of a polynomial. The order of convergence of the proposed interval method is 1 + ?2 ? 2.414 or 3, depending on the type of the applied disk inversion. The criterion for the choice of a proper circular root-set is given. This criterion uses the already calculated entries which increases the computational efficiency of the presented algorithms. Numerical results are given to demonstrate the convergence behavior.
Flat singular integrals in product domains
Authors: Al-Salman Ahmad
Published: September 2009

In this paper, we study singular integrals on product domains with kernels in L(logL)2(Sn?1?Sm?1) supported by surfaces of revolutions. We prove that our operators are bounded on Lp under certain convexity assumption on the surfaces. Also, in this paper we prove that the convexity assumption is not necessary for the L boundedness to hold. Moreover, additional related results are presented. Our condition on the kernel is known to be optimal.
Bounding the Cebysev functional for sequences of vectors in normed linear spaces
Authors: Dragomir Sever
Published: September 2009

Some new bounds for Cebysev functional for sequences of vectors in normed linear spaces are found.
A general common fixed point theorem of Meir and Keeler type for noncontinuous weak compatible mappings
Authors: Popa Valeriu
Published: September 2009

In this paper, using a combination of methods used in [1],[20] and [22] the results from [3, Theorem 1], [14,Theorem 1] and [15, Theorem 1] are improved by removing the assumption of continuity, relaxing compatibility to weak compatibility property and replacing the completeness of the space with a set of four alternative conditions for functions satisfying an implicit relation.
Skew exactness and range-kernel orthogonality
Authors: Harte Robin
Published: September 2009

Range-kernel orthogonal is set in a context of skew exactness, in particular for elementary operators on bimodules.
The inverse eigenvalue problem for real eventually positive matrices
Authors: Chen Jianbiao , Xu Zhaoliang
Published: September 2009

The eventually positive inverse eigenvalue problem(EPIEP) asks when a list ? = (???2,???n) of n complex numbers is the spectrum of a real n ? n eventually positive matrix. In this paper, a constructive method is presented to solve the EPIEP. Using this method, it is easy to find the realizing matrix, i.e. a real eventually positive matrix with the spectrum ?. And a complete answer to the EPIEP prescribed the left and the right Perron eigenvectors of the realizing matrix is also given.
On an algorithm in C 1,1 optimization
Authors: Djuranovic-Milicic Nada
Published: September 2009

In this paper an algorithm for minimization of C 1,1 functions, which uses the second order Dini upper directional derivative is considered. The purpose of the paper is to establish for this algorithm general hypotheses under which convergence occurs to optimal points. A convergence proof is given, as well as an estimate of the rate of convergence.
Centers in inserted graphs
Authors: Pramanik L.K.
Published: September 2009

In this paper we study some concepts involving distance in inserted graphs with an emphasize on centers in inserted graphs. More precisely we prove that for every non-trivial connected graph H there exists a graph G such that H is the center of G and the inserted graph of H is the center of the inserted graph of G. Graphs which are the periphery of some inserted graph are characterized. .
Approximating the Stieltjes integral via the Darst-Pollard inequality
Authors: Dragomir S.S. , Sofo A.
Published: September 2009

An approximation of the Stieltjes integral of bounded integrals and continuous integrators via the Darst-Pollard inequality is given. Applications for the generalised trapezoid formula and the Ostrowski inequality for functions of bounded variation are also provided. .
On some close to convex functions with negative coefficients
Authors: Acu Mugur , Dorca Irina
Published: September 2009

In this paper we propose for study a class of close to convex functions with negative coefficients defined by using a modified Salagean operator. .
Orbits tending to infinity under sequences of operators on Hilbert spaces
Authors: Mancevska Sonja , Orovcanec Marija
Published: September 2009

In this paper are considered some sufficient conditions under which, for given sequence (Ti)i?1 of operators on an infinite-dimensional complex Hilbert space, there is a dense set of points whose orbits under each Ti tend strongly to infinity. .
A general fixed point theorem for converse commuting multivalued mappings in symmetric spaces
Authors: Popa Valeriu
Published: September 2009

In this paper a general fixed point theorem for converse commuting multivalued mappings, which generalize Theorems 2.1 and 2.2 from [3], is proved. .
A trust region algorithm for lc1 unconstrained optimization
Authors: Djuranovic-Milicic Nada
Published: September 2009

In this paper a trust region algorithm for minimization of locally Lipschitzian functions, which uses the second order Dini upper directional derivative is considered. A convergence proof is given, as well as an estimate of the rate of convergence. .
Almost convergence of double subsequences
Authors: Cunjalo Fikret
Published: September 2009

Almost-convergence of double sequences (subsequences) is equivalent to almost Cauchy condition. If the set of all almost convergent subsequences of a sequence S = Snm is of the second category, then S is convergent in the simple sense. For the sequence S = Snm which almost converges to L, Lebesgue measure of the set of all its subsequences which almost converge to L is either 1 or 0. .
A note about a theorem of R. Harte
Authors: Xue Yifeng
Published: September 2009

Let A and B be unital Banach algebras and T : A ? B be a unital continuous homomorphism. Put J = Ker T. Let FredT (A) = {x ? A|T (x) is invertible in B} and Fred0T(A) = {x + k|x is invertible in A, k ? J}. In this note, we prove that if T has Property (F), then FredT (A) ? GL(A) = Fred0T (A) iff ltsr (J) = 1. .
Certain subclasses of analytic functions involving complex order
Authors: Shanmugam T.N. , Sivasubramanian S. , Frasin B.A.
Published: September 2009

In the present investigation, we consider an unified class of functions of complex order. Necessary and sufficient condition for functions to be in this class is obtained. The results obtained in this paper generalizes the results obtained by Srivastava and Lashin [10], and Ravichandran et al. [4]. .
A system of generalized variational inclusion problems involving (A, η): Monotone mappings
Authors: Alimohammady Mohsen , Roohi Mehdi
Published: September 2009

This paper deals with existence and uniqueness of the solution for a system of variational inclusions with (A, ? )-monotone mappings.
Mixed and component wise condition numbers for weighted Moore-Penrose inverse and weighted least squares problems
Authors: Zhao Li , Sun Jie
Published: September 2009

Condition numbers play an important role in numerical analysis. Classical condition numbers are norm-wise: they measure both input perturbations and output errors with norms. To take into account the relative scaling of data components or a possible sparseness, component-wise condition numbers have been increasingly considered. In this paper, we give explicit expressions for the mixed and component-wise condition numbers for the weighted Moore-Penrose inverse of a matrix A, as well as for the solution and residue of a weighted linear least squares problem ||W 1 2 (Ax-b) ||2 = minv2Rn ||W 1 2 (Av-b) ||2, where the matrix A with full column rank. .
A representation formula for curves in C3 with preset infinitesimal arc length
Authors: Gollek Hubert
Published: September 2009

We consider an algebraic representation formula for meromorphic curves in C3 with preset infinitesimal arc length, i. e., a differential operator M assigning to triples (f; h; d) of meromorphic functions meromorphic curves ? = (?1; ?2; ?3)T such that d is the infinitesimal arc length of ?, in this way obtaining the complete solution of the differential equation ?021+?022 + ?023=d2 in terms of derivatives of f; h; d only and without integrations. Computer algebra systems are an excellent tool to handle formulas of this type. We give simple Mathematica code and apply it to work out some examples, graphics as well as algebraic expressions of complex curves with special properties. For the case d = 0 of null curves, we give some graphical examples of minimal surfaces constructed in this way, showing deformations and symmetries. We give an expression for the curvature k of ? in terms of the Schwarzian derivative of f and for the case d = 1 a simple differential relation for f and h equivalent to the condition ?=1.
An application of Groebner bases to planarity of intersection of surfaces
Authors: Malesevic Branko , Obradovic Marija
Published: September 2009

In this paper we use Groebner bases theory in order to determine planarity of intersections of two algebraic surfaces in R3. We specially considered plane sections of certain type of conoid which has a cubic egg curve as one of the directrices. The paper investigates a possibility of conic plane sections of this type of conoid.
Visual communication through visual mathematics
Authors: Radovic Ljiljana , Jablan Slavik
Published: September 2009

In this paper we present some possibilities how different areas of visual mathematics (symmetry in art and science, isometric symmetry groups, similarity symmetry, modularity, antisymmetry, tessellations, theory of proportions, theory of visual perception, perspective, anamorphoses, visual illusions, ethnomathematics, mirror curves, optiles, fractal structures) can be used as a tool of visual communication. The paper also contains (in parts) a description of the course 'Visual Mathematics and Design' organized at the Faculty of Information Technologies (Belgrade).