bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bilanzoptimierter Rückerwerb von Anleihen über ihrem Nominalwert
Authors: Schnorbus York , Plassmann Sebastian
Published: February 2015

Der folgende Beitrag analysiert eine Transaktionsstruktur, mit deren Hilfe ein Konzern Anleihen über ihrem Nennwert zurückerwerben kann, ohne dass in den Einzelbilanzen oder der Konzernbilanz ein außerordentlicher Aufwand entsteht. Insbesondere wird gezeigt, wie sich ein Unternehmen die dingliche Rechtsnatur von Inhaberschuldverschreibungen für den bilanzneutralen Rückerwerb zu Nutze machen kann und wie sich der Rückerwerb nach dieser Transaktionsstruktur im Einzelnen handelsbilanziell auswirkt. Der Rückerwerb von Anleihen bietet einem Konzern auf diese Weise einen effektiven Weg zur Kostensenkung, der bei hochverzinslichen Anleihen mit mittlerer oder langer Restlaufzeit in Betracht gezogen werden sollte.
Anscheinsbeweis und chipTAN
Authors: Hoeren Thomas , Kairies Maria
Published: February 2015

Wiederholt hat sich die Rechtsprechung in den vergangenen Jahren mit der Frage auseinandergesetzt, ob im Rahmen des Online-Banking ein Anscheinsbeweis angenommen werden kann. Dabei kreisen die Bedenken stets um die Frage, ob das eingesetzte Authentifizierungsverfahren eine ausreichende Sicherheit bietet, um einen dem Anscheinsbeweis zugrundeliegenden Erfahrungssatz anzunehmen. Während ein Anscheinsbeweis beim Missbrauch von EC-Karten bereits 2004 vom BGH bejaht wurde, folgte ihm die Rechtsprechung für das Online-Banking bislang nicht. Jüngste Entscheidungen lassen aber ein Umdenken erkennen. Ob diese Rechtsprechung zu halten ist und wie sich die Rechtslage nach Einführung der Payment Service Directiv (PSD II) verändern könnte, will dieser Beitrag beleuchten.
Besitz an dauerglobalverbrieften Aktien – zugleich ein Beitrag zur Lehre vom Besitz
Authors: Brand Marco
Published: February 2015

Bis heute sind die Besitzverhältnisse an dauerglobalverbrieften Aktien nicht abschließend geklärt. Insbesondere wird über die Frage gestritten, ob Aktionäre mittelbaren Mitbesitz an einer Dauerglobalurkunde haben. Es ist das Anliegen dieses Beitrags, den mittelbaren Mitbesitz von Aktionären an dauerglobalverbrieten Aktien anhand allgemeiner Besitzdogmatik zu begründen.
Azithromycin in Early Infancy and Pyloric Stenosis
Authors: Eberly Matthew D. , Eide Matilda B. , Thompson Jennifer L. , Nylund Cade M.
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Use of oral erythromycin in infants is associated with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). The risk with azithromycin remains unknown. We evaluated the association between exposure to oral azithromycin and erythromycin and subsequent development of IHPS.

METHODS:

A retrospective cohort study of children born between 2001 and 2012 was performed utilizing the military health system database. Infants prescribed either oral erythromycin or azithromycin as outpatients in the first 90 days of life were evaluated for development of IHPS. Specific diagnostic and procedural codes were used to identify cases of IHPS.

RESULTS:

A total of 2466 of 1 074 236 children in the study period developed IHPS. Azithromycin exposure in the first 14 days of life demonstrated an increased risk of IHPS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 8.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.62–26.0); exposure between 15 and 42 days had an aOR of 2.98 (95% CI, 1.24–7.20). An association between erythromycin and IHPS was also confirmed. Exposure to erythromycin in the first 14 days of life had an aOR of 13.3 (95% CI, 6.80–25.9), and 15 to 42 days of life, aOR 4.10 (95% CI, 1.69–9.91). There was no association with either macrolide between 43 and 90 days of life.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ingestion of oral azithromycin and erythromycin places young infants at increased risk of developing IHPS. This association is strongest if the exposure occurred in the first 2 weeks of life, but persists although to a lesser degree in children between 2 and 6 weeks of age.
Metallic Nano Particles Embedded in Sapphire
Authors: Crespo-Sosa A. , Mota-Santiago P.E. , Jiménez-Hernández J.L. , Silva-Pereyra H.G. , García-Ramírez E.V. , Sánchez-Dena O. , Reyes-Esqueda J.A. , Oliver A.
Published: February 2015

Sapphire is best known for its hardness that makes it ideal for many mechanical and optical applications, but its resistance to radiation damage and its optical properties, combined with metallic nano-particles, make it promising for future opto-electronic and plasmonic devices. In this paper, we present an overview of our work on the fabrication of metallic nano-particles embedded in synthetic sapphire by means of ion implantation, thermal annealing and high energy ion irradiation. We show that we can have control over the amount and size of the nano particles formed inside the matrix by carefully choosing the parameters during the preparation process. Furthermore, we show that anisotropic nano particles can be obtained by an adequate high energy ion irradiation of the originally spherical nano particles. We also have studied the linear and non-linear optical properties of these nano-composites and have confirmed that they are large enough for future applications.
Acute Liver Failure and Hepatic Encephalopathy after Cleft Palate Repair
Authors: Kocaaslan Nihal Durmuş , Tuncer Fatma Betul , Tutar Engin , Celebiler Ozhan
Published: February 2015

Paracetamol is the most commonly used analgesic after cleft palate repair. It has rarely caused acute hepatic failure at therapeutic or supratherapeutic doses. Only one case of therapeutic paracetamol toxicity after cleft palate repair had been reported previously. Here, we present a similar patient who developed acute liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy after an uncomplicated cleft palate surgery. Lack of large prospective trials in young children due to ethical concerns increases the value of the case reports of acetaminophen toxicity at therapeutic doses. The dosing recommendations of paracetamol may need to be reconsidered after cleft palate surgery.
The Model of Interaction Between Learning and Evolutionary Optimization
Authors: Red’ko V.G.
Published: February 2015

The model of interaction between learning and evolutionary optimization is designed and investigated. The evolving population of modeled organisms is considered. The mechanism of genetic assimilation of the acquired features during a number of generations of Darwinian evolution is studded. The genetic assimilation means that individually acquired features are “re-invented” by evolution and recorded directly into the genotypes of organisms. It is shown that the genetic assimilation takes place as follows: the organism distribution moves towards the optimum at learning and further selection; then genotypes of selected organisms also move towards the optimum. The mechanism of influence of the learning load is analyzed. It is shown that the learning load leads to a significant acceleration of evolution. The hiding effect is also studied; this effect means that a strong learning inhibits the evolutionary search in some situations.
Examining the Specific Facets of Distress Tolerance That Are Relevant to Health Anxiety
Authors: Fergus Thomas A. , Bardeen Joseph R. , Orcutt Holly K.
Published: February 2015

Researchers have called for examinations of associations between distinct facets of distress tolerance and specific forms of psychopathology. We examined associations between five facets of distress tolerance (intolerance of uncertainty, ambiguity, frustration, negative emotion, and physical discomfort) and health anxiety using a large community sample of adults. Structural equation modeling was used to examine associations. Intolerance of uncertainty, negative emotion, and physical discomfort were the only facets of distress tolerance that shared unique associations with health anxiety after accounting for the overlap among the facets of distress tolerance. Intolerance of physical discomfort shared an especially strong unique association with health anxiety. These results highlight facets of distress tolerance that are particularly relevant to health anxiety. Conceptual and therapeutic implications are discussed.
Update on Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults in the United States: NHANES 2009 to 2012
Authors: Eke Paul I. , Dye Bruce A. , Wei Liang , Slade Gary D. , Thornton‐Evans Gina O. , Borgnakke Wenche S. , Taylor George W. , Page Roy C. , Beck James D. , Genco Robert J.
Published: February 2015

Background: This report describes prevalence, severity, and extent of periodontitis in the US adult population using combined data from the 2009 to 2010 and 2011 to 2012 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods: Estimates were derived for dentate adults, aged ≥30 years, from the US civilian non‐institutionalized population. Periodontitis was defined by combinations of clinical attachment loss (AL) and periodontal probing depth (PD) from six sites per tooth on all teeth, except third molars, using standard surveillance case definitions. For the first time in NHANES history, sufficient numbers of non‐Hispanic Asians were sampled in 2011 to 2012 to provide reliable estimates of their periodontitis prevalence.

Results: In 2009 to 2012, 46% of US adults, representing 64.7 million people, had periodontitis, with 8.9% having severe periodontitis. Overall, 3.8% of all periodontal sites (10.6% of all teeth) had PD ≥4 mm, and 19.3% of sites (37.4% teeth) had AL ≥3 mm. Periodontitis prevalence was positively associated with increasing age and was higher among males. Periodontitis prevalence was highest in Hispanics (63.5%) and non‐Hispanic blacks (59.1%), followed by non‐Hispanic Asian Americans (50.0%), and lowest in non‐Hispanic whites (40.8%). Prevalence varied two‐fold between the lowest and highest levels of socioeconomic status, whether defined by poverty or education.

Conclusions: This study confirms a high prevalence of periodontitis in US adults aged ≥30 years, with almost fifty‐percent affected. The prevalence was greater in non‐Hispanic Asians than non‐Hispanic whites, although lower than other minorities. The distribution provides valuable information for population‐based action to prevent or manage periodontitis in US adults.
Minimum Package of Public Health Services: The Adoption of Core Services in Local Public Health Agencies in Colorado
Authors: Lampe Sarah , Atherly Adam , VanRaemdonck Lisa , Matthews Kathleen , Marshall Julie
Published: February 2015

Objectives. We examined the effect of a state law in Colorado that required local public health agencies to deliver a minimum package of public health services.

Methods. We used a longitudinal, pre–post study design, with baseline data collected in 2011 and follow-up data collected in 2013. We conducted means testing to analyze the change in service delivery and activities. We conducted linear regression to test for system structure effects on the implementation of core services.

Results. We observed statistically significant increases in several service areas within communicable disease, prevention and population health promotion, and environmental health. In addition to service and program areas, specific activities had significant increases. The significant activity increases were all in population- and systems-based services.

Conclusions. This project provided insight into the likely effect of national adoption of a minimum package as recommended by the Institute of Medicine. The implementation of a minimum package showed significant changes in service delivery, with specific service delivery measurement over a short period of time. Our research sets up a research framework to further explore core service delivery measure development.
Laying the Groundwork for Evidence-Based Public Health: Why Some Local Health Departments Use More Evidence-Based Decision-Making Practices Than Others
Authors: Lovelace Kay A. , Aronson Robert E. , Rulison Kelly L. , Labban Jeffrey D. , Shah Gulzar H. , Smith Mark
Published: February 2015

We examined variation in the use of evidence-based decision-making (EBDM) practices across local health departments (LHDs) in the United States and the extent to which this variation was predicted by resources, personnel, and governance. We analyzed data from the National Association of County and City Health Officials Profile of Local Health Departments, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials State Health Departments Profile, and the US Census using 2-level multilevel regression models. We found more workforce predictors than resource predictors. Thus, although resources are related to LHDs’ use of EBDM practices, the way resources are used (e.g., the types and qualifications of personnel hired) may be more important.
Importance of Scientific Resources Among Local Public Health Practitioners
Authors: Fields Robert P. , Stamatakis Katherine A. , Duggan Kathleen , Brownson Ross C.
Published: February 2015

Objectives. We examined the perceived importance of scientific resources for decision-making among local health department (LHD) practitioners in the United States.

Methods. We used data from LHD practitioners (n = 849). Respondents ranked important decision-making resources, methods for learning about public health research, and academic journal use. We calculated descriptive statistics and used logistic regression to measure associations of individual and LHD characteristics with importance of scientific resources.

Results. Systematic reviews of scientific literature (24.7%) were most frequently ranked as important among scientific resources, followed by scientific reports (15.9%), general literature review articles (6.5%), and 1 or a few scientific studies (4.8%). Graduate-level education (adjusted odds ratios [AORs] = 1.7–3.5), larger LHD size (AORs = 2.0–3.5), and leadership support (AOR = 1.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.1, 2.3) were associated with a higher ranking of importance of scientific resources.

Conclusions. Graduate training, larger LHD size, and leadership that supports a culture of evidence-based decision-making may increase the likelihood of practitioners viewing scientific resources as important. Targeting communication channels that practitioners view as important can also guide research dissemination strategies.
Assessing Entrepreneurship in Governmental Public Health
Authors: Jacobson Peter D. , Wasserman Jeffrey , Wu Helen W. , Lauer Johanna R.
Published: February 2015

Objectives. We assessed the feasibility and desirability of public health entrepreneurship (PHE) in governmental public health.

Methods. Using a qualitative case study approach with semistructured interview protocols, we conducted interviews between April 2010 and January 2011 at 32 local health departments (LHDs) in 18 states. Respondents included chief health officers and senior LHD staff, representatives from national public health organizations, health authorities, and public health institutes.

Results. Respondents identified PHE through 3 overlapping practices: strategic planning, operational efficiency, and revenue generation. Clinical services offer the strongest revenue-generating potential, and traditional public health services offer only limited entrepreneurial opportunities. Barriers include civil service rules, a risk-averse culture, and concerns that PHE would compromise core public health values.

Conclusions. Ongoing PHE activity has the potential to reduce LHDs’ reliance on unstable general public revenues. Yet under the best of circumstances, it is difficult to generate revenue from public health services. Although governmental public health contains pockets of entrepreneurial activity, its culture does not sustain significant entrepreneurial activity. The question remains as to whether LHDs’ current public revenue sources are sustainable and, if not, whether PHE is a feasible or desirable alternative.
A Low-Cost Partner Notification Strategy for the Control of Sexually Transmitted Diseases: A Case Study From Louisiana
Authors: Rahman Mohammad M. , Khan Mahmud , Gruber DeAnn
Published: February 2015

Objectives. We estimated the costs and effectiveness of implementing a partner notification (PN) strategy for highly prevalent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) within the Louisiana STD/HIV Program.

Methods. We carried out a telephone-based PN approach on an experimental basis in 2 public STD clinics in Louisiana from June 2010 to May 2012. We monitored data on the resources used for identifying, tracing, treating, and managing the infected cases and their partners to estimate the intervention costs.

Results. Our results indicated that implementation of telephone-based PN should not increase the STD control program’s expenses by more than 4.5%. This low-cost PN approach could successfully identify and treat 1 additional infected case at a cost of only $171. We found that the cost per disability-adjusted life year averted (a health outcome measure), because of the adoption of selective screening with partner tracing, was $4499. This was significantly lower than the gross domestic product per capita of the United States, a threshold used for defining highly cost-effective health interventions.

Conclusions. Adoption of PN for gonorrhea and chlamydia should be considered a national strategy for prevention and control of these diseases.
Improving Access and Provision of Preventive Oral Health Care for Very Young, Poor, and Low-Income Children Through a New Interdisciplinary Partnership
Authors: Biordi Diana L. , Heitzer Marjet , Mundy Eric , DiMarco Marguerite , Thacker Sherrey , Taylor Evelyn , Huff Marlene , Marino Deborah , Fitzgerald Karen
Published: February 2015

Objectives. We provided oral health care services at 2 sites using a nurse practitioner–dietitian team to increase dental workforce capacity and improve access to care for low-income preschool children.

Methods. Our team provided oral health assessments and education, fluoride varnish application, and dentist referrals. The primary endpoint was participants’ access to oral health care. Secondary endpoints included increasing the practice scope of registered dietitians through training programs for oral health assessment and the application of fluoride varnishes for children. The oral health and hygiene and dietary habits of the participants were also determined.

Results. From 2010 to 2013, 4360 children received fluoride varnishes in 7195 total visits. Although the proportion of children with dental caries at the first visit was greater at the urban site, both sites were similar by visits 2 and 3. The number of caries declined with increased program visits, which coincided with an increase in the proportion of participants visiting a dentist.

Conclusions. Progress toward eliminating dental health disparities requires addressing barriers to dental care access. We showed that expanding access to oral health services through nurse practitioner–dietitian cooperation improved access to preventive fluoride varnishing use in low-income children.
Collaboration Among Missouri Nonprofit Hospitals and Local Health Departments: Content Analysis of Community Health Needs Assessments
Authors: Beatty Kate E. , Wilson Kristin D. , Ciecior Amanda , Stringer Lisa
Published: February 2015

Objectives. We identified the levels of joint action that led to collaboration between hospitals and local health departments (LHDs) using the hospital’s community health needs assessments (CHNAs).

Methods. In 2014, we conducted a content analysis of Missouri nonprofit hospitals (n = 34) CHNAs, and identified hospitals based on previously reported collaboration with LHDs. We coded the content according to the level of joint action. A comparison sample (n = 50) of Missouri nonprofit hospitals provided the basic comparative information on hospital characteristics.

Results. Among the hospitals identified by LHDs, 20.6% were “networking,” 20.6% were “coordinating,” 38.2% were “cooperating,” and 2.9% were “collaborating.” Almost 18% of study hospitals had no identifiable level of joint action with LHDs based on their CHNAs. In addition, comparison hospitals were more often part of a larger system (74%) compared with study hospitals (52.9%).

Conclusions. The results of our study helped develop a better understanding of levels of joint action from a hospital perspective. Our results might assist hospitals and LHDs in making more informed decisions about efficient deployment of resources for assessment processes and implementation plans.
How Connecticut Health Directors Deal With Public Health Budget Cuts at the Local Level
Authors: Prust Margaret L. , Clark Kathleen , Davis Brigette , Pallas Sarah W. , Kertanis Jennifer , O’Keefe Elaine , Araas Michael , Iyer Neel S. , Dandorf Stewart , Platis Stephanie , Humphries Debbie
Published: February 2015

Objectives. We investigated the perspectives of local health jurisdiction (LHJ) directors on coping mechanisms used to respond to budget reductions and constraints on their decision-making.

Methods. We conducted in-depth interviews with 17 LHJ directors. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the constant comparative method.

Results. LHJ directors use a range of coping mechanisms, including identifying alternative revenue sources, adjusting services, amending staffing arrangements, appealing to local political leaders, and forming strategic partnerships. LHJs also face constraints on their decision-making because of state and local statutory requirements, political priorities, pressures from other LHJs, and LHJ structure.

Conclusions. LHJs respond creatively to budget cuts to maintain important public health services. Some LHJ adjustments to administrative resources may obscure the long-term costs of public health budget cuts in such areas as staff morale and turnover. Not all coping strategies are available to each LHJ because of the contextual constraints of its locality, pointing to important policy questions on identifying optimum jurisdiction size and improving efficiency.
Three‐Dimensional Printing of Macropore Networks of an Undisturbed Soil Sample
Authors: Bacher Matthias , Schwen Andreas , Koestel John
Published: February 2015

Macropore systems predominantly determine rapid water flow and solute transport in undisturbed soils. Repeated experiments are needed to investigate the relationship between the nature of the macropore network and the resulting water and solute transport under different hydraulic initial and boundary conditions. However, the large heterogeneity in soil macropore network structures renders each soil sample unique and multiple identical samples impossible. In addition, the fragile nature of soil strongly limits the possible number of repeated experiments on one individual sample. Micromodels that mimic the precise shape and location of the macropores in undisturbed soil are therefore necessary to allow repeated experiments. In this study we investigated whether such micromodels can be obtained using contemporary three‐dimensional (3‐D) printing techniques and materials. We used X‐ray computed tomography to digitize the 3‐D macropore structure of an undisturbed soil sample. We printed a subsection of this macropore system in five different materials. Four out of the five investigated materials had essential parts of their macropore system clogged with residual printing or printing‐aid material. Only one reprint, namely the prime‐gray sample that was printed using stereo lithography, exhibited no pore clogging and had the largest hydraulic conductivity of all investigated reprints. Prime gray showed subcritical water repellency with a medium contact angle of approximately 65°, which is similar to contact angles found in natural soil. We conclude that the 3‐D printing of undisturbed soil macropore systems is in principle possible with contemporary 3‐D printing systems.
Modeling Effects of Canopy and Roots on Soil Moisture and Deep Drainage
Authors: Fan Junliang , Baumgartl Thomas , Scheuermann Alexander , Lockington David A.
Published: February 2015

Vadose zone soil moisture and groundwater recharge in forested ecosystems can be influenced by canopy architecture and root systems. Spatial distributions of surface rainfall and tree roots were observed at the canopy and intercanopy areas in a coastal sand dune forest of subtropical Australia. We further explored the effects of these vegetation‐associated spatial patterns on the spatiotemporal dynamics of soil moisture and deep drainage in this system using calibrated HYDRUS models. Simulated soil moisture and deep drainage were found higher at the intercanopy area than the canopy area due to the reinforced effects of rainfall interception and root water uptake. Spatial analysis of deep drainage at various locations across the canopy–intercanopy transect resulted in an average deep drainage of 1347 mm yr−1 (65% of annual gross rainfall), with 68% of total deep drainage occurring at the intercanopy area. The scenario analyses indicate that the spatial variability of rainfall at the soil surface is not important for the larger scale groundwater balance in our coastal sand dune forest. However, deep drainage was underestimated by 130 to 162 mm (9.7–12.0% drop compared with baseline scenario) as a consequence of uniform representation of heterogeneous root systems in one‐ or axisymmetric three‐dimensional HYDRUS models. Our HYDRUS simulations indicated that translating the hydrological effects of the two‐dimensional tree structure (rainfall redistribution and heterogeneous roots) to a one‐dimensional lumped vertical conceptualization in coastal sand dune forests needs to be undertaken with caution.
Influence of laser cutting on the fatigue limit of two high strength steels*
Authors: Mateo Antonio , Fargas Gemma , Calvo Jessica , Roa Joan Josep
Published: February 2015

Laser cutting is widely used in the metal industry, particularly when components of high strength steel sheets are produced. However, the roughness of cut edges produced by laser differs from that obtained by other methods, such as mechanical blanking, and this fact influences the fatigue performance. In the present investigation, specimens of two grades of high strength austenitic steels, i. e. AISI 301LN and TWIP17Mn, were cut by laser and tested in the high cycle fatigue regime to determine their corresponding fatigue limits. A series of fatigue specimens were tested without polishing and other series after a careful polishing of the cut edges, in order to assess the influence of the cut edges condition. Results indicate a significant influence of the edge roughness, more distinctive for AISI 301LN than for TWIP steel.
Fatigue life and cyclic material behavior of butt-welded high-strength steels in the LCF regime*
Authors: Möller Benjamin , Wagener Rainer , Kaufmann Heinz , Melz Tobias
Published: February 2015

Fatigue life approach methods based on general local concepts for welded joints assign universal material properties to geometrically well-defined weld toes or weld roots, in order to evaluate local stresses and strains, ignoring any metallurgical discrepancies. In this study, analysis of the main influences on these concepts, linear damage accumulation and cyclic material behavior, of the high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels S960QL, S960M and S1100QL was performed for the base material and for butt-welded specimens. Results of stress-controlled tests under constant amplitude loading (CAL) and variable amplitude loading (VAL) show that a linear damage accumulation with a damage sum of Dal = 0.5 is conservative. Effects of the geometrical and metallurgical notch on the cyclic material behavior are shown by strain controlled testing of both base material and welded specimens. Cycles to crack initiation, presented in strain-life curves, are consequently reduced in the as-welded state. Cyclic stress-strain curves show a cyclic softening of the base material as well as of the welded joints. Furthermore, the advantages of the ultra-high-strength steel S1100QL disappear in welded connections.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection of LM and LM- LAD artery in Peripartum or Postpartum Women with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Islam AHM Waliul , Munwar Shams , Bhuiyan Azfar H , Talukder Shahab Uddin , Reza AQM , Ahmed Tamzeed , Karim A , Siddique AB , Alam MS , Shohel Shaifur Rahman
Published: February 2015

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a very rare condition which may result in sudden coronary occlusion, acute myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. It usually occurs in young women during pregnancy or postpartum period and in most cases it involves a single coronary artery. The exact etiology is unknown. The prognosis of SCAD is uncertain and optimal treatment is unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment are key for survival, and when identified early, mortality rate is reduced. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v7i2.22265 Cardiovasc. j. 2015; 7(2): 153-158
Looking “out of place”: analysing the spatial and symbolic meanings of dementia care settings through dress
Authors: Buse Christina , Twigg Julia
Published: February 2015

The article explores how clothing exposes – and troubles – the ambiguous location of care homes on the boundaries of public/private, home/institutional space. It deploys a material analysis of the symbolic uses and meanings of dress, extending the remit of the new cultural gerontology to encompass the “fourth age,” and the lives of older people with dementia. The article draws on an ESRC-funded study “Dementia and Dress,” conducted in the United Kingdom (UK), which explored everyday experiences of clothing for people with dementia, carers and careworkers, using ethnographic and qualitative methods. Careworkers and managers were keen to emphasise the “homely” nature of care homes, yet this was sometimes at odds with the desire to maintain presentable and orderly bodies, and with institutional routines of bodywork. Residents’ use of clothing could disrupt boundaries of public/private space, materialising a sense of not being “at home,” and a desire to return there.
The Economics of Wind Power in China and Policy Implications
Authors: Liu Zifa , Zhang Wenhua , Zhao Changhong , Yuan Jiahai
Published: February 2015

In 2009, the implementation of feed-in tariff (FIT) and attractive public subsidies for onshore wind farms aroused great investment enthusiasm and spurred remarkable development of wind power in China. Meanwhile, rapid learning-by-doing has significantly cut down the cost of wind turbines and the capital cost of wind farms as well. Therefore, it is the right time to examine the appropriateness of the existing FIT policy for wind power in China. In this paper, we employ the analytical framework for levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) to model the generation cost of wind power. Results show that the existing FIT policy is attractive to investors, but serious curtailment and turbine quality issues could make wind power unprofitable. Meanwhile, rapid substantial decreases in the cost of wind power have made it competitive to coal power in 2013, implying that it is possible and necessary to reform the FIT policy for new wind farms. In the future, energy policies for onshore wind power in China could be concentrated on reducing the integration cost, so as to reduce the overall system cost.
Commercial Thinning to Meet Wood Production Objectives and Develop Structural Heterogeneity: A Case Study in the Spruce-Fir Forest, Quebec, Canada
Authors: Gauthier Martin-Michel , Barrette Martin , Tremblay Stéphane
Published: February 2015

We evaluated the effectiveness of commercial thinning mainly from below (CT; 0, 26%, 32% and 40% merchantable basal area removals) in meeting wood production demands and developing structural heterogeneity in a balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill) and spruce (Picea spp.) stand. After 10 years, 32%–40% removals showed a 12%–18% increase in mean diameter and 27%–38% increase in gross merchantable volume (GMV) per tree compared to the unthinned control. At the stand level, all thinning treatments generated as much cumulative GMV (harvested volume + GMV after 10 years) and gross sawlog volume per hectare as the unthinned control. As for stand structure, eight out of nine thinned experimental units showed increased structural heterogeneity after 10 years, i.e., irregular, positively-skewed diameter distribution with an elongated right tail toward larger trees. The diameter distribution in the unthinned control became more symmetric, unimodal and regular over time, with fewer saplings than at the beginning of the experiment and lower density of larger trees compared to CT. Regeneration density and stocking were abundant in all treatments, largely dominated by balsam fir. Results indicate that thinning can be used to meet wood production objectives and help develop structural heterogeneity in this forest.
Air Pollution and Daily Clinic Visits for Headache in a Subtropical City: Taipei, Taiwan
Authors: Chiu Hui-Fen , Weng Yi-Hao , Chiu Ya-Wen , Yang Chun-Yuh
Published: February 2015

This study was undertaken to determine whether there was an association between air pollutant levels and daily clinic visits for headache in Taipei, Taiwan. Daily clinic visits for headache and ambient air pollution data for Taipei were obtained for the period from 2006–2011. The odds ratio of clinic visits for headache was estimated using a case-crossover approach, controlling for weather variables, day of the week, seasonality, and long-term time trends. In the single pollutant models, on warm days (>23 °C) statistically significant positive associations were found for increased rate of headache occurrence and levels of particulate matter (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3). On cool days (<23 °C), all pollutants were significantly associated with increased headache visits except SO2. For the two-pollutant models, PM10, O3 and NO2 were significant for higher rate of headache visits in combination with each of the other four pollutants on cool days. On warm days, CO remained statistically significant in all two-pollutant models. This study provides evidence that higher levels of ambient air pollutants increase the risk of clinic visits for headache.
Modulation of the Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Treatment: A Biomaterials Approach
Authors: Adjei Isaac , Blanka Sharma
Published: February 2015

Tumors are complex tissues that consist of stromal cells, such as fibroblasts, immune cells and mesenchymal stem cells, as well as non-cellular components, in addition to neoplastic cells. Increasingly, there is evidence to suggest that these non-neoplastic cell components support cancer initiation, progression and metastasis and that their ablation or reprogramming can inhibit tumor growth. Our understanding of the activities of different parts of the tumor stroma in advancing cancer has been improved by the use of scaffold and matrix-based 3D systems originally developed for regenerative medicine. Additionally, drug delivery systems made from synthetic and natural biomaterials deliver drugs to kill stromal cells or reprogram the microenvironment for tumor inhibition. In this article, we review the impact of 3D tumor models in increasing our understanding of tumorigenesis. We also discuss how different drug delivery systems aid in the reprogramming of tumor stroma for cancer treatment.
Using GMDH Neural Networks to Model the Power and Torque of a Stirling Engine
Authors: Ahmadi Mohammad , Ahmadi Mohammad-Ali , Mehrpooya Mehdi , Rosen Marc
Published: February 2015

Different variables affect the performance of the Stirling engine and are considered in optimization and designing activities. Among these factors, torque and power have the greatest effect on the robustness of the Stirling engine, so they need to be determined with low uncertainty and high precision. In this article, the distribution of torque and power are determined using experimental data. Specifically, a novel polynomial approach is proposed to specify torque and power, on the basis of previous experimental work. This research addresses the question of whether GMDH (group method of data handling)-type neural networks can be utilized to predict the torque and power based on determined parameters.
The Role of RNA Interference (RNAi) in Arbovirus-Vector Interactions
Authors: Blair Carol , Olson Ken
Published: February 2015

RNA interference (RNAi) was shown over 18 years ago to be a mechanism by which arbovirus replication and transmission could be controlled in arthropod vectors. During the intervening period, research on RNAi has defined many of the components and mechanisms of this antiviral pathway in arthropods, yet a number of unexplored questions remain. RNAi refers to RNA-mediated regulation of gene expression. Originally, the term described silencing of endogenous genes by introduction of exogenous double-stranded (ds)RNA with the same sequence as the gene to be silenced. Further research has shown that RNAi comprises three gene regulation pathways that are mediated by small RNAs: the small interfering (si)RNA, micro (mi)RNA, and Piwi-interacting (pi)RNA pathways. The exogenous (exo-)siRNA pathway is now recognized as a major antiviral innate immune response of arthropods. More recent studies suggest that the piRNA and miRNA pathways might also have important roles in arbovirus-vector interactions. This review will focus on current knowledge of the role of the exo-siRNA pathway as an arthropod vector antiviral response and on emerging research into vector piRNA and miRNA pathway modulation of arbovirus-vector interactions. Although it is assumed that arboviruses must evade the vector’s antiviral RNAi response in order to maintain their natural transmission cycles, the strategies by which this is accomplished are not well defined. RNAi is also an important tool for arthropod gene knock-down in functional genomics studies and in development of arbovirus-resistant mosquito populations. Possible arbovirus strategies for evasion of RNAi and applications of RNAi in functional genomics analysis and arbovirus transmission control will also be reviewed.
L’incertitude et le rêve dans le recueil Lelio de Josef Čapek [Doubts and Dream in Josef Čapek’s Prose Collection Lelio]
Authors: Stolz-Hladká Zuzana
Published: February 2015

Doubts and Dream in Josef Čapek’s

Prose Collection Lelio

The goal of this article is to demonstrate that dream is not only a central theme in Josef Čapek’s prose, which is varied and developped by the author in Lelio, his prose collection from 1917, but is also a technique of modern art that the artist investigates. The main focus of the dream topic and the dream technique lies on the narratives Lelio (1914) and Rukopis, nalezený na ulici (1915). Searching for modern artistic approaches in painting and poetry Josef Čapek chooses techniques which enlight both, visionary and irreal aspects of the depicted objects. They radically differ from classical procedures in art. In Lelio, a text illustrating dream as an intoxicational state similar to death in Berlioz’ early version already, the alienated and unreliable perspective chosen by Čapek leads to uncertanity concerning all categories of the depicted individuals, objects and situations. The transgression of given borders of identity, materiality and mediality is creating an alternative duplex world. In Rukopis, nalezený na ulici Čapek developpes the theme of dream in a diffent way. He puts it as a shadow which depends on a source and compares it to the characters in a manuscript. Then he follows the literary tradition of Antiquity and its conception of „ eidola“, pictures composing a vision. In this tradition dream is understood as a picture which reflects its prefiguration. In Čapek’s text dream is a vision which enables to anticipate the future existence. The dream as a creative technique of modern art does not stand here for an illusion. It allows the understanding of the object’s true identity and leads to a truthful view of man and his world.
Le rêve comme ouverture et multiplicité d’existence : la recherche d’une « autre » réalité dans les textes de Věra Linhartová [Dream as an Opening and a Proof of the Multiplicity of Life : The Pursuit of ‘Another’ Reality in the Work of Věra Linhartová]
Authors: Košnarová Veronika
Published: February 2015

Sen jako otevření a mnohost existence : hledání „ druhé“ reality v texteh Věry Linhartové

Studie se zaměřuje na problematiku snu v tvorbě Věry Linhartové, jež sama věnovala tomuto tématu značnou pozornost ve svých odborných studiích o autorech jako jsou Richard Weiner, Jindřich Štyrský či

Jindřich Heisler. Na její vlastní beletristické psaní mělo vliv především pojetí snu Gérarda de Nervala, Richarda Weinera a autorů skupiny Le Grand Jeu. Podněty z těchto koncepcí Linhartová však po svém rozvinula : motiv snu v jejích textech ze šedesátých let slouží především k originálnímu „ osvícení“ vztahu mezi realitou a fikcí z pohledu geneze i recepce literárního díla. Její pozdější francouzsky psané básně v próze, soustředěné do souboru Mes oubliettes, pak lze charakterizovat jako písemné záznamy básnického (bdělého) snění a rozjímání.
Les avatars apocryphes du personnage de Judas dans la prose tchèque contemporaine [The Apocryphal Metamorphoses of Judas in Contemporary Czech Prose]
Authors: Hrtánek Petr
Published: February 2015

The Apocryphal Metamorphoses of Judas in Contemporary Czech Prose

The essay deals with the inter-textual metamorphoses of the characters of Judas in contemporary Czech apocryphal re-workings of evangel pre-texts. The novels Judas ´ Cross (Kříž Jidášův, 1988) by L. Tomek, The Lord of the Tower (Pán věže, 1992) by E. Kantůrková and The Lamb (Beránek, 2000) by L. Procházková and stories Judas (Jidáš, 2002) by J. Vácha and The Evangelist (Evangelista, 2004) by I. Dousková are the main subjects of presented analyses and comparisons. The essay examines the typical changes in characterization of Judas, therein after pays attention to modifications of roles that the character of Judas plays in the apocryphal versions of the gospel story. Simultaneously the essay does not omit various exchanges and disguising of identity of this character. While the character of Judas is the definite type in the New Testament, the produced apocryphal metamorphoses tend to the semantic inception of this character : the character of Judas is involved in unexpected analogies and parallels, becomes the part of allegorical depiction of reality or becomes the bearer of philosophizing sentences.
К вопросу о возникновении имен числительных как самостоятельной части речи в древнерусском языке (на материале Синайского патерика) [On the Genesis of Numerals as an Independent Part of Speech in Old Russian Language (On the Material of “Sinai Patericon”)]
Authors: Pozsgai István
Published: February 2015

À propos de l’émergence des numéraux comme partie du discours indépendante en vieux russe (À partir du Paterikon du Sinaï)

Ce travail a pour but d’examiner le système de l’accord des numéraux dans le Paterikon du Sinaï, manuscrit copié d’un manuscrit vieux-slave dans l’aire vieux-russe des XIe-XIIe siècles. L’auteur étudie principalement les phénomènes qui peuvent nous renseigner sur les conditions de l’émergence d’une nouvelle partie du discours indépendante, dans le cas présent, celle des numéraux. L’auteur présente les types d’accord des numéraux et s’intéresse aux phénomènes qui peuvent être reliés à l’unification des différents types d’accord. Il examine aussi les types de relations qui existent entre les différents éléments des numéraux composés.
Raman spectroscopy as a tool to investigate the structure and electronic properties of carbon-atom wires
Authors: Milani Alberto , Tommasini Matteo , Russo Valeria , Li Bassi Andrea , Lucotti Andrea , Cataldo Franco , Casari Carlo S
Published: February 2015

Graphene, nanotubes and other carbon nanostructures have shown potential as candidates for advanced technological applications due to the different coordination of carbon atoms and to the possibility of π-conjugation. In this context, atomic-scale wires comprised of sp-hybridized carbon atoms represent ideal 1D systems to potentially downscale devices to the atomic level. Carbon-atom wires (CAWs) can be arranged in two possible structures: a sequence of double bonds (cumulenes), resulting in a 1D metal, or an alternating sequence of single–triple bonds (polyynes), expected to show semiconducting properties. The electronic and optical properties of CAWs can be finely tuned by controlling the wire length (i.e., the number of carbon atoms) and the type of termination (e.g., atom, molecular group or nanostructure). Although linear, sp-hybridized carbon systems are still considered elusive and unstable materials, a number of nanostructures consisting of sp-carbon wires have been produced and characterized to date. In this short review, we present the main CAW synthesis techniques and stabilization strategies and we discuss the current status of the understanding of their structural, electronic and vibrational properties with particular attention to how these properties are related to one another. We focus on the use of vibrational spectroscopy to provide information on the structural and electronic properties of the system (e.g., determination of wire length). Moreover, by employing Raman spectroscopy and surface enhanced Raman scattering in combination with the support of first principles calculations, we show that a detailed understanding of the charge transfer between CAWs and metal nanoparticles may open the possibility to tune the electronic structure from alternating to equalized bonds.
Synthesis of the furo[2,3-b]chromene ring system of hyperaspindols A and B
Authors: Paterson Danielle L , Barker David
Published: February 2015

The synthesis of the unique furo[2,3-b]chromene ring system found in hyperaspidinols A and B, acylphloroglucinols from Hypericum chinense has been achieved in twelve steps. By comparison of the NMR spectra of the synthesized compounds with those of the natural products, a relative stereochemistry is suggested, especially that of the ketal carbon.
Littérature et science : faire histoire commune
Authors: Aït-Touati Frédérique
Published: February 2015

On s’interrogera ici sur le développement du champ de recherche consacré aux relations de la science et de la littérature. En partant d’une brève généalogie de ce domaine d’investigation, puis de ses difficultés méthodologiques propres, on propose d’en explorer les acquis et les limites. Parce qu’il interroge les frontières des études littéraires, ce domaine participe de leur renouvellement en élargissant le corpus des textes propices à l’analyse poétique.
Impact de la mobilité spatiale sur la durabilité de l'urbanisation au sud de la Méditerranée : cas de l'agglomération algéroise et sa région
Authors: Hocine Mohamed
Published: February 2015

Le présent article a pour objectif de vérifier la nature des facteurs à l’origine du développement territorial insoutenable, dans le cas général des grandes villes de la rive Sud de la Méditerranée caractérisées par des formes d’urbanisation rapide. Nous prenons comme exemple d’étude la Commune Urbaine Les Eucalyptus située au sud de l’agglomération algéroise. Une pré-évaluation par indicateurs est élaborée à partir de l’équation I=PAT où la croissance de la population (P), la croissance du niveau d’aisance ou de pauvreté (A) et le niveau des connaissances technologiques (T) constituent les facteurs moteurs de nombreux impacts (I) souvent préjudiciables à l’environnement. L’évaluation de ces impacts permet à long terme à la communauté et aux différents acteurs d’agir pour l’amélioration de la planification et de la gestion dans le sens du développement durable de la grande ville et sa région, à hauteur des capacités porteuses du territoire.