bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Correspondence between Aristotle and Alexander the Great
Authors: Maróth Miklós
Published: June 2006

In the article the manuscript of the first Arabic prose work is being
investigated. The author comes to the conclusion that it was written originally
in Greek by somebody who was attached to one of the rhetoric schools in Syria.
The Greek work contains the alleged correspondence between Aristotle and
Alexander the Great. The Greek version of the novel in letters must be dated
back to the sixth century A.D., thus the work is one of the last documents of
the classical Greek literature. Through this novel one can get a better insight
into the activity of the schools of rhetoric in the late Antiquity and the
question of Pseudo-Aristotle's treatises.
From Cowherdsto Taxi Drivers - Some Remarks on a Hindi Suffix
Authors: Négyesi Mária
Published: June 2006

The paper examines the development of the Hindi adjectival suffix vala,
how the Sanskrit pala (m) 'guard, protector' was used figuratively,
and after centuries how the phonologically changed form carries the extended
meaning 'occupied with something'.
A Forgotten Sanskrit Text on Post-Arthaśāstra Economic Policy
Authors: Wojtilla Gyula
Published: June 2006

Economic thought and the principles of economic policy appear in a
full-fledged form in the Arthasastra of Kautilya, a text which has gained
its present form between the fourth century B.C. and second century A.D.
Although a great deal of ideas in this text concerning government and politics
reappear in the early medieval times economicpolicy
fell into totaloblivion. Kasyapiyakrsisukti, a Sanskrit
text tentatively dated from the early medieval period has come down to us in a
single manuscript and belonged to the group of forgotten Sanskrit works up to
the recent times. Verses 683-777 form a lucid treatise on economic policy which
had its roots in the Arthasastra and at the same time contain new ideas
originating from the contemporary conditions.The
type of economydepicted here reminds us of the situation in early
medieval Europe.
Tres bybliothecas habeo, unam Graecam, alteram Latinam
Authors: Adamik Béla
Published: June 2006

The aim of this study is to examine a sentence from Petron's Satyricon
usually considered tobe problematic and
corrupted (48, 4): tres bybliothecas habeo, unam Graecam, alteram Latinam.
However, we demonstrate that the old conjecture proposed for healing
that sentence, i.e. duas for tres, is untenable and in fact
grammatically impossible and so the reading of the Codex Traguriensis is
correct. Afterwards we explain the meaning of this sentence in accordance with
those interpreters who explain Trimalchio's silence on his own third library
with a kind of inferiority complex in the given situation activated by the
sociolinguistic pressure motivated by the hegemonic Graeco-Latin bilingualism
in the Roman World.
The Translational Signified. Slips of the Tongues in Freud's Works
Authors: Arich-Gerz Bruno
Published: June 2006

This article deals with the significance of translation in two selected
texts by Sigmund Freud: Dream and Delusion in Wilhelm Jensen's 'Gradiva'
(1907) and Leonardo da Vinci and a Memory of His Childhood (1910). The
discussion of the functional role which translations from one language into
another play in Freud's case studies will lead to the working hypothesis of a
“translational signified”. Derived from what deconstructive criticism calls the
'transcendental signified', this concept seems to be central for Freud's use of
“foreign language” evidence. More specifically, and against the grain of the
assumptions held by poststructuralist critics for whom Freud was an influential
predecessor, it can be demonstrated how the argumentation of Freud's analyses
crucially requires a warrant of significational equivalence between the Italian
original and the German translation. The example of Freud's interpretive use of
the Italian word sole (as 'Sonne', or 'sun') as well as the counter
example of Freud's mistranslation of the word nibbio in the study on da
Vinci will help to substantiate the argument.
Let's Talk Translation Economically. A Demonstration of Re-articulating Translation through Economics Terms
Authors: Zhong Yong
Published: June 2006

As a sequel to my paper The Second Best Thing
(2005) on use of game theory in simultaneous interpreting, this paper reviews
application of economics concepts and terms, which can enable and facilitate
game theory in discussions and instructions of translation. I will begin with a
list of the concepts and terms with their general definitions provided,
including opportunity cost, cost, cost management, risk, attitude to risk and
game theory. Next, I will reconstruct a real-life simultaneous interpreting
assignment, which is meant to serve as an experimental context for the
application of the said concepts and terms. I will then proceed to demonstrate
how the concepts and terms mentioned can be applied to the discussion and
operation of the assignment. There will be a passing listing of other concepts
and terms, including research, profiling, envisaging, investment, return,
options, probability, credit and accountability, which I reckon are also
important for articulating and teaching translation. The paper will also state
the purposes of importing these economics concepts and terms, which were to
establish an alternative, rationalized discourse of translation not constrained
by conventional terms such as equivalence, accuracy and adequacy.
On the Future of the Financial Redistribution across Member States in the EU
Authors: Richter Sándor
Published: June 2006

The
order and modalities of cross-member state redistribution as well as the net
financial position of the member states are one of the most widely discussed
aspects of European integration. The paper addresses selected issues in the
current debate on the EU budget for the period 2007 to 2013 and introduces four
scenarios. The first is identical to the European Commission's proposal; the
second is based on reducing the budget to 1% of the EU's GNI, as proposed by
the six net-payer countries, while maintaining the expenditure structure of the
Commission's proposal. The next two scenarios represent radical reforms: one of
them also features a '1% EU GNI'; however, the expenditures for providing
'EU-wide value-added' are left unchanged and it is envisaged that the requisite
cuts will be made in the expenditures earmarked for cohesion. The other reform
scenario is different from the former one in that the cohesion-related
expenditures are left unchanged and the expenditures for providing 'EU-wide
value-added' are reduced. After the comparison of the various scenarios, the
allocation of transfers to the new member states in terms of the conditions
prevailing in the different scenarios is analysed.
Conference Reports
Authors: Kim Aehyung , Pleskovic Boris , Személy Béla
Published: June 2006

(1)
Report about the joint CEU and World Bank conference held at the Central
European University (CEU), Budapest, Hungary, on June 14-15, 2005 (Reviewed by
Aehyung Kim and Boris Pleskovic), (2) 2005 Annual Meeting of the Society for
Economic Dynamics held between 23-25 June, in Budapest, Hungary (Reviewed by
Béla Személy)
Unoriented Cayley maps
Authors: Kwak Jin Ho , Kwon Young Soo
Published: June 2006

A Cayley map is an embedding of a Cayley graph into an
orientable surface and it has been studied intensively for last decades [1, 8,
10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, etc]. In this paper we consider an embedding of
a Cayley graph into an orientable or nonorientable surface. We call it a
generalized Cayley map. We describe the automorphism group of a generalized
Cayley map and determine when a generalized Cayley map can be regular. The
Petrie dual of a generalized Cayley map is also studied. Finally, the first
infinite family of graphs which can be underlying graphs of nonorientable
regular maps is presented.
Combinatorial examination of mosaics with asymptotic pyramids and their reciprocals in 3-dimensional hyperbolic space
Authors: Németh László
Published: June 2006

In the 3-dimensional hyperbolic spaceH3there are four regular mosaics with asymptotic regular pyramids and each is related to a reciprocal regular mosaic of ideal vertices. This paper deals with the connections of the numbers of the elements of the belts surrounding a base point and the limits of their ratios.
Heavy-Oil Solution Gas Drive in Consolidated and Unconsolidated Rock
Authors: Tang G.-Q. , Sahni A. , Gadelle F. , Kumar M. , Kovscek A. R.
Published: June 2006

Solution gas drive is effective to recover heavy oil from some reservoirs. Characterization of the relevant recovery mechanisms, however, remains an open question. In this work, we present an experimental study of the solution gas drive behavior of a 9°API crude oil with an initial solution gas/oil ratio (GOR) of 105 scf/STB and live-oil viscosity of 258 cp at 178°F.&Constant rate depletions are conducted in a composite core (consolidated) and a sandpack (unconsolidated). The sandpack does not employ a confining pressure, whereas the consolidated core does. The evolution of in-situ gas saturation vs. pressure is monitored in the sandpack using X-ray computed tomography. The two different porous media allow us to develop a mechanistic perspective whereby the effects of depletion rate and overburden pressure on heavy-oil solution gas drive are investigated. The results are striking. They show that the overburden pressure offsets partially the pore-pressure decline. This compaction, in turn, modifies the size and shape of mobile gas bubbles, and as a result the oil and gas relative permeabilies are greater within the confined, consolidated core. Additionally, the supersaturation in the sandpack is markedly larger, but recovery is greatest from the composite core at identical rates as a result of compaction.
High-Accuracy Wet-Gas Multiphase Well Testing and Production Metering
Authors: Atkinson D. I. , Reksten Ø. , Smith G. , Moe H.
Published: June 2006

Dedicated wet-gas flowmeters are now commercially available for the measurement of gas and liquid flow rates and offer a more compact measurement solution than does the traditional separator approach. The interpretation models of traditional multiphase flowmeters emphasize the liquid rate measurements and have been used to well test and meter mostly liquid-rich flow streams. These models were not developed for the measurement of gas flow rates, particularly those of wet gas.

A new interpretation is described that allows a traditional multiphase flowmeter to operate in a dual mode either as a multiphase meter or as a wet-gas meter in 90 to 100% gas. The new interpretation model was developed for a commercially available multiphase flowmeter consisting of a venturi and a dual-energy composition meter. This combination results in excellent predictions of the gas flow rate; the liquid rate prediction is made with acceptable accuracy and no additional measurements.

The wet gas and low-liquid-volume-fraction interpretation model is described together with the multiphase flowmeter. Examples of applying this model to data collected on flow loops are presented, with comparison to reference flow rates. The data from the Sintef and NEL flow loops show an error (including the reference meter error) in the gas flow rate, better than ±2% reading (95% confidence interval), at line conditions; the absolute error (including the reference meter error) in the measured total liquid flow rate at line conditions was better than ±2 m3/h (<±300 B/D: 95% confidence interval).

This new interpretation model offers a significant advance in the metering of wet-gas multiphase flows and yields the possibility of high accuracies to meet the needs of gas-well testing and production allocation applications without the use of separators.
Pareto-Optimal Profit-Sharing
Authors: Vandebroek Martina
Published: June 2006

The Pareto-optimal design for profit-sharing is derived under general assumptions as to the utility function of both the insured and the insurer. This generalizes the result of Jones and Gerber and explains commonly used dividend formulas in terms of risk aversion.
A General Bound for the Net Premium of the Largest Claims Reinsurance Covers
Authors: Kremer Erhard
Published: June 2006

For a general class of reinsurance treaties the author gives an upper bound for the net premium. This result can be seen as the counterpart to a premium bound for the classical stop-loss reinsurance cover (see Bowers, 1969). For some special cases some preliminary work can be found in Kremer (1983).
The Probability of Eventual Ruin in the Compound Binomial Model
Authors: Shiu Elias S.W.
Published: June 2006

This paper derives several formulas for the probability of eventual ruin in a discrete-time model. In this model, the number of claims process is assumed to be binomial. The claim amounts, premium rate and initial surplus are assumed to be integer-valued.
Pricing Death: Frameworks for the Valuation and Securitization of Mortality Risk
Authors: Cairns Andrew J.G. , Blake David , Dowd Kevin
Published: June 2006

It is now widely accepted that stochastic mortality – the risk that aggregate mortality might differ from that anticipated – is an important risk factor in both life insurance and pensions. As such it affects how fair values, premium rates, and risk reserves are calculated.

This paper makes use of the similarities between the force of mortality and interest rates to examine how we might model mortality risks and price mortality-related instruments using adaptations of the arbitrage-free pricing frameworks that have been developed for interest-rate derivatives. In so doing, the paper pulls together a range of arbitrage-free (or risk-neutral) frameworks for pricing and hedging mortality risk that allow for both interest and mortality factors to be stochastic. The different frameworks that we describe – short-rate models, forward-mortality models, positive-mortality models and mortality market models – are all based on positive-interest-rate modelling frameworks since the force of mortality can be treated in a similar way to the short-term risk-free rate of interest. While much of this paper is a review of the possible frameworks, the key new development is the introduction of mortality market models equivalent to the LIBOR and swap market models in the interest-rate literature.

These frameworks can be applied to a great variety of mortality-related instruments, from vanilla longevity bonds to exotic mortality derivatives.
Exact Credibility and Tweedie Models
Authors: Ohlsson Esbjörn , Johansson Björn
Published: June 2006

Kaas, Dannenburg & Goovaerts (1997) generalized Jewell’s theorem on exact credibility, from the classical Bühlmann model to the (weighted) Bühlmann-Straub model. We extend this result further to the “Bühlmann-Straub model with a priori differences” (Bühlmann & Gisler, 2005). It turns out that exact credibility holds for a class of Tweedie models, including the Poisson, gamma and compound Poisson distribution – the most important distributions for insurance applications of generalized linear models (GLMs). Our results can also be viewed as an alternative to the HGLM approach for combining credibility and GLMs, see Nelder and Verrall (1997).
Optimal Pricing of a Heterogeneous Portfolio for a Given Risk Level
Authors: Zaks Yaniv , Frostig Esther , Levikson Benny
Published: June 2006

Consider a portfolio containing heterogeneous risks, where the policyholders’ premiums to the insurance company might not cover the claim payments. This risk has to be taken into consideration in the premium pricing. On the other hand, the premium that the insureds pay has to be fair. This fairness is measured by the distance between the risk and the premium paid. We apply a non-linear programming formulation to find the optimal premium for each class so that the risk is below a given level and the weighted distance between the risk and the premium is minimized. We consider also the dual problem: minimizing the risk level for a given weighted distance between risks and premium.
Dynamic Portfolio Allocation, the Dual Theory of Choice and Probability Distortion Functions
Authors: Hamada Mahmoud , Sherris Michael , Hoek John van der
Published: June 2006

Standard optimal portfolio choice models assume that investors maximise the expected utility of their future outcomes. However, behaviour which is inconsistent with the expected utility theory has often been observed.

In a discrete time setting, we provide a formal treatment of risk measures based on distortion functions that are consistent with Yaari’s dual (non-expected utility) theory of choice (1987), and set out a general layout for portfolio optimisation in this non-expected utility framework using the risk neutral computational approach.

As an application, we consider two particular risk measures. The first one is based on the PH-transform and treats the upside and downside of the risk differently. The second one, introduced by Wang (2000) uses a probability distortion operator based on the cumulative normal distribution function. Both risk measures rank-order prospects and apply a distortion function to the entire vector of probabilities.
Risk Exchange with Distorted Probabilities
Authors: Tsanakas Andreas , Christofides Nicos
Published: June 2006

An exchange economy is considered, where agents (insurers/banks) trade risks. Decision making takes place under distorted probabilities, which are used to represent either rank-dependence of preferences or ambiguity with respect to real-world probabilities. Pricing formulas and risk allocations, generalising the results of Bühlmann (1980, 1984) are obtained via the construction of aggregate preferences from heterogeneous agents’ utility and distortion functions. This involves the introduction of a novel ‘collective ambiguity aversion’ coefficient. It is shown that probability distortion changes insurers’ behaviour, who trade not only to share the aggregate market risk, but are also found to bet against each other. Moreover, probability distortion tends to increase the price of insurance (increase asset returns). While the cases of rank-dependence and ambiguity are formally similar, an important distinction emerges as for rank-dependent preferences equilibria are determinate, while for ambiguity they are generally indeterminate.
Quadratic Optimization of Life and Pension Insurance Payments
Authors: Steffensen Mogens
Published: June 2006

Quadratic optimization is the classical approach to optimal control of pension funds. Usually the payment stream is approximated by a diffusion process. Here we obtain semiexplicit solutions for quadratic optimization in the case where the payment process is driven by a finite state Markov chain model commonly used in life insurance mathematics. The optimal payments are affine in the surplus with state dependent coefficients. Also constraints on payments and surplus are studied.
Fixed versus Random Effects in Poisson Regression Models for Claim Counts: A Case Study with Motor Insurance
Authors: Boucher Jean-Philippe , Denuit Michel
Published: June 2006

This paper examines the validity of some stylized statements that can be found in the actuarial literature about random effects models. Specifically, the actual meaning of the estimated parameters and the nature of the residual heterogeneity are discussed. A numerical illustration performed on a Belgian motor third party liability portfolio supports this discussion.
Brain function and adult learning: Implications for practice
Authors: Taylor Kathleen
Published: June 2006

Recent discoveries about brain function explain how best practices in adult learning may lead to adult learners' developmental growth.
Biomolekulare Modellierung: Ziele, Probleme, Perspektiven
Authors: van Gunsteren Wilfred F. , Bakowies Dirk , Baron Riccardo , Chandrasekhar Indira , Christen Markus , Daura Xavier , Gee Peter , Geerke Daan P. , Glättli Alice , Hünenberger Philippe H. , Kastenholz Mika A. , Oostenbrink Chris , Schenk Merijn , Trzesniak Daniel , van der Vegt Nico F. A. , Yu Haibo B.
Published: June 2006

Computerverfahren auf der Grundlage von Molekülmodellen gewinnen in Biologie, biologischer Chemie und Biophysik zunehmend an Bedeutung. Da nur wenige Eigenschaften biomolekularer Systeme durch Messungen zugänglich sind, können Computersimulationen experimentelle Daten ergänzen, indem sie nicht nur Durchschnittswerte, sondern auch Verteilungen und Zeitreihen jeder bestimmbaren Größe liefern, z. B. Konformationsverteilungen oder Wechselwirkungen zwischen Teilen eines Systems. Die Anwendung moderner biomolekularer Modellierungsverfahren wird zurzeit durch vier grundlegende Probleme eingeschränkt: 1) das Kraftfeldproblem, 2) das Suchproblem, 3) das Ensembleproblem und 4) das Experimentalproblem. Diese vier Probleme werden anhand praktischer Beispiele erläutert, außerdem werden Lösungsperspektiven aufgezeigt.
Vergleichende Untersuchungen alte Norm (DIN 4084) neue Norm (DIN 1054) bei der Berechnung der Standsicherheit von Böschungen
Authors: Trinkl Ute , Hartmann Rolf
Published: June 2006

Diskussionsbeitrag zu: El‐Mossallamy, Y., Löschner, J. : Beitrag zur Standsicherheit von Böschungen nach DIN 1054 – Januar 2005. Bautechnik 83 (2006), S. 288–289.
Sachverstand und Verantwortung gefragt
Authors: Schulz Hartmut , Richter Thomas , Sadgorski Welin
Published: June 2006

Diskussionsbeitrag zu: El‐Mossallamy, Y., Löschner, J.: Beitrag zur Standsicherheit von Böschungen nach DIN 1054 – Januar 2005. Bautechnik 83 (2006), S. 288–289.
Iatrogenic atrial septal defect, erosion of the septum primum after device closure of a patent foramen ovale as a new medical entity
Authors: Meier Bernhard
Published: June 2006

Iatrogenic atrial septal defects are described in 2 patients. They occurred after implantation of Amplatzer occluders to close a patent foramen ovale. While device erosions to the extra‐atrial space have been described, erosion induced atrial septal defects are a new medical entity. They may be fairly common in the situation of an atrial septal aneurysm whipping the rim of the device incessantly. They are clinically silent and benign and require echocardiography for detection. A second device solved the problem in the cases described. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Resuscitation and recovery from acute right ventricular failure using a percutaneous right ventricular assist device
Authors: Atiemo Andrew D. , Conte John V. , Heldman Alan W.
Published: June 2006

A number of techniques have been proposed for circulatory support in patients with severe right heart failure. We report on a patient with right ventricular (RV) infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock, who was resuscitated by the novel use of a percutaneous right ventricular assist device. The moribund patient had striking hemodynamic and clinical improvement after placement of a right atrial to pulmonary artery assist circuit. RV decompression for 3 days was accompanied by recovery of contractile function, and the patient was successfully weaned from the device. Future trials are needed to assess the effectiveness of the percutaneous ventricular assist device in patients with RV failure. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conformations of α‐Aminobutyric Acid in the Gas Phase
Authors: Cocinero Emilio J. , Lesarri Alberto , Sanz M. Eugenia , López Juan C. , Alonso José L.
Published: June 2006

A laser‐ablation molecular‐beam Fourier transform microwave (LA‐MB‐FTMW) spectrometer has been successfully applied to the structural study of α‐aminobutyric acid. Three neutral conformers have been identified in the gas phase by comparing their experimental rotational and 14N nuclear quadrupole coupling parameters with those predicted by ab initio calculations at the MP2/6‐311++G(d,p) level. The most stable conformer is stabilized by a bifurcated amine‐to‐carbonyl hydrogen bond (NH⋅⋅⋅OC) and a cis‐COOH group, and the side‐chain adopts a configuration with a torsion angle τ(Cγ‐Cβ‐Cα‐C′) of about 180°. The second most stable conformer exhibits the same configuration for the amino acid skeleton but adopts a different orientation for the side chain with τ(Cγ‐Cβ‐Cα‐C′)≈−60°. In the third conformer an intramolecular hydrogen bond is established between the hydroxyl group and the nitrogen atom (N⋅⋅⋅HO), with a side‐chain orientation similar to that of the most stable conformer.
Signaling events involved in cytokine and chemokine production induced by secretory phospholipase A2 in human lung macrophages
Authors: Granata Francescopaolo , Frattini Annunziata , Loffredo Stefania , Del Prete Annalisa , Sozzani Silvano , Marone Gianni , Triggiani Massimo
Published: June 2006

Secretory phospholipases A2 (sPLA2) are enzymes released during inflammatory reactions. These molecules activate immune cells by mechanisms either related or unrelated to their enzymatic activity. We examined the signaling events activated by group IA (GIA) and group IB (GIB) sPLA2 in human lung macrophages leading to cytokine/chemokine production. sPLA2 induced the production of cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐10) and chemokines (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4 and CXCL8), whereas no effect was observed on IL‐12, CCL1, CCL5 and CCL22. sPLA2 induced the phosphorylation of the MAPK p38 and ERK1/2, and inhibition of these kinases by SB203580 and PD98059, respectively, reduced TNF‐α and CXCL8 release. Suppression of sPLA2 enzymatic activity by a site‐directed inhibitor influenced neither cytokine/chemokine production nor activation of MAPK, whereas alteration of sPLA2 secondary structure suppressed both responses. GIA activated the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3 K)/Akt system and a specific inhibitor of PI3 K (LY294002) reduced sPLA2‐induced release of TNF‐α and CXCL8. GIA promoted phosphorylation and degradation of IκB and inhibition of NF‐κB by MG‐132 and 6‐amino‐4‐phenoxyphenylethylamino‐quinazoline suppressed the production of TNF‐α and CXCL8. These results indicate that sPLA2 induce the production of cytokines and chemokines in human macrophages by a non‐enzymatic mechanism involving the PI3 K/Akt system, the MAPK p38 and ERK1/2 and NF‐κB.
Continuous methanogenesis of black liquor of pulp and paper mills in an anaerobic baffled reactor using an immobilized cell system
Authors: Kennedy John F , Panesar Parmjit S , Grover Rajesh , Marwaha Satwinder S
Published: June 2006

An anaerobic baffled reactor together with an immobilized cell system has been proposed for methanogenesis of the black liquor from pulp and paper mills in a continuous system. A maximum chemical oxygen demand reduction of 50%, and biogas generation of 10 L d−1, having methane content of 66% (v/v) at an organic loading rate (OLR) of 7 kg m−3 d−1 with hydraulic retention time of 2 days, were recorded. OLR values higher than 7 kg m−3 d−1 were toxic to methanogenesis and destabilized the reactor system. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Perioperative Management of Medications Used in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Scanzello Carla R. , Figgie Mark P. , Nestor Bryan J. , Goodman Susan M.
Published: June 2006

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory arthritis that can destroy joint structures, are often on multiple medications to control disease activity. These medications may have significant toxicities and side effects. Over the course of their lifetime, patients with this disease often require orthopedic procedures, including total joint arthroplasty, and the medications they are taking present management issues specific to the perioperative period. As many of these medications are immunosuppressive, the concern for postoperative infection and delayed wound healing are particularly worrisome. We conducted a review of the available literature pertaining to the perioperative use of the most commonly prescribed medications for RA. Although the existing data directly addressing perioperative complications in orthopedic surgery is sparse, information on relevant complications resulting from the general use of these drugs may be used as a basis for conservative recommendations.
Moral judgment: empire, nation and history
Authors: BAYLY CHRISTOPHER A.
Published: June 2006

The whole field of historical writing concerned with imperialism and the expansion of Europe has always been suffused with moral judgement. Many earlier historians of empire extolled European intervention in other societies as a force for moral, political or intellectual improvement. Yet, from the beginning, radicals castigated empires as immoral, bringers of racism, genocide and underdevelopment. Asian and African intellectuals, in turn, constructed historical narratives that made the liberated nation the bearer of moral progress in history. This paper argues that historians cannot, and should not refrain from moral judgement on particular issues, such as the excesses of slave trade or the official neglect that allowed the famine in British Bengal in 1943 to kill three million people. They should, however, avoid creating grand historical narratives that describe long-term changes, such as the growth of European empires, as moral or immoral, as progressive or wholly pernicious. This approach merely reduces complex developments to simple formulae and can sometimes be misused by contemporary politicians and ideologues.
Phosphorylation of Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) on Ser732 Is Induced by Rho-dependent Kinase and Is Essential for Proline-rich Tyrosine Kinase-2–mediated Phosphorylation of FAK on Tyr407 in Response to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Authors: Le Boeuf Fabrice , Houle François , Sussman Mark , Huot Jacques
Published: June 2006

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is phosphorylated on tyrosine and serine residues after cell activation. In the present work, we investigated the relationship between tyrosine and serine phosphorylation of FAK in promoting endothelial cell migration in response to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We found that VEGF induces the activation of the Rho-dependent kinase (ROCK) downstream from vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) 2. In turn, activated ROCK directly phosphorylates FAK on Ser732. Proline-rich tyrosine kinase-2 (Pyk2) is also activated in response to VEGF. Its activation requires the clustering of integrin αvβ3and triggers directly the phosphorylation of Tyr407 within FAK, an event necessary for cell migration. Interestingly, ROCK-mediated phosphorylation of Ser732 is essential for Pyk2-dependent phosphorylation of Tyr407, because the latter is abrogated in cells expressing a FAK mutant that is nonphosphorylatable on Ser732. We suggest that VEGF elicits the activation of the VEGFR2–ROCK pathway, leading to phosphorylation of Ser732 within FAK. In turn, phosphorylation of Ser732 would change the conformation of FAK, making it accessible to Pyk2 activated in response to its association with integrin β3. Then, activated Pyk2 triggers the phosphorylation of FAK on Tyr407, promoting cell migration.
Schizosaccharomyces pombe homolog of Survivin, Bir1p, exhibits a novel dynamic behavior at the spindle mid‐zone
Authors: Rajagopalan Srividya , Mishra Mithilesh , Balasubramanian Mohan K.
Published: June 2006

Members of the BIR‐domain containing Survivin family of proteins have been identified in a variety of eukaryotes and are known to play important roles in the regulation of mitosis. The Schizosaccharomyces pombe homolog of Survivin, Bir1p, is essential for chromosome condensation and spindle elongation and integrity. Bir1p, a nuclear protein, resides at the kinetochores in metaphase and anaphase A and spreads to the spindle mid‐zone in anaphase B. Here we show that this relocation requires Cdk (Cyclin dependent kinase) inactivation and intact microtubules. With the aid of a kinesin mutant, klp5Δ, we also show that completion of anaphase A is vital for effecting Bir1p re‐location to the spindle mid‐zone. Although minimal exchange of Bir1p sub‐units occurs between the spindle and the nucleoplasm, the protein redistributes laterally within the mid‐zone region. Bir1p dynamics therefore significantly differs from that of tubulin on an anaphase B spindle, which is loaded at the plus ends of growing microtubules and shows no lateral redistribution within the spindle. Thus, Bir1p, and possibly its associated proteins, might organize a dynamic mid‐zone region that helps spindle elongation and maintenance.
Family and paid caregivers of hospitalized patients in Korea
Authors: Cho Sung‐Hyun , Kim Hye‐Ryun
Published: June 2006

Aim.  To examine patient need for family and paid caregivers during hospitalization and determine factors related to caregiver use and the economic burden for paid caregivers.

Background.  Provision of nursing care is influenced by the characteristics of the society and its health care system. An influencing factor in Korea is the involvement of family caregivers in inpatient care. Korean society has preserved the strong tradition of family bonds and filial responsibility for caregiving. However, the ability of Korean families to assist hospitalized family members has decreased as the society becomes more industrialized.

Design.  A cross‐sectional study design was used, employing data from the Seoul Citizens’ Health Survey, a community‐based interview survey with 3203 inpatients in Seoul, conducted in 2001.

Methods.  Distributions of caregivers and related factors were explored by employing univariate comparisons and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results.  During hospitalization, 87% of patients needed caregivers. A greater need for caregivers was found in children, women giving birth and patients with disability, longer length of stay and discharge from general hospitals. Family members were the primary caregivers while 3% of inpatients used private paid caregivers. Having paid caregivers was associated with being female, older, high household income, disability, longer stay and discharge from general hospitals. The average daily expense for paid caregiver was 38·5 US dollars (USD) and 73% of patients perceived it as burdensome.

Conclusions.  The demonstrated need for caregivers may suggest that patients rely on family and paid caregivers in receiving assistance and care during hospitalization. Therefore, implementation of policies to relieve the burden of caregivers is necessary at both institutional and national levels.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nursing services need to be redesigned in response to changing needs and expectations of patients and their family members.
Last menstrual period provides the best estimate of gestation length for women in rural Guatemala
Authors: Neufeld Lynnette M. , Haas Jere D. , Grajéda Ruben , Martorell Reynaldo
Published: June 2006

The accurate estimation of gestational age in field studies in rural areas of developing countries continues to present difficulties for researchers. Our objective was to determine the best method for gestational age estimation in rural Guatemala. Women of childbearing age from four communities in rural Guatemala were invited to participate in a longitudinal study. Gestational age at birth was determined by an early second trimester measure of biparietal diameter, last menstrual period (LMP), the Capurro neonatal examination and symphysis‐fundus height (SFH) for 171 women–infant pairs. Regression modelling was used to determine which method provided the best estimate of gestational age using ultrasound as the reference. Gestational age estimated by LMP was within ±14 days of the ultrasound estimate for 94% of the sample. LMP‐estimated gestational age explained 46% of the variance in gestational age estimated by ultrasound whereas the neonatal examination explained only 20%. The results of this study suggest that, when trained field personnel assist women to recall their date of LMP, this date provides the best estimate of gestational age. SFH measured during the second trimester may provide a reasonable alternative when LMP is unavailable.
Epithelial stromal tumor of the seminal vesicle
Authors: HOSHI AKIO , NAKAMURA EIJIRO , HIGASHI SHIN , SEGAWA TAKEHIKO , ITO NORIYUKI , YAMAMOTO SHINGO , KAMOTO TOSHIYUKI , OGAWA OSAMU
Published: June 2006

Abstract  Primary tumors of the seminal vesicles are rare neoplasms; there have been only 69 accepted cases. The histologic features are usually adenocarcinoma; however, there are rarely reported epithelial stromal tumors of the seminal vesicles. We report a case of a 70‐year‐old man with an epithelial stromal tumor of the seminal vesicle who presented without symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction. The patient underwent radical cystoprostatectomy. No signs of tumor recurrence were noted within 14 months of surgery. To our knowledge, 13 cases of epithelial stromal tumors of the seminal vesicle have been previously reported.
Magnetic resonance imaging assessment of fibrovascular ingrowth into porous polyethylene orbital implants
Authors: Choi Hee Young , Lee Jong Soo , Park Hyun Jun , Oum Boo Sup , Kim Hak Jin , Park Do Youn
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background:  To evaluate fibrovascular ingrowth into porous polyethylene orbital implants, using serial gadolinium (Gd)‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods:  40 rabbits were divided into two groups, according to the surgical techniques used. Group 1 underwent enucleation of one eye and Medpor implantation, group 2 underwent evisceration and Medpor implantation. All subjects from each group were examined via MRI, and the implants were assessed histologically on the first, second, fourth and eighth postoperative weeks. The degree to which fibrovascular ingrowth occurred was then assessed by measuring the Gd‐enhanced portion via MRI, as well as by histologic examination.

Results:  There was a significant correlation between the enhanced area on MRI and the fibrovascularized area observed upon histological examination in the two study groups (group 1: r = 0.850 P < 0.001, group 2: r = 0.788, P < 0.001). The area enhanced on MRI was 2.70% smaller in mean value than the fibrovascularized area observed upon histological examination. There was no differences in fibrovascular ingrowth between group 1 and 2. It was also found that there was no differences between the two groups with regard to the enhanced areas on MRI.

Conclusion:  Gd‐enhanced MRI study proved to be an excellent method for the assessment of fibrovascular ingrowth into the Medpor orbital implants, after both enucleation and evisceration.
Ice‐active characteristics of soil bacteria selected by ice‐affinity
Authors: Wilson Sandra L. , Kelley Deborah L. , Walker Virginia K.
Published: June 2006

As an initial screen for microorganisms that produce ice‐active macromolecules, ice‐affinity was used to select microorganisms from soil consortia originating from three temperate regions. Once selected and subsequently purified to single colonies, these microbes were putatively identified by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing and assayed for various ice‐active properties. Ice‐affinity selection appeared to select for bacteria with ice‐associating activities: inhibition of ice recrystallization; ice nucleation; ice shaping. Although none of these activities were observed in Paenibacillus amyloliticus C8, others such as Chryseobacterium sp. GL8, demonstrated both ice recrystallization inhibition and ice‐shaping activities. Pseudomonas borealis DL7 was classified as a type I ice nucleator, Flavobacterium sp. GL7, was identified as a type III ice nucleator and Acinetobacter radioresistens DL5 demonstrated ice recrystallization inhibition. In all, 19 different culturable bacteria were selected from the thousands of microbes in late‐summer collected soil samples. Many of the selected microbes have been previously reported in glacial ice cores or polar sea ice, and of five isolates that were further characterized, four showed ice‐associating activities. These results indicate the significant potential of ice‐affinity selection even with temperate climate soils, suggesting that sampling in more extreme and remote areas is not required for the isolation of ice‐active bacteria.
Mortality in people with Type 2 diabetes in the UK
Authors: Mulnier H. E. , Seaman H. E. , Raleigh V. S. , Soedamah‐Muthu S. S. , Colhoun H. M. , Lawrenson R. A.
Published: June 2006

Aims  Under‐reporting of diabetes on death certificates contributes to the unreliable estimates of mortality as a result of diabetes. The influence of obesity on mortality in Type 2 diabetes is not well documented. We aimed to study mortality from diabetes and the influence of obesity on mortality in Type 2 diabetes in a large cohort selected from the General Practice Research Database (GPRD).

Methods  A cohort of 44 230 patients aged 35–89 years in 1992 with Type 2 diabetes was identified. A comparison group matched by year of birth and sex with no record of diabetes at any time was identified (219 797). Hazards ratios (HRs) for all‐cause mortality during the period January 1992 to October 1999 were calculated using the Cox Proportional Hazards Model. The effects of body mass index (BMI), smoking and duration of diabetes on all‐cause mortality amongst people with diabetes was assessed (n = 28 725).

Results  The HR for all‐cause mortality in Type 2 diabetes compared with no diabetes was 1.93 (95% CI 1.89–1.97), in men 1.77 (1.72–1.83) and in women 2.13 (2.06–2.20). The HR decreased with increasing age. In the multivariate analysis in diabetes only, the HR for all‐cause mortality amongst smokers was 1.50 (1.41–1.61). Using BMI 20–24 kg/m2 as the reference range, for those with a BMI 35–54 kg/m2 the HR was 1.43 (1.28–1.59) and for those with a BMI 15–19 kg/m2 the HR was 1.38 (1.18–1.61).

Conclusions  Patients with Type 2 diabetes have almost double the mortality rate compared with those without. The relative risk decreases with age. In people with Type 2 diabetes, obesity and smoking both contribute to the risk of all‐cause mortality, supporting doctrines to stop smoking and lose weight.
Routes to Better Health for Children in Four Developing Countries
Authors: CROGHAN THOMAS W. , BEATTY AMANDA , RON AVIVA
Published: June 2006

Despite the availability of effective, affordable interventions for the most common causes of death, more than ten million children in developing countries die each year. This article describes the circumstances of four countries whose reductions in child mortality exceeded what might be expected from their poor economic circumstances, and it asks whether they followed common routes to improved health for children. The findings suggest that contextual factors, such as the degree of economic development, good governance, and strong health care systems, matter less than do targeted health intervention, foreign aid, and technical assistance. In general, these findings contradict prevailing U.S. foreign policy regarding the circumstances in which progress toward health goals can be made.
Improved management of Vertisols in the semiarid tropics for increased productivity and soil carbon sequestration
Authors: Wani S.P. , Pathak P. , Jangawad L.S. , Eswaran H. , Singh P.
Published: June 2006

Abstract.This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that an improved system of catchment management in combination with appropriate cropping practices can sustain increased crop production and improve soil quality of Vertisols, compared with prevailing traditional farming practices. Initiated in 1976, the improved system consisted of integrated land management to conserve soil and water, with excess rainwater being removed in a controlled manner. This was combined with improved crop rotation (legume based) and integrated nutrient management. In the traditional system, sorghum or chickpea was grown in the post‐rainy season with organic fertilizers, and in the rainy season the field was maintained as a cultivated fallow. The average grain yield of the improved system over 24 years was 4.7 t ha−1yr−1, nearly a five‐fold increase over the traditional system (about 1 t ha−1yr−1). There was also evidence of increased organic C, total N and P, available N, P and K, microbial biomass C and N in the soil of the improved system. A positive relationship between soil available P and soil organic C suggested that application of P to Vertisols increased carbon sequestration by 7.4 t C ha−1and, in turn, the productivity of the legume‐based system, thus ultimately enhancing soil quality.
Association Between GABRA1 and Drinking Behaviors in the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism Sample
Authors: Dick Danielle M. , Plunkett Jevon , Wetherill Leah Flury , Xuei Xiaoling , Goate Alison , Hesselbrock Victor , Schuckit Marc , Crowe Raymond , Edenberg Howard J. , Foroud Tatiana
Published: June 2006

Background: A wealth of literature supports the role of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in neurobiological pathways contributing to alcohol dependence and related phenotypes. Animal studies have consistently tied rodent homologs of the GABAA receptor genes on human chromosome 5q to alcohol‐related behaviors; however, human studies have produced mixed results. Family‐based association analyses previously conducted in the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) sample yielded no evidence of association with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder—fourth edition (DSM‐IV) alcohol dependence and these genes. As a follow‐up to that study, we examined several alcohol‐related behaviors in the COGA sample as follows: (1) a broader definition of alcohol dependence, including DSM‐III‐R symptoms and Feighner criteria (referred to as COGA alcohol dependence); (2) withdrawal; (3) history of alcohol‐induced blackouts; (4) level of response to alcohol; (5) age of onset of regular drinking; and (6) age at first drunkenness.

Methods: Family‐based association tests were conducted, using multiple single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in each of the 4 GABAA receptor genes on chromosome 5q.

Results: In GABRA1, we found evidence of association with several of the drinking behavior phenotypes, including COGA alcohol dependence, history of blackouts, age at first drunkenness, and level of response to alcohol. We did not find consistent evidence of association with the remaining genes and any of the phenotypes.

Conclusions: We found evidence for association between GABRA1 and COGA alcohol dependence, history of blackouts, age at first drunkenness, and level of response to alcohol. These analyses suggest that efforts to characterize genetic contributions to alcohol dependence may benefit by examining alcohol‐related behaviors in addition to clinical alcohol dependence diagnoses.
Crystallographic Orientation Relationships Between Hexagonal and Tetragonal Barium Titanate
Authors: Wu Yu‐Chuan , Lu Hong‐Yang
Published: June 2006

The high‐temperature hexagonal (h) phase has been found to retain metastability at room temperature and co‐exist with the room‐temperature tetragonal (t) phase in hot‐pressed BaTiO3 ceramics. The crystallographic orientation relationships between two polytypes have been analyzed by TEM and selected‐area diffraction patterns (SADPs). The relationships are illustrated using transformation matrices for both the forward h→t phase transformation (Mf) and the backward t→h phase transformation (Mb) based on two independent microstructures containing h‐particle in t‐matrix and t‐particle in h‐matrix, respectively. Self‐consistent transformation matrices are derived from the coincident reflections in corresponding SADPs. The forward and backward matrices are inverse matrix to each other.