bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat Waves and Climate Change: Applying the Health Belief Model to Identify Predictors of Risk Perception and Adaptive Behaviours in Adelaide, Australia
Authors: Akompab Derick , Bi Peng , Williams Susan , Grant Janet , Walker Iain , Augoustinos Martha
Published: May 2013

Heat waves are considered a health risk and they are likely to increase in frequency, intensity and duration as a consequence of climate change. The effects of heat waves on human health could be reduced if individuals recognise the risks and adopt healthy behaviours during a heat wave. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of risk perception using a heat wave scenario and identify the constructs of the health belief model that could predict adaptive behaviours during a heat wave. A cross-sectional study was conducted during the summer of 2012 among a sample of persons aged between 30 to 69 years in Adelaide. Participants’ perceptions were assessed using the health belief model as a conceptual frame. Their knowledge about heat waves and adaptive behaviours during heat waves was also assessed. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the predictors of risk perception to a heat wave scenario and adaptive behaviours during a heat wave. Of the 267 participants, about half (50.9%) had a high risk perception to heat waves while 82.8% had good adaptive behaviours during a heat wave. Multivariate models found that age was a significant predictor of risk perception. In addition, participants who were married (OR = 0.21; 95% CI, 0.07–0.62), who earned a gross annual household income of ≥$60,000 (OR = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.17–0.94) and without a fan (OR = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.11–0.79) were less likely to have a high risk perception to heat waves. Those who were living with others (OR = 2.87; 95% CI, 1.19–6.90) were more likely to have a high risk perception to heat waves. On the other hand, participants with a high perceived benefit (OR = 2.14; 95% CI, 1.00–4.58), a high “cues to action” (OR = 3.71; 95% CI, 1.63–8.43), who had additional training or education after high school (OR = 2.65; 95% CI, 1.25–5.58) and who earned a gross annual household income of ≥$60,000 (OR = 2.66; 95% CI, 1.07–6.56) were more likely to have good adaptive behaviours during a heat wave. The health belief model could be useful to guide the design and implementation of interventions to promote adaptive behaviours during heat waves.
Notch Signaling Pathway Is Activated in Motoneurons of Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Caraballo-Miralles Víctor , Cardona-Rossinyol Andrea , Garcera Ana , Torres-Benito Laura , Soler Rosa , Tabares Lucía , Lladó Jerònia , Olmos Gabriel
Published: May 2013

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease produced by low levels of Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein that affects alpha motoneurons in the spinal cord. Notch signaling is a cell-cell communication system well known as a master regulator of neural development, but also with important roles in the adult central nervous system. Aberrant Notch function is associated with several developmental neurological disorders; however, the potential implication of the Notch pathway in SMA pathogenesis has not been studied yet. We report here that SMN deficiency, induced in the astroglioma cell line U87MG after lentiviral transduction with a shSMN construct, was associated with an increase in the expression of the main components of Notch signaling pathway, namely its ligands, Jagged1 and Delta1, the Notch receptor and its active intracellular form (NICD). In the SMNΔ7 mouse model of SMA we also found increased astrocyte processes positive for Jagged1 and Delta1 in intimate contact with lumbar spinal cord motoneurons. In these motoneurons an increased Notch signaling was found, as denoted by increased NICD levels and reduced expression of the proneural gene neurogenin 3, whose transcription is negatively regulated by Notch. Together, these findings may be relevant to understand some pathologic attributes of SMA motoneurons.
Cytotoxic and Anti-Inflammatory Metabolites from the Soft Coral Scleronephthya gracillimum
Authors: Fang Hui-Yu , Hsu Chi-Hsin , Chao Chih-Hua , Wen Zhi-Hong , Wu Yang-Chang , Dai Chang-Feng , Sheu Jyh-Horng
Published: May 2013

Five new pregnane-type steroids, sclerosteroids J–N (1–5), and a diterpenoid with a new chemotype 3-methyl-5-(10′-acetoxy-2′,6′,10′-trimethylundecyl)-2-penten-5-olide (6), have been isolated from a soft coral Scleronephthya gracillimum. The structures of the metabolites were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis. Compound 4 exhibited cytotoxicity against HepG2, A549, and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines. Furthermore, steroids 2 and 4 were found to significantly inhibit the accumulation of the pro-inflammatory iNOS protein, and 1, 2, 4 and 5 could effectively reduce the accumulation of COX-2 protein in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells.
The Relationship between Selenoprotein P and Glucose Metabolism in Experimental Studies
Authors: Mao Jinyuan , Teng Weiping
Published: May 2013

Selenium is an essential trace element in the diet of mammals which is important for many physiological functions. However, a number of epidemiological studies have suggested that high selenium status is a possible risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes, although they cannot distinguish between cause and effect. Selenoprotein P (Sepp1) is central to selenium homeostasis and widely expressed in the organism. Here we review the interaction between Sepp1 and glucose metabolism with an emphasis on experimental evidence. In models with or without gene modification, glucose and insulin can regulate Sepp1 expression in the pancreas and liver, and vice versa. Especially in the liver, Sepp1 is regulated virtually like a gluconeogenic enzyme. Combining these data suggests that there could be a feedback regulation between hepatic Sepp1 and pancreatic insulin and that increasing circulating Sepp1 might be the result rather than the cause of abnormal glucose metabolism. Future studies specifically designed to overexpress Sepp1 are needed in order to provide a more robust link between Sepp1 and type 2 diabetes.
Effects of Long-Term Oral Administration of Arachidonic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid on the Immune Functions of Young Rats
Authors: Juman Sachiko , Hashimoto Michio , Katakura Masanori , Inoue Takayuki , Tanabe Yoko , Arita Makoto , Miki Tomohiro , Shido Osamu
Published: May 2013

Natural killer (NK) cells have many functional activities, including cytotoxicity and the capacity to produce cytokines and chemokines. NK cell activity is regulated partly by eicosanoids, which are produced from arachidonic acid (ARA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acid. In this study, we investigated the effects of long-term therapy with ARA or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the cytotoxic effects of the NK cells of young rats, which were fed on a nonfish oil diet for two generations. Control oil, ARA (240 mg/kg BW/day) or DHA (240 mg/kg BW/day) were orally administrated to the rats for 13 weeks before determining the cytotoxic activity of NK cells from the spleen against YAC-1 mouse lymphoma cell line, as well as the plasma levels of docosanoids or eicosanoids and inflammatory cytokines. Long-term ARA administration significantly suppressed the cytotoxic activity of NK cells. Moreover, ARA administration significantly increased the plasma levels of ARA, prostaglandin (PG) E2, and PGD2. However, DHA administration did not produce any different effects compared with those in the control rats. Furthermore, the inflammatory cytokine levels were not affected by the administration of ARA or DHA. These results suggest that long-term ARA administration has an inhibitory effect on the tumor cytotoxicity of NK cells in rat spleen lymphocytes owing to the enhanced synthesis of PGE2 and PGD2 from ARA because of the elevated plasma ARA levels in young rats.
Luminophore Application Study of Polymer-Ceramic Pressure-Sensitive Paint
Authors: Sakaue Hirotaka , Hayashi Tatsunori , Ishikawa Hitoshi
Published: May 2013

A polymer-ceramic pressure-sensitive paint (PC-PSP) is a fast responding and sprayable PSP which has been applied for capturing global unsteady flows. The luminophore application process is studied to enhance the characterization of the PC-PSP. A dipping deposition method is used to apply a luminophore on a polymer-ceramic coating. The method selects a solvent by its polarity index. The characterization includes the signal level, pressure sensitivity, temperature dependency, and response time. It is found that the luminophore application process affects the steady-state characterizations, such as the signal level, pressure sensitivity, and temperature dependency. A range of change for each characterization, which is based on the minimum quantity, is a factor of 4.7, 9, and 3.8, respectively. A response time on the order of ten microseconds is shown. The application process is not a dominant factor for changing the response time, which is within the uncertainty of the thickness variation. Comparisons of the effects on the luminophore application process and the polymer content are made to discuss the PC-PSP characterization results.
A Novel Solid State Non-Dispersive Infrared CO2 Gas Sensor Compatible with Wireless and Portable Deployment
Authors: Gibson Desmond , MacGregor Calum
Published: May 2013

This paper describes development of a novel mid-infrared light emitting diode (LED) and photodiode (PD) light source/detector combination and use within a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) carbon dioxide gas sensor. The LED/PD based NDIR sensor provides fast stabilisation time (time required to turn on the sensor from cold, warm up, take and report a measurement, and power down again ≈1 second), longevity (>15 years), low power consumption and low cost. Described performance is compatible with “fit and forget” wireless deployed sensors in applications such as indoor air quality monitoring/control & energy conservation in buildings, transport systems, horticultural greenhouses and portable deployment for safety, industrial and medical applications. Fast stabilisation time, low intrinsic power consumption and cycled operation offer typical energy consumption per measurement of mJ’s, providing extended operation using battery and/or energy harvesting strategies (measurement interval of ≈ 2 minutes provides >10 years operation from one AA battery). Specific performance data is provided in relation to measurement accuracy and noise, temperature performance, cross sensitivity, measurement range (two pathlength variants are described covering ambient through to 100% gas concentration), comparison with NDIR utilizing thermal source/pyroelectric light source/detector combination and compatibility with energy harvesting. Semiconductor based LED/PD processing together with injection moulded reflective optics and simple assembly provide a route to low cost high volume manufacturing.
Treatment of Cyanobacterial (Microcystin) Toxicosis Using Oral Cholestyramine: Case Report of a Dog from Montana
Authors: Rankin Kelly , Alroy Karen , Kudela Raphael , Oates Stori , Murray Michael , Miller Melissa
Published: May 2013

A two and a half year old spayed female Miniature Australian Shepherd presented to a Montana veterinary clinic with acute onset of anorexia, vomiting and depression. Two days prior, the dog was exposed to an algal bloom in a community lake. Within h, the animal became lethargic and anorexic, and progressed to severe depression and vomiting. A complete blood count and serum chemistry panel suggested acute hepatitis, and a severe coagulopathy was noted clinically. Feces from the affected dog were positive for the cyanobacterial biotoxin, microcystin-LA (217 ppb). The dog was hospitalized for eight days. Supportive therapy consisted of fluids, mucosal protectants, vitamins, antibiotics, and nutritional supplements. On day five of hospitalization, a bile acid sequestrant, cholestyramine, was administered orally. Rapid clinical improvement was noted within 48 h of initiating oral cholestyramine therapy. At 17 days post-exposure the dog was clinically normal, and remained clinically normal at re-check, one year post-exposure. To our knowledge, this is the first report of successful treatment of canine cyanobacterial (microcystin) toxicosis. Untreated microcystin intoxication is commonly fatal, and can result in significant liver damage in surviving animals. The clinical success of this case suggests that oral administration of cholestyramine, in combination with supportive therapy, could significantly reduce hospitalization time, cost-of-care and mortality for microcystin-poisoned animals
Gold-catalyzed intermolecular hydroamination of allenes with sulfonamides
Authors: Zhang Chen , Zhang Shao-Qiao , Cai Hua-Jun , Cui Dong-Mei
Published: May 2013

A co-catalyst of (PPh3)AuCl/AgOTf for the intermolecular hydroamination of allenes with sulfonamides is shown. The reaction proceeded smoothly under mild conditions for differently substituted allenes giving N-allylic sulfonamides in good yields with high regioselectivity and E-selectivity.
A STRONGLY ILL-POSED INTEGRO-DIFFERENTIAL PARABOLIC PROBLEM WITH INTEGRAL BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
Authors: Lorenzi Alfredo
Published: May 2013

Via Carleman estimates we prove uniqueness and continuous dependence results for an identification and strongly ill-posed linear integro-differential parabolic problem with the Dirichlet boundary condition, but with no initial condition. The additional information consists in a boundary linear integral condition involving the normal derivative of the temperature on the whole of the lateral boundary of the space-time domain.
Epidemiology of Childhood Food Allergy
Authors: Dyer Ashley A. , Gupta Ruchi
Published: May 2013

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Understand the prevalence and severity of childhood food allergy in the United States.

2.

Describe the geographic distribution of childhood food allergy.

3.

Appreciate the economic impact of childhood food allergy on families and the US health care system.

Food allergy is a public health problem that affects nearly 6 million children in the United States. The extent to which children, families, and communities live with food allergies varies as much as the range of clinical symptoms associated with the disease itself. Food allergy is defined as the reproducible adverse event that elicits a pathologic immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated or non–IgE-mediated reaction. Once an allergic child ingests a specific food allergen, the reaction can result in clinical symptoms ranging from mild hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Not surprisingly, food allergies have been shown to limit social interactions and impair children’s quality of life due to the ubiquity of food where children live, learn, and play. To ensure the safety of our children, the development of sound policy, clinical practice, and health programs must be informed by current research characterizing childhood food allergy at the population level. To set the stage for understanding the current evidence base, this article reviews: 1) epidemiology of childhood food allergy; 2) severity of symptoms; 3) geographic distribution of childhood food allergy; 4) tolerance; 5) economic impact of childhood food allergy; and 6) future directions in childhood food allergy epidemiological research.
Clinical Manifestations of Food Allergy
Authors: Perry Tamara T. , Pesek Robbie D.
Published: May 2013

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Recognize differences between immunologic and non-immunologic food reactions.

2.

Understand that immunologic food reactions can manifest as immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated reactions, non–IgE-mediated reactions, or mixed IgE/non–IgE-mediated reactions.

3.

Recognize the clinical symptoms involved in adverse food reactions due to IgE-mediated, non–IgE-mediated, and mixed IgE/non–IgE-mediated mechanisms.

Adverse reactions to foods are a diverse group of clinical syndromes resulting from immunologic and non-immunologic responses to food ingestion. Symptoms can range from mild, self-limiting reactions to severe, life-threatening reactions depending on the mechanism. This review primarily focuses on the clinical manifestations of immunologically derived adverse food reactions or food allergies.

The true prevalence of food allergy is unknown. Up to 25% of the general population believes that they may be allergic to some food; however, the actual prevalence of food allergy diagnosed by a provider appears to be 1.5% to 2% of the adult population and approximately 6% to 8% of children. This discrepancy makes it imperative that clinicians are aware of the different food allergy syndromes. With a clear understanding of the clinical manifestations of food allergies, an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can be formulated. Failing to do so may result in unnecessary dietary restrictions that may adversely affect nutritional status, growth, and quality of life.

Most food allergic reactions are secondary to a limited number of foods, and the most common foods causing allergic reactions in children include milk, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, and fish. In adolescents and adults, allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are most prevalent. Food allergies can result from immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated, non–IGE-mediated, or mixed IgE/non-IgE mechanisms. The purpose of this review is to discuss the clinical manifestations of each of these types of food allergy.
Disaster Strikes! Long-Term Care Resident Outcomes Following a Natural Disaster
Authors: Cacchione Pamela Z. , Willoughby Lisa M. , Langan Joanne C. , Culp Kennith
Published: May 2013

This report describes the outcomes of 17 long-term care residents who were participating in a nursing intervention study. The residents were evacuated for 5 days due to a severe summer storm that caused widespread power outages. These residents were seen the day of the storm and three times per week for 2 weeks following their return to the nursing home. More than half of the participants had significant changes in their NEECHAM Confusion Scale scores (
n
= 11) and modified Confusion Assessment Method scores (
n
= 9) scores, suggesting the onset of delirium. Two participants were hospitalized within the 2 weeks of the evacuation. One participant died unexpectedly. This report provides a rare look into the negative effects of a short-term evacuation due to a natural disaster.
Desarrollo para la producción de acero con bajo contenido de fósforo en las operaciones de Arcelor Mittal Tubarão
Authors: Luiz-Corrêa W. , Silva-Furtado H. , De Oliveira J. R.
Published: May 2013

Con la creciente demanda de aceros cada vez más bajos en fósforo (P), junto con el constante aumento en el contenido de este elemento en el mineral utilizado para producir arrabio, es necesario un proceso en constante evolución para la eliminación de fósforo del acero en los convertidores BOF. Este artículo tiene como objetivo mostrar el desarrollo para reducir el nivel de fósforo en el acero desoxidado con aluminio y silicio producido en los convertidores de Arcelor Mittal Tubarão (AMT), empresa ubicada en el municipio de Serra, Brasil. Este complejo produce 5 millones de toneladas pero tiene una capacidad instalada de 7,5 millones. El análisis de las variables del proceso tales como adición de fundentes, temperatura y el patrón de soplado, se basó en los modelos clásicos de la partición de fósforo. Los resultados presentados comparan los valores de fósforo obtenidos en el acero líquido antes y después de los cambios realizados, y analiza el desgaste de refractarios en los convertidores.
Lixiviación de la calcopirita en medios clorurados
Authors: Ibáñez T. , Velásquez L.
Published: May 2013

El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar el efecto de parámetros y aditivos (MnO2 - iones de plata - pirita) en la cinética de disolución de la calcopirita mediante pruebas de disolución con concentrado de calcopirita y calcopirita natural en matraces y reactores agitados mecánicamente bajo condiciones moderadas. La disolución de la calcopirita en medios clorurados es dependiente del potencial de la solución, obteniéndose valores de velocidad aceptables dentro de los 540 y 630 mV (SHE). El pH alrededor de los 2,5 permite mantener los potenciales de solución en valores donde la calcopirita lixivia a velocidades aceptables debido a que ocurre la precipitación de hierro. Tanto la pirita como los iones de plata catalizan la disolución y el efecto es mayor con ambas especies presentes. El MnO2 posee un efecto negativo en la disolución debido a que aumenta el potencial de la solución a valores donde la velocidad disminuye considerablemente.
Modelo matemático de la transferencia de calor para predecir el perfil de durezas en probetas Jominy
Authors: López E. , Hernández J. B. , Solorio G. , Vergara H. J. , Vázquez O. , Garnica P.
Published: May 2013

En el presente trabajo se estimó el coeficiente de transferencia de calor en la superficie que se encuentra en contacto con el chorro de agua en la probeta Jominy mediante la solución del problema inverso de conducción de calor. Con el objetivo de predecir los perfiles térmicos y las fracciones de fase transformadas se formuló un modelo matemático con el método de diferencias finitas y se codificó en el software comercial Microsoft Visual Basic v. 6. Los perfiles térmicos y las fracciones de fase calculadas se utilizaron para predecir el perfil de durezas en una probeta Jominy de acero AISI 4140 mediante el uso de correlaciones empíricas.
Effects of density and size distribution on the erosion of the adult cockle Cerastoderma edule
Authors: Anta Jose , Peña Enrique , Puertas Jerónimo
Published: May 2013

A series of experimental flume experiments were carried out to evaluate the passive transport of the adult cockle Cerastoderma edule with shell sizes from 15 to 35 mm. The purpose of the study was to measure the erosion of this bivalve under controlled laboratory conditions, reproducing the current velocities and the cockle size distribution found at the Lombos do Ulla river mouth in Spain during high river discharges. Increasing velocities (0.29, 0.31, 0.35, 0.40, 0.44 and 0.47 m s–1) were applied to the bivalves, analysing the influence of population density (500 and 1000 ind. m–2), activity (live vs dead individuals), and mollusc size and distribution. To assess the effect of bivalve size distribution on the cockle transport, uniform and non-uniform cockle size distributions were tested. The particle image velocimetry technique and the double-averaged methodology were used to determine velocity fields during the experiments. In the experiments cockle erosion rates were found to be directly related to the flow velocity and inversely related to the population density. The erosion behaviour of uniform and graded cockle size distributions showed differences similar to those found in the bedload transport of uniform and non-uniform sediment mixtures. Our results provide a mechanism to explain the observed physical transport of bivalve populations after large storm events.
INMIGRACIÓN Y RACISMO: EXPERIENCIAS DE LA NIÑEZ PERUANA EN SANTIAGO DE CHILE
Authors: Pavez Soto Iskra
Published: May 2013

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar las experiencias de discriminación y racismo quehan vivido las niñas y los niños peruanos inmigrantes en Santiago de Chile, a partir de la perspectiva de género y la comprensión teórica de la sociología de la infancia, que entiende a este como grupo social con capacidad de agencia. Se constata que el contexto social y económico determina situaciones de precariedad y exclusión para las familias peruanas; un escenario que agudiza la discriminación y el racismo basado en el “origen peruano” como un signo de la vulnerabilidad. Con todo, la migración infantil constituye una oportunidad de espacios de participación, reflexión y actoría infantil a nivel familiar,social y escolar.
LOS HITOS CRÍTICOS DE LA TRAYECTORIA LABORAL ASCENDENTE DE PERUANAS Y PERUANOS EN CHILE
Authors: León Gin Camila
Published: May 2013

El siguiente artículo examina la trayectoria de peruanos y peruanas en el mercado del trabajo chileno de acuerdo a los hitos críticos o puntos de inflexión en su recorrido, para luego explorar sus efectos en el trayecto laboral ascendente de estos inmigrantes. Se indaga en los discursos, percepciones y significaciones que surgen de la experiencia en el trabajo en Chile a través de la realización de 32 relatos de vida a hombres y mujeres conuna trayectoria laboral ascendente en Chile. Este trabajo da cuenta, mediante el análisis de los discursos, de que los principales hitos que determinan la trayectoria laboral de inmigrantes peruanos en Chile son los hitos laborales, histórico-sociales, familiares y personales, los cuales inciden en su ascenso laboral en la medida en que se hace uso delas redes y el capital simbólico con el que cuentan. Además se expresa la relevancia del contexto y sus decisiones personales a la hora de conjugar su situación particular con la estructura social en Chile.
EL PROCESO DE INTEGRACIÓN SOCIAL DE LOS REFUGIADOS PALESTINOS REASENTADOS EN REGIÓN DE VALPARAÍSO, CHILE
Authors: Bijit Abde Karina
Published: May 2013

La experiencia del refugiado está marcada por una migración forzada producto de la persecución política, la violencia generalizada, entre otros. Por ello, los refugiados no siempre poseen un proyecto migratorio ni redes sociales en el país de acogida, características que condicionan su proceso de integración social. El siguiente artículo describe y analiza el proceso de integración laboral y sociocultural de los refugiados palestinos reasentados en las ciudades de La Calera y San Felipe, V Región de Valparaíso, Chile. Entre las particularidades del caso, destaca la diferencia idiomática, cultural y religiosa que caracteriza a este grupo de familias refugiadas en relación al país de recepción.
Jotas en tittels het betekenis – die krities-eksegetiese en teologiese bydrae van Andries Breytenbach as Bybelvertaler
Authors: Geyser-Fouché Ananda B.
Published: May 2013

Jots and tittles have meaning: The critical exegetical and theological contribution of Andries Breytenbach as Bible translator. The article is a reworked version of a paper presented at a commemoration ceremony in honour of the retired Reformed exegetes of the Department of Old Testament Studies of the Faculty of Theology at the University of Pretoria who have contributed immensely to translation projects of the South African Bible Society. In this article, the author focuses on the theological and exegetical relevance of Professor A.P.B. Breytenbach. The article shows Breytenbach’s critical presuppositions in hermeneutics, especially his contribution towards the understanding of diversity in the message of the Old Testament and the ‘second naiveté’ which constitutes a critical lens through which the Old Testament should be interpreted by the Christian faith community.
Rut wat Boas se �voete� oopgemaak en by hom gaan l� het: Die betekenis van hierdie simboliese aksie in Rut 3:7 in die lig van Eksodus 4:25
Authors: Venter Philip , Minnaar Wynand
Published: May 2013

Ruth who uncovered Boaz's 'feet' and had laid there with him: The significance of this symbolic act in Ruth 3:7 in the light of Exodus 4:25. This article investigates the possibility that Ruth 3:7, where Ruth went to lie at Boaz� �feet�, can be read in an intertextual way in the context of Exodus 4:25. In Exodus 4:24�26, whilst at a camping place on their way to Egypt, the Lord came to kill Moses. Then Zipporah, his wife, took a sharp stone (or stone knife), cut off the foreskin of her son and touched Moses� �feet� with it. Because of the circumcision she said to Moses: �You are a bridegroom of blood to me�. And so the Lord spared the life of Moses. Zipporah took the initiative and because of this, God�s will and plan for Moses could still be reached. The covenant duty of circumcision, according to Genesis 17:10�14, could also be accomplished through her intervention. This section also clearly illustrates that God welcomes non-Israelites to enter into the community of Israel. In Ruth 3:7, the same word for feet is used as in Exodus 4:25, namely . The analogous use of this word clearly emphasises the importance of the functioning of the covenant of God with Israel. There are also other similarities between these verses of Scripture. It is indicated that Ruth, like Zipporah, also took the initiative and intervened to ensure that God�s covenant plan for Israel will be accomplished. It is also indicated that Ruth, like Zipporah, is accepted into the community of Israel and that she will play an important role ensuring the future of the offspring of Mahlon/Boaz.
Management Options for Patients with Chronic Back Pain without an Etiology
Authors: Salzberg Lenny D. , Manusov Eron G.
Published: May 2013

The treatment and management of low back pain is complex when there is no specific etiology such as cancer, fracture, or herniated disc. An organized approach to management that follows evidence based guidelines will facilitate care in a problem that reflects a lifetime prevalence of over 70 percent. The purpose of this review is to present a guideline to care for a common disabling process with a very heterogeneous etiology.
Maps Preserving Complementarity of Closed Subspaces of a Hilbert Space
Authors: Plevnik Lucijan , Šemrl Peter
Published: May 2013

Let and be infinite-dimensional separable Hilbert spaces and Lat the lattice of all
closed subspaces oh . We describe the general form of pairs of bijective maps ϕ, Ψ : Lat → Lat having the property that for every pair U, V ∊ Lat we have . Then we reformulate this theorem as a description of bijective image equality and kernel equality preserving maps acting on bounded linear idempotent operators. Several known structural results for maps on idempotents are easy consequences.
Mathematical Aspects of General Relativity
Authors: Dafermos Mihalis , Isenberg James , Ringström Hans
Published: May 2013

Mathematical general relativity, the subject of this workshop, is a remarkable confluence of different areas of mathematics. Einstein’s equation, the focus of mathematical relativity, is one of the most fruitful nonlinear hyperbolic PDE systems under study. As well, some of the most challenging geometric analysis problems in Reimannian geometry and elliptic PDE theory arise from the study of the initial data for Einstein’s equations. In addition, these studies play a crucial role in modeling the physics of astrophysical and cosmological systems. This workshop reflected the rapid progress seen in the field in recent years, and highlighted some of the most interesting questions under study in mathematical relativity.
Body Size and Wing Shape Measurements as Quality Indicators of Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes Destined for Field Release
Authors: Yeap Heng Lin , Endersby Nancy M. , Johnson Petrina H. , Ritchie Scott A. , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: May 2013

There is increasing interest in rearing modified mosquitoes for mass release to control vector-borne diseases, particularly Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti for suppression of dengue. Successful introductions require release of high quality mosquitoes into natural populations. Potential indicators of quality are body size and shape. We tested to determine if size, wing/thorax ratio, and wing shape are associated with field fitness of Wolbachia-infected Ae. aegypti. Compared with field-collected mosquitoes, released mosquitoes were larger in size, with lower size variance and different wing shape but similar in wing-thorax ratio and its associated variance. These differences were largely attributed to nutrition and to a minor extent to wMel Wolbachia infection. Survival potential of released female mosquitoes was similar to those from the field. Females at oviposition sites tended to be larger than those randomly collected from BG-Sentinel traps. Rearing conditions should thus aim for large size without affecting wing/thorax ratios.
Preliminary Investigation of Trypanosomosis in Exotic Dog Breeds from Zambia's Luangwa and Zambezi Valleys Using LAMP
Authors: Namangala Boniface , Oparaocha Elizabeth , Kajino Kiichi , Hayashida Kyoko , Moonga Ladslav , Inoue Noboru , Suzuki Yasuhiko , Sugimoto Chihiro
Published: May 2013

Canine African trypanosomosis (CAT) is rarely reported in the literature. In this preliminary study, we evaluated the performance of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) against microscopy to detect CAT in six exotic dog breeds naturally infected with trypanosomes from Zambia's South Luangwa National Park and Chiawa Game Management Area. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CAT in Zambia. The patients exhibited a variety of aspecific clinical signs. The LAMP did not only confirm all six parasitologically positive CAT cases detected passively between April 2010 and January 2012, but was also critical in trypanosome speciation. According to LAMP, the majority of the dogs had monolytic infections with either Trypanosoma congolense or Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense. The LAMP is thus a potential simple and cost-effective tool for trypanosome diagnosis in endemic regions. The rare report of zoonotic trypanosomes in dogs in Zambia has public health implications and justifies further investigations of CAT.
The Effect of Peer and Professor Gender on College Student Performance
Authors: Artz Benjamin , Welsch David M.
Published: May 2013

The effects of peer and professor gender on student performance have been examined separately but not in conjunction. We augment previous research by including peer and professor gender, as well as their interaction, in estimations of student performance. After controlling for both student and faculty fixed effects we find that female students typically perform better than males, but this performance gap varies depending on the gender of the professor and of the classroom. Overall the effect of professor gender on student performance is small at best if classrooms are predominantly female and much larger if classrooms are predominantly male.
The Role of Scleral Lens in Ectatic Corneas
Authors: Ortenberg Ilya , Behrman Shmuel
Published: May 2013

Scleral contact lenses can manage in treatment of keratoconus and ectatic corneal diseases. This article will review history, fitting technique and future of scleral lenses.

How to cite this article

Ortenberg I, Behrman S. The Role of Scleral Lens in Ectatic Corneas. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2013;2(1):28-30.
Spontaneous Corneal Rupture One Week after Intrastromal Ring Segment Surgery
Authors: Valente Cristiana , Vaiano Agostino Salvatore , Benedetti Giacomo De , Perno Rosanna , Monte Gaudioso del , Caramello Guido
Published: May 2013

Purpose

To report a case of spontaneous (nontraumatic) rupture of the cornea 7 days after intrastromal ring segment surgery in a patient with pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD).

Methods

Case report.

Results

A 37-year-old African woman complains blurred vision, photophobia, foreign body sensation and redness in her left eye 7 days after an uneventful implantation of a Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) for PMD. Left eye examination revealed the rupture in the thinnest point of the cornea between the limbus and the implanted lower ICRS, and the iris prolapsed through the wound.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this case is the first documented spontaneous rupture of the thinnest point of the cornea in a patient with PMD treated successfully with the ICRS procedure. We examined the causes of this early and dramatic evolution and emphasize the importance of a careful follow-up.

How to cite this article

Vaiano AS, De Benedetti G, Perno R, del Monte G, Valente C, Caramello G. Spontaneous Corneal Rupture One Week after Intrastromal Ring Segment Surgery. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2013;2(1):43-46.
Characterization of Odin-OSIRIS ozone profiles with the SAGE II dataset
Authors: Adams C. , Bourassa A. E. , Bathgate A. F. , McLinden C. A. , Lloyd N. D. , Roth C. Z. , Llewellyn E. J. , Zawodny J. M. , Flittner D. E. , Manney G. L. , Daffer W. H. , Degenstein D. A.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. The Optical Spectrograph and InfraRed Imaging System (OSIRIS) on board the Odin spacecraft has been taking limb-scattered measurements of ozone number density profiles from 2001–present. The Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment II (SAGE II) took solar occultation measurements of ozone number densities from 1984–2005 and has been used in many studies of long-term ozone trends. We present the characterization of OSIRIS SaskMART v5.0× against the new SAGE II v7.00 ozone profiles for 2001–2005, the period over which these two missions had overlap. This information can be used to merge OSIRIS with SAGE II into a single ozone record from 1984 to the present, if other satellite ozone measurements are included to account for gaps in the OSIRIS dataset in the winter hemisphere. Coincident measurement pairs were selected for ±1 h, ±1° latitude, and ±500 km. The absolute value of the resulting mean relative difference profile is <5% for 13.5–54.5 km and <3% for 24.5–53.5 km. Correlation coefficients R > 0.9 were calculated for 13.5–49.5 km, demonstrating excellent overall agreement between the two datasets. Coincidence criteria were relaxed to maximize the number of measurement pairs and the conditions under which measurements were taken. With the broad coincidence criteria, good agreement (< 5%) was observed under most conditions for 20.5–40.5 km. However, mean relative differences do exceed 5% for several cases. Above 50 km, differences between OSIRIS and SAGE II are partly attributed to the diurnal variation of ozone. OSIRIS data are biased high compared with SAGE II at 22.5 km, particularly at high latitudes. Dynamical coincidence criteria, using derived meteorological products, were also tested and yielded similar overall results, with slight improvements to the correlation at high latitudes. The OSIRIS optics temperature is low (<16 °C) during May–July, when the satellite enters the Earth's shadow for part of its orbit. During this period, OSIRIS measurements are biased low by 5–12% for 27.5–38.5 km. Biases between OSIRIS ascending node (northward equatorial crossing time ~18:00 LT – local time) and descending node (southward equatorial crossing time ~06:00 LT) measurements are also noted under some conditions. This work demonstrates that OSIRIS and SAGE II have excellent overall agreement and characterizes the biases between these datasets.
Regional climate models downscaling in the Alpine area with multimodel superensemble
Authors: Cane D. , Barbarino S. , Renier L. A. , Ronchi C.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. The climatic scenarios show a strong signal of warming in the Alpine area already for the mid-XXI century. The climate simulations, however, even when obtained with regional climate models (RCMs), are affected by strong errors when compared with observations, due both to their difficulties in representing the complex orography of the Alps and to limitations in their physical parametrization. Therefore, the aim of this work is to reduce these model biases by using a specific post processing statistic technique, in order to obtain a more suitable projection of climate change scenarios in the Alpine area. For our purposes we used a selection of regional climate models (RCMs) runs which were developed in the framework of the ENSEMBLES project. They were carefully chosen with the aim to maximise the variety of leading global climate models and of the RCMs themselves, calculated on the SRES scenario A1B. The reference observations for the greater Alpine area were extracted from the European dataset E-OBS (produced by the ENSEMBLES project), which have an available resolution of 25 km. For the study area of Piedmont daily temperature and precipitation observations (covering the period from 1957 to the present) were carefully gridded on a 14 km grid over Piedmont region through the use of an optimal interpolation technique. Hence, we applied the multimodel superensemble technique to temperature fields, reducing the high biases of RCMs temperature field compared to observations in the control period. We also proposed the application of a brand new probabilistic multimodel superensemble dressing technique, already applied to weather forecast models successfully, to RCMS: the aim was to estimate precipitation fields, with careful description of precipitation probability density functions conditioned to the model outputs. This technique allowed for reducing the strong precipitation overestimation, arising from the use of RCMs, over the Alpine chain and to reproduce well the monthly behaviour of precipitation in the control period.
Global multi-scale segmentation of continental and coastal waters from the watersheds to the continental margins
Authors: Laruelle G. G. , Dürr H. H. , Lauerwald R. , Hartmann J. , Slomp C. P. , Goossens N. , Regnier P. A. G.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Past characterizations of the land–ocean continuum were constructed either from a continental perspective through an analysis of watershed river basin properties (COSCATs: COastal Segmentation and related CATchments) or from an oceanic perspective, through a regionalization of the proximal and distal continental margins (LMEs: large marine ecosystems). Here, we present a global-scale coastal segmentation, composed of three consistent levels, that includes the whole aquatic continuum with its riverine, estuarine and shelf sea components. Our work delineates comprehensive ensembles by harmonizing previous segmentations and typologies in order to retain the most important physical characteristics of both the land and shelf areas. The proposed multi-scale segmentation results in a distribution of global exorheic watersheds, estuaries and continental shelf seas among 45 major zones (MARCATS: MARgins and CATchments Segmentation) and 149 sub-units (COSCATs). Geographic and hydrologic parameters such as the surface area, volume and freshwater residence time are calculated for each coastal unit as well as different hypsometric profiles. Our analysis provides detailed insights into the distributions of coastal and continental shelf areas and how they connect with incoming riverine fluxes. The segmentation is also used to re-evaluate the global estuarine CO2 flux at the air–water interface combining global and regional average emission rates derived from local studies.
Interannual correlations between sea surface temperature and concentration of chlorophyll pigment off Punta Eugenia, Baja California during different remote forcing conditions
Authors: Herrera-Cervantes H. , Lluch-Cota S. E. , Lluch-Cota D. B. , Gutiérrez-de-Velasco G.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Interannual correlation between satellite-derived sea surface temperature (SST) and surface chlorophyll a (Chl a) are examined in the coastal upwelling zone off Punta Eugenia on the west coast of the Baja California Peninsula, area identified as intense biological productivity and oceanographic transition between mid-latitude and tropical ocean conditions. We used empirical orthogonal functions (EOF) analysis separately and jointly on the two fields from 1997 through 2007, a time period dominated by different remote forcing; ENSO conditions (weak, moderate and strong) and the largest intrusion of subarctic water reported in the last 50 yr. Coastal Upwelling Index anomalies (CUI) and the Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI) were used to identify the influence of local (wind stress) and remote (ENSO) forcing over the interannual variability of both variables. The individual EOF1 analysis showed the greater variability of SST and Chla offshore, their corresponding amplitude time series presented the highest peaks during the intrusion of subartic water (2002–2004) and were significantly correlated with the MEI (RSST ≈ 0.68, RChl a ≈ −0.30, P < 0.001) and moderately correlated with the CUI (RSST ≈ −0.4, RChl a ≈ 0.25, P < 0.001), showing similar trends. The joint EOF1 and the SST–Chl a correlations pattern show the area where both variables covary tightly; a band near to the coast with the largest correlations (R > |0.4|) mainly regulated by ENSO cycles. This was revealed when we calculate the homogeneous correlations for the periods El Niño–La Niña and the intrusion of subartic water. Both, SST and Chl a showed higher coupling and two distinct physical-biological responses; on average ENSO influence were clearly along the coast mostly in SST while the subarctic water influence, were observed offshore mostly in Chl a. We found a coastal chlorophyll bloom correlated strongly with high wind stress anomalies that reach the coast off Punta Eugenia during spring and summer 2002 and continued its presence during 2003 which showed an enrichment pattern similar to that observed at high latitudes (∼40° N). This observation may provide an explanation of why Punta Eugenia is one of the most important biological action centers.
Anticoagulation after venous thromboembolism
Authors: Eichinger S.
Published: May 2013

Deciding on the optimal duration of anticoagulation is based on the risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) and of bleeding during anticoagulation. The duration of anticoagulation should be at least three months since shorter courses double the recurrence rates.

At three months anticoagulation can be stopped in patients with a VTE provoked by a transient risk factor, as the recurrence risk is expected to be lower than the bleeding risk during anticoagulation. Patients with unprovoked VTE are at higher risk of recurrence and prolonged anticoagulation is currently recommended.

However, attempts are made to stratify these patients according to their recurrence risk and to identify those with a low recurrence risk who would not benefit from extended anticoagulation. Novel approaches to optimize the management of patients with unprovoked VTE are the use of prediction models which link clinical patient characteristics with laboratory testing to discriminate between patients with a low risk (who may discontinue anticoagulation) and those with high risk (in whom long term anticoagulation is justified). Moreover, new antithrombotic concepts including new oral anticoagulants or aspirin both of which potentially confer a lower bleeding risk and are more convenient for the patients have been explored for extended thromboprophylaxis.
Pregnancy in Upshaw-Schulman syndrome
Authors: Voigt A. , Schleussner E. , Schneppenheim R. , Budde U. , Beck J. F. , Stefanska-Windyga E. , Windyga J. , Kentouche K.
Published: May 2013

The Upshaw Schulman syndrome (MIM #274150) is a hereditary deficiency of the von Willebrand factor cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) due to homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the ADAMTS13 gene. Patients are prone to bouts of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. However, disease manifestation needs a second trigger event. Pregnancy is a known risk factor for TTP. Patients with USS may manifest during pregnancy and the postpartum period or relapse with a TTP bout. Before plasma therapy mortality for both the mother and the fetus was high, but even nowadays when plasma is delivered, therapy is challenging, still bearing a high risk for miscarriage or long term sequelae for the mother.

In this report on pregnancies in three mothers with USS, plasma therapy was increased in frequency and amount given with regard to platelet count or ADAMTS13 activity, thus leading to a successful outcome.
Structure of trichomatous nectaries in flowers of Lonicera kamtschatica (Sevast.) Pojark.
Authors: Weryszko-Chmielewska Elżbieta , Bożek Małgorzata
Published: May 2013

The structure of the floral nectaries of Lonicera kamtschatica was examined using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Nectariferous tissues are located in the lower portion of the corolla tube. It was found that the secretory tissue of the nectary was composed of two layers of epidermal formations: short papillae and about 3x longer unicellular trichomes. They cover the adaxial surface of a small spur. Nectar secretion takes place through the apical portion of the trichomes and papillae. The cell wall of the upper part of the trichome has protuberances participating in nectar transfer to the subcuticular space which reaches large dimensions. The lateral walls of the trichomes are saturated with cutin. The papillae have much thicker walls than the trichomes. In the papillae, there are no wall protuberances. Less secretion accumulates in the subcuticular cavities of the papillae than in the trichomes.