bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principles of the Theory of Solids
Authors: Ziman J. M.
Published: June 2013

Professor Ziman's classic textbook on the theory of solids was first pulished in 1964. This paperback edition is a reprint of the second edition, which was substantially revised and enlarged in 1972. The value and popularity of this textbook is well attested by reviewers' opinions and by the existence of several foreign language editions, including German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Polish and Russian. The book gives a clear exposition of the elements of the physics of perfect crystalline solids. In discussing the principles, the author aims to give students an appreciation of the conditions which are necessary for the appearance of the various phenomena. A self-contained mathematical account is given of the simplest model that will demonstrate each principle. A grounding in quantum mechanics and knowledge of elementary facts about solids is assumed. This is therefore a textbook for advanced undergraduates and is also appropriate for graduate courses.
A Mathematician's Apology
Authors: Hardy G. H. , Snow C. P.
Published: June 2013

G. H. Hardy was one of this century's finest mathematical thinkers, renowned among his contemporaries as a 'real mathematician … the purest of the pure'. He was also, as C. P. Snow recounts in his Foreword, 'unorthodox, eccentric, radical, ready to talk about anything'. This 'apology', written in 1940 as his mathematical powers were declining, offers a brilliant and engaging account of mathematics as very much more than a science; when it was first published, Graham Greene hailed it alongside Henry James's notebooks as 'the best account of what it was like to be a creative artist'. C. P. Snow's Foreword gives sympathetic and witty insights into Hardy's life, with its rich store of anecdotes concerning his collaboration with the brilliant Indian mathematician Ramanujan, his aphorisms and idiosyncrasies, and his passion for cricket. This is a unique account of the fascination of mathematics and of one of its most compelling exponents in modern times.
Against the Consensus
Authors: Lin Justin Yifu
Published: June 2013

In June 2008, Justin Yifu Lin was appointed Chief Economist of the World Bank, right before the eruption of the worst global financial and economic crisis since the Great Depression. Drawing on experience from his privileged position, Lin offers unique reflections on the cause of the crisis, why it was so serious and widespread, and its likely evolution. Arguing that conventional theories provide inadequate solutions, he proposes new initiatives for achieving global stability and avoiding the recurrence of similar crises in the future. He suggests that the crisis and the global imbalances both originated with the excess liquidity created by US financial deregulation and loose monetary policy, and recommends the creation of a global Marshall Plan and a new supranational global reserve currency. This thought-provoking book will appeal to academics, graduate students, policy makers, and anyone interested in the global economy.
On the dynamics of generalized McMullen maps
Authors: XIAO YINGQING , QIU WEIYUAN , YIN YONGCHENG
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we study the dynamics of the two-parameter family of rational maps $$\begin{eqnarray*}{F}_{a, b} (z)= {z}^{n} + \frac{a}{{z}^{n} } + b.\end{eqnarray*}$$ We give the topological description of Julia sets and Fatou components of ${F}_{a, b} $ according to the dynamical behavior of the orbits of its free critical points.
Populism and Liberal Democracy: Populists in Government in Austria, Italy, Poland and Switzerland
Authors: Albertazzi Daniele , Mueller Sean
Published: June 2013

The enduring electoral success of populist parties across Europe and the increasing opportunities they have gained to access government in recent years bring once more into relief the question of whether populism and democracy are fully compatible. In this article we show how, despite playing different roles in government within very different political systems, and despite the numerous constraints placed upon them (for instance, EU membership, international law and domestic checks and balances), populist parties consistently pursued policies that clashed with fundamental tenets of liberal democracy. In particular, the idea that the power of the majority must be limited and restrained, the sanctity of individual rights and the principle of the division of powers have all come under threat in contemporary Europe. This has contributed to the continuing erosion of the liberal consensus, which has provided one of the fundamental foundations of the European project from its start.
Ambivalent Europeans? Public Support for European Integration in East and West
Authors: de Vries Catherine E.
Published: June 2013

In the midst of the economic crisis sweeping across the European continent, popular support for European integration has become a common theme in political discourse. This article revisits the debate regarding popular support for European integration. Although many journalists, politicians and pundits currently argue that the public is becoming increasingly sceptical of further steps towards integration, this study qualifies that claim and suggests that public opinion towards Europe is best described as ambivalent. Also, it shows that ambivalence regarding European integration is higher in Western than in Central and Eastern Europe. This is probably due to the fact that as citizens in Western Europe have gained more experience with the positive and negative consequences of integration over the years, they have also become more ambivalent about the European project. Rather than suggesting that citizens are by and large turning their backs on Europe, I put forward the view that we seem to be witnessing growing uncertainty about the future scope and depth of the integration process. This, I argue, could be viewed as a natural by-product of experiencing both the virtues and the vices association with membership. Consequently, attitude ambivalence as such may be demonstrative of a maturation of public opinion concerning European integration.
How Party System Fragmentation has Altered Political Opposition in Established Democracies
Authors: Best Robin E.
Published: June 2013

This article examines the consequences of increased party system fragmentation for oppositions, their respective governments and representation more generally, focusing on 18 established democracies. Two of the findings presented here suggest that there is reason to be concerned about the future of parliamentary representation in established democracies. Firstly, an increasing proportion of votes now go to parties that do not receive a proportionate share of legislative representation, implying that a growing degree of organized opposition is extra-parliamentary. Secondly, the findings show that parliamentary oppositions have generally become more fragmented than their respective governments. This suggests that the composition of governments may not be keeping up with current trends in electoral preferences and, in some cases, that governmental majorities have become smaller and more tenuous. Thus, the overall picture is one of a growing and increasingly fragmented opposition, against a smaller and relatively cohesive government.
Post-Communist Politics: On the Divergence (and/or Convergence) of East and West
Authors: Bértoa Fernando Casal
Published: June 2013

Adopting Ionescu's qualitative approach to political science, and building on Sartori's definition of party system, this article examines the degree to which European (both East and West) party systems have developed since the collapse of communism in 1990 in all three major areas of partisan competition: parliamentary, governmental and electoral. In this context, this article constitutes, paraphrasing Sartori (1969), an attempt to go ‘from political sociology to the sociology of politics and back’. The main conclusion is that, although two decades have passed, East European party politics continues to be generally characterized by instability and unpredictability at all levels.
Dianulites(Trepostomata, Bryozoa) from the Early Ordovician of Severnaya Zemlya, Arctic Russia
Authors: ERNST ANDREJ , BOGOLEPOVA OLGA K. , HUBMANN BERNHARD , GOLUBKOVA ELENA YU. , GUBANOV ALEXANDER P.
Published: June 2013

Trepostome bryozoanDianulites borealisAstrova, 1965, the earliest known member of this genus, has been identified from the Early Ordovician of Severnaya Zemlya, Arctic Russia. This species developed hemispherical colonies which indicate that it lived on a relatively soft substrate with moderately low rates of sedimentation and erosion. The new record from Severnaya Zemlya expands the palaeogeographical distribution ofDianulites, known before from the Early Ordovician of Novaya Zemlya, Arctic Russia.
Diandongosaurus acutidentatusShang, Wu & Li, 2011 (Diapsida: Sauropterygia) and the relationships of Chinese eosauropterygians
Authors: SATO TAMAKI , CHENG YEN-NIEN , WU XIAO-CHUN , SHAN HSI-YIN
Published: June 2013

Diandongosaurus acutidentatusShang, Wu & Li, 2011 is restudied on the basis of a new specimen. The new specimen provides further information on the palate of the skull, the shoulder girdle, the gastralia and hind limbs, and permits revision of the diagnosis. Newly added or modified diagnostic characters include the presence of a few small vomerine teeth, the presence of an ectopterygoid, lateral elements of gastralia distally swollen and curving dorsally, boomerang-shaped interclavicle and clavicle with a distinct anterolateral process. Slight variations in the vertebral counts, girdle morphology, and phalangeal formulae are attributed to the intraspecific variations. A revised phylogenetic analysis demonstrates thatDiandongosaurusis closely related to the Nothosauroidea and that certain Chinese taxa (e.g.Keichousaurus) previously affiliated with the Pachypleurosauridae are more closely related to the Nothosauroidea. The effect of inclusion or exclusion of fragmentary taxa in the phylogenetic analysis is observed in the branching pattern of the cladogram, but it has little effect on the morphological characterization of the major clades.
Transmission ecosystems ofEchinococcus multilocularisin China and Central Asia
Authors: GIRAUDOUX PATRICK , RAOUL FRANCIS , AFONSO EVE , ZIADINOV ISKENDER , YANG YURONG , LI LI , LI TIAOYING , QUÉRÉ JEAN-PIERRE , FENG XIAOHUI , WANG QIAN , WEN HAO , ITO AKIRA , CRAIG PHILIP S.
Published: June 2013

From continental to regional scales, the zoonosis alveolar echinococcosis (AE) (caused byEchinococcus multilocularis) forms discrete patches of endemicity within which transmission hotspots of much larger prevalence may occur. Since the late 80s, a number of hotspots have been identified in continental Asia, mostly in China, wherein the ecology of intermediate host communities has been described. This is the case in south Gansu, at the eastern border of the Tibetan plateau, in south Ningxia, in the western Tian Shan of Xinjiang, and in the Alay valley of south Kyrgyzstan. Here we present a comparative natural history and characteristics of transmission ecosystems or ecoscapes. On this basis, regional types of transmission and their ecological characteristics have been proposed in a general framework. Combining climatic, land cover and intermediate host species distribution data, we identified and mapped 4 spatially distinct types of transmission ecosystems typified by the presence of one of the following small mammal ‘flagship’ species:Ellobius tancrei, Ochotona curzoniae, Lasiopodomys brandtiiorEospalax fontanierii. Each transmission ecosystem had its own characteristics which can serve as a reference for further in-depth research in the transmission ecology ofE. multilocularis. This approach may be used at fine spatial scales to characterize other poorly known transmission systems of the large Eurasian endemic zone, and help in consideration of surveillance systems and interventions.
Metacognitive awareness of cognitive problems in schizophrenia: exploring the role of symptoms and self-esteem
Authors: Cella M. , Swan S. , Medin E. , Reeder C. , Wykes T.
Published: June 2013

Background

People with a diagnosis of schizophrenia have limited metacognitive awareness of their symptoms. This is also evident for cognitive difficulties when neuropsychological assessments and self-reports are compared. Unlike for delusions and hallucinations, little attention has been given to factors that may influence the mismatch between objective and subjectively reported cognitive problems. Symptom severity, and also self-esteem and social functioning, can have an impact on cognitive problem perception and help to explain the gap between objective and subjective cognitive assessments in psychosis.

Method

One-hundred participants with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were recruited and assessed with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, a measure of awareness of cognitive problems and measures of psychotic symptoms, social and behavioural functioning and self-esteem. Regression was used to investigate the influence of symptoms, social functioning and self-esteem, and patients with different levels of cognitive problem awareness were contrasted.

Results

Simple correlation analysis replicated the lack of association between objective cognitive measures and metacognitive awareness of cognitive problems. However, the results of the regression analyses highlight that self-esteem and negative symptoms predict metacognitive awareness. When significant predictors were controlled, individuals with better awareness had more impaired working memory but higher IQ.

Conclusions

Poor self-esteem and high negative symptoms are negatively associated with metacognitive awareness in people with schizophrenia. Interventions that aim to improve cognition should consider that cognitive problem reporting in people with schizophrenia correlates poorly with objective measures and is biased not only by symptoms but also by self-esteem. Future studies should explore the causal pathways using longitudinal designs.
Formulaic language
Authors: Wray Alison
Published: June 2013

Creating a timeline for formulaic language is far from simple, because several partially independent lines of research have contributed to the emerging picture. Each exhibits cycles of innovation and consolidation over time: domains take a leading role in developing new knowledge and then fall back, while another area comes to the fore. Thus, some of the first observations about formulaic language, back in the nineteenth century, were in the clinical domain of aphasia studies. By the early to mid twentieth century it was theories of language structure that had most to say, until eclipsed by the Chomskian model, which saw little significance in lexicalised units larger than the word (an issue discussed by Jackendoff 2002; see table entry). Meanwhile, changes in language teaching methodology in the mid to late twentieth century increasingly urged teachers to ask how adult learners could best master multiword strings to improve fluency and idiomaticity – a question still asked today. By the end of the twentieth century, new technological advances revealed frequency in usage as a probable agent of formulaicity, and these chimed with new models of lexical knowledge based on neural pathways and networks that could be strengthened by repeated exposure. Drawing on these models, we have seen, as we move into the twenty-first century, the development of new approaches to modelling language as a system – emergent grammars, including Construction Grammar – that are more accommodating of large, internally complex units. And finally, as we gradually understand more about how the brain accesses and retrieves linguistic material, we are seeing a resurgence of interest in formulaic language in neurological and clinical contexts.
Applications of quality management in language education
Authors: Heyworth Frank
Published: June 2013

This review examines applications of quality management (QM) in language education. QM approaches have been adapted from methodologies developed in industrial and commercial settings, and these are briefly described. Key aspects of QM in language education are the definition of purpose, descriptions of principles and practice, including various descriptive frameworks, and the place of reflective practice and action research. Quality descriptions for different aspects of language teaching – examinations and assessment, education for migrants, for young learners, in mainstream education – are summarised. There is an account of accreditation and recognition of language teaching institutions and a critical review of some of the contradictions and conflicts in the QM approach, such as those between accountability and trust, and between creativity and standardisation. The strengths and weaknesses of auditing and quality inspection methods are examined.
Vocabulary knowledge in relation to memory and analysis: An approximate replication of Milton's (2007) study on lexical profiles and learning style
Authors: Booth Paul
Published: June 2013

This paper presents an approximate replication of Milton's (2007) study on lexical profiles and learning style. Milton investigated the assumption that more frequent words are acquired before less frequent ones. Using a vocabulary recognition test (X-Lex) to measure vocabulary size, Milton found that L2 English group profiles show a linear relationship between greater knowledge of high frequency words and lesser knowledge of low frequency items. The profiles also showed variability in individual profiles. Milton hypothesised that the individual differences in profiles are partly attributable to different approaches to learning, as elicited via language aptitude tests of memory and analysis. Learner profiles that showed a linear relationship with vocabulary frequency scored higher on analysis; learners who had irregular profiles scored higher on memory. The aim of this replication is to confirm whether learning style helps to determine what L2 lexis is learnt. It duplicates the vocabulary size test and the memory and analysis tests. However, the replication uses regression analyses, rather than a single ANOVA, to determine whether memory or analysis contributes to vocabulary knowledge. Moreover, the participants’ L1 backgrounds are mixed, and they are older. The results from this replication do not support Milton's findings, but a post-study supports the notion that at low proficiency there is a relationship between memory and vocabulary size. It is concluded that neither memory nor analysis is related to patterns in lexical profiles, but that memory contributes to vocabulary size.
Will people change their vector-control practices in the presence of an imperfect dengue vaccine?
Authors: BOCCIA T. M. Q. R. , BURATTINI M. N. , COUTINHO F. A. B. , MASSAD E.
Published: June 2013

Human behaviours, which are influenced by social, cultural, economic and political factors, can increase or decrease the risk of dengue infection, depending on the relationship with the insect vector. Because no vaccine is currently available, the spread of dengue can only be curtailed by controlling vector populations (Aedes aegypti and others) and by protecting individuals. This study tested the hypothesis that dengue-affected populations are likely to relax their vector-control habits if a potentially protective vaccine becomes available. The hypothesis was tested using two approaches: a mathematical model designed to describe dengue transmission and an empirical field test in which the local population of an endemic area was interviewed about their vector-control habits given the presence of a theoretical vaccine. The model demonstrated that depending on the level of vector-control reduction, there is a threshold in vaccine efficacy below which it is better not to introduce the vaccine. The interview showed that people who were informed that a very effective vaccine is available would reduce their vector-control habits significantly compared to a group that was informed that the vaccine is not very effective.
Recognizing Complex Cognition through Innovative Technology in Stone Age and Palaeolithic Sites
Authors: Wadley Lyn
Published: June 2013

Cognitive complexity is defined here as the capacity for abstract thought, analogical reasoning, cognitive fluidity, innovative thought, complex goal-directed actions, flexibility in problem-solving, multi-tasking, task switching, response inhibition and planning over long distances or time. Some of these attributes are archaeologically recognizable in transformative technologies such as heat treatment of rocks and ochre, and the manufacture of compound adhesives and paints. Advanced executive functions of the brain are also required for remote capture during snaring, which is implied by circumstantial archaeological evidence. Some technologies seem good indicators of complex cognition and the emphasis here is on making the connection, but this does not mean that cognition necessarily drove innovation in the past any more than it does today. The recursive relationships between cognition, social behaviour and technology mean that change cannot be attributed to a single stimulus.
Computability structures, simulations and realizability
Authors: LONGLEY JOHN
Published: June 2013

We generalise the standard construction of realizability models (specifically, of categories of assemblies) to a wide class ofcomputability structures, which is broad enough to embrace models of computation such as labelled transition systems and process algebras. We consider a general notion ofsimulationbetween such computability structures, and show how these simulations correspond precisely to certain functors between the realizability models. Furthermore, we show that our class of computability structures has good closure properties – in particular, it is ‘cartesian closed’ in a slightly relaxed sense. Finally, we investigate some important subclasses of computability structures and of simulations between them. We suggest that our 2-category of computability structures and simulations may offer a useful framework for investigating questions of computational power, abstraction and simulability for a wide range of models.
A novel ATP8 gene mutation in an infant with tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Tansel Turkan , Paçal Ferda , Ustek Duran
Published: June 2013

We report the case of a novel mitochondrial DNA mutation in the MT-ATP8 gene in an infant with tetralogy of Fallot. Next-generation sequencing was applied to sequence whole mitochondrial DNA of the patient. A known Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy-associated mutation (G9804A), a heteroplasmic T7501C mutation (17%), and a novel C8481 T Pro > Leu missense mutation in the MT-ATP8 gene was identified.
Misperception of body weight among overweight Danish adults: trends from 1995 to 2008
Authors: Matthiessen Jeppe , Biltoft-Jensen Anja , Fagt Sisse , Knudsen Vibeke Kildegaard , Tetens Inge , Groth Margit Velsing
Published: June 2013

Objective

To examine changes in the prevalence of overweight and weight misperception among overweight Danes from 1995 to 2008, and to identify factors associated with weight misperception.

Design

Cross-sectional studies, in which data on self-reported weight, height and self-perception of overweight status were obtained through face-to-face interviews. ‘Overweight’ includes obesity. Weight misperception was defined as overweight individuals who did not perceive themselves as overweight. The χ2 test was used to analyse changes over time and multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to identify factors associated with weight misperception.

Setting

The Danish National Survey of Diet and Physical Activity in three periods: 1995, 2000–2004 and 2005–2008.

Subjects

A random sample of 9623 Danes aged 15–75 years.

Results

The prevalence of overweight increased in men and women from 1995 to 2005–2008 (from 35·1 % to 43·0 %, P < 0·001). Concurrently, there was a reduction in the proportion of overweight men (from 77·5 % to 71·4 %, P = 0·001) and women (from 54·8 % to 51·9 %, P = 0·24) who misperceived their weight. Factors associated with weight misperception were ‘never intend to eat healthily’ (men), high levels of leisure-time physical activity, ‘very good/excellent’ self-rated health and survey year (higher misperception in 2000–2004 than 2005–2008; P < 0·05).

Conclusions

The increase in overweight from 1995 to 2005–2008 was accompanied by a reduction in the proportion of overweight men misperceiving their weight. This may indicate that more men see overweight as a personally relevant health problem. Our findings also suggest that overweight individuals who are more physically active and have better self-rated health may not consider their excess weight a health problem.
Get off my cloud: cyber warfare, international humanitarian law, and the protection of civilians
Authors: Droege Cordula
Published: June 2013

Cyber warfare figures prominently on the agenda of policymakers and military leaders around the world. New units to ensure cyber security are created at various levels of government, including in the armed forces. But cyber operations in armed conflict situations could have potentially very serious consequences, in particular when their effect is not limited to the data of the targeted computer system or computer. Indeed, cyber operations are usually intended to have an effect in the ‘real world’. For instance, by tampering with the supporting computer systems, one can manipulate an enemy's air traffic control systems, oil pipeline flow systems, or nuclear plants. The potential humanitarian impact of some cyber operations on the civilian population is enormous. It is therefore important to discuss the rules of international humanitarian law (IHL) that govern such operations because one of the main objectives of this body of law is to protect the civilian population from the effects of warfare. This article seeks to address some of the questions that arise when applying IHL – a body of law that was drafted with traditional kinetic warfare in mind – to cyber technology. The first question is: when is cyber war really war in the sense of ‘armed conflict’? After discussing this question, the article goes on to look at some of the most important rules of IHL governing the conduct of hostilities and the interpretation in the cyber realm of those rules, namely the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution. With respect to all of these rules, the cyber realm poses a number of questions that are still open. In particular, the interconnectedness of cyber space poses a challenge to the most fundamental premise of the rules on the conduct of hostilities, namely that civilian and military objects can and must be distinguished at all times. Thus, whether the traditional rules of IHL will provide sufficient protection to civilians from the effects of cyber warfare remains to be seen. Their interpretation will certainly need to take the specificities of cyber space into account. In the absence of better knowledge of the potential effects of cyber warfare, it cannot be excluded that more stringent rules might be necessary.
A Comparative Analysis of Accountability Mechanisms for Ecosystem Services Markets in the United States and the European Union
Authors: Glicksman Robert L. , Kaime Thoko
Published: June 2013

Markets in ecosystem services have the potential to provide financial incentives to protect the environment either in lieu of or in addition to more traditional regulatory programmes. If these markets function properly, they can provide enhanced levels of environmental quality or more efficient mechanisms for protecting natural resources that provide vital services to humans. The theoretical benefits of ecosystem services markets may be undercut, however, if care is not taken in creating the legal infrastructure that supports trading to ensure that trades actually provide the promised environmental benefits. This article identifies five essential pillars of an ecosystem services market regime that are necessary to provide operational accountability safeguards. These include financial safeguards, verifiable performance standards, transparency and public participation standards, regulatory oversight mechanisms, and rule of law safeguards. The article assesses whether the laws of the United States (US) and European Union (EU) are well designed to provide such accountability. It concludes that despite recognition of the risk of market manipulation and outright fraud, regulators in the US and the EU to date have responded to these risks largely in an ad hoc and incomplete fashion, rather than embedding the mechanisms for operational accountability discussed in this article into the regulatory framework that governs ecosystem services trading markets.
Malaria und Kinder, die reisen – Prophylaxe und Therapie
Authors: Schlagenhauf Patricia , Haller Sabine , Wagner Noémie , Chappuis François
Published: June 2013

Malaria, vor allem die Malaria durch Plasmodium falciparum ist eine lebensbedrohliche Krankheit. Insbesondere bei nicht immunen Kindern, welche in Malaria-Endemiegebiete reisen, können innerhalb von Stunden nach den ersten Symptomen lebensbedrohliche Komplikationen auftreten. In Hochrisikogebieten sind daher ein guter Mückenschutz und eine Chemoprophylaxe als vorbeugende Maßnahmen gegen die Malaria unerlässlich. Aufgrund Datenmangels werden die Dosierung und Pharmakokinetik vorhandener Malariamedikamente für eine Chemoprophylaxe bei Kleinkindern kontrovers diskutiert. Für Reisedestinationen mit einem geringen Malariarisiko ohne Notwendigkeit einer Chemoprophylaxe wird das Mitführen einer Notfalltherapie empfohlen. Frühe Symptome der Malaria sind häufig atypisch und schwer zu erkennen. Wenn ein Kind während oder nach der Reise in ein Malariaendemiegebiet Fieber entwickelt sollte eine möglichst rasche Diagnostik und gegebenenfalls Therapie erfolgen.
Dermatologische Probleme bei Tropenrückkehrern – „banales Häufiges“ und „seltenes, aber Gefährliches“
Authors: Blum Johannes , Pletscher Martin
Published: June 2013

Die häufigsten Hautläsionen bei Tropenrückkehrern sind Insektenstichreaktionen, bakterielle Hautinfektionen, die kutane Larva migrans und allergische Reaktionen. Der folgende Artikel möchte diese häufigsten dermatologischen Erkrankungen vorstellen und jeweils die differentialdiagnostischen Überlegungen erläutern, wobei besonders auf Krankheiten eingegangen wird, die der praktische Arzt nicht verpassen sollte. Dabei müssen vor allem Infektionen durch einen Methicillin-resistenten Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), ein Hautschanker bei Rickettsiose oder Schlafkrankheit, eine kutane Leishmaniose oder Wurmerkrankungen, die sich nicht auf die Haut beschränken, ausgeschlossen werden.
Souvenir der etwas anderen Art – Helmintheninfektionen bei Reisenden
Authors: Marti Hanspeter , Landolt Rebecca , Hatz Christoph
Published: June 2013

Anhand einer Krankengeschichte nach einer Tropenreise wird die Abklärung einer Gewebshelminthiase präsentiert. Für die zuverlässige Diagnose einer Parasiteninfektion stehen neben der klassischen Mikroskopie oder der PCR auch serologische Untersuchungen zur Verfügung, welche – richtig interpretiert – die Nützlichkeit solcher Abklärungen demonstrieren.
Abenteurer unterwegs
Authors: Beck Bernhard R.
Published: June 2013

In der immer mehr von weltweiten Modeströmungen erfassten Tourismusbranche erfreuen sich organisierte Individualreisen mit Abenteueraspekt großer Beliebtheit. Dies führt dazu, dass sich Personen ohne große Vorbereitung in Situationen begeben, welche aufgrund spezieller Umgebungsfaktoren zu einer erhöhten Morbidität der Reisenden führen kann und in der Abklärung von erkrankten Rückkehrern gelegentlich spezielle Kenntnisse mit weit reichenden differentialdiagnostischen Überlegungen erfordert. Der Artikel soll einerseits gewisse Hinweise auf voraussehbare Komplikationen bei Reisenden geben, welche unter extremen Umständen reisen; andererseits werden einige Aspekte bei der Abklärung von erkrankten Rückkehrern nach Abenteuerreise erwähnt.
Einstellungen Pflegender in deutschen Krankenhäusern zu einer evidenzbasierten Pflegepraxis
Authors: Köpke Sascha , Koch Frauke , Behncke Anja , Balzer Katrin
Published: June 2013

Die Bedeutung der Einstellung Pflegender für die Etablierung einer evidenzbasierten Pflegepraxis (EBP) ist international gut belegt. Für den deutschsprachigen Raum liegen bislang nur wenige Daten vor. Diese Querschnittstudie zielt darauf, pflegerische Sichtweisen auf relevante Kontextfaktoren für die Implementierung einer EBP zu erfassen. Hierfür wurden mithilfe eines selbst entwickelten Fragebogens auf Basis etablierter Instrumente in 21 norddeutschen Krankenhäusern 1384 Pflegende befragt, von denen 1023 (74 %) antworteten. Die Ergebnisse zeigen eine prinzipiell positive Einstellung gegenüber EBP. Die Mehrheit der Befragten erachtet Forschung als relevant für die Praxis. Unterstützung durch Vorgesetzte sowie Kolleg(inn)en wird als wichtige Voraussetzung gesehen. Die Umsetzung gelingt jedoch nur unzureichend. So sind Pflegende nicht über aktuelle Forschungsergebnisse informiert. Primärliteratur wird kaum genutzt. Lediglich eine Minderheit ist bereit, eigene Mittel für Tagungen aufzuwenden oder in naher Zukunft ein pflegewissenschaftliches Studium zu beginnen. Die Erhebung liefert erstmals für den deutschsprachigen Raum aussagekräftige Daten zur Einstellung Pflegender zu EBP. Pflegende bestätigen hierbei den Wert von Forschung für die eigene Praxis, es fehlt jedoch an Grundvoraussetzungen, beispielsweise der Nutzung aktueller wissenschaftlicher Fachinformationen, um relevante Forschung zu identifizieren und in die Praxis zu implementieren. Eine Ausrichtung der Ausbildung auf EBP, etwa im Rahmen von pflegewissenschaftlichen Studiengängen, erscheint in Deutschland überfällig.
Vom Bett zur Evidenz – und wieder zurück. 5 Jahre evidenzbasierte Leitlinien in Südtirol: Vorgehen und Erfahrungen
Authors: Langer Gero , Siller Marianne , Tappeiner Waltraud
Published: June 2013

In Südtirol wurden Leitlinien mit zwei verschiedenen Vorgehensweisen erstellt: die eigenständige Erstellung einer Pflegeleitlinie zur Mundpflege mittels GRADE sowie die Adaptation der NICE-Leitlinie zur Thromboseprophylaxe. Beide Methoden haben ihre Vor- und Nachteile: bei der eigenständigen Erstellung identifiziert sich die Leitliniengruppe eher mit den Inhalten, der Aufwand ist allerdings um ein Vielfaches größer als bei der Adaptation und Ergänzung bestehender (methodisch hochwertiger) Leitlinien. Andererseits gibt es nur eine überschaubare Anzahl hochwertiger Pflegeleitlinien, wie eine umfangreiche Recherche ergab. Die Projekterfahrungen in Südtirol zeigen außerdem, dass Pflegeleitlinien für eine 1:1-Übertragung in die Praxis eher nicht geeignet scheinen, da fast die Hälfte der Pflegenden die Leitlinie – trotz Kenntnis der Inhalte – nicht in der Praxis umsetzt. Entsprechend wurden zur Förderung der Umsetzung der Pflegeleitlinien multimodale Interventionen auf allen Ebenen der Organisation durchgeführt. Dazu gehörten die Einbindung des Managements über Zielvereinbarungen sowie die Schulung und aktive Beteiligung der Nutzer(innen) bei der Entwicklung von anwenderfreundlichen Instrumenten.
CHESSSS
Authors: Fontan Patrick , Andronikof Anne , Nicodemo Daniela , Al Nyssani Lamia , Guilheri Juliana , Hansen Kim Gabriel , Kumasaka Sachiyo , Nakamura Noriko
Published: June 2013

CHESSSS is an open source project we propose to the Rorschach community. It can be freely distributed and adjusted to one’s particular needs. We have paid much attention to make it as efficient and user-friendly an application as possible. Its use and even its programming do not require a high level of skills in informatics. This project provides solutions for issues concerning computing Rorschach Supplementary Scales, interrater reliability, standardization of Form Quality tables across countries, the search for items in the FQ tables, and the creation of databases. It also addresses the complexity of RCS interpretation. We do hope that CHESSSS will help clinicians, researchers and students to manage their own data as desired in a free and autonomous manner.
Hypertension and Experimental Stroke Therapies
Authors: O'Collins Victoria E , Donnan Geoffrey A , Macleod Malcolm R , Howells David W
Published: June 2013

Hypertension is an established target for long-term stroke prevention but procedures for management of hypertension in acute stroke are less certain. Here, we analyze basic science data to examine the impact of hypertension on candidate stroke therapies and of anti-hypertensive treatments on stroke outcome. Methods: Data were pooled from 3,288 acute ischemic stroke experiments (47,899 animals) testing the effect of therapies on infarct size (published 1978-2010). Data were combined using meta-analysis and meta-regression, partitioned on the basis of hypertension, stroke model, and therapy. Results: Hypertensive animals were used in 10% of experiments testing 502 therapies. Hypertension was associated with lower treatment efficacy, especially in larger infarcts. Overall, anti-hypertensives did not provide greater benefit than other drugs, although benefits were evident in hypertensive animals even when given after stroke onset. Fifty-eight therapies were tested in both normotensive and hypertensive animals: some demonstrated superior efficacy in hypertensive animals (hypothermia) while others worked better in normotensive animals (tissue plasminogen activator, anesthetic agents). Discussion: Hypertension has a significant effect on the efficacy of candidate stroke drugs: standard basic science testing may overestimate the efficacy which could be reasonably expected from certain therapies and for hypertensive patients with large or temporary occlusions.
Cell cycle regulation of purine synthesis by phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate and inorganic phosphate
Authors: Fridman Alla , Saha Arindam , Chan Adriano , Casteel Darren E. , Pilz Renate B. , Boss Gerry R.
Published: June 2013

Cells must increase synthesis of purine nucleotides/deoxynucleotides before or during S-phase. We found that rates of purine synthesis via the de novo and salvage pathways increased 5.0- and 3.3-fold respectively, as cells progressed from mid-G1-phase to early S-phase. The increased purine synthesis could be attributed to a 3.2-fold increase in intracellular PRPP (5-phosphoribosyl-α-1-pyrophosphate), a rate-limiting substrate for de novo and salvage purine synthesis. PRPP can be produced by the oxidative and non-oxidative pentose phosphate pathways, and we found a 3.1-fold increase in flow through the non-oxidative pathway, with no change in oxidative pathway activity. Non-oxidative pentose phosphate pathway enzymes showed no change in activity, but PRPP synthetase is regulated by phosphate, and we found that phosphate uptake and total intracellular phosphate concentration increased significantly between mid-G1-phase and early S-phase. Over the same time period, PRPP synthetase activity increased 2.5-fold when assayed in the absence of added phosphate, making enzyme activity dependent on cellular phosphate at the time of extraction. We conclude that purine synthesis increases as cells progress from G1- to S-phase, and that the increase is from heightened PRPP synthetase activity due to increased intracellular phosphate.
Roles of EXTL2, a member of the EXT family of tumour suppressors, in liver injury and regeneration processes
Authors: Nadanaka Satomi , Kagiyama Shoji , Kitagawa Hiroshi
Published: June 2013

The gene products of two members of the EXT (exostosin) gene family, EXT1 and EXT2, function together as a polymerase in the biosynthesis of heparan sulfate. EXTL2 (EXT-like 2), one of the three EXTL genes in the human genome that are homologous to EXT1 and EXT2, encodes an N-acetylhexosaminyltransferase. We have demonstrated that EXTL2 terminates chain elongation of GAGs (glycosaminoglycans), and thereby regulates GAG biosynthesis. The abnormal GAG biosynthesis caused by loss of EXTL2 had no effect on normal development or normal adult homoeostasis. Therefore we examined the role of EXTL2 in CCl4 (carbon tetrachloride)-induced liver failure, a model of liver disease. On the fifth day after CCl4 administration, the liver/body weight ratio was significantly smaller for EXTL2-knockout mice than for wild-type mice. Consistent with this observation, hepatocyte proliferation following CCl4 treatment was lower in EXTL2-knockout mice than in wild-type mice. EXTL2-knockout mice experienced less HGF (hepatocyte growth factor)-mediated signalling than wild-type mice specifically because GAG synthesis was altered in these mutant mice. In addition, GAG synthesis in hepatic stellate cells was up-regulated during liver repair in EXTL2-knockout mice. Taken together, the results of the present study indicated that EXTL2-mediated regulation of GAG synthesis was important to the tissue regeneration processes that follow liver injury.
Spectrally efficient transform domain communication system with quadrature cyclic code shift keying
Authors: Hu Su , Bi Guoan , Guan Yong Liang , Li Shaoqian
Published: June 2013

Transform domain communication system (TDCS), as an overlay cognitive radio communication system, has been proposed to obtain a low probability of interception by using spectrum bin nulling to synthesise an adaptive waveform corresponding to the spectrum sensing output. However, its low spectral efficiency limits potential practical applications. In this study, an efficient modulation scheme, namely quadrature cyclic code shift keying (Q‐CCSK), is proposed for TDCSs by generating another fundamental modulation waveform as the data‐bearing quadrature branch. Although using Q‐CCSK doubles the spectral efficiency for TDCSs, the instinct inter‐branch interference arises from the added quadrature branch. Through the orthogonality analysis, it is proven that the two branches (in‐phase and quadrature‐ branches) are still satisfied the property of quasi‐orthogonality. Moreover, the performances of TDCSs employing Q‐CCSK in additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and multipath fading channels are discussed, respectively. Analytical and simulation results demonstrate that, compared with conventional schemes, the TDCS employing Q‐CCSK can double the spectral efficiency with comparable systematic performance.
N–Rth dual best relays opportunistic cooperation schemes and performance analyses over Nakagami‐m fading channels
Authors: Jia Xiangdong , Zhu Hongbo , Yang Longxiang , Fu Haiyang
Published: June 2013

To overcome the performance loss caused by the Nth single best relay selection schemes, in this study, the authors present the N–Rth dual best relays selection schemes. In the proposed schemes, there are two relays selected out of the available relays to forward the received signals to the destination by using the decode‐and‐forward protocol. The statistical descriptions of instantaneous end‐to‐end received signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNR) are investigated over independent and non‐identically distributed Nakagami‐m fading channels. By using the appropriate mathematical proof, the authors firstly obtain the closed‐form expressions to the probability density function and cumulative distribution function of instantaneous end‐to‐end SNR. Then, based on the derived results, the outage probability and average symbol error rate (SER) of the proposed N–Rth dual best relays selection schemes are investigated. The comparison analyses between the Nth schemes and the N–Rth schemes show that the proposed N–Rth dual best relays selection schemes can improve greatly the performance of opportunistic relaying systems such as outage probability and average SER. Especially, the proposed dual best relays selection scheme can obtain more outstanding improvement on SER.
Analytical and learning‐based spectrum sensing time optimisation in cognitive radio systems
Authors: Shokri‐Ghadikolaei Hossein , Abdi Younes , Nasiri‐Kenari Masoumeh
Published: June 2013

In this study, the average throughput maximisation of a secondary user (SU) by optimising its spectrum sensing time is formulated, assuming that a priori knowledge of the presence and absence probabilities of the primary users (PUs) is available. The energy consumed to find a transmission opportunity is evaluated, and a discussion on the impacts of the number of PUs on SU throughput and consumed energy are presented. To avoid the challenges associated with the analytical method, as a second solution, a systematic adaptive neural network‐based sensing time optimisation approach is also proposed. The proposed scheme is able to find the optimum value of the channel sensing time without any prior knowledge or assumption about the wireless environment. The structure, performance and cooperation of the artificial neural networks used in the proposed method are explained in detail, and a set of illustrative simulation results is presented to validate the analytical results as well as the performance of the proposed learning‐based optimisation scheme.
Optical fibre communication cables systems performance under harmful gamma irradiation and thermal environment effects
Authors: Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki
Published: June 2013

One problem in the application of fibre optics to military systems is that nuclear (and space) radiation is known to produce colour centres in optical materials, causing a reduction of light transmission over a spectrum of wavelengths. These radiation effects could cause permanent or temporary disruption of a fibre optics transmission system. Thus, the study has investigated the harmful effects of gamma irradiation on fibre communication system links under thermal environment effects over a wide range of operating parameters. Both the ambient temperature and the irradiation dose have severe effects on the system transmission link characteristics and consequently the performance characteristics of optical communication systems. It is also to be noted that the model has deeply developed the modelling basics of transmission communication systems, which may be used to analyse total pulse dispersion, transmitted signal bandwidth, transmission bit rates, radiation induced loss and optical received power by using the soliton transmission technique after different gamma irradiation doses and irradiation times.
Asynchronous cooperative transmission for three‐dimensional underwater acoustic networks
Authors: Wang Ping , Zhang Lin , Li Victor O.K.
Published: June 2013

Although the techniques of cooperative transmission have been developed for terrestrial sensor networks in recent years to improve the bit‐error‐rate (BER) performance, the unique characteristics of the underwater acoustic communication channel, such as large and variable propagation delay and the three‐dimensional network topology, make it necessary to reconsider the implementation and analysis of cooperative transmission in underwater acoustic networks. In this study, two asynchronous forwarding schemes, namely underwater amplify‐and‐forward (UAF) and underwater decode‐and‐forward (UDF), are proposed. Although the fading model for underwater channel is complex and there is still no consensus in the research community on a model which is applicable for all underwater channels, the authors simulation results show that both UDF and UAF have better performance than direct transmission under different underwater channel configurations, and there is a breathing effect for BER performance improvement caused by underwater multi‐path fading. Finally, some insights on choosing the proper parameters to improve performance of underwater cooperative transmission are provided.