bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment and self-assessment of the pharmacists' competencies using the global competency framework (GbCF) in Serbia
Authors: Stojkov Svetlana , Tadic Ivana , Crnjanski Tatjana , Krajnovic Dusanka
Published: March 2016

Background/Aim. Pharmacists' competence represents a dynamic framework of
knowledge, skills and abilities to carry out tasks, and it reflects on
improving the quality of life and on patients? health. One of the documents
for the Evaluation and Competency Development of Pharmacists is the Global
Competency Framework (GbCF). The aim of this study was to implement the GBCF
document into Serbian pharmacies, to perform assessment and self assessment
of the competencies. Methods. The assessment and self-assessment of
pharmacists? competencies were performed during the period 2012?13 year in
eight community pharmacy chains, in seven cities in Serbia. For assessment
and self-assessment of pharmacists competencies the GbCF model was applied,
which was adjusted to pharmaceutical practice and legislation in Serbia.
External assessment was conducted by teams of pharmacists using the
structured observation of the work of pharmacists during regular working
hours. Evaluated pharmacists filled out the questionnaire about demographic
indicators about the pharmacist and the pharmacy where they work. Results. A
total of 123 pharmacists were evaluated. Pharmacists? Professional Competency
Cluster (KK1) had the lowest score (average value 2.98), while the cluster
Management and Organizational Competency (KK2) had the highest score (average
value 3.15). The competence Recognition of the Diagnosis and Patient
Counseling (K8), which belonged to the cluster KK1, had the lowest score
(average value for assessment and self-assessment were 2.09, and 2.34,
respectively) among the all evaluated competencies. Conclusion. GbCF might be
considered as an instrument for the competencies' evaluation/selfevaluation
and their improvement, accordingly.
Abdominal localization of unicentric form of Castleman disease: A case report
Authors: Milev Bosko , Milev Borka , Kostic Zoran , Mirkovic Darko , Perisic Nenad , Tasic Olga , Elez Marija , Radunovic Aleksandar , Jovanovic Milan , Maric Predrag , Daisevic Sanja , Prelevic Rade , Vulovic Maja
Published: March 2016

Introduction. Castleman disease is a rare disease of the unknown etiology,
occuring in two clinical forms: unicentric or multicentric. It is
characterized by the hyperplasia of lymph glands. In literature the four
pathohistological forms were described: hyaline vascular type, plasma cell
type, mixed type and a recently recognized plasmablastic type. The most
frequent changes are localized in the mediastinum, while the abdominal
localization is with significatly rare occurrence, and that was the motive
for presentation of this case. Case report. In a 41-year old male magnetic
resonance (MR) enterography showed a change in the ileocecal area without the
presence of subjective symptoms of digestive tract and without loss of body
mass. Due to the suspicion of stromal tumor, surgical intervention was
indicated. Pathohistological findings showed Castleman lymphadenopathia
reactiva mesenterii (plasma cell type) which was in the unicentric form.
There were present only anaemia and the increased value of sedimentation from
the laboratory analyses. Conclusion. Abdominal localization of unicentric
plasma cell form occurs rarely and the surgical method of treatment presents
the golden standard as it was shown in the presented case.
Variation in form of mandibular, light, round, preformed NiTi archwires
Authors: Saze Naomi , Arai Kazuhito
Published: March 2016

Objective: 

To evaluate the variation in form of nickel-titanium (NiTi) archwires by comparing them with the dental arch form of normal Japanese subjects before and after placing them in the first molar tubes.

Materials and Methods: 

The mandibular dental casts of 30 normal subjects were scanned, and the dental arch depths and widths from the canine to the first molar were measured. Standardized images of 34 types of 0.016-inch preformed NiTi archwires were also taken in a 37°C environment, and the widths were measured and then classified by cluster analysis. Images of these archwires placed in a custom jig with brackets attached at the mean locations of the normal mandibular central incisors and first molar were additionally taken. The widths of the pooled and classified archwires were then compared with the normal dental arch widths before and after placement in the jig and among the groups (P < .05).

Results: 

The archwires were classified into three groups: small, medium, and large. The archwire widths in the small and medium groups were narrower than those at all examined tooth widths, except in the case of the premolars of the medium group. After placement in the jig, the pooled archwire widths were found to be significantly narrower and wider at the canine and second premolar, respectively, than at the dental arch, but not in the individual comparisons between groups.

Conclusion: 

The variation observed in the mandibular NiTi archwire forms significantly decreased following fitting into the normal positions of the first molars.
Profile of illness in Syrian refugees: A GeoSentinel analysis, 2013 to 2015
Authors: Mockenhaupt Frank P. , Barbre Kira A. , Jensenius Mogens , Larsen Carsten S. , Barnett Elizabeth D. , Stauffer William , Rothe Camilla , Asgeirsson Hilmir , Hamer Davidson H. , Esposito Douglas H. , Gautret Philippe , Schlagenhauf Patricia
Published: March 2016

Screening of 488 Syrian unaccompanied minor refugees (< 18 years-old) in Berlin showed low prevalence of intestinal parasites (Giardia, 7%), positive schistosomiasis serology (1.4%) and absence of hepatitis B. Among 44 ill adult Syrian refugees examined at GeoSentinel clinics worldwide, cutaneous leishmaniasis affected one in three patients; other noteworthy infections were active tuberculosis (11%) and chronic hepatitis B or C (9%). These data can contribute to evidence-based guidelines for infectious disease screening of Syrian refugees.
Children and young people with perinatal HIV in Europe: epidemiological situation in 2014 and implications for the future
Authors:   Writing group for the Kids to Adults Working Group and Data Management and Harmonisation Group in EuroCoord
Published: March 2016

Accurate ascertainment of the number of children living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is important to plan paediatric and adolescent health services. In Europe, the first generation of perinatally HIV-infected survivors are transferring to adult care and their health needs are unknown. We undertook an online survey of HIV cohort studies participating in the EuroCoord Network of Excellence to ascertain the number of perinatally HIV-infected (pHIV) patients included, to compare it with those published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and to assess the ability of countries to follow up pHIV patients after transfer to adult care. At the end of 2013, 16 countries in EuroCoord reported 8,229 pHIV patients in follow-up in cohorts, compared with 5,160 cumulative diagnoses reported by the ECDC in the same area. Follow-up of pHIV patients after transfer to adult care varied. It is likely that the number of diagnoses of perinatal HIV reported to ECDC is an underestimate, although this varies by country. Further work is needed to refine estimates and encourage follow-up in adult HIV cohorts to investigate long-term outcomes and improve the care of the next generation of children with HIV.
Mobilizing a “Spiritual Geography”
Authors: Kraly Ellen Percy , Flowers Ezzard
Published: March 2016

As a result of removal and custody of Noongar children from their families and lands—forced mobilities and immobilties over decades, and within days and
nights—a distinctive and beautiful artistic heritage emerged. Th is material heritage, too, was moved through and from Noongar country. Illustrated by the art
of Carrolup, the culture and identity of the Noongar people has been transcendent and a “spiritual geography” mapped. As “heart returns home” to Noongar
country, there are opportunities for new approaches to the reconciliation of the past for the future. Th e beauty of the art and the story of Carrolup teach,
inspire, and provoke. Th ese mobilities and immobilities hold lessons that continue to travel.
How to predict return to work after lumbar discectomy: answers from the NeuroPoint-SD registry
Authors: Than Khoi D. , Curran Jill N. , Resnick Daniel K. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Ghogawala Zoher , Mummaneni Praveen V.
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

To date, the factors that predict whether a patient returns to work after lumbar discectomy are poorly understood. Information on postoperative work status is important in analyzing the cost-effectiveness of the procedure.

METHODS

An observational prospective cohort study was completed at 13 academic and community sites (NeuroPoint–Spinal Disorders [NeuroPoint-SD] registry). Patients undergoing single-level lumbar discectomy were included. Variables assessed included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), SF-36 physical function score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, presence of diabetes, smoking status, systemic illness, workers' compensation status, and preoperative work status. The primary outcome was working status within 3 months after surgery. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to determine which factors were predictive of return to work at 3 months following discectomy.

RESULTS

There were 127 patients (of 148 total) with data collected 3 months postoperatively. The patients' average age at the time of surgery was 46 ± 1 years, and 66.9% of patients were working 3 months postoperatively. Statistical analyses demonstrated that the patients more likely to return to work were those of younger age (44.5 years vs 50.5 years, p = 0.008), males (55.3% vs 28.6%, p = 0.005), those with higher preoperative SF-36 physical function scores (44.0 vs 30.3, p = 0.002), those with lower preoperative ODI scores (43.8 vs 52.6, p = 0.01), nonsmokers (83.5% vs 66.7%, p = 0.03), and those who were working preoperatively (91.8% vs 26.2%, p < 0.0001). When controlling for patients who were working preoperatively (105 patients), only age was a statistically significant predictor of postoperative return to work (44.1 years vs 51.1 years, p = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of lumbar discectomy patients, preoperative working status was the strongest predictor of postoperative working status 3 months after surgery. Younger age was also a predictor. Factors not influencing return to work in the logistic regression analysis included sex, BMI, SF-36 physical function score, ODI score, presence of diabetes, smoking status, and systemic illness.

Clinical trial registration no.: 01220921 (clinicaltrials.gov)
Walking assessment after lumbar puncture in normal-pressure hydrocephalus: a delayed improvement over 3 days
Authors: Schniepp Roman , Trabold Raimund , Romagna Alexander , Akrami Farhoud , Hesselbarth Kristin , Wuehr Max , Peraud Aurelia , Brandt Thomas , Dieterich Marianne , Jahn Klaus
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

The determination of gait improvement after lumbar puncture (LP) in idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is crucial, but the best time for such an assessment is unclear. The authors determined the time course of improvement in walking after LP for single-task and dual-task walking in iNPH.

METHODS

In patients with iNPH, sequential recordings of gait velocity were obtained prior to LP (time point [TP]0), 1–8 hours after LP (TP1), 24 hours after LP (TP2), 48 hours after LP (TP3), and 72 hours after LP (TP4). Gait analysis was performed using a pressure-sensitive carpet (GAITRite) under 4 conditions: walking at preferred velocity (STPS), walking at maximal velocity (STMS), walking while performing serial 7 subtractions (dual-task walking with serial 7 [DTS7]), and walking while performing verbal fluency tasks (dual-task walking with verbal fluency [DTVF]).

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients with a mean age of 76.1 ± 7.8 years were included in this study. Objective responder status moderately coincided with the self-estimation of the patients with subjective high false-positive results (83%). The extent of improvement was greater for single-task walking than for dual-task walking (p < 0.05). Significant increases in walking speed were found at TP2 for STPS (p = 0.042) and DTVF (p = 0.046) and at TP3 for STPS (p = 0.035), DTS7 (p = 0.042), and DTVF (p = 0.044). Enlargement of the ventricles (Evans Index) positively correlated with early improvement. Gait improvement at TP3 correlated with the shunt response in 18 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantitative gait assessment in iNPH is important due to the poor self-evaluation of the patients. The maximal increase in gait velocity can be observed 24–48 hours after the LP. This time point is also best to predict the response to shunting. For dual-task paradigms, maximal improvement appears to occur later (48 to 72 hours). Assessment of gait should be performed at Day 2 or 3 after LP.
A randomized controlled trial comparing autologous cranioplasty with custom-made titanium cranioplasty
Authors: Honeybul Stephen , Morrison David Anthony , Ho Kwok M. , Lind Christopher R. P. , Geelhoed Elizabeth
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

Autologous bone is usually used to reconstruct skull defects following decompressive surgery. However, it is associated with a high failure rate due to infection and resorption. The aim of this study was to see whether it would be cost-effective to use titanium as a primary reconstructive material.

METHODS

Sixty-four patients were enrolled and randomized to receive either their own bone or a primary titanium cranioplasty. All surgical procedures were performed by the senior surgeon. Primary and secondary outcome measures were assessed at 1 year after cranioplasty.

RESULTS

There were no primary infections in either arm of the trial. There was one secondary infection of a titanium cranioplasty that had replaced a resorbed autologous cranioplasty. In the titanium group, no patient was considered to have partial or complete cranioplasty failure at 12 months of follow-up (p = 0.002) and none needed revision (p = 0.053). There were 2 deaths unrelated to the cranioplasty, one in each arm of the trial. Among the 31 patients who had an autologous cranioplasty, 7 patients (22%) had complete resorption of the autologous bone such that it was deemed a complete failure. Partial or complete autologous bone resorption appeared to be more common among young patients than older patients (32 vs 45 years old, p = 0.013). The total cumulative cost between the 2 groups was not significantly different (mean difference A$3281, 95% CI $−9869 to $3308; p = 0.327).

CONCLUSIONS

Primary titanium cranioplasty should be seriously considered for young patients who require reconstruction of the skull vault following decompressive craniectomy.

Clinical trial registration no.: ACTRN12612000353897 (anzctr.org.au)
Fracture and migration of a retained wire into the thoracic cavity after endovascular neurointervention: report of 2 cases
Authors: Koo Hae-Won , Park Wonhyoung , Yang Kuhyun , Park Jung Cheol , Ahn Jae Sung , Kwon Sun Uck , Hwang Changmo , Lee Deok Hee
Published: March 2016

Although extremely rare, retention of foreign bodies such as microcatheters or micro guidewires can occur during various neurovascular procedures due to gluing of the microcatheter tip or entanglement of the micro guidewire tip with intravascular devices. The authors have experienced 2 cases of irresolvable wire retention, one after flow diverter placement for a left cavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm and the other after intracranial stenting for acute basilar artery occlusion. The first patient presented 6 weeks after her procedure with right lung parenchymal hemorrhage due to direct piercing of the lung parenchyma after the retained wire fractured and migrated out of the aortic arch. The second patient presented 4 years after his procedure with pneumothorax due to migration of the fractured guidewire segment into the right thoracic cavity. In this report, the authors discuss the possible mechanisms of these unusual complications and how to prevent delayed consequences from a retained intravascular metallic wire.
How well do subjective Hospital Compare metrics reflect objective outcomes in spine surgery?
Authors: Missios Symeon , Bekelis Kimon
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

The accuracy of public reporting in health care is an issue of debate. The authors investigated the association of patient satisfaction measures from a public reporting platform with objective outcomes for patients undergoing spine surgery.

METHODS

The authors performed a cohort study involving patients undergoing elective spine surgery from 2009 to 2013 who were registered in the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database. This cohort was merged with publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare website. A mixed-effects regression analysis, controlling for clustering at the hospital level, was used to investigate the association of patient satisfaction metrics with outcomes.

RESULTS

During the study period, 160,235 patients underwent spine surgery. Using a mixed-effects multivariable regression analysis, the authors demonstrated that undergoing elective spine surgery in hospitals with a higher percentage of patient-assigned high satisfaction scores was not associated with a decreased rate of discharge to rehabilitation (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.57–1.06), mortality (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.90–1.01), or hospitalization charges (β 0.04, 95% CI −0.16 to 0.23). However, it was associated with decreased length of stay (LOS; β −0.19, 95% CI −0.33 to −0.05). Similar associations were identified for hospitals with a higher percentage of patients who claimed they would recommend these institutions to others.

CONCLUSIONS

Merging a comprehensive all-payer cohort of spine surgery patients in New York state with data from the CMS Hospital Compare website, the authors were not able to demonstrate an association of improved performance in patient satisfaction measures with decreased mortality, rate of discharge to rehabilitation, and hospitalization charges. Increased patient satisfaction was associated with decreased LOS.
Buddhist Monks and Christian Friars: Religious and Cultural Exchange in the Making of Buddhism
Authors: Pascal Eva M.
Published: March 2016

There is a global consensus that various traditions practised throughout parts of Asia can all be linked to one cohesive religion called ‘Buddhism’. However, there is a long history as to how the West came to that consensus. Prior to the Iberian exploration, it was common to divide the religious world into four categories: Christianity, Judaism, Islam and all others under various permutations of superstition, heathenism or paganism. This article explores the rich encounter and exchange between Iberian friars and Buddhist monks, particularly in Siam (modern-day Thailand) that catalysed the identification of a common tradition in Asia thought to be centred on the person of the Buddha. It argues that one important part of the history of the identification of Buddhism as a single and bona fide religion begins with the encounter in the sixteenth century of Spanish friars with Buddhism. The social and political strength of institutional Buddhism in Siam, coupled with recognition of similar religious life and appreciation of ascetic values between monks and friars, triggers the identification by the friars of a distinct religion across Asia. The friars made the case that they were witnessing people with their own religion, distinguishable from undifferentiated superstition or idolatry. The consensus of the friars introduced an ideational core for the idea of Buddhism, based on one founder common to traditions in East and South-east Asia. These arguments set a foundation for Buddhism as a religion thought to closely mirror Christianity.
Effect of Intra- and Intermolecular Interactions on the Properties of para-Substituted Nitrobenzene Derivatives
Authors: Szatylowicz Halina , Stasyuk Olga , Fonseca Guerra Célia , Krygowski Tadeusz
Published: March 2016

To study the influence of intra- and intermolecular interactions on properties of the nitro group in para-substituted nitrobenzene derivatives, two sources of data were used: (i) Cambridge Structural Database and (ii) quantum chemistry modeling. In the latter case, “pure” intramolecular interactions were simulated by gradual rotation of the nitro group in para-nitroaniline, whereas H-bond formation at the amino group allowed the intermolecular interactions to be accounted for. BLYP functional with dispersion correction and TZ2P basis set (ADF program) were used to perform all calculations. It was found that properties of the nitro group dramatically depend on both its orientation with respect to the benzene ring as well as on the substituent in the para-position. The nitro group lies in the plane of the benzene ring for only a small number of molecules, whereas the mean value of the twist angle is 7.3 deg, mostly due to intermolecular interactions in the crystals. This distortion from planarity and the nature of para-substituent influence the aromaticity of the ring (described by HOMA index) and properties of the nitro group due to electronic effects. The results obtained by QM calculations fully coincide with observations found for the data set of crystal structures.
TFE3 Alleviates Hepatic Steatosis through Autophagy-Induced Lipophagy and PGC1α-Mediated Fatty Acid β-Oxidation
Authors: Xiong Jie , Wang Kezhou , He Jiangping , Zhang Guangya , Zhang Dandan , Chen Fengling
Published: March 2016

Autophagy flux deficiency is closely related to the development of hepatic steatosis. Transcription factor E3 (TFE3) is reported to be a crucial gene that regulates autophagy flux and lysosome function. Therefore, we investigated the role of TFE3 in a cell model of hepatic steatosis. We constructed L02 hepatocyte lines that stably over-expressed or knocked down the expression of TFE3. Subsequently, the effects of TFE3 on hepatocellular lipid metabolism were determined by autophagy flux assay, lipid oil red O (ORO) staining, immunofluorescence staining, and mitochondrial β-oxidation assessment. Finally, we analyzed whether peroxisome proliferative activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC1α) was the potential target gene of TFE3 in the regulation of hepatic steatosis using a chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) assay and a luciferase reporter system. We found that overexpression of TFE3 markedly alleviated hepatocellular steatosis. On the contrary, downregulation of TFE3 resulted in an aggravated steatosis. The mechanistic studies revealed that the TFE3-manipulated regulatory effects on hepatocellular steatosis are dependent on autophagy-induced lipophagy and PGC1α-mediated fatty acid β-oxidation because blocking these pathways with an Atg5 small interfering RNA (siRNA) or PGC1α siRNA dramatically blunted the TFE3-mediated regulation of steatosis. In conclusion, TFE3 gene provides a novel insight into the treatment of hepatic steatosis and other metabolic disease.
Effect of Curing Mode on Shear Bond Strength of Self-Adhesive Cement to Composite Blocks
Authors: Kim Jin-Young , Cho Ga-Young , Roh Byoung-Duck , Shin Yooseok
Published: March 2016

To overcome the disadvantages of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) processed indirect restorations using glass-ceramics and other ceramics, resin nano ceramic, which has high strength and wear resistance with improved polish retention and optical properties, was introduced. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength and fracture pattern of indirect CAD/CAM composite blocks cemented with two self-etch adhesive cements with different curing modes. Sand-blasted CAD/CAM composite blocks were cemented using conventional resin cement, Rely X Ultimate Clicker (RXC, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) with Single Bond Universal (SB, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) for the control group or two self-adhesive resin cements: Rely X U200 (RXU, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) and G-CEM Cerasmart (GC, GC corporation, Tokyo, Japan). RXU and GC groups included different curing modes (light-curing (L) and auto-curing (A)). Shear bond strength (SBS) analyses were performed on all the specimens. The RXC group revealed the highest SBS and the GC A group revealed the lowest SBS. According to Tukey’s post hoc test, the RXC group showed a significant difference compared to the GC A group (p < 0.05). For the curing mode, RXU A and RXU L did not show any significant difference between groups and GC A and GC L did not show any significant difference either. Most of the groups except RXC and RXU L revealed adhesive failure patterns predominantly. The RXC group showed a predominant cohesive failure pattern in their CAD/CAM composite, LavaTM Ultimate (LU, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA). Within the limitations of this study, no significant difference was found regarding curing modes but more mixed fracture patterns were showed when using the light-curing mode than when using the self-curing mode.
Looking Beyond the Terrestrial: The Potential of Seaweed Derived Bioactives to Treat Non-Communicable Diseases
Authors: Collins Kenneth , Fitzgerald Gerald , Stanton Catherine , Ross R.
Published: March 2016

Seaweeds are a large and diverse group of marine organisms that are commonly found in the maritime regions of the world. They are an excellent source of biologically active secondary metabolites and have been shown to exhibit a wide range of therapeutic properties, including anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activities. Several Asian cultures have a strong tradition of using different varieties of seaweed extensively in cooking as well as in herbal medicines preparations. As such, seaweeds have been used to treat a wide variety of health conditions such as cancer, digestive problems, and renal disorders. Today, increasing numbers of people are adopting a “westernised lifestyle” characterised by low levels of physical exercise and excessive calorific and saturated fat intake. This has led to an increase in numbers of chronic Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus, being reported. Recently, NCDs have replaced communicable infectious diseases as the number one cause of human mortality. Current medical treatments for NCDs rely mainly on drugs that have been obtained from the terrestrial regions of the world, with the oceans and seas remaining largely an untapped reservoir for exploration. This review focuses on the potential of using seaweed derived bioactives including polysaccharides, antioxidants and fatty acids, amongst others, to treat chronic NCDs such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus.
Rheo-Cast Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AM60 Alloy Produced by Self-Inoculation Rheo-Diecasting Process
Authors: Xing Bo , Li Yuandong , Feng Junyan , Hu Guangshan , Tang Chengli
Published: March 2016

Rheo-forming is becoming the choice for production of high quality parts with diminished defects and fine integrity. In this paper, the novel self-inoculation rheo-diecasting (SIRD) process, in which semisolid slurry is produced by mixing two precursory solid and liquid alloys and subsequently pouring them through a multi-stream fluid director, has been proposed. Microstructural characteristics of AM60 alloy slurry and the microstructure and mechanical properties of rheo-diecasting AM60 samples were investigated. Quenching experiments reveal that the slurry microstructure of AM60 was well refined to irregular α-Mg particles with the average size of approximately 20–40 μm after pouring with the self-inoculation process, and these particles were evolved to globular and coarse morphology while continuously keeping in semisolid state. After rheo-diecasting, the microstructure of the sample was dominated by fine primary α-Mg globules accompanied with tiny secondary α-Mg particles while the sample from conventional liquid die casting was characterized by developed dendrite and porosity. Microscopic analysis indicates that there are three stages of remaining liquid solidification in die cavity in SIRD: α-Mg nucleation and growth on primary α-Mg surface, α-Mg nucleated independently in liquid, and, finally, formation of skeleton devoiced eutectic. Due to diminished porosity and hot tearing, tensile strength and elongation of SIRD samples were increased by 12.9% and 35.3%, respectively, compared to a conventional liquid die casting sample.
Probiotics and Prebiotics: Present Status and Future Perspectives on Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Yoo Ji , Kim Sung
Published: March 2016

Metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), present an increasing public health concern and can significantly undermine an individual’s quality of life. The relative risk of CVD, the primary cause of death in T2DM patients, is two to four times higher in people with T2DM compared with those who are non-diabetic. The prevalence of metabolic disorders has been associated with dynamic changes in dietary macronutrient intake and lifestyle changes over recent decades. Recently, the scientific community has considered alteration in gut microbiota composition to constitute one of the most probable factors in the development of metabolic disorders. The altered gut microbiota composition is strongly conducive to increased adiposity, β-cell dysfunction, metabolic endotoxemia, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress. Probiotics and prebiotics can ameliorate T2DM and CVD through improvement of gut microbiota, which in turn leads to insulin-signaling stimulation and cholesterol-lowering effects. We analyze the currently available data to ascertain further potential benefits and limitations of probiotics and prebiotics in the treatment of metabolic disorders, including T2DM, CVD, and other disease (obesity). The current paper explores the relevant contemporary scientific literature to assist in the derivation of a general perspective of this broad area.
The Images of Jesus in the Emergence of Christian Spirituality in Ming and Qing China
Authors: Chu Xiaobai
Published: March 2016

Images of Jesus Christ played an important role in the emergence of Christian spirituality in Ming and Qing China. Of the great many images that we know from this period, this paper introduces five of them: Jesus as infant, criminal, gate, brother, and pig. The paper unfolds the historical, anthropological, and theological layers of these images to reveal the original tension between Christian spirituality and Chinese culture. The central thesis of the paper therefore is that this tension is reflected in the images of Jesus Christ and, moreover, that analyzing this tension allows us to achieve a more profound understanding of the emergence of Christian spirituality in Ming, Qing, and perhaps even today’s China.
Producing High Priests and Princesses: The Father-Daughter Relationship in the Christian Sexual Purity Movement
Authors: Gish Elizabeth
Published: March 2016

This article describes and analyzes father-daughter purity balls in the context of the contemporary U.S. American conservative Christian sexual purity movement, with an emphasis on taking the self-understanding of those involved in the movement into account. It shows the ways that the idealization of a hierarchical father-daughter relationship both constructs and reflects sexual purity ideals. The Christian sexual purity teachings frame this father-daughter relationship as an essential part of forming the ideal subject, and as reflective of the right order of the kingdom of God. In the logic of sexual purity, a good man is the strong high-priest leader of the household and the ideal girl is princess-like: white, non-poor, attractive, pure, feminine, delicate, and receptive. She is preparing, under her father’s guidance, for heterosexual marriage. Attention to the father-daughter relationship in the sexual purity movement highlights the ways that sexual purity is primarily about subject formation and the ordering of relationships—in families, in the nation, and in the church—and less about the specifics of when particular sexual acts take place or the public health risks that might come from those acts. This exploration also brings into relief the ways that contemporary conservative Christian sexual purity teachings draw from and build on two prominent aspects of contemporary U.S. American popular culture: the important role of the princess figure, and the buying of goods as indispensable to the formation of the subject.
Soil Degradation, Land Scarcity and Food Security: Reviewing a Complex Challenge
Authors: Gomiero Tiziano
Published: March 2016

Soil health, along with water supply, is the most valuable resource for humans, as human life depends on the soil’s generosity. Soil degradation, therefore, poses a threat to food security, as it reduces yield, forces farmers to use more inputs, and may eventually lead to soil abandonment. Unfortunately, the importance of preserving soil health appears to be overlooked by policy makers. In this paper, I first briefly introduce the present situation concerning agricultural production, natural resources, soil degradation, land use and the challenge ahead, to show how these issues are strictly interwoven. Then, I define soil degradation and present a review of its typologies and estimates at a global level. I discuss the importance of preserving soil capital, and its relationship to human civilization and food security. Trends concerning the availability of arable agricultural land, different scenarios, and their limitations, are analyzed and discussed. The possible relation between an increase in a country’s GNP, population and future availability of arable land is also analyzed, using the World Bank’s database. I argue that because of the many sources of uncertainty in the data, and the high risks at stake, a precautionary approach should be adopted when drawing scenarios. The paper ends with a discussion on the key role of preserving soil organic matter, and the need to adopt more sustainable agricultural practices. I also argue that both our relation with nature and natural resources and our lifestyle need to be reconsidered.
Pseudospin Symmetry as a Bridge between Hadrons and Nuclei
Authors: Ginocchio Joseph
Published: March 2016

Atomic nuclei exhibit approximate pseudospin symmetry. We review the arguments that this symmetry is a relativistic symmetry. The condition for this symmetry is that the sum of the vector and scalar potentials in the Dirac Hamiltonian is a constant. We give the generators of pseudospin symmetry. We review some of the predictions that follow from the insight that pseudospin symmetry has relativistic origins . We show that approximate pseudospin symmetry in nuclei predicts approximate spin symmetry in anti-nucleon scattering from nuclei. Since QCD sum rules predict that the sum of the scalar and vector potentials is small, we discuss the quark origins of pseudospin symmetry in nuclei and spin symmetry in hadrons.
Introduction aux problèmes de la démographie de la période 1500-1670
Authors: Cabourdin Guy
Published: March 2016

For the period 1500-1650, the parish records, in spite of gaps in information, do allow for the application of the Fleury-Henry method. The results are valuable, although incomplete, especially for the mortality study. It is therefore necessary to seek out auxillary sources of information (notarial, fiscal, légal documents, etc.) and establish a name file to throw light on the demographic research and to correct for the high degree of name variation.

As far as structures are concerned, three éléments become apparent : the relatively precocious age for first marriages, the high mortality rate and frequency of multiple remarriages.
Les sermons funèbres comme source de la démographie historique pour la période de 1500 à 1650
Authors: Imhof Arthur E.
Published: March 2016

L'introduction de la Réforme en Allemagne a eu pour effet de valoriser le sermon des funérailles. Leur texte a été publié par les catégories sociales aisées. Ces sermons renferment des données démographiques souvent plus importantes que les registres paroissiaux. Cent mille exemplaires environ de ces sermons ont été conservés dans les fonds des différentes bibliothèques en Allemagne. Leur exploitation portant sur un échantillon de 6,25 % du total a été entreprise en 1976 à l'Université de Marburg, sous la direction du professeur R. Lenz. L'étude de ces sermons, publiés entre 1550 et 1750 environ, fourni encore une contribution précieuse, non seulement à la démographie historique, mais à l'histoire des mentalités, de la médecine et de la sociologie.
Caractères originaux de la démographie genevoise du XVIe siècle : structure ou conjoncture
Authors: Perrenoud Alfred , Zumkeller Dominique
Published: March 2016

Les Anciennes Familles Genevoises étudiées par L. Henry se caractérisent au xvr3 siècle par une nuptialité précoce, survivance selon J. Hajnal d'un modèle archaïque « non européen », et par une fécondité légitime nettement plus faible qu'au siècle suivant. D'un rapide sondage il ressort que la précocité du mariage au XVIe siècle pourrait résulter de facteurs conjoncturels. L'évolution au XVIIe siècle suggère en effet que la mortalité et l'âge au mariage sont en corrélation inverse et que la transition vers le système du mariage tardif ne serait qu'une conséquence de l'effacement progressif des crises. Le rôle de la nuptialité comme mécanisme autorégulateur se voit confirmé dans l'analyse sociale. Le passage au mariage tardif est le fait des classes supérieures et moyennes et pratiquement pas des milieux populaires dont le mariage durant tout le XVIIe siècle reste tardif.

La faible fécondité au XVIe siècle se confirme, comme aussi l'augmentation observée dans la bourgeoisie au cours du XVIIe siècle. Cet accroissement de fécondité légitime en régime prémalthusien qui ne peut s'expliquer par les pratiques d'allaitement, pose le problème des rapports entre fécondité et conjoncture.
Un cas de croissance démographique précoce : la Basse-Andalousie au XVe et au début du XVIe siècle
Authors: Ponsot Pierre
Published: March 2016

La variable « volume de la population » offre une mesure, entre d'autres, de l'impact des échanges extérieurs sur une région. Aux XVe et XVIe l'Andalousie occidentale a fortement augmenté et diversifié ses échanges ; l'ouverture de l'Amérique a-t-elle bouleversé l'économie de la région ? Les chiffres de population des villes et villages dépendant de Séville — sa « terre », — assez nombreux depuis le début du XVe, apportent une première réponse. Ces chiffres sont analysés en distinguant 3 périodes, puis globalement, jusqu'en 1534 ; alors que des fluctuations diverses marquent les sous-périodes, tous les villages et toutes les villes sont en hausse dans le long terme. Différentes « clés » sont essayées pour identifier les causes de ces mouvements. Une certitude se dégage : la conquête de l'Amérique n'a ni lancé ni même accentué le mouvement de hausse démographique. Toutefois, au début du XVIe la montagne cesse de progresser a« même rythme que la plaine, lui envoie des migrants, et la métropole d'une part, les petits villages de l'autre, bénéficient plus du mouvement que les villes moyennes et les bourgs.
Statistiques, langage et pouvoir dans la société coloniale
Authors: Gervais Raymond
Published: March 2016

La critique interne des statistiques démographiques dans le système colonial français exige une connaissance intime du fonctionnement du système global, ses mécanismes de communication et ses luttes de pouvoir entre les différents niveaux d'administration. Le texte tente d'en faire l'analyse et de montrer la place des statistiques de population dans un réseau de circulation d'informations qui possédait son propre langage.
Mortalité des hommes et des femmes dans le passé
Authors: Henry Louis
Published: March 2016

According to Ashley Montagu, females have a more sturdy constitution than males. Edward Shorter defends another argument : prior to the medical progress of this century, woman's health, from the end of infancy to around age 45, was precarious ; added to the risks related to pregnancy and childbirth, this made her prone to early death.

To throw light on the true pattem of female mortality in the past, this paper examines statistics for girls and adolescents on one hand and women of childbearing age on the other. For the latter, maternal mortality was apparently the only cause of excess female mortality. For girls and adolescents, the oldest observations suggest that excess female mortality did not always exist for thèse age-groups, but the fact that the medical and other progress made was initially of less benefit to girls than boys still requires explanation.
Au carrefour des transitions : fécondité, niveau de vie et culture populaire
Authors: Leboutte René
Published: March 2016

Since the last decade several papers have tried to give a broad picture of the demographic transition process. All of them show a macro-demographic point of view which is very useful to establish the facts and to explore the basic mecanisms. Now micro-demographic analyses at a regional level have to relay them however, in order to pinpoint the deep motivations which brought the populations to modify their fertility pattern during the last 200 years. Among several factors associated with the demographic transition the cultural one (a very unprecise one) is more and more evoked by demographers.

This paper deals with a micro-demographic analysis of the history of the population in the Eastern part of Belgium, called the Basse-Meuse. With the help of quantitative and qualitative data, it tries to give a better understanding of the cultural context in which the demographic changes have taken place. The new demographic pattern appears to be associated with the great economic depression of the years 1870-1890, which created a deep fear of falling back again into the traditional poverty.

In other words, the demographic transition is part of a broader process of societal transition : a shift from a mass-poverty society to a relative mass-abundance society.
Les listes nominatives de la Bohême, source de données pour l'histoire sociale et la démographie historique
Authors: Canova Eliska , Horska Pavla , Maur Eduard
Published: March 2016

The article gives an analysis of two kinds of sources for population research in Bohemia between 1585 and 1700 : of several ecclesiastical lists of inhabitants and of several registers of subjects. The article deals with the possibilities of studying the precise number of inhabitants of some regions in Bohemia and their division into sexes, into children and adults, into married, unmarried and widowed, the distribution by age or by marital status, the sex-ratio of males per 100 females, the marriage market, the size and composition of households, the structure of the household and the socio-economic characteristics. The analysis of the nominative lists between 1585 and 1700, when Czechoslovakia has a few parish register studies on an aggregative basis, should greatly help further work on the historical demography of Czechoslovakia.
Le recensement de la population de 1937 : mensonges et vérité
Authors: Volkov Alexandre
Published: March 2016

The history of soviet statistic of the 1930ies is without doubt the only example of the history of european statistic having been so catastrophic.

In the most hard period of the USSR's history, official statistic has been the object of repression. The author writes an history of the 1937's census which will be consi dered officialy as defectuous, and of the 1939's census, which has been made after that. He uses the most recently discovered sources. He describes the relations between official statistics and political institutions, and proves how they cannot modify the observations as they would like.
La Martinique : Babylone fertile ou terre stérile ? Des discours sur la fécondité aux indicateurs démographiques et sociaux (XVIIe-XIXe siècle)
Authors: Cottias Myriam
Published: March 2016

Le calcul des taux de natalité des populations esclaves, blanches et "libres de couleur" permet de mettre en évidence la convergence des courbes à partir de 1800. Mais alors que l'on aurait pu penser que le niveau d'attraction était celui de la population blanche, présumée donner les références de la société esclavagiste, on voit que ce sont les populations libres qui s'alignent sur la natalité esclave.
Urbanisation, organisation de l'espace et réseau urbain en Dauphiné aux XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles
Authors: Favier René
Published: March 2016

Dauphiné, which was one of the less urbanized province of the realm during the Ancient Régime, régis tred a small growth of its towns during the 18th century, which growth was inferior to the rural world's one. Thus, the urban population's place tended to decrease. Despite some promotions, the hierarchical distribution wasn't called into question. Grenoble's relative decline was certainly accompanied by a greater expansion of smaller towns. However, the changes were never sufficient to affect deeply the ancient démographie balances.

Because of this weak urbanization, a provincial space structured around its urban pôles was difficult to organize. The demographic bassins were still narrow and the relations between the various towns were rare. Only two of them, Vienne and Grenoble, managed to drain regularly a urban immigration flood in their favour. Nevertheless, Grenoble had difficulties to unify the whole Dauphiné's space to its advantage. Facing the centrifugal forces, demographically the town wasn't imposing upon Dauphiné as a real capital.
Dislocation of a dual mobility total hip replacement following fracture of the polyethylene liner
Authors: Guillaumot Pierre , Chancrin Jean-Luc , Vedrine Bertrand
Published: March 2016

An eight-year-old male English Setter was referred for management of a dislocation of a cemented dual mobility canine total hip prosthesis that occurred four months after the initial surgery. Revision surgery showed that the dislocation was associated with fracture of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene liner. The dislocation was successfully reduced after replacing the liner. A dual mobility acetabular component is composed of a mobile polyethylene liner inside a metallic cemented cup. Chronic wear of the components of a canine dual mobility total hip replacement has not been described previously. The use of this type of implant is fairly recent and limited long term follow-up of the implanted cases may be the explanation. Acute rupture of a polyethylene liner has never been described in humans, the only case of rupture of a polyethylene liner occurred 10 years after implantation. The case presented here of rupture of the polyethylene liner of a dual mobility total hip replacement is a hitherto unreported failure mode in this model of acetabular cup in the dog.
EXACT AND APPROXIMATE ANALYTIC SOLUTIONS OF THE JEFFERY-HAMEL FLOW PROBLEM BY THE DUAN-RACH MODIFIED ADOMIAN DECOMPOSITION METHOD
Authors: Bougoffa Lazhar , Mziou Samy , Rach Randolph C.
Published: March 2016

This paper aims to find the exact solution in an implicit form for the wellknown nonlinear boundary value problem, namely the MHD Jeffery-Hamel problem, which can be described as the flow between two planes that meet at an angle. Also, two accurate approximate analytic solutions (series solution) are obtained by the variation of the power series method (VPS) and the Duan-Rach modified Adomian decomposition method (DRMA).
CONVERGENCE OF THE SOLUTIONS ON THE GENERALIZED KORTEWEG–DE VRIES EQUATION∗
Authors: Coclite Giuseppe Maria , Ruvo Lorenzo di
Published: March 2016

We consider the generalized Korteweg-de Vries equation, which contains nonlinear dispersive effects. We prove that as the diffusion parameter tends to zero, the solutions of the dispersive equation converge to discontinuous weak solutions of the scalar conservation law. The proof relies on deriving suitable a priori estimates together with an application of the compensated compactness method in the Lp setting.