bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of ZnO/Zn1‐xMgxO heterostructure thin films by sol‐gel spin‐coating method
Authors: Noriyuki Hasuike , Toru Kiyohara , Tomoe Harada , Kenji Kisoda , Hiroshi Harima
Published: January 2011

ZnO/Zn0.85Mg0.15O heterostructure thin films were prepared by sol‐gel spin‐coating method on sapphire (0001) substrate with different thickness of ZnO layer. X‐ray diffraction patterns showed that all the samples were preferentially oriented in [0001] direction with no phase separation. Optical transmission spectra showed the clear band‐edge absorption of ZnO and Zn0.85Mg0.15O layer, and the thickness of each layer was roughly estimated. Also, two UV emission peaks originated from each layer at 3.2 eV and 3.55 eV were observed in photoluminescence measurement. And, the emission peak at 3.2 eV of ZnO layer shifted to higher energy side with decrease in the thickness of ZnO layer. This result indicates that Mg ions slightly diffused to the ZnO layer in several nanometers of ZnO/Zn0.85Mg0.15O interface by thermal treatment in growth process (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Graphene segregation on Ni/SiO2/Si substrates by alcohol CVD method
Authors: Miyasaka Yuta , Matsuyama Akihiro , Nakamura Atsushi , Temmyo Jiro
Published: January 2011

We performed graphene synthesis on Ni films using ethanol gas in this report. A size of a segregated graphene is responsible for a size of underlying Ni catalyst according to evaluations of Raman spectroscopy, FE‐SEM and AFM. A distribution of graphene layer number is also observed because of a surface roughness of Ni. A domain size of segregated graphene networks depends on the size of underlying Ni grains. Comparing plots of W2D as a function of IG/I2D between a segregated graphene on a Ni film and exfoliated graphene on SiO2/Si substrates by pealing method, shows similar tendency. Thus, layer number of segregated graphene on Ni film can be speculated without transferring into other substrates. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of Cr3+ ions on optical properties in β‐Ga2O3 semiconductor
Authors: Wakai Hirofumi , Sinya Yuuta , Yamanaka Akio
Published: January 2011

Cr‐doping effects on optical properties of β‐Ga2O3 have been studied in single‐crystalline samples, grown by floating‐zone method. The photoluminescence, which is observed as an intense and broad peak in nominally pure β‐Ga2O3, is found be abruptly suppressed by Cr‐doping. This suppression demonstrates that a small amount of Cr3+ ions acts as non‐radiative centers for photo‐excited carriers. In Cr‐doped β‐Ga2O3 the residual photoluminescence shows UV and green emissions, peaking at about 3.3 eV and 2.4 eV, respectively. The photoluminescence excitation spectrum of the UV peak has a polarization‐dependent maximum at the fundamental absorption edge that is arising from the band‐to‐band excitations. Therefore, the radiative decay channels for photo‐excited carriers partly survive in Cr‐doped β‐Ga2O3. We have also found a Cr‐induced absorption band located just below the fundamental absorption edge (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fabrication of PEDOT:PSS/ZnMgO Schottky‐type ultraviolet sensors on glass substrates with solution‐based mist deposition technique and hard‐mask patterning
Authors: Ikenoue Takumi , Kameyama Naoki , Fujita Shizuo
Published: January 2011

A transparent conducting polymer, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) thin films were fabricated by a novel ultrasonic spray‐assisted mist deposition technique. The films of ZnMgO and high conductive ZnO:Ga were also formed by the same technique, with which high performance PEDOT:PSS/ZnMgO Schottky ultraviolet sensors were fabricated on glass substrates. Hard‐mask patterning was employed, without photolithography. As an example, a sensor operating in the UV‐B region exhibited the quantum efficiency of 0.37 at 250 nm and the ultraviolet/visible rejection ratio of about 103 under zero‐bias condition. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of Mg doping on optical and electrical properties of GaNAs multiple quantum wells
Authors: Shiraga Masahiro , Nakai Yuko , Hirashima Tomohiko , Kittaka Akinobu , Ebisu Mari , Takahashi Naoshi , Noda Takeshi , Ohmori Masato , Akiyama Hidefumi , Tsurumachi Noriaki , Nakanishi Shunsuke , Miyagawa Hayato , Itoh Hiroshi , Koshiba Shyun
Published: January 2011

We have evaluated the effects of Mg doping on the optical and the electrical property of GaNAs/GaAs multiple quantum wells (MQWs) with high N composition (11∼17%) grown by radio‐frequency molecular beam epitaxy (RF‐MBE). The results of Van der Pauw measurements revealed strong n‐type conduction by Mg doping. The blue‐shifts and enhanced intensities in photoluminescence by Mg doping suggest the type‐II band structure of GaNAs/GaAs MQWs and carrier generation by interstitial Mg atoms (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structure, properties, and nature of the BrF‐HX complexes: An Ab initio study
Authors: Wu Junyong
Published: January 2011

Structure and properties of complexes (energies and charge transfer) of complexes BrF‐HX (X = F, Cl, Br, I) have been investigated at the MP2/aug‐cc‐pVDZ (aug‐cc‐pVDZ‐pp basis sets for I) level. Two types of geometries (hydrogen‐bonded and halogen‐bonded) are observed. The calculated interaction energies show that the halogen bonded structures are more stable than the corresponding hydrogen‐bonded structures. To study the nature of the intermolecular interactions, symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) energy decomposition analysis reveals that the BrF‐HX complexes are dominantly electrostatic in nature. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Ab initio studies of the conformers and conformational distribution of gas‐phase N,N‐dimethylaminopropanol
Authors: Wang Kedong , Zhang Jicai , Xu Guoliang
Published: January 2011

Systematic and extensive conformational search has been performed to characterize the gas‐phase N,N‐dimethylaminopropanol structures. A total of 91 unique trail structures were generated by allowing for all the single‐bond rotamers. All the trial structures were initially optimized at the AM1 level, and the resulting structures were optimized at the B3LYP/6‐311G* level of theory and then subjected to further optimization at the B3LYP/6‐311++G**. A total of 36 conformers are found and their zero‐point vibrational enegies, rotational constants, and dipole moments are determined. Vertical ionization energies of 11 low‐lying conformers predicted with the electron propagator theory are in good agreement with the experimental data. The two most stable conformers display intramolecular H bonds (HBs): OH···N. These HBs influence on the molecular electronic structures is exhibited by natural bond orbital analyses. Combined with statistical mechanics principles, conformational distributions at various temperatures are computed and the temperature dependence of photoelectron spectra is interpreted. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Structural analysis of sterically hindered 1,4‐diols from the naturally occurring lignan hydroxymatairesinol a quantum chemical study
Authors: Sandberg Thomas , Brusentsev Yury , Eklund Patrik , Hotokka Matti
Published: January 2011

The structures of TADDOL‐like α‐conidendrin‐based chiral 1,4‐diols (LIGNOLs) have been studied at molecular mechanics, Hartree‐Fock (HF)/6‐31G* and DFT/B3LYP/TZVP level of theory. The molecules included were 1,1‐diphenyl, two diastereomers of 1,1,4‐triphenyl, 1,1,4,4‐tetraphenyl, and 1,1,4,4‐tetramethyl 1,4‐diol. Several conformers of each molecule were studied thorougly also including the entropy contributions. For the triphenyl 1,4‐diols, which can form π − π interactions between phenyl rings, the DFT optimized structures differed significantly from the HF optimized ones. A property for the most stable structures, in addition to the ability to form π − π interactions, seemed to be the possibility to have the aliphatic six‐membered ring in a boat conformation. For all of the studied LIGNOLs some conformers were found, where the two OH groups pointed almost to the same direction. By this an intramolecular hydrogen bond can be formed between them. The bridging hydrogen atom falls at the same place as a chelate‐bonded metal ion would be situated, as in the case of the analogous molecules, TADDOLs, but only a few of these molecules would be able to work well as ligands for asymmetric catalysis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Analysis of pair interaction in a bipolar mesogen 4‐(4‐hydroxylbutyloxy)‐4′‐cyano‐biphenyl: A comparative study based on semiempirical and DFT methods
Authors: Roychoudhury Mihir , Srivastav Rakesh Kumar
Published: January 2011

Structure of 4‐(4‐hydroxylbutyloxy)‐4′‐cyano‐biphenyl (H4CBP) molecule has been optimized using density functional B3LYP with 6‐31G (d) basis set taking crystallographic geometry as input. Using the optimized geometry, electronic structure of the H4CBP molecule has been evaluated on the basis of semiempirical methods and DFT calculations. Intermolecular interaction energy between a pair of H4CBP molecules has been evaluated by using Rayleigh–Schrodinger perturbation theory modified with multicentered multipole expansion method for the electrostatic part while dispersion and repulsion terms have been calculated using Kitaigorodskii formula. The results obtained through semiempirical and DFT calculations have been compared for various interacting conditions, viz.: (a) stacking, (b) in‐plane, and (c) terminal interactions. A comparative analysis of the results has been carried out with a view to examine suitability of different methods to study molecular aggregations in moderately large organic systems. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
A first‐principles investigation of the hydrogen bond interaction and the sensitive characters in cis‐1,3,4,6‐tetranitrooctahydroimidazo‐[4,5‐d]imidazole
Authors: Chen Fang , Cheng Xin‐Lu
Published: January 2011

A theoretical study of structural and electronic properties of cis‐1,3,4,6‐tetranitrooctahydroimidazo‐[4,5‐d]imidazole (BCHMX) crystal is performed using density functional theory. The band structure, the total density of states, the atomic orbit projected density of states (PDOS) of C, N, O, and H, and Mulliken population analysis are discussed. The study by analyzing the PDOS shows that the structure of BCHMX crystal possesses CH···O intra‐ and intermolecular hydrogen bonding. There are hydrogen bonds between H3‐1s and O5‐2p orbits, H2‐1s and O6‐2p orbits of intramolecules and between H2‐1s and O1‐2p orbits of intermolecules. The reasons for the smaller impact sensitivity compared with β‐1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocane and 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazinane are also explored from the band gap in the crystal and the weakest bond dissociation energy in single molecule. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Emerging topics and challenges for statistical analysis and data mining
Authors: Goodman Arnold
Published: January 2011

The Preview integrates a sample of emerging topics in statistical analysis and data mining which I collected at 4 relevant 2010 meetings and major challenges which correspond to them. They are grouped into Mixtures of Problem Data, Methodologies for Solutions, Challenges for Statistical Analysis and Data Mining, and Challenges Suggested during Review. This Preview is meant to be a provocative overview, but it is not meant to be a comprehensive or definitive research article. A vision of the near future in any area is there for us to perceive when we look for it carefully. It has the advantages of short term predictions and its disadvantages may be overcome by checking against current literature. In times of cascading change, such an informed Preview may be even more valuable than the far more typical Reviews of what has already been accomplished that are provided by most Journals in overabundance. Now let us welcome the new decade full of things that have never been–imagine the possibilities! © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 4: 3–8 2011
The impact of norm‐conforming behaviors on firm reputation
Authors: Philippe Déborah , Durand Rodolphe
Published: January 2011

Deviance from social norms has been extensively examined in recent strategy research, leaving the strategic implications of conformity largely unexplored. In this article, we argue that firms can elect to conform to a norm along two dimensions: compliance with the goal and level of commitment to the procedures. We then produce a typology of four norm‐conforming behaviors, which allows us to isolate differentiated effects of conformity on firm reputation. We examine the corporate environmental disclosures of 90 U.S. firms and find that firms derive different reputational rewards depending on whether they conform to the goal or procedure dimension of the environmental transparency norm. In addition, the relationship between conformity and reputation is moderated by the firm's prior reputation and the stringency of the normative environment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functionality of α‐glucans in special formulas for infant and clinical nutrition
Authors: Braquehais Fernando Romero , Cava Mª José Bernal
Published: January 2011

α‐Glucans are polysaccharides of D‐glucose monomers linked by α‐glycosidic bonds (starch, maltodextrin and maltose). The role of these compounds in human nutrition has been established mainly as an energy substrate, but other physiological effects have been widely described. In this review, we present the results from our systematic review of the principal scientific literature about the uses of α‐glucans in special formulas for infant and clinical nutrition. Modifications of carbohydrate composition are used in special formulas for infants, with the aim of being used as nutritional treatment for minor digestive disorders (lactose intolerance, gastroesophageal reflux and gut immaturity of premature newborns). The role and uses of α‐glucans in clinical nutrition, mainly RS, for treatment and prevention of constipation, colorectal cancer and diabetes has been reviewed.
Effect of high‐pressure microfluidization on the structure of cassava starch granule
Authors: Kasemwong Kittiwut , Ruktanonchai Uracha Rungsardthong , Srinuanchai Wanwisa , Itthisoponkul Teerarat , Sriroth Klanarong
Published: January 2011

Microfluidization has been applied to modify starch granules. The study was conducted to investigate the effect of microfluidization on the structure and thermal properties of cassava starch–water suspension (20% w/w). The means of optical microscopy, SEM, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, and DSC were applied to analyze the changes in microstructure, crystallinity, and thermal property. Microscopy observations revealed that native starch granules were oval, round, and truncated in shape. After the microfluidization treatment, a bigger starch granule was partially gelatinized, and a gel‐like structure was formed on a granular surface. No significant difference in XRD patterns of the samples were observed and all samples exhibited A‐type allomorph. Crystallinity decreased with the pressure. Sample treated at 150 MPa contains 17.1% crystalline glucan polymer, lower than that of native granules which have crystallinity of about 25.8%. A lower crystallinity means poor order of crystalline glucan polymer structure in starch granules. The disruption of crystalline order within the granule was also observed by FTIR measurement. Thermal analysis using DSC indicated that the microfluidization treatment brought about a significant decrease of melting enthalpy. The gelatinization enthalpy was 12.0 and 3.0 J/g for the native sample and samples treated under the 150 MPa, respectively. The results indicate that high‐pressure microfluidization process induced the gelatinization of cassava starch, which is evaluated by a percentage of the degree of gelatinization, due to a pronounced decrease with increasing microfluidizing pressure.
Automated property verification for large scale B models with ProB
Authors: Leuschel Michael , Falampin Jérôme , Fritz Fabian , Plagge Daniel
Published: January 2011

In this paper we describe the successful application of the
ProB
tool for data validation in several industrial applications. The initial case study centred on the San Juan metro system installed by Siemens. The control software was developed and formally proven with B. However, the development contains certain assumptions about the actual rail network topology which have to be validated separately in order to ensure safe operation. For this task, Siemens has developed custom proof rules for Atelier B. Atelier B, however, was unable to deal with about 80 properties of the deployment (running out of memory). These properties thus had to be validated by hand at great expense, and they need to be revalidated whenever the rail network infrastructure changes. In this paper we show how we were able to use
ProB
to validate all of the about 300 properties of the San Juan deployment, detecting exactly the same faults automatically in a few minutes that were manually uncovered in about one man-month. We have repeated this task for three ongoing projects at Siemens, notably the ongoing automatisation of the line 1 of the Paris Métro. Here again, about a man month of effort has been replaced by a few minutes of computation. This achievement required the extension of the
ProB
kernel for large sets as well as an improved constraint propagation algorithm. We also outline some of the effort and features that were required in moving from a tool capable of dealing with medium-sized examples towards a tool able to deal with actual industrial specifications. We also describe the issue of validating
ProB
, so that it can be integrated into the SIL4 development chain at Siemens.
The clinicopathological significance of heat shock protein 70 and glutamine synthetase expression in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shin Eun , Ryu Han Suk , Kim Soo‐Hee , Jung Haeyoen , Jang Ja‐June , Lee Kyoungbun
Published: January 2011

Background/purpose

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and glutamine synthetase (GS) have been proposed to be promising markers for the differentiation of malignant and benign hepatocellular lesions. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological significance of the expression of HSP70 and GS in surgically resected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

The authors collected 412 HCC samples and 120 non‐neoplastic hepatic tissue samples and performed an immunohistochemical study.

Results

HSP70 staining was observed in 282 of 392 HCC samples (71.9%), and GS immunoreactivity was observed in 212 of 395 HCC cases (53.7%). Of the several clinicopathological parameters examined, microscopic vascular invasion, a large tumor size, and a high Edmonson–Steiner grade were found to be correlated with positive staining for HSP70 (p = 0.032, 0.002, and 0.012, respectively). Survival analysis showed a correlation between HSP70 expression and disease‐free survival. GS was not found to be related to clinicopathological parameters.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study suggest that HSP70 be viewed as a predictor of prognosis as well as a useful diagnostic marker for HCC.
Sinisan, a traditional Chinese medicine, attenuates experimental chronic pancreatitis induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid in rats
Authors: Tang Yu , Liao Yonghui , Kawaguchi‐Sakita Nobuko , Raut Vikram , Fakhrejahani Elham , Qian Niansong , Toi Masakazu
Published: January 2011

Background/purpose

Sinisan, a traditional Chinese medicine, is effective for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. In this study, we investigated the potential protective role of Sinisan against chronic pancreatitis (CP) in rats.

Methods

CP was induced in rats by intrapancreatic injection of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a TNBS‐induced CP group and a Sinisan‐treated group. Serum amylase and histological score were used to evaluate the severity of disease. The levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) were also measured in the three groups. Mechanical allodynia was measured with von Frey filaments. In addition, the protein levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) were measured in pancreatic tissues.

Results

Administration of Sinisan significantly decreased the severity of CP. In the Sinisan‐treated group, serum amylase, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, COX‐2 and α‐SMA levels were lower and the level of IL‐10 was upregulated compared with the TNBS‐induced CP group. Furthermore, treatment with Sinisan significantly, though not completely, attenuated the allodynia. Simultaneously NGF expression was also significantly downregulated in the Sinisan‐treated group compared with the TNBS‐induced CP group.

Conclusions

Sinisan could be an effective treatment modality for CP via its anti‐inflammatory, anti‐fibrotic and analgesic properties. It may be a promising drug candidate for the treatment of patients with CP.
Aortic Insufficiency in a Patient with Reactive Arthritis: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Brown Lorrel E. , Forfia Paul , Flynn John A.
Published: January 2011

Background

Reactive arthritis (ReA) consists of the classic clinical triad of arthritis, urethritis, and conjunctivitis generally occurring within 6 weeks of an infection, typically of the gastrointestinal or genitourinary systems. Cardiovascular manifestations of ReA and other members of the spondyloarthritis family have long been recognized.

Case Report

A 43-year-old male who was human leukocyte antigen-27 (HLA-B27)-positive and who had ReA for 19 years developed severe aortic insufficiency requiring aortic valve replacement. Typically, the onset of musculoskeletal symptoms precedes development of aortic insufficiency by many years. The average calculated from reported cases was 13 years, with a range from 4 days to 61 years. The mechanism by which the aortic valve leaflets become targets in HLA-B27-associated disease is unclear. At one point, interest developed as to whether the HLA-B27 allele was independently associated with lone aortic insufficiency, in the absence of clinical spondylitis. The preponderance of cardiac abnormalities in patients with HLA-B27-positive ReA has led to the suggestion that a genetic syndrome of the heart consisting of aortic insufficiency and conduction-system abnormalities exists, and has been dubbed the “HLA-B27-associated cardiac syndrome”. This case highlights the importance of recognizing the association between HLA-B27-associated spondyloarthritis and serious aortic valvular complications.

Conclusion

Clinicians should maintain a high suspicion for aortic insufficiency in patients with ReA, including a low threshold for echocardiographic evaluation. A heightened awareness can lead to earlier identification and potential avoidance of fatal events in these patients.
Low Levels of the Omega‐3 Index are Associated with Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Remain Stable in Survivors in the Subacute Phase
Authors: Aarsetoey Hildegunn , Aarsetoey Reidun , Lindner Thomas , Staines Harry , Harris William S. , Nilsen Dennis W. T.
Published: January 2011

In previous studies, low blood levels of n‐3 fatty acids (FA) have been associated with increased risk of cardiac death, and the omega‐3 index (red blood cell (RBC) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) expressed as weight percentage of total FA) has recently been proposed as a new risk factor for death from coronary artery disease, especially following sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). As blood samples often haven been harvested after the event, the aim of our study was to evaluate the stability of RBC fatty acids following SCA. The total FA profile, including the omega‐3 index, was measured three times during the first 48 h in 25 survivors of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), in 15 patients with a myocardial infarction (MI) without SCA and in 5 healthy subjects. We could not demonstrate significant changes in the FA measurements in any of the groups, this also applied to the omega‐6/omega‐3 ratio and the arachidonic acid (AA)/EPA ratio. Furthermore, we compared the omega‐3 index in 14 OHCA‐patients suffering their first MI with that of 185 first‐time MI‐patients without SCA; mean values being 4.59% and 6.48%, respectively (p = 0.002). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, a 1% increase of the omega‐3 index was associated with a 58% (95% CI: 0.25–0.76%) reduction in risk of ventricular fibrillation (VF). In conclusion, the omega‐3 index remained stable after an event of SCA and predicted the risk of VF.
Das regionalplanerische Instrument Eigenentwicklung Ein systematischer Vergleich der Festlegungen in den Raumordnungsprogrammen Niedersachsens
Authors: Jakob Schwabedal Felix , Schwabedal Felix Jakob
Published: January 2011

In this article the spatial planning instrument “Eigenentwickung” in Lower Saxony in Germany is examined, and an improvement of the management of settlement growth is discussed. With the comparative plan analysis a new scientific method is applied to enable an objective comparison of all elements of stipulations in regional development plans. It can be stated that the contribution of the spatial planning instrument “Eigenentwicklung” to a sustainable settlement development in Lower Saxony is rather small. Regional planning is in most regions not able to reduce urban sprawl. This lack of planning is not a consequence of the lack of adequate instruments but due to the fact, that regional planning does not exhaust its potential.
The Science of Harmonics in Classical Greece
Authors: Barker Andrew
Published: January 2011

The ancient science of harmonics investigates the arrangements of pitched sounds which form the basis of musical melody, and the principles which govern them. It was the most important branch of Greek musical theory, studied by philosophers, mathematicians and astronomers as well as by musical specialists. This 2007 book examines its development during the period when its central ideas and rival schools of thought were established, laying the foundations for the speculations of later antiquity, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It concentrates particularly on the theorists' methods and purposes and the controversies that their various approaches to the subject provoked. It also seeks to locate the discipline within the broader cultural environment of the period; and it investigates, sometimes with surprising results, the ways in which the theorists' work draws on and in some cases influences that of philosophers and other intellectuals.
Legitimacy and Law in the Roman World
Authors: Meyer Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2011

Greeks wrote mostly on papyrus, but the Romans wrote solemn religious, public and legal documents on wooden tablets often coated with wax. This book investigates the historical significance of this resonant form of writing; its power to order the human realm and cosmos and to make documents efficacious; its role in court; the uneven spread - an aspect of Romanization - of this Roman form outside Italy, as provincials made different guesses as to what would please their Roman overlords; and its influence on the evolution of Roman law. An historical epoch of Roman legal transactions without writing is revealed as a juristic myth of origins. Roman legal documents on tablets are the ancestors of today's dispositive legal documents - the document as the act itself. In a world where knowledge of the Roman law was scarce - and enforcers scarcer - the Roman law drew its authority from a wider world of belief.
Maritime Traders in the Ancient Greek World
Authors: Reed C. M.
Published: January 2011

This is the first full work since Hasebroek's Trade and Politics in the Ancient World to deal directly with the place of maritime traders in ancient Greece. Its main assumption is that traders' juridical, economic, political and unofficial standing can only be viewed correctly through the lens of the polis framework. It argues that those engaging in inter-regional trade with classical Athens were mainly poor and foreign (hence politically inert at Athens). Moreover, Athens, as well as other classical Greek poleis, resorted to limited measures, well short of war or other modes of economic imperialism, to attract them. However, at least in the minds of individual Athenians considerations of traders' indispensability to Athens displaced what otherwise would have been low estimations of their social status.
Polybius, Rome and the Hellenistic World
Authors: Walbank Frank W.
Published: January 2011

This volume contains nineteen of the more important of Frank Walbank's essays on Polybius and is prefaced by a critical discussion of the main aspects of work done on that author. Several of these essays deal with specific historical problems for which Polybius is a major source. Five deal with Polybius as an historian and three with his attitude towards Rome; one of these raises the question of 'treason' in relation to Polybius and Josephus. Finally, two papers discuss Polybius' later fortunes - in England up to the time of John Dryden and in twentieth-century Italy in the work of Gaetano de Sanctis. Several of these essays originally appeared in journals and collections not always easily accessible, and all students of the ancient Mediterranean world will welcome their assembly within a single volume.
Oil and Politics in Latin America
Authors: Philip George
Published: January 2011

This book provides a study of the transformation of the Latin American oil system from one in which the international oil companies dominated to one which is dominated by the main state oil companies, and an account of how some of the more important of the state companies have operated. This comprehensive guide to the evolution of the Latin American oil system combines in one volume a synthesis of material from secondary sources and original research and thus provides an invaluable reference for all concerned with the history and economy of Latin America and with the development and functioning of the international oil industry.
Factors related to the prevalence of pathogenicYersinia enterocoliticaon pig farms
Authors: VIRTANEN S. E. , SALONEN L. K. , LAUKKANEN R. , HAKKINEN M. , KORKEALA H.
Published: January 2011

A survey of 788 pigs from 120 farms was conducted to determine the within-farm prevalence of pathogenicYersinia enterocoliticaand a questionnaire of management conditions was mailed to the farms afterwards. A univariate statistical analysis with carriage and shedding as outcomes was conducted with random-effects logistic regression with farm as a clustering factor. Variables with aPvalue <0·15 were included into the respective multivariate random-effects logistic regression model. The use of municipal water was discovered to be a protective factor against carriage and faecal shedding of the pathogen. Organic production and buying feed from a certain feed manufacturer were also protective against total carriage. Tonsillar carriage, a different feed manufacturer, fasting pigs before transport to the slaughterhouse, higher-level farm health classification, and snout contacts between pigs were risk factors for faecal shedding. We concluded that differences in management can explain different prevalences ofY. enterocoliticabetween farms.
Changing risk profile of hepatitis A in The Netherlands: a comparison of seroprevalence in 1995–1996 and 2006–2007
Authors: VERHOEF L. , BOOT H. J. , KOOPMANS M. , MOLLEMA L. , VAN DER KLIS F. , REIMERINK J. , VAN PELT W.
Published: January 2011

The prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus (HAV) was assessed in a nationwide sample (n=6229) in The Netherlands in 2006–2007, and compared to the seroprevalence in a similar study in 1995–1996 (n=7376). The overall seroprevalence increased from 34% in 1995–1996 to 39% in 2006–2007, mainly due to vaccination of travellers and an increased immigrant population. Risk factors remain travelling to, and originating from, endemic regions, and vaccination is targeted currently at these risk groups. Our results show a trend of increasing age of the susceptible population. These people would also benefit from HAV vaccination because they are likely to develop clinically serious symptoms after infection, and are increasingly at risk of exposure through imported viruses through foods or travellers. The cost-effectiveness of adding elderly people born after the Second World War as a target group for prophylactic vaccination to reduce morbidity and mortality after HAV infection should be assessed.
Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections: risk factors and mortality
Authors: TUMBARELLO M. , REPETTO E. , TRECARICHI E. M. , BERNARDINI C. , DE PASCALE G. , PARISINI A. , ROSSI M. , MOLINARI M. P. , SPANU T. , VISCOLI C. , CAUDA R. , BASSETTI M.
Published: January 2011

We retrospectively studied patients diagnosed with P. aeruginosa bloodstream infections (BSIs) in two Italian university hospitals. Risk factors for the isolation of multidrug-resistant (MDR) or non-MDR P. aeruginosa in blood cultures were identified by a case-case-control study, and a cohort study evaluated the clinical outcomes of such infections. We identified 106 patients with P. aeruginosa BSI over the 2-year study period; 40 cases with MDR P. aeruginosa and 66 cases with non-MDR P. aeruginosa were compared to 212 controls. Independent risk factors for the isolation of MDR P. aeruginosa were: presence of central venous catheter (CVC), previous antibiotic therapy, and corticosteroid therapy. Independent risk factors for non-MDR P. aeruginosa were: previous BSI, neutrophil count <500/mm3, urinary catheterization, and presence of CVC. The 21-day mortality rate of all patients was 33·9%. The variables independently associated with 21-day mortality were presentation with septic shock, infection due to MDR P. aeruginosa, and inadequate initial antimicrobial therapy.
Rice seed quality development and temperature during late development and maturation
Authors: Ellis Richard H.
Published: January 2011

The potential longevity of japonica rice (Oryza sativa L. subsp. japonica) seed is particularly sensitive to high temperature – and thus climate change – during development and maturation. Cultivar Taipei 309 was grown at 28/20°C (12 h/12 h) and then from 19 DAA (days after 50% anthesis), when seeds were just over half filled, at 28/20°C, 30/22°C, 32/24°C or 34/26°C (12 h/12 h). Whereas ability to germinate ex planta had been achieved in almost all seeds by 24 DAA, only half the population were desiccation tolerant. Desiccation tolerance continued to increase over the subsequent 28 d, similarly at all four temperatures. Subsequent longevity, assessed by p50 (period in days to reduce viability to 50% in hermetic storage at 40°C with c. 15% moisture content), increased progressively at 28/20°C until 38 DAA, and remained constant until the final harvest (52 DAA). The three warmer temperature regimes provided similar longevity to 28/20°C at any one harvest, except at 38 DAA where the warmest (34/26°C) was poorer. That temperature regime also provided greater seed-to-seed variability within each survival curve. The results confirm that appreciable improvement in seed quality occurs during seed development and also subsequent maturation in japonica rice, but that increase in temperature from 28/20°C to 34/26°C during late seed filling onwards has comparatively little effect thereon. Comparison with previous investigations suggests that seed quality development may be less sensitive to high temperatures during late development and maturation than during the early seed development that precedes it.
Effects of Vitamin E on Plasma Lipid Status and Oxidative Stress in Chinese Women with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Wang Qiuzhen , Sun Yongye , Ma Aiguo , Li Yong , Han Xiuxia , Liang Hui
Published: January 2011

Following the change of dietary structure and living style, metabolic syndrome (MetS) has become increasingly common in China, especially in women, who have abnormal plasma lipid profiles with increased levels of oxidative stress. Vitamin E (VitE) is a powerful chain-breaking antioxidant, which may be a protective factor against oxidative stress-related diseases. This study investigated the effects of three different dosages of tocopherol supplementation (100 IU /day, 200 IU /day, 300 IU /day) for 4 months in Chinese women with MetS. The plasma VitE concentrations increased significantly after the 4 months of supplementation (p < 0.01). The protective decreases in plasma total cholesterol were significant in 200 IU/day and 300 IU/day VitE groups (p < 0.05), but decreases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were also significant in all the supplementation groups (p < 0.05). Plasma triglycerides were unaltered (p > 0.05). The indicators of oxidative stress decreased substantially in all of the VitE supplementation groups: malondialdehyde (MDA) was reduced by nearly 50 percent (all groups, p < 0.001), erythrocyte hemolysis was decreased by nearly 40 percent (all groups, p < 0.05); among which the 300IU/day VitE group showed the most significant effect. However, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased after the trial (p < 0.001). VitE provided marked benefits in reducing oxidative stress levels and improving lipid status in women with MetS. Although no dose-effect relationship was observed, 300 IU VitE per day showed the optimal effect. Research is needed to identify potential protective mechanisms or utilization of vitamin E during MetS.
Grief Reactions and Recovery in a Support Group for People Bereaved by Suicide
Authors: Clark Sheila E , Goldney Robert D
Published: January 2011

Recent controlled studies have demonstrated that there are few quantitative, but a number of qualitative differences between those bereaved by suicide and those bereaved in other ways. Observations from participants in a support group of those bereaved through suicide are presented here. Guidelines are offered concerning therapy for those who are so clearly distressed by this mode of death.
Under-reporting of Suicide in an Irish County
Authors: Connolly John F , Cullen Anne
Published: January 2011

It is clearly important to have accurate figures on suicides, but official statistics may not always reflect the true numbers of suicides. In this paper, the authors describe how the files of all deaths reported to the coroners of County Mayo, Ireland, for the period 1978-1992 were examined. Those deaths considered to be suicide by the authors were abstracted. Of these deaths, it was found that 7.3% had not been officially registered. The remainder were coded to three different categories in official returns: suicide, undetermined, and accident. In all, 35% of deaths were, in the authors' opinion, miscoded or unregistered. The authors compared these three groups on a number of demographic variables with the expectation that if suicide deaths were being miscoded to undetermined and accident, no significant difference would be found between the three groups. This was found to be the case other than for mode of death. The authors found the greatest miscoding was for deaths due to drowning. The authors recommended that changes be made in the reporting and coding system for suicide deaths in Ireland.
IASP Task Force on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
Authors: Kelleher Michael , Clark David , Goldney Bob , Kerkhof Ad , Wasserman Jerzy , Wedler Hans
Published: January 2011

The first meeting of the IASP Task Force on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide took place in Venice on June 7, 1995. Several interested observers were present. It was decided that at the public IASP meeting the following day each speaker should address, briefly, the current legal situation and the pressure for change, as well as give a personal statement. David Clark spoke for North America, Bob Goldney for Australia, Michael Kelleher for Britain and Ireland, Jerzy Wasserman for Scandinavia, and Hans Wedler for the German-speaking world. Their views are published in this article. Ad Kerkhof requested that the Dutch television film “Death on Request” be discussed. The committee was of the opinion that clear definitions were essential. In their view, these should take into account the differences between active and passive euthanasia, as well as between professionally assisted and lay-assisted suicide.
Mental Health Profiles, Suicidal Behavior, and Community Sexual Assault in 2112 Canadian Adolescents
Authors: Bagley Christopher , Bolitho Floyd , Bertrand Lorne
Published: January 2011

1025 females and 1087 males in grades 7-12 in Alberta high schools completed measures of emotional and behavioral problems and suicidal behaviors, and of frequency of sexual assaults outside of school. Both males and females experiencing a high number of sexual assaults in the previous 6 months were significantly more likely to have clinical profiles on measures of conduct disorder, somatic disorder, and emotional disorder. 13.2% of 53 girls with frequent, unwanted sexual contact had made more than two suicidal gestures or suicide attempts in the previous 6 months, compared with 1.3% of 783 girls with no experience of sexual assault. 33.3% of 18 boys experiencing frequent sexual assault were suicidal, compared with 0.9% of 1064 boys with no recent experience of sexual assault. These results are in line with results of other recent Canadian surveys.
Project Plan for Studies on Suicide, Attempted Suicide, and Suicide Prevention1The editors ofCrisisinvited Jouko Lönnqvist and his group to inform the journal's readers about their research plans for the future.
Authors: Lönnqvist Jouko , Aro H. , Heikkinen M. , Heilä H. , Henriksson M. , Isometsä E. , Kuurne K. , Marttunen M. , Ostamo A. , Pelkonen M. , Pirkola S. , Suokas J. , Suominen K.
Published: January 2011

Completed and attempted suicide are major public health problems in most western countries. The importance of suicidal behavior as a health problem, particularly among adolescents and young adults, has been emphasized by the European Union, the WHO (Europe), as well as the Finnish authorities. Due to the exceptionally high suicide mortality, suicide prevention has been one of the main targets of Finnish health policy since the late 1980s. However, to develop feasible strategies for suicide prevention, better knowledge of the phenomenon of self-destruction is necessary. The Department of Mental Health of the National Public Health Institute has been actively involved in suicide research and the development of suicide strategies both in Finland and western Europe since 1986. The success is based on a long tradition of suicide research in Finland, the representative and reliable suicide data, a highly motivated research group, and also the necessary economic support by both the National Public Health Institute and the Finnish Academy. This article outlines our groups research plan for the next few years.
Verbally Expressed Intentions of Parasuicide: I. Characteristics of Patients with Various Intentions
Authors: Hjelmeland Heidi
Published: January 2011

Comparisons of 584 parasuicides with a verbalized intention to die and 341 parasuicides with other intentions were made on a number of sociodemographic and clinical/psychological variables. The results revealed that patients with a verbalized intention to die had different life-problems than those with other intentions. More specifically, after sex and age had been controlled for, patients with an intention to die were more often economically inactive and were more likely to report psychiatric problems as their main concern, while those with other intentions more often abused alcohol and were more likely to report family or economical problems. The identification of discriminating risk factors is important in light of the fact that those with an intention to die made more life-threatening attempts, as reflected by the choice of method and the medical judgment of the attempt's seriousness.
Epidemiology of Psychiatric Emergency Referrals in Four Regions of Belgium
Authors: Spooren Daniel J. , Jannes Constantin , Henderick Hilde , van Heeringen Kees
Published: January 2011

Over a period of two years, all psychiatric emergency referrals at the emergency department of four public hospitals were monitored using a standardized form. The results showed that the hospitals share a typical profile of the psychiatric emergency department user. The profile is consistent with earlier descriptive studies, in Belgium as well as in other countries. Possible ways to overcome problems with data collection within the setting of a psychiatric emergency department are suggested. Finally, the necessity of monitoring the service needs of specific subgroups is discussed.
Suicidality in Hospitalized Patients with a Primary Diagnosis of Personality Disorder
Authors: Ahrens Bernd , Haug Joachim
Published: January 2011

In this investigation the frequency and clinical importance of suicidal behavior in patients with a primary diagnosis of personality disorder was studied. The sample was drawn from a group of over 8000 psychiatric inpatients admitted to a university psychiatric hospital. Only patients with a primary diagnosis of personality disorder were included. In the subgroup of 226 patients with this diagnosis, it was found that the rate of suicidality was almost as great as that of patients with a primary diagnosis of major affective disorder (39% as opposed to 41%), despite the absence in all but 3% of these patients of an additional diagnosis of affective disorder. Further, this figure was considerably higher than that for all psychiatric inpatients (24%). Suicidal patients had more suicide attempts in their history and had a more serious depressive syndrome, despite the fact that only 3% fulfilled the criteria for major affective disorder. The conclusion which can be drawn is that a high degree of suicidality should not be regarded as exclusively linked to a primary diagnosis of major affective disorder.
Electrodermal Activity (EDA) and Suicidal Behavior
Authors: Wolfersdorf Manfred , Straub Roland , Barg Thomas
Published: January 2011

There may be a connection between suicidal tendencies, electrodermal activity (EDA), disorders of impulse control, and neurobiochemistry (in the sense of a “psychobiology of suicidal tendencies”). The EDA values obtained during a psychobiological habituation experiment involving 11 female patients with personality disorders (PA; ICD-10) and histories of suicide attempts were compared with those of age-paralleled nonsuicidal depressive patients and depressive patients with histories of suicide attempts. They were also compared with EDA values in female schizophrenics with and without histories of suicide attempts. The PA group showed significant differences in all EDA values compared with nonsuicidal depressives, but no significant differences compared with other groups.
Evaluation Strategy for Finland's Suicide Prevention Project
Authors: Hakanen Jari , Upanne Maila
Published: January 2011

Finland's suicide prevention project (1987-1996) has proceeded to its final phase, evaluation. In this article the general structure of the evaluation and the strategy for evaluating the implementation phase (1992-1996) are presented. The evaluation aims to look at the success of the project in its target areas and the critical factors involved. It deals with the intervention strategies evolved, as well as indicators of progress in suicide prevention activities. A process evaluation approach is used to evaluate the national strategy and the project. The first follow-up (1993) and preliminary results from the ongoing evaluation (1996) show that the project is being largely successful in meeting the operative challenges formulated in the national strategy.