bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anaesthetic management of primary hyperparathyroidism with hypercalcaemia and multiple bone fractures for excision of parathyroid adenoma
Authors: Koirala Sabin , Shrestha Gentle Sunder
Published: September 2015

Calcium is important for maintaining numerous physiological processes many of which are important for anaesthesiologists. Primary hyperparathyroidism is an important cause of hypercalcaemia which can be associated with multitude of systemic problems. Our patient presented with complains of spontaneous fracture of bones, associated with pain in small joints since nine months. Later, she developed weakness all over the body and had obvious deformities in both extremities making her unable to perform her daily activities. Her total serum calcium, serum phosphorus and serum parathyroid hormone levels were elevated. She was diagnosed as severe hyperparathyroidism with hypercalcaemia, multiple bone fractures and deformities and was planned for excision of parathyroid adenoma. Management of hypercalcaemia was initiated preoperatively and was continued in intra-operative period. Meticulous attention was paid on patient positioning and prevention of further bone fractures. We used Dexmedetomidine to supplement anaesthetic agents, to facilitate smooth recovery and to prevent post-operative shivering. Close monitoring of electrocardiogram and neuromuscular function was done. Vigilant monitoring was done to detect possible postoperative complications, including hypocalcaemia. We present this case to discuss the complexity of problems that primary hyperparathyroidism can manifest and the related anaesthetic concerns.Journal of Society of Anesthesiologists of Nepal 2015; 2(2): 87-90
Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo anti-arthritic potential of Berberis calliobotrys
Authors: Alamgeer . , Hasan Umme Habiba , Uttra Ambreen Malik , Rasool Shahid
Published: September 2015

The present study was commenced to evaluate the anti-arthritic effect of 70% methanol extract and n-butanol and aqueous fractions of Berberis calliobotrys using both in vitro and in vivo arthritis models. Extract and fractions were investigated in vitro for inhibition of protein (bovine serum and egg albumin) denaturation and human red blood cell membrane stabilization. In vivo anti-arthritic activity of extract and fractions at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg was assessed using turpentine oil and formaldehyde-induced arthritis, while, 200 mg/kg dose was evaluated against complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis. B. calliobotrys produced significant (p<0.001) dose dependent inhibition of protein denaturation and human red blood cell membrane stabilization. In turpentine oil, formaldehyde and complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis models, B. calliobotrys significantly (p<0.001) reduced joint and paw swelling. B. calliobotrys markedly improved body weight, hematology profile, radiological and histopathological parameters in complete Freund’s adjuvant model. It could be concluded that B. calliobotrys holds anti-arthritic potential, supporting its traditional use in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

 
Assignment of Empirical Mode Decomposition Components and Its Application to Biomedical Signals
Authors: Schmidt C. , Piper D. , Putsche P. , Feucht M. , Witte H. , Leistritz L. , Schiecke K.
Published: September 2015

Objectives: Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is a frequently used signal processing approach which adaptively decomposes a signal into a set of narrow-band components known as intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). For multi-trial, multivariate (multiple simultaneous recordings), and multi-subject analyses the number and signal properties of the IMFs can deviate from each other between trials, channels and subjects. A further processing of IMFs, e.g. a simple ensemble averaging, should determine which IMFs of one signal correspond to IMFs from another signal. When the signal properties have similar characteristics, the IMFs are assigned to each other. This problem is known as correspondence problem.

Methods: From the mathematical point of view, in some cases the correspondence problem can be transformed into an assignment problem which can be solved e.g. by the Kuhn-Munkres algorithm (KMA) by which a minimal cost matching can be found. We use the KMA for solving classic assignment problems, i.e. the pairwise correspondence between two sets of IMFs of equal cardinalities, and for pairwise correspondences between two sets of IMFs with different cardinalities representing an unbalanced assignment problem which is a special case of the k-cardinality assignment problem.

Results: A KMA-based approach to solve the correspondence problem was tested by using simulated, heart rate variability (HRV), and EEG data. The KMA-based results of HRV decomposition are compared with those obtained from a hierarchical cluster analysis (state-of-the-art). The major difference between the two approaches is that there is a more consistent assignment pattern using KMA. Integrating KMA into complex analysis concepts enables a comprehensive exploitation of the key advantages of the EMD. This can be demonstrated by non-linear analysis of HRV-related IMFs and by an EMD-based cross-frequency coupling analysis of the EEG data.

Conclusions: The successful application to HRV and EEG analysis demonstrates that our solutions can be used for automated EMD-based processing concepts for biomedical signals.
Concentration-Dependent Vascularization of Adipose Stromal Vascular Fraction Cells
Authors: Maijub John G. , Boyd Nolan L. , Dale Jacob R. , Hoying James B. , Morris Marvin E. , Williams Stuart K.
Published: September 2015

Adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells have been shown to self-associate to form vascular structures under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. The angiogenic (new vessels from existing vessels) and vasculogenic (new vessels through self-assembly) potential of the SVF cell population may provide a cell source for directly treating (i.e., point of care without further cell isolation) ischemic tissues. However the correct dosage of adipose SVF cells required to achieve a functional vasculature has not been established. Accordingly, in vitro and in vivo dose response assays were performed evaluating the SVF cell vasculogenic potential. Serial dilutions of freshly isolated rat adipose SVF cells were plated on growth factor reduced Matrigel and vasculogenesis, assessed as cellular tube-like network assembly, was quantified after 3 days of culture. This in vitro vasculogenesis assay indicated that rat SVF cells reached maximum network length at a concentration of 2.5 × 105cells/ml and network maintained at the higher concentrations tested. The same concentrations of rat and human SVF cells were used to evaluate vasculogenesis in vivo. SVF cells were incorporated into collagen gels and subcutaneously implanted into Rag1 immunodeficient mice. The 3D confocal images of harvested constructs were evaluated to quantify dose dependency of SVF cell vasculogenesis potential. Rat- and human-derived SVF cells yielded a maximum vasculogenic potential at 1 × 106and 4 × 106cells/ml, respectively. No adverse reactions (e.g., toxicity, necrosis, tumor formation) were observed at any concentration tested. In conclusion, the vasculogenic potential of adipose-derived SVF cell populations is dose dependent.
Intrarenal Delivery of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Endothelial Progenitor Cells Attenuates Hypertensive Cardiomyopathy in Experimental Renovascular Hypertension
Authors: Eirin Alfonso , Zhu Xiang-Yang , Ebrahimi Behzad , Krier James D. , Riester Scott M. , Van Wijnen Andre J. , Lerman Amir , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: September 2015

Renovascular hypertension (RVH) leads to left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction, associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Intrarenal delivery of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) improves kidney function in porcine RVH, and the potent anti-inflammatory properties of MSCs may serve to blunt inflammatory mediators in the cardiorenal axis. However, their relative efficacy in attenuating cardiac injury and dysfunction remains unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that the car-dioprotective effect of EPCs and MSCs delivered into the stenotic kidney in experimental RVH are comparable. Pigs ( n = 7 per group) were studied after 10 weeks of RVH or control untreated or treated with a single intrarenal infusion of autologous EPCs or MSCs 4 weeks earlier. Cardiac and renal function (fast CT) and stenotic kidney release of inflammatory mediators (ELISA) were assessed in vivo, and myocardial inflammation, remodeling, and fibrosis ex vivo. After 10 weeks of RVH, blood pressure was not altered in cell-treated groups, yet stenotic kidney glomerular filtration rate (GFR), blunted in RVH, improved in RVH + EPC, and normalized in RVH + MSCs. Stenotic kidney release of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and its myocardial expression were elevated in RVH + EPC, but normalized only in RVH + MSC pigs. RVH-induced LV hypertrophy was normalized in both EPC- and MSC-treated pigs, while diastolic function (E/A ratio) was restored to normal levels exclusively in RVH + MSCs. RVH-induced myocardial fibrosis and collagen deposition decreased in RVH + EPCs but further decreased in RVH + MSC-treated pigs. Intrarenal delivery of EPCs or MSCs attenuates RVH-induced myocardial injury, yet MSCs restore diastolic function more effectively than EPCs, possibly by greater improvement in renal function or reduction of MCP-1 release from the stenotic kidney. These observations suggest a therapeutic potential for EPCs and MSCs in preserving the myocardium in chronic experimental RVH.
Striatal Transplantation of Human Dopaminergic Neurons Differentiated from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived from Umbilical Cord Blood Using Lentiviral Reprogramming
Authors: Effenberg Anna , Stanslowsky Nancy , Klein Alexander , Wesemann Maike , Haase Alexandra , Martin Ulrich , Dengler Reinhard , Grothe Claudia , Ratzka Andreas , Wegner Florian
Published: September 2015

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are promising sources for regenerative therapies like the replacement of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease. They offer an unlimited cell source that can be standardized and optimized to produce applicable cell populations to gain maximal functional recovery. In the present study, human cord blood-derived iPSCs (hCBiPSCs) were differentiated into dopaminergic neurons utilizing two different in vitro protocols for neural induction: (protocol I) by fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) signaling, (protocol II) by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/transforming growth factor (TGF-β) inhibition. After maturation, in vitro increased numbers of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons (7.4% of total cells) were observed by protocol II compared to 3.5% in protocol I. Furthermore, 3 weeks after transplantation in hemiparkinsonian rats in vivo, a reduced number of undifferentiated proliferating cells was achieved with protocol II. In contrast, proliferation still occurred in protocol I-derived grafts, resulting in tumor-like growth in two out of four animals 3 weeks after transplantation. Protocol II, however, did not increase the number of TH+ cells in the striatal grafts of hemiparkinsonian rats. In conclusion, BMP/TGF-β inhibition was more effective than FGF-2 signaling with regard to dopaminergic induction of hCBiPSCs in vitro and prevented graft overgrowth in vivo.
Floral anatomy and vegetative development in Ceratophyllum demersum: A morphological picture of an “unsolved” plant
Authors: Iwamoto Akitoshi , Izumidate Ryoko , Ronse De Craene Louis P.
Published: September 2015

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

The phylogenetic position of Ceratophyllum is still controversial in recent molecular analyses of angiosperms, with various suggestions of a sister group relation to all other angiosperms, eudicots, monocots, eudicots + monocots, and magnoliids. Therefore, the morphological characters of Ceratophyllum are important for resolving the phylogeny of angiosperms. In this study, we observed the detailed developmental anatomy of all lateral organs and their configurations to elucidate the floral development and phyllotactic pattern of Ceratophyllum demersum.

METHODS:

We observed fixed shoots of C. demersum with scanning electron microscopy and serial sections of the samples with light microscopy.

KEY RESULTS:

Bract primordia arise first, followed by the stamen primordia in staminate flowers. Both bracts and stamens initiate unidirectionally, first on the abaxial side of the floral apex and later on the adaxial side, most likely due to the contact pressure imposed by the leaf primordium at the superior node. In pistillate flowers, bract primordia on the abaxial side were also initiated first. The configuration of buds at one node showed six patterns and each pattern included at least one vegetative bud, and flower buds were always accompanied by vegetative buds at the same node.

CONCLUSIONS:

The initiation pattern of organs in the outer whorls of C. demersum flowers is distorted by mechanical pressure, resulting in the phyllotactic variation of staminate flowers. Vegetative buds are the main axillary buds with floral buds as accessory buds, which suggests that the shoot of C. demersum has been modified from a decussate phyllotaxis.
Les Marocains dans la guerre d’Indochine (1947-1954)
Authors: Bodin Michel
Published: September 2015

De 1947 à 1954, le corps expéditionnaire français en Indochine n’a pas les effectifs suffisants pour l’accomplissement de ses missions. Les autorités françaises doivent faire appel à de nombreux soldats des colonies, parmi eux environ 60 000 Marocains recrutés facilement. Ils acquièrent une réputation de combattants solides et loyaux. En dépit de la guerre, ils sont contents de leur vie en Indochine et ne posent aucun problème jusqu’en 1950. Après, l’arrivée de plus jeunes soldats, les revers français, les propagandes et la détérioration de la situation au Maroc troublent parfois ces hommes. Mais cela ne crée pas de graves problèmes ni dans les unités ni à leur retour au Maroc.
Le processus décisionnel en temps de crise : La gestion des mesures d’austérité en Estonie
Authors: Savi Riin , Randma-Liiv Tiina
Published: September 2015

Dans cet article, nous nous intéressons à la manière dont le gouvernement estonien a réagi à la crise budgétaire en analysant la dynamique des processus décisionnels dans le cadre de la gestion des mesures d’austérité de 2008 à 2013 à partir de la dichotomie centralisation/décentralisation. Dans notre étude, nous examinons le processus décisionnel lié aux mesures d’austérité en identifiant les principaux acteurs et les variables contextuelles qui permettent de comprendre la gestion de la crise budgétaire. Nous verrons que d’une manière générale, la crise budgétaire a contribué à renforcer les niveaux de centralisation dans le processus décisionnel gouvernemental. Les décisions liées à la crise ont été marquées par des décisions politiques centralisées et par la non-inclusion de l’opposition et des groupes d’intérêt. Il n’en reste pas moins que ce sont les décisions décentralisées au niveau ministériel, de même que l’autonomie des institutions budgétaires et la participation intense des agents de l’État qui ont permis de trouver les solutions urgentes. Nous avons constaté que les procédures initialement prévues à court terme pour réaliser les coupes budgétaires et les modifications ultérieures apportées aux processus décisionnels étaient toujours en vigueur pour la plupart en 2014 et influençaient dès lors les pratiques de l’administration publique à long terme. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens Notre étude indique que la gestion des mesures d’austérité peut entraîner un sentiment d’urgence dans le processus décisionnel gouvernemental, dans le cadre duquel la centralisation facilite les décisions rapides. Nous verrons également qu’un gouvernement minoritaire est capable de parvenir à un ajustement budgétaire, même dans un contexte politique hautement conflictuel. En temps de crise, les agents de l’État se doivent d’élargir leurs compétences, la gestion des mesures d’austérité les obligeant à faire face à des tâches nouvelles et extrêmement compliquées. Dans cet article, nous verrons qu’il peut arriver que les coupes à court terme et les changements dans les processus décisionnels destinés à atténuer la phase aiguë de la crise restent en vigueur nettement plus longtemps que prévu au départ et influencent dès lors les pratiques de l’administration publique à long terme.
Patulin adsorption of a superior microorganism strain with low flavour-affection of kiwi fruit juice
Authors: Luo Y. , Wang Z.L. , Yuan Y.H. , Zhou Z.K. , Yue T.L.
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study was to isolate a microbial strain with higher patulin adsorption capability and lower flavour-affection on kiwi fruit juice, and study patulin adsorption behaviour effects on cell morphology and adsorption kinetics. Electronic-nose and physicochemical analysis methods were combined to evaluate the flavour and quality of treated kiwi fruit juice. The results showed that yeasts had a good performance on biomass, patulin adsorption and flavour maintenance. Besides, patulin adsorption behaviour and kinetic study of yeast strain N-10 was investigated, the results showed that patulin adsorption capability was influenced by cell morphology, its adsorption behaviour followed pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics, and equilibrium experiments fit the Langmuir isotherm model. The investigation revealed that patulin adsorption is a spontaneous endothermic physic-sorption behaviour. During adsorption, patulin moved from the liquid to the adsorbent surface and the capability of adsorbents was associated with their cell surface morphology. This study provides a basis for the selection of strains with improved patulin adsorption from kiwi fruit juice and provides the experimental foundation and theoretical basis for future studies of patulin adsorption in fruit juice, it has great potential application for the control of patulin in the juice processing industry.
A study of the 2013 Western European issue of aflatoxin contamination of maize from the Balkan area
Authors: de Rijk T.C. , van Egmond H.P. , van der Fels-Klerx H.J. , Herbes R. , de Nijs M. , Samson R.A. , Slate A.B. , van der Spiegel M.
Published: September 2015

In March 2013 a large shipment of maize, intended for feed was subject of an alert in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed of the European Commission (EC) because the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) level in the load exceeded the EC regulated maximum level of 20 μg/kg. Since the shipment had passed import controls and was already distributed (mainly to German farms), a massive recall followed. The aim of the current study was to investigate questions, raised by authorities and industry, related to the effectivity of EU sampling procedures, the influence of sample homogenisation procedures and sample storage conditions on the test results, and fungal identification as unexpected mycotoxins were identified during this study. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority seized a shipload of maize in July 2013, suspected to be contaminated with AFB1. The shipload was sampled according to the 2009 and 2013 EC Sampling Regulations to compare the outcomes of both sampling protocols. Mycotoxin analysis of the incremental samples showed high mean levels of AFB1, aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), and ochratoxin A (OTA). Also an extreme inhomogeneous distribution of aflatoxins and OTA was proven. Analysis of samples homogenised according to the slurry method showed improved performance as compared to samples homogenised through dry homogenisation. Sampling and sample homogenisation according to the Regulation from 2013 showed a closer estimate of the ‘true’ AFB1 content as compared to sampling according to the Regulation from 2009. No influence of laboratory storage conditions on AFB1 concentration could be determined. Fungal identification revealedAspergillus flavus as the main source of AFB1 in this shipment. Infrequent occurrence ofAspergillus parasiticus might have been the source of AFG1. The occurrence of sometimes large amounts of OTA could not be explained, however it was suggested thatAspergillus welwitschiae might have played a role.
Mycobacterium kansasii causing chronic monoarticular synovitis in a patient with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Menashe Leo , Kerr Leslie Dubin , Hermann George
Published: September 2015

Mycobacterium kansasii is a nontuberculous mycobacterium that primarily causes pulmonary disease in AIDS patients, however it has also been known, rarely, to result in skeletal infection. When skeletal infection occurs, the time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis is up to 5 years in previously reported cases. We describe a 48-year-old woman with HIV/AIDS who presented with chronic, isolated left knee pain and swelling of over two decades which had recently worsened. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated marked subarticular erosions, synovial thickening, and bone marrow edema, which had progressed compared with prior imaging done seven years earlier. Synovial biopsy grew Mycobacterium kansasii. Following the presentation of our case, clinical and imaging findings, including the differential diagnosis, of monoarticular arthritis caused by Mycobacterium kansasii are reviewed and discussed.
Análisis de sensibilidad y estudio crítico del modelo de evaluación de la sostenibilidad de la Instrucción Española de Hormigón Estructural
Authors: Mel J. , Gómez D. , De la Cruz P. , Del Caño A.
Published: September 2015

Este artículo presenta los resultados de un análisis de sensibilidad del modelo de evaluación de la sostenibilidad de la Instrucción Española de Hormigón Estructural EHE-08. Expone también los resultados de un análisis de ciclo de vida (ACV) de consumo de energía y emisiones de CO2. A partir de ello se realizan comparaciones, con el objetivo de establecer propuestas de mejora para dicho modelo. La conclusión más importante es que algunos de los pesos y funciones de valor usados en el mismo no son coherentes con los resultados del análisis de ciclo de vida. El modelo de sostenibilidad que se establezca en próximas versiones normativas debería tener otros pesos y funciones que sirvan para acercarse más a los resultados del ACV.
Rethinking Competitiveness
Authors: Garita-Gutierrez Mauricio
Published: September 2015

The present chapter analyzes the different areas concerning competitiveness. This analysis is based on the two visions of competitiveness. The first vision establishes that the only form of competitiveness is to engage in lowering costs and therefore establishing a competitive advantage through costs. The second vision is a more integral one that sees a competitive advantage in the capacity of the workers in the specialization of labor. This second vision enforces the idea of investing in education and health to compete in more profitable markets. Based on these visions, the question to ask is: Is Central America ready?
Opportunities and Challenges for Entrepreneurial Activity and Non-Entrepreneurial Engagement in Colombia
Authors: Sanchez-Barrios Luis Javier , Gomez-Araujo Eduardo , Gomez-Nuñez Liyis , Rodriguez Sandra
Published: September 2015

This chapter explores various aspects that might be associated with entrepreneurial activity and non-entrepreneurial engagement in Colombia between 2010 and 2012. These ratios were calculated from the GEM-Colombia report between 2010 and 2012. Aspects were obtained from the National Expert Survey (NES) of the GEM project and from the Doing Business Study. Sommer's d correlation was used to test significant association. Results show that in general, context conditions in Colombia are adequate to start a business. Positive aspects include public policies to stimulate business creation, skilled specialist teams and reduction in processes required to formally establish an SME. Yet further substantial advance need to be made in terms of access to financial resources, access to technology that is relevant for microbusinesses, implementation of innovation policies and education in entrepreneurship. This is required to enhance the creation of high growth businesses that result in a knowledge-based economy in contrast with a prevalent traditional economy as is the case at present.
Remittances
Authors: Bake Reny Mariane
Published: September 2015

International remittances to developing countries are growing and are more than foreign direct investment or the official development aid. More of the 3.2% of global population are living abroad and the trends will increase in the next decades, involving skilled and no skilled workers. Developing countries in Latin America receives 15% of all international remittances and six countries (México, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Colombia, El Salvador and Honduras) in the region received more of the 70% of all the remittances in 2013. By coincidence, this six countries have a lack to develop and large pockets of poverty, much of which is concentrated in those areas from which migrants come. The remittances are palliatives to poverty in their countries and help their families to reduce their poverty. In many cases, the remittances are the seed for new small and medium enterprises in Latin America, with not enough access to financial services.
Special Library Standards
Authors: Yap Joseph M. , Ramos Mila M.
Published: September 2015

This chapter will provide an overview of the existing standards being observed in the Philippines. With the fractionalization of various special library associations, how does the Philippine Board for Librarians (BFL) coordinate and monitor special libraries with regard to the application and tracking of the standards? The chapter will also talk about various library associations catering to special librarianship in the country. In addition, it will mention some consortia particularly established for networking and resource-sharing of special libraries which can address part nine of the revised draft standards of 2013.
eGovernment Implementation on Law and Regulation Repository
Authors: Ali Irhamni
Published: September 2015

The development of information technology has changed the bureaucracy of Indonesian Government. Therefore they should adopt development e-government services. One of the service is repository on law and regulations, Indonesia has already have the National Law of Documentation and Information Networking (NLDIN) as central of law and regulation repository but most of the member of NLDIN do not applied repository standard like Human computer interface, interoperability and repository management. In the future the NLDIN system need to rebuild the system according the standard of institutional repository.
Maximizing Social Media Tools
Authors: Ayson Maria Cecilia I.
Published: September 2015

The emergence of social networking sites and platforms has paved the way for alternative marketing and information dissemination tools. Several institutions, including special libraries, take advantage of this new technology due to its low cost, ease of use, and wider reach. But since it is a relatively new technology, and its practice is usually not formalized, there is a lack of policies in implementing social media campaigns, especially in special libraries. While social media tools are very popular and easy to use, they still demand considerable time and effort. Thus, it is important to evaluate the impact of special libraries' use of social media among their clientele and target audience. This chapter will feature selected social media tools appropriate for special libraries and recommend guidelines in planning social media campaigns and evaluating their impact.
Impetus to Supply Chain Decisions with IT Tools
Authors: Patro Chandra Sekhar , Raghunath K. Madhu Kishore
Published: September 2015

Information Technology (IT) and its use in organizations and across the supply chain has become a determinant of competitive advantage for many corporations. This paper focuses on the usage of IT tools for Supply Chain Management (SCM). It also highlights the contribution of IT in helping to restructure the entire distribution set up to achieve higher service levels and lower inventory and lower supply chain costs. In order to survive and beat the competition in today's competitive world, one has to manage the future. Managing the future means managing information. In order to deliver quality information to the decision-maker at the right time and in order to automate the process of data collection, collation and refinement, organizations have to make Information Technology an ally, harness its full potential and use it in the best possible way. Information Technology is beneficial for cooperation and integration within the stakeholders of the supply chain.
Service Characteristics in Transition
Authors: Järvinen Raija , Lehtinen Uolevi
Published: September 2015

The main objective of this article is to study the influence of transition in service characteristics. The transition occurs from traditional health services to e-health services. The theoretical roots of the article rely on service characteristics and new service development (NSD). Four empirical case examples serve as an exploratory examination of service characteristics in transition. In this examination, interpretative analysis and comparative methodology were used. The case examples show that the level of manifestation of service characteristics varies from service to service regardless of them being e-services or traditional services. In both traditional services and e-services process nature and non-ownership seem to be the most representative characteristics, but all the studied characteristics are important. Interaction and perishability seem to materialise much less in the connection of e-services than in the context of traditional services.
Evaluation and comparison of four protein extraction protocols for mono- and two-dimensional electrophoresis in Mytilus galloprovincialis
Authors: Ceruso Marina , Chirollo Claudia , Boccia Federica , Smaldone Giorgio , Marrone Raffaele , Pepe Tiziana
Published: September 2015

In this study, four protein extraction protocols from Mytilus galloprovincialis were evaluated with the aim to identify the most practical, efficient and reproducible method. Four extraction protocols frequently used for mussels and organic matrices were selected and compared. The methods were based on the use of: i) TRIzol reagent; ii) Lysis buffer; iii) phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride; iv) trichloroacetic acid-acetone. Protein concentration was measured by the Bradford method. Three specimens of mussels were studied and the analysis was conducted in triplicate for each of the four protocols. Results indicated that the four methods could extract significantly different protein profiles. The highest number of protein spots resolved in 2DE gels and the best reproducibility was obtained using trichloroacetic acid-acetone protocol. Results afforded the selection of a suitable extraction protocol to be used for ecotoxicoproteomics studies from mussels and for other proteomic studies conducted by particularly complex tissues such as Mytilus galloprovincialis.
II ruolo degli omega-3 nel paziente pluripatologico complesso: dalle evidenze alla pratica clinica in Medicina Interna
Authors: Gnerre Guest Editors: P. , Campanini M. , Fontanella A. , Nardi R.
Published: September 2015

II ruolo degli omega-3 nel paziente pluripatologico complesso     241
M. Campanini, R. Nardi

II ruolo degli omega-3 nella prevenzione dell’ipertrigliceridemia pura e iperlipemia combinata, ma non solo: dalle evidenze alla pratica clinica     247
P. Gnerre, O. Para, G. Balbi

Gli omega-3 nell’obesità e nell’insulino-resistenza     260
M. Poggiano

Gli omega-3 nel diabete mellito di tipo 2     262
M. Poggiano

Gli effetti degli omega-3 sulle aritmie     265
C. Cenci

Gli effetti degli omega-3 nella prevenzione dell’infarto miocardico     269
R. Gerloni

Omega-3 e scompenso cardiaco     274
R. Gerloni

I prodotti naturali: una possibile alternativa alle statine per la riduzione del colesterolo     279
M.C. Pasquini

Nutrizione, omega-3 e cancro     288
A. Mazza, G. Rubello, G. Mazza

Gli omega-3: trigliceridi naturali o esteri etilici?     301
P. Zuccheri, C. Iacono, G. Benini

II ruolo degli omega-3 nel paziente pluripatologico complesso: dalle evidenze alla pratica clinica in Medicina Interna     306
A. Fontanella
Metastatic Ghost Cell Odontogenic Carcinoma: Description of a Case and Search for Actionable Targets
Authors: Rappaport Maximilien J. , Showell Darion L. , Edenfield William J.
Published: September 2015

Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma (GCOC) is an exceedingly rare malignant tumor on the spectrum of already uncommon odontogenic or dentinogenic tumors. We describe here the case of metastatic GCOC in a patient with a history of recurrent dentinogenic ghost cell tumor of the mandible, now presenting with bilateral pleural effusions. We will discuss typical histopathologic and histochemical features of GCOC, along with results of genomic testing and their role in directing therapy.
Cavernous Hemangioma of the Left Forearm
Authors: Eyesan Samuel U. , Itie Joseph C. , Adesina Stephen A. , Kehinde Gideon T. , Olasode Babatunde J.
Published: September 2015

Cavernous hemangiomas are benign hamartomatous proliferation of endothelial tissues. They can arise virtually anywhere in the body and do not contain tissues native to the organ or structure in which they are located. Contrary to what is seen in capillary hemangiomas and the cavernous cutaneous variety, intramuscular hemangiomas almost always never regress. We report a case of intramuscular cavernous hemangioma in an 18-year-old male Nigerian with swelling in the left forearm of 9 years duration. The swelling progressively increased in size and nearly involved the entire forearm with occasional pain and no preceding history of trauma. Pre-operative plain radiographs showed an ill-defined soft tissue swelling with multiple calcifications or phleboliths. Surgical excision with ligation of feeding vessels was done and histology confirmed the diagnosis with free margin of excision. Post-operative clinical improvement was marked.
Synchronous Pulmonary Malignancies: Atypical Presentation of Mantle Cell Lymphoma Masking a Lung Malignancy
Authors: Masha Luke , Zinchuk Andrey , Boosalis Valia
Published: September 2015

We present a case of a pleural space malignancy masked by an atypical presentation of mantle cell lymphoma. Our patient presented with a large pleural effusion and right sided pleural studding, initially attributed to a new diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma. Rare atypical epithelial cells were also seen amongst the clonal population of lymphocytes. The patient lacked systemic manifestations of mantle cell lymphoma and did not improve with chemotherapy. A pleural biopsy ultimately revealed the presence of an undifferentiated carcinoma, favoring a lung primary. A discussion of synchronous pleural space malignancies involving lymphomas is given.
A Case of Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma Originating from the Serous Surface of the Small Intestine
Authors: Makihara Natsuko , Fujita Ichiro , Soudaf Hiroo , Yamamoto Takahisa , Sashikata Terumasa , Mukohara Toru , Maeda Tetsuo
Published: September 2015

Malignant transformation of endometriosis has been extensively described in the literature. However, extragonadal endometrioid adenocarcinoma, either de novo or arising from malignant transformation of endometriosis, is rare. The present case report describes a patient with endometrioid adenocarcinoma on the serous surface of the small intestine. A 25-year-old female with no history of endometriosis was referred to our hospital with an intrapelvic tumor. An internal examination, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a round mass approximately 80 mm in diameter; however, identification of the affected organ was difficult. Because we could not rule out malignancy based on the non-specific radiologic findings, laparotomy was performed. A mass with ileal adhesions was detected intraoperatively. In addition, the uterus and bilateral adnexa appeared normal. The tumor was resected with part of the ileum. Histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of endometrioid adenocarcinoma originating from the serous surface of the small intestine.
Assessment of universal access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services in Egypt
Authors: Oraby Doaa
Published: September 2015

In 2005, a World Health Organization resolution called for health systems to move towards universal coverage, such that everyone would have access to promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative health interventions at an affordable cost. Responding to this call, a new target for achieving universal access to reproductive health was integrated within the revised millennium development goals framework. Forty-eight African countries adopted the Maputo Plan of Action committing to the goal of universal access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services in Africa by 2015. The aim of this study was to assess Egypt’s commitment to implementing the Maputo Plan of Action. This was achieved through soliciting information relating to the extent of Egypt’s progress towards the achievement of universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights information and services. In late 2009, a qualitative study was conducted. It included in-depth interviews with 20 physicians and 10 key informants in addition to 8 focus group discussions with sub-segments of 65 beneficiaries, including married women of reproductive age, married men and youth of both sexes. The study revealed that public sector, non-governmental organisations and private sector organisations delivering sexual and reproductive health services functioned in isolation from each other. Delivered services focused mainly on family planning and maternity care and targeted married women of reproductive age. Scaling up universal access to sexual and reproductive health services requires programmes to expand beyond the maternal and child health delivery model targeted solely at married women with children.
Die oor-en-weer beroep van predikante tussen die Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk en die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika: 1862–1917
Authors: Du Toit Flip
Published: September 2015

The ongoing appointment of ministers between the Dutch Reformed Church and the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa: 1862–1917. This article highlights the situation prior to the establishment of the theological training of the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa (NDRCA). The training of ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) started in 1859 with the establishment of the Theological Seminary at Stellenbosch. Since 1862 three churches operated in the then Transvaal (South African Republic). Many ministers of the DRC were called to serve in the NDRCA. The most notable were the Rev D.P. Ackerman and the Rev H.S. Bosman. They were called before the origin of the united church (of the NDRCA and the DRC) that existed between 1885 and 1892. After the split in 1892, they (as well as many others) continued as ministers in the DRC. The first lecturer of the NDRCA was called in 1917 − also a minister that was previously from the DRC. The calling of his successor sparked a major row. The NDRCA congregation of Pretoria called another minister from the DRC – the Rev H.D. van Broekhuizen. This eventually led to a special meeting of the General Assembly of the NDRCA in 1917 where his calling was eventually approved.
Lewensstories van getroude vroue: ’n Moontlikheid tot transformasie
Authors: Botha Annelie
Published: September 2015

Life stories of married woman: A possibility to transformation. Feminist scholarship in various disciplines has shown that women tend to internalise dominant social and religious discourse with regard to their lesser worth and value as human beings and members of society. The focal point of this article is to demonstrate how the place and role allocated to women, specifically in marital relationships, can be experienced as harmful. This article makes use of the life history research method in combination with the emancipatory analysis model of Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza in order to demonstrate this. Interviews were done with five women of the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa, a fairly conservative and traditional Afrikaans speaking South African faith community. In spite of having lived with this mindset all of their lives, the women were able to express in which ways they experienced the dominant discourse as harmful. If social and religious views devalue a certain group of people, transformation is required. In the case of women, respectfully listening to their life stories and experiences can contribute to their own healing as well as to the transformation of their social and religious environment and the practice of the church.
The missional role of the Holy Spirit: Ghanaian Pentecostals’ view and practice
Authors: White Peter , Niemandt Cornelius J.P
Published: September 2015

This article discusses the missional role of the Holy Spirit from a Ghanaian Pentecostal’s perspective. In doing this, trinitarian mission is used as the point of departure and it was narrowed down to the missional role of the Holy Spirit. The Ghanaian Pentecostals’ view about the baptism and the infilling of the Holy Spirit as well as their practices concerning the subject are discussed. The article concludes that there is no way that the church could achieve her call without the role of the Holy Spirit, to convict sinners of their sin and also to empower the church to proclaim the gospel.Die missionale werk van die Heilige Gees vanuit die teologie en praktyk van GhanesePinksterkerke. Hierdie artikel bespreek die missionale werk van die Heilige Gees vanuit die teologiese perspektief en praksis van die Pinksterkerke in Ghana. Die artikelvertrekpunt is ’n trinitariese benadering tot sending, en van daaruit word die rol en plek van die Heilige Gees in die sending van God bespreek. Die artikel gee ook aandag aan die siening omtrent die doop en die vervulling met die Heilige Gees onder Pinksterkerke in Ghana, asook aan kerklike praktyke wat uit hierdie teologiese standpunt spruit. Die artikel argumenteer dat die kerk net aan haar missionale roeping getrou kan wees op grond van die Heilige Gees se rol om sondaars van sonde en verlossing te oortuig, en die Gees se bemagtiging van gelowiges om die evangelie te verkondig deur die verskeidenheid gawes wat die Gees gee.
Piezoelectric energy harvesting from colored fat-tailed fluctuations: An electronic analogy
Authors: Peña Rosselló J. I. , Deza Roberto , Deza J. I. , Wio H. S.
Published: September 2015

Aiming to optimize piezoelectric energy harvesting from strongly col-ored fat-tailed fluctuations, we have recently studied the performance ofa monostable inertial device under a noise whose statistics depends on aparameter q (bounded for q < 1, Gaussian for q = 1, fat-tailed for q > 1).We have studied the interplay between the potential shape (interpolatingbetween square-well and harmonic-like behaviors) and the noise’s statis-tics and spectrum, and showed that its output power grows as q increasesabove 1. We now report a real experiment on an electronic analog of theproposed system, which sheds light on its operating principle.Received: 20 Novembre 2014,  Accepted: 7 September 2015; Edited by: C. A. Condat, G. J. Sibona; DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.4279/PIP.070014Cite as: J I Peña Rosselló, R Deza, J . Deza, H S Wio, Papers in Physics 7, 070014 (2015)This paper, by J. I. Peña Rosselló, R. R. Deza, J. I. Deza, H. S. Wio, is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License 3.0.
Efecto de la fragmentación en la morfometría foliar y el ambiente de Quercus germana Schldl. & Cham. (Fagaceae) en Xalapa, Veracruz
Authors: Martínez-Munguía Anantli , Ortiz-Ceballos Gustavo C. , Rebolledo-Camacho Virginia , Andrade-Torres Antonio , Iglesias-Andreu Lourdes G. , Octavio-Aguilar Pablo
Published: September 2015

Quercus germana es una especie endémica del bosque mesófilo de montaña de México. La presión de selección que la fragmentación y los cambios ambientales ejercen, sugieren diferenciación fenotípica. Por lo anterior, la relación de la diferenciación foliar de Q. germana con la fragmentación y las condiciones ambientales se evaluó en seis sitios del bosque mesófilo de Xalapa, Veracruz. Para ello, se colectaron 10 hojas de las ramas nones de 30 individuos por sitio; se midieron 10 características morfométricas foliares y siete ambientales. Los análisis de varianza se realizaron con el modelo linear generalizado; se utilizó un análisis discriminante, se construyeron árboles de ligamiento UPGMA y se proyectaron las poblaciones tridimensionalmente. Las distancias de Mahalanobis se compararon con una prueba de Mantel para estimar la relación morfométrica y ambiental. Las variables morfológicas que mejor separan los sitios son mucrones, nervaduras y tamaño del peciolo. Ambientalmente, las variables más discriminantes son luz, temperatura y pérdida de humedad. La prueba de Mantel no mostró relación entre las diferencias morfométricas y ambientales (r = 0.090, P = 0.306). Las subpoblaciones de Q. germana son morfológicamente diferentes a pesar de la distancia corta que las separa, lo cual indica que posiblemente son afectadas por la fragmentación aún sin influencia ambiental.
Simulation of black carbon in snow and its climate impact in the Canadian Global Climate Model
Authors: Namazi M. , von Salzen K. , Cole J. N. S.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. A new physically based parameterisation of black carbon (BC) in snow was developed and implemented in the Canadian Atmospheric Global Climate Model (CanAM4.2). Simulated BC snow mixing ratios and BC snow radiative forcings are in good agreement with measurements and results from other models. Simulations with the improved model yield considerable trends in regional BC concentrations in snow and BC snow radiative forcings during the time period from 1950–1959 to 2000–2009. Increases in radiative forcings for Asia and decreases for Europe and North America are found to be associated with changes in BC emissions. Additional sensitivity simulations were performed in order to study the impact of BC emission changes between 1950–1959 and 2000–2009 on surface albedo, snow cover fraction, and surface air temperature. Results from these simulations indicate that impacts of BC emission changes on snow albedos between these 2 decades are small and not significant. Overall, changes in BC concentrations in snow have much smaller impacts on the cryosphere than the net warming surface air temperatures during the second half of the 20th century.