bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pensiones de contribución teórica definida con fondos de reserva públicos en las economías en proceso de envejecimiento: una aplicación para el Japón
Authors: Lu Bei , Mitchell Olivia S. , Piggott John
Published: November 2008

Varios países desarrollados y en desarrollo han adoptado recientemente un enfoque de contribuciones teóricas definidas (CTD) en sus reformas de las pensiones de jubilación. El sistema CTD es, básicamente, un sistema de jubilación no prefinanciado de cotizaciones definidas que asigna una «tasa de rentabilidad» a las cotizaciones asociada al crecimiento salarial global, mientras que el sistema contable gestiona los aumentos de la cuenta individual. Los pagos se computan en función de la mortalidad prevista de cada cohorte que alcanza la jubilación. Los programas de CTD pueden ser identificados como planes de reparto debidamente calibrados en equilibrio demográfico, pero los dos paradigmas divergen cuando se introduce el cambio demográfico. Este documento investiga las principales implicaciones actuariales y económicas de las disposiciones alternativas del sistema CTD, prestando especial atención al Japón, que es la economía que presenta el envejecimiento más rápido del mundo. Examinamos el posible papel que pueden desempeñar las reservas de los fondos de pensiones en el período de transición a un régimen CTD y mostramos la manera en que pueden ser utilizadas para amortiguar el impacto de la transición demográfica en una sociedad de edad avanzada. Por último, demostramos que países como el Japón pueden utilizar las reservas de fondos de pensiones acumuladas en el pasado para facilitar la transición al sistema CTD.
¿(A)típico e (in)seguro? La seguridad social del trabajo «no normalizado» en Europa
Authors: Buschoff Karin Schulze , Protsch Paula
Published: November 2008

Las relaciones laborales atípicas (trabajo a tiempo parcial, infraempleo, contratos de duración determinada y trabajo autónomo) han adquirido importancia durante los últimos años en muchos países europeos. Frecuentemente forman parte de trayectorias laborales cambiantes y entrañan un elevado riesgo de desempleo. En una comparación de seis países (Alemania, Dinamarca, Italia, Países Bajos, Polonia y Reino Unido) investigamos si las normas sociales nacionales contemplan las distintas formas de empleo atípico y de qué manera, así como si tienen en cuenta los riesgos específicos asociados a dichas formas de empleo atípico. Se han constatado importantes variaciones en los seguros regulados y en las prácticas entre países así como una variabilidad considerable dentro de los países en sus reacciones a los diferentes tipos de empleos atípicos. Es necesario una coordinación mejor y mas extensa tanto de la legislación social como de la fiscal.
Prestaciones de invalidez y trabajadores con VIH/SIDA: asuntos relativos a la cobertura y desafíos en la República Unida de Tanzania
Authors: Ackson Tulia
Published: November 2008

El presente documento se propone explorar la no disponibilidad concreta de prestaciones de discapacidad/invalidez para los trabajadores formales con VIH/SIDA en la República Unida de Tanzania. La dificultad legal para establecer un vínculo directo entre el VIH/SIDA y los accidentes del trabajo y las enfermedades profesionales representa un reto para las instituciones y los regímenes de seguridad social que simultáneamente tratan de enfrentarse a los crecientes problemas de la contracción del sector formal y de la baja cobertura. Se proponen respuestas de políticas de recuperación. Éstas identifican los ajustes obligatorios y legales necesarios tanto para garantizar la convergencia de los criterios de elegibilidad respecto de la solicitud de prestaciones de invalidez entre las instituciones interesadas, como para garantizar que las condiciones de calificación sean coherentes y estén en consonancia con los enfoques contemporáneos relativos a la invalidez. Los ajustes sugeridos simplificarían y aclararían los criterios de elegibilidad en los casos de invalidez que implican a los afiliados del régimen vigente, permitiendo también potencialmente una futura extensión de la cobertura de las prestaciones a efectos de reflejar mejor las realidades del mercado laboral.
Entre el mercado de trabajo y las pensiones de jubilación — la transición flexible ¿es un nuevo paradigma para las sociedades en proceso de envejecimiento?
Authors: Bredt Stephan
Published: November 2008

El alza de la edad de la jubilación debido al aumento de la esperanza de vida hace frente a una importante resistencia política. Por razones de salud y motivos inherentes al mercado laboral siempre existirán casos de personas que nunca serán elegibles para obtener una pensión completa únicamente como consecuencia del empleo. Incluso en el caso de que no se restrinjan las opciones de la jubilación anticipada, la posibilidad de acumular ingresos para financiar una pensión anticipada está sujeta a una definición frecuentemente restrictiva. Por consiguiente, es imposible que quienes se jubilan anticipadamente puedan compensar las reducciones de las pensiones que perciben. Por oposición a la tendencia general de aumentar la edad de la jubilación, actualmente se está discutiendo en círculos de política social de Alemania una propuesta de reforma alternativa. Dicha propuesta implica la libre elección de la edad de jubilación a partir de los 60 años; una acumulación ilimitada de derechos complementarios de pensiones durante la vida activa; deducciones actuariales por jubilación anticipada; y la consideración de la esperanza de vida cuando se efectúen ajustes en las pensiones concedidas. Esta solución disminuye la presión financiera del sistema público de pensiones, aumenta el atractivo de los ciudadanos de edad avanzada en el mercado laboral, ofrece la oportunidad de que las personas determinen ellas mismas la transición del trabajo a la jubilación y reduce la resistencia política a la reforma de las pensiones. Queda por comprobar el impacto que tendrá en el mercado de trabajo de los ciudadanos de edad avanzada.
Determination of the More Adequate Modified Agglutination Test Cut‐off for Serodiagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Sheep
Authors: Sousa S. , Thompson G. , Silva E. , Freire L. , Lopes D. , Correia da Costa J. M. , Castro A. , Carvalheira J. , Canada N.
Published: November 2008

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common food borne disease world‐wide. Among food animals, sheep seems to having higher prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection. However, there is no consensus about the best cut‐off for serodiagnosis in sheep. To estimate the more adequate cut‐off value of Modified Agglutination Test (MAT) for serodiagnosis in sheep, a commercial ELISA kit was used as a golden standard. Evaluation of the optimal sensitivity and specificity was calculated using Youden’s J‐statistics. Values obtained were used to estimate the prevalence of sheep toxoplasmosis. One thousand four hundred and sixty seven blood samples were collected randomly from 160 farms from northern Portugal, representing approximately 10% of the ovine population from the region. All sera were tested for anti‐T. gondii antibodies using the MAT. One hundred nine sheep (7.4%) presented a MAT titer ≥1 : 80; 45 (3.0%) a MAT titer of 1 : 40; 97 (6.6%) a MAT titer of 1 : 20 and 1216 (83.0%) a MAT titer ≤1 : 20. The best Youden’s J‐statistic was obtained at 1 : 20 titer (0.752), with 86.15% of sensitivity and 89.09% of specificity with negative and positive predictive values of 90.32% and 84.48% respectively, suggesting that the 1 : 20 was the most appropriate cut‐off for serodiagnosis of toxoplasmosis in sheep. Assuming this cut‐off, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in the studied population was 17.1% and 92 (57.5%) of the 160 studied flocks having one or more positive sheep. Those results indicate that toxoplasmosis in Portugal should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abortions in sheep and neurological signs in lambs. Furthermore, while Portugal produces ovine meat for internal consumption and for exportation, isolation of T. gondii from ovine meat and further characterization of the isolates will be needed to understand the risk that ovine toxoplasmosis may represent for human health.
Investigation of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in a Public Water‐Treatment System
Authors: Nishi L. , Baesso M. L. , Santana R. G. , Fregadolli P. , Falavigna D. L. M. , Falavigna‐Guilherme A. L.
Published: November 2008

The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in a public water‐treatment system and to relate the results to physical, chemical, bacteriological and climate parameters. From March to September 2006, 30 samples, 15 of raw water and 15 of treated water, were examined by membrane filtration and direct immunofluorescence (Merifluor). For each sample, a volume of 1000 l was collected. Of the raw‐water samples, 26.6% were positive for Cryptosporidium (mean concentration of 0.15 oocysts/l), and 6.66% were positive for Giardia (concentration of 0.2 cysts/l); 13.33% of the samples were positive for both (mean concentrations of 0.06 oocysts/l and 0.026 cysts/l respectively). All the samples of treated water were negative. There was no correlation (P < 0.05) between the presence of protozoans in the raw water and the parameters measured. The finding of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in raw water indicates that the water sources are contaminated. Considering that giardiasis is prevalent in the population and that Cryptosporidium has recognized zoonotic potential, long‐term monitoring at critical points of the system is necessary to guarantee that the water will not be a vehicle for transmission of these protozoans.
Binary linear forms as sums of two squares
Authors: de la Bretèche R. , Browning T. D.
Published: November 2008

We revisit recent work of Heath-Brown on the average order of the quantity r(L1(x))⋯r(L4(x)), for suitable binary linear forms L1,…,L4, as x=(x1,x2) ranges over quite general regions in ℤ2. In addition to improving the error term in Heath-Brown’s estimate, we generalise his result to cover a wider class of linear forms.
Electronic structure characterization of FeIII-protoporphyrin IX (FeIII-PPIX) and β-hematin using calculated nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) and Mössbauer parameters
Authors: Rafiee Marjan A , Hadipour Nasser L
Published: November 2008

In this work, we performed the ab initio calculation of quadrupolar parameters of17O and14N atoms in FeIII-protoporphyrin IX (FeIII-PPIX) and β-hematin molecules. Furthermore, the quadrupole splitting of iron atoms in these molecules were calculated. The calculations were carried out to explore the differences between the electronic structures of FeIII-PPIX and β-hematin. The results show that the value of quadrupole splitting of iron atom, Δ(57Fe), in FeIII-PPIX is exactly three-fold of its value in β-hematin. The electric field gradient (EFG) at the site of quadrupolar nuclei were calculated to obtain quadupolar parameters (χ, η, and Δ), using B3LYP method and an all-electron representation for iron (62111111/3311111/3111), as well as the 6-31G* basis for all other atoms.Key words: nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR), hematin, β-hematin, malaria.
Substituent effects on silene reactivity — Reactive silenes from photolysis of phenylated tri- and tetrasilanes
Authors: Leigh William J , Moiseev Andrey G , Coulais Eugenie , Lollmahomed Farahnaz , Askari Mohammad S
Published: November 2008

Laser flash photolysis of 2-phenylheptamethyltrisilane (5d), 2,2-diphenylhexamethyltrisilane (5e), and phenyltris(trimethylsilyl)silane (5f) in hexane and acetonitrile solution affords strong, long-lived transient absorptions centered in the 440–470 nm range, which are assigned to the transient silenes formed via [1,3]-trimethylsilyl migration into the ortho-position of a phenyl ring on the basis of their UV–vis spectra and kinetic data for their reactions with methanol (MeOH), acetic acid (AcOH), acetone, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene (DMB), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), and oxygen. The silene derivatives are formed along with the corresponding silylenes (SiMePh, SiPh2, and Si(SiMe3)Ph, respectively) upon photolysis of these compounds in solution, and indeed, weak, short-lived transient absorptions assignable to the silylenes can also be detected in laser photolysis experiments with the three compounds in hexane, superimposed on the much more prominent absorptions due to the silenes. The silylene absorptions are quenched by MeOH and triethylsilane (Et3SiH) with absolute rate constants varying over the narrow ranges of (1.1–1.8) × 1010 (mol/L)–1 s–1 and (2.5–3.6) × 109 (mol/L)–1 s–1, respectively, in excellent agreement with previously reported values for SiPh2 and SiMe2 under the same conditions. The kinetic data obtained for the silenes are compared to previously reported data for the reactions of the same substrates with the related silenes (6a–6c) formed by photolysis of pentamethylphenyl-, 1,1,1,2-tetramethyl-2,2-diphenyl-, and 1,1,1-trimethyl-2,2,2-triphenyldisilane (5a–5c, respectively) under similar conditions. The comparison provides the first systematic, quantitative assessment of the stabilizing effects of trialkylsilyl substitution at the silenic silicon atom in silene derivatives.Key words: silene, silylene, trisilane, tetrasilane, kinetics.
A (2, n)-SECRET SHARING SCHEME BASED ON LINEAR CELLULAR AUTOMATA
Authors: DEL REY A. MARTÍN , DIOS A. QUEIRUGA , SÁNCHEZ G. RODRÍGUEZ
Published: November 2008

An algorithm to share a secret among a set of users is introduced in this work. It is based on the use of linear cellular automata over the finite set 𝔽2 and it is considered as a generalization of a previous work due to the authors dealing with an elementary cellular automata-based secret sharing scheme. The algorithm is shown to be secure, ideal, and perfect.
THE MAGNETIC EDEN MODEL
Authors: CANDIA JULIÁN , ALBANO EZEQUIEL V.
Published: November 2008

In the magnetic Eden model (MEM), particles have a spin and grow in contact with a thermal bath. Although Ising-like interactions affect the growth dynamics, deposited spins are frozen and not allowed to flip. This paper focuses on recent developments and future prospects, such as spontaneous switching phenomena, critical behavior associated with fractal, wetting, and order-disorder phase transitions, the equilibrium/nonequilibrium correspondence conjecture, as well as dynamical and critical features of the MEM defined on complex network substrates.
EFFECT OF STRONG CORRELATION ON THE STUDY OF RENORMALIZATION GROUP FLOW DIAGRAM FOR KONDO EFFECT IN AN INTERACTING QUANTUM WIRE
Authors: SARKAR SUJIT
Published: November 2008

We present the study of Kondo effect in an interacting quantum wire. We mainly emphasize the effect of strong electronic correlations in the study of renormalization group flow diagram and the stability analysis of fixed points for both magnetic and nonmagnetic impurities. We observe that the behavior of the system is either in the single channel or in the two channel Kondo effect, depending on the initial values of coupling constants and strong correlations.
GROUND STATE AND LOW-EXCITED STATES OF A BOSE GAS IN A FINITE ANISOTROPIC TRAP
Authors: WEN LIANGHUI , MA YONG-LI
Published: November 2008

The motivation in this paper is to simulate numerically some properties of an interacting Bose–Einstein condensate at zero temperature in an axial symmetry trapping potential with finite amplitude for modeling the practical experimental cases. By use of the basis expansion using three-dimensional harmonic oscillator eigenfunctions, we obtain the ground-state wavefunction and the collective excitation spectra of the system in both usual harmonic potential and different amplitudes of the finite potential. After comparing our results for the finite potential with the data derived from the harmonic potential, we conclude that the finite trap in the practical experiments decreases the entire excitation frequencies in the whole regimes. This decrease is consistent with our analytic prediction qualitatively and agrees well with the experimental data quantitatively.
LINEAR ELASTICITY AND POTENTIAL THEORY: A COMMENT ON GURTIN (1972)
Authors: KOENEMANN FALK H.
Published: November 2008

In an exhaustive presentation of the linear theory of elasticity by Gurtin [The Linear Theory of Elasticity (Springer-Verlag, 1972)], the author included a chapter on the relation of the theory of elasticity to the theory of potentials. Potential theory distinguishes two fundamental physical categories: divergence-free and divergence-involving problems. From the criteria given in the source quoted by the author, it is evident that elastic deformation of solids falls into the latter category. It is documented in this short note that the author presented volume-constant elastic deformation as a divergence-free physical process, systematically ignoring all the information that was available to him that this is not so.
Geochemistry of post‐kinematic mafic dykes from central to eastern Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica: evidence for a Pan-African suture in Dronning Maud Land
Authors: Owada Masaaki , Baba Sotaro , Osanai Yasuhito , Kagami Hiroo
Published: November 2008

The region comprising central to eastern Dronning Maud Land (2°W to 40°E), East Antarctica, is underlain by Mesoproterozoic to Cambrian metamorphic rocks and post-kinematic intrusive rocks with varied compositions. The post-kinematic mafic dykes linked to the Pan-African orogen include various types of lithologies: lamprophyre and lamproite in Mühlig-Hofmannfjella in central Dronning Maud Land and lamprophyre and high-K dolerite in the Sør Rondane Mountains in eastern Dronning Maud Land. Most of the mafic dykes have been weakly affected by low-grade metamorphism, but clearly preserve their igneous textures. The mafic dykes show a high abundance of Rb, Ba, Sr and light rare earth elements with negative anomalies of Nb, Ta and Ti in a multi-element primitive mantle-normalized diagram. The geochemical characteristics of the mafic dykes suggest that they were derived from a metasomatized mantle source leaving phlogopite, rutile and/or titanite as residual phases. Considering Sr and Nd isotopic systematics of the mafic dykes and the host metamorphic rocks and coeval felsic intrusive rocks, a large crustal boundary potentially related to a suture zone of West and East Gondwana should pass between Mühlig-Hofmannfjella and the Sør Rondane Mountains.
Singing and Science
Authors: Wendler Juergen
Published: November 2008

Starting out from Manuel Garcia, attention is paid to the work of outstanding personalities having excelled both in performing arts as singers as well as in scientific elaborations. The main focus will be on two aspects: the controversies about the principles of voice production as provoked by Raoul Husson and his revolutionary ideas, and the influence of the vocal tract on the formation of the sound of the voice. Both of these topics offer the opportunity of referring to the basic contributions of the Groningen voice research pioneers Janwillem van den Berg and his scholar Harm Schutte. For the online edition, supplementary material in the form of video and audio clips contributes to a kaleidoscopic compilation of a series of selected fragments representing the fascinating field of the human voice.
Risk Factors for Retinal Hemorrhage after Photodynamic Therapy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Oh In Kyung , Huh Kuhl , Oh Jaeryung
Published: November 2008

Background: Subretinal or intraretinal hemorrhage may occur after photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, risk factors for post-PDT hemorrhage have not yet been investigated. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients who had undergone PDT for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration. Primary outcomes were the occurrences of hemorrhages at 2 and 12 weeks after PDT. To identify the risk factors of hemorrhages after treatment, ocular and systemic factors were investigated. The secondary outcome was visual acuity. Results: Ninety-two eyes from 92 patients were analyzed. New hemorrhages developed in 9 (9.8%) within 2 weeks and in 8 (8.3%) between 2 and 12 weeks after PDT. Hypertension [odds ratio (OR) 356.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.7–34,487.1], minimally classic lesion (OR 53.4, 95% CI 2–1,429) and advanced age (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1–1.5) were related to hemorrhagic events within 2 weeks after PDT. A tendency toward recurrent hemorrhage was noted after repeat treatments (p < 0.05). Forty-four percent of the patients with a hemorrhagic event within 2 weeks after PDT experienced decreased vision. Conclusion: Hypertension, minimally classic lesion, advanced age and a previous hemorrhagic event were associated with the development of hemorrhage within 2 weeks after PDT.
Pulmonary Dysfunction Is Possibly a Marker of Malnutrition and Inflammation but Not Mortality in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Yoon Se-Hee , Choi Nak-Won , Yun Sung-Ro
Published: November 2008

Background: Various studies have indicated that malnutrition and chronic inflammation are strong predictors of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between pulmonary function, malnutrition and chronic inflammation in patients with CKD. Methods: One hundred and six consenting patients with CKD were enrolled in the study between 2005 and 2007. Pulmonary function was assessed by forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF), expressed as the normal percentage of predicted values (%FEV1, %FVC and %PEF, respectively). Nutritional status was evaluated by skeletal muscle index (SMI), subjective global nutritional assessment (SGA), lean body mass, body mass index and serum albumin. Inflammation was assessed by the serum measurement of high-sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP) levels. Results: Malnutrition (defined as SMI ≥1) and inflammation (defined as hsCRP >2 mg/l) in ESRD patients had significant negative associations with percentage predicted values for pulmonary function tests except %PEF (SMI: %FEV1, p = 0.009, %FVC, p = 0.001; hsCRP: %FEV1, p = 0.025, %FVC, p = 0.022). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that the ejection fraction in echocardiography and SGA were associated with poor survival, but there was no association for %FEV1. Conclusions: Impaired pulmonary function was associated with malnutrition and inflammation in these dialysis patients. We were not able to determine a significant relationship between pulmonary function and mortality.
Detection of Neuroendocrine Liver Metastases with MnDPDP-Enhanced MRI
Authors: Rockall A.G. , Planche K. , Power N. , Nowosinska E. , Monson J.P. , Grossman A.B. , Reznek R.H.
Published: November 2008

Purpose: The sensitivity of computerised tomography (CT) in detecting neuroendocrine liver metastases is variable and three-phase imaging is advocated. However, patients are often young and may require prolonged follow-up, thus a technique that avoids radiation exposure would be desirable. Our purpose was to assess the diagnostic performance of MRI, before and after administration of mangafodipir trisodium (MnDPDP), in the detection of neuroendocrine liver metastases. Methods: Patients who had undergone single-phase or multi-phase contrast-enhanced MD-CT for neuroendocrine liver metastases were invited to have MRI. Two independent observers made quantitative measurements (number and size of lesions). All measurements were made on each available CT phase and all MRI sequences independently, and repeated after an interval to assess reproducibility. The final number of lesions was agreed on by consensus of three observers. A qualitative assessment (contrast and spatial resolution) and preferred modality were agreed on by consensus. Results: 265 lesions were detected by consensus in 11 patients. Non-contrast CT was available in 4/11, arterial phase in 6/11 and portal phase in 10/11 patients. When compared with the consensus number of lesions, MD-CT identified 17% on non-contrast, 44% on arterial and 43% on portal venous imaging. Lesion detection on MRI was 48% on T1W, 52% on T2W and 92% on MnDPDP-MRI. The number of lesions detected on MnDPDP-MRI was closest to the final consensus reading (variance = 0.994, p = 0.0027). The reproducibility of lesion size measurements was best on MnDPDP-MRI (variance = 0.033, p = 0.0021). The preferred modality subjectively was MnDPDP-MRI in 9/11 cases and T2W MRI in 2/11. Conclusion: MRI is a robust technique in the demonstration of neuroendocrine liver metastases. It is highly reproducible in both detecting the number and measuring the size of lesions. We recommend T2W MRI and MnDPDP-MRI in detection and follow-up of neuroendocrine liver metastases.
Liver Glycogen Synthesis and Glucose Tolerance in Rats Adapted to Diets with a High Proportion of Fructose or Glucose
Authors: Vrána A. , Fábry P. , Kazdová L.
Published: November 2008

Glucose tolerance and in vivo incorporation of glucose into liver glycogen were investigated in rats fed high carbohydrate diets containing glucose or fructose as the sole carbohydrate source. As compared with control glucose-adapted rats, a slight deterioration of the glucose tolerance was observed in fructose-adapted rats. The possible cause of the deteriorated glucose tolerance in fructose-adapted rats seems to be among others reduced glucose incorporation into liver glycogen and a smaller depression of endogenous glucose production by exogenous glucose.
Effect on Rat Blood and Aorta Lipids of Three Edible Oils (Arachid, Sunflower and Primor) with Low Saturated Fatty Acid Content
Authors: Jacotot B. , Girardet M. , Mendy F. , Piganeau P. , Beaumont J.L.
Published: November 2008

Arachid, sunflower and primor oils, which are all poor in saturated fatty acids and differ, in particular, in their oleic, linoleic and linolenic acid content, were fed to rats throughout one short and one long experiment. In the short experiment (1 month), they were given a hyperlipidic diet (35% of total food weight) and in the long experiment (1 year) a normolipidic diet (6% of total food weight). The chief results observed were as follows. Diminished weight gain of rats ingesting sunflower oil in the long experiment when compared with the other two groups. Absence of significant differences in cholesterolemia, triglyceridemia and phospholipidemia, depending on the type of oil ingested. A significant rise in glycemia for rats absorbing sunflower oil in the short experiment, thus confirming our previous observations. A significant rise in blood urea in rats ingesting primor oil in the short experiment. A significant rise in proteinemia in rats absorbing primor oil in both experiments. Very similar fatty acid composition for serum triglycerides and free fatty acids, with a high linoleic acid content in animals absorbing sunflower oil (this only applied to the short experiment with a hyperlipidic diet). Identical fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids, which were also rich in stearic acid and to a lesser extent in arachidonic acid (this applied to all diets and experiments). Identical fatty acid composition of serum cholesterol esters, also rich in arachidonic acid, for all diets and experiments. Very similar fatty acid composition for aorta triglycerides and free fatty acids which, like the corresponding serum fractions, also had a high linoleic acid content in the sunflower oil group, in the short experiment (animals on a hyperlipidic diet). Identical fatty acid composition of aorta phospholipids whatever the diet or type of experiment. This composition is very similar that of serum phospholipids (i.e. particularly rich in stearic acid and fairly rich in arachidonic acid). A fatty acid composition for aorta cholesterol esters completely different from that of serum cholesterol esters, the first being rich in palmitoleate and laurate; the nature of this difference depends on the oil ingested, since palmitoleate was chiefly found in rats absorbing primor oil, and laurate in animals on the sunflower oil diet.
Effect of the Type and Proportion of Dietary Carbohydrate on Serum Glucose Levels and Liver and Muscle Glycogen Synthesis in the Rat
Authors: Vrána A. , Fábry P. , Kazdová L. , Zvolánková K.
Published: November 2008

The effect of the type of dietary carbohydrate on oral glucose tolerance and on in vivo incorporation of labeled glucose or fructose into liver and muscle glycogen in the rat were investigated. The intake of fructose or sucrose reduced, as compared with starch or glucose, glucose incorporation into liver glycogen and caused a slight deterioration of the glucose tolerance. These effects were observed already when 50% of the total dietary carbohydrate was substituted by fructose or sucrose. The incorporation of labeled glucose into muscle glycogen was not affected by the type of dietary carbohydrate. Specific radioactivity of liver and muscle glycogen and the concentration of muscle glycogen after administration of labeled fructose were higher in fructose-adapted than in glucose-adapted rats.
Effect of Papain on the Skeletal and General Development of the Rat
Authors: Widdowson Elsie M.
Published: November 2008

59 young male and female rats were injected with crude papain for 28 days and this hindered the growth of the skeleton. Two kinds of controls were used as comparisons: (1) littermates were pair-fed with those receiving papain, which kept them in a state of moderate undernutrition, and this was revealed in their physical characteristics; (2) other littermates were fed ad libitum throughout the whole experiment. Some rats in each of these three groups were killed at the end of the period of injection, the remainder were given unlimited food and no other treatment till they were 6 or 12 months old. The bodies and tails of the papain-treated rats were short compared with those of pair-fed animals of the same body weight; the long bones were also short, but of similar width. The composition of the bone appeared to be normal. The muscles attached to the long bones were necessarily short, but they, like the bones, were wide for their length. The weights of the heart, lungs and brain were similar in the papain-treated and pair-fed animals of the same body weight, but the kidneys, spleens and pituitaries were consistently larger in the papain-treated ones. The livers were also larger, but the undernutrition of the pair-fed animals was responsible for the small size of their livers. Papain hindered the growth of the stomach and small intestine but promoted the growth of the large intestine Most of these differential effects on the organs were still evident when the animals were killed at 6 months of age. The testes, moreover, had now become heavier in the animals previously treated with papain than in either of the two control groups, although the rats themselves were much smaller. Papain is known to act on the mucopolysaccharide-protein complexes in the epiphyseal plates and this is what hinders the growth of the bones. It is suggested that papain also acts on similar mucopolysaccharide-protein complexes in the elastic capsules surrounding the kidneys, spleen and testes so that there is no longer the usual restricting influence on the blood supply and growth of these organs.
Acceleration of Ethanol Elimination with Fructose in Man
Authors: Sprandel U. , Tröger H.-D. , Liebhardt E.W. , Zöllner N.
Published: November 2008

The elimination of ethanol is known to be accelerated by fructose. Studies of continuous infusions of both ethanol and fructose as the basis for quantitative calculations are not available. In healthy volunteers fructose infusions were given for several hours during and immediately after the end of ethanol infusions. Both increase and elimination of ethanol in blood were effected to the same extent by fructose when compared to control experiments. Average increases in the elimination rates of ethanol were up to 80%; however, each subject displayed individual variations.
Influence du taux de calories lipidiques de la ration alimentaire sur les effets nutritionnels de l’oxythioquinox chez le rat
Authors: Carrera G. , Mitjavila S. , Delvolve N. , Derache R.
Published: November 2008

The effects of oxythioquinox (200 mg/kg fresh food for 30 days) on the growth, feeding, body composition and weight of various organs were studied in rats receiving isocaloric diets containing varying amounts of alimentary lipid (3, 18, 35 and 49%). With the exception of the liver, the kidneys and the ratio of ingested protein/gain in body proteins, which increased, all the investigated parameters showed a significant decrease under the effect of oxythioquinox. Since the various diets were isocaloric and the ratio total calories/proteins (g) was constant, no effects directly due to the level of lipid were seen on the parameters studied except the weight of the caecum which decreased. The interactions observed mirror an antagonism between the effects of the lipids and those of oxythioquinox.
Intestinal Lipoprotein Formation
Authors: Glickman Robert M.
Published: November 2008

The average western diet contains approximately 40% of total calories as dietary fat or approximately 100 g of fat. The efficiency of the entire process of fat absorption can be judged by the fact that under normal conditions less than 5% of ingested fat is recovered in the stool. In the past several years, new concepts have greatly added to our understanding of the process by which dietary fat is digested, absorbed and processed in the intestinal epithelial cell for delivery to the body via the intestinal lymph and the portal venous system. These newer concepts include an understanding of the physical chemistry of lipids, the physiology of bile salts and the formation and metabolisms of lipoprotein all directly influencing the process of fat absorption. The present discussion will emphasize the formation of lipoproteins within the intestinal mucosa. New information suggests that the small intestinal mucosa is a quantitatively important source of lipoprotein constituents for systemic lipoproteins. This is hardly surprising when one considers the large quantities of lipid traversing the intestinal mucosa each day which must exit in the form of lipoproteins.
Testicular Biopsy Score Count – A Method for Registration of Spermatogenesis in Human Testes: Normal Values and Results in 335 Hypogonadal Males
Authors: Johnsen Svend G.
Published: November 2008

The paper describes a new and rapid method forregistration of spermatogenesis in human testes: the testicular biopsy score count. Each tubular section is given a score from 10 to 1 according to presence or absence of the main cell types arranged in the order of maturity. Presence of spermatozoa scores 10, 9 or 8; spermatids (and no further) 7 or 6; spermatocytes (and no further) 5 or 4; only spermatogonia 3, only Sertoli cells 2 and no cells 1. The theoretical background of the score count method is discussed and it is emphasized that tissue heterogeneity, being a main point in most conditions, is exposed and evaluated by the method. Normal values are given and results obtained in 335 cases including a great variety of forms of male hypogonadism are presented. Patognomonic score counts leading to immediate diagnosis at a glance are obtained in many instances. A high correlation between testicular biopsy score count and sperm count is found and it is concluded that by this method it has for the first time become possible in man to correlate endocrine conditions with the functional state of the testicular tissue.
Plasma Prolactin in Goats Measured by Radioimmunoassay: The Effects of Teat Stimulation, Mating Behavior, Stress, Fasting and of Oxytocin, Insulin and Glucose Injections
Authors: Bryant Gillian D. , Linzell J.L. , Greenwood F.C.
Published: November 2008

Results are reported of measuring prolactin in goatplasma by a radioimmunoassay.Changes in concentration in plasma prolactin over time scales from minutes to hours were noted in animals not subject to experimental stimuli. It is presumed that these changes reflect the rapid removal of prolactin from plasma (t ½ 19 min) and the secretion of prolactin in response to unknown internal stimuli. Stimuli are reported which cause rises in plasma concentration suggestive of bursts of secretion from the pituitary. Copulation, in both males and females, sexual excitement in males and milking caused the largest increases in plasma concentration. Oxytocin injections and mild stress caused significant but smaller increases in plasma prolactin sometimes seen as a rise in jugular vein concentrations only. Plasma prolactin fell on fasting and after insulin and it rose on refeeding, but there was not a direct correlation with changes in blood glucose concentration.
Regression of Endemic Goitre and of Changes in Iodine Metabolism during 10–15 Years in the East of Finland
Authors: Lamberg B.-A. , Haikonen M. , Hintze G. , Honkapohja H. , Hiltunen R. , Pulli K.
Published: November 2008

In Savonlinna in the east of Finland in 1959 the thyroid uptake was 60–70% in control subjects and in patients with nontoxic goitre (NTG) and with hyperthyroidism and the urinary excretion of stable iodine was 45–60 µg/day. Fourteen patients with NTG, 3 hyperthyroid patients and one healthy control subject were studied in greater detail. The thyroid turnover was normal in NTG with the exception of two patients in whom it was increased. The faecal excretion of iodine was 20 µg/day, the renal iodine clearance 37 ml/min and the calculated iodine concentration in the iodide compartment 0.75–0.90 µg/l. The distribution of 131I was similar in the control subject and in NTG patients. In a few patients substantial proportions of precipitable iodine were found in the urine and non-butanol-extractable iodine in the blood. In 1969 the uptake was 30–34% in controls and euthyroid goitre patients. The urinary excretion of iodine was 219 µg/day. The goitre incidence in school children in Savonlinna and the surrounding communities was generally 1%, in two communities 6 and 13%, respectively. The figures are markedly lower than those reported in the early 1950s (15–30%). It is concluded that owing to intensified iodine prophylaxis during the last 10 years the endemic goitre is rapidly regressing in this area.
Cell Pathology of Endocrine Hypertension
Authors: Crane W.A.J.
Published: November 2008

The cell pathology of experimental hypertensioninduced by endocrine methods was traced by histochemical methods, autoradiography and electron microscopy. Arterial mucopolysaccharide synthesis is increased in rats made hypertensive with desoxycorticosterone and sodium chloride overload, and in rats with adrenal regeneration hypertension. Autoradiographs show a high uptake of radioactive sulphate in the mesenteric arteries but no increased venous uptake. New cell formation in the heart, arteries and kidney was traced with 3H-thymidine autoradiography in the same experimental models. The most marked increase in 3H-thymidine labelling occurs in arterial smooth-muscle at sites of plasmatic vasculosis which later evolve into hypertensive necrotising arteritis, and this may be reparative in nature. The more generalised but less marked labelling of smooth muscle is a compensatory response to the high blood pressure. Electron microscopy in adrenal regeneration hypertension indicates that fibrin and platelets leak into the arterial wall at focal segments of plasmatic vasculosis. The electron microscopy of renal biopsies from patients with hypertension due to Cushing’s syndrome reveals a form of vascular hyalinosis different from that described in benign essential hypertension.
Difficulties in the Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism in Old Age, in Young Women and in Schoolchildren
Authors: Medvei V.C.
Published: November 2008

Difficulties in the diagnosis of Hypothyroidism mayoccur in the above age groups. The presentation of the disease may be oligosymptomatic. Ignorance of the social background may be misleading. To illustrate this, five case histories and Pendred’s syndrome are discussed.
T-Cell Costimulation and Coinhibition in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Gotsman Israel , Sharpe Arlene H. , Lichtman Andrew H.
Published: November 2008

Evidence from many human and rodent studies has established that T lymphocytes enhance inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques and contribute to lesion progression and remodeling. Recent work also indicates that regulatory T cells are important in limiting proatherogenic T-cell responses. Given the important role of T cells in atherosclerosis, there is a need to fully understand how proatherogenic T cells are activated and regulated. Antigen-dependent activation of naïve T cells, leading to clonal expansion and effector T-cell differentiation, and effector and memory T cells, is enhanced by signals provided by costimulatory molecules expressed by antigen presenting cells, which bind to receptors on the T cells. In addition, T-cell responses to antigen are negatively regulated by coinhibitory molecules expressed by antigen-presenting cells, which bind to receptors on T cells. Two major families of costimulatory molecules include the B7 and the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) families. These molecules bind to receptors on T cells belonging to the CD28 or TNF receptor families, respectively. The best-defined coinhibitors and their receptors belong to the B7 and CD28 families. Recent work has begun to define how these T-cell costimulatory and coinhibitory pathways influence atherosclerosis, largely in mouse models of the disease. Profound effects are attributable to molecules in both the B7/CD28 (B7-1/2, ICOS, and PDL-1/2) and the TNF/TNF receptor (CD40, OX40, and CD137) families. One emerging theme is that both pathogenic effector T-cell responses and regulatory T cells are influenced by overlapping sets of costimulators and coinhibitors. These complexities must be considered as immunotherapeutic approaches for atherosclerotic disease are developed.
Septic Shock, Necrotizing Pneumonitis, and Meningoencephalitis Caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae in a Child: A Case Report
Authors: Barreira Eliane R. , Souza Daniela C. , Góes Patricia F. , Bousso Albert
Published: November 2008

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an important causative agent of respiratory infection in childhood. Although the infection caused by M. pneumoniae is classically described as benign, severe and life-threatening pulmonary and extrapulmonary complications can occur. This study describes the first case of septic shock related to M. pneumoniae in a child with necrotizing pneumonitis, severe encephalitis, and multiple organs involvement, with a favorable outcome after lobectomy and systemic corticosteroids
Spanish-Speaking Patients Perceive High Quality Care in Resident Continuity Practices: A CORNET Study
Authors: Krugman Scott D. , Parra-Roide Lilia , Hobson Wendy L. , Garfunkel Lynn C. , Serwint Janet R.
Published: November 2008

Prior research has demonstrated that limited English proficiency in Hispanic patients is associated with adverse health outcomes. The authors sought to compare the perception of primary care in resident practices between Spanish-speaking and English-speaking parents using a previously validated tool, the Parents' Perception of Primary Care. Using survey results from 19 CORNET sites nationwide, they compared mean scores for each primary care domain and the full scale between the groups using Student's t test. Multiple linear regression models compared outcomes controlling for demographic variables. Of the 2122 analyzable surveys, 490 (23%) were completed in Spanish and 1632 (77%) in English. The mean scores for each domain and the total scale were not statistically different between the 2 groups. After adjustment, Spanish-speaking parents rated communication significantly higher. Resident clinics may use systems to provide high quality care to Spanish-speaking patients, which may help other sites improve care.
Influence of Water Absorption and Pre-drying Conditions on the Tensile Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Lignocellulosic Fiber/Polyester Composites
Authors: De Carvalho L.H. , Moraes G.S. , D'Almeida J.R.M.
Published: November 2008

It is well known that humidity can deleteriously affect composite mechanical properties. In the present study the tensile properties of hybrid jute/cotton and sisal/cotton fabrics— polyester matrix composites were analyzed as a function of fiber content, immersion time in distilled water and of fabric drying just prior to composite manufacture. The results indicate that, as expected, tensile properties increase with fiber content, and that sisal reinforced composites were slightly more affected by water exposure than jute reinforced ones. This behavior was attributed to the higher affinity of sisal fibers toward water absorption. Fabric drying immediately before their incorporation onto the composites was shown to play an important role on composite mechanical properties. Fabric pre-drying led to composites with lower water absorption and higher overall mechanical properties. These composites also displayed a smaller strain at rupture, evincing better fiber to polymer matrix interaction. The data obtained suggests that water acts as a plasticizer for the systems investigated and that plasticization occurred in the early stages of composite immersion in water.
Studies on Aluminum — Fly-Ash Composite Produced by Impeller Mixing
Authors: Sarkar S. , Sen S. , Mishra S.C. , Kudelwar M.K. , Mohan S.
Published: November 2008

The present investigation is focused on the utilization of abundantly available industrial waste, i.e., fly-ash in a useful manner by dispersing it into aluminum/aluminum—magnesium matrix to produce composites by a liquid metallurgy route. Composites are produced with different percentage of reinforcing phase. Further, these composites are characterized using XRD, wet chemical analysis, and image analysis. Mechanical and wear properties of the composites are evaluated.
Modeling and Identification of a Small-scale Magnetorheological Damper
Authors: Tsouroukdissian Arturo Rodriguez , Ikhouane Faycal , Rodellar Jose , Ningsu Luo
Published: November 2008

Magnetorheological (MR) dampers are promising devices for vibration mitigation in structures due to their low cost, energy efficiency, and fast response. To use these dampers efficiently it is necessary to have models that describe their behavior with a sufficient precision. However, because a precise modeling of these devices using the laws of physics is an arduous task, semi-physical models are used to describe their behavior instead. Two of these models are explored in this article: a normalized version of the Bouc-Wen model and the Dahl friction model. A methodology for identification is proposed, and the obtained models are tested and validated experimentally.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Infrastructure Public—Private Partnership Programs and Projects
Authors: Garvin Michael J. , Bosso Doran
Published: November 2008

Public—private partnerships (P3) have emerged as a popular strategy for infrastructure development worldwide. Within the United States, the momentum for P3 arrangements is building as states put enabling legislation in place, public authorities search for expedient solutions for the infrastructure funding gap, and investor capital becomes increasingly attracted by the risk/return profile of infrastructure assets. Proponents of P3's tout advantages whereas detractors claim that the expected benefits rarely materialize, or they are obtained at too great an expense. Thus, the following question arises: Are P3's effective as infrastructure development strategies? A framework, which might serve to both structure and assess P3 programs and projects, is presented. The framework has evolved since its original introduction and is underpinned by the notion that P3 strategies must balance the interests of society, state, industry, and the market for ultimate success. A case study of its application is presented to illustrate its utilization and potential.