bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
USO POPULAR DE PLANTAS MEDICINAIS PELAS COMUNIDADES DE TRÊS LAGOAS/MS, PORTO VELHO/RO E RIO VERDE/GO
Authors: PINTO Sandra Maria Eugênia , TRESVENZOL Leonice Manrique Faustino , JOHN Rosangela Romano Lopes , ALVES Euclenia Oliveira , PAULA José Realino de , FIUZA Tatiana De Sousa
Published: May 2014

Este trabalho teve como objetivos conhecer o perfil sociocultural dos usuários e verificar o conhecimento sobre plantas medicinais de pessoas atendidas em programas assistenciais nas cidades de Três Lagoas/MS, Rio Verde/GO e Porto Velho/RO. As informações foram obtidas através de entrevistas orientadas por um questionário; as cinco plantas mais citadas foram selecionadas para levantamento bibliográfico. Foram entrevistadas 67 pessoas, a maioria (88%) do sexo feminino e idade entre 35 a 64 anos. Quanto ao grau de instrução, 89,5% afirmaram serem alfabetizados; 73,1% relataram terem vindo da zona rural, enquanto 26,9% sempre residiram no perímetro urbano. Sobre as plantas medicinais, 92% afirmaram terem acesso a essas plantas desde crianças e que o conhecimento foi adquirido no convívio familiar. Nas três cidades pesquisadas, as plantas medicinais são utilizadas para vários problemas de saúde, que podem ir de uma gripe ou resfriado a doenças mais graves como o diabetes, a hipertensão arterial e as doenças reumáticas. As folhas foram a parte das plantas mais utilizadas (58,8%) e o chá (infusão) a forma de preparo mais empregada (83,6%). Os motivos alegados para o uso de plantas medicinais foram os bons resultados, a facilidade de obtenção e o baixo custo. Foram citadas 106 plantas pelos nomes populares e as cinco mais citadas foram: boldo nacional (Plectranthus barbatus), boldo de Goiás (Vernonia condensata), erva-cidreira (Lippia alba), hortelã (Mentha sp) e arruda (Ruta graveolens). Verificou-se que essas cinco plantas já apresentam estudos científicos.
PERFIL FARMACOTERAPÊUTICO DOS PACIENTES DIABÉTICOS ATENDIDOS EM UM PROGRAMA DE ESTRATÉGIA DE SAÚDE DA FAMÍLIA (ESF) NO MUNICÍPIO DE SÃO LUIZ GONZAGA - RS
Authors: BORRÉ Taciana , OLIVEIRA Tiago Bittencourt de
Published: May 2014

O Diabetes Mellitus é uma síndrome etiológica múltipla, decorrente da falta total ou parcial de insulina. Suas consequências em longo prazo podem trazer sérias complicações, incluindo problemas de visão, amputações de membros, possibilidade de evolução para insuficiência renal entre outros. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o perfil farmacoterapêutico dos pacientes diabéticos do tipo 2 do Bairro Duque de Caxias da cidade de São Luiz Gonzaga, RS. Foi realizado um estudo observacional prospectivo transversal. As variáveis estudadas foram: gênero, idade, tempo de diagnóstico, conhecimento dos sintomas clínicos, dosagem da glicemia capilar e medicamentos utilizados. Foram entrevistados 25 pacientes nos quais 56% (14/25) dos pacientes eram do gênero masculino, onde a idade média foi de 60,2 anos e o tempo de diagnóstico na maioria dos pacientes era menor de 10 anos (84%). Os sintomas mais citados foram cansaço e tontura em 20% (5/25) seguidos de sono e dormência nos pés citado por 16% (4/25) dos pacientes. Quanto aos valores glicêmicos apresentados em jejum, 32% (8/25) dos pacientes estavam entre 100-140 mg/dL, 36% (9/25) entre 140-200 mg/dL, 24% (6/25) entre 200-400 mg/dL e 8% (2/25) acima de 400 mg/dL. Os medicamentos mais utilizados foram metformina 36% (9/25), seguido de glibencamida, por 24% (6/25); 40% (10/25) utilizavam os dois medicamentos. O Diabetes Mellitus apresentou-se como sendo uma doença pouco conhecida pelos próprios portadores, com isso trabalhos educativos e de orientação são fundamentais.
EXCIPIENTES PARA A PRODUÇÃO DE COMPRIMIDOS POR COMPRESSÃO DIRETA
Authors: SAUSEN Tiago Rafael , MAYORGA Paulo
Published: May 2014

O interesse da indústria farmacêutica na produção de comprimidos através da compressão direta tem aumentado nos últimos anos, principalmente por ser um método de produção de fácil controle e com menor tempo de processo, levando a uma maior produtividade da linha de produção. Entretanto, o sucesso da produção de comprimidos por compressão direta depende quase que exclusivamente dos adjuvantes que compõem a formulação. O presente artigo descreve a produção de comprimidos por compressão direta, abordando as características e os principais excipientes envolvidos nesse processo.
Coloration of Cationized Cellulosic Fibers–A Review
Authors: Choudhury A. K. Roy
Published: May 2014

Dyeing of cellulosic materials with reactive and direct dyes is commercially very popular, but is not eco-friendly On the other hand, pigment colors cannot be applied by conventional exhaust methods. These problems can be solved or minimized by increasing the affinity of cellulosic materials. Cationization of cellulosic fibers improves affinity towards anionic dyes like reactive dyes, direct dyes, and pigment colors dispersed with anionic dispersants. This review paper discusses various studies relating to cationization of cotton, linen, and ramie fibers using various chemicals (e.g., quaternary ammonium compounds, chitosan, CHPTAC, other epoxy compounds, and triazine) as well as non-reactive pretreatments with cationic polymers.
Translation ovoids of unitary polar spaces
Authors: King O. , Siciliano A.
Published: May 2014

An ovoid of a finite classical polar space is a set of points having exactly one point in common with every generator. An ovoid is a translation ovoid with respect to one of its points if it admits a collineation group fixing all totally isotropic lines through the point and acting regularly on the remaining points of the ovoid. Lunardon and Polverino proved in [11] that Q+(3; q), Q(4; q) and Q+(5; q) are the only finite orthogonal polar spaces having translation ovoids. In this paper we prove that H(3; q2) is the only finite unitary polar space having translation ovoids. We also prove that translation groups of ovoids of H(3; q2) contain only linear collineations.
Descartes and the Individuation of Bodies
Authors: Reid Jasper
Published: May 2014

Abstract: Descartes has standardly been read as holding that bodies achieve actual physical individuality through motion. He seems to say as much in Principles of Philosophy II, § 25: “By ‘one body’ or ‘one piece of matter’ I mean whatever is transferred at a given time”. I contend, however, that this interpretation is quite wrong. Such a view would lead to an utterly untenable – and un-Cartesian – position whereby nothing could ever move, but nothing could be at rest either. Having noted this, I then examine § 25 and related texts in some detail, and I argue that, as a matter of fact, they do not support this interpretation anyway. My conclusion is that physical individuality, for Descartes, has nothing to do with motion. Parts of matter at rest must be just as truly corporeal individuals as those that are moving, for Descartes treats the former as being just as physically efficacious as the latter. I contend that Descartes was happy to regard any conceivable region of extension as an actual body, regardless of whether it should happen to be moving or not.
Mass transport problems obtained as limits of p-Laplacian type problems with
spatial dependence
Authors: Mazón José M. , Rossi Julio D. , Toledo Julian
Published: May 2014

We consider the following problem: given a bounded convex domain

Ω
⊂

ℝ
N

${\Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^N}$

we consider the limit as p → ∞ of
solutions to

-
div
(

b

p

-
p

|
D
u
|

p
-
2

D
u
)
=

f
+

-

f
-

${- \operatorname{div} (b_{p}^{-p} |Du|^{p-2}
Du)=f_+ - f_-}$

in Ω and

b

p

-
p

|
D
u
|

p
-
2

∂
u

∂
η

=
0

${
b_{p}^{-p} |Du|^{p-2} \frac{\partial u}{\partial \eta }=0}$

on

∂
Ω

${\partial \Omega }$

.
Under appropriate assumptions on the coefficients bp
that in particular verify that

lim

p
→
∞

b
p

=
b

${ \lim _{p\rightarrow \infty } b_p
= b }$

uniformly in

Ω
¯

${\overline{\Omega }}$

, we prove that there is a
uniform limit of

u

p
j

${u_{p_j}}$

(along a sequence

p
j

→
∞

${p_j \rightarrow \infty }$

) and that this
limit is a Kantorovich potential for the optimal mass transport
problem of

f
+

${f_+}$

to

f
-

${f_-}$

with cost

c
(
x
,
y
)

${c(x,y)}$

given by the formula

c

(
x
,
y
)

=

inf

σ
(
0
)
=
x
,

σ
(
1
)
=
y

∫
σ

b

d
s

${c(x,y) = \inf _{\sigma (0)=x,\,\sigma (1)=y} \int _\sigma b\, ds}$

.
Producer Liability and Competition Policy When Firms Are Bound by a Common Industry Reputation
Authors: Baniak Andrzej , Grajzl Peter , Joseph Guse A.
Published: May 2014

We contrast the laissez-faire regime with the regime of strict producer liability and draw the implications for competition policy in a setting where oligopolistic firms cannot differentiate themselves from rivals but rather are bound by a common industry reputation for product safety. We show that, first, unlike in the traditional products liability model, firms’ incentives to invest in precaution depend on market structure. Second, depending on the magnitude of expected damages awarded by the courts, laissez-faire can welfare dominate strict producer liability. Third, the relationship between social welfare and industry size, and hence the role for competition policy, depends on the institutional regime governing the industry. Under some circumstances, restricting industry size is unambiguously welfare-enhancing.
Prediction of Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis Kinetic Parameters Using Neural Networks
Authors: Fernandes Fabiano A. N. , Linhares-Junior Francisco E. , Cartaxo Samuel J. M.
Published: May 2014

The kinetic mechanism of the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is complex resembling a polymerization reaction. The kinetic rate constants for initiation, propagation and termination steps and the constants for the equilibrium reactions for methylene formation (in situ monomer) need to be estimated. A mathematical model for the FTS allows for simulating several operating conditions and determining the best operating conditions to produce a specific product distribution, so the kinetic parameters must be statistically valid. This work used neural networks (NNs) to estimate the FTS kinetic parameters, instead of using methods based on least squared error. The results show that NNs with three hidden layers were able to output good estimates of the kinetic parameters with less than 5% of deviation.
UC hierarchy and monodromy preserving deformation
Authors: Tsuda Teruhisa
Published: May 2014

The UC hierarchy is an extension of the KP hierarchy,
which possesses not only an infinite set of positive time evolutions
but also that of negative ones.
Through a similarity reduction
we derive from the UC hierarchy
a class of the Schlesinger systems
including the Garnier system and
the sixth Painlevé equation,
which describes the monodromy preserving deformations of Fuchsian linear differential equations with certain spectral types.
We also present a unified formulation of
the above Schlesinger systems
as a canonical Hamiltonian system whose Hamiltonian functions are polynomials in the canonical variables.
Inverse tunneling
estimates and applications to the study of spectral statistics of
random operators on the real line
Authors: Klopp Frédéric
Published: May 2014

We present a proof of a Minami type estimate for one-dimensional
random Schrödinger operators valid at all energies in the
localization regime provided a Wegner estimate is known to hold. The
Minami type estimate is then applied to two models to obtain
results on their spectral statistics.
The heuristics underlying our proof of Minami type estimates is that
close-by eigenvalues of a one-dimensional Schrödinger operator
correspond either to eigenfunctions that live far away from each
other in space or they come from some tunneling phenomena. In the
second case, one can undo the tunneling and thus construct
quasi-modes that live far away from each other in space.
Mean curvature flow of entire graphs in a half-space with a free boundary
Authors: Wheeler Valentina Mira
Published: May 2014

We study the mean curvature flow of graphs with prescribed contact angle on a fixed, smooth hyperplane in Euclidean space. We obtain long time existence and convergence
to a self similar solution of the mean curvature flow orthogonal to the fixed hyperplane.
Property A and the operator norm localization property for discrete metric spaces
Authors: Sako Hiroki
Published: May 2014

We study
property A defined by G. Yu
and the operator norm localization property
defined by X. Chen, R. Tessera, X. Wang, and G. Yu. These are coarse geometric properties for metric spaces,
which have applications to operator K-theory.
It is proved that the two properties are equivalent
for discrete metric spaces with bounded geometry.
Vector-valued p-adic Siegel modular forms
Authors: Ichikawa Takashi
Published: May 2014

We study vector-valued p-adic Siegel modular forms based on
the arithmetic theory of vector-valued Siegel modular forms over rings.
We construct Fourier expansions and Hecke operators for these modular forms,
and especially,
using the description of these p-adic forms on the Igusa tower,
we give a natural definition of p-adic operators.
Textual Identity Bothering the Semiotic Self: Nina’s Alternating Identities in Black Swan
Authors: Wen Yiming
Published: May 2014

The semiotic self derives from one’s idea of self. It consists of a trio of relations between one’s past self, present self and future self, in which the present self speaks to the future self by interpreting the past self. During such a reflexive process, the self may be bothered by the conflicting identities rising therein if particular identities force the self to move upward or downward, and fail to reach a coherent, continuous self. In the movie Black Swan, Nina’s inability to render the alternating role between the white swan and the black swan is a case in point. The self, beset with conflicting identities, finds its best expression in Nina’s confusing roles in face of her “ being” and “playing” on the stage. This paper investigates Nina’s textual identities by way of her semiotic self that houses her shifting identities.
A Social Semiotic Analysis of the Multimodality of an Advertisement
Authors: Xu Dan
Published: May 2014

For decades, multimodality, an intrinsic attribute of discourse, has long been neglected in discourse analysis. Adopting the theoretical framework of visual communication grammar by Kress and van Leeuwen, which grew out of Halliday's systemic functional grammar, this paper makes a detailed social semiotic analysis of the three-fold metafunctions of the visual and verbal modes of one of the No Smoking Day print advertisements. The analysis shows that these two semiotic modes complement and supplement each other to add to the denotation and connotation of the discourse.
Semiotica Tartuensis: Jakob von Uexkiill and Juri Lotman
Authors: Kull Kalevi , Lotman Mihhail
Published: May 2014

The essay provides a brief analysis of correspondence between two scholars whose heritage forms the basis of contemporary Tartu semiotics-Jakob von Uexküll (1864-1944) and Juri Lotman (1922-1993). A comparison between Uexküll's and Lotman's work demonstrates a series of features in which their approaches are in concord. We find some aspects of local culture as supportive of their way of thinking. We also claim that the theoretical integration of Jakob Uexküll's and Juri Lotman's approaches is at the heart of the contemporary semiotics, which has a task to develop a theoretical and methodological apparatus that would delimit and specify the scope of general semiotics and that could be used as a basis for all branches of semiotics.
A Semiotic and Cognitive Analysis of Chinese Iconic Signs1
Authors: Liu Sixia
Published: May 2014

Unlike alphabetic letters, Chinese characters, as orthographic symbols, can represent the meaning of a word. According to Peirce’s triadic division of signs, we believe that a Chinese character is an iconic sign for the referent that its meaning denotes; that is to say, there is something perceptually in common between the character and its denotatum; however, we could be misled by the simple definition of this “similarity” because perceptual experience is not naive but something conventional. Based on the degree of conventionality among iconic signs, we distinguish their iconic nature (i.e., iconicity) into primary and secondary kinds - the former having an obvious similarity between the sign and its referent and the latter showing a sophisticated reflection of an analogical relationship. The construction of the Chinese character system has resulted from the superposition of different iconic relationships, while their differentiation has led to the classification of Chinese characters playing an important role in the recognition of their meanings.
On the “New Tartu School”
Authors: Kull Kalevi , Peng Jia
Published: May 2014

This is an interview in which six questions formulated by J. Peng on the contemporary developments in semiotics at the University Tartu are addressed by K. Kull. The questions concern the role of Juri Lotman’s semiotics today, its relationship to the works of Jakob von Uexküll and Thomas A. Sebeok, the importance of the concepts semiosphere and umwelt, and more.
Molecular functionality of CYP2C9 polymorphisms and their influence on drug therapy
Authors: Jarrar Yazun Bashir , Lee Su-Jun
Published: May 2014

CYP2C9 metabolizes approximately 20% of clinically used drugs, including the narrow therapeutic window drugs warfarin and phenytoin. More than 16,000 variants have been reported in the National Center for Biotechnology Information CYP2C9 database, as well as 58 alleles in the official P450 Nomenclature Committee website. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms represented by the CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 alleles have been studied extensively. However, in addition to these two alleles, other genetic factors and an individual’s biological characteristics contribute to the overall drug phenotype. A major bottleneck for CYP2C9 pharmacogenomics in clinical field applications is the lack of knowledge regarding the numerous genetic polymorphisms and their molecular functionalities. An unmet gap exists between the ever-growing number of genetic variants and their molecular mechanisms. In the present review, functional changes of all known CYP2C9 protein coding alleles were predicted using in silico analyses and compared with the in vitro and in vivo data. We also summarize functional information from recently reported CYP2C9 variants. Regarding the previously known CYP2C9 variants, we provide an update on the functional information obtained from in vitro and in vitro data.
“We Can’t Wait”: Barack Obama, Partisan Polarization and the Administrative Presidency
Authors: Lowande Kenneth S. , Milkis Sidney M.
Published: May 2014

Scholars and pundits have usually depicted Barack Obama as a prisoner of partisan rancor in Congress, which has been especially fierce on the Republican side of the aisle. We argue, to the contrary, that he has actively – if sometimes reluctantly – embraced the role of party leader, even in the management of the bureaucracy, the arena in which the modern presidency’s claim to transcend partisanship was nurtured. The Administration’s public celebration of unilateralism – typified by the “We Can’t Wait” initiative – is emblematic of a far-reaching development within the presidency and American politics: the rise of an
The Letter of the Law: Administrative Discretion and Obama’s Domestic Unilateralism
Authors: Rudalevige Andrew
Published: May 2014

In his 2014 State of the Union address Barack Obama pledged to act without Congress on a variety of fronts, following up his “we can’t wait” campaign of unilateralism before the 2012 election. The partisan furor this engendered tended to obscure the longstanding efforts of presidents to “faithfully execute” the law in a manner that aligns with their policy preferences. This paper examines the broad logic of those efforts, and delineates five areas where the Obama administration has been particularly aggressive: in its (1) recess appointments; (2) refusal to defend federal law (notably, the Defense of Marriage Act) in court; (3) use of prosecutorial discretion in declining to pursue violations of immigration and drug laws; (4) use of waivers; and (5) its utilization of the regulatory process to interpret the meaning of statutes, as with the Clean Air Act and the Affordable Care Act. Presidents do have flexibility in many cases; but this ends where they seek to alter the plain “letter of the law.”
Framing the Boundaries of European Human Rights Law
Authors: Öztaş Can
Published: May 2014

European human rights protection, ensured by the European Convention and Court of Human Rights, is declared to be universal and inclusive, protecting not only citizens of Europe but also anybody residing within the jurisdiction of the signatory countries. This article challenges this declaration and argues, with the help of some examples from the case law, that European human rights protection is based on the defined concepts of European-ness that exclude the perceived non-European within the Convention and the Court system.
Sharp weighted norm inequalities for the commutator of Littlewood–Paley operators
Authors: Chen Yanping , Han Han
Published: May 2014

Suppose that S is a sublinear operator such as the Littlewood–Paley g function, the Lusin area integral or the intrinsic square function. We prove several sharp weighted inequalities for the m-th order commutator of the operator S with

b
∈
BMO

$b\in \mathrm {BMO}$

. Finally, we construct several examples showing that our bounds are sharp.
Formation of oxalic acid in alkaline peroxide treatment of different wood components
Authors: Häärä Matti , Pranovich Andrey , Sundberg Anna , Willför Stefan
Published: May 2014

Oxalic acid (OA), formed as an oxidation product in alkaline peroxide bleaching (P) of mechanical pulps, can form a sparingly soluble salt with calcium and cause severe scale deposit problems. The focus of this work was the question how much OA is formed from the different components of spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), i.e., from cellulose, lignin, hemicelluloses, extractives, and bark, during the P-stage of bleaching. Isolated wood components and monosaccharides typical for spruce hemicelluloses and pectins were treated with chemicals of P-stage for 90 min at 73°C, and the released OA was analyzed by ion chromatography. Most OA was formed from galacturonic and glucuronic acids, xylans, and lignin. Taking into account the content of these substances in spruce wood, lignin can be regarded as the major source of oxalate. Untreated spruce bark was found to contain substantial amounts of oxalate, and an additional amount of oxalate was formed in the P-stage. It is evident that effective debarking is essential, not only for pulp brightness, but also for the control of calcium oxalate formation.
Anisotropic elastic properties of common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.)
Authors: Clauß Sebastian , Pescatore Corina , Niemz Peter
Published: May 2014

Hardwoods in principle show a similar orthotropic behavior as softwoods; however, the ratios of the mechanical parameters between the three anatomical directions and their magnitudes are different and depend strongly on the individual microstructure of the species. The aim of the current study was to characterize the 3-D elastic behavior of common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) by tensile, compression, and shear tests in the three anatomical directions and stepwise in between, by means of a universal testing machine in combination with a digital image correlation technique. Young’s moduli, shear moduli, and Poisson’s ratios have been determined for the different load directions. From studies on the radial-tangential plane of other wood species, it is known that the elastic moduli in the principal directions and the off-axis elastic moduli vary in a nonlinear correlation, depending on density gradients between earlywood and latewood. This angular dependency has been experimentally and theoretically proven for ash. Furthermore, the dependency of mechanical parameters on the fiber-load angle has been experimentally determined. The measurements for principal and off-axis load directions provide a sound basis for modeling of hardwood structures.
Postpeak residual capacity of nailed connections of a shear wall
Authors: Sinha Arijit
Published: May 2014

To quantify the postpeak residual capacity and to gain insights into the load transfer mechanism of a shear wall, nail connection tests were performed on salvaged connections after a monotonic shear wall test loaded up to peak load. Experimental results reveal that there is a loss of strength in most of the fasteners studied, indicating that almost all the fasteners contribute toward racking resistance of the wall. The maximum loss of strength was observed for the fastener in the uplift corner and for the fastener along the middle stud. Another area where fasteners exhibited a significant loss of strength was in plate connection located at the bottom plate. The performance of a shear wall can be enhanced by strengthening the two areas – uplift corner and bottom plate.
Strain distribution and load transfer in the polymer-wood particle bond in wood plastic composites
Authors: Schwarzkopf Matthew , Muszynski Lech
Published: May 2014

The load transfer between wood particles and the matrix was analyzed by observation of the strain patterns in thin films of high density polyethylene (HDPE) with embedded wood particles subjected to tensile loading. Optical measurement techniques based on the digital image correlation (DIC) principle were employed for quantitative measurement of strain distributions on the surfaces of the specimens. Interpretation of these measurements in terms of load transfer between the particle and the matrix below the surface proved challenging and required a structured approach. In this paper, quantitative descriptors were selected as synthesized metrics to support the quantitative interpretation of the measured strains. X-ray computed tomography (XCT) scans were used to assess the effect of the position of the particles in the film specimens on the strains patterns observed on the surface.
Hygric properties of Norway spruce and sycamore after incubation with two white rot fungi
Authors: Gilani Marjan Sedighi , Schwarze Francis W.M.R.
Published: May 2014

In this study, changes in the hygroscopic properties of two main wood species for violin making, Norway spruce and sycamore, after treatment with Physisporinus vitreus and Xylaria longipes were investigated. Swelling and moisture sorption capacity of wood at the growth ring scale were visually and quantitatively assessed by thermal neutron radiography analysis. It was demonstrated that the fungal treatment improved the dimensional stability of both Norway spruce and sycamore, but also increased their moisture adsorption capacity. Dynamic vapor sorption tests and measurements of the changes in dimensions of the specimens in the laboratory were in good agreement with the results of neutron radiography analysis. The main difference between the moisture sorption of the untreated controls and treated wood was observed at high relative humidity, e.g., above 75%. The contradictory behavior of the increased hygroscopicity and reduced swelling was explained by selective degradation of the chemical components and condensation of the moisture content gained in the capillary voids that developed in the cell walls during fungal decay.
Neuroendocrine control of satiation
Authors: Asarian Lori , Bächler Thomas
Published: May 2014

Eating is a simple behavior with complex functions. The unconscious neuroendocrine process that stops eating and brings a meal to its end is called satiation. Energy homeostasis is mediated accomplished through the control of meal size via satiation. It involves neural integrations of phasic negative-feedback signals related to ingested food and tonic signals, such as those related to adipose tissue mass. Energy homeostasis is accomplished through adjustments in meal size brought about by changes in these satiation signals. The best understood meal-derived satiation signals arise from gastrointestinal nutrient sensing. Gastrointestinal hormones secreted during the meal, including cholecystokinin, glucagon-like peptide 1, and PYY, mediate most of these. Other physiological signals arise from activation of metabolic-sensing neurons, mainly in the hypothalamus and caudal brainstem. We review both classes of satiation signal and their integration in the brain, including their processing by melanocortin, neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide, serotonin, noradrenaline, and oxytocin neurons. Our review is not comprehensive; rather, we discuss only what we consider the best-understood mechanisms of satiation, with a special focus on normally operating physiological mechanisms.
Assessment of Super-gravity Concentrating V-containing Spinel Phase from Vanadium Slag
Authors: Li Juncheng , Guo Zhancheng , Gao Jintao
Published: May 2014

A new approach to concentrate V-containing spinel phase from vanadium slag by super gravity was investigated. The samples obtained by the gravity coefficient G ≥ 1050, time t ≥ 30 min and temperature T ≥ 1523 K appear significant layers and V-containing spinel phase presents gradient size distribution in the sample along the super gravity. The mechanism of moving speed of V-containing spinel particles in super gravity field was also discussed, and the conclusion indicates that the moving speed of V-containing spinel particles is proportional to the square of the V-containing spinel particle size. As a result, large size V-containing spinel particles move a farther distance than the small ones and gather at the bottom of the sample. Under the hypothesis that the vanadium and silicon exist in the slag in terms of V
More than a break: the impact of a social-pedagogical intervention during young persons’ long-term hospital admission – a qualitative study
Authors: Villadsen Katrine Weiersoe , Blix Charlotte , Boisen Kirsten A.
Published: May 2014

Background: Critical illness and long-term or repeated hospitalization can affect normal adolescent development. As a result, adolescents may feel isolated and “misplaced” on both pediatric and adult departments. The mission of the Center of Adolescent Medicine is to improve conditions for adolescent patients. To achieve this, the social educator offers an individualized social-pedagogical intervention for young people during long-term or repeated hospitalization.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the impact of the social-pedagogical intervention using a qualitative approach.

Materials and methods: A trained anthropologist interviewed seven adolescents who had individual sessions with a social educator during their hospital stay. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and the transcripts were coded and thematized continuously.

Results: Through qualitative analysis, the following themes emerged: Recreation; Structure, participation, and motivation; and Friends and social network. The social-pedagogical approach is a combination of interpersonal relationships and individually tailored recreational activities. Even small entertaining activities changed the focus from patient identity and contributed to the feeling of being “normal.” All young patients reported that the increased opportunities for decision-making and influence on the daily structure supported the feeling of being recognized and respected as an individual person as well as increased their motivation to go through their treatment. The interviewees emphasized the importance of experiencing something that was worth telling their friends about to help them stay in touch.

Conclusion: Although the young patients emphasized the recreational aspects, the time spent with the social educator facilitated training in social competencies as well as conversations about emotional and sensitive topics.
Intelligent Power Swing Detection Scheme to Prevent False Relay Tripping Using S-Transform
Authors: Mohamad Nor Z. , Abidin Ahmad F. , Musirin Ismail
Published: May 2014

Distance relay design is equipped with out-of-step tripping scheme to ensure correct distance relay operation during power swing. The out-of-step condition is a consequence result from unstable power swing. It requires proper detection of power swing to initiate a tripping signal followed by separation of unstable part from the entire power system. The distinguishing process of unstable swing from stable swing poses a challenging task. This paper presents an intelligent approach to detect power swing based on S-Transform signal processing tool. The proposed scheme is based on the use of S-Transform feature of active power at the distance relay measurement point. It is demonstrated that the proposed scheme is able to detect and discriminate the unstable swing from stable swing occurring in the system. To ascertain validity of the proposed scheme, simulations were carried out with the IEEE 39 bus system and its performance has been compared with the wavelet transform–based power swing detection scheme.
Motivation and International Clinical Placements: Shifting Nursing Students to a Global Citizenship Perspective
Authors: Burgess Caroline A. , Reimer-Kirkham Sheryl , Astle Barbara
Published: May 2014

Nursing programs are increasingly offering international clinical experiences as part of nursing curricula. The purpose of this study was to understand what motivates student nurses to take part in these experiences. Related to motivation, student awareness of emerging nursing discourses on global citizenship was also examined. As part of a qualitative study, nine undergraduate nursing students were interviewed about their motivations for choosing a clinical placement to a low-income country. While students appeared to have a sincere desire to make a difference, closer examination of the data revealed that the majority approached their international clinical placement in ways that could be construed as paternalistic to some degree, rather than reflective of broader professional imperatives such as social justice. This finding suggests that additional education preparation may be needed prior to these experiences; global citizenship frameworks may be helpful in shifting perspectives towards a more critical enquiry of global issues.
Multiplication of the distributions (x±i0)
z
Authors: Franssens Ghislain R.
Published: May 2014

In previous work of the author, a convolution and multiplication product for
the set of Associated Homogeneous Distributions (AHDs) with support in ℝ was defined and fully investigated. Here this definition is used
to calculate the multiplication product of homogeneous distributions of the
form (x±i0)
z
, for all

z
∈
ℂ

${{z\in \mathbb {C}}}$

.
Multiplication products of AHDs generally contain an arbitrary constant if
the resulting degree of homogeneity is a negative integer, i.e., if it is a
critical product. However, critical products of the forms

(
x
+
i
0
)

a

.

(
x
+
i
0
)

b

$(x+i0) ^{a}\mathbin {\textbf {.}}(x+i0) ^{b}$

and

(
x
-
i
0
)

a

.

(
x
-
i
0
)

b

$(x-i0)
^{a}\mathbin {\textbf {.}}(x-i0) ^{b}$

, with

a
+
b
∈

ℤ
-

${a+b\in \mathbb {Z}_{-}}$

, are
exceptionally unique. This fact combined with Sokhotskii–Plemelj
expressions then leads to linear dependencies of the arbitrary constants
occurring in products like

δ

(
k
)

.

δ

(
l
)

${{\delta ^{(k)}\mathbin {\textbf {.}}\delta ^{(l)}}}$

,

η

(
k
)

.

δ

(
l
)

${{\eta ^{(k)}\mathbin {\textbf {.}}\delta ^{(l)}}}$

,

δ

(
k
)

.

η

(
l
)

${{\delta ^{(k)}\mathbin {\textbf {.}}\eta ^{(l)}}}$

and

η

(
k
)

.

η

(
l
)

${{\eta ^{(k)}\mathbin {\textbf {.}}\eta ^{(l)}}}$

for all

k
,
l
∈
ℕ

${{k,l\in \mathbb {N}}}$

(

η
≜

1
π

x

-
1

${{\eta \triangleq \frac{1}{\pi }x^{-1}}}$

).
This in turn gives a unique distribution for products like

δ

(
k
)

.

η

(
l
)

+

η

(
k
)

.

δ

(
l
)

${{\delta ^{(k)}\mathbin {\textbf {.}}\eta ^{(l)}+\eta ^{(k)}\mathbin {\textbf {.}}\delta ^{(l)}}}$

and

δ

(
k
)

.

δ

(
l
)

-

η

(
k
)

.

η

(
l
)

${{\delta ^{(k)}\mathbin {\textbf {.}}\delta ^{(l)}-\eta ^{(k)}\mathbin {\textbf {.}}\eta ^{(l)}}}$

. The latter two products are of interest in
quantum field theory and appear for instance in products of the partial derivatives of
the zero-mass two-point Wightman distribution.
On complex Fermi curves of two-dimensional, periodic Schrödinger operators
Authors: Klauer Alexander
Published: May 2014

The complex Bloch varieties and the associated Fermi curves
of two-dimensional periodic Schrödinger operators with
quasi-periodic boundary conditions are defined as complex analytic
varieties, the Schrödinger potentials being from the
Lorentz–Fourier space

ℱ

ℓ

∞
,
1

$\mathcal {F}\ell ^{\infty ,1}$

. Then, an asymptotic
analysis of the Fermi curves is performed. The decomposition of a
Fermi curve into a compact part, an asymptotically free part, and
thin handles, is recovered as expected. Furthermore, it is shown
that the set of potentials whose associated Fermi curve has finite
geometric genus is a dense subset
of

ℱ

ℓ

∞
,
1

$\mathcal {F}\ell ^{\infty ,1}$

. Moreover, the Fourier transforms of the
potentials are locally isomorphic to perturbed Fourier transforms
induced by the handles. Finally, an asymptotic family of parameters
describing the sizes of the handles is introduced. These parameters
are good candidates for describing parts of the space of all Fermi
curves.
On the geometrical properties of some classes of complex harmonic functions defined by analytic or coefficient conditions with complex parameter
Authors: Sibelska Agnieszka
Published: May 2014

In the paper there are determined, for some classes defined by coefficient or analytic conditions, the sets of complex parameter γ, for which all the functions of the appropriate family have some geometrical properties. There are also provided the examples of the mappings showing that some inclusions between classes are impossible or confirming that sets of the parameter γ cannot be extended in some cases without loss of these geometric properties.
On series whose rearrangements possess discrete sets of limit points
Authors: Wituła Roman , Hetmaniok Edyta , Kaczmarek Konrad
Published: May 2014

Aim of this short paper is to construct in any
infinite-dimensional Hilbert space a series with terms tending to
zero such that some of its rearrangements possess the discrete set
of limit points.
Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the aqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus Schum (Euphorbiaceae) in some laboratory animals
Authors: Adedapo Adeolu A. , Ofuegbe Sunday O.
Published: May 2014

Background:
Phyllanthus amarus has a history of use in Ayurvedic medicine for over 2000 years as well as a wide variety of traditional applications and has gained popularity in many continents as a herbal remedy; hence, it is being assessed for its safety potential and anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in some laboratory animals.

Methods: Standard phytochemical methods were used to test for the presence of phytoactive compounds in the plant. Acute toxicity testing was carried out in mice to determine safe doses for the extract. The anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf extract of this plant was assessed using carrageenan-induced and histamine-induced paw edema. The analgesic effect was determined using the acetic acid writhing method as well as formalin test.

Results: The extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight reduced significantly, the formation of edema induced by carrageenan and histamine. In the acetic acid-induced writhing model, the extract showed a good analgesic effect characterized by reduction in the number of writhes when compared to the control. The extract caused dose-dependent decrease of licking time in rats injected with 2.5% formalin, signifying its analgesic effect. These results were also comparable to those of ibuprofen, the reference drug used in this study.

Conclusions: The plant extract reduced significantly the formation of edema induced by carrageenan and histamine as well as reducing the number of writhes in acetic acid-induced writhing models and dose-dependent decrease of licking time in rats injected with 2.5% formalin. The results have validated the basis for the traditional use of P. amarus as a medicinal plant.
Multiparameter rodent chronic model for complex evaluation of alcoholism-mediated metabolic violations
Authors: Shayakhmetova Ganna M. , Bondarenko Larysa B. , Kovalenko Valentina M. , Kharchenko Olga I. , Bohun Larisa I. , Omelchenko Yuliya O.
Published: May 2014

Background: Despite of the wide spectrum of alcoholism experimental models, the majority of them are very specialized on the short list of investigated parameters and could not provide reproduction of complex metabolic changes in the rats. The aim of the present study was to estimate whether rats selected by high alcohol preference, allowed free access to 15% alcohol for 150 days, develop simultaneous multilevel disturbances of cell macromolecules structure, metabolism and oxidative/nitrosative stress.

Methods: Wistar albino male rats were divided into groups: I – rats selected by preferences to alcohol were used for chronic alcoholism modeling by replacing water with 15% ethanol (150 days), II – control. Contents of amino acids in serum, liver mRNA CYP2E1 and CYP3A2 expression, DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation levels, the reduced glutathione content, superoxide dismutase, catalase, iNOS and cNOS activities were evaluated.

Results: In serum of ethanol-treated rats contents of aspartic acid, serine, glycine, alanine and valine were decreased whereas contents of histidine, methionine and phenylalanine were increased. Liver CYP2E1, CYP3A2 mRNA expression, DNA fragmentation levels significantly elevated. Level of cNOS in ethanol-treated rat’s hepatocytes was within the normal limits, whereas iNOS activity was raised 1.6 times. Liver pro- and anti-oxidant system alterations were shown.

Conclusions: Rats’ chronic 15% alcohol consumption (150 days) led solely to complex metabolomic changes at different levels, which simultaneously characterized cell macromolecules structure, metabolism, and oxidative/nitrosative stress. Rodent model of chronic alcoholism in the proposed modification could be an adequate and reasonably priced tool for further preclinical development and testing of pharmacotherapeutic agents.
Involvement of opioidergic and serotonergic systems in the analgesic activity of Cissus quadrangularis L. stem extract in mice
Authors: Nie Tan Wee , Shukkoor Mohamed Saleem Abdul , Nair Rajesh Sreedharan , Amiruddin Fatimah Khursiah Binti , Ramasamy Shamala
Published: May 2014

Background:
Cissus quadrangularis L. (Vitaceae) is used as a bonesetter and as an analgesic. However, the bioactive fractions and the pharmacological mechanism of analgesic activity are not clearly known. Hence, this study aimed to characterize the analgesic activity profile of successively extracted fractions of C. quadrangularis and the pharmacological mechanism of analgesic activity in mice.

Methods: Dried C. quadrangularis stem was extracted successively with chloroform and methanol. The dried extracts were separately administered to mice intraperitoneally at the doses of 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg. The mice were tested separately in hot plate and tail flick tests. The mechanism of analgesic activity of chloroform extract was explored in the hot plate test at the dose of 300 mg/kg after pretreatment with naloxone, p-chlorophenylalanine methyl ester (pCPA) and phentolamine. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett’s test.

Results: Chloroform extract showed significant (p<0.05) analgesic effect at the doses of 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg in hot plate and tail flick tests. Methanol extract showed significant (p<0.05) analgesic effect at the dose of 300 mg/kg in hot plate and tail flick tests. Analgesic activity was not blocked (p<0.05) in the group pretreated with phentolamine but blocked in the groups pretreated with naloxone and pCPA.

Conclusions: The chloroform extract was found to be more potent than methanol extract in inducing analgesic effect in mice, and the analgesic activity may be mediated through opioidergic and serotonergic pathways.
Words Can Be Deceiving: A Review of Variation among Legally Effective Medical Marijuana Laws in the United States
Authors: Pacula Rosalie L. , Boustead Anne E. , Hunt Priscillia
Published: May 2014

When voters in two US states approved the recreational use of marijuana in 2012, public debates for how best to promote and protect public health and safety started drawing implications from states’ medical marijuana laws (MMLs). However, many of the discussions were simplified to the notion that states either have an MML or do not; little reference was made to the fact that legal provisions differ across states. This study seeks to clarify the characteristics of state MMLs in place since 1990 that are most relevant to consumers/patients and categorizes those aspects most likely to affect the prevalence of use, and consequently the intensity of public health and welfare effects. Evidence shows treating MMLs as homogeneous across states is misleading and does not reflect the reality of MML making. This variation likely has implications for use and health outcomes, and thus states’ public health.
Monoids of O-type, subword reversing, and ordered groups
Authors: Dehornoy Patrick
Published: May 2014

We describe a simple scheme for constructing finitely generated monoids in which left-divisibility is a linear ordering, and for practically investigating these monoids. The approach is based on subword reversing, a general method of combinatorial group theory, and connected with Garside theory, here in a non-Noetherian context. As an application we describe several families of ordered groups whose space of left-invariant orderings has an isolated point, including torus knot groups and some of their amalgamated products.
Stability estimates for Burgers-type equations backward in time
Authors: Hào Dinh Nho , Duc Nguyen Van , Thang Nguyen Van
Published: May 2014

We prove stability estimates of Hölder-type for Burgers-type equations
ut
= (a(x,t)ux
)
x
- d(x,t)u
ux
+ f(x,t), (x,t) ∈ (0,1)×(0,T), u(0,t) = g
0(t), u(1,t) = g
1(t), 0 ≤ t ≤ T,
backward in time, with a(x,t), d(x,t), g
0(t), g
1(t), f(x,t) being smooth
functions, under relatively weak conditions on the solutions.
Adaptive Traffic-Aware PSM Mechanism for IEEE 802.11 WLANs
Authors: Xie Yi , Sun Xilong , Yuan Pengfei , Chen Xijian
Published: May 2014

Wireless devices consume large amounts of energy during wireless communication. As the energy storage of battery is limited, improving energy efficiency has become an important approach to prolong the lifetime of devices. The IEEE 802.11 protocol supports the power save mode (PSM) in wireless local area networks (WLANs). However, the standard PSM cannot adapt to the changes of traffic load or channel conditions. Therefore, this article proposes an adaptive traffic-aware PSM mechanism (APSM) that improves energy efficiency of wireless devices in a WLAN with an access point (AP). According to the current channel condition and traffic load, the AP adjusts the interval of beacons that give devices different priorities to fetch buffered packets. The devices can adaptively adjust listening intervals according to network traffic, and adopt different congestion backoff timers when channel collisions happen or the network topology changes. The APSM has been implemented and evaluated in NS-2. The simulation results have shown that devices using the APSM can improve energy efficiency by 115% at most compared with the ones using the standard PSM. The benefit of adaptive beacon interval and listening intervals is significant, while the improvement due to the adaptive backoff timer is minor. The improvement of the APSM over the PSM is more significant when the network traffic level decreases and the ratio of idle power to sleeping power increases. Additionally, the APSM increases the delay of data frames within a limited range, which does not bring any bad effect on network throughput.