bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ensemble Kalman Filter and 4D-Var Intercomparison with the Japanese Operational Global Analysis and Prediction System
Authors: Miyoshi Takemasa , Sato Yoshiaki , Kadowaki Takashi
Published: February 2010

The local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF) is implemented and assessed with the experimental operational system at the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA). This paper describes the details of the LETKF system and verification of deterministic forecast skill. JMA has been operating a four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4D-Var) system for global numerical weather prediction since 2005. The main purpose of this study is to make a reasonable comparison between the LETKF and the operational 4D-Var.

Several forecast–analysis cycle experiments are performed to find sensitivity to the parameters of the LETKF. The difference between additive and multiplicative error covariance inflation schemes is investigated. Moreover, an adaptive bias correction method for satellite radiance observations is proposed and implemented, so that the LETKF is equipped with functionality similar to the variational bias correction used in the operational 4D-Var. Finally, the LETKF is compared with the operational 4D-Var. Although forecast verification scores of the two systems relative to each system’s own analyses and to radiosonde observations show some disagreement, the overall conclusion indicates that the LETKF and 4D-Var have essentially comparable performance. The LETKF shows larger temperature bias in the lower troposphere mainly over the ocean, which is related to a well-known JMA model bias that plays an important role in the significant degradation of the forecast scores in the SH. The LETKF suffers less of a performance degradation than 4D-Var in the absence of satellite radiance assimilation. This suggests that better treatment of satellite radiances would be important in future developments toward operational use of the LETKF. Developing both LETKF and 4D-Var at JMA has shown significant benefits by the synergistic effect and is the recommended strategy for the moment.
Assessing the Impacts of Proximity Sounding Criteria on the Climatology of Significant Tornado Environments
Authors: Potvin Corey K. , Elmore Kimberly L. , Weiss Steven J.
Published: February 2010

Proximity sounding studies typically seek to optimize several trade-offs that involve somewhat arbitrary definitions of how to define a “proximity sounding.” More restrictive proximity criteria, which presumably produce results that are more characteristic of the near-storm environment, typically result in smaller sample sizes that can reduce the statistical significance of the results. Conversely, the use of broad proximity criteria will typically increase the sample size and the apparent robustness of the statistical analysis, but the sounding data may not necessarily be representative of near-storm environments, given the presence of mesoscale variability in the atmosphere. Previous investigations have used a wide range of spatial and temporal proximity criteria to analyze severe storm environments. However, the sensitivity of storm environment climatologies to the proximity definition has not yet been rigorously examined.

In this study, a very large set (∼1200) of proximity soundings associated with significant tornado reports is used to generate distributions of several parameters typically used to characterize severe weather environments. Statistical tests are used to assess the sensitivity of the parameter distributions to the proximity criteria. The results indicate that while soundings collected too far in space and time from significant tornadoes tend to be more representative of the larger-scale environment than of the storm environment, soundings collected too close to the tornado also tend to be less representative due to the convective feedback process. The storm environment itself is thus optimally sampled at an intermediate spatiotemporal range referred to here as the Goldilocks zone. Implications of these results for future proximity sounding studies are discussed.
Review: Improving end-of-life care: a critical review of the Gold Standards Framework in primary care
Authors: Shaw KL , Clifford C. , Thomas K. , Meehan H.
Published: February 2010

The Gold Standards Framework aims to optimize primary palliative care for patients nearing the end of their lives. This paper critically reviews the impact of the Gold Standards Framework since its introduction in 2001 and indicates direction for further research and development. Literature was accessed using specific databases and by contacting subject area specialists. The resultant literature was appraised using an established framework to evaluate healthcare interventions. Fifteen documents were reviewed. The quality of evidence is constrained by methodological limitations, but consistently demonstrates that the Gold Standards Framework improves general practice processes, co-working and the quality of palliative care. However, implementation of the Gold Standards Framework is variable and the direct impact on patients and carers is not known. We conclude that the Gold Standards Framework has considerable potential to improve end-of-life care, but further work is needed to support uptake and consistency of implementation. Additional evidence about patient and carer outcomes will add to existing insights.
Sialic acid mediated transcriptional modulation of a highly conserved sialometabolism gene cluster in Haemophilus influenzae and its effect on virulence
Authors: Jenkins Gaynor A , Figueira Marisol , Kumar Gaurav A , Sweetman Wendy A , Makepeace Katherine , Pelton Stephen I , Moxon Richard , Hood Derek W
Published: February 2010

Background

Sialic acid has been shown to be a major virulence determinant in the pathogenesis of otitis media caused by the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae. This study aimed to characterise the expression of genes required for the metabolism of sialic acid and to investigate the role of these genes in virulence.

Results

Using qRT-PCR, we observed decreased transcriptional activity of genes within a cluster that are required for uptake and catabolism of 5-acetyl neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac), when bacteria were cultured in the presence of the sugar. We show that these uptake and catabolic genes, including a sialic acid regulatory gene (siaR), are highly conserved in the H. influenzae natural population. Mutant strains were constructed for seven of the nine genes and their influence upon LPS sialylation and resistance of the bacteria to the killing effect of normal human serum were assessed. Mutations in the Neu5Ac uptake (TRAP transporter) genes decreased virulence in the chinchilla model of otitis media, but the attenuation was strain dependent. In contrast, mutations in catabolism genes and genes regulating sialic acid metabolism (siaR and crp) did not attenuate virulence.

Conclusion

The commensal and pathogenic behaviour of H. influenzae involves LPS sialylation that can be influenced by a complex regulatory interplay of sialometabolism genes.
Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in enteroendocrine cells and macrophages of the small bowel in patients with severe irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Dlugosz Aldona , Törnblom Hans , Mohammadian Ghazaleh , Morgan Gareth , Veress Béla , Edvinsson Benjamin , Sandström Gunnar , Lindberg Greger
Published: February 2010

Background

Inflammation and immune activation have repeatedly been suggested as pathogentic factors in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The driving force for immune activation in IBS remains unknown. The aim of our study was to find out if the obligate intracellular pathogen Chlamydia could be involved in the pathogenesis of IBS.

Methods

We studied 65 patients (61 females) with IBS and 42 (29 females) healthy controls in which IBS had been excluded. Full thickness biopsies from the jejunum and mucosa biopsies from the duodenum and the jejunum were stained with a monoclonal antibody to Chlamydia lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and species-specific monoclonal antibodies to C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae. We used polyclonal antibodies to chromogranin A, CD68, CD11c, and CD117 to identify enteroendocrine cells, macrophages, dendritic, and mast cells, respectively.

Results

Chlamydia LPS was present in 89% of patients with IBS, but in only 14% of healthy controls (p < 0.001) and 79% of LPS-positive biopsies were also positive for C. trachomatis major outer membrane protein (MOMP). Staining for C. pneumoniae was negative in both patients and controls. Chlamydia LPS was detected in enteroendocrine cells of the mucosa in 90% of positive biopsies and in subepithelial macrophages in 69% of biopsies. Biopsies taken at different time points in 19 patients revealed persistence of Chlamydia LPS up to 11 years. The odds ratio for the association of Chlamydia LPS with presence of IBS (43.1; 95% CI: 13.2-140.7) is much higher than any previously described pathogenetic marker in IBS.

Conclusions

We found C. trachomatis antigens in enteroendocrine cells and macrophages in the small bowel mucosa of patients with IBS. Further studies are required to clarify if the presence of such antigens has a role in the pathogenesis of IBS.
Survey of HBsAg-positive pregnant women and their infants regarding measures to prevent maternal-infantile transmission
Authors: Guo Yan , Liu Jianqiong , Meng Liping , Meina Hu , Du Yukai
Published: February 2010

Background

Intrauterine infection is the main contributor to maternal-infantile transmission of HBV. This is a retrospective study of 158 HBsAg-positive pregnant women who delivered children from Jan 1st, 2004 to Dec.31th, 2006 in Wuhan City, China. We investigated the measures taken to prevent maternal-infantile transmission of hepatitis B virus and the infection status of children.

Methods

HBsAg-positive pregnant women were selected by a random sampling method when they accepted prenatal care in district-level Maternal and Child Health Hospitals. On a voluntary basis, these women completed questionnaires by face-to-face or phone interviews. The collected data were used to evaluate the immunization programs that pregnant women had received for preventing hepatitis B maternal-infantile transmission.

Results

Among the 158 women, 143(90.5%) received Hepatitis B immune globulin during pregnancy, and 86.0% of their children were given Hepatitis B immune globulin and Hepatitis B vaccine. The rate of cesarean section was 82.3%, and 28.5% of these were aimed at preventing HBV infection. The rate of bottle feeding was 51.9%, and 89.0% of bottle feeding cases were for the purpose of preventing HBV infection. There were 71 cases of participants who were HBeAg-positive. Compared with the HBsAg+ HBeAg- group (only HBsAg-positive), the HBsAg + HBeAg+ group (HBsAg-positive and HBeAg-positive) had significantly higher rates of the caesarean section and bottle feeding resulting from hepatitis B (P< 0.05). Five cases were HBsAg-positive by Umbilical Cord Blood detection. The intrauterine infection rate of newborns was 6.7%. The chronic HBV rate of children was 4.0%.

Conclusion

Most HBsAg positive pregnant women have a growing awareness of maternal-infantile transmission of Hepatitis B virus and are receiving some form of preventative treatment, like combined immunization. Caesarean and bottle feeding are very common, often primarily to prevent transmission. Relatively few intrauterine infections were identified in this sample, but many infants did not appear to seroconvert after vaccination.
Prevalence of HPV infection among Greek women attending a gynecological outpatient clinic
Authors: Stamataki Petroula , Papazafiropoulou Athanasia , Elefsiniotis Ioannis , Giannakopoulou Margarita , Brokalaki Hero , Apostolopoulou Eleni , Sarafis Pavlos , Saroglou George
Published: February 2010

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a causative factor for cervical cancer. Early detection of high risk HPV types might help to identify women at high risk of cervical cancer. The aim of the present study was to examine the HPV prevalence and distribution in cervical smears in a sample of Greek women attending a gynecological outpatient clinic and to explore the determinants of the infection.

Methods

A total of 225 women were studied. All women underwent a regular gynecological control. 35 HPV types were studied; 6, 11, 16, 18, 26, 31, 33, 35, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 58, 59, 61, 62, 66, 68, 70, 71, 72, 73, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 and 89. Also, basic demographic information, sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behavior were recorded.

Results

HPV was detected in 22.7% of the study population. The percentage of the newly diagnosed women with HPV infection was 17.3%. HPV-16 was the most common type detected (5.3%) followed by HPV-53 (4.9%). 66.2% of the study participants had a Pap test during the last year without any abnormalities. HPV infection was related positively with alcohol consumption (OR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.04-4.63, P = 0.04) and number of sexual partners (OR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.44-3.25, P < 0.001), and negatively with age (OR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87-0.99, P = 0.03), and monthly income (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.44-0.89, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

The prevalence of HPV in women attending an outpatient clinic is high. Number of sexual partners and alcohol consumption were the most significant risk factors for HPV infection, followed by young age and lower income.
In situ detection of Gag-specific CD8+cells in the GI tract of SIV infected Rhesus macaques
Authors: Tjernlund Annelie , Zhu Jia , Laing Kerry , Diem Kurt , McDonald David , Vazquez Julio , Cao Jianhong , Ohlen Claes , McElrath M Juliana , Picker Louis J , Corey Lawrence
Published: February 2010

Background

SIV and HIV predominantly replicate in lymphoid tissue, but the study of virus specific CD8+T cells in intact lymphoid tissue is difficult, as traditionalin situtetramer staining requires fresh tissue.

Results

In this report, we demonstrate a novel technique using Qdot 655-conjugated peptide-MHC multimers to directly visualize SIV specific cells in cryopreserved tissue biopsies from chronically SIVmac239 infected Rhesus macaques. Qdot 655 multimers showed similar sensitivity and specificity to APC-conjugated tetramers by flow cytometry analysis, but yielded ten-fold higher signal intensity when imaged by fluorescence microscopy. Using this technique, we detected CD8+T cells which recognize an immunodominant epitope (Gag CM9) in the spleen, lymph nodes, ileum and colon. In all these tissues, the Gag CM9 positive cells were mainly located in the extra follicular T cell zone. In the ileum and colon, we found Gag CM9 positive cells concentrated in Peyer's patches and solitary lymphoid follicles, a pattern of localization not previously described.

Conclusions

The use of Qdot multimers provide an anatomic and quantitative evaluation of SIV specific CD8+T cell responses in SIV pathogenesis, and may prove useful to studies of SIV specific CD8+T cell responses elicited by vaccines and other immunotherapies in the non-human primate model.
Inefficiency Differences between Critical Access Hospitals and Prospectively Paid Rural Hospitals
Authors: Rosko Michael D. , Mutter Ryan L.
Published: February 2010

The Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) contains incentives for hospitals to improve efficiency by placing them at financial risk to earn a positive margin on services rendered to Medicare patients. Concerns about the financial viability of small rural hospitals led to the implementation of the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program (Flex Program) of 1997, which allows facilities designated as critical access hospitals (CAHs) to be paid on a reasonable cost basis for inpatient and outpatient services. This article compares the cost inefficiency of CAHs with that of nonconverting rural hospitals to contrast the performance of hospitals operating under the different payment systems. Stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) was used to estimate cost inefficiency. Analysis was performed on pooled time-series, cross-sectional data from thirty-four states for the period 1997-2004. Average estimated cost inefficiency was greater in CAHs (15.9 percent) than in nonconverting rural hospitals (10.3 percent). Further, there was a positive association between length of time in the CAH program and estimated cost inefficiency. CAHs exhibited poorer values for a number of proxy measures for efficiency, including expenses per admission and labor productivity (full-time-equivalent employees per outpatient-adjusted admission). Non-CAH rural hospitals had a stronger correlation between cost inefficiency and operating margin than CAH facilities did.
Proof testing of ceramic femoral heads for hip joint implants
Authors: Weisse B , Affolter C , Koller R E , Stutz A
Published: February 2010

A proof test procedure for the rejection of defective ceramic hip ball heads in the production line is presented. The procedure consists of applying a load to each ceramic ball head. This load, being somewhat higher than the maximum physiological load, should not cause any damage in cases where the highly stressed areas are free of flaws. In this procedure, a polymer ring is positioned inside the ball head bore between a socket and the head of a tie bolt. Once the tie bolt is pulled downwards, the ring creates a radial pressure on the inner bore surface of the ball head. With an iterative approach based on finite element analysis, the proof test design was optimized in order to obtain a stress distribution in the ball head similar to that resulting in in vivo conditions. The calculated results were validated by strain gauge measurements performed on an assembled proof test apparatus. Several polymers were considered for the ring. Ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE grade RCH 1000) showed the best durability properties and lowest wear rates. The requirement to perform 1000 reruns without significant reduction of stress in the ball head was fulfilled. Although other proof test procedures for ceramic femoral heads already exist, the procedure presented in this article shows advantages concerning maintenance and operating costs.
Absolute Measurements of Photoluminescence Quantum Yields of 1-Halonaphthalenes in 77 K Rigid Solution Using an Integrating Sphere Instrument
Authors: Kobayashi Atsushi , Suzuki Kengo , Yoshihara Toshitada , Tobita Seiji
Published: February 2010

A new apparatus to determine the absolute luminescence quantum yield of organic molecules in 77 K rigid solution is developed by using an integrating sphere (IS). Using this apparatus the fluorescence and phosphorescence quantum yields of 1-halogenated naphthalenes in 77 K rigid solutions are measured to determine the rate constants for the spin-forbidden radiative and nonradiative transitions.
Retrospectives: Engel Curves
Authors: Chai Andreas , Moneta Alessio
Published: February 2010

Engel curves describe how household expenditure on particular goods or services depends on household income. German statistician Ernst Engel (1821–1896) was the first to investigate this relationship systematically in an article published about 150 years ago. The best-known single result from the article is “Engel's law,” which states that the poorer a family is, the larger the budget share it spends on nourishment. We revisit Engel's article, including its context and the mechanics of the argument. Because the article was completed a few decades before linear regression techniques were established and income effects were incorporated into standard consumer theory, Engel was forced to develop his own approach to analyzing household expenditure patterns. We find his work contains some interesting features in juxtaposition to both the modern and classical literature. For example, Engel's way of estimating the expenditure–income relationship resembles a data-fitting technique called the “regressogram” that is nonparametric—in that no functional form is specified before the estimation. Moreover, Engel introduced a way of categorizing household expenditures in which expenditures on commodities that served the same purpose by satisfying the same underlying “want” were grouped together. This procedure enabled Engel to discuss the welfare implications of his results in terms of the Smithian notion that individual welfare is related to the satisfaction of wants. At the same time, he avoided making a priori assumptions about which specific goods were necessities, assumptions which were made by many classical economists like Adam Smith. Finally, we offer a few thoughts about some modern literature that builds on Engel's research.
How Debt Markets Have Malfunctioned in the Crisis
Authors: Krishnamurthy Arvind
Published: February 2010

The financial crisis that began in 2007 is especially a crisis in debt markets. A full understanding of what happened in the financial crisis requires investigation into the plumbing of debt markets. During a financial crisis, when funds often cannot be raised easily or quickly, the fundamental values for certain assets can become separated for a time from market prices, with consequences that can echo into the real economy. This article will explain in concrete ways how debt markets can malfunction, with deleterious consequences for the real economy. After a quick overview of debt markets, I discuss three areas that are crucial in all debt markets decisions: risk capital and risk aversion; repo financing and haircuts; and counterparty risk. In each of these areas, feedback effects can arise so that less liquidity and a higher cost for finance can reinforce each other in a contagious spiral. I will document the remarkable rise in the premium that investors placed on liquidity during the crisis. Next, I will show how these issues caused debt markets to break down; indeed, fundamental values and market values seemed to diverge across several markets and products that were far removed from the “toxic” subprime mortgage assets at the root of the crisis. Finally, I will discuss briefly four steps that the Federal Reserve took to ease the crisis and how each was geared to a specific systemic fault that arose during the crisis.
Deviance as adherence to injunctive group norms: The overlooked role of social identification in deviance
Authors: Crane Monique F. , Platow Michael J.
Published: February 2010

We currently report three studies investigating group members' expressions of dissatisfaction and discontent with the behaviour and attitudes of their in‐group members. Our analysis examines the context in which group members will deviate from actual group member behaviour. We argue that highly identifying group members will challenge fellow group member behaviour when that group member behaviour is perceived to violate injunctive group norms. Further, we predicted that high identifiers would still challenge such group member behaviour even if that behaviour were conducted by a majority of group members. Thus, high identifiers were predicted to express descriptively deviant opinions when the behaviour of other members contravenes injunctive group norms. In Studies 1 and 2, group‐level self‐definition served as a moderator in the relationship between the expression of discontent and perceived injunctive norm violation; in Study 3, group‐level self‐investment served as this moderator. The findings supported our predictions. This support was particularly strong when a majority of group members violated group norms. Implications for the analysis of the relationship between social identification and deviance are discussed.
Variation at 8q24 and 9p24 and Risk of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: White Kristin L. , Sellers Thomas A. , Fridley Brooke L. , Vierkant Robert A. , Phelan Catherine M. , Tsai Ya-Yu , Kalli Kimberly R. , Berchuck Andrew , Iversen Edwin S. , Hartmann Lynn C. , Liebow Mark , Armasu Sebastian , Fredericksen Zachary , Larson Melissa C. , Duggan David , Couch Fergus J. , Schildkraut Joellen M. , Cunningham Julie M. , Goode Ellen L.
Published: February 2010

The chromosome 8q24 region (specifically, 8q24.21.a) is known to harbor variants associated with risk of breast, colorectal, prostate, and bladder cancers. In 2008, variants rs10505477 and rs6983267 in this region were associated with increased risk of invasive ovarian cancer (p < 0.01); however, three subsequent ovarian cancer reports of 8q24 variants were null. Here, we used a multi-site case-control study of 940 ovarian cancer cases and 1,041 controls to evaluate associations between these and other single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in this 8q24 region, as well as in the 9p24 colorectal cancer associated-region (specifically, 9p24.1.b). A total of 35 SNPs from previous reports and additional tagging SNPs were assessed using an Illumina GoldenGate array and analyzed using logistic regression models, adjusting for population structure and other potential confounders. We observed no association between genotypes and risk of ovarian cancer considering all cases, invasive cases, or invasive serous cases. For example, at 8q24 SNPs rs10505477 and rs6983267, analyses yielded per-allele invasive cancer odds ratios of 0.95 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82–1.09, p trend 0.46) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.84–1.12, p trend 0.69), respectively. Analyses using an approach identical to that of the first positive 8q24 report also yielded no association with risk of ovarian cancer. In the 9p24 region, no SNPs were associated with risk of ovarian cancer overall or with invasive or invasive serous disease (all p values > 0.10). These results indicate that the SNPs studied here are not related to risk of this gynecologic malignancy and that the site-specific nature of 8q24.21.a associations may not include ovarian cancer.
Worldwide Timing of Growth Faltering: Revisiting Implications for Interventions
Authors: Victora Cesar Gomes , de Onis Mercedes , Hallal Pedro Curi , Blössner Monika , Shrimpton Roger
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:

Our goal was to describe worldwide growth-faltering patterns by using the new World Health Organization (WHO) standards.

METHODS:

We analyzed information available from the WHO Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition, comprising data from national anthropometric surveys from 54 countries. Anthropometric data comprise weight-for-age, length/height-for-age, and weight-for-length/height z scores. The WHO regions were used to aggregate countries: Europe and Central Asia; Latin America and the Caribbean; North Africa and Middle East; South Asia; and sub-Saharan Africa.

RESULTS:

Sample sizes ranged from 1000 to 47 000 children. Weight for length/height starts slightly above the standard in children aged 1 to 2 months and falters slightly until 9 months of age, picking up after that age and remaining close to the standard thereafter. Weight for age starts close to the standard and falters moderately until reaching approximately −1 z at 24 months and remaining reasonably stable after that. Length/height for age also starts close to the standard and falters dramatically until 24 months, showing noticeable bumps just after 24, 36, and 48 months but otherwise increasing slightly after 24 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

Comparison of child growth patterns in 54 countries with WHO standards shows that growth faltering in early childhood is even more pronounced than suggested by previous analyses based on the National Center for Health Statistics reference. These findings confirm the need to scale up interventions during the window of opportunity defined by pregnancy and the first 2 years of life, including prevention of low birth weight and appropriate infant feeding practices.
Ismételt májresectio, a modern daganatsebészet egyik kihívásar
Authors: Jakab Ferenc , Mersich Tamás
Published: February 2010

Absztrakt

A colorectalis daganatok májáttéteinek sebészi és onkológiai kezelésében az elmúlt húsz év jelentős fejlődést hozott. Noha a kemoterápiás arzenál soha nem látott módon fejlődik, hosszú távú túlélést csak sikeresen (R0), műtétileg resecált beteg remélhet. Ugyanakkor komoly problémát jelent a közel 60%-ban jelentkező daganatkiújulás. A szerzők áttekintik az Uzsoki utcai Kórház Sebészeti-Érsebészeti Osztályán 1995 és 2009 között colorectalis carcinoma (CRC) májáttétje (CLM) miatt operált, és daganatkiújulás miatt ismételten operált betegeiket. Saját tapasztalataik és a legújabb irodalom tükrében összefoglalják azokat a tényezőket, speciális daganatsebészeti és onkológiai szempontokat, melyek az ismételt májresectiót valódi kihívássá teszik. A legújabb eredmények – melyeket a saját adataink is alátámasztanak – alapján kimondható, hogy amennyiben az ismételt májresectio R0 intencióval elvégezhető, a beteg 5 éves túlélése nem különbözik az egyszer resecált betegcsoportétól. Így a daganatos beteg kezelését irányító onkoteamek feladata a kiújult CLM esetében is az, hogy a multidiszciplinaritást kihasználva a beteget resecálható “helyzetbe hozza”.
Behaviour of drystone retaining structures
Authors: Mundell C. , McCombie P. , Heath A. , Harkness J. , Walker P.
Published: February 2010

Drystone walling is an ancient form of wall construction, used worldwide wherever there is an abundance of raw building materials. However, very little research has been conducted on these structures, making their analysis difficult. As part of an ongoing investigation, four full-scale drystone retaining walls were built and tested to failure in a bespoke outdoor test laboratory. Through the course of the testing, the distinctive bulge patterns that are found in many in situ walls were successfully recreated. This paper describes the set-up of the test laboratory and instrumentation used, in addition to the proceedings of each wall test. Initial findings of the project tests and a discussion regarding the underlying reasons behind bulging in drystone walls are presented.
Analysis of a semi-rigid connection for precast concrete
Authors: El Debs M. K. , Miotto A. M. , El Debs A. L. H. C.
Published: February 2010

This paper presents a study of a specific type of beam-to-column connection for precast concrete structures. Furthermore, an analytical model to determine the strength and the stiffness of the connection, based on test results of two prototypes, is proposed. To evaluate the influence of the strength and stiffness of the connection on the behaviour of the structure, the results of numerical simulations of a typical multi-storey building with semi-rigid connections are also presented and compared with the results using pinned and rigid connections. The main conclusions are: (a) the proposed design model can reasonably evaluate the studied connection strength; (b) the evaluation of strength is more accurate than that of stiffness; (c) for a typical structure, it is possible to increase the number of storeys of the structure from two to four with lower horizontal displacement at the top, and only a small increase of the column base bending moment by replacing the pinned connections with semi-rigid ones; and (d) although there is significant uncertainty in the connection stiffness, the results show that the displacements at the top of the structure, and the column base moments present low susceptibility deviations to this parameter.
The Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Germ Cell Development and Potential
Authors: Matsui Yasuhisa
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT: Time‐critical extracellular stimuli as well as the intrinsic functions of transcriptional regulatory molecules play essential roles in fate determination and differentiation of mouse primordial germ cells (PGCs). We found that the precursor cells of PGCs require E‐cadherin—mediated cell‐cell interaction and the functions of transcription factor Oct3/4 to be specified to PGCs. In addition, transcriptional factors commonly regulating a number of PGC‐specific genes appear important for PGC development, and we demonstrated that PGC‐specific expression of the mil‐1 gene is controlled by germ cell—conserved regulatory sequences in the 5′ flanking region. Once they have undergone specification and differentiation, PGCs normally give rise to gametes, but they maintain the potential to be converted into pluripotential stem cells upon activation of particular signaling pathways.
microRNAs in the Testis: Building Up Male Fertility
Authors: Papaioannou Marilena D. , Nef Serge
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT: Spermatogenesis is a strictly regulated process, at both the transcriptional and the posttranscriptional level, which allows continuous gamete production throughout adulthood. A novel mechanism of posttranscriptional control mediated by microRNAs (miRNAs) has lately emerged as an important regulator of spermatogenesis. miRNAs are endogenous, small, noncoding RNAs produced through a multistep enzymatic process, which involves the action of Dicer, an RNaseIII endonuclease. Here, we first present a short overview of classic posttranscriptional control during spermatogenesis, and then concentrate on recent findings that have unraveled the important role of miRNAs in male reproductive function. Particular focus is given to the in vivo role of miRNAs that has been demonstrated through the generation of Sertoli cell—specific or germ cell—specific Dicer knockouts, as well as the potential application of these findings in the treatment of human male infertility and the development of male contraceptives. It is anticipated that unraveling miRNA functions in the testis will further our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of mammalian spermatogenesis.
Detection of Enteric Bacterial Pathogens (Vibrio Cholerae and Escherichia Coli O157) in Childhood Diarrhoeal Cases
Authors: Maharjan Roshani , Lekhak Binod , Shrestha Chandrika Devi , Shrestha Jyotsna
Published: February 2010

A hospital based cross sectional study was carried out in stool samples collected from cases of diarrhoea in children admitted to Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) ward, Kanti Children Hospital, Maharajgung. A total of 204 stool samples collected from children below 15 years were processed at Department of Microbiology, Bir hospital during the study period, February 2004 to June 2004.The stool specimens were investigated for Vibrio cholerae, as well as E. coli O157. Bloody stools were more focused for isolation of E. coli O157. Out of 204 patients, 60.3% were male and 39.7% were female. The largest number of diarrhoeal patients belong to age group 0-5 years i.e. 112 (54.9%). Vibrio cholerae O1 was found in 86 (42.2%) cases. All V. cholerae O1 belong to Ogawa serovar and El Tor biotype. Out of 86 isolates, 52.3% were from male patient and 47.7% were from female patient. Highest incidence of V. cholerae O1 was found in age groups 5-10 (46.5%) Isolation of V. cholerae in 10 cases even in age group 0-2 was remarkable feature. Incidence of V. cholerae O1 was highest in the month of April (61.5%). E. coli O157 could not be detected in this study. Predominant or pure growth of sorbitol non fermenting (SNF) strains which were biochemically identified as E. coli but not agglutinated with E.coli antiserum were found in five cases. Tetracycline was 100 percent effective antibiotic followed by Norfloxacin and Ciprofloxacin to V. cholerae O1. In this study, patients suffering with cholera were mostly from Kalanki. People using municipal tap water were mostly affected (51.8%) Out of 30 isolates of processed, 22 isolates showed toxin production. Key words: Vibrio cholerae; E. coli O157; Sorbital non fermenting; Cholera toxin. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v5i5.2651 Scientific World, Vol. 5, No. 5, July 2007 23-26
Soil Seed Bank Dynamics of Weed Flora in Upland and Lowland Paddy Cultivation Areas of Far Western Nepal
Authors: Bhatt MD , Singh SP
Published: February 2010

For the analysis of composition of individuals of weed flora, soil samples were taken with diameter of 8cm and depth of 10cm. Soil seed bank dynamics of weed flora experiments were carried out 2004 and 2005 by incubating soil samples collected from the upland and lowland sites. Soil seed bank dynamics of weed flora were recorded by incubating soil samples collected from the two study sites. A total of 46 weed species germinated of which 18 families and 34 genera in soil samples of upland site. From lowland site soil samples, the species were just marginally lower, 43 belonging to 32 genera and 17 families. The mean total number of individuals of weeds that germinated in soil samples of upland site was 517 compared to 503 at lowland site. The highest number of weeds (186) was of the family Cyperaceae (37% of the species). The proportion of this family was 35.6% at the upland site. The dominant families were Cyperaceae, Scrophulariaceae and Poaceae in both the study sites. Of the total germinated weed species, the highest number of individuals of broad-leaved followed by sedges and grasses in both the study sites. Key words: Paddy; Weeds; Seed bank; Upland; Lowland. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v5i5.2657 Scientific World, Vol. 5, No. 5, July 2007 54-59
Design Strategies of Fluorescent Biosensors Based on Biological Macromolecular Receptors
Authors: Tainaka Kazuki , Sakaguchi Reiko , Hayashi Hironori , Nakano Shun , Liew Fong Fong , Morii Takashi
Published: February 2010

Fluorescent biosensors to detect the bona fide events of biologically important molecules in living cells are increasingly demanded in the field of molecular cell biology. Recent advances in the development of fluorescent biosensors have made an outstanding contribution to elucidating not only the roles of individual biomolecules, but also the dynamic intracellular relationships between these molecules. However, rational design strategies of fluorescent biosensors are not as mature as they look. An insatiable request for the establishment of a more universal and versatile strategy continues to provide an attractive alternative, so-called modular strategy, which permits facile preparation of biosensors with tailored characteristics by a simple combination of a receptor and a signal transducer. This review describes an overview of the progress in design strategies of fluorescent biosensors, such as auto-fluorescent protein-based biosensors, protein-based biosensors covalently modified with synthetic fluorophores, and signaling aptamers, and highlights the insight into how a given receptor is converted to a fluorescent biosensor. Furthermore, we will demonstrate a significance of the modular strategy for the sensor design.
Visual Assessment of the Spine Bruckel Instrument, a Novel Status Tool to Reflect Appearance of the Spine in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: PODBIELSKI DOMINIK W. , BRUCKEL JANE , POMEROY EMMA , INMAN ROBERT D. , WARREN ROBERT W. , SAVAGE LAURIE M. , RICHARDSON JENNY , PAPACHRISTOS ANGELO , MOGG REBECCA J. , STONE MILLICENT A.
Published: February 2010

Objective.

The Visual Assessment of the Spine Bruckel Instrument (VASBI) is a new status tool developed by the Spondylitis Association of America and the University of Toronto to reflect spinal appearance in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Our objective was to validate the VASBI according to the Outcome Measures in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials filter (truth, discrimination, and feasibility).

Methods.

Three hundred patients with AS were asked to rate their degree of perceived spinal deformity using the VASBI. To evaluate construct validity, VASBI scores were compared with functional outcome, spinal mobility, and radiographic spinal damage. Test-retest reliability was evaluated using kappa statistic (κ).

Results.

Patient VASBI demonstrated strong correlation with spinal mobility (r = 0.543) and moderate correlation with functional impairment (r = 0.490) and structural damage (r = 0.309). Reliability for VASBI was very good (κ = 0.973, p < 0.001).

Conclusion.

The VASBI is a novel tool with practical applications in a busy clinical setting as it simplifies assessment of AS spinal deformity. Our study demonstrates that the VASBI has good feasibility, construct validity, and reliability.
Familia e identidad masculina
Authors: Gil Calvo Enrique
Published: February 2010

El objetivo que me mueve al abordar las relaciones entre la institución familiar y la identidad masculina no es el de inscribirme dentro de la tradición abierta por Elisabeth Badinter, cuando caracterizó (si es que no caricaturizó) una presunta identidad de género, socialmente construida, que debiera ser atribuida a todos los varones occidentales por igual, en la medida en que se les invita a reconocerse en ella y a realizarla en su propia trayectoria personal; para luego, a partir de allí, analizar las consecuencias que para el desempeño de los papeles de hijo, hermano, novio, marido, padre, tío, abuelo, etc., se derivarían de la existencia de semejante identidad colectiva...
Familia: Consumo y ahorro
Authors: Navarro López Manuel
Published: February 2010

Es obvio que el contenido de este trabajo deberá moverse entre la sociología de la familia y la del consumo, aunque solo sea como referentes teóricos. Sin embargo, tales vínculos deberán ser solo puntos de apoyo para analizar sin ataduras académicas una visión de los comportamientos económicos que tienen su localización primaria en la familia. Consecuentemente, tendremos que hacer una descripción de esos comportamientos y sus contenidos, su evolución y su diversificación, retomando los motivos más recurrentes al uso, pero con la orientación hacia la familia como institución y como grupo en las sociedades avanzadas actuales…
Relaciones familiares y vivienda
Authors: Duran María Ángeles
Published: February 2010

No disponible
Breve historia de la revista "Arbor"
Authors: Pérez Embid Florentino
Published: February 2010

Rafael Calvo Serer, Raimundo Paniker y Ramón Roquer fundaron ARBOR, en Barcelona, en el mes de marzo de 1943, Hace nueve años ahora al aparecer este número 75, que señala un trayecto respetable, una especie de tres cuartos de siglo metafóricos.
Castilla: Espiritualidad a través del arte
Authors: Valverde Merino José Luis
Published: February 2010

En ningún momento de la historia el hombre ha evolucionado tanto y tan rápido como en los últimos cien años. Los avances tecnológicos y el desarrollo económico han producido cambios radicales en la forma de entender la vida y el mundo. Sin embargo, frente a la contingencia propia de nuestro tiempo, dentro del ser humano siguen planteándose las mismas preguntas, las mismas actitudes ante la vida. La realidad espiritual es algo consustancial al hombre por su naturaleza de ser pensante y sensible, y como tal se manifiesta tanto en su dimensión trascendente como cultural, convirtiéndose en un sello y una herencia de quienes nos precedieron…
La expresión de la fe en femenino
Authors: Elizondo Aragón Felisa
Published: February 2010

No disponible
La innovación en la Sociedad de la Información española
Authors: Mulet Juan
Published: February 2010

No disponible
La Sociedad de la Información en España: Oportunidades, propuestas y planes
Authors: Moran José Manuel
Published: February 2010

El desarrollo de la Sociedad de la Información en España es objeto de una constante polémica, que se reproduce de forma periódica, y que hace alusión, en unos casos, al nivel de innovación de la sociedad española, y en otros a la eficacia de los planes impulsados por el Ejecutivo. Todo ello se enmarca, a su vez, en las obligaciones de medir y comparar los avances que en esta materia se acordaron a partir de los primeros pasos de las iniciativas e-Europa, lanzadas por la Unión Europea desde su Consejo de Lisboa. Y que vendrían a resultar que tampoco en los ámbitos comunitarios se están obteniendo unas realidades palpables que hablen del acercamiento rápido a la Sociedad del Conocimiento, lo que permitiría a Europa ir acortando distancias en relación con Estados Unidos. A la vez que constituir una sociedad interactiva en la que tanto los sistemas productivos como el desarrollo de servicios ciudadanos tendrían un fundamento tecnológico avanzado, basado en el desarrollo de infraestructuras y servicios inteligentes, en el que las redes y aplicaciones de las telecomunicaciones jugarían un papel esencial…
La naturaleza de las cosas como factor jurídico (Un aspecto del esfuerzo de los griegos por alcanzar la «ciencia de la justicia»)
Authors: Sánchez de la Torre Ángel
Published: February 2010

No disponible
El Tribunal Supremo
Authors: Sáinz de Robles Federico Carlos
Published: February 2010

No disponible
La Jurisprudencia
Authors: López Vilas Ramón
Published: February 2010

No disponible
La narrativa española contemporánea vista desde Suecia
Authors: Johansson Kjell A.
Published: February 2010

No disponible
Narrativa española 1950-2000: La novela, los géneros y las generaciones
Authors: Sobejano Gonzalo
Published: February 2010

No disponible
El trabajo remunerado de las mujeres y su impacto en la vida familiar
Authors: Alberdi Inés
Published: February 2010

No disponible
La investigación en el marco constitucional: los OPIS, el CSIC y las Comunidades Autónomas
Authors: Nieto Alejandro
Published: February 2010

La crisis permanente de la organización de la investigación pública. — La investigación científica y técnica en la Constitución de 1978. — Tanteos orgánicos y funcionales. — Las primeras escaramuzas en el Tribunal Constitucional. — El marco constitucional establecido por el Tribunal de este orden. — Los reproches de la Generalidad de Cataluña a la Ley 13/1986. — El alcance de la competencia estatal según la sentencia 90/1992. — Consideraciones finales.
Participación y Constitución en el CSIC
Authors: Criado Emilio
Published: February 2010

La lucha por la consecución de una democracia avanzada, más allá de los contenidos formales, ha sido una constante en la actividad sindical y política de la izquierda en el CSIC. En este texto repasamos brevemente las vicisitudes de esas tareas, centrándonos en los debates surgidos en torno a la elaboración de los sucesivos reglamentos de que se ha dotado el organismo. La participación, entendida como una posibilidad real de todos los trabajadores del CSIC para actuar y decidir sobre el cómo, cuánto, dónde, con quién y para quién de nuestra actividad profesional, no ha pasado sin embargo del preámbulo del recordado Reglamento democrático de 1978 previo, por cierto, a la aprobación de la Constitución. Los criterios tecnocráticos, justificados por la búsqueda de la eficacia y la competitividad, han hecho de los órganos de participación del CSIC entes hueros vacíos de contenido y capacidad real. Hoy parece no ser políticamente correcto plantear estos temas, pero hay una sensación cada vez más extendida entre el personal de que el modelo jerarquizado y al tiempo individualista que sufrimos, no es tampoco capaz de dar respuesta a la organización de la ciencia en un estado que, como hace 25 años, sigue ocupando los últimos lugares entre los países de la U.E. en el esfuerzo humano y financiero dedicado a la investigación, desarrollo, e innovación.
Técnicas de microscopía óptica
Authors: Díez Guerra F. Javier
Published: February 2010

Durante los últimos años, las técnicas de microscopía óptica y sus aplicaciones han experimentado un auge sin precedentes. Más concretamente, la difusión de sistemas de microscopía confocal durante los 90 ha empujado con fuerza el desarrollo de la microscopía de fluorescencia y abierto nuevos horizontes de investigación. Este fenómeno ha venido propiciado por varios motivos. Por una parte, los progresos en la tecnología de detectores fotosensibles, tanto chips CCD (charge-coupled devices) como fotomultiplicadores (PMT), cada vez de mayor resolución y sensibilidad.…
Nuevos dispositivos electrónicos para interaccionar con el sistema nervioso
Authors: Fernández Jover Eduardo
Published: February 2010

Las enfermedades y accidentes que causan daños en el sistema nervioso suelen tener dramáticas consecuencias. Esto hace que en la actualidad se estén realizando grandes esfuerzos para el desarrollo de tratamientos capaces de restablecer las funciones perdidas. En este contexto, los recientes avances tecnológicos en el campo de la biomedicina, neurobiologia e ingeniería, están permitiendo desarrollar y fabricar neuroprótesis que pueden llegar a proporcionar nuevas vías de tratamiento para la recuperación parcial de algunas de estas patologías. El propósito de este trabajo es presentar algunos ejemplos de sistemas de neuroprótesis en diferentes fases de evolución y discutir sus logros y sus limitaciones.…