bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
India–Iran Relations
Authors: Cheema Sujata Ashwarya
Published: January 2011

The current thrust in Indo-Iranian relations is just as old as the end of the Cold War. In the early 1990s Indo-Iranian interests converged around a number of areas, namely, energy, Central Asia, terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and Pakistan, security and domestic compulsions. It reached a peak during the period 2001–03 with the Tehran and Delhi declarations, which established a substantial set of framework for enhanced cooperation. Although India’s ties with Iran suffered with the Indo-US civil nuclear deal and New Delhi’s opposition to Iranian nuclear ambition, there’s little to indicate that the two countries are willing to abandon their mutually beneficial relationship. This article examines the nature and scope of Indo-Iranian relationship. It also reflects on the various challenges that this relationship faces in addition to the ‘US factor’ and analyses the future of Indo-Iranian ties in the context of ever-changing situation in their proximate neighbourhoods.
An Introductory Theoretical and Methodological Framework for a Universal Mobility Index (UMI) to Quantify, Compare, and Longitudinally Track Equity of Access Across the Built Environment
Authors: Green Ralph James
Published: January 2011

A new composite human development indicator—the Universal Mobility Index (UMI)—is introduced. A methodology is developed for the operationalization of the index. The UMI comprehensively interlaces at the node formed by the intersection of current social understanding of disability and policy affecting physical access in the built environment. The index quantitatively measures, comparatively rates, and longitudinally tracks equity of access. It is the first and only tool that measures the lived experience of physical access across all parts of the built environment, illuminating how barriers to mobility discriminately constrain the autonomy of people with disabilities to exercise their full human capabilities. The UMI empowers people with disabilities by incorporating their own assessments of barrier severity and prioritization. A policy environment component scrutinizes the inclusion of the opinions of people with disabilities in the policy-making processes affecting the built environment. Adoption of the UMI by government and nongovernment organizations can address the fragmented nature of current access considerations across the built environment and the exclusion of people with disabilities in the policy process that shapes this environment.
Estimates of National Health Care Expenditures Associated With Disability
Authors: Anderson Wayne L. , Wiener Joshua M. , Finkelstein Eric A. , Armour Brian S.
Published: January 2011

We estimated adult national health care expenditures associated with disability by type of care and payer. These estimates represent the “additional” health care expenditures associated with disability over and above any non-disability-related health care expenditures. Multivariate analyses were performed using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, and supplemented with administrative data. Total national disability-associated health care expenditures (DAHE) were $397.9 billion in 2006, representing 26.7 percent of national health spending. Expenditures for people in institutions, such as nursing facilities, were the largest category of DAHE. In terms of source of payment, Medicaid DAHE were the highest at $161.1 billion, followed by Medicare DAHE with $119.0 billion. Together, the Medicare and Medicaid programs incurred 70.4 percent of total health care dollars associated with disability. Policy makers should consider initiatives that will help to prevent or delay disability and to improve the organization and delivery of services to people with disabilities.
Speed, Rhythm, and Time-Space: Museums and Cities
Authors: Prior Nick
Published: January 2011

This article assesses some potential approaches to museums and cities propelled by a theoretical preoccupation with modernity as a condition of speed. Here, one can extrapolate two variants in the writings and interventions of Marinetti, Simmel, Virilio, and writers in the postmodern tradition: (a) the museum is slow, it is a brake on modernity, it is modernity’s sedentary other and (b) the museum is fast, it is as quick as the city, reflecting modernity’s impulse toward acceleration. To finesse these approaches, the article will move toward the method of rhythmanalysis and an emphasis on time—space considerations. It is Lefebvre’s teasing last snippets on the concept of rhythm, the article will argue, presaged by Benjamin’s approach to the variant tempos of modernity in The Arcades Project, that point to a fuller and more advanced approach to urban—museological relations and the multiple rhythms that feature in both.
Using pictures as vignettes to assess stages of change in weight management
Authors: Alahuhta Maija A. , Korkiakangas Evelna E. , Keränen Anna-Maria , Kyngäs Helvi A. , Laitinen Jaana H.
Published: January 2011

Aims: To evaluate the association between descriptions of the stage of change in weight management (using pictures as vignettes) and the changes in the restriction of amount of food and body weight. The goal is to develop counselling methods for helping people to change their lifestyles. Methods: A total of 74 people at high risk of type 2 diabetes participated in six months of group counselling. The data were collected through questionnaires and video-recordings at the beginning and the end of the counselling process, and were analyzed using both deductive content analysis and statistical analysis. Results: Most of the participants were at the contemplation stage at the beginning of the study, and nearly half were at the action stage at six months. There were associations between progression in the lifestyle change process, the restriction of food amount, and weight changes. Judging from this, the descriptions of the change process of weight management using pictures were well made, because the change process progressed in parallel with the changes in weight and restriction of the amount of food eaten. Conclusions: Assessing the stages of change in weight management by using pictures as vignettes is easy to carry out, and feasible. The descriptions of the stages of change were parallel with the changes in restriction of food and changes in weight.
Nature-assisted therapy: Systematic review of controlled and observational studies
Authors: Annerstedt Matilda , Währborg Peter
Published: January 2011

Background: Nature’s potentially positive effect on human health may serve as an important public health intervention. While several scientific studies have been performed on the subject, no systematic review of existing evidence has until date been established. Methods: This article is a systematic evaluation of available scientific evidence for nature-assisted therapy (NAT). With the design of a systematic review relevant data sources were scrutinised to retrieve studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of studies and abstracted data were assessed for intervention studies on NAT for a defined disease. The final inclusion of a study was decided by the authors together. Results: The included studies were heterogeneous for participant characteristics, intervention type, and methodological quality. Three meta-analyses, six studies of high evidence grade (four reporting significant improvement), and 29 studies of low to moderate evidence grade (26 reporting health improvements) were included. For the studies with high evidence grade, the results were generally positive, though somewhat ambiguous. Among the studies of moderate to low evidence grade, health improvements were reported in 26 cases out of 29. Conclusions: This review gives at hand that a rather small but reliable evidence base supports the effectiveness and appropriateness of NAT as a relevant resource for public health. Significant improvements were found for varied outcomes in diverse diagnoses, spanning from obesity to schizophrenia. Recommendations for specific areas of future research of the subject are provided.
Macro-environmental factors associated with leisure-time physical activity: A cross-national analysis of EU countries
Authors: Van Tuyckom Charlotte
Published: January 2011

Background: Although there is a growing agreement among researchers that the modern environment contributes to the current trend of decreasing leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), there are very few studies addressing environmental and policy correlates of LTPA within a cross-national European context. This study describes LTPA patterns across the European Union and identifies some macro-environmental factors associated with LTPA rates at a national level. Methods: Data on LTPA and indicators of the economic, physical, and policy environment were assembled from international databases for the 27 European member states. To examine the association of each of the independent macro-environmental variables and LTPA as a continuous dependent variable, bivariate linear regression models were employed. Separate analyses were done for the overall, male, and female groups. Results: With respect to LTPA, striking differences between European member states and genders were found, with higher rates in Western and Northern European countries, and among males. Statistical significant associations were observed between overall LTPA and variables from the economic (GDP, real GDP, and public expenditures on health), food (available fat, available fruit, and vegetables), urbanisation (urban population, total and new passenger cars), and policy (all governance indicators) domains. Associations for male and female LTPA were similar, except that for males available fruit and vegetables, and for females available fat and urban population were not significant. Conclusions: This exploratory study seeks to plead for the need for cross-nationally comparable LTPA data and more sophisticated research in order to understand the role of macro-economic environments, with a special focus on policy-related variables and gender-specific differences.
Gendered fare?
Authors: Nath Jemál
Published: January 2011

Food and nutrition represents a new frontier of the sociological analyses of gender regimes and structures. This article draws from a qualitative study into the social, ethical and spiritual dimensions of vegetarianism. It explores the impact of hegemonic masculinity upon the adoption of meatless diets, in various social contexts where vegetarianism is characterized as effeminate, and lacking the essential ingredients for being a ‘real’ man. The data suggests that the belief that meat provides strength and vigour to men and the associated enforcement of meat-eating as a social norm is, according to a majority of the informants in the study, a key reason why vegetarianism is not an appealing choice for men. New knowledge about the role of gender norms in human food habits and practices will inform broader theories of gendered eating, and would also be highly useful in multidisciplinary efforts to improve public health.
Association of echocardiographic left ventricular structure with the ACE D/I polymorphism: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Jin  , Kuznetsova Tatiana , Thijs Lutgarde , Richart Tom , Stolarz-Skrzypek Katarzyna , Yanping Liu  , Fagard Robert , Manunta Paolo , Bianchi Giuseppe , Staessen Jan A
Published: January 2011

Introduction: In a previous meta-analysis, we derived pooled estimates for the association of left ventricular mass (LVM) and hypertrophy (LVH), as diagnosed by electrocardiography or echocardiography, with the ACE D/I polymorphism. We updated this meta-analysis until May 2009 only considering echocardiographic phenotypes.

Methods: We computed pooled estimates from a random-effects model.

Results: Across 38 studies, both DD homozygotes ( n = 2440) and DI heterozygotes ( n = 4310) had higher ( p ≤ 0.002) LVM or LVM index than II homozygotes ( n = 2229). Across 21 studies with available data, this was due to increased mean wall thickness (MWT) with no difference in left ventricular internal diameter (LVID). Standardised differences (DD versus II) were 0.39 ( p < 0.001) for LVM, 0.34 ( p = 0.009) for MWT, and 0.066 ( p = 0.26) for LVID. Across 16 studies (4894 participants), the pooled odds ratios of LVH (versus II homozygotes) were 1.11 ( p = 0.29) and 1.02 ( p = 0.88) for the DD and DI genotypes, respectively. Sensitivity analyses were confirmatory.

Conclusions: Our meta-analysis supports the hypothesis that the enhanced ACE activity associated with the D allele is associated with higher LV mass. Smaller sample size might explain the lack of significant association with LVH.
The association between circulating angiotensin-converting enzyme and cardiovascular risk in the elderly: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ljungberg Liza , Alehagen Urban , Länne Toste , Björck Hanna , De Basso Rachel , Dahlström Ulf , Persson Karin
Published: January 2011

Introduction: A polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene (ACE I/D polymorphism) has been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This polymorphism affects the level of circulating ACE, but there is great individual variation, even between those with the same genotype. Few previous studies have investigated the link between circulating ACE and cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to investigate this association, and to examine the relationship between ACE level, ACE genotype and CVD.

Materials and methods : The study population consisted of 322 men and 350 women aged 69—87. Plasma ACE level was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and ACE genotype was analysed using PCR followed by gel electrophoresis.

Results: In men, ACE levels increased with increasing number of cardiovascular risk factors ( p = 0.003). There was a significant association in men between increased ACE level and both diabetes ( p = 0.007) and smoking ( p = 0.037).

Conclusions:This study shows that cardiovascular risk factors (such as smoking and diabetes) are associated with higher levels of circulating ACE in men. High ACE levels may represent one of the cellular mechanisms involved in producing the vascular damage associated with cardiovascular risk factors.
A model-based fault tolerant control design for nonholonomic mobile robots in formation
Authors: Thumati Balaje T , Dierks Travis , Sarangapani Jagannathan
Published: January 2011

In this paper, a new model-based fault tolerant kinematic/torque control law is developed by using backstepping for leader-follower robots in formation. In comparison to the kinematic-based formation controllers, the proposed control law design considers the dynamics of the robots and the formation. Initially, the control law is developed for leader and follower mobile robots under normal operation (i.e., no faults); the stability of the formation is verified using Lyapunov theory. Later, an online model-based fault tolerant design is introduced in the presence of a fault, where the fault could be incipient or abrupt in nature. In other words, the fault is mitigated by adding an extra term into the existing control law, which is a function of the unknown fault dynamics, recovered using a neural network. Using Lyapunov theory, the stability of the fault tolerant control law and the formation errors are guaranteed to converge asymptotically in the presence of faults and system uncertainties. Finally, numerical results are used to verify the theoretical results presented in the paper.
Getting a diagnosis v. learning to live with it? The case of the progressive ataxias
Authors: Daker-White Gavin , Sanders Caroline , Greenfield Julie , Ealing John , Payne Katherine
Published: January 2011

Objectives: To examine the perceptions and experiences of the diagnosis process in people with a progressive ataxia, a group of rare complex neurological conditions usually leading to disturbances in balance and speech.

Methods: An explorative qualitative study involving analysis of public accounts posted to specialist Internet discussion forums by people with symptoms of ataxia. Internet data were utilized partly because ataxia is a rare condition.

Results: The main themes that emerged were diagnosis as an arduous process, achieving diagnosis as a privilege, the importance of getting a medical label, being believed with regard to symptoms and ‘idiopathic’ diagnosis as a non-diagnosis. The accounts of people who were not able to secure a definitive diagnosis suggested that their priorities had changed from getting a diagnosis to managing and learning to live with their progressive disabilities.

Conclusions: The diagnosis of the progressive ataxias presents challenges for patients, clinicians and in terms of the extensive use of finite healthcare resources. Our findings suggest there are varied views on the importance of diagnosis to people with progressive ataxia. This warrants further in-depth research to understand how people rate the relative utility of diagnostics.
Search Engine Marketing: Transforming Search Engines into Hotel Distribution Channels
Authors: Paraskevas Alexandros , Katsogridakis Ioannis , Law Rob , Buhalis Dimitrios
Published: January 2011

Search engine marketing (SEM) is a form of online marketing whereby marketers and webmasters use a range of techniques to ensure that their webpage listing appears in a favorable location in search engines’ results pages (e.g., Google, Bing, AlltheWeb, Altavista). The key strategy is to optimize webpages for the search engines, by ensuring that the company’s webpages contain appropriate keywords and that the website’s page hierarchy is logically arranged. An appropriate website design encourages the search engines’ web crawlers or spiders to index a particular set of pages, and proper keywords promote an optimum ranking in search engines. This study aims to explore the different variables and aspects that come into play in SEM and to offer a strategy that hotel marketers can use to achieve these objectives, based on a focus group of eleven corporate-level hotel marketers and SEM consultants. The study employs the following four-stage framework for SEM strategy development: analysis, planning, implementation, and control.
Can Reduction in Dietary Carbohydrate Play a Role in Normalizing the Endocrine-Metabolic State Perturbed During the Pubertal Transition? The PRIMO Pilot Study
Authors: Casazza Krista , Granger Wes M. , Wallace Stephenie , Gower Barbara A.
Published: January 2011

Macronutrient modification may play a role in normalizing the endocrine-metabolic state characteristically perturbed during the pubertal transition. This study evaluated the effect of a reduced carbohydrate (redCHO) diet relative to a standard (STAN) diet on the reproductive hormonal milieu and insulin dynamics in obese African American (AA) girls during the pubertal transition. The authors hypothesized that a 5-week eucaloric, redCHO diet would decrease fasting insulin and estradiol (thereby altering follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] and sex-hormone-binding globulin [SHBG] concentration) and improve insulin sensitivity, relative to a STAN diet. Participants were assigned to 1 of 2 diets: redCHO (43% carbohydrate) or STAN (55% carbohydrate) for 5 weeks. All food was provided with energy needs determined by resting energy expenditure multiplied by a 1.2 activity factor. This relatively short, redCHO dietary intervention affected reproductive hormonal concentrations but not insulin dynamics. An inverse relationship between dietary carbohydrate and FSH (P = .04) was observed as was a marginal positive relationship between dietary carbohydrate and SHBG (P = .06). When the sample was stratified by baseline median fasting insulin (< 14.0 mg/dL), an inverse albeit nonsignificant association between the redCHO diet and estradiol (P = .10) was observed only in those with higher insulin. Macronutrient modification has the potential to affect the reproductive hormonal milieu, possibly via effects on insulin dynamics. Additional therapies targeting insulin homeostasis and/or fuel oxidation in conjunction with dietary manipulation may be able to improve hormonal, metabolic, and thus body composition outcomes.
Does Behavioral Intention Predict Nutrition Behaviors Related to Adolescent Obesity?
Authors: Ickes Melinda J. , Sharma Manoj
Published: January 2011

The theory of planned behavior (TPB) proposes that the single best predictor of a person’s behavior is intention to perform that behavior. Successful application of the TPB supports that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control are predictive factors of behavioral intention (BI). The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which BI predicted nutrition behaviors linked to adolescent obesity. A cross-sectional design obtained a convenience sample of 318 middle school students who completed a 129-item validated instrument. Multiple regression was used to establish predictors for fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption and sweetened beverages (SBs) versus water consumption. The mean BI scores were as follows: FV consumption, M = 12.18, standard deviation [SD] = 5.74, and SB versus water consumption, M = 12.42, SD = 6.07. This denotes a moderate intent to participate in the behavior. Regression showed that BI was predictive for consumption of FV among overweight and obese students and consumption of water versus SB in normal weight students (P < .05). BI was linked to nutrition behaviors related to obesity prevention in adolescents. Differences among those students who were considered normal weight and overweight/obese existed and should be considered when working with these populations and designing future interventions.
Zinc Deficiency in Acute Gastroenteritis and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Sezer Rabia Gonul , Ipek Ilke Ozahi , Bozaykut Abdulkadir , Bayoglu Duygu Somen
Published: January 2011

Aim. The objective was to study zinc deficiency in acute gastroenteritis and upper respiratory tract infections. Methods. A total of 203 children were enrolled in this case— control study. Plasma zinc concentrations were compared between acute gastroenteritis, upper respiratory tract infections, and the control group. Results. There was a statistically significant relationship between disease type and plasma zinc level (P = .001). Zinc-deficient children had higher odds ratio for acute gastroenteritis compared with upper respiratory tract infection. Low zinc levels were associated with lower weight measurements (r = .49, P < .001). Plasma zinc levels compared by age and gender were not statistically significant (P = .8 and P = .5, respectively). Conclusions. This study provided additional data and analysis to support the deficiency of zinc in acute gastroenteritis but our results revealed no correlation between zinc deficiency and upper respiratory tract infections.
A Qualitative Content Analysis of Local School Wellness Policies for Ohio Schools
Authors: Taylor Christopher Alan , Francony Jessica Jaye , Beiting Shelly Roth , Ritter Jan , Clutter Jill Evelyn
Published: January 2011

School wellness policies have the potential to combat childhood obesity by addressing goals for nutrition education, foods served on campus, and school-based activities. The purpose of this study was to examine the composition of school wellness policies, which would provide valuable information about how the school environment influences children’s dietary habits. A total of 43 online wellness policies were randomly selected from all school districts in the state of Ohio. Policies were obtained from districts’ websites and analyzed to identify the dominant themes of policy content, which included food service, competitive foods, nutrition education, and school-based activities. Policies varied from original to exact template use. Five policies did not address nutrition education, whereas more than half did not include school-based activities. The most commonly addressed topics in food service were free and reduced-price meals and the school lunch program. Additional subthemes most commonly addressed were food safety, vending machines, and classroom nutrition education. Concession stand sales, a la carte items, and product advertisement were addressed in the least amount of policies. For the mandated wellness policies to have a measureable impact on school environments, original, specific, and personalized wellness policies should be developed to ensure policies meet the needs of each individual school district.
Motivational Interviewing
Authors: Arena Joanne
Published: January 2011

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a complex evidence-based client-centered counseling approach that has been demonstrated to be effective in the mental health field and also in the field of weight management. In light of the increasing obesity epidemic in our pediatric population, there has been increasing interest in the usefulness of MI by dietitians and other health professionals. Mental health professionals who use MI have several methods and tools available to evaluate knowledge and skills; however, these tools are not specific for dietitians. Although dietitians are encouraged to learn and improve MI skills, so far we have no guidelines on how much education and practice we need to be competent. Also, there are no specific guidelines on how to evaluate skills and competency. This article very briefly summarizes what MI is, tools used by other professionals to evaluate competency, and the challenges faced by dietitians to develop and evaluate skills. The article also describes one institution’s initiative to educate dietitians on MI, develop skills, and incorporate a way to evaluate skill development.
Practice Guidelines for Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding for Severely Obese Adolescents
Authors: Lombardi Diane L.
Published: January 2011

Adolescent obesity continues to present one of the most difficult challenges for health care providers. Obesity-related comorbidities previously almost unknown to adolescents have become commonplace. The financial impact of obesity is staggering and the psychological effects devastating. As with morbidly obese adults, traditional weight loss methods of dietary, exercise, and behavioral modification have rendered poor results in the severely obese adolescent. The optimal treatment and management of adolescent obesity remains unknown, but surgical weight loss methods, including the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), may be a viable option for those teens who meet criteria for the procedure. Adolescents choosing the surgical route should be under the care of a multi-disciplinary surgical weight loss team with expertise in the evaluation and management of adolescent obesity and the capability of meeting the distinct physical and psychological needs of this age group. The LAGB is a tool to aid in weight loss but it is no quick fix, or magic bullet. For a successful outcome, a lifelong commitment to a changed lifestyle is essential. The author outlines practice guidelines for adolescents undergoing LABG at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Surgical Weight Management Program.
Neonatal diagnosis of severe combined immunodeficiency leads to significantly improved survival outcome: the case for newborn screening
Authors: Brown Lucinda , Xu-Bayford Jinhua , Allwood Zoe , Slatter Mary , Cant Andrew , Davies E. Graham , Veys Paul , Gennery Andrew R. , Gaspar H. Bobby
Published: January 2011

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) carries a poor prognosis without definitive treatment by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The outcome for transplantation varies and is dependent on donor status and the condition of the child at the time of transplantation. Diagnosis at birth may allow for better protection of SCID babies from infection and improve transplantation outcome. In this comparative study conducted at the 2 designated SCID transplantation centers in the United Kingdom, we show that SCID babies diagnosed at birth because of a positive family history have a significantly improved outcome compared with the first presenting family member. The overall improved survival of more than 90% is related to a reduced rate of infection and significantly improved transplantation outcome irrespective of donor choice, conditioning regimen used, and underlying genetic diagnosis. Neonatal screening for SCID would significantly improve the outcome in this otherwise potentially devastating condition.
A microRNA expression signature of osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Sugatani Toshifumi , Vacher Jean , Hruska Keith A.
Published: January 2011

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small noncoding RNAs that principally function in the spatiotemporal regulation of protein translation in animal cells. Although emerging evidence suggests that some miRs play important roles in osteoblastogenesis and skeletal homeostasis, much less is known in osteoclastogenesis. Here, we show that receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)–induced osteoclastogenesis is mediated by miR-21. MiR-21 was identified as an miR expression signature of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis that down-regulates programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) protein levels. Diminished PDCD4 removes a repression from c-Fos, a critical transcription factor for osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast-specific downstream target genes. In addition, RANKL-induced c-Fos up-regulates miR-21 gene expression. Bone marrow–derived monocyte/macrophage precursors deficient of DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 8, an RNA binding protein associated with miR biogenesis, and Dicer, an endoribonuclease in the RNaseIII family associated with miR biogenesis, possessed significantly decreased miR-21 levels and increased PDCD4 protein levels so that RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis was impaired in those cells. However, forced expression of miR-21 rescued osteoclast development because of down-regulation of PDCD4 protein expression levels. Thus, our studies provide a new molecular mechanism, including a positive feedback loop of c-Fos/miR-21/PDCD4, regulating osteoclastogenesis.
Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Cyanochalcogenation of Alkynes with Chalcogenocyanates
Authors: Ozaki Toshiya , Nomoto Akihiro , Kamiya Ikuyo , Kawakami Jun-ichi , Ogawa Akiya
Published: January 2011

Tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) catalyzes the highly regioselective addition of phenyl thiocyanate to terminal alkynes, which attains the simultaneous introduction of thio and cyano groups into the internal and terminal positions of alkynes, respectively. In addition, dicobalt octacarbonyl indicates moderate catalytic activity toward the same cyanothiolation of alkynes with excellent regioselectivity. By using [Co2(CO)8] as the catalyst, novel cyanoselenation of alkynes with phenyl selenocyanate has also been attained in moderate yield with excellent regioselectivity.
Un insospettato caso di pseudepigrafia nel terzo secolo: l'attribuzione del a Flavio Giuseppe
Authors: Castelli Emanuele
Published: January 2011

This paper deals with the attribution of the (De universo) to Flavius Josephus. Three sources are considered in order to address the issue of its attribution to the storian: i) Refutatio IX 18-30; ii) a fragment in the Excerpta Constantiniana; iii) a notice by Porphyry in De abstinentia IV 11. An examination of the Refutatio demonstrates that the author was well acquainted with Flavius Josephus taking the notice at Bellum Iudaicum II 119-166 about the Essenes, Pharisees, and Saducees. Is it possible that the author of the Refutatio also used Flavius Josephus when he wrote the De universo? The examination of the Excerpta Constantiniana allows identifying a passage from the Contra Apionem, regarding the antiquity of the Jewish tradition that was re-used in the De universo. Porphyry's De abstinentia IV 11 mentions the Essenes and has been connected with the Contra Apionem in earlier research, even though there is no mention of the Essenes in that work nor can the title “to the Greeks” refer to it. Instead, this notice can be connected with the De universo which was already circulating under the name of Flavius Josephus. This work, in fact, was addressed “to the Greeks”, it was divided into two books, and it probably dealt with the Essenes. It appears that in writing the De universo the author made use of certain passages from Flavius Josephus in that part of the work concerned with Judaism. The attribution of this writing to the Jewish historian is thereby explained. The author of the Refutatio was the schismatic rival of the Roman bishop Callixtus (217-222). Because of this schismatic activity, his works were prudently circulated under the names of other authors. The Refutatio was attributed to Origen, the De universo, on the other hand, was attributed to Flavius Josephus on the basis of the fact that this work had been written with some excerpts from his writings.
The Prayer Theme in Augustine's Sermones ad Populum at the Time of the Pelagian Controversy: A Pastoral Treatment of a Focal Point of his Doctrine of Grace
Authors: Dupont Anthony
Published: January 2011

Der vorliegende Artikel untersucht die Behandlung des Gebets in Augustinus' Sermones ad Populum, besonders in solchen mit antipelagianischer Absicht oder in solchen, die ihren Sitz im Leben im Pelagianischen Streit haben. In Augustinus' antipelagianischen Abhandlungen fungiert das Gebet, besonders das Vaterunser, als Argument gegen die impeccantia und wird als ein besonderer Ausdruck der Gnade Gottes bezeichnet. In den Sermones stellt das Gebet das verbindende Element zwischen den Themen Glaube und Sünde dar. Menschen müssen beten, um zum Glauben zu gelangen und um gegen die concupiscentia ankämpfen zu können. Durch den Gegenstand des Gebets rückt der Prediger nachhaltig die göttliche Gnade ins Licht, aber er bezieht diese nicht auf das Gebet selbst. In seinen Sermones unterlässt es Augustinus fast völlig, das Gebet als Gottes Gnade oder als seiner Initiative und seinem dauerhaften Beistand zugehörig zu behandeln. Das Gebet ist vielmehr eine Aufgabe, zu der Augustinus seine Gemeinde einlädt. Wir können diese Einschätzung wahrscheinlich aus der seelsorgerlichen Intention der Sermones erklären und aus der Unterordnung dieses Themas unter das, was als Schwerpunkt der antipelagianischen Predigt gelten kann: Die Sündhaftigkeit des Menschen und das Angewiesensein auf Gottes Gnade, die auf diese Sündhaftigkeit antwortet.
Das Phänomen des Status-Sharings aus tätigkeitstheoretischer Perspektive
Authors: Böhringer Martin , Gerlach Lutz
Published: January 2011

Statusinformationen sind die große Innovation im Bereich der Social Software jüngerer Zeit. Werkzeuge wie Microblogging und Activity Streams legen die aktuellen Tätigkeiten der Nutzer offen und ermöglichen eine bisher unbekannte Dimension digitaler Awareness. Während Status-Updates in hohem Tempo weitere Verbreitung auch in Unternehmen fi nden, stellen sich aus Forschungssicht Verständnisfragen: Warum und wie kommunizieren Anwender ihren Status? Was ist der subjektiv und objektiv erfahrbare Nutzen? Und vor allem: welche Einfl ussfaktoren bestimmen die Anwendungsszenarien im organisatorischen Kontext? In diesem Beitrag schlagen wir dazu einen tätigkeitsorientierten Zugang zum Phänomen Status-Sharing vor und zeigen mögliche Operationalisierungen des von der Theorie bereitgestellten Analyseframeworks auf.
Experten-Empfehlungen mit Social Bookmarking-Services
Authors: Heck Tamara , Peters Isabella
Published: January 2011

Empfehlungssysteme haben sich insbesondere im e-Commerce etabliert, aber die Empfehlung von Experten oder Mitarbeitern in einem fi rmeninternen Netzwerk oder in wissenschaftlichen Disziplinen wird derzeit noch theoretisch diskutiert. Wir präsentieren einen Ansatz zur Entwicklung von Expertenempfehlungssystemen, der auf Beziehungen in digitalen sozialen Netzwerken wie Social Bookmarking-Systemen mit ihren Folksonomies beruht.
Erwartungskonformität als Gestaltungsmerkmal im Web
Authors: Auinger Andreas , Aistleithner Anna Maria
Published: January 2011

Die benutzungsfreundliche Gestaltung von Webseiten trägt einen wesentlichen Teil zum Erfolg von Online-Auftritten bei und bestimmt damit direkt oder indirekt den Geschäftserfolg von Unternehmen der klassischen und der digitalen Ökonomie mit. Das Gestaltungsmerkmal der Erwartungskonformität als einer der Grundsätze zur Dialoggestaltung nach DIN EN ISO 9241-110 stellt diesbezüglich einen wesentlichen Erfolgsfaktor im Hinblick auf die effiziente und effektive Aufgabenerfüllung auf Webseiten und eCommerce-Seiten dar. In den letzten zehn Jahren wurden zahlreiche Gestaltungsempfehlungen aus der facheinschlägigen Literatur zur erwartungskonformen Gestaltung von Interaktionselementen im Web manifestiert. Dieser Beitrag zeigt deren exemplarische Umsetzung und Ergebnisse einer Blickaufzeichnungsstudie, die darauf schließen lassen, dass sich nicht alle Empfehlungen aus der Literatur bewährt haben und sich die Gültigkeit von Gestaltungsprinzipien im Laufe der Zeit verändern kann.
Auf dem Weg zu nutzerzentrierten klinischen Informationssystemen
Authors: Meixner Gerrit , Wicht Andreas , Klein Ulrike
Published: January 2011

Im Rahmen einer mehrjährigen Zusammenarbeit zwischen der medizinischen Fakultät der Universität Heidelberg und dem Deutschen Forschungszentrum für Künstliche Intelligenz (DFKI) wurde die Situation aktueller medizinischer Softwaresysteme analysiert. Während eines ersten Projektes wurde gemeinsam ein Prototyp eines nutzerzentrierten Softwaresystems für die allogene Stammzelltransplantation entwickelt. Ein darauf aufbauendes zweites Projekt führte eine Befragung unter dem medizinischen Personal zum Stellenwert von IT-Anwendungen im klinischen Alltag durch und analysierte die Situation aktueller medizinischer Softwaresysteme. Neben der Vorstellung der Umfrageergebnisse und Ergebnisse des Demonstrators wird in diesem Beitrag die Frage diskutiert, ob aktuelle medizinische Softwaresysteme die Nutzer genügend bei deren täglichen Arbeit unterstützen, oder ob die Softwaresysteme nur funktionsorientiert und an der Wirklichkeit vorbei entwickelt werden.
A comparative study on the effect of solvent on nucleophilic fluorination with [18F]fluoride: protic solvents as co-solvents in SN2 and SNAr reactions
Authors: Koivula Teija , Simecek Jakub , Jalomäki Jarno , Helariutta Kerttuli , Airaksinen Anu J.
Published: January 2011

The effect of solvent on nucleophilic substitution with cyclotron-produced [18F]fluoride was studied in polar aprotic (CH3CN and DMF) and protic solvent (t-BuOH andt-amyl alcohol) mixtures (CH3CN/co-solvent, 2:8) in a series of model compounds, 4-(R1-methyl)benzyl R2-benzoates, using a K2.2.2/[18F]KF phase transfer system (R1=–Cl, –OMs or –OH; R2=–Cl, –I or –NO2).18F-fluorination of compounds 1–3, with chloride or mesylate as a leaving group in the benzylic position (R1), afforded the desired 4-([18F]fluoromethyl)benzyl analogues in all solvents during 15ߙmin reaction time. The highest radiochemical yields (RCY) in all the studied reaction temperatures (80, 120 and 160ºC) were achieved in CH3CN. Radiochemical yields in protic solvents were comparable to RCY in CH3CN only with the sulfonate ester 3 as a starting material.18F-Fluorination of the benzylic halides 1 and 2 was not promoted in the same extent; in addition, labelled side-products were detected at higher reaction temperatures. Radiofluorination intert-alcohols was also studied using [18F]CsF with and without added phase transfer catalyst, resulting in both conditions lower RCY when compared to K2.2.2/[18F]KF system. Protic solvents were not able to promote aromatic18F-fluorination.18F-Fluorination of compound 5, havingpara-activated nitro group in the aromatic position (R2), failed intert-alcohols even at the highest temperature, but it was labelled successfully in DMF and to some extent in CH3CN.
Vibrational Spectroscopic Studies of Germanium-High Bismuthate Glasses and Vitroceramics
Authors: Ponta Oana , Baia Lucian , Baia Monica , Simon Simion
Published: January 2011

Bi2O3-rich glasses belonging to the system xGd2O3(1−x)[0.857Bi2O3·0.143GeO2] with 0.005≤x≤0.1, have been obtained by rapid cooling of the melts. Polycrystalline samples have been further obtained by applying a heat treatment at 600ºC for 24 h. Both types of samples were structurally characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopic techniques.

Local structural units for the investigated samples are identified on the basis of vibrational spectroscopic data. The obtained data reveal the presence of GeO4, GeO6, BiO3 and BiO6 groups as basic structural units of the networks. For the vitroceramic samples some changes occur in their network, mainly reflecting the presence of an ordered structure, but much important is that part of the BiO6 structural units from Bi2O3-GeO2 glass network are converting into BiO3 units. The IR and Raman results support the idea that the local structure of the glasses and vitroceramics is less affected by the presence of Gd3+ ions but there is strong long range order influence on developed crystalline phases from vitroceramic samples, as proved by XRD. However, the spectral analyses reveal the formation of a structure with a higher disorder degree for x=0.1 in comparison with the other investigated vitroceramics as a result of the partial replacement of the Bi3+ ions with Gd3+ ions. Starting from the Bi12GeO20 sellenite phase in the samples with low gadolinium content (x≤0.01), the structure is change to Bi24GeO38 phase, via a BiLa type structure, when the Gd2O3 concentration is increasing up to x=0.1.
Stimulation of tube formation mediated through the prostaglandin EP2 receptor in rat luteal endothelial cells
Authors: Sakurai Toshihiro , Suzuki Kenta , Yoshie Mikihiro , Hashimoto Keisuke , Tachikawa Eiichi , Tamura Kazuhiro
Published: January 2011

To explore the role of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in angiogenesis in the developing corpus luteum, luteal microvascular endothelial-like cells (luteal ECs) were prepared from highly luteinizing ovaries of rats using the percoll density gradient method. The cells abundantly expressed the mRNAs of the endothelial markers CD31 (PECAM-1) and responded to the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to form in vitro tube structures on Matrigel. Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors significantly suppressed tube formation in luteal ECs, whereas PGE2 counteracted the COX inhibitor-induced blockage. PGE2-induced tube formation was blocked by a cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, H89. The antagonist against the PGE receptor type 2 (EP2 receptor), AH6809, completely inhibited PGE2-induced tube formation and partly suppressed the VEGF-induced tube formation but did not attenuate PGE2-induced phosphorylation of both AKT kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. VEGF significantly enhanced the expression of COX-2 mRNAs detected by real-time RT-PCR and PGE2 secretion into the media measured by ELISA in luteal ECs. In turn, PGE2 stimulated VEGF expression. In vitro co-culture of luteal ECs with steroidogenic luteal cells (SLCs) promoted tube formation. Pre-treatment of SLCs with VEGF further enhanced tube formation of ECs, and this effect was blocked by the COX-2 inhibitor. This stimulatory effect was inhibited by treatment with AH6809. These data indicate that PGE2 exerts a direct stimulatory effect on tube formation mainly via the EP2 receptor/PKA signaling in luteal ECs. Our results suggest the possibility that the endogenous PGE2 that is produced from luteinizing follicular cells as well as ECs may stimulate luteal angiogenesis.
Characterization of mouse sperm TMEM190, a small transmembrane protein with the trefoil domain: evidence for co-localization with IZUMO1 and complex formation with other sperm proteins
Authors: Nishimura Hitoshi , Gupta Surabhi , Myles Diana G , Primakoff Paul
Published: January 2011

TMEM190, a small transmembrane protein containing the trefoil domain, was previously identified by our proteomic analysis of mouse sperm. Two structural features of TMEM190, ‘trefoil domain’ and ‘small transmembrane protein’, led us to hypothesize that this protein forms a protein–protein complex required during fertilization, and we characterized TMEM190 by biochemical, cytological, and genetic approaches. We showed in this study that the mouseTmem190gene exhibits testis-specific mRNA expression and that the encoded RNA is translated into a 19-kDa protein found in both testicular germ cells and cauda epididymal sperm. Treatment of the cell surface with proteinase K, subcellular fractionation, and immunofluorescence assay all revealed that mouse TMEM190 is an inner-acrosomal membrane protein of cauda epididymal sperm. During the acrosome reaction, TMEM190 partly relocated onto the surface of the equatorial segment, on which sperm–oocyte fusion occurs. Moreover, TMEM190 and IZUMO1, which is an immunoglobulin-like protein required for gamete fusion, co-localized in mouse sperm both before and after the acrosome reaction. However, immunoprecipitates of TMEM190 contained several sperm proteins, but did not include IZUMO1. These findings suggest that a mouse sperm protein complex(es) including TMEM190 plays an indirect role(s) in sperm–oocyte fusion. The role(s), if any, is probably dispensable sinceTmem190-null male mice were normally fertile.
Kisspeptin activates the hypothalamic–adenohypophyseal–gonadal axis in prepubertal ewe lambs
Authors: Redmond J S , Macedo G G , Velez I C , Caraty A , Williams G L , Amstalden M
Published: January 2011

The onset of puberty in mammals involves an increase in the pulsatile release of GNRH and LH. The KISS1 gene is essential for pubertal development, and its product, kisspeptin, stimulates the release of LH. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of kisspeptin in the hypothalamic–adenohypophyseal–gonadal axis of prepubertal ewe lambs. Ewe lambs (28 weeks of age) were treated intravenously with saline (control, n=6) or kisspeptin (20 μg kisspeptin; n=6) every hour for 24 h. Kisspeptin stimulated pulse-like release of LH within 15 min following injections, and increased the frequency and amplitude of LH pulses, and mean circulating concentrations of LH and estradiol. A surge-like release of LH was observed in four kisspeptin-treated lambs beginning 17 h after the onset of treatment, and all four lambs had elevated circulating concentrations of progesterone within 5 days post-treatment. However, circulating concentrations of progesterone decreased within 2 days after the initial rise in three of the four ewe lambs, indicating that induced luteal activity was of short duration. The proportion of lambs that were pubertal (defined by circulating concentrations of progesterone above 1 ng/ml for at least 7 days) by 35 weeks of age (8/11) and the mean age at puberty (32±1 weeks) for those reaching puberty within the experimental period did not differ between treatments. Results support a role for kisspeptin in the activation of the hypothalamic–adenohypophyseal axis leading to the onset of puberty in ewe lambs.