bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bilingual ‘Tagging’ of Financial Accounts in Demotic and Greek
Authors: Mairs Rachel
Published: July 2012

‘Bilingual’ documents, with text in both Demotic and Greek, can be of several sorts, ranging from complete translations of the same information (e.g. Ptolemaic decrees) to those where the information presented in the two languages is complementary (e.g. mummy labels). The texts discussed in this paper consist of a number of examples of financial records where a full account in one language (L1) is annotated with brief pieces of information in a second language (L2). These L2 ‘tags’ are designed to facilitate extraction of summary data at another level of the administration, functioning in a different language, and probably also to make the document accessible to those who are not literate in the L1.
Der Name des Kronprinzen Taharqas
Authors: Meyrat Pierre
Published: July 2012

New interpretation of the name of Taharqa’s heir apparent Ušanahuru, only known from two monuments of Esarhaddon. The usually accepted hypothesis is discussed and rejected as unlikely, according to the rules of transcription of Egyptian into Neo-Assyrian cuneiform. A new name seems more convincing, but it never occurs in hieroglyphic sources. Another option is then considered, namely that of a Meroitic origin.
Serum and urinary concentrations of calprotectin as markers of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ortega Francisco J , Sabater Mónica , Moreno-Navarrete José M , Pueyo Neus , Botas Patricia , Delgado Elias , Ricart Wifredo , Frühbeck Gema , Fernández-Real José Manuel
Published: July 2012

Objective

Increased circulating calprotectin has been reported in obese subjects but not in association with measures of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The main aim of this study was to determine whether calprotectins in plasma and urine are associated with insulin resistance.

Design

We performed both cross-sectional and longitudinal (diet-induced weight loss) studies.

Methods

Circulating calprotectin concentrations (ELISA), other inflammatory markers, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism were evaluated in 298 subjects (185 with normal (NGT) and 62 with impaired (IGT) glucose tolerance and 51 T2D subjects). Calprotectin was also evaluated in urine samples from 71 participants (50 NGT and 21 subjects with IGT). Insulin sensitivity (SI, Minimal Model) was determined in a subset of 156 subjects, and the effects of weight loss were investigated in an independent cohort of obese subjects (n=19).

Results

Circulating calprotectin was significantly increased in IGT–T2D (independently of BMI) and positively associated with HOMA-IR, obesity measures, inflammatory markers, and parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism. Similar findings were reported for calprotectin concentrations in urine. In the subset of subjects, the association of calprotectin withSIwas independent of BMI and age. In fact,SItogether with C-reactive protein contributed to 27.4% of calprotectin variance after controlling for age and blood neutrophils count. Otherwise, weight loss led to decreased circulating calprotectin in parallel to fasting glucose and HOMA-IR.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that circulating and urinary concentrations of calprotectin are linked to chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance beyond obesity.
Autocrine human GH promotes radioresistance in mammary and endometrial carcinoma cells
Authors: Bougen Nicola M , Steiner Michael , Pertziger Mikhail , Banerjee Arindam , Brunet-Dunand Severine E , Zhu Tao , Lobie Peter E , Perry Jo K
Published: July 2012

Although recent advances in breast cancer treatment regimes have improved patient prognosis, resistance to breast cancer therapies, such as radiotherapy, is still a major clinical challenge. In the current study, we have investigated the role of autocrine human GH (hGH) in resistance to ionising radiation (IR)-based therapy. Cell viability and total cell number assays demonstrated that autocrine hGH promoted cell regrowth in the mammary carcinoma cell lines, MDA-MB-435S and T47D, and the endometrial carcinoma cell line, RL95-2, following treatment with IR. In addition, autocrine hGH enhanced MDA-MB-435S and T47D cell clonogenic survival following radiation exposure. The enhanced clonogenic survival afforded by autocrine hGH was mediated by JAK2 and Src kinases. Investigation into the DNA repair capacity demonstrated that autocrine hGH reduced IR-induced DNA damage in MDA-MB-435S and T47D cells. Functional antagonism of hGH increased RL95-2 sensitivity to IR in cell viability and total cell number assays, reduced clonogenic survival and enhanced the induction of DNA damage. Thus, autocrine hGH reduced sensitivity to treatment with IR in mammary and endometrial carcinoma cell linesin vitro, while functional antagonism of hGH sensitised endometrial carcinoma cells to IR. Functional antagonism of hGH, used in conjunction with radiotherapy, may therefore enhance treatment efficacy and improve the prognosis of patients with breast and endometrial cancer.
Indirect Genetic Effects for Survival in Domestic Chickens (Gallus gallus) Are Magnified in Crossbred Genotypes and Show a Parent-of-Origin Effect
Authors: Peeters K , Eppink T T , Ellen E D , Visscher J , Bijma P
Published: July 2012

Through social interactions, individuals can affect one another’s phenotype. The heritable effect of an individual on the phenotype of a conspecific is known as an indirect genetic effect (IGE). Although IGEs can have a substantial impact on heritable variation and response to selection, little is known about the genetic architecture of traits affected by IGEs. We studied IGEs for survival in domestic chickens (Gallus gallus), using data on two purebred lines and their reciprocal cross. Birds were kept in groups of four. Feather pecking and cannibalism caused mortality, as beaks were kept intact. Survival time was shorter in crossbreds than in purebreds, indicating outbreeding depression and the presence of nonadditive genetic effects. IGEs contributed the majority of heritable variation in crossbreds (87 and 72%) and around half of heritable variation in purebreds (65 and 44%). There was no evidence of dominance variance, neither direct nor indirect. Absence of dominance variance in combination with considerable outbreeding depression suggests that survival is affected by many loci. Direct–indirect genetic correlations were moderately to highly negative in crossbreds (−0.37 ± 0.17 and −0.83 ± 0.10), but low and not significantly different from zero in purebreds (0.20 ± 0.21 and −0.28 ± 0.18). Consequently, unlike purebreds, crossbreds would fail to respond positively to mass selection. The direct genetic correlation between both crosses was high (0.95 ± 0.23), whereas the indirect genetic correlation was moderate (0.41 ± 0.26). Thus, for IGEs, it mattered which parental line provided the sire and which provided the dam. This indirect parent-of-origin effect appeared to be paternally transmitted and is probably Z chromosome linked.
Formação e estabilização de agregados pelo sistema radicular de braquiária em um Nitossolo Vermelho
Authors: Brandão Eliane Duarte , Silva Ivandro de França da
Published: August 2012

As gramíneas atuam de maneira direta na formação e na estabilização de agregados do solo, devido à maior densidade de raízes e à liberação de exsudatos orgânicos no solo. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos do sistema radicular da Brachiaria ruziziensis Germain et Evrard na formação e na estabilização de agregados de um Nitossolo Vermelho. O experimento foi conduzido em abrigo telado, utilizando-se solo coletado na camada de 0-20cm de profundidade. O solo foi destorroado manualmente e passado em peneira de 2,00mm de abertura de malha e, posteriormente, separadas por classes de diâmetro de agregados de 2,00-1,00, 1,00-0,50 e 0,50-0,25mm com auxílio de peneiras de malhas específicas. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3x2x2x4, correspondendo a três classes de diâmetro de agregados (2,00-1,00, 1,00-0,50 e 0,50-0,25mm), duas condições de cultivo (com e sem gramínea), dois conteúdos de umidade (100% e 60% de água disponível) e quatro épocas de avaliação (90, 180, 270 e 360 dias após o plantio da gramínea), com quatro repetições. As amostras de agregados foram acondicionadas em vasos de polietileno com capacidade para 10kg. O conteúdo de umidade foi equilibrado através de irrigações a cada dois dias. As amostragens foram realizadas a cada três meses, determinando-se o diâmetro médio ponderado de agregados secos ao ar (DMPAs), o diâmetro médio ponderado de agregado estáveis em água (DMPAu) e o índice de estabilidade dos agregados (IEA = DMPAu/DMPAs). Verificaram-se maiores valores de DMPAu e de IEA para o tratamento com gramínea, indicando que o sistema radicular da Brachiaria ruziziensis favoreceu maior formação e estabilização dos agregados no solo.
Duplicação cromossômica de gramíneas forrageiras: uma alternativa para programas de melhoramento genético
Authors: Pereira Roselaine Cristina , Davide Lisete Chamma , Techio Vânia Helena , Timbó Ana Luiza Oliveira
Published: August 2012

A obtenção artificial de genótipos com duplicação cromossômica em forrageiras busca maximizar características de interesse agronômico, como valor nutricional e produção de forragem, resistência a pragas e doenças, tolerância a estresses abióticos e restauração da fertilidade de híbridos estéreis. Outro objetivo da duplicação cromossômica é a geração de variabilidade genética em espécies apomíticas, por meio da duplicação cromossômica de acessos sexuais igualando a ploidia de modo a permitir a realização de cruzamentos e a obtenção de descendentes férteis. A indução de poliploidia é feita utilizando substâncias antimitóticas, sendo a colchicina a mais amplamente usada em plantas forrageiras. Entretanto, devido a sua toxicidade, outras substâncias como herbicidas e cafeína vem sendo empregadas com sucesso em gramíneas. A eficácia na obtenção de poliploides artificialmente depende de uma série de fatores exógenos, tais como as substâncias antimitóticas utilizadas, o tipo de explante, o tempo e as condições de exposição e as concentrações dos antimitóticos. Esta revisão tem por objetivo apresentar os principais métodos usados para indução de poliploidia em gramíneas forrageiras e os avanços obtidos no melhoramento genético, a partir do uso de genótipos poliploidizados.
"Os charruas vivem" nos Gaúchos: a vida social de uma pesquisa de "resgate" genético de uma etnia indígena extinta no Sul do Brasil
Authors: Kent Michael , Santos Ricardo Ventura
Published: August 2012

Este artigo explora a articulação entre uma pesquisa de ancestralidade genética e a construção social de identidades étnicas no Rio Grande do Sul. Isso é feito através da análise da vida social de um projeto de pesquisa conduzido por pesquisadores da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Tal investigação estabeleceu a continuidade genética entre a população Gaúcha contemporânea e os presumidamente extintos Charrua, uma etnia indígena que vivia na região do Pampa do estado. Ao longo do desenvolvimento do projeto de pesquisa, a ideia de continuidade genética passou por diferentes configurações, a depender de contextos específicos, sendo afirmada com diferentes níveis de certeza. A presente análise enfoca as condições sociais e genéticas que possibilitaram o estabelecimento de tal continuidade, assim como a afirmação da especificidade genética dos Gaúchos. Finalmente, são explorados os impactos sociais dessa pesquisa, em particular as suas articulações com construções de uma identidade regional diferenciada.
Fatores associados à violência doméstica contra a pessoa idosa
Authors: Abath Marcella de Brito , Leal Márcia Carréra Campos , Melo Filho Djalma Agripino de
Published: August 2012

OBJETIVO: determinar os fatores associados à violência doméstica do tipo física em idosos submetidos a exame de corpo de delito, entre 2004 e 2007, no Instituto de Medicina Legal do Recife. METODOLOGIA: as informações do estudo de corte transversal procederam de 511 laudos de exames de corpo de delito traumatológicos realizados em idosos (60 anos ou mais). Na análise da associação entre as variáveis, utilizou-se o teste Qui-quadrado com IC de 95%. RESULTADOS: os fatores associados à violência doméstica, em relação à consequência da violência, foi a parte do corpo acometida (tronco/membros); quanto à vítima, foram sexo (feminino), estado civil/situação conjugal (sem companheiro) e ocupação (aposentado, pensionista ou do lar). Em relação ao agressor, houve associação com o sexo (feminino), quantidade (um) e parentesco/relação estabelecida com a vítima (familiar). CONCLUSÃO: os fatores associados à violência estudada, vinculados a aspectos sociais, econômicos e culturais, evidenciam a complexidade do fenômeno e seu enfrentamento.
Dental Arch Relationships in Turkish Patients with Complete Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Born between 1976 and 1990: A Comparison with Eurocleft
Authors: Dogan Servet , Semb Gunvor , Erbay Elif , Alcan Toros , Uzel Ash , Kocadereli Ilken , Shaw William C.
Published: July 2012

Objective

To compare the dental arch relationships of Turkish patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) with the results reported for participants in the Eurocleft study.

Patients

Study models of 109 patients with complete UCLP from five university clinics in Turkey were evaluated (clinic A = 25 patients, clinic B = 23 patients, clinic C = 20 patients, clinic D = 21 patients, and clinic E = 20 patients). The mean age of the patient cohort was nine years old (range = 8–11 years old), and the cohort was born between 1976 and 1990.

Methods

The examiners rated the three-dimensional (3D) models using the GOSLON Yardstick. The scores were compared with those from the Eurocleft centers: E1(B), E2(E), E3(A), E4(F), E5(C), and E6(D). Intra- and interexaminer agreements were evaluated using weighted kappa statistics.

Results

The mean GOSLON scores for the Turkish clinics were as follows: clinic A = 3.16, clinic B = 3.13, clinic C = 3.25, clinic D = 3.67, and clinic E = 3.70. Scores for three of the Turkish clinics (A, B, and C) were significantly worse than the scores for the three best Eurocleft centers, E1(B), E2(E), and E3(A) ( P < .001, P < .001, and P < .05, respectively). Scores for two of the Turkish clinics (D and E) were similar to those for Eurocleft center E6(D) but worse than the scores for the other Eurocleft centers ( P < .01, P < .001, respectively).

Conclusions

This was the first study in which three-dimensional models were used to derive scores to compare with those of the Eurocleft centers. According to the results of analysis of 109 3D models, 50.4 % of the patients in Turkey were classified as GOSLON score 4 and 5. This may have been attributable to poor surgical procedures, low-volume surgeons, and the decentralized treatment approach in Turkey between 1985 and 2000. Further research is needed to assess the situation in Turkey in more recent years.
Technical analysis of photovoltaic/wind systems with hydrogen storage
Authors: Bakic Vukman , Pezo Milada , Jovanovic Marina , Turanjanin Valentina , Vucicevic Biljana
Published: August 2012

The technical analysis of a hybrid wind-photovoltaic energy system with
hydrogen gas storage was studied. The market for the distributed power
generation based on renewable energy is increasing, particularly for the
standalone mini-grid applications. The main design components of PV/Wind
hybrid system are the PV panels, the wind turbine and an alkaline
electrolyzer with tank. The technical analysis is based on the transient
system simulation program TRNSYS 16. The study is realized using the
meteorological data for a Typical Metrological Year (TMY) for region of Novi
Sad, Belgrade cities and Kopaonik national park in Serbia. The purpose of the
study is to design a realistic energy system that maximizes the use of
renewable energy and minimizes the use of fossil fuels. The reduction in the
CO2 emissions is also analyzed in the paper.
Improvement of environmental aspects of thermal power plant operation by advanced control concepts
Authors: Mikulandric Robert , Loncar Drazen , Cvetinovic Dejan , Spiridon Gabriel , Schneider Daniel
Published: August 2012

The necessity of the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as formulated in
the Kyoto Protocol, imposes the need for improving environmental aspects of
existing thermal power plants operation. Improvements can be reached either
by efficiency increment or by implementation of emission reduction measures.
Investments in refurbishment of existing plant components or in plant
upgrading by flue gas desulphurization, by primary and secondary measures of
nitrogen oxides reduction, or by biomass co-firing, are usually accompanied
by modernisation of thermal power plant instrumentation and control system
including sensors, equipment diagnostics and advanced controls. Impact of
advanced control solutions implementation depends on technical
characteristics and status of existing instrumentation and control systems as
well as on design characteristics and actual conditions of installed plant
components. Evaluation of adequacy of implementation of advanced control
concepts is especially important in Western Balkan region where thermal power
plants portfolio is rather diversified in terms of size, type and
commissioning year and where generally poor maintenance and lack of
investments in power generation sector resulted in high greenhouse gases
emissions and low efficiency of plants in operation. This paper is intended
to present possibilities of implementation of advanced control concepts, and
particularly those based on artificial intelligence, in selected thermal
power plants in order to increase plant efficiency and to lower pollutants
emissions and to comply with environmental quality standards prescribed in
large combustion plant directive.
Exercise Alleviates Lipid-Induced Insulin Resistance in Human Skeletal Muscle–Signaling Interaction at the Level of TBC1 Domain Family Member 4
Authors: Pehmøller Christian , Brandt Nina , Birk Jesper B. , Høeg Louise D. , Sjøberg Kim A. , Goodyear Laurie J. , Kiens Bente , Richter Erik A. , Wojtaszewski Jørgen F.P.
Published: July 2012

Excess lipid availability causes insulin resistance. We examined the effect of acute exercise on lipid-induced insulin resistance and TBC1 domain family member 1/4 (TBCD1/4)-related signaling in skeletal muscle. In eight healthy young male subjects, 1 h of one-legged knee-extensor exercise was followed by 7 h of saline or intralipid infusion. During the last 2 h, a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp was performed. Femoral catheterization and analysis of biopsy specimens enabled measurements of leg substrate balance and muscle signaling. Each subject underwent two experimental trials, differing only by saline or intralipid infusion. Glucose infusion rate and leg glucose uptake was decreased by intralipid. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was higher in the prior exercised leg in the saline and the lipid trials. In the lipid trial, prior exercise normalized insulin-stimulated glucose uptake to the level observed in the resting control leg in the saline trial. Insulin increased phosphorylation of TBC1D1/4. Whereas prior exercise enhanced TBC1D4 phosphorylation on all investigated sites compared with the rested leg, intralipid impaired TBC1D4 S341 phosphorylation compared with the control trial. Intralipid enhanced pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) phosphorylation and lactate release. Prior exercise led to higher PDH phosphorylation and activation of glycogen synthase compared with resting control. In conclusion, lipid-induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle was associated with impaired TBC1D4 S341 and elevated PDH phosphorylation. The prophylactic effect of exercise on lipid-induced insulin resistance may involve augmented TBC1D4 signaling and glycogen synthase activation.
Glycohistochemical characterization of histologically normal nasal mucosa and enzootic nasal tumor of sheep
Authors: Scocco Paola , Lepri Elvio , Mercati Francesca , Vitellozzi Giovanni , Mechelli Luca , Ceccarelli Piero
Published: July 2012

Objective—To determine glycohistochemical characteristics of enzootic nasal tumors (ENTs) of sheep, compare results for ENT with those of histologically normal nasal mucosa of sheep, and identify the histologic origin of ENT.

Sample—ENT and nasal mucosa samples obtained from cadavers of 5 adult Lacaune sheep with ENT and 5 Lacaune sheep unaffected by ENT, respectively.

Procedures—Samples of ENT and nasal mucosa were collected from cadavers of sheep and sectioned. Conventional and lectin histochemical analyses were used to identify glycoconjugates in tissue sections on the basis of their principal chemical groups and principal terminal or internal oligosaccharidic glucidic residues, respectively.

Results—ENTs had papillary and tubular portions. Cells in the papillary portion of ENTs had secretion and surface glycoconjugates, which included sulfated glycosaminoglycans and neutral and sialilated glycoproteins. Cells in the tubular portion of ENTs had surface glycoconjugates, which included neutral and sialilated glycoproteins. Both portions of ENTs had C4-acetylated sialoderivatives that were not detected in sections of histologically normal nasal mucosa.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The papillary portion of ENTs in sheep may originate from respiratory glands and goblet cells. The tubular portion of ENTs in sheep may originate from olfactory glands. Presence of C4-acetylated sialoderivatives in cells of ENTs could confer resistance against pathogens to those cells.
Use of electrical stimulation to monitor lumbosacral epidural and intrathecal needle placement in rabbits
Authors: Otero Pablo E. , Portela Diego A. , Brinkyer Javier A. , Tarragona Lisa , Zaccagnini Andrea S. , Fuensalida Santiago E. , Ceballos Martín R.
Published: July 2012

Objective—To determine the minimal electric threshold of neurostimulation dorsally and ventrally to the interarcuate ligament in the lumbosacral area necessary to cause muscle contraction of the hind limb or tail and determine whether a continuous electrical stimulation applied to an insulated needle during lumbosacral epidural needle placement could be used to distinguish the epidural from the intrathecal space in rabbits.

Animals—24 New Zealand white rabbits.

Procedures—Rabbits received iohexol (0.2 mL/kg) either dorsally (group 1) or ventrally to the interarcuate ligament in the lumbosacral area (groups 2 and 3). Correct placement of the needle was determined by use of the loss of resistance to injection technique (group 2) or a continuous electrical stimulation (group 3) and confirmed by examination of the iohexol distribution pattern on radiographs.

Results—In all rabbits of group 1, iohexol was injected in the lumbosacral area, outside the epidural space. In groups 2 and 3, iohexol was injected intrathecally. No pure iohexol epidural migration of iohexol was observed. Mean ± SD minimal electric threshold to elicit a motor response was 1.2 ± 0.3 mA, 0.3 ± 0.1 mA, and 0.3 ± 0.1 mA in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Neurostimulation was a useful technique to determine correct intrathecal needle placement in rabbits but failed to detect the lumbosacral epidural space when the common technique, used in dogs and cats for the lumbosacral epidural approach, was used.
Kinetic and kinematic analysis of the right hind limb during trotting on a treadmill in Labrador Retrievers presumed predisposed or not predisposed to cranial cruciate ligament disease
Authors: Ragetly Chantal A. , Griffon Dominique J. , Hsu M. K. Iris , Klump L. Michaela , Hsiao-Wecksler Elizabeth T.
Published: July 2012

Objective—To identify gait characteristics during trotting on a treadmill in nonlame Labrador Retrievers presumed predisposed or not predisposed to cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD).

Animals—Clinically normal Labrador Retrievers presumed predisposed (n = 10) or not predisposed (7) to CCLD.

Procedures—The right hind limb of each dog was classified by use of a predictive score equation that combined tibial plateau angle and femoral anteversion angle as presumed predisposed (high score [> −1.5]) or not predisposed (low score [≤ −1.5]) to CCLD. Tarsal joint, stifle joint, and hip joint kinematics, net moments, and powers were computed.

Results—The stifle joint was held at a greater degree of flexion in limbs presumed predisposed to CCLD (130.9° vs 139.3°). More power was generated by muscles acting on the stifle joint in the early stance phase of limbs presumed to be predisposed to CCLD (2.93 vs 1.64 W/kg). The tarsal joint did not reach the same degree of extension in limbs presumed predisposed to CCLD, compared with that in limbs presumed not predisposed to CCLD (179.0° vs 161.0°). Velocity, stance time, vertical and craniocaudal forces, angular velocities, and net joint muscle moments did not differ between groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Gait mechanics of dogs with high (> −1.5) and low (≤ −1.5) tibial plateau angle and femoral anteversion angle scores were characterized on a treadmill, which may help in the identification of dogs predisposed to CCLD.
The civil magistrate: the Scottish Office and the anti-Irish campaign, 1922–1929
Authors: Ritchie David
Published: August 2012

The Church of Scotland's anti-Irish campaign in the 1920s was largely concentrated in persuading the Unionist government of the merits of legislation to restrict immigration from the Irish Free State. The accepted view has been that this campaign failed in its objectives due to overriding imperial concerns and the indifference, in some cases the hostility, of the Unionist party to the Church's case. This article seeks to re-examine the relationship between the Unionist party and the Church in the 1920s and to demonstrate how successful the Church actually was in persuading influential figures, notably Sir John Gilmour, secretary of state for Scotland and his deputy Major Walter Elliot, of the necessity to restrict immigration. It has also been the view that the Glasgow Herald, in a series of five articles in 1929, was pivotal in the public demolition of the Church's position. It will be shown here that there is evidence to suggest that these articles may have been inspired and possibly materially assisted by figures within the Scottish Office.
Update on genistein and thyroid: an overall message of safety
Authors: Marini Herbert , Polito Francesca , Adamo Elena B. , Bitto Alessandra , Squadrito Francesco , Benvenga Salvatore
Published: July 2012

Genistein aglycone, one of the soy isoflavones, has been reported to be beneficial in the treatment of menopausal vasomotor symptoms, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as in a variety of cancers. However, issues of potential harm on thyroid function resulting from soy isoflavones consumption have been raised. Much of the evidence for the goitrogenic effects of isoflavones is derived from experimental in vitro and in vivo studies. Goitrogenic effects were also noted in infants fed non-iodine-fortified, soy-based formula, a problem that was easily solved with iodine fortification. Recent studies suggest that genistein shows a good profile of safety on the thyroid although definitive conclusions have not reached. The aim of this brief review is to summarize and better clarify the effects of genistein on human thyroid health.
Identification of the Appropriate Boundary Size to Use When Measuring the Food Retail Environment Surrounding Schools
Authors: Seliske Laura , Pickett William , Rosu Andrei , Janssen Ian
Published: July 2012

This study included 6,971 students in grades 9 and 10 (ages 13 to 16 years) from 158 schools who participated in the 2009/2010 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Study. Students provided information on where they typically ate lunch. The number of food retailers was obtained for six road network buffer sizes (500, 750, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, and 5,000 meters) surrounding schools. Associations between the presence of food retailers near schools and students’ lunchtime eating behaviours were examined using multilevel logistic regression. Comparisons of model fit statistics indicated that the 1,000 m buffer provided the best fit. At this distance, students with ≥3 food retailers near their schools had a 3.42 times greater relative odds (95% CI: 2.12–5.52) of eating their lunchtime meal at a food retailer compared to students with no nearby food retailers. Students who had ≥2 food retailers within 750 m of their schools had a 2.74 times greater relative odds (95% CI: 1.75–4.29), while those who had ≥1 food retailer within 500 m of their schools had 2.27 times greater relative odds of eating at food retailer (95% CI: 1.46–3.52) compared to those with no nearby food retailers. For distances greater than 1,000 m, no consistent relationships were found.
Grey Level and Noise Evaluation of a Foveon X3 Image Sensor: A Statistical and Experimental Approach
Authors: Riutort-Mayol Gabriel , Marqués-Mateu Ángel , Seguí Ana Elena , Lerma José Luis
Published: July 2012

Radiometric values on digital imagery are affected by several sources of uncertainty. A practical, comprehensive and flexible procedure to analyze the radiometric values and the uncertainty effects due to the camera sensor system is described in this paper. The procedure is performed on the grey level output signal using image raw units with digital numbers ranging from 0 to 212-1. The procedure is entirely based on statistical and experimental techniques. Design of Experiments (DoE) for Linear Models (LM) are derived to analyze the radiometric values and estimate the uncertainty. The presented linear model integrates all the individual sensor noise sources in one global component and characterizes the radiometric values and the uncertainty effects according to the influential factors such as the scene reflectance, wavelength range and time. The experiments are carried out under laboratory conditions to minimize the rest of uncertainty sources that might affect the radiometric values. It is confirmed the flexibility of the procedure to model and characterize the radiometric values, as well as to determine the behaviour of two phenomena when dealing with image sensors: the noise of a single image and the stability (trend and noise) of a sequence of images.
Vatican II : 50 ans après. Un appel au dialogue des sages
Authors: d’Ornellas Pierre
Published: July 2012

Résumé L’appel au « dialogue », voulu par le concile Vatican II, porté par Paul VI, a été relayé par Jean-Paul II puis, aujourd’hui, par Benoît XVI, selon la logique propre au dialogue interreligieux. Le concept de loi naturelle, peu directement mentionné par le dernier Concile, est utile en ce sens. Il permet de comprendre en quel sens la notion d’autonomie est recevable. Il fonde ce que l’on peut appeler une « éthique universelle ». Sagesse et raison sont, dans ce contexte, deux notions clés, telles que la Commission théologique internationale a pu en parler. Ce dialogue est, bien évidemment, nourri par la Bible et éclairé par l’Esprit. Une herméneutique de la continuité est ainsi dessinée.
La guerre de Sécession au large de Cherbourg
Authors: Ameur Farid
Published: July 2012

Résumé Le dimanche 19 juin 1864, le css Alabama , un corsaire confédéré, est coulé au large de Cherbourg à l’issue d’un duel mémorable qui l’a opposé à l’ uss Kearsarge , une frégate de la marine fédérale. S’il paraît aujourd’hui relever de l’anecdote, cet épisode insolite de la guerre de Sécession aura causé de sérieux embarras aux autorités françaises en les contraignant, malgré toute leur bienveillance envers le Sud, d’appliquer à la lettre les règles de la neutralité entre les belligérants, ne serait-ce que pour veiller à l’inviolabilité des eaux territoriales. Surtout, la ligne de conduite que le Gouvernement impérial s’est efforcé de suivre tant bien que mal pour éviter de fâcheuses complications diplomatiques témoigne du vif intérêt que Napoléon III, accaparé par son rêve mexicain, porte alors aux événements américains.
Ultrasound Biomicroscopy Diagnosis of an Axenfeld Loop
Authors: Santiago Ronaldo A. , Krema Hatem , Pavlin Charles J.
Published: July 2012

A 67-year-old man was referred for evaluation of a small mass on the sclera of the right eye. Ultrasound biomicroscopy of the mass suggested the diagnosis of Axenfeld loop.
Foundation of Keyword Search in XML
Authors: Yang Weidong , Zhu Hao
Published: August 2012

It has become desirable to provide a way of keyword search for users to query structured information in an XML database (data-centric retrieval) by combining database and information retrieval techniques. Therefore, the key challenges of keyword search in the XML database are how to define appropriate result models meeting user’s search intents, how to search the results by using efficient algorithms, and how to ranking the results. In this chapter, on one hand, the authors present the foundational knowledge of XML keyword search such as XML data models, XML query languages, inverted index, and Dewey encoding. On the other hand, some existing typical researches of keyword search in XML are presented, including the results models such as Smallest Lowest Common Ancestor (SLCA), Exclusive Lowest Common Ancestor (ELCA), Meaningful Lowest Common Ancestor (MLCA), the related search algorithms, and the ranking approaches.
System Architecture and Implementation
Authors: Dweib Ibrahim , Lu Joan
Published: August 2012

This chapter presents the system architecture, and implementation tools used for evaluating the MAXDOR model. The chapter also presents the main classes created to demonstrate the methodology for mapping XML document into relational database, rebuilding XML document from relational database, updating the content of XML document stored in relational database, XPath-To-SQL query translation, and building the result in XML format. Application on a case study is also presented. XML data sets from selected XML bench marks and XML data repository will be identified to be used for testing and evaluating the model. Finally, the chapter concludes with a summary.
Path to Success
Authors: Genis-Gruber Ahu , Aktas Ramazan
Published: August 2012

The current case examines the management strategies of a leading furniture company that started off as a small business and rapidly expanded globally. The success the company has achieved through its innovative marketing strategies and use of international management techniques is presented. The case highlights the company’s flexibility in adapting its organizational structures to the nature of the market in different countries, and its reliance on a cross-cultural management approach to marketing in order to increase product acceptance by consumers across the world.
Case Histories in the Education of Advanced Practice Nurses
Authors: Winkelman Chris , Kelley Carol , Savrin Carol
Published: August 2012

Case histories—rich, anecdotal narratives—are theorized to support the acquisition of cognitive, social, cultural, and emotional knowledge and motor skills through active learning. This manuscript focuses on the value of case histories in teaching and evaluating acute and critical care advanced practice nursing students. Information about the use of case histories in advanced critical care education and clinical practice is limited. Case histories support student-centered learning and development of clinical reasoning. An exemplar of a case history is provided, and application of case histories to both electronic and classroom settings is explored.
Management of Delirium in Critically Ill Older Adults
Authors: Balas Michele C. , Rice Michael , Chaperon Claudia , Smith Heather , Disbot Maureen , Fuchs Barry
Published: August 2012

Delirium in older adults in critical care is associated with poor outcomes, including longer stays, higher costs, increased mortality, greater use of continuous sedation and physical restraints, increased unintended removal of catheters and self-extubation, functional decline, new institutionalization, and new onset of cognitive impairment. Diagnosing delirium is complicated because many critically ill older adults cannot communicate their needs effectively. Manifestations include reduced ability to focus attention, disorientation, memory impairment, and perceptual disturbances. Nurses often have primary responsibility for detecting and treating delirium, which can be extraordinarily complicated because patients are often voiceless, extremely ill, and require high levels of sedatives to facilitate mechanical ventilation. An aggressive, appropriate, and compassionate management strategy may reduce the suffering and adverse outcomes associated with delirium and improve relationships between nurses, patients, and patients’ family members.
An Unusual Case of Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction: A Still Unsolved Diagnosis
Authors: Biagini Elena , Pazzi Chiara , Rosmini Stefania , Leone Ornella , Coviello Domenico A. , Rapezzi Claudio
Published: August 2012

A 35-year-old woman was referred to our centre for clinical management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (end-stage evolution). She was recently diagnosed elsewhere because of palpitations. Her 7-year-old daughter underwent familiar screening and she was diagnosed with classic HCM. She was completely asymptomatic without extracardiac or systemic manifestations. During the following years, they both experienced a similar clinical course with worsening dyspnoea and progressive deterioration of LV systolic function. They both underwent heart transplantation, the mother at the age of 47 and the daughter at the age of 23, respectively. Many diagnostic hypotheses, including sarcomeric HCM, Anderson-Fabry disease, glycogen storage diseases and mitochondrial cardiomyopathies have been taken into account. The diagnostic work-up included serial electrocardiogram and echocardiographic assessments, pathologic evaluation of the explanted hearts and genetic analysis of 8 sarcomeric and 3 metabolic genes. Even if a shared HCM phenotype (LV systolic dysfunction in two first-degree female family members associated with a likely autosomal dominant inheritance and absence of extracardiac or multisystemic manifestations) could support a temptative diagnosis of sarcomeric HCM, a definitive diagnosis could not be reached, due to the lack of genetic analysis to confirm such diagnosis.
Simultaneous Analysis of Common and Rare Variants in Complex Traits: Application to SNPs (SCARVAsnp)
Authors: Chen Guanjie , Yuan Ao , Zhou Yanxun , Bentley Amy R. , Zhou Jie , Chen Weiping , Shriner Daniel , Adeyemo Adebowale , Rotimi Charles N.
Published: July 2012

Advances in technology and reduced costs are facilitating large-scale sequencing of genes and exomes as well as entire genomes. Recently, we described an approach based on haplotypes called SCARVA 1 that enables the simultaneous analysis of the association between rare and common variants in disease etiology. Here, we describe an extension of SCARVA that evaluates individual markers instead of haplotypes. This modified method (SCARVAsnp) is implemented in four stages. First, all common variants in a pre-specified region (eg, gene) are evaluated individually. Second, a union procedure is used to combined all rare variants (RVs) in the index region, and the ratio of the log likelihood with one RV excluded to the log likelihood of a model with all the collapsed RVs is calculated. On the basis of previously-reported simulation studies, 1 a likelihood ratio ≥ 1.3 is considered statistically significant. Third, the direction of the association of the removed RV is determined by evaluating the change in λ values with the inclusion and exclusion of that RV. Lastly, significant common and rare variants, along with covariates, are included in a final regression model to evaluate the association between the trait and variants in that region. We apply simulated and real data sets to show that the method is simple to use, computationally effcient, and that it can accurately identify both common and rare risk variants. This method overcomes several limitations of existing methods. For example, SCARVAsnp limits loss of statistical power by not including variants that are not associated with the trait of interest in the final model. Also, SCARVAsnp takes into consideration the direction of association by effectively modelling positively and negatively associated variants.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Taenia solium in a Multiple Taeniid-Endemic Region Reveals Competition May be Protective
Authors: Conlan James V. , Vongxay Khamphouth , Khamlome Boualam , Dorny Pierre , Sripa Banchob , Elliot Aileen , Blacksell Stuart D. , Fenwick Stanley , Thompson R. C. Andrew
Published: August 2012

We conducted cross-sectional surveys for taeniasis and cysticercosis in humans, pigs, and dogs in four northern provinces of Laos. Human cysticercosis and taeniasis prevalence was 2.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4–3.0%) and 8.4% (95% CI = 6.9–9.9%), respectively. Eating uncooked beef, being male, province of residence, age, and ethnicity were significant risk factors for taeniasis and only province of residence was a significant risk factor for cystiercosis. Thirty-five human tapeworms were recovered during the survey and 33 (94.3%) and 2 (5.7%) were identified as Taenia saginata and T. solium, respectively. Maximum-likelihood adjusted prevalence of T. solium and T. hydatigena in pigs was 4.2% (95% CI = 0.5–7.9%) and 55.9% (95% CI = 47.5–64.3%), respectively, and T. hydatigena taeniasis in dogs was 4.8% (95% CI = 0.0–11.3%). Taenia hydatigena and T. saginata were the most prevalent taeniids in the respective pig and human populations and together may suppress T. solium transmission.
Successful Treatment of Canine Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Using Radio-Frequency Induced Heat (RFH) Therapy
Authors: Ahuja Anil A. , Bumb Ram A. , Mehta Rajesh D. , Prasad Neha , Tanwar Ram K. , Satoskar Abhay R.
Published: August 2012

Canine cutaneous leishmaniasis (CCL) is a significant veterinary problem. Infected dogs also serve as parasite reservoirs and contribute to human transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Current treatments for CCL are cumbersome and toxic because they are prolonged and involve multiple injections of antimonials. Radio-frequency induced heat (RFH) therapy has been found to be highly effective against CL in humans. Here, we examined the efficacy of topical RFH therapy in the treatment of CL in two pet dogs. We found that RFH therapy induced complete clinical cure and lesion healing within 45 days and both dogs have remained disease free for the last 16 months. This report is the first to demonstrate that a single topical application of RFH therapy is safe and effective in inducing long-term cure of CCL.
Evaluation of Antigen Detection Tests, Microscopy, and Polymerase Chain Reaction for Diagnosis of Malaria in Peripheral Blood in Asymptomatic Pregnant Women in Nanoro, Burkina Faso
Authors: Kattenberg Johanna H. , Tahita Christian M. , Versteeg Inge A. J. , Tinto Halidou , Traoré/Coulibaly Maminata , D'Alessandro Umberto , Schallig Henk D. F. H. , Mens Petra F.
Published: August 2012

Rapid diagnostics tests (RDTs) detect malaria specific antigen(s) in the circulation, even when parasites are sequestered in the placenta and not visible by microscopy. However, research on their diagnostic accuracy during pregnancy is limited. Pregnant women (n = 418) were screened for malaria during routine antenatal care by using two RDTs that detect histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) or Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays with antibodies that detect dihydrofolate reductase–thymidylate synthase or heme-detoxification protein, and compared with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and microscopy for evaluation of their diagnostic accuracy. Prevalence of malaria infection was high (53% by PCR). The RT-PCR and the HRP2 RDT detected most cases of malaria during pregnancy, whereas microscopy, the Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase RDT, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for dihydrofolate reductase–thymidylate synthase and heme-detoxification protein antibodies did not detect several low-density infections. Therefore, the HRP2 RDT could be a useful tool in high-transmission areas for diagnosis of malaria in asymptomatic pregnant women.
Business Incubators in China: An Inquiry into the Variables Associated with Incubatee Success
Authors: Zhang Haiyang , Sonobe Tetsushi
Published: July 2012

This paper examines the association between the outcome of business incubation and the resources used by incubators, by using a small panel of science and technology business incubators (STBIs) in China. We find that while the number of firms graduating from an STBI is closely correlated with the infrastructure as well as the human and financial resources at the STBI’s disposal, the graduates’ firm sizes, in terms of employment and value added, as well as their labor productivity are unrelated to such resource inputs. We also find that the educational levels of incubator managers and the financial support given to their clients have significant impacts on the number of graduates. However, the number of graduates does not increase with the scale and diversity of the cities in which their STBIs are located or with the presence of foreign ventures and universities in the locality. We do not find that universitybased and government-established STBIs differ significantly in their incubation performance.
Urinalysis-based comparative evaluation of pattern of use of dextropropoxyphene and buprenorphine among opioid-dependent subjects
Authors: Balhara, MD, DNB (Psychiatry), MNAMS Yatan Pal Singh , Jain, PhD, CChem, FRSC Raka
Published: August 2012

Objective: In view of increasing safety concerns, there is a need to assess benefits of use of dextropropoxyphene as opioid substitution treatment, if any. This study aims at urinalysis-based comparative evaluation of pattern of use of dextropropoxyphene and buprenorphine among opioid-dependent subjects.Setting: Laboratory of a tertiary care drug-dependence treatment center.Participants: Patients on buprenorphine and dextropropoxyphene therapy and their urinalysis records.Interventions: Nonexperimental chart review method.Main outcome measure(s): “Use,” “abuse,” and “prescribed but not used rates” for buprenorphine and dextropropoxyphene were compared, using χ2-test with level of significance at p < 0.05.Results: Rate of “use” and “abuse” was significantly high for dextropropoxyphene. Rate of “prescribed but not used” was significantly high for buprenorphine (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Despite apparent benefits of dextropropoxyphene use in terms of better rates of “use” and “prescribed but not used” as compared to buprenorphine, one needs to review the situation in light of recent reports of adverse effects with dextropropoxyphene and limited resources available.