bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neglected role of hookah and opium in gastric carcinogenesis: A cohort study on risk factors and attributable fractions
Authors: Sadjadi Alireza , Derakhshan Mohammad H. , Yazdanbod Abbas , Boreiri Majid , Parsaeian Mahbubeh , Babaei Masoud , Alimohammadian Masoomeh , Samadi Fatemeh , Etemadi Arash , Pourfarzi Farhad , Ahmadi Emad , Delavari Alireza , Islami Farhad , Farzadfar Farshad , Sotoudeh Masoud , Nikmanesh Arash , Alizadeh Behrooz Z. , de Bock Geertruida H. , Malekzadeh Reza
Published: June 2013

A recent study showed an association between hookah/opium use and gastric cancer but no study has investigated the relationship with gastric precancerous lesions. We examined the association between hookah/opium and gastric precancerous lesions and subsequent gastric cancer. In a population‐based cohort study, 928 randomly selected, healthy, Helicobacter pylori‐infected subjects in Ardabil Province, Iran, were followed for 10 years. The association between baseline precancerous lesions and lifestyle risk factors (including hookah/opium) was analyzed using logistic regression and presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We also calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for the associations of lifestyle risk factors and endoscopic and histological parameters with incident gastric cancers using Cox regression models. Additionally, the proportion of cancers attributable to modifiable risk factors was calculated. During 9,096 person‐years of follow‐up, 36 new cases of gastric cancer were observed (incidence rate: 3.96/1,000 persons‐years). Opium consumption was strongly associated with baseline antral (OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.2–9.1) and body intestinal metaplasia (OR: 7.3; 95% CI: 2.5–21.5). Opium (HR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.4–7.7), hookah (HR: 3.4; 95% CI: 1.7–7.1) and cigarette use (HR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.4–7.5), as well as high salt intake, family history of gastric cancer, gastric ulcer and histological atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia of body were associated with higher risk of gastric cancer. The fraction of cancers attributable jointly to high salt, low fruit intake, smoking (including hookah) and opium was 93% (95% CI: 83–98). Hookah and opium use are risk factors for gastric cancer as well as for precancerous lesions. Hookah, opium, cigarette and high salt intake are important modifiable risk factors in this high‐incidence gastric cancer area.
Maternal Report of Infant Emotional Well‐Being Following Their Infant's Hospitalization for Neonatal Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Jordan Brigid , Franich‐Ray Candice , Anderson Vicki , Northam Elisabeth , Albert Nadia , Cochrane Andrew , Menahem Samuel
Published: June 2013

Little is known about the immediate impact of neonatal cardiac surgery on emotional and behavioral functioning in infancy. This exploratory, qualitative study investigated if infants who underwent cardiac surgery in the first 3 months of life exhibited emotional and behavioral dysregulation or traumatic stress responses. Ninety‐one infants and their mothers were recruited while inpatients. Mothers were interviewed about their perceptionof the impact of illness, surgery, and the hospitalizationon on their infant 4 weeks after discharge. Responses were analyzed by two coders using thematic analysis. Eighty‐three of the mothers interviewed described impacts on the infant, which emcompassed five themes: infant behavior (n = 44, 48%), emotions (n = 43, 47%), physical health (n = 31, 34%), relationship and social interaction (n = 27, 30%), and development (n = 18, 20%). Our expectation that there would be impacts in the period soon after neonatal cardiac surgery consistent with a pediatric medical traumatic stress response model was supported. Maternal report of infant well‐being following neonatal cardiac surgery delineated three groups of infants: those who appear unscathed; those who appear generally happy, but demonstrate specific alarm and avoidance responses in the presence of medical trauma; and those with significant problems in emotional regulation, behavioral regulation, or both.
Strain Dependence of the Uniaxial Compression Response of Vegetable Shortening
Authors: Gonzalez‐Gutierrez Joamin , Scanlon Martin G.
Published: June 2013

Many soft food materials, including vegetable shortening, exhibit complex rheological behavior. For shortening, a precise determination of rheological behavior is necessary to understand its functionality as a food ingredient. Commercial vegetable shortening was subjected to monotonic and cyclic uniaxial compression tests at a wide range of loading rates. The elastic modulus determined from unloading was a function of strain, varying between 740 kPa in the shortening's strain hardening region to 220 kPa at large strain where perfect plasticity had developed. Visual analysis of shortening specimens during the compression process showed that a rate‐dependent stress overshoot was attributable to the development of a shear band following strain hardening. An elastoviscoplastic constitutive model was developed to define the complex rate‐dependent compression response of vegetable shortening. Using the fundamental parameters obtained from the different types of compression tests, the proposed model accurately predicted the uniaxial compression response of vegetable shortening over a wide range (three decades) of compression rates. A model with predictive capabilities of large strain properties is desirable because shortening is subject to large strain in essentially all applications.
Communicative intentions can modulate the linguistic perception-action link
Authors: Kashima Yoshihisa , Bekkering Harold , Kashima Emiko S.
Published: June 2013

Although applauding Pickering & Garrod's (P&G's) attempt to ground language use in the ideomotor perception-action link, which provides an “infrastructure” of embodied social interaction, we suggest that it needs to be complemented by an additional control mechanism that modulates its operation in the service of the language users' communicative intentions. Implications for intergroup relationships and intercultural communication are discussed.
Preparing to be punched: Prediction may not always require inference of intentions
Authors: Kreysa Helene
Published: June 2013

Pickering & Garrod's (P&G's) framework assumes an efference copy based on the interlocutor's intentions. Yet, elaborate attribution of intentions may not always be necessary for online prediction. Instead, contextual cues such as speaker gaze can provide similar information with a lower demand on processing resources.
Documenting violations of international humanitarian law from space: a critical review of geospatial analysis of satellite imagery during armed conflicts in Gaza (2009), Georgia (2008), and Sri Lanka (2009)
Authors: Lyons Joshua
Published: June 2013

Since the launch of the first commercial very high resolution satellite sensor in 1999 there has been a growing awareness and application of space technology for the remote identification of potential violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. As examined in the three cases of armed conflict in Gaza, Georgia, and Sri Lanka, analysis of satellite imagery was able to provide investigators with independent, verifiable, and compelling evidence of serious violations of international humanitarian law. Also examined are the important limitations to such imagery-based analysis, including the larger technical, analytical, and political challenges facing the humanitarian and human rights community for conducting satellite-based analysis in the future.
The use of alternative polyadenylation sites renders integrin β1 (Itgb1) mRNA isoforms with differential stability during mammary gland development
Authors: Naipauer Julian , Gattelli Albana , Degese Maria Sol , Slomiansky Victoria , Wertheimer Eva , Lamarre Jonathan , Castilla Lucio , Abba Martin , Kordon Edith C. , Coso Omar A.
Published: June 2013

Integrins are heterodimeric cell-surface adhesion receptors that play a critical role in tissue development. Characterization of the full-length mRNA encoding the β1 subunit (Itgb1) revealed an alternative functional cleavage and polyadenylation site that yields a new Itgb1 mRNA isoform 578 bp shorter than that previously reported. Using a variety of experimental and bioinformatic approaches, we found that the two Itgb1 isoforms are expressed at different levels in a variety of mouse tissues, including the mammary gland, where they are differentially regulated at successive developmental stages. The longer mRNA species is prevelant during lactation, whereas the shorter is induced after weaning. In 3D cultures, where expression of integrin β1 protein is required for normal formation of acini, experimental blockade of the longer isoform induced enhanced expression of the shorter species which allowed normal morphological mammary differentiation. The short isoform lacks AU-rich motifs and miRNA target sequences that are potentially implicated in the regulation of mRNA stability and translation efficiency. We further determined that the AU-binding protein HuR appears to selectively stabilize the longer isoform in the mammary gland. In summary, the results of the present study identify a new regulatory instance involved in the fine-tuning of Itgb1 expression during mammary gland development and function.
Defoliation and bark harvesting affect life‐history traits of a tropical tree
Authors: Gaoue Orou G. , Horvitz Carol C. , Ticktin Tamara , Steiner Ulrich K. , Tuljapurkar Shripad
Published: June 2013

Selectively harvesting whole individuals in managed populations (e.g. fisheries, hunting) has substantial effects on life expectancy and age at maturity. Although demographic rates of trees are impacted by recurrent harvest of plant organs (e.g. fruit, leaf, bark) known as non‐timber forest products, the effect of such harvesting on life‐history traits is less explored.

Here, we investigate how different strategies of foliage and bark harvest by local people affect life expectancy and age at maturity of Khaya senegalensis across two climatic regions in West Africa. We compare elasticities of life expectancy to perturbation of vital rates to the elasticities of population growth rate, emphasizing how the two kinds of elasticity address distinct biological issues and management goals.

Life expectancy was shorter and reproduction delayed in the dry than in the moist region, indicating a cost of drought to life‐history traits. Harvesting at constant rates only affects (increased) life expectancy in the moist region and (reduced) age at first reproduction in the dry region.

Models in which harvest intensity varies stochastically over time show results similar to those with constant harvesting rate. However, there is an interactive effect of harvest on life‐history traits between regions. Increasing harvesting pressure accelerates maturity and reduces life expectancy in the dry region but delays reproduction and increases life expectancy in the moist region. This indicates that stochasticity magnifies the effect of harvesting on life‐history traits.

With the notable exception of heavily harvested populations in the moist region, life expectancy is more elastic to survival of early rather than late life stages. This pattern contrasts with the elasticity of population growth rate; the latter is more elastic to survival of late rather than early life stages.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that plant harvesting can affect life‐history traits but in different ways across an environmental gradient. Failure to account for stochasticity in harvesting rate can mask some of these effects. Our results also indicate that processes driving plant life expectancy, at least for long‐lived species, may differ from those driving population dynamics.
Interdental cleaning among persons with diabetes: relationships with individual characteristics
Authors: Strauss SM , Stefanou LB
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Given the existence of many potential oral health complications for adults with diabetes (especially for those who do not practise regular oral self‐care), and the specific importance of regular interdental cleaning, the research determined the proportion of U.S. adults with diabetes who practise daily interdental cleaning and their socio‐demographic, economic and oral health characteristics related to this practice.

Methods

Analyses were conducted using data collected from 573 dentulous adults with diabetes ≥ 30 years who participated in the U.S. 2009–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination survey. Using complex sample survey software, findings were extrapolated to >15 million U.S. adults. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the frequency of interdental cleaning, and chi‐square tests were used to identify salient individual characteristics related to this practice.

Results

41.2% reported that they never used any interdental device, while 24.8% indicated that they practised interdental cleaning daily. Statistically significant relationships (P < 0.05) with daily interdental cleaning included female sex, ever having had treatment for gum disease and using mouthwash daily for a dental problem.

Conclusions

Because so many adults with diabetes do not practise regular interdental cleaning, and in view of the important role that dental hygienists fulfil as oral healthcare educators, there is a great need for dental hygienists to teach and motivate adults with diabetes to practise regular interdental cleaning. This need is especially great for subgroups of these adults who are men, have not been treated for periodontitis and do not regularly use a mouthwash for dental problems.
Fern sporophagy in Coleoptera from the Juan Fernandez Islands, Chile, with descriptions of two new genera in Cryptophagidae and Mycetophagidae
Authors: LESCHEN RICHARD A. B. , LAWRENCE JOHN F.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Fern sporophagy is reported in species of Cryptophagidae, Mycetophagidae and Anthribidae occurring on the Juan Fernandez Islands, Chile. The following taxa are described and/or discussed: Cryptophagidae: Cryptothelypterus gen.n., with five species: C.obrieni sp.n., C.pteropilosus sp.n., C.selkirki (Bruce) comb.n., C.skottsbergi (Bruce) comb.n., and C.splendens (Bruce) comb.n.; Mycetophagidae: Filicivora gen.n., with one species, F.chilensis (Philippi & Philippi) comb.n.; and Anthribidae: Opisolia lenis Jordan. A key to the species of Cryptothelypterus is provided. Convergent adaptations for fern sporophagy in these groups are discussed, hypotheses are given for the evolution of this habit, and comments are made on wing atrophy.
The Failure of Immunotherapy with Dinitrochlorobenzene and Rhus Extract for Recurrent Conjunctival Squamous Papillomas
Authors: LEE NOVICK NELSON , BOSNIAK STEPHEN L.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. A 25‐year‐old white male is described who presented with recurrent conjunctival squamous papillo‐mata. Despite prior reports of successful dinitrochlorobenzene use for topical immunotherapy, its failure in our patient, and the first documented attempt to employ Rhus oleoresin (poison ivy/oak) extract for topical conjunctival immunotherapy is reported. The role of topical immunotherapy in treating recurrent conjunctival papillomas is discussed.
A Histologic Pattern Approach to the Anatomy of the Face
Authors: DZUBOW LEONARD M.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Superficial facial anatomy is usually presented in texts by sequential, two‐dimensional illustrations of dissections at various levels of depth. Three‐dimensional structural relationships of nerves, vessels, and fasciae can be best understood, however, by recognizing their patterns of organization. These patterns are reviewed and illustrated by histologic sections from various anatomic sites.
Design of Skin Flaps with a New Technique Using Templates
Authors: STROUD MICHAEL B.
Published: June 2013

Patterned templates were constructed to assist in planning, performing, and teaching skin flap surgery. Templates can be used to design geometrically accurate flaps and to consider different flap orientation strategies. They can be used to align flap tension forces in proper relationship with relaxed skin tension lines.
Treatment of Perichondritis with a Quinolone Derivative—Norfloxacin
Authors: THOMAS JULIAN M. , SWANSON NEIL A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Auricular perichondritis is an uncommon complication following surgery of the external ear. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most commonly associated pathogen. Presented is a patient with auricular perichondritis successfully treated with norfloxacin, a newly available, orally administered antibiotic with antipseudomonal activity.
The Use of Fascial Plication to Facilitate Wound Closure Following Microscopically Controlled Surgery
Authors: DZUBOW LEONARD M.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The closure of large wounds created by the Mohs method of skin cancer removal may often be facilitated by the plication of the underlying fascia. Fascial plication causes the movement of tissue without direct tension and vascular compromise on involved skin. This may be referred to as tissue drag. The tissue, once dragged toward the closure point by fascial movement, may often be stretched a further distance. Only the tension caused by stretching affects the vascular viability of the skin. This tension‐alleviating maneuver may permit closure of wounds that might otherwise be subject to ischemic complications if only standard cutaneous and subcutaneous closures are employed.
Inhibition of interleukin‐13 gene expression by triptolide in activated T lymphocytes
Authors: Dai Shanlin , Yin Kaisheng , Yao Xin , Zhou Lin
Published: June 2013

Background and objective

Triptolide, a type of diterpenoid, is the active compound of Tripterygium wilfordii; it plays roles in anti‐inflammatory and immune response regulation. Our objective was to investigate the mechanism of the inhibitory effect of triptolide on interleukin‐13 (IL‐13) gene expression in activated T lymphocytes. Understanding the molecular mechanism by which triptolide exerts a therapeutic function may be useful in developing a pharmaceutical treatment for asthma.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and Hut‐78 cells were stimulated with anti‐CD3/CD28 with or without co‐incubation with triptolide. The alteration of IL‐13 messenger RNA (mRNA), expression and protein level were analysed using real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The intracellular distribution profile of transcription factor GATA3 and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT1) were analysed by Western blotting. The binding rates of GATA3 and NFAT1 to the promoter sequence of IL‐13 were analysed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) PCR.

Results

In PBMC, the release of IL‐13 was dependent on anti‐CD3/CD28 stimulation. Its release could be inhibited by triptolide at the concentration of 500 nmol. In Hut‐78 cells, IL‐13 mRNA and protein expression were increased with anti‐CD3/CD28 stimulation and significantly inhibited by incubation with 28 nmol triptolide. This concentration of triptolide also significantly inhibited the nuclear translocation of GATA3 and NFAT1 reducing the binding rate to the IL‐13 gene promoter.

Conclusions

Triptolide inhibits IL‐13 gene transcription and protein expression by inhibiting GATA3 and NFAT1 nuclear translocation and their binding rates to the IL‐13 gene promoter region.
Fluticasone uptake across Calu‐3 cells is mediated by salmeterol when deposited as a combination powder inhaler
Authors: Haghi Mehra , Traini Daniela , Postma Dirkje S. , Bebawy Mary , Young Paul M.
Published: June 2013

Background and objective

We assessed whether co‐deposition of a long‐acting β2‐agonist and a corticosteroid affects their respective transport rates across epithelial cells.

Methods

Drug particles were deposited on the air‐interface culture of Calu‐3 cells using a twin‐stage impinger. We compared the transport rate of salmeterol and fluticasone across the epithelial cells using commercially available formulations (Serevent, Flixotide and Seretide). The transepithelial resistance of Calu‐3 cells was measured before and after each deposition to monitor epithelial resistance.

Results

The codeposition of salmeterol and fluticasone had no significant effect on transport of salmeterol through the cell layer. In contrast, the rate of fluticasone propionate transport in presence of salmeterol xinofoate was significantly lower (0.53 ± 0.20%) compared with the single fluticasone formulation (2.36 ± 0.97%). Furthermore, the resistance of the epithelial cells was significantly increased after salmeterol deposition from both single and combination products.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that salmeterol may decrease the permeability of epithelial cells, resulting in slower fluticasone transport across Calu‐3 epithelial monolayers. The subsequent increased residence time of fluticasone in the airways could prolong its anti‐inflammatory effects.
Asymptotic Analysis of Spectral Properties of Finite Capacity Processor Shared Queues
Authors: Zhen Qiang , Knessl Charles
Published: June 2013

We consider sojourn (or response) times in processor‐shared queues that have a finite customer capacity. Computing the response time of a tagged customer involves solving a finite system of linear ODEs. Writing the system in matrix form, we study the eigenvectors and eigenvalues in the limit as the size of the matrix becomes large. This corresponds to finite capacity models where the system can only hold a large number K of customers. Using asymptotic methods we reduce the eigenvalue problem to that of a standard differential equation, such as the Airy equation. The dominant eigenvalue leads to the tail of a customer's sojourn time distribution. Some numerical results are given to assess the accuracy of the asymptotic results.
Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence, incidence, and residual transmission risk in first‐time and repeat blood donations in Zimbabwe: implications on blood safety
Authors: Mapako Tonderai , Mvere David A. , Chitiyo McLeod E. , Rusakaniko Simbarashe , Postma Maarten J. , van Hulst Marinus
Published: June 2013

Background

National Blood Service Zimbabwe human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk management strategy includes screening and discarding of first‐time donations, which are collected in blood packs without an anticoagulant (dry pack). To evaluate the impact of discarding first‐time donations on blood safety the HIV prevalence, incidence, and residual risk in first‐time and repeat donations (wet packs) were compared.

Study Design and Methods

Donor data from 2002 to 2010 were retrieved from a centralized national electronic donor database and retrospectively analyzed. Chi‐square test was used to compare HIV prevalence with relative risk (RR), and the RR point estimates and 95% confidence interval (CI) are reported. Trend analysis was done using Cochran‐Armitage trend test. HIV residual risk estimates were determined using published residual risk estimation models.

Results

Over the 9 years the overall HIV prevalence estimates are 1.29% (n = 116,058) and 0.42% (n = 434,695) for first‐time and repeat donations, respectively. The overall RR was 3.1 (95% CI, 2.9‐3.3; p < 0.0001). The overall mean residual transmission risk of HIV window phase donations in first‐time was 1:7384 (range, 1:11,308‐1:5356) and in repeat donors it was 1:5496 (range, 1:9943‐1:3347).

Conclusion

The significantly high HIV prevalence estimates recorded in first‐time over repeat donations is indicative of the effectiveness of the HIV risk management strategy. However, comparable residual transmission risk estimates in first‐time and repeat donors point to the need to further review the risk management strategies. Given the potential wastage of valuable resources, future studies should focus on the cost‐effectiveness and utility of screening and discarding first‐time donations.
3D Compact Model of Packaged Thermoelectric Coolers
Authors: Sullivan Owen , Alexandrov Borislav , Mukhopadhyay Saibal , Kumar Satish
Published: June 2013

Hotspots on a microelectronic package can severely hurt the performance and long-term reliability of the chip. Thermoelectric coolers (TECs) can provide site-specific and on-demand cooling of hot spots in microprocessors. We develop a 3D compact model for fast and accurate modeling of a TEC device integrated inside an electronic package. A 1D compact model of a TEC is first built in SPICE and validated for steady-state and transient behavior against a finite-volume model. The 1D compact model of the TEC is then incorporated into a 3D compact model of a prototype electronic package. The results from the compact model for the packaged TEC are in good agreement with a finite-volume based model, which confirms the compact model's ability to accurately model the TEC's interaction with the package. Analysis of packaged TECs using this 3D compact model shows that (i) moving TECs closer to the chip results in faster response time and an increase in maximum cooling, (ii) high thermal contact resistance within the thermoelectric cooler significantly degrades performance of the device, and (iii) higher convective heat transfer coefficients (HTC) at the heat spreader surface increase steady-state cooling but decrease maximum transient cooling.
LOCAL NEWFORMS AND FORMAL EXTERIOR SQUARE L-FUNCTIONS
Authors: MIYAUCHI MICHITAKA , YAMAUCHI TAKUYA
Published: June 2013

Let F be a non-archimedean local field of characteristic zero. Jacquet and Shalika attached a family of zeta integrals to unitary irreducible generic representations π of GLn(F). In this paper, we show that the Jacquet–Shalika integral attains a certain L-function, the so-called formal exterior square L-function, when the Whittaker function is associated to a newform for π. By considerations on the Galois side, formal exterior square L-functions are equal to exterior square L-functions for some principal series representations.
Portal Vein Thrombosis with Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: D'Elia Carolina , Cerruto Maria Angela , Molinari Alberto , Piovesan Raffaella , Cavicchioli Francesca , Minja Anila , Novella Giovanni , Artibani Walter
Published: June 2013

Portal vein thrombosis refers to an obstruction of blood flow in the portal vein; this rare disease can be both local and systemic. Local risk factors, accounting for about 70% of cases, can be abdominal cancers, inflammatory of infective diseases, surgical procedures or cirrhosis. A 62-year-old man, affected by hypertension and taking acetylsalicylic acid after a myocardial infarction in 1994, developed deep venous thrombosis on the right leg. Six months later the patient was admitted to the emergency unit due to abdominal pain. A CT scan revealed the presence of a complete splanchnic vein thrombosis and a primary tumor on the right kidney. The patient was treated with total parenteral nutrition and intravenous solution of heparin sodium first and then, because of occurrence of allergy, fondaparinux, with improvement of the abdominal pain. Subsequently he underwent right radical nephrectomy.
Thailands traditionelle Medizin: Ein Überblick
Authors: Burri Josef
Published: June 2013

Die Traditionelle Thailändische Medizin (TTM), wie sie heute praktiziert und gelehrt wird, beruht auf den vier Säulen Massage, Phytotherapie, Meditation und Ernährung und wird durch landestypische Methoden der körperlichen Ertüchtigung ergänzt. Geisterglauben und Magie spielen auch heute noch eine wichtige Rolle, obwohl sie nicht mehr im eigentlichen Sinn zur traditionellen Medizin Thailands gehören. Dieser Beitrag gibt eine Übersicht zur Entstehung und Entwicklung der TTM und stellt ihren Kampf um Anerkennung sowie ihre Renaissance im 20. Jahrhundert dar. Die TTM wird heute an den Universitäten Thailands erforscht und gelehrt und ist in einzelnen Spitälern auch in die Therapiekonzepte integriert. Die Gesundheitsindustrie Thailands offeriert neben einer starken westlichen Medizin auch ein Servicepaket mit Leistungen der TTM für einheimische und ausländische Patienten sowie für gesundheitsbewusste Menschen. Grundsätzlich stellt sich die Frage, ob die TTM ein voll entwickeltes und in sich abgeschlossenes Gesundheits- und Medizinsystem darstellt. Der Autor ist der Auffassung, dass Schulmedizin und TTM im Verbund mit Spitälern und buddhistischen Klöstern zu einem neuen Gesundheitsbewusstsein in Thailand beitragen können.
Floristic records from the upper Sepik of Papua New Guinea: Aristolochia chrismülleriana sp. nov. (Aristolochiaceae), Monanthocitrus paludosa (Rutaceae), and Secamone timorensis (Apocynaceae)
Authors: TAKEUCHI WAYNE
Published: June 2013

Aristolochia chrismülleriana is described from the Ambunti-Hunstein district, near historical localities of the Kaiserin- Augusta-Fluss Expedition of 1912–13. Noteworthy records from the German classical sites are also reported for Secamone timorensis (Apocynaceae) and Monanthocitrus paludosa (Rutaceae).
A new species of Liolaemus from the darwinii group (Iguania: Liolaemidae), Tucumán province, Argentina
Authors: HEREDIA VIVIANA JUÁREZ , ROBLES CECILIA , HALLOY MONIQUE
Published: June 2013

A new species of the genus Liolaemus (Iguania: Liolaemidae) is described from the province of Tucumán, northwestern Argentina. This new lizard species is a member of the L. boulengeri group and within this group, it is a member of the L. darwinii subgroup. It is found at a site called Los Cardones (Km 98), at an altitude of 2725 m, near Amaicha del Valle, Tucumán province. Including this new species, the L. darwinii subgroup now has 20 species. Liolaemus pacha sp. nov. was known as L. quilmes, but differences mainly in size (snout-vent-length and head measurements) and in color pattern show that it clearly separates from this species and others of this group. Male and female snout-vent lengths, male width, height and length of head are greater than in L. quilmes. It also exhibits a larger and wider male torso, larger hand, and a greater number of gular scales and scales around the body. Adult males of L. pacha sp. nov. present a more marked col-oration pattern, with numerous light blue and white spots, discontinuous yellow dorsolateral stripes, paravertebrals and prescapular black spot enlarged and more conspicuous than in males of L. quilmes.
Potential metabolic mechanism of girls' central precocious puberty: a network analysis on urine metabonomics data
Authors: Yang Linlin , Tang Kailin , Qi Ying , Ye Hao , Chen Wenlian , Zhang Yongyu , Cao Zhiwei
Published: June 2013

Background

Central precocious puberty (CPP) is a common pediatric endocrine disease caused by early activation of hypothalamic-putuitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, yet the exact mechanism was poorly understood. Although there were some proofs that an altered metabolic profile was involved in CPP, interpreting the biological implications at a systematic level is still in pressing need. To gain a systematic understanding of the biological implications, this paper analyzed the CPP differential urine metabolites from a network point of view.

Results

In this study, differential urine metabolites between CPP girls and age-matched normal ones were identified by LC-MS. Their basic topological parameters were calculated in the background network. The network decomposition suggested that CPP differential urine metabolites were most relevant to amino acid metabolism. Further proximity analysis of CPP differential urine metabolites and neuro-endocrine metabolites showed a close relationship between CPP metabolism and neuro-endocrine system. Then the core metabolic network of CPP was successfully constructed among all these differential urine metabolites. As can be demonstrated in the core network, abnormal aromatic amino acid metabolism might influence the activity of HPG and hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. Several adjustments to the early activation of puberty in CPP girls could also be revealed by urine metabonomics.

Conclusions

The present article demonstrated the ability of urine metabonomics to provide several potential metabolic clues for CPP's mechanism. It was revealed that abnormal metabolism of amino acid, especially aromatic amino acid, might have a close correlation with CPP's pathogenesis by activating HPG axis and suppressing HPA axis. Such a method of network-based analysis could also be applied to other metabonomics analysis to provide an overall perspective at a systematic level.
Replication and replacement in dynamic delivery networks
Authors: Sobe Anita , Elmenreich Wilfried
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Content delivery in dynamic networks is a challenging task, because paths may change during delivery and content might get lost. Replication is a typical measure to increase robustness and performance.

Method

In previous work we proposed a hormone-based algorithm that delivers content, and optimizes the distribution of replicas. Clients express demands by creating hormones that will be released to the network. The corresponding resources are attracted by this hormone and travel towards a higher hormone concentration. This leads to a placement of content close to their most frequent requesters. In addition to that the hormone-based delivery requires an appropriate replication and clean-up strategy to balance the replicas throughout the network without exceeding the nodes’ storage limits or the networks communication capacity.

Results

We examine different combinations of replication and replacement strategies and evaluate them in realistic scenarios involving node failure and networks of different size and structure.

Conclusion

Results show that it is necessary to match the replication mechanisms with the clean-up mechanism and that the local hormone information can be used to improve the clean-up decision.
Simple Policies for Dynamic Pricing with Imperfect Forecasts
Authors: Chen Yiwei , Farias Vivek F.
Published: June 2013

We consider the “classical” single-product dynamic pricing problem allowing the “scale” of demand intensity to be modulated by an exogenous “market size” stochastic process. This is a natural model of dynamically changing market conditions. We show that for a broad family of Gaussian market-size processes, simple dynamic pricing rules that are essentially agnostic to the specification of this market-size process perform provably well. The pricing policies we develop are shown to compensate for forecast imperfections (or a lack of forecast information altogether) by frequent reoptimization and reestimation of the “instantaneous” market size.
Modeling and Economic Analysis of the Cloud Brokering Platform Under Uncertainty: Choosing a Risk/Profit Trade-off
Authors: Gaivoronski Alexei A. , Strasunskas Darijus , Nesse Per J. , Svaet Stein , Su Xiaomeng
Published: June 2013

This paper develops models for the analysis of a cloud brokering platform under conditions of risk and demand uncertainty, focusing on controlling the risk of not delivering the quality of service required by users. Such risk can occur as a result of inherent limitations of the best-effort connectivity. We take the approach of modern portfolio theory and show how the trade-off between risk and profit can be chosen by selecting efficient connectivity portfolios that combine the best-effort connectivity of different grades with premium-grade connectivity. We provide theoretical analysis of connectivity portfolio models and related insights delivered by numerical experiments that utilize the measurements of Internet traffic.
Competing obligations and the maintenance of physical co-presence: the impact of migration and structural constraints on post-accession Polish families in the UK
Authors: McGhee Derek , Trevena Paulina , Heath Sue
Published: June 2013

The focus of this article is on individual case studies selected for the purpose of illuminating the experiences of post-accession Polish migrant ‘family lives’ in the United Kingdom (UK). These case studies demonstrate what Morgan (1996) calls the movement of individuals through households and family relationships, simultaneous with the examination of the enlargement of the spaces in which family lives are conducted as a consequence of movement across the ‘open borders’ between the UK and Poland (Ryan, 2010). The focus is on how the interviewees’ articulated what they presented to us as the impact of particular structural constraints (in terms of education, pensions, childcare and employment) on their future plans to settle in the UK or return to Poland. However, the main focus of the article is the relationship between these structural constraints and the tensions associated with fulfilling competing familial obligations in the UK and in Poland.
Parenting support policies in Europe
Authors: Daly Mary
Published: June 2013

This article explores parenting support as a field of social policy in Europe by comparing developments in England, France, Germany and Italy. The results suggest cross-national diversity and a need to differentiate between parental support for more general family purposes and measures oriented to teach parents particular skills in childraising. Comparatively, England has by far the most extensive architecture of services to engage with parents and is set apart from the other countries also in terms of the extent to which ‘support’ means intervention to (re) skill or (re)train parents through standardised parenting programmes. Elsewhere, ‘support’ has deeper roots in education for family and social life and interventions tend to be more tailored and home-grown. However, despite varying philosophies of child and family welfare, they all show evidence of a move in the direction of greater state engagement with how parents rear their children and their competence in this role.
Cahn-Hilliard Reaction Model for Isotropic Li-ion Battery Particles
Authors: Zeng Yi , Bazant Martin Z.
Published: June 2013

Using the recently developed Cahn-Hilliard reaction (CHR) theory, we present a simple mathematical model of the transition from solid-solution radial diffusion to two-phase shrinking-core dynamics during ion intercalation in a spherical solid particle. This general approach extends previous Li-ion battery models, which either neglect phase separation or postulate a spherical shrinking-core phase boundary under all conditions, by predicting phase separation only under appropriate circumstances. The effect of the applied current is captured by generalized Butler-Volmer kinetics, formulated in terms of the diffusional chemical potential in the CHR theory. We also consider the effect of surface wetting or de-wetting by intercalated ions, which can lead to shrinking core phenomena with three distinct phase regions. The basic physics are illustrated by different cases, including a simple model of lithium iron phosphate (neglecting crystal anisotropy and coherency strain).
About the reception of Isaurian Ekloge in Byzantine Italy: An effort of comparison with Slavian world and mainly Stefan Dusan’s Serbian empire
Authors: Minale Valerio
Published: June 2013

Aim of the contribute is to offer a new key to analyse the matter concerning
the influence of Byzantine law sources on the development of the legal system
in Southern Italy. In addition to a historical and juridical survey about the
reception process of the Isaurian Ekloge in the territories controlled by the
Byzantines, a comparison is tried considering the diffusion of the
compilation also in the Slavian world and especially in the Balkan regions:
to study the reasons, which persuaded Stefan Du{an to use the text to compose
his Zakonik, could be very useful to understand the characters - totally
different because of political grounds - of the preservation of the Isaurian
Ekloge in the manuscripts coming from Southern Italy.
Autocrate negli encomi imperiali di Michele Psello (1018-1081)
Authors: Lauritzen Frederick
Published: June 2013

In the imperial encomia of Michael Psellos (1018-1081?) the terms ??????????
and ???????? are not equivalent and the former appears quite rarely. One may
deduce that ?????????? is not a generic term but has a specific meaning
which indicates that the emperor has delegated his executive power to a
minister. The term ????????, instead, simply indicates an emperor. The term
?????????? was used mainly when the ??????? was Constantine Leichoudes
(1042-1050). Therefore the term ?????????? actually indicates not only the
delegation of executive power to a ??????? but also that a certain cultural
current was present at court to which belonged Psellos. Moreover, the term
?????????? is employed as an adjective with moral connotations. Such an
understanding of the meaning of ?????????? implies that the encomia were
written for the person of the emperor but also included the culture of his
???????.
Living Heritage and Religious Traditions
Authors: Craith Máiréad Nic
Published: June 2013

In 2013, Derry~Londonderry became the inaugural UK City of Culture. Given tensions between national and unionist versions of history, the title generated considerable debate on the location of Derry~Londonderry's culture within a UK and/or Irish context. All this had implications for the character of Columba/Colmcille, who had been appropriated by competing secular and religious versions of history in the past and who featured prominently in the year-long celebrations. This essay explores the layering and cultural appropriation of the narrative of Columba/Colmcille over the centuries and the reshaping of this narrative in anticipation of the year of UK City of Culture. It contextualises the emergence of a fresh narrative in the new political context which seeks to redefine the city as a common heritage space for a previously divided people.
In situ monitoring magnetism and resistance of nanophase platinum upon electrochemical oxidation
Authors: Steyskal Eva-Maria , Topolovec Stefan , Landgraf Stephan , Krenn Heinz , Würschum Roland
Published: June 2013

Controlled tuning of material properties by external stimuli represents one of the major topics of current research in the field of functional materials. Electrochemically induced property tuning has recently emerged as a promising pathway in this direction making use of nanophase materials with a high fraction of electrode-electrolyte interfaces. The present letter reports on electrochemical property tuning of porous nanocrystalline Pt. Deeper insight into the underlying processes could be gained by means of a direct comparison of the charge-induced response of two different properties, namely electrical resistance and magnetic moment. For this purpose, four-point resistance measurements and SQUID magnetometry were performed under identical in situ electrochemical control focussing on the regime of electrooxidation. Fully reversible variations of the electrical resistance and the magnetic moment of 6% and 1% were observed upon the formation or dissolution of a subatomic chemisorbed oxygen surface layer, respectively. The increase of the resistance, which is directly correlated to the amount of deposited oxygen, is considered to be primarily caused by charge-carrier scattering processes at the metal–electrolyte interfaces. In comparison, the decrease of the magnetic moment upon positive charging appears to be governed by the electric field at the nanocrystallite–electrolyte interfaces due to spin–orbit coupling.
Catalytic asymmetric tandem Friedel–Crafts alkylation/Michael addition reaction for the synthesis of highly functionalized chromans
Authors: Peng Jiahuan , Du Da-Ming
Published: June 2013

The enantioselective tandem Friedel–Crafts alkylation/Michael addition reaction of indoles with nitroolefin enoates catalyzed by a diphenylamine-linked bis(oxazoline)-Zn(OTf)2complex was investigated. This tandem reaction afforded functionalized chiral chromans in good yields with moderate to high stereoselectivities (up to 95:5 dr, up to 99% ee).
Geographical Information Management Approaches
Authors: Lucena e Vale Maria José , Vale Filipa
Published: June 2013

The existence of adequate and reliable information to assess population health is essential to build solid strategies for public health promotion and social care, as to help demonstrate efficient investment in these areas. There are several health-related databases, covering different scales: World, Europe, or National, including several datasets with different details. These different datasets should be reviewed and selected on the basis of their ability to support efficient strategies associated with monitoring population health and their usefulness in the promotion of health care efficiency. To understand the relevance of these database infrastructures when integrated with Web-based, geographical information management tools, and use these to improve the knowledge of health issues, this chapter integrates examples related to enhancing the performance analysis of this collaborative spatial data infrastructure in three distinct areas: national health systems and health care; disease prevalence studies in different countries, and integrated analysis of environment quality and public health.
Challenges and Opportunities of Soft Computing Tools in Health Care Delivery
Authors: Fialho André S. , Cismondi Federico , Vieira Susana M. , Reti Shane R. , Sousa João M. C. , Finkelstein Stan N.
Published: June 2013

During the last decade, modern hospitals have witnessed a growth in the amount of information acquired, stored, and retrieved more than ever before. While aimed at helping healthcare personnel in providing care to patients, this high stream of data can also have a negative impact if not delivered in a simple and organized way. In this chapter, the authors explore the current opportunities and challenges that soft computing predictive tools face in healthcare delivery, and they then present an example of how some of these tools may contribute to the decision-making of health care providers for an important critical condition in Intensive Care Units (ICU)—septic shock. Despite current challenges, such as the availability of clean clinical data, accuracy, and interpretability, these systems will likely act to enhance the performance of a human expert and permit healthcare resources to be used more efficiently while maintaining or improving outcomes.
Real-Time Biomedical Telemetry System for Ambulances
Authors: Novas Nuria , Gázquez José Antonio , Noguerol Marina
Published: June 2013

This chapter discusses the development and implementation methodology of a real-time biomedical telemetry system for ambulances. Comparable systems, together with their authors’ claimed improvements, are evaluated and analysed in this chapter. The authors start by providing an overview of the most relevant systems, and then introduce the reader to the methodology used to develop and implement a real-time communications system that allows low-cost data transmission from a medical monitor and haematology analyser installed in an ambulance. This system was evaluated in terms of how well it can provide health assistance within a 50 km radius of the Torrecardenas Hospital (part of the public health-care system in southern Spain). Results have been technically and medically validated, and encourage further implementation of this technology, since it was proved to be reliable, while the transmitted data allow a correct and thorough patient evaluation throughout the patient’s transportation to the hospital.
Hoping for the Best
Authors: McGinnes Simon , Burke Mary
Published: June 2013

Primary care involves collaboration by diverse, geographically dispersed health professionals, and presents unique challenges for IT. In Ireland, cross-disciplinary primary care teams are being established and extensive IT support is planned, including shared electronic patient records. To uncover factors that affect the implementation and use of IT in primary care, in-depth interviews were conducted with Irish primary care practitioners and IT specialists. The results suggest a widespread belief in the potential of IT to transform service delivery. However, substantial business change will also be needed to address longstanding process problems, barriers to information sharing, and a lack of integration. At present, health practitioners lack the time, knowledge, and resources to make best use of new IT. While progress at the national level has been slow, a regional or local approach to IT provision, with appropriate standards to facilitate information sharing, may offer better chances of success.