bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management support for provinces: A programme for developing provincial health management capabilities in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Newbrander William C. , Thomason Jane A. , Kolehmainen‐Aitken Riitta‐Liisa , Campos‐Outcalt Douglas , Afo George , Davidson Warwick
Published: May 2007

The decentralization of key health functions in Papua New Guinea in 1983, after a lengthy period of centralized control, highlighted the need to develop and strengthen planning and management capabilities at the intermediate level. This article describes the development of an interactive management support programme, combining regular on‐site consultation with in‐service training, to improve health planning, supervision and information system development at the provincial level in Papua New Guinea.
Family planning in Egypt. A planning response to an Islamic environment
Authors: Longworthy Nancy , Fierman Harry
Published: May 2007

The problem of choosing the appropriate strategy to increase acceptance and use of modern contraceptives is very complex. Islamic fundamentalism is an increasingly important factor in the environment of Egyptian family planning programs. This article presents Egypt as a case example, illustrating the importance of external environmental analysis in planning for the operational implementation of family planning programs. Within the specifics of the Egyptian case, we additionally illustrate one practical tool for developing a planning response to that environment: Warren's (1977) typology of strategies for implementing social change.
The economic impact of smoking in Canada
Authors: Choi Bernard C. K. , Nethercott James R.
Published: May 2007

A cost‐benefit analysis of smoking, using an attributable risk approach, has been carried out for Canada and for three regions within Canada. The total cost of the consequences of tobacco use—in terms of extra deaths, disability, hospitalization, physician services, and fire losses due to tobacco use—in all cases exceeded the total consumer expenditure for tobacco products. The excess was estimated to have a range from $14 to $127 (1983 Canadian dollars) per person per year. This represents the amount that an individual in society would gain, on average, if tobacco use was eliminated from the society for one year. Tobacco use was also found to be responsible for 12 to 17 per cent of all adult deaths, 4 to 5 per cent of all adult disability days, 12 to 14 per cent of all days of hospitalization, and 2 to 3 per cent of all physician visits.
Vitamin a cost‐effectiveness model
Authors: Grosse Robert N. , Tilden Robert L.
Published: May 2007

To assist in the selection of a preferable vitamin A deficiency control policy, a model has been developed to organize information on program costs and program‐related effects. The model was designed to compare three approaches: (1) diet modification; (2) fortification of processed foods; and (3) periodic large doses. Health effects projected are rates of specific eye pathologies associated with vitamin A deficiency (xerophthalmia), and mortalities within age cohorts. Effectiveness is calculated as a function of coverage, biological efficacy, and incidence of vitamin A deficiency. The model was applied to data from the Province of West Java in Indonesia. The results of this application suggest that funding level considerations are an important factor in selecting a preferred control strategy. In addition to determining the relative resource requirements of alternative interventions aimed at reducing the morbidity and mortality effects of vitamin A deficiencies, the model, using marginal cost and marginal effectiveness information, can serve as a guide to the most efficient allocation of resources for each type of intervention.
Effects of different remuneration methods on general medical practice: A comparison of capitation and fee‐for‐service payment
Authors: Shimmura Kazuya
Published: May 2007

There are severe methodological problems to be overcome in comparing the effects of different payment methods on general medical practice, not least because there are many factors which affect the pattern of service delivery. Also, the reliability and comparability of data may be poor. This article emphasises that the effects of capitation and fee‐for‐service payment methods on general medical practice should be carefully compared with factual information, especially numerical data. In so doing, it is shown that there are supporting data for the contention that a fee‐for‐service system encourages more consultations, more diagnostic tests, higher drug use, higher surgical rates and higher costs than a capitation system. On the other hand, a capitation system may lead doctors to hastier and less courteous care than a fee‐for‐service system. The geographical distribution of general practitioners (GPs) may be more even, and continuity of care may be better maintained, under a capitation system; but there may be excessive referrals from GPs to specialists under this system of payment. There is no evidence for the contention that a capitation system encourages preventive medicine, but the financial coverage for preventive procedures does encourage such procedures.
The Kuwaiti national health service: Financial restraints and cost sharing imperatives
Authors: Bustan Mahmoud Al , Batistella Roger M.
Published: May 2007

The post‐World War II oil boom that transformed the country from a Bedouin trading center to a modern society has brought Kuwaiti citizens one of the world's highest living standards, including a tax‐free economy and a lavish array of welfare state services. Enormous wealth has not, however, sheltered Kuwait from the contemporary public policy dilemma generally encountered in other countries—how to reconcile fast‐rising public expectations for more and better government services with slower‐growing budgetary revenues. Following a review of some of the more prominent national economic and social characteristics, the structure of the Kuwaiti National Health Service is described against the backdrop of new economic realities precipitated by a decline in oil export earnings and a slowing of economic expansion. Government plans to alleviate the pressure on public spending are described which center on cost sharing with consumers and employers. Finally, the implications of cost containment for the future of private medical practice are discussed.
Health planning and the closure of a community hospital
Authors: Fontana Leonard
Published: May 2007

The overall purpose of the research reported in this article is two‐fold: firstly, to describe the efforts of a regional health planning agency in the United States to reduce the size of acute care facilities in its planning area; and, secondly, to frame these events into a general theory of structural problems of state interventions in the American health care sector. Specifically, a case study is presented that documents—over time—the process of decision making, in seeking to close a community hospital against strong, and vocal, local interests. This analysis supports the view that, in the real world of health planning, power is exercised through a process of bargaining between health care providers and government, and between health care providers. Overall, the study illustrates the constraints upon the American health planning agencies to steer a relatively autonomous health care sector.
Application of goal programming to improve resource allocation for health services in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Chae Young Moon , Newbrander William C. , Thomason Jane A.
Published: May 2007

This paper describes exploratory work on two allocation models for policy makers in Papua New Guinea using goal programming. The first model allocates national financial resources for health among the 19 provinces. Determinants of the model include health status, population, manpower, and access provisions and previous resource distribution. The second model utilizes the results from the first model to allocate resources among different health activities within each province. Determinants of the model include major health problems of each province and available health resources. The paper concludes with a dicsussion on the use and implications of the model in the Papua New Guinean situation.
A crossectional country group study of three health level outcomes and four potential causes
Authors: Pegels C. Carl
Published: May 2007

A crossectional study of four country groups segmented by per capita income of the majority of the world's countries was made to evaluate the relationship between health level outcomes and potential causes which may impact on the health level outcomes. The health level outcomes consist of life expectancy at birth, infant mortality rate and child mortality rate. The potential causes consist of secondary school children per 100 in school age group, daily calory supply per capita, population per physician and population per nurse. For the two lower income country groups the two important determinants of life expectancy were daily calory supply per capita and secondary school children per 100 in school age group. For the upper middle income the country group the important positive determinant of life expectancy was population per nurse and for the upper income country group the important negative determinant of life expectancy was daily calory supply per capita. Infant and child mortality rates were associated with secondary school children per 100 in school age group and population per physician or population per nurse for the two lower income country groups. For the upper middle income country group population per nurse or population per physician was supplemented by daily calory supply per capita for both infant and child mortality. For the upper income country group only infant mortality had statistically significant determinants. They were daily calory supply per capita and secondary school children per 100 in school age groups.
Thailand: Current public health perspectives
Authors: Baum Bernard H. , Strenski Teri
Published: May 2007

Thailand's public health system is in transition, reflecting the economic status of the country. The decentralized system has made great strides in improving the health of its people. But paradoxes exist. While some urban areas have an oversupply of CT Scanners, rural villages still cope with hygiene‐related illnesses. Malaria and Yellow Fever no longer dominate health resources. Now AIDs, heart disease and accidents top the problem list. Like other countries, Thailand also struggles with health financing to address the unmet needs.
The use of QALYs in health service planning
Authors: Allen D. , Lee R. H. , Lowson K.
Published: May 2007

There has been substantial interest in recent years, among research workers and in health service management, in the potential use of quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) as an aid to decision‐making about the development of services and use of resources in health services (Gudex, 1986; Drummond, 1986). In 1986 the North Western Regional Health Authority (RHA) initiated the first large‐scale attempt to use QALYs as a practical aid to planning in the National Health Service. This paper draws on the experience of the North Western RHA in examining some methodological and practical issues relating to the future of QALYs as an aid to decision‐making in the Health Service.
‘Tipping the balance towards primary health care’: Managing change at the local level
Authors: Godinho Joana
Published: May 2007

This article addresses the problem of managing change at the local level, by focusing on the experience of the research and action project ‘Tipping the Balance Towards Primary Health Care’. The experience of this project and case studies in other countries is abstracted. It includes some characteristics of the actors and forces under which local services operate, pointing to some opportunities and constraints in managing change and development, as well as organizational relationships in the field of primary health care. In this article it is argued that the ongoing structural reform is a necessary prerequisite, but it is not the unique key, for solving local health services problems. If the mission of the health sector is to satisfy the real and the perceived needs of the population, skilled professionals, appropriate technology, and enough financial resources must be allocated to the local level.
Changing relations between hospitals and primary health care: New challenges for hospital management
Authors: Maarse J. A. M. , Mur‐Veeman I. M. , Tijssen I. M. J. G.
Published: May 2007

Hospitals in the Netherlands are now operating in a rapidly changing environment. Most changes directly result from government's policy to achieve effective cost containment in health care. Some of them basically affect the existence and functioning of hospitals. These changing environmental conditions inspire hospitals to undertake innovative activities to protect or even strengthen their position. This will be illustrated below by a case in which a small acute hospital attempted to establish a close relationship with primary health care in order to protect its position. Our focus will be upon this innovative initiative and upon some management problems that must then be resolved.
The importance of organizational culture on development activities in a primary health care organization
Authors: Kinnunen Juha
Published: May 2007

The aim of this article is to examine, by means of an empirical study, the: a) relationship between formal and cultural structures; b) similarities and differences between professional subcultures (medical, nursing and managerial); and, c) the effects of the social assumptions of the work teams on development activities in one large primary health care organization. The results show that different professional groups have created quite different sets of social values, norms and assumptions, which have significant consequences, both for patient care and organizational performance.
Motivational patterns of management team members in a large hospital
Authors: Brotherus‐Kettunen Aune , Sinkkonen Sirkka , Miettinen Asko
Published: May 2007

Management teams have been introduced as a means of solving conflicts and providing highly required co‐ordination between professional groups, sub‐units and their individual leaders in large, complex organizations such as hospitals. This study examines the motivational patterns of the three members of management teams of four clinical departments at a large university hospital. A strong professionalism was the dominant motivational orientation of all nurse managers (nursing directors of the clinics) and to a great extent also of the physician managers (head physicians of the clinics). The business managers' dominant motivational pattern was hierarchy in two out of the four teams, and professionalism in two teams. The respective comparison groups had rather similar motivational patterns in common with their leaders: ordinary physicians and nurses had a professional and administrative staff hierarchic orientation. The comparison group of mid‐level managers from private firms was also hierarchically oriented, although task orientation was also often high in their motivational pattern. The results are consistent with the educational background and differences in the tasks of the groups studied. The role of different professional cultures in determining and designing efficiently functioning management teams is an important task for further research.
Implementing public competition in Swedish county councils: A case study
Authors: Saltman Richard B. , Von Otter Casten
Published: May 2007

Earlier presentations of the theoretical framework for public competition (Saltman and von Otter, 1987) and of the comparative advantage of public competition as against a mixed market model (Saltman and von Otter, 1989a) suggest the importance of concrete arrangements to introduce a public competition approach at the operating level. This paper explores the administrative infra‐structure required to implement public competition within the Swedish county‐council‐based health care system.
The health planning needs in small pacific Island states
Authors: Singleton Garth
Published: May 2007

The post of health planner is a relative newcomer to the health ministries in the Pacific. The small size of most Pacific Island States necessitates activities for the planner that may be slightly different from those of health planners elsewhere. This paper argues that these activities include the following:

The promotion of communications both within the Ministry of Health and between it and other government departments.

Liaison with donors.

Monitoring activities/expenditures.

Policy development.
Management practices and priorities for mental health system performance: Evidence from England and west Germany
Authors: Schulz Rockwell , Girard Chris , Harrison Stephen
Published: May 2007

Performance priorities for high quality care, multiprofessional team care and deinstitu‐tionalization of patients among mental health services in England and West Germany were found to be significantly influenced by management practices fostering goal congruence, peer review and staff participation in decision making.
Organisational issues and effectiveness of the health sector in the Republic of Slovenia, Yugoslavia
Authors: Bogomil Bergant , Alojz Brus
Published: May 2007

The republic of Slovenia is one of the six republics of the Socialist federal republic of Yugoslavia. The article deals with the health situation over the period from 1975 to 1988. Illness and hospitalisation data are shown in Slovenia for the year 1988, and the movement of common illnesses shown over the period 1980–1988. The health infrastructure is presented for the year 1986, and the stock of cadres of health worker i.e. doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, is shown in tabular and graphic form, together with changes in the composition of that stock over the last fifteen years. These data are then used to develop trends, and a commentary on progress made. Finally, the level of financing of health care is shown, and movements in the share of the social product (GNP) from 1975 to the present time. Over that period, the share has remained constant, though significant fluctuations have taken place from year to year.
Cost recovery in the health‐care sector in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Vogel Ronald J.
Published: May 2007

Cost recovery, or the pricing of health‐care services in government‐run health‐care facilities, continues to be a politically delicate subject in Sub‐Saharan Africa. Nevertheless, ministries of health are now beginning to understand that the selective pricing of healthcare services can be a powerful tool for achieving the efficiency and equity goals that their governments have set, and for increasing ministry financial resources that can be used to improve the quality of care offered. This article provides a blue‐print for these nascent cost‐recovery efforts. After a consideration of the rationale for cost recovery within a theoretical context, a set of pricing principles for the whole public health sector is presented and a prototypical systemic price schedule is derived from the principles. Constraints to effective and equitable cost recovery are then discussed, and topics for further empirical research are suggested.
Microrna expression distinguishes between germinal center B cell‐like and activated B cell‐like subtypes of diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Lawrie Charles H. , Soneji Shamit , Marafioti Teresa , Cooper Christopher D.O. , Palazzo Stefano , Paterson Jennifer C. , Cattan Helen , Enver Tariq , Mager Rachel , Boultwood Jacqueline , Wainscoat James S. , Hatton Christian S.R.
Published: May 2007

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive malignancy that accounts for nearly 40% of all lymphoid tumors. This heterogeneous disease can be divided into germinal center B cell‐like (GCB) and activated B cell‐like (ABC) subtypes by gene expression and immunohistochemical profiling. Using microarray analysis on prototypic cell lines, we identified microRNAs (miR‐155, miR‐21 and miR‐221) that were more highly expressed in ABC‐type than GCB‐type cell lines. These microRNAs were over‐expressed in de novo DLBCL (n = 35), transformed DLBCL (n = 14) and follicular center lymphoma cases (n = 27) compared to normal B cells. Consistent with the cell line model, expression levels were higher in DLBCL cases with an ABC‐type immunophenotype than those that were GCB‐type (p < 0.05). Moreover, using multivariate analysis we found that expression of miR‐21 was an independent prognostic indicator in de novo DLBCL (p < 0.05). Interestingly, expression levels of both miR‐155 and miR‐21 were also higher in nonmalignant ABC than in GCB cells. As we also demonstrate that expression of microRNAs can be measured reliably from routine paraffin‐embedded biopsies of more than 8‐years‐old (p < 0.001), we suggest that microRNAs could be clinically useful molecular markers for DLBCL as well as other cancers. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Androgen receptor targets NFκB and TSP1 to suppress prostate tumor growth in vivo
Authors: Nelius Thomas , Filleur Stephanie , Yemelyanov Alexander , Budunova Irina , Shroff E. , Mirochnik Yelena , Aurora Arin , Veliceasa Dorina , Xiao Wuhan , Wang Zhou , Volpert Olga V.
Published: May 2007

The androgen role in the maintenance of prostate epithelium is subject to conflicting opinions. While androgen ablation drives the regression of normal and cancerous prostate, testosterone may cause both proliferation and apoptosis. Several investigators note decreased proliferation and stronger response to chemotherapy of the prostate cancer cells stably expressing androgen receptor (AR), however no mechanistic explanation was offered. In this paper we demonstrate in vivo anti‐tumor effect of the AR on prostate cancer growth and identify its molecular mediators. We analyzed the effect of AR on the tumorigenicity of prostate cancer cells. Unexpectedly, the AR‐expressing cells formed tumors in male mice at a much lower rate than the AR‐negative controls. Moreover, the AR‐expressing tumors showed decreased vascularity and massive apoptosis. AR expression lowered the angiogenic potential of cancer cells, by increasing secretion of an anti‐angiogenic protein, thrombospondin‐1. AR activation caused a decrease in RelA, a subunit of the pro‐survival transcription factor NFκB, reduced its nuclear localization and transcriptional activity. This, in turn, diminished the expression of its anti‐apoptotic targets, Bcl‐2 and IL‐6. Increased apoptosis within AR‐expressing tumors was likely due to the NFκB suppression, since it was restricted to the cells lacking nuclear (active) NFκB. Thus we for the first time identified combined decrease of NFκB and increased TSP1 as molecular events underlying the AR anti‐tumor activity in vivo. Our data indicate that intermittent androgen ablation is preferable to continuous withdrawal, a standard treatment for early‐stage prostate cancer. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatoma‐derived growth factor is a novel prognostic factor for gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Chang Kuo‐Chin , Tai Ming‐Hong , Lin Jui‐Wei , Wang Chih‐Chi , Huang Chao‐Cheng , Hung Chao‐Hung , Chen Chien‐Hung , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Lee Chuan‐Mo , Changchien Chi‐Sin , Hu Tsung‐Hui
Published: May 2007

Proliferating activity as mitotic count is generally accepted as a major prognostic indicator for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Hepatoma‐derived growth factor (HDGF) is a novel growth factor and elevated in several types of cancer. Our study was designed to elucidate the expression and prognostic role of HDGF in GISTs. A total 178 surgically resected CD117‐positive GISTs specimens were collected for immunohistochemical analysis using antibodies against HDGF. The immunoreactivities were scored as labeling index (LI) and correlated with clinicopathologic parameters of GIST patients. The HDGF immunoreactivities were detected in both nucleus and cytoplasm of GISTs tissues. Besides, the nuclear and cytoplasmic HDGF was parallely upregulated in GISTs (p < 0.001). The nuclear HDGF LI were positively correlated with that of PCNA (p < 0.001) and Ki‐67 (p < 0.001), tumor mitosis (p < 0.001), tumor sizes (p = 0.007) and NIH risk categories (p < 0.001). In addition, the cytoplasmic HDGF LI were also positively correlated with that of PCNA (p = 0.031) and Ki‐67 (p = 0.038), tumor sizes (p = 0.003) and tumor mitosis (p = 0.015). Patients with higher HDGF levels had earlier tumor recurrence and unfavorable outcome (p < 0.05). In addition to standard prognostic factors (NIH risk categories), the nuclear HDGF LI is an independent prognostic factor for disease free and overall survivals of GIST patients after operation. We conclude that HDGF is a novel prognostic factor for GIST patients. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variation in breast cancer hormone receptor and HER2 levels by etiologic factors: A population‐based analysis
Authors: Sherman Mark E. , Rimm David L. , Yang Xiaohong R. , Chatterjee Nilanjan , Brinton Louise A. , Lissowska Jolanta , Peplonska Beata , Szeszenia‐Dąbrowska Neonila , Zatonski Witold , Cartun Richard , Mandich Daniza , Rymkiewicz Grzegorz , Ligaj Marcin , Lukaszek Stanisław , Kordek Radzislaw , Kalaylioglu Zynep , Harigopal Malini , Charrette Lori , Falk Roni T. , Richesson Douglas , Anderson William F. , Hewitt Stephen M. , García‐Closas Montserrat
Published: May 2007

Evidence suggests that breast cancer hormone receptor status varies by etiologic factors, but studies have been inconsistent. In a population‐based case–control study in Poland that included 2,386 cases and 2,502 controls, we assessed ER‐α and PR status of tumors based on clinical records according to etiologic exposure data collected via interview. For 842 cancers, we evaluated ER‐α, ER‐β, PR and HER2 levels by semiquantitative microscopic scoring of immunostained tissue microarrays and a quantitative immunofluorescence method, automated quantitative analysis (AQUA™). We related marker levels in tumors to etiologic factors, using standard regression models and novel statistical methods, permitting adjustment for both correlated tumor features and exposures. Results obtained with different assays were generally consistent. Receptor levels varied most significantly with body mass index (BMI), a factor that was inversely related to risk among premenopausal women and directly related to risk among postmenopausal women with larger tumors. After adjustment for correlated markers, exposures and pathologic characteristics, PR and HER2 AQUA levels were inversely related to BMI among premenopausal women (p‐trend = 0.01, both comparisons), whereas among postmenopausal women, PR levels were associated directly with BMI (p‐trend = 0.002). Among postmenopausal women, analyses demonstrated that BMI was related to an interaction of PR and HER2: odds ratio (OR) = 0.86 (95% CI = 0.69–1.07) for low PR and HER2 expression vs. OR = 1.78 (95% CI = 1.25–2.55) for high expression (p‐heterogeneity = 0.001). PR and HER2 levels in breast cancer vary by BMI, suggesting a heterogeneous etiology for tumors related to these markers. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the Influence of Temporal Resolution in Mesh Bag Decomposition Studies
Authors: Mancinelli Giorgio , Sabetta Letizia , Sangiorgio Franca
Published: May 2007

The dry mass of reed mesh bags was monitored daily for 40 days at two sites in an Italian lagoon. The original daily‐collected data set was manipulated by increasing inter‐sampling time intervals to assess the effect of varying the sampling lag on the detection of inter‐sites differences in decomposition patterns.

At daily intervals, differences between sites were significant, although non‐random, short‐term mass fluctuations were observed. However, for linear interval increments, there were no between‐site differences for lags ≥7 days; in addition, for geometrical interval increments significant differences were never observed.

Our study suggests that the temporal resolution chosen for a decomposition study may affect the detection of inter‐site differences, emphasizing a previously‐unexplored time dependency for leaf detritus decay patterns. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Integral evaluation in semiconductor device modelling using simulated annealing with Bose–Einstein statistics
Authors: Cole E.A.B.
Published: May 2007

Fermi integrals arise in the mathematical and numerical modelling of microwave semiconductor devices. In particular, associated Fermi integrals involving two arguments arise in the modelling of HEMTs, in which quantum wells form at the material interfaces. The numerical evaluation of these associated integrals is time consuming. In this paper, these associated integrals are replaced by simpler functions which depend on a small number of optimal parameters. These parameters are found by optimizing a suitable cost function using a genetic algorithm with simulated annealing. A new method is introduced whereby the transition probabilities of the simulated annealing process are based on the Bose–Einstein distribution function, rather than on the more usual Maxwell–Boltzmann statistics or Tsallis statistics. Results are presented for the simulation of a four‐layer HEMT, and show the effect of the approximation for the associated Fermi integrals. A comparison is made of the convergence properties of the three different statistics used in the simulated annealing process. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman scattering from nanomaterials encapsulated into single wall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Kuzmany H. , Plank W. , Schaman Ch. , Pfeiffer R. , Hasi F. , Simon F. , Rotas G. , Pagona G. , Tagmatarchis N.
Published: May 2007

Raman scattering is used to study the filling of single wall carbon nanotubes with C60, C59N and anthracene. It is demonstrated how reversible opening and closing of the tubes can be used to check on the success of the filling process. In the case of C59N, filling was performed from the gas phase from 1:1 mixture between C60 and C59N. Comparing the Raman spectra from the encapsulated mixture with the spectra from C60 inside the tubes reveals that most of the molecules have reacted to form either the dimer (C59N)2 or the hetero‐dimer C60C59N. Anthracene is demonstrated to enter the tubes but the molecule is subjected to a considerable geometrical change including some loss of hydrogens. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Manipulation of fatty acid composition of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets with flaxseed oil
Authors: de Souza Nilson Evelázio , Matsushita Makoto , de Oliveira Cláudio Celestino , Franco Maria Regina Bueno , Visentainer Jesuí Vergílio
Published: May 2007

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is one of the most consumed species among freshwater fish reared in Brazil. However, studies show low levels of n‐3 fatty acids in freshwater fish reared in captivity in comparison with those reared in their natural habitats. The Nile tilapia used in this study were raised in captivity for a period of 5 months and fed varying amounts (0, 1.25, 2.5, 3.75 and 5%) of flaxseed oil as a substitute for sunflower oil (control). No significant differences (P > 0.05) in total lipid (TL) content were found between fillets of tilapia fed the different diets. TL analysis of fatty acid methyl esters by capillary gas chromatography revealed a total of 50 components common to all treatments studied. The major fatty acids present were linoleic acid (18:2n‐6), oleic acid (18:1n‐9) and palmitic acid (16:0). All treatments led to significant % increases in α‐linolenic acid (18:3n‐3), eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n‐3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n‐3). Increases in both total n‐3 fatty acids and total polyunsaturated fatty acids were observed concomitantly with decreases in total n‐6 fatty acids, resulting in increases in n‐3/n‐6 ratio, with increasing level of flaxseed oil in the feed. Thus feed supplementation with flaxseed oil contributed greatly to raising the nutritional lipid value of Nile tilapia fillets. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Study on the effects of laminarin, a polysaccharide from seaweed, on gut characteristics
Authors: Devillé Christelle , Gharbi Myriam , Dandrifosse Guy , Peulen Olivier
Published: May 2007

This study investigates whether laminarin (β1‐3,β1‐6‐glucan), a polysaccharide from seaweed, exhibits beneficial properties for human health by analysing its effects on intestinal parameters. Anaerobic batch culture fermenters were used for the screening of the in vitro utilization of laminarin by the human gut microflora through the monitoring of biochemical and microbiological parameters. Additionally, the influence of laminarin ingestion on the composition of intestinal mucus (neutral mucins, sialomucins and sulphomucins) was studied in rats. Laminarin was almost totally (more than 90% used) fermented after 24 h of incubation with human intestinal bacteria. It was not selectively used by bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, but increased the production of propionate and butyrate. Variations of mucus composition were observed in jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon, both in lumen content and in intestinal wall, of rats after ingestion of this polysaccharide. Due to its effects on mucus composition, laminarin could influence the adherence and the translocation of bacteria across the epithelial wall. In conclusion, laminarin seems to be a modulator of the intestinal metabolism by its effects on mucus composition, intestinal pH and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, especially butyrate. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Degradation and restoration of sandy soils under different agricultural land uses in northeast Thailand: a review
Authors: Vityakon P.
Published: May 2007

Conversion of natural forest to agricultural land use has significantly lowered the soil organic matter (SOM) content in sandy soils of northeast Thailand. This paper reviews the findings of comparative studies on contents of SOM pools (labile, i.e. microbial biomass and particulate organic matter—POM and stable, i.e. humic substance) and related soil aggregate formation, in natural forest plots and cultivated fields (monocrops of cassava, sugarcane and rice) in sites representative of northeast Thailand from the viewpoints of terrain (i.e. undulating), soils (sandy) and land use and discusses the restoration of SOM and fertility (nitrogen) in these degraded soils. Monocultural agriculture brings about the degradation of all SOM pools and associated soil aggregation as compared to the forest system because of decreased organic inputs and more frequent soil disturbance. The build‐up of SOM was achieved through the continuous recycling of organic residues produced within the system. Low‐quality residues contributed the largest SOM build‐up in whole and fractionated SOM pools, including POM and humic substance. However, to restore N fertility, high quality residues, (i.e. with low C/N ratios, lignin and polyphenols) were also needed. Timing of N release to meet crop demand was achieved by employing a mixture of high and low quality residues. Selection of appropriate residues for N sources was affected by environmental factors, notably soil moisture regimes, which differed in upland field and lowland paddy subsystems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On Global Existence of Solutions of SDE's with Singular Drift
Authors: Höhnle Rainer
Published: May 2007

Let b be a Borel measurable IRd ‐ valued function, defined on some Borel subset of IRd. Consider the d‐ dimensional SDEmagnified imagewith singular drift b. A local solution (up to σ) is a tuple (X, W, Q,σ) where X is a stochastic process, W is a Brownian motion under the probability measure Q, and σ is a strictly optional time (i.e., stopping time) such that the above equation is satisfied for all t < σ. Such a local solution was constructed by the author in an earlier paper under very mild conditions on b. In this paper we give criteria for the global existence of the solution, i. e., for Q(σ = ∞) = 1.
On the Non ‐ Existence of Perfect Codes with Rank Distance
Authors: Chen Kefei
Published: May 2007

Theory of codes with rank distance was introduced in 1985, which can be applied to crisscross error correction and also used to build some cryptographical schemes. We know that the existence of perfect codes is an interesting topic in coding theory; as a new type of codes, we consider the existence of the perfect rank distance codes and prove that there are no non‐trivial perfect codes with rank metric.
Interpolation of Operators on Scales of Generalized Lorentz‐Zygmund Spaces
Authors: Evans W. D. , Opic B. , Pick L.
Published: May 2007

We define generalized Lorentz‐Zygmund spaces and obtain interpolation theorems for quasilinear operators on such spaces, using weighted Hardy inequalities. In the limiting cases of interpolation, we discover certain scaling property of these spaces and use it to obtain fine interpolation theorems in which the source is a sum of spaces and the target is an intersection of spaces. This yields a considerable improvement of the known results which we demonstrate with examples. We prove sharpness of the interpolation theorems by showing that the constraints on parameters are necessary for the interpolation theorems.
Resonance Problems Which Intersect Many Eigenvalues
Authors: Schechter Martin
Published: May 2007

We study semilinear problems in which the nonlinear part is linear at infinity but behaves like a function intersecting many of the eigenvalues of the linear operator. The asymptotic linear operator can have a null space of any finite dimension.
Null Sequences in Coechelon Spaces
Authors: Dierolf Susanne , Domański Pawel
Published: May 2007

We prove that for any Köthe matrices a and b if T : λ1(α) → λ0(b) maps bounded sets into relatively compact sets, then T factorizes through a Fréchet Montel space. This is a consequence of a given description of those compact subsets in a coechelon space k∞(v) of type oo which are contained in an absolutely convex hull of a null sequence. An example of a compact set which is not of that form is given.
Regarding Some Problems of the Kutta — Joukovskii Condition in Lifting Surface Theory
Authors: Hinder Rainer , Meister Erhard
Published: May 2007

We are interested in finding the velocity distribution at the wings of an aeroplane. Within the scope of a three — dimensional linear theory we analyse a model which is formulated as a mixed screen boundary value problem for the Helmholtz equation (Δ +k2)Φ = 0 in ℝ3\s where Φ denotes the perturbation velocity potential, induced by the presence of the wings and s:=LUW with the projection L of the wings onto the (x,y)‐ plane and the wake W.

Not all Cauchy data are given explicitly on L, respectively W. These missing Cauchy data depend on the wing circulation Γ· Γ has to be fixed by the Kutta–Joukovskii condition: Λ Φ should be finite near the trailing edge xt of L. To fulfil this condition in a way that all appearing terms can be defined mathematically exactly and belong to spaces which are physically meaningful, we propose to fix Γ by the condition of vanishing stress intensity factors of Φ near xt up to a certain order such that ΛΦ|xt ϵW2ϵ(xt)⊂ L2(xt),ϵ>0.

In the two–dimensional case, and if L is the left half–plane in ℝ2, we have an explicit formula to calculate Γ and we can control the regularity of Γ and Φ.
Gleason's Theorem in a Space with Indefinite Metric
Authors: Matvejchuk Marjan
Published: May 2007

An analog to the Gleason theorem for measures on logics of projections in indefinite metric spaces is proved.
Nullstellenzahlen von Polynomfunktionen auf Restklassenringen
Authors: Mathiak Karl
Published: May 2007

Let ℤ/nℤ denote the ring of integers mod n. By a polynomial function f over ℤ/nℤ will be meant a mapping of ℤ/nℤ into itself which is induced by a polynomial f(x) ∈ ℤ[x]. We ask how many zeros of f are possible. The main result is a formula for the maximal number of zeros of non‐vanishing polynomial functions mod n.
Oscillation and Spectral Properties of a Class of Singular Self‐Adjoint Differential Operators
Authors: Došý Ondřej
Published: May 2007

Oscillation and spectral properties of the one‐term differential operator of the form magnified image are investigated. It is shown that certain recently established necessary conditions for discreteness a boundedness below of the spectrum of l are also sufficient for this property. Some related problems are also investigated.
Magneto ‐ Micropolar Fluid Motion: Existence and Uniqueness of Strong Solution
Authors: Rojas‐Medar Marko A.
Published: May 2007

By using the spectral Galerkin method, we prove the existence and uniqueness of strong solutions for magneto ‐ micropolar fluid motion.
Clarkson and Random Clarkson Inequalities for Lr(X)
Authors: Takahashi Yasuji , Kato Mikio
Published: May 2007

We first show how (p,p′) Clarkson inequality for a Banach space X is inherited by Lebesgue‐Bochner spaces Lr(X), which extends Clarkson's procedure deriving his inequalities for Lp from their scalar versions. Fairly many previous and new results on Clarkson's inequalities, and also those on Rademacher type and cotype at the same time (by a recent result of the authors), are obtained as immediate consequences. Secondly we show that if the (p, p') Clarkson inequality holds in X, then random Clarkson inequalities hold in Lr(X) for any 1 ≤ r ≤ ∞; the converse is true if r = p'. As corollaries the original Clarkson and random Clarkson inequalities for Lp are both directly derived from the parallelogram law for scalars.
Iterative Solutions of Nonlinear Equations of the Strongly Accretive Type
Authors: Chidume C. E.
Published: May 2007

Let E be a real q‐uniformly smooth Banach space. Suppose T is a strongly pseudo‐contractive map with open domain D(T) in E. Suppose further that T has a fixed point in D(T). Under various continuity assumptions on T it is proved that each of the Mann iteration process or the Ishikawa iteration method converges strongly to the unique fixed point of T. Related results deal with iterative solutions of nonlinear operator equations involving strongly accretive maps. Explicit error estimates are also provided.
The Dirichlet, Neumann and Mixed Boundary Value Problems of the Theory of Elasticity in n‐Dimensional Domains with Boundaries Containing Closed Cuspidal Edges
Authors: Chkadua O.
Published: May 2007

The Dirichlet, Neumann and mixed problems of statics of the theory of elasticity for anisotropic homogeneous media are studied in n‐dimensional (n ≧ 2) domains with boundaries containing closed cuspidal edges. Theorems of the existence and uniqueness of solutions of these problems in the Besov and Bessel potential spaces are obtained. Smoothness of solutions in a closed domain occupied by elastic medium is investigated.
On the Eigenvalue Accumulation of Sturm‐Liouville Problems Depending Nonlinearly on the Spectral Parameter
Authors: Mennicken R. , Schmi H. , Shkalikov A. A.
Published: May 2007

A nonlinear spectral problem for a Sturm‐Liouville equation‐(p(x, λ)y'(x, λ))' + q(x, λ) y(x, λ) = 0 on a finite interval [a, b] with λ‐dependent boundary conditions is considered. The spectral parameter λ is varying in an interval ∧ and p(x, λ), q(x, A) are real, continuous functions on [a, b] × ∧ Some criteria to the eigenvalue accumulation at the endpoints of A will be established. The results are applied to concrete problems arising in magnetohydrodynamics.
Asymptotic Behavior of Solutions of Evolution Equations and the Construction of Holomorphic Retractions
Authors: Khatskevich Victor , Reich Simeon , Shoikhet David
Published: May 2007

We first study the asymptotic behavior of nonlinear semigroups with holomorphic generators, and then use our results, inter alia, to construct holomorphic retractions onto the fixed point sets of holomorphic self‐mappings of bounded convex domains in a complex Banach space.
Function Spaces with Exponential Weights I
Authors: Schott Thomas
Published: May 2007

In this paper we define weighted function spaces of type Bspq(u) and Fspq(u) on the Euclidean space IRn, where u is a weight function of at most exponential growth. In particular, u(x) = exp(±|χ|) is an admissible weight. We prove some basic properties of these spaces, such as completeness and density of the smooth functions.
Almost Sure Convergence in Extreme Value Theory
Authors: Cheng Shihong , Peng Liang , Qi Yongcheng
Published: May 2007

Let X1, …, Xn be independent random variables with common distribution function F. Define
equation image
and let G(x) be one of the extreme‐value distributions. Assume F ∈ D(G), i.e., there exist an> 0 and bn ∈ ℝ such that
equation image
.

Let l(−∞,x)(·) denote the indicator function of the set (−∞,x) and S(G) =: {x : 0 < G(x) < 1}. Obviously, 1(−∞,x)((Mn−bn)/an) does not converge almost surely for any x ∈ S(G). But we shall prove
equation image
.
Splitting Patterns and Invariants of Quadratic Forms
Authors: Hoffmann Detlev W.
Published: May 2007

Let φ be an anisotropic quadratic form over a field F of characteristic not 2. The splitting pattern of φ is defined to be the increasing sequence of nonnegative integers obtained by considering the Witt indices iW(φk) of φ over K where K ranges over all field extensions of F. Restating earlier results by HURRELBRINK and REHMANN, we show how the index of the Clifford algebra of φ influences the splitting pattern. In the case where F is formally real, we investigate how the signatures of φ influence the splitting behaviour. This enables us to construct certain splitting patterns which have been known to exist, but now over much “simpler” fields like formally real global fields or ℝ(t). We also give a full classification of splitting patterns of forms of dimension less than or equal to 9 in terms of properties of the determinant and Clifford invariant. Partial results for splitting patterns in dimensions 10 and 11 are also provided. Finally, we consider two anisotropic forms φ and φ of the same dimension m with φ ⟂ − φ ∈ In F and give some bounds on m depending on n which assure that they have the same splitting pattern.
QSharp Matsusaka‐Type Theorems on Surfaces
Authors: Beltrametti M. C. , Sommese A. J.
Published: May 2007

Let L be an ample line bundle on a smooth surface S. We give sharp lower bounds for tL to be k‐jet ample based on the nefvalue of the pair (S,L). We also give sharp lower bounds for tL to be k‐spanned.
Boundedness and Dissipativity of Truncated Rotations on Uniform Planar Lattices
Authors: Diamond Phil , Kloeden Peter , Kozyakin Victor , Pokrovskii Alexei
Published: May 2007

The finiteness of computer arithmetic can lead to some dramatic differences between the behaviour of a continuous dynamical system and a computer simulation. A thorough rigorous theoretical analysis of what may or what does happen is usually extremely difficult and to date little has been done even in relatively simple contexts. The comparative behaviour of a rotation mapping in the plane and on a uniform lattice in the plane is one such example. Simulations show that the rounding operator applied to a planar rotation mapping more or less preserves the qualitative behaviour of the original mapping, whereas the application of the truncation operator to a planar rotation can lead to quite different dynamical features. In this paper a theoretical justification of the properties of the planar rotation mappings under truncation to a, uniform integer lattice is provided, in particular properties of boundedness and dissipativity are investigated.
Strongly Generated Banach Spaces and Measures of Noncompactness
Authors: Kunze Markus , Schlüchtermann Georg
Published: May 2007

To generalize the Hausdorff measure of noncompactness to other classes of bounded sets (like e. g. conditionally weakly compact or Asplund sets), we introduce Grothendieck classes. We deduce integral inequalities for quantities (called Grothendieck measures) related to these classes. As a by‐product, we can answer a question concerning the measure of noncompactness for linear T : X → Y introduced in [14], and generalize a theorem about weak solutions of differential equations in Banach spaces.