bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vom nationalen Narrativ vergessen – Der Beitrag des Herzogtums Kurland und Semgallen sowie des Piltener Kreises während der Schlacht bei Kirchholm im Jahre 1605
Authors: Balcerek Mariusz
Published: September 2014

On September 27th, 1605 a battle between a numerically superior Swedish army and cavalry strong Polish-Lithuanian forces took place close to Kirchholm a small town just outside of Riga. The surprising defeat of the Swedes and the conclusions drawn from this encounter had a massive impact on the development of the military in the 17th century. Even though that there is a large number of publications on this topic, the contribution of the Dutchy of Courland and Semigallia as well as the Piltene district during this battle has not found adequate appreciation in modern literature. This article illustrates in detail how important the support of these troops from Livland was for the outcome of this battle at the banks of the Düna and therefore substantiates the knowledge and the image of one of the most important clashes of the Polish-Swedish War 1600-1629 on the eve of the Thirty Years‘ War.
Adliger Stand und militärischer Rang. Konflikt- muster hochadliger Offiziere in der brandenburgisch- preußischen Armee (1713–1786)
Authors: Winkel Carmen
Published: September 2014

During the 18th century, the officers of the European standing armies were usually of noble origin. The requirements the army had towards the officers conflicted with their own self understanding. It was requirement of them to leave their »lone soldier « attitude behind and subordinate into a hierarchically system.

The officer corps of the early modern times were dominated by nobles and the aforementioned conflicts had an impact of different intensity on the relation between the point d’honneur and the requirements of the military service.

As for the Prussian example, it was assumed that this conflict between noble origin and military rank was less virulent than in the French army. Reason for that believe was mainly that the majority of the Prussian officers originated from the gentry. It was also assumed that the monarch was able to impose a better discipline among his officers.

One group of officers, members of the high nobility, has been completely ignored so far. That comes as a surprise given the fact that they accounted for 10 percent of all generals. Those princes had a protestantic background, served in the army for several reasons and were preferentially promoted. Their service in the army did not come without potential conflicts which required the monarch to compromise and using different strategies to solve them.
Peacekeeping Works, or Does It?
Authors: Dorussen Han
Published: September 2014

There is a renewed scholarly interest in peacekeeping with quantitative, systematic empirical studies figuring prominently. Arguably, this recent work has gone some way to address two puzzles that have consistently surrounded debates on peacekeeping. The first puzzle is that reporting on peacekeeping and public opinion tend to be critical. Regardless, peacekeeping has become an important element of efforts by the international community to resolve conflict. The second puzzle of peacekeeping is the contrast between quantitative, comparative studies and case studies in their assessment of the effectiveness of peacekeeping. This survey shows that recent research provides general evidence supporting the importance of peacekeeping, but some serious concerns remain.
Behavioral Health Services Following Implementation of Screening in Massachusetts Medicaid Children
Authors: Hacker Karen A. , Penfold Robert B. , Arsenault Lisa N. , Zhang Fang , Murphy Michael , Wissow Lawrence S.
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVES:

To determine the relationship of child behavioral health (BH) screening results to receipt of BH services in Massachusetts Medicaid (MassHealth) children.

METHODS:

After a court decision, Massachusetts primary care providers were mandated to conduct BH screening at well-child visits and use a Current Procedural Terminology code along with a modifier indicating whether a BH need was identified. Using MassHealth claims data, a cohort of continuously enrolled (July 2007–June 2010) children was constructed. The salient visit (first use of the modifier, screening code, or claim in fiscal year 2009) was considered a reference point to examine BH history and postscreening BH services. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of postscreening BH services.

RESULTS:

Of 261 160 children in the cohort, 45% (118 464) were screened and 37% had modifiers. Fifty-seven percent of children screening positive received postscreening BH services compared with 22% of children screening negative. However, only 30% of newly identified children received BH services. The strongest predictors of postscreening BH services for children without a BH history were being in foster care (odds ratio, 10.38; 95% confidence interval, 9.22–11.68) and having a positive modifier (odds ratio, 3.79; 95% confidence interval, 3.53–4.06).

CONCLUSIONS:

Previous BH history, a positive modifier, and foster care predicted postscreening BH services. Only one-third of newly identified children received services. Thus although screening is associated with an increase in BH recognition, it may be insufficient to improve care. Additional strategies may be needed to enhance engagement in BH services.
EFECTOS DEL ENTRENAMIENTO EN RELAJACIÓN Y HABILIDADES SOCIALES PARA EL MANEJO DE LAS ENFERMEDADES PSICOSOMÁTICOS: ESTUDIO DE CASO ÚNICO
Authors: Leiva Díaz Viriam
Published: September 2014

Este estudio evaluó el efecto del entrenamiento en relajación y habilidades sociales para el manejo de las enfermedades psicosomáticas. Se definieron operacionalmente tres variables independientes: calidad de vida, magnitud y frecuencia del trastorno psicosomático. Se tomó como criterio de inclusión la recurrencia del trastorno gastrointestinal o músculo esquelético. Se utilizó una metodología de investigación bicondicional, cuasi-experimental, utilizando un diseño para las dos condiciones A-B (entrenamiento en relajación), A-C (entrenamiento en habilidades sociales), A-BC (entrenamiento en habilidades sociales y relajación). Doce sujetos fueron distribuidos de manera aleatoria a las diferentes modalidades de tratamiento. Todas las participantes eran estudiantes de la Universidad de Costa Rica, solteras, con edad promedio de 22 años. El protocolo incluía dos fases de cuatro semanas de duración cada una: en la primera se aplicó los diferentes esquemas de tratamiento asignados, y en la segunda se dio seguimiento buscando la estabilidad de los datos. Los resultados indican que los tres tipos de intervención produjeron cambios significativos en las variables estudiadas, mostrando una mejoría en la calidad de vida, así como una disminución en la magnitud y en la frecuencia del trastorno, además de una valoración positiva de parte de los significativos socialmente importantes
La Salud Internacional y el Consumo de Drogas por parte de la población adolescente de Costa Rica
Authors: Leiva Díaz Viriam , Vargas Vargas Esteban , Barrio Sequerira Vilma , Campos Palacios Marta , Porras Monge Danny , Quesada Quirós Karla
Published: September 2014

La Salud Internacional constituye una visión en la que la persona es concebida como un ser integral que se forma en un proceso dinámico en el que, según Wright (1999), intervienen factoresmacro y microdeterminantes. En el presente artículo se presentan los resultados de un estudio en el que se investigó la relación entre los microdeterminantes y el consumo de drogas por parte de la población adolescente. Por otra parte, la investigación fue realizada desde el mes de marzo, del año 2008, hasta noviembre de ese mismo año.La investigación tiene un enfoque cuantitativo, es de tipo no experimental y el diseño es transeccional descriptivo. La población del estudio está constituida por funcionarios y funcionarias de instituciones nacionales involucradas con el fenómeno de las drogas. La recolección de losdatos se realizó por medio de una entrevista personal y fue reforzada con la revisión de otros textos lo cual permitió triangular la información. Entre los resultados se destaca la poca conexión interinstitucional para abordar el fenómeno de las drogas y la percepción multicausal del mismo pero con un abordaje local.Se concluye cuán importante es que la Enfermería aplique el enfoque de Salud Internacional para abordar el fenómeno de las drogas en la adolescencia
CURSO BIMODAL PRACTICA CLINICA DE ENFERMERIA BASADA EN LA EVIDENCIA: ALCANCES Y LIMITACIONES
Authors: Rojas Valenciano Ligia
Published: September 2014

Este artículo tiene como objetivo presentar el repertorio de entrada de los actuantes del curso bimodal, Práctica clínica basada en la evidencia, así como la evaluación final. Al inicio del curso, la población estuvo conformada por 23 personas de las cuales 20 correspondieron a enfermeras (os) de diferentes instituciones de salud públicas como privadas y tres estudiantes de quinto año de la carrera de Licenciatura en Enfermería de la Universidad de Costa Rica. Participaron 8 profesionales tutores. Sólo 16 participantes finalizaron el curso. Se utilizó la plataforma Dokeos complementada con una conferencia presencial mensual. El curso duró nueve meses. Se implementaron diversas estrategias de enseñanza. Resultado: La academia encargada de formar a los profesionales de la salud, en este caso a los enfermeros y enfermeras, consciente de planteamientos, no nuevos, pero sí novedosos para Costa Rica, los cuales pueden ayudar a subsanar la apatía investigativa, demostró que el investigar no solamente se hace para optar por una profesionalización, ya que es parte del quehacer diario profesional. Como insumo se construyó un proyecto en el cual todos (academia y servicio) tuvieron la oportunidad de mejorar sus prácticas clínicas basándolas en la evidencia científica. Además, se creó un proyecto en el que uno de sus objetivos fue capacitar a la mayor cantidad de profesionales en todo el país. Con esta estrategia de trabajo, se pretende disminuir el error práctico y brindar una atención más segura. Conclusión: La práctica clínica basada en la evidencia en una herramienta necesaria, cuya aplicación se justifica por los avances biotecnológicos acelerados en el área de la salud; tal adelanto obliga al profesional de Enfermería a mantenerse informado sobre las mejores prácticas en salud para responder a la población con responsabilidad mediante el desarrollo de una práctica actualizada y fiable que promueva la toma de las mejores decisiones en el quehacer profesional.
CAPACITACION SOBRE ESTRATEGIAS DE COMUNICACION ALTERNATIVA Y AUMENTATIVA PARA LA ATENCION DE NIÑOS CON PARALISIS CEREBRAL INFANTIL
Authors: González Zúñiga Sophía , Gueorguieva Filipova Ralitza , Tijerino Cascante Priscilla
Published: September 2014

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar los resultados de la implementación de un programa de capacitación sobre estrategias de comunicación alternativa y aumentativa para la atención de niños con parálisis cerebral infantil. El estudio se desarrolló en el Hospital Nacional de Niños “Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera” Para el elaborarar un diagnóstico de necesidades educativas se aplicó un cuestionario a 54 profesionales de Enfermería que laboran en las áreas de Cirugías, Medicina e Infectología. El programa se brindó a 13 profesionales de Enfermería. El estudio abarcó diferentes etapas: un diagnóstico de necesidades educativas, elaboración de un diseño instruccioneal denominado “Aprende a comunicarte con ellos, aprende a entenderlos”, desarrollo del programa mediante siete sesiones las cuales fueron evaluadas con la aplicación de un post test. Al desarrollar el programa se evidenció una notoria diferencia de conceptos e ideas en comparación con los que poseían previo a la capacitación. Además, el concepto de comunicación se tornó más completo y claro posterior a la capacitación y las participantes lograron identificar las diversas barreras de la comunicación. Cabe destacar que, posterior a la capacitación, todas las profesionales llegaron a conocer el concepto de comunicación alternativa y aumentativa, y su utilidad en la atención. Se concluyó que hay un elevado desconocimiento y creencias erróneas sobre la temática, además de la necesidad de sensibilización y de capacitación al respecto, asimismo, el profesional de Enfermería se ve limitado por las condiciones en las que trabaja. Por otro lado, se debe considerar una metodología dinámica y activa en el diseño de la capacitación, y por último, es fundamental el rol de liderazgo y educación que tiene Enfermería.
Atención de Enfermería brindada a jóvenes en dos centros de salud comparado con la Teoría de Watson
Authors: Pichardo Meza María Alejandra , Zúñiga Rodríguez María Catalina
Published: September 2014

Elobjetivo de este artículo es presentar los resultados de un estudio   comparado entre la teoría de Jean Watson y  la atención que brinda la enfermera o el enfermero a los adultos jóvenes en la Clínica de Control del Dolor y Cuidado Paliativo y en el Servicio de Onco-hematología del Hospital Max Peralta en Cartago. Se trata de una investigación mixta de tipo paralelo con triangulación concurrente. Las poblaciones de estudio estuvieron conformadas por 26 personas adultas jóvenes (con procesos mórbidos de salud o en condición de dolor crónico) y cuatro profesionales de Enfermería, quienes laboran en la Clínica de Control del Dolor y Cuidado Paliativo y en el Servicio de Onco-hematología del hospital mencionado. Se aplicó un cuestionario auto-administrado y una entrevista semi-estructurada; los datos cuantitativos fueron procesados mediante  el programa estadístico SPSS y los cualitativos, en categorías.  Los diez postulados que conforman la Teoría del Cuidado Humano son aplicables en la atención proporcionada por los enfermeros a personas con procesos mórbidos de salud y condiciones de dolor crónico. La atención de Enfermería se enfocó, principalmente, en el favorecimiento de la calidad de vida a partir de un proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje y manejo del dolor. La población adulta joven percibe un trato enfermero cálido, cordial y humano. Conclusión: El personal de Enfermería incluye en su atención diaria elementos de la propuesta teórica de Jean Watson, incluso cuando refiere no conocerla
La realidad detrás de las farmacéuticas: sendas de una posmodernidad que no perdona
Authors: Rodríguez Artavia Allan
Published: September 2014

El siguiente artículo se origina de la necesidad actual de analizar cuál es la realidad en torno a la industria  farmacéutica  a partir de los postulados de la (post) modernidad. Para su formulación, se efectuó una revisiónbibliográfica en las bases de datos de la Biblioteca Virtual de Salud (Bireme) y en la Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), en donde tras la aplicación de criterios de inclusión determinados, se obtuvo un total de 23 artículos que fungieron como base del planteamiento hecho. En cuanto a los principales resultados, en trece de los documentos analizados se critica el proceso de comercialización que ha dictado la pauta por seguir en la producción farmacéutica; luego, en otros siete se plantea que en dicha industria se restringe el acceso a los medicamentos en los países o regiones con menor poder adquisitivo, dado que existe resistencia a financiar investigaciones referentes a enfermedades que no son lucrativas. Como conclusión se afirma que en la actualidad, debido a los procesos propios de las políticas neoliberales y al capitalismo que envuelven a la producción farmacéutica, se perdió como objetivo la salud de la comunidad, trasformando dicho derecho en un proceso demarketing y mercantilismo.
Drug Development for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Knowing the Past Helps to Understand the Future
Authors: Chan Stephen L.
Published: September 2014

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly complicated disease characterized by comorbid cirrhosis and disease heterogeneity. Given multiple failures in the past, we need to learn from previous experiences and generate novel ideas to increase the chance of success. More effort and patience should be exercised in the selection of a homogeneous patient population and identification of predictive markers during drug development for HCC.
Compatible repairs to stonebuilt structures
Authors: Wiggins David E. , Klemm Agnieszka J.
Published: September 2014

There is a well-established research body behind the conservation and stone geology disciplines, yet there remains a gap between conservation research and those commissioning work on the nation's stonework. Heritage structures are being damaged by incompatible materials and methods. The fact of the matter is that the majority of all heritage repair work is as a direct result of inappropriate, damaging interventions using modern, typically dense, brittle and impermeable materials that upset the building's ‘natural’ operational mechanisms. The environmental factors precipitating stone decay are reported to be worsening; to respond to this increase in severity, the building, the repair material and the degradation mechanisms need to be clarified.
Shear resistance and cracking behaviour of SFRC beams with and without axial load
Authors: Ding Yining , Liu Hekai , Ning Xiliang , Zhang Yulin , Azevedo Cecília
Published: September 2014

In order to evaluate the fibre effect and the synergetic effect of fibres and stirrups on the flexural shear resistance and diagonal cracking behaviour of a tunnel segment, a series of experiments is conducted. Different from the conventional testing method, inclined supported beams subjected to combined action of flexure, shear and axial compression are used to simulate the loading condition of the tunnel segment. The results indicate that steel fibres can enhance the ultimate shear resistance greatly, reduce the strain of tension steel and decrease the diagonal crack width. The combined use of steel fibres and stirrups shows a significant positive composite effect on the load-carrying capacity and the failure pattern of the inclined supported beams. The addition of 50 kg/m3 steel fibres can transform the brittle diagonal shear failure pattern of reinforced concrete beams into a ductile flexural failure pattern. The results may also apply to the shear resistance of column elements.
The Agrodiversity Experiment: three years of data from a multisite study in intensively managed grasslands
Authors: Kirwan Laura , Connolly John , Brophy Caroline , Baadshaug Ole , Belanger Gilles , Black Alistair , Carnus Tim , Collins Rosemary , Čop Jure , Delgado Ignacio , De Vliegher Alex , Elgersma Anjo , Frankow-Lindberg Bodil , Golinski Piotr , Grieu Philippe , Gustavsson Anne-Maj , Helgadóttir Áslaug , Höglind Mats , Huguenin-Elie Olivier , Jørgensen Marit , Kadžiulienė Žydrė , Lunnan Tor , Lüscher Andreas , Kurki Päivi , Porqueddu Claudio , Sebastia M.-Teresa , Thumm Ulrich , Walmsley David , Finn John
Published: September 2014

Intensively managed grasslands are globally prominent ecosystems. We investigated whether experimental increases in plant diversity in intensively managed grassland communities can increase their resource use efficiency.

This work consisted of a coordinated, continental‐scale 33‐site experiment. The core design was 30 plots, representing 15 grassland communities at two seeding densities. The 15 communities comprised four monocultures (two grasses and two legumes) and 11 four‐species mixtures that varied in the relative abundance of the four species at sowing. There were 1028 plots in the core experiment, with another 572 plots sown for additional treatments. Sites followed a protocol and employed the same experimental methods with certain plot management factors, such as seeding rates and number of cuts, determined by local practice. The four species used at a site depended on geographical location, but the species were chosen according to four functional traits: a fast‐establishing grass, a slow‐establishing persistent grass, a fast‐establishing legume, and a slow‐establishing persistent legume. As the objective was to maximize yield for intensive grassland production, the species chosen were all high‐yielding agronomic species.

The data set contains species‐specific biomass measurements (yield per species and of weeds) for all harvests for up to four years at 33 sites. Samples of harvested vegetation were also analyzed for forage quality at 26 sites.

These data should be of interest to ecologists studying relationships between diversity and ecosystem function and to agronomists interested in sustainable intensification. The large spatial scale of the sites provides opportunity for analyses across spatial (and temporal) scales. The database can also complement existing databases and meta‐analyses on biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships in natural communities by focusing on those same relationships within intensively managed agricultural grasslands.
Multi-hazard assessment using GIS in the urban areas: Case study - Banja Luka municipality, B&H
Authors: Tosic Radislav , Dragicevic Slavoljub , Lovric Novica , Milevski Ivica
Published: September 2014

The research presents a techniques for natural hazard assessment using GIS
and cartographic approaches with multi-hazard mapping in urban communities,
because natural hazards are a multi-dimensional phenomena which have a
spatial component. Therefore the use of Remote Sensing and GIS has an
important function and become essential in urban multi-hazard assessment. The
first aim of this research was to determine the geographical distributions of
the major types of natural hazards in the study area. Seismic hazards,
landslides, rockfalls, floods, torrential floods, and excessive erosion are
the most significant natural hazards within the territory of Banja Luka
Municipality. Areas vulnerable to some of these natural hazards were singled
out using analytical maps. Based on these analyses, an integral map of the
natural hazards of the study area was created using multi-hazard assessment
and the total vulnerability was determined by overlapping the results. The
detailed analysis, through the focused research within the most vulnerable
areas in the study area will highlight the administrative units (urban
centres and communes) that are vulnerable to various types of natural hazard.
The results presented in this article are the first multi-hazard assessment
and the first version of the integral map of natural hazards in the Republic
of Srpska.
Morphological and hydrological characteristics of the Serbian border zone towards Bulgaria
Authors: Djurovic Predrag , Zivkovic Nenad
Published: September 2014

Morphological and hydrological analyses of the characteristics of the Serbian
border zone towards Bulgaria were performed. The morphological analysis
included the mountain (Stara Planina, Tupiznica, Svrljiske Planine, Suva
Planina and Vidlic), structural basin (Zajecar, Knjazevac, Svrljig and Bela
Palanka) and valley (Veliki Timok, Beli Timok, Visocica, Dragovistica) parts.
Within the hydrological analysis, the areas with the highest and lowest
annual amount of precipitation were identified, as well as the hottest and
coldest areas. The change of river basins runoff was analysed, as well as the
distribution of waters throughout the year in the studied area. The most
important elements of the water balance were shown and the hydrological
characteristics of the karst terrain were analysed.
Degradation of soil and hydrological conditions in the Pestan River Basin
Authors: Zivanovic Мilica , Novkovic Ivan
Published: September 2014

In the Pestan River Basin, the right tributary of the Kolubara River, a
complex degradation of natural conditions has been expressed over the
decades. The exploitation of lignite in the Kolubara Coal Basin, which is in
large part located in the territory of this basin, as well as accompanying
activities related to it, are the dominant activities that lead to the
degradation of soil and hydrological conditions. If other land use types are
added to this, it can be concluded that the land cover in the studied
territory suffered significant negative changes. The above mentioned
activities have led to land loss and deterioration of its quality, and the
regulation works due to dislocation of the Kolubara watercourse into the
Pestan riverbed have caused numerous degradation of landscapes, reduced the
basin area and shortened its watercourse, led to morphological changes of the
river network and deterioration of the surface water quality. The aim of this
paper is to perform a geospatial analysis of all areas in which the
degradation of soil and hydrological conditions is present, in order to
prevent their further degradation and proper management of these areas.
How Do Rare Earth Elements (Lanthanoids) Affect Root Development and Protocorm-Like Body Formation in Hybrid CYMBIDIUM?
Authors: Teixeira da Silva Jaime A.
Published: September 2014

Only few studies in the plant tissue culture literature have examined the impact of lanthanoids, or rare earth elements, on in vitro plant organogenesis. In this study, using a model plant, hybrid Cymbidium Twilight Moon ‘Day Light’, the impact of six lanthanoids (lanthanum (III) nitrate hexahydrate (La(NO3)3 · 6H2O), cerium (III) nitrate hexahydrate (Ce(NO3)3 · 6H2O), neodymium (III) nitrate hexahydrate (Nd(NO3)3 · 6H2O), praseodymium (III) nitrate hexahydrate (Pr(NO3)3 · 6H2O), samarium (III) nitrate hexahydrate (Sm(NO3)3 · 6H2O), gadolinium (III) nitrate hexahydrate (Gd(NO3)3 · 6H2O) on new protocorm-like body (neo-PLB) formation on Teixeira Cymbidium (TC) medium was examined. 0 (control), 1, 2, 4 and 8 mg·dm-3 of each lanthanoid was tested. All lanthanoids could produce more neo-PLBs and neo-PLB fresh weight than TC medium lacking plant growth regulators (PGRs), suggesting some PGR-like ability of lanthanoids, although PLB-related traits (percentage of half-PLBs forming neo-PLBs; number of neo-PLBs formed per half-PLB; fresh weight of half-PLB + neo-PLBs) was always significantly lower than TC medium containing PGRs. Except for Gd, all other lanthanoids had no negative impact on the number of new leaves from neo-PLB-derived shoots, but all lanthanoids showed a significantly lower plant height, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight and, in most cases, SPAD (chlorophyll content) value. In addition, using the same concentration of the six lanthanoids, the ability to fortify root formation of neo-PLB-derived plantlets was also assessed. Except for Sm, all other lanthanoids significantly increased the number of roots, root fresh and dry weight.
Aroma Quality of Fruits of Wild and Cultivated Strawberry (FRAGARIASPP.) in Relation to the Flavour-Related Gene Expression
Authors: Bianchi Giulia , Lovazzano Andrea , Lanubile Alessandra , Marocco Adriano
Published: September 2014

Expression profiles of flavour-related genes and the aroma quality of fruit headspace were investigated in the four strawberry genotypes ‘Reine des Vallées’ (Fragaria vesca), ‘Profumata di Tortona’ (F mos-chata), ‘Onda’ and VR 177 selection (F” x ananassa). Differences in the expression level of genes coding of strawberry alcohol acyltransferase (SAAT), F. x ananassa nerolidol synthase 1 (FaNESl) and F vesca monoterpene and sesquiterpene synthases (FvPINS and PINS1, respectively) were detected among these genotypes. In fruits of F. x ananassa the terpenoid profile was dominated by nerolidol, whereas wild spe–cies produced mainly monoterpenes. It was correlated with the higher induction of FaNES1 in cultivated and PINS gene in the wild Fragaria species. The flavour biogenesis in ripening fruits was determined by the expression of SAAT gene, especially visible for ‘Profumata di Tortona’ and ‘Onda’ strawberries. The fruit solid-phase microextraction (SPME) headspace was analysed using the Gas Chromatography-Olfac–tometry (GC-O), that allows for the chromatographic separation of volatiles together with their olfactomet-ric evaluation. ‘Reine des Vallées’ fruits have a peculiar profile characterized by high concentrations of limonene, linalool and mesifurane that resulted in “spiced”, “citrus, floral” and “sweet, baked” descriptors. The character impact compound in ‘Profumata di Tortona’ fruits was ethyl butanoate, responsible for “sweet” and “fruity, strawberry” descriptors. However, it was detected in lower amount in comparison to the data obtained for F. x ananassa strawberries. The sesquiterpene nerolidol was identified in both culti–vated strawberry genotypes.
Identification of Four New Est-Based Markers on the Apple (MALUS ⋉ DOMESTICA) Genetic Map
Authors: Keller-Przybyłkowicz Sylwia , Korbin Małgorzata
Published: September 2014

The map of the linkage groups: LG2, LG12 and LG14, which are expected to contain QTLs related to fruit quality, was generated by analysis of 56 individuals of the cross: ‘Retina’ × ‘Topaz’. Twenty three of the 27 SSR markers covered 225 cM in ‘Retina’ and 371 cM in ‘Topaz’ genome. High level of colinearity (≈85%) was found between obtained map and the respective map regions of ‘Fiesta’, ‘Discovery’, ‘Ralls Janet’ and ‘Delicious’. Only single inversions of marker positions were noted, predominantly in ‘Topaz’. CAPS and SSCP/SNP markers in seven ESTs, chosen based on the metabolic pathways of ascorbic acids and sugar, were identified. Four of the CAPS markers, linked to the genes coding: UDP glucose: flavonoid 3-o-glucosyl transferase, ascorbate peroxidase, and two sugar transporters, were mapped on LG2 (GFglTra - both cultivars), LG12 (PGiso1B and PSTS - ‘Topaz’) and LG14 (PST - ‘Retina’). According to our knowledge, loci of these markers have never been identified on the apple genome map.
Promoting plasticity in the somatosensory cortex to alter motor physiology
Authors: Jones Christina , Nelson Aimee
Published: September 2014

Somatosensory pathways and cortices contribute to the control of human movement. In humans, non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation techniques to promote plasticity within somatosensory pathways and cortices have revealed potent effects on the neurophysiology within motor cortices. In this mini-review, we present evidence to indicate that somatosensory cortex is positioned to influence motor cortical circuits and as such, is an ideal target for plasticity approaches that aim to alter motor physiology and behavior in clinical populations.
Early morphological brain abnormalities in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Yin Changhao , Yi Liye , Jia Longfei , Wang Jinhui , Liu Pengfei , Guo Yanqin , Han Ying
Published: September 2014

Patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) are at an increased risk of further deterioration and eventually developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Therefore, the identification of specific markers for this disease such as radiological markers is of great diagnostic and clinical significance. Our previous work has shown that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool to identify unique imaging features in patients with aMCI. Herein, we calculated the gray matter volume by structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI), and spontaneous low frequency fluctuations (LFF) using resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) in 11 patients with aMCI and 22 normal control patients. Compared with the control group, patients with aMCI showed significant reduction of gray matter volume in the inferior frontal gyrus, inferior parietal lobule, anterior cingulated cortex, and insula and superior temporal gyrus. Patients with aMCI also showed significantly lower amplitudes of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) in the posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, temporal gyrus and inferior parietal lobule when compared with the control group. However, in several other brain regions including the occipital lobe and cerebellum, the ALFF in patients with aMCI was significantly increased. The variation in ALFF between the two groups remained significant after adjustment for structural differences. Our results obtained in this pilot study are consistent with our previous finding and collectively show that patients with aMCI have abnormal MRI imaging findings. The pathological basis of these imaging features in patients with aMCI needs to be further explored.
The Adam Smith Problem: A Reinterpretation
Authors: Lundestad Erik
Published: September 2014

As long as the market is said to be based on the motive of self-interest, any argument in favor of expanding the market will have to be seen as an argument in favor of self-interest. Such an argument, however, clearly conflicts with the notion that this motive, when viewed from a practical-political point of view, must be deemed a vice and thus, at best is something to be tolerated. As long as the market is seen as presupposing the motive of self-interest, as the currently dominating interpretation of Adam Smith implies, it therefore appears virtually impossible to see how Smith – or anyone else for that manner – can possibly justify extending the market in practical-political terms.
In What Sense are Errors in Philosophy ‘Only Ridiculous’?
Authors: Ievers Lisa
Published: September 2014

In one of the closing paragraphs of Treatise Book 1, Hume provocatively concludes: ‘Generally speaking, the errors in religion are dangerous; those in philosophy only ridiculous’ (THN 1.4.7.13: 272). Unlike the first clause, the meaning of the second clause is far from obvious. I claim that errors in philosophy are ‘only ridiculous’ for Hume in the sense that – unlike errors in religion – they fail to disturb us psychologically or in practical life. The interesting question, however, is why they fail to disturb us. I suggest that it is their critical role in resolving the psychological instability brought on by philosophical reflection that makes errors in philosophy quite helpful to us and necessary for re-stabilising ourselves. In recognising a positive role for philosophical errors, my account challenges the standard interpretation of Hume's claim according to which ‘ridiculous’ philosophical errors play the merely negative role of being innocuous or safely dismissed.
False Shades of Green: The Case of Brazilian Amazonian Hydropower
Authors: Kahn James , Freitas Carlos , Petrere Miguel
Published: September 2014

The Federal Government of Brazil has ambitious plans to build a system of 58 additional hydroelectric dams in the Brazilian Amazon, with Hundreds of additional dams planned for other countries in the watershed. Although hydropower is often billed as clean energy, we argue that the environmental impacts of this project are likely to be large, and will result in substantial loss of biodiversity, as well as changes in the flows of ecological services. Moreover, the projects will generate significant greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and decay of organic matter in the reservoirs. These emissions are equivalent to the five years of emissions that would be generated by gas powered plants of equivalent capacity. In addition, we examine the economic benefits of the hydropower in comparison to new alternatives, such as photovoltaic energy and wind power. We find that current costs of hydropower exceed alternatives, and the costs of costs of these alternatives are likely to fall substantially below those of hydropower, while the environmental damages from the dams will be extensive and irreversible.
DNA Methylation Biomarkers: Cancer and Beyond
Authors: Mikeska Thomas , Craig Jeffrey
Published: September 2014

Biomarkers are naturally-occurring characteristics by which a particular pathological process or disease can be identified or monitored. They can reflect past environmental exposures, predict disease onset or course, or determine a patient’s response to therapy. Epigenetic changes are such characteristics, with most epigenetic biomarkers discovered to date based on the epigenetic mark of DNA methylation. Many tissue types are suitable for the discovery of DNA methylation biomarkers including cell-based samples such as blood and tumor material and cell-free DNA samples such as plasma. DNA methylation biomarkers with diagnostic, prognostic and predictive power are already in clinical trials or in a clinical setting for cancer. Outside cancer, strong evidence that complex disease originates in early life is opening up exciting new avenues for the detection of DNA methylation biomarkers for adverse early life environment and for estimation of future disease risk. However, there are a number of limitations to overcome before such biomarkers reach the clinic. Nevertheless, DNA methylation biomarkers have great potential to contribute to personalized medicine throughout life. We review the current state of play for DNA methylation biomarkers, discuss the barriers that must be crossed on the way to implementation in a clinical setting, and predict their future use for human disease.
Flavonoids from Machilus japonica Stems and Their Inhibitory Effects on LDL Oxidation
Authors: Joo Se-Jin , Park Hee-Jung , Park Ji-Hae , Cho Jin-Gyeong , Kang Ji-Hyun , Jeong Tae-Sook , Kang Hee , Lee Dae-Young , Kim Hack-Soo , Byun Sang-Yo , Baek Nam-In
Published: September 2014

Stems of Machilus japonica were extracted with 80% aqueous methanol (MeOH) and the concentrated extract was successively extracted with ethyl acetate (EtOAc), normal butanol (n-BuOH), and water. Six flavonoids were isolated from the EtOAc fraction: (+)-taxifolin, afzelin, (−)-epicatechin, 5,3'-di-O-methyl-(−)-epicatechin, 5,7,3'-tri-O-methyl-(−)-epicatechin, and 5,7-di-O-methyl-3',4'-methylenedioxyflavan-3-ol. The chemical structures were identified using spectroscopic data including NMR, mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy. This is the first report of isolation of these six compounds from M. japonica. The compounds were evaluated for their diphenyl picryl hydrazinyl scavenging activity and inhibitory effects on low-density lipoprotein oxidation. Compounds 1 and 3–6 exhibited DPPH antioxidant activity equivalent with that of ascorbic acid, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.16, 0.21, 0.17, 0.15 and 0.07 mM, respectively. The activity of compound 1 was similar to the positive control butylated hydroxytoluene, which had an IC50 value of 1.9 µM, while compounds 3 and 5 showed little activity. Compounds 1, 3, and 5 exhibited LDL antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 2.8, 7.1, and 4.6 µM, respectively.
Silencing Bcl-2 Expression in Epithelial Cancer Cells Using “Smart” Particles
Authors: Lin Yen-Ling , Jiang Guohua , Zhang Zhaocheng , Nör Jacques , ElSayed Mohamed
Published: September 2014

Short interfering RNA (siRNA) targeted against anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein proved to knockdown its expression and trigger cancer cell death. We used degradable, pH-sensitive, comb-like [P(EAA-co-BMA)-b-PNASI-g-P(HMA-co-TMAEMA)] polymer to condense anti-Bcl-2 siRNA into “smart” particles, which proved to shuttle their cargo past the endosomal membrane and into the cytoplasm of HeLa and UM-SCC-17B cancer cells. HeLa and UM-SCC-17B cancer cells were treated with anti-Bcl-2 particles followed by quantifying Bcl-2 mRNA and protein levels using qRT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. “Smart” anti-Bcl-2 particles selectively suppress Bcl-2 mRNA and protein levels in HeLa cells by 50%–60% and 79%–81%, respectively. Similarly, “smart” anti-Bcl-2 particles inhibited Bcl-2 mRNA levels by 30%, 40%, and 20% upon incubation with UM-SCC-17B cancer cells for 48, 72, and 96 h, respectively. Bcl-2 protein expression in UM-SCC-17B cancer cells was inhibited by 30% after treatment for 72 h. Results show that pH-sensitive comb-like polymer complex anti-Bcl-2 siRNA forming “smart” nanoparticles that deliver their cargo into the cytoplasm of HeLa and UM-SCC-17B cancer cells causing Bcl-2 knockdown at the mRNA and protein levels.
Eurycomanone and Eurycomanol from Eurycoma longifolia Jack as Regulators of Signaling Pathways Involved in Proliferation, Cell Death and Inflammation
Authors: Hajjouli Shéhérazade , Chateauvieux Sébastien , Teiten Marie-Hélène , Orlikova Barbora , Schumacher Marc , Dicato Mario , Choo Chee-Yan , Diederich Marc
Published: September 2014

Eurycomanone and eurycomanol are two quassinoids from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia Jack. The aim of this study was to assess the bioactivity of these compounds in Jurkat and K562 human leukemia cell models compared to peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors. Both eurycomanone and eurycomanol inhibited Jurkat and K562 cell viability and proliferation without affecting healthy cells. Interestingly, eurycomanone inhibited NF-κB signaling through inhibition of IκBα phosphorylation and upstream mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, but not eurycomanol. In conclusion, both quassinoids present differential toxicity towards leukemia cells, and the presence of the α,β-unsaturated ketone in eurycomanone could be prerequisite for the NF-κB inhibition.
Pharmacological Effects of the Water Fraction of Key Components in the Traditional Chinese Prescription Mai Tong Fang on 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and ob/ob Diabetic Mice
Authors: Ma Liang , Huang Li , Pei Heying , Liu Zhuowei , Xie Caifeng , Lei Lei , Chen Xiaoxin , Ye Haoyu , Peng Aihua , Chen Lijuan
Published: September 2014

Mai Tong Fang (MTF), a Chinese herbal combination, has been used for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy in traditional medical clinics in China. However, the anti-adipogenic and anti-hyperglycemic effects of MTF have not been fully elucidated, so this study explored these pharmacological activities in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and ob/ob mice, respectively, of the water fraction of milkvetch root, salviae miltiorrhizae and mulberry as key components of MTF. MTF was found to inhibit adipogenesis and triglyceride accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Oral administration of MTF in ob/ob mice for 8 weeks, exhibited positive controls on blood glucose and body weight, and further improved glucose tolerance according to an oral glucose tolerance test. Importantly, MTF extract alleviated fat deposition and ballooning degeneration in liver tissue and blocked the increase of adipocyte size in adipose tissue from treated ob/ob mice. These results indicated that the extract of key components in the traditional Chinese prescription MTF continue a potent anti-adipogenic and glucose-lowering agent.
Clinical Trials Involving Pharmacists in Pakistan’s Healthcare System: A Leap from Paper to Practice
Authors: Abbas Atta , Khan Nabeel
Published: September 2014

The inclusion of pharmacists in the healthcare system of a developing country like Pakistan has always been a subject of debate among the healthcare professionals (HCPs), especially physicians, who have long ruled the healthcare system alone and who have had a long-held position of supremacy. The common argument against the inclusion of pharmacists is the dynamics of the healthcare system, and patients being physician oriented, hence, consider the inclusion of pharmacists as no good. Although the trend of defiance is changing, it is worthwhile mentioning here that the concept of the inclusion of pharmacist was implemented in developed countries by an evidence-based approach, i.e., to actually involve pharmacists in the disease state management of a patient and conducting a trial. This opinion calls for the same to be implemented in a developing country like Pakistan to evaluate its significance.
Mapping Levees Using LiDAR Data and Multispectral Orthoimages in the Nakdong River Basins, South Korea
Authors: Choung Yunjae
Published: September 2014

Mapping levees is important for analyzing levee surfaces, assessing levee stability, etc. Historically, mapping levees has been carried out using ground surveying methods or only one type of remote sensing dataset. This research aims to map levees using airborne topographic LiDAR data and multispectral orthoimages taken in the Nakdong River Basins. Levee surfaces consist of multiple objects with different geometric and spectral patterns. This research investigates different methods for identifying multiple levee components, such as major objects and eroded areas. Multiple geometric analysis approaches such as the slope classification method, and elevation and area analysis are used to identify the levee crown, berm, slope surfaces, and the eroded area, with different geometric patterns using the LiDAR data. Next, a spectral analysis approach, such as the clustering algorithm, is used to identify the major objects with different spectral patterns on the identified components using multispectral orthoimages. Finally, multiple levee components, including major objects and eroded areas, are identified. The accuracy of the results shows that the various components on the levee surfaces are well identified using the proposed methodology. The obtained results are applied for evaluating the physical condition of the levees in the study area.
Structural Insights into Bacillus thuringiensis Cry, Cyt and Parasporin Toxins
Authors: Xu Chengchen , Wang Bi-Cheng , Yu Ziniu , Sun Ming
Published: September 2014

Since the first X-ray structure of Cry3Aa was revealed in 1991, numerous structures of B. thuringiensis toxins have been determined and published. In recent years, functional studies on the mode of action and resistance mechanism have been proposed, which notably promoted the developments of biological insecticides and insect-resistant transgenic crops. With the exploration of known pore-forming toxins (PFTs) structures, similarities between PFTs and B. thuringiensis toxins have provided great insights into receptor binding interactions and conformational changes from water-soluble to membrane pore-forming state of B. thuringiensis toxins. This review mainly focuses on the latest discoveries of the toxin working mechanism, with the emphasis on structural related progress. Based on the structural features, B. thuringiensis Cry, Cyt and parasporin toxins could be divided into three categories: three-domain type α-PFTs, Cyt toxin type β-PFTs and aerolysin type β-PFTs. Structures from each group are elucidated and discussed in relation to the latest data, respectively.
Low-Frequency NNRTI-Resistant HIV-1 Variants and Relationship to Mutational Load in Antiretroviral-Naïve Subjects
Authors: Gupta Shaili , Lataillade Max , Kyriakides Tassos , Chiarella Jennifer , John Elizabeth , Webb Suzin , Moreno Elizabeth , Simen Birgitte , Kozal Michael
Published: September 2014

Low-frequency HIV variants possessing resistance mutations against non‑nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI), especially at HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) amino acid (aa) positions K103 and Y181, have been shown to adversely affect treatment response. Therapeutic failure correlates with both the mutant viral variant frequency and the mutational load. We determined the prevalence of NNRTI resistance mutations at several RT aa positions in viruses from 204 antiretroviral (ARV)-naïve HIV-infected individuals using deep sequencing, and examined the relationship between mutant variant frequency and mutational load for those variants. Deep sequencing to ≥0.4% levels found variants with major NNRTI-resistance mutations having a Stanford-HIVdb algorithm value ≥30 for efavirenz and/or nevirapine in 52/204 (25.5%) ARV-naïve HIV-infected persons. Eighteen different major NNRTI mutations were identified at 11 different positions, with the majority of variants being at frequency >1%. The frequency of these variants correlated strongly with the mutational load, but this correlation weakened at low frequencies. Deep sequencing detected additional major NNRTI-resistant viral variants in treatment-naïve HIV-infected individuals. Our study suggests the significance of screening for mutations at all RT aa positions (in addition to K103 and Y181) to estimate the true burden of pre-treatment NNRTI-resistance. An important finding was that variants at low frequency had a wide range of mutational loads (>100-fold) suggesting that frequency alone may underestimate the impact of specific NNRTI-resistant variants. We recommend further evaluation of all low-frequency NNRTI-drug resistant variants with special attention given to the impact of mutational loads of these variants on treatment outcomes.