bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population based self-reported acute gastrointestinal infection in slovenia: multiplier study
Authors: Grilc Eva , Sočan Maja
Published: December 2013

Background: The assessment of the incidence of acute gastrintestinal infections (AGI) derived from the notifications underestimates the real burden of AGI. The symptoms of AGI are usually not severe enough for consultation with a physician. The more exact data on the burden of AGI are gained through cross sectional population-based studies. To estimate the burden of AGI in Slovenia, a period prevalence study was conducted.

Methods: A simple random sample consisting of 5000 Slovenian inhabitants was chosen to whom a questionnaire was sent in July 2011. The participants were asked if they experienced AGI in June 2011 according to a symptombased case definition. The participants were asked to fill in the questionnaire on a paper or via a web page created for study purposes.

Results: Out of 5000 participants, 1500 filled out the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 33%. The number of women responding out-numbered men - there were 58% female and 42% male responders. 66 (4.4%) of the responders claimed to have had AGI in June 2011. The incidence rate of acute AGI was therefore 4400 per 100,000 inhabitants. Comparatively, the incidence rate of notified cases in the same month was 78.9 per 100,000 inhabitants. The difference between the incidence of AGI, based on notified cases and incidence, calculated in the first Slovenian cross sectional study, showed that one out of 56 cases of AGI in the community has been notified.

Conclusion: the incidence of AGI among the Slovenian population, based on data from our cross sectional study, is as expected higher than the incidence calculated from notification data from the same period.
Factors of collective psychological empowerment of active users in the online health community med.over.net
Authors: Petrovčič Andraž , Petrič Gregor
Published: December 2013

Izvleček

Namen: V članku raziskujemo v literaturi pogosto spregledano vprašanje kolektivnega psihološkega opolnomočenja uporabnikov spletnih zdravstvenih skupnosti. Izhajajoč iz teorij opolnomočenja s področja psihologije skupnosti, preverjamo, kateri dejavniki, ki obenem odražajo pomembne lastnosti spletnih zdravstvenih skupnosti, so povezani s kolektivnim psihološkim opolnomočenjem njihovih uporabnikov.

Metode: Vlogo štirih dejavnikov kolektivnega opolnomočenja smo analizirali s pomočjo multiple linearne regresije na podatkih, zbranih konec leta 2010 s spletno anketo na neverjetnostnem vzorcu (n = 235) aktivnih sodelujočih na forumih največje slovenske spletne zdravstvene skupnosti Med.over.net, ki je vključeval 8,5% moških, 49,7% vsaj visoko izobraženih in 41,5% poročenih anketirancev, ki so bili v povprečju stari 35,1 leta (SD = 9,1).

Rezultati: Ugotavljamo, da se predstavljeni teoretični model dejavnikov ustrezno prilega podatkom (F = 8,65, df = 8, p < 0,001) in z njim lahko pojasnimo 23,4% variabilnosti občutka kolektivnega opolnomočenja. Občutek pripadnosti spletni skupnosti (β = 0,279, p < 0,001), vključenost v organizacijske aktivnosti skupnosti (0,194, 0,001) in zaznana participacija spletne skupnosti v širšem okolju (0,157, 0,02) vplivajo na kolektivno opolnomočenje uporabnikov spletne zdravstvene skupnosti Med.over.net, medtem ko tega ni mogoče trditi za intenzivnost participacije v forumskih razpravah (0,029, 0,65).

Zaključek: Za povečevanje kolektivne komponente psihološkega opolnomočenja uporabnikov spletnih zdravstvenih skupnosti je treba v prvi vrsti graditi na kakovosti odnosov med člani, vključevanju članov v strateške odločitve o skupnosti in na vključenosti skupnosti v širše družbeno okolje, saj sama participacija uporabnikov v spletnih skupnosti še ne zagotavlja njihovega višjega kolektivnega opolnomočenja.
Managing of the outbreak of staphylococcal food poisoning in primary school
Authors: Košnik Irena Grmek , Lah Andreja Krt , Dermota Urška , Frelih Tatjana
Published: December 2013

Izvleček

Izhodišče: Oktobra 2010 smo imeli na Gorenjskem v eni izmed osnovnih šol z vrtcem izbruh stafilokokne zastrupitve s hrano.

Metode: Izvedli smo retrospektivno kohortno epidemiološko raziskavo in izračunali stopnjo obolevnosti v izbruhu ter relativno tveganje (RT) za vsako živilo. Pri obolelih smo kultivirali blato in izbruhanino. Opravili smo terenski ogled z odvzemom vzorca hrane, brisov delovnih površin na snažnost in brisa rok zaposlenih v kuhinji. V okviru usmerjenega pregleda smo trem zaposlenim v kuhinji odvzeli kužnine za mikrobiološke preiskave. Izolatom bakterije Staphylococcus aureus smo določili enterotoksine s testom aglutinacije SET RPLA (Oxoid). Za primerjavo sorodnosti bakterije S. aureus iz živila in humanih vzorcev smo opravili tipizacijo izolatov s pulzno elektroforezo (PFGE).

Rezultati: Obolelo je 73 oseb od 374 izpostavljenih. Stopnja obolevnosti je bila 19,5-odstotna. Najpogostejši bolezenski znaki so bili: bruhanje (87,7 %), bolečine v trebuhu (75,3 %), driska (64,2 %) in slabost (59,3 %). Največje relativno tveganje (RT) za zastrupitev je bilo povezano z uživanjem mesnega sira (RT= 24,2 (95 % CI 12,1-48,5; p<0,001) in krompirjeve solate (RT= 19,4 (95 % CI 10,7-35,2; p<0,001). S kože rok osebe, zaposlene v kuhinji, iz vzorca hrane in kužnin obolelih otrok smo izolirali bakterijo S. aureus, ki je izločala enterotoksina A; po občutljivosti za antibiotike se ni razlikovala od drugih; z metodo PFGE se je pokazala 96,3-odstotna sorodnost med sevi.

Zaključki: Opisana raziskava je vzorčen primer dela in ukrepanja področnega epidemiologa in mikrobiologa ob pojavu izbruha. V izbruhu smo dokazali epidemiološko povezane izolate in opredelili pomen posameznih preiskav.
Geomorphological Development of the Memphite Floodplain Over the Past 6,000 Years
Authors: Bunbury Judith
Published: December 2013

The Memphite ruin mounds around the modern town of Mit Rahina in northern Egypt form a part of a region around which the capital of Egypt mi grated through time. Some of these migrations were the responses to landscape changes and the area is one that is subject to a number of types of landscape change. The delta and river systems as well as the deserts that surround Memphis changed profoundly as global temperatures rose at theend of the last ice age. This paper summarises the main landscape processes that affected the area and pro poses a model for river migration and delta-head change in the Memphite floodplain.
Saqqara: Some Remarks on Flora from Funerary Context
Authors: Radomska Małgorzata
Published: December 2013

An extensive Ptolemaic cemetery west of the Step Pyramid in Saqqara (Egypt), excavated since 1987 by a Polish mission headed by Karol Myśliwiec, has inspired the present study. Over 500 burials have been found so far in strata overlying the Old Kingdom necropolis. The aim of the paper is to present the plant remains discovered in burial contexts in 1987-2012 in the so-called Upper Necropolis. It emphasizes the results of their archaeobotanical analyses. The effects of research on plant remains from the Lower Necropolis are presented here to be used as a 2000 years older comparative material.
Books as Capital Assets
Authors: Soloveichik Rachel
Published: December 2013

In 2007, authors and publishers released book manuscripts with a value of $9.1 billion. These books will continue to be sold for decades. Because of this long working life, the international guidelines for national accounts recommend that countries classify production of books and other entertainment, literary, and artistic originals as an investment activity and then depreciate those books over time. However, the Bureau of Economic Analysis did not capitalize this category of intangible assets until the July 2013 benchmark revision. In order to change the national accounts, this paper collects data on production of book manuscripts from 1900 to 2010. The paper then calculates how GDP statistics change when book manuscripts are classified as capital assets.

The main empirical results are as follows: 1) Book manuscripts have a useful lifespan of at least fifty years with an annual depreciation rate of 12 per cent per year; 2) Nominal book investment has hovered around 0.06 per cent of nominal GDP from the 1930s until 2010. Therefore, nominal GDP growth does not change much when book production is classified as an investment activity; 3) After 1970, book investment prices rose faster than overall GDP prices. Accordingly, average inflation rises slightly when book production is classified as investment. Before 1970, book investment prices roughly track overall GDP prices.
From Communization to Commercialization: A Brief History of China's Publishing, 1949–1992
Authors: Yun Qidong
Published: December 2013

Understanding Chinese publishing history during the period of the People's Republic is not only essential for a full understanding of China's publishing industry, but it also helps us understand the overall transition of cultural production in China. This article, by offering a brief account of Chinese publishing history between 1949 and 1992, systematically demonstrates the inherent contradictions of the publishing industry during the Maoist period and also argues that, given the changes in the social and economic environment after the introduction of economic reforms, the transition to a commercialized publishing industry became inevitable.
Recovering the Covering Letter: Submitting Manuscripts to Scholarly Journals in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Gump Steven E.
Published: December 2013

Although most manuscripts submitted to scholarly journals are now sent electronically, some journals still expect covering letters to accompany these submissions. This essay, a retrospective on a piece by the same author that appeared in the Journal of Scholarly Publishing in 2004, recontextualizes and rearticulates components of effective covering letters for both unsolicited and expected manuscript submissions. By identifying pragmatic, rhetorical, and dialogic purposes that covering letters can and do serve, the piece revalues a liminal, occluded genre of academic writing that may eventually be superseded by technology.
Energieholzpotenziale im Schweizer Wald
Authors: Thees Oliver , Kaufmann Edgar , Lemm Renato , Bürgi Anton
Published: December 2013

Energy wood potential of the Swiss forest

In this article the wood energy potential of the Swiss forest is estimated on the basis of the third Swiss forest inventory (elicitations from 2004 till 2006). The estimation is based on four scenarios of usage intensity and on two wood market situations. Furthermore, the wood energy potentials are analysed by production regions, forest ownership, strength classes, tree compartments, harvesting methods and costs. The minimum technical potential in Switzerland is 3.1 million m3 of solid wood and brushwood per year (usage scenario: “as before”, not very energy-wood-friendly market), the maximum is 7.3 million m3 per year (usage scenario: “75% more usage”, which is associated with a significant reduction in stocks; very energy-wood-friendly market). As a rough benchmark we can assume a technical potential of 4 million m3 of solid wood and brushwood, which can be used on average without any reduction in stocks. Actually about 60% of it is currently harvested. The article shows that while additional energy wood potentials can be tapped, the energy wood can only make a small contribution to the total Swiss energy production, which is moreover relatively expensive to implement. Therefore an efficient and value-added use of the resource is especially important.
Pattern of Paediatric Rheumatic Diseases: An Experience in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Mohammad Imnul , Talukdar Manik Kumar , Rahman Shahanaa
Published: December 2013

Background: The importance of Paediatric Rheumatic Diseases (PRDs) is increasing globally day by day. These diseases are considered as important chronic cause of childhood morbidity and disability. It is recognized that early recognition and diagnosis as well as timely intervention can improve the outcome of PRDs. Objective: To estimate the pattern of PRDs and to compare the profile of JIA with other studies were done abroad. Method: Retrospective study was done in the paediatric rheumatology clinic and in patient department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) during the study period from July 2007-December 2012. All the patients fulfilling the ILAR classification criteria of Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), ACR classification criteria of systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE), PReS-EULAR-PRINTO classification criteria of childhood vasculitis Bohan A, Peter JB Classification criteria for juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) and preliminary criteria for the classification of systemic sclerosis (SS) were enrolled in this study. Results: A total of 540 patients were enrolled. Highest number of patients had JIA (77%), which was followed by SLE (10%). Among childhood vasculitis, Henoch Shonlein purpura (HSP) was predominant (4.2%) followed by Polyarteritis nodosa (1.9%) and Kawasaki Disease (0.6%). Juvenile dermatomiositis (JDM), systemic sclerosis (SS) and rheumatic fever was also found in 1.6%, 1.3% and 3% cases respectively. Polyarticular JIA was the commonest type (33 %) in this series, followed by oligoarthritis, systemic onset and enthesitis related arthritis (ERA). Conclusion: JIA was the commonest among the paediatric rheumatic diseases followed by SLE and childhood vasculitis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v37i2.17267 BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2013; VOL 37 (2) : 97-101
Childhood Obesity - An Emerging Problem : A Review Article
Authors: Hamid Farzana , Islam Rafiqul , Ray Prokash Chandra
Published: December 2013

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v37i2.17269 BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2013; VOL 37 (2) : 122-126
Congenital Malaria in Neonate
Authors: Hassan Mahmuda , Begum Marium , Rob AW Shamsur , Ahmed Ashruf Uddin , Ahmed Taslim Uddin
Published: December 2013

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v37i2.17272 BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2013; VOL 37 (2) : 133-135
Analysis of Newspaper Coverage of Active Aging through the Lens of the 2002 World Health Organization Active Ageing Report: A Policy Framework and the 2010 Toronto Charter for Physical Activity: A Global Call for Action
Authors: Abdullah Boushra , Wolbring Gregor
Published: December 2013

As populations continue to grow older, efforts to support the process of aging well are important goals. Various synonyms are used to cover aging well, such as active aging. The World Health Organization published in 2002 the report Active Ageing: A Policy Framework that according to the call for papers, has brought active ageing to the forefront of international public health awareness. The 2010 Toronto Charter for Physical Activity: A Global Call for Action was singled out in the call for papers as a key document promoting physical activity one goal of the 2002 WHO active aging policy framework. Media are to report to the public topics of importance to them. We investigated the newspaper coverage of aging well and synonymous terms such as active aging through the lens of the 2002 WHO active aging policy framework and the 2010 Toronto Charter for Physical Activity. As sources we used the following newspapers: China Daily, The Star (Malaysia), two UK newspapers (The Guardian, The Times), a database of 300 Canadian newspapers (Canadian Newsstand) and a US newspaper (The New York Times). The study generated data answering the following four research questions: (1) how often are the 2002 WHO active aging policy framework and the 2010 Toronto Charter for Physical Activity mentioned; (2) how often is the topic of active aging and terms conveying similar content (aging well, healthy aging, natural aging and successful aging) discussed; (3) which of the issues flagged as important in the 2002 WHO active aging policy framework and the 2010 Toronto Charter for Physical Activity are covered in the newspaper coverage of active aging and synonymous terms; (4) which social groups were mentioned in the newspapers covered. The study found a total absence of mentioning of the two key documents and a low level of coverage of “active aging” and terms conveying similar content. It found further a lack of engagement with the issues raised in the two key documents and a low level of mentioning of socially disadvantages groups. We posit that reading the newspapers we covered will not expose the reader to the two key documents and the issues linked to aging well including the need to increase physical activity.
The Involvement of Girls and Boys with Bullying: An Analysis of Gender Differences
Authors: Iossi Silva Marta , Pereira Beatriz , Mendonça Denisa , Nunes Berta , Oliveira Wanderlei
Published: December 2013

This exploratory and cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of bullying in a group of students and analyze the data regarding the gender of those involved in the violence. A questionnaire adapted from Olweus was applied in seven elementary education schools in Portugal. The sample consisted of 387 students between 7 and 14 years old. Data are presented in terms of descriptive statistics and differences between proportions were analyzed using chi-square tests. The gender analysis of victimization and aggression shows that boys and girls are both victims and aggressors, and there are significant differences in involvement in bullying between genders and the roles played. Boys are victims more often when considering different types of bullying, although significant differences were only found for physical aggression. Strategies that include gender roles are a priority for prevention and careful attention to this phenomenon in the school context. The questions addressed contribute to a broader understanding of the phenomenon, emphasizing the differential participation of boys and girls in bullying.
Antiepileptic Potential of Matrine via Regulation the Levels of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid and Glutamic Acid in the Brain
Authors: Xiang Jun , Jiang Yugang
Published: December 2013

Our present study aimed to determine the antiepileptic activity of matrine, and explore the possible molecular mechanism. To evaluate the antiepileptic activity of matrine, seizures in mice induced by PTZ and MES were established, then the pentobarbital sodium-induced anaesthetizing time and locomotor activity tests in mice were also carried out. For the molecular mechanism investigations, contents of aspartic acid (Asp), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamic acid (Glu), glycine (Gly) in seizures mice were determined; then, the chronic seizures rats induced by PTZ were prepared, and western blotting was used to determine the expressions of GAD 65, GABAA and GABAB in the brains. In the results, matrine showed significant antiepileptic effects on seizures mice induced by MES and PTZ. Moreover, the pentobarbital sodium-induced anaesthetizing time and locomotor activity tests were also demonstrated that matrine had obvious antiepileptic effects. Additionally, our results revealed that after treatment with matrine, contents of GABA can be elevated, and the contents of Glu were obviously decreased. Furthermore, western blotting revealed that the mechanism regarding the antiepileptic effect of may be related to the up-regulations of GAD 65 and GABAA in the brain. Collectively, we suggested that matrine can be developed as an effective antiseptic drug.
Magnetic Fe3O4-Based Sandwich-Type Biosensor Using Modified Gold Nanoparticles as Colorimetric Probes for the Detection of Dopamine
Authors: Wang Zhiyong , Bai Yanyan , Wei Wenchao , Xia Ning , Du Yuhui
Published: December 2013

In this work, we designed a visual biosensor for dopamine (DA) detection using magnetic Fe3O4 particles and dithiobis(sulfosuccinimidylpropionate)-modified gold nanoparticles (DTSSP-AuNPs) as the recognition elements. Specifically, DA molecules were assembled onto the surface of DTSSP-AuNPs via the amine coupling reaction between the amino group of DA and activated carboxyl group of DTSSP. Accordingly, DA-anchored DTSSP-AuNPs were captured by Fe3O4 through the interaction of catechol and iron. In a magnetic field, the formed Fe3O4-DA-DTSSP-AuNPs conjugates were easily removed from the solution, leading to fading of the AuNPs suspension and decrease of the UV/Vis signal. As a result, a detection limit of 10 nM for DA was achieved. The theoretical simplicity and high selectivity demonstrated that the sandwich-type strategy based on Fe3O4 and AuNPs would lead to many colorimetric detection applications in clinical study by rationally designing the surface chemistry of AuNPs and Fe3O4.
Al2O3 Disk Supported Si3N4 Hydrogen Purification Membrane for Low Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Liu Xiaoteng , Christensen Paul , Kelly Stephen , Rocher Vincent , Scott Keith
Published: December 2013

Reformate gas, a commonly employed fuel for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), contains carbon monoxide, which poisons Pt-containing anodes in such devices. A novel, low-cost mesoporous Si3N4 selective gas separation material was tested as a hydrogen clean-up membrane to remove CO from simulated feed gas to single-cell PEMFC, employing Nafion as the polymer electrolyte membrane. Polarization and power density measurements and gas chromatography showed a clear effect of separating the CO from the gas mixture; the performance and durability of the fuel cell was thereby significantly improved.
Chromosomal Microarrays in Prenatal Diagnosis: Time for a Change of Policy?
Authors: Miny Peter , Wenzel Friedel , Tercanli Sevgi , Filges Isabel
Published: December 2013

Microarrays have replaced conventional karyotyping as a first-tier test for unbalanced chromosome anomalies in postnatal cytogenetics mainly due to their unprecedented resolution facilitating the detection of submicroscopic copy number changes at a rate of 10–20% depending on indication for testing. A number of studies have addressed the performance of microarrays for chromosome analyses in high risk pregnancies due to abnormal ultrasound findings and reported an excess detection rate between 5% and 10%. In low risk pregnancies, clear pathogenic copy number changes at the submicroscopic level were encountered in 1% or less. Variants of unclear clinical significance, unsolicited findings, and copy number changes with variable phenotypic consequences are the main issues of concern in the prenatal setting posing difficult management questions. The benefit of microarray testing may be limited in pregnancies with only moderately increased risks (advanced maternal age, positive first trimester test). It is suggested to not change the current policy of microarray application in prenatal diagnosis until more data on the clinical significance of copy number changes are available.
Effects of Aronia melanocarpa Constituents on Biofilm Formation of Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus
Authors: Bräunlich Marie , Økstad Ole , Slimestad Rune , Wangensteen Helle , Malterud Karl , Barsett Hilde
Published: December 2013

Many bacteria growing on surfaces form biofilms. Adaptive and genetic changes of the microorganisms in this structure make them resistant to antimicrobial agents. Biofilm-forming organisms on medical devices can pose serious threats to human health. Thus, there is a need for novel prevention and treatment strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of Aronia melanocarpa extracts, subfractions and compounds to prevent biofilm formation and to inhibit bacterial growth of Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus in vitro. It was found that several aronia substances possessed anti-biofilm activity, however, they were not toxic to the species screened. This non-toxic inhibition may confer a lower potential for resistance development compared to conventional antimicrobials.
Letter to the Editor Re: Comino, I., et al. Nutrients 2013, 5, 4250–4268
Authors: Hozyasz Kamil
Published: December 2013

I read with interest the recently published review article titled “The gluten-free diet: testing alternative cereals tolerated by celiac patients” by Comino et al. [1] in Nutrients. However, there is very sparse data on so-called minor cereals and no data on candidate wild graminoids, which have been gathered in the past.
Identification of Chimeric Repressors that Confer Salt and Osmotic Stress Tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kazama Daisuke , Itakura Masateru , Kurusu Takamitsu , Mitsuda Nobutaka , Ohme-Takagi Masaru , Tada Yuichi
Published: December 2013

We produced transgenic Arabidopsis plants that express chimeric genes for transcription factors converted to dominant repressors, using Chimeric REpressor gene-Silencing Technology (CRES-T), and evaluated the salt tolerance of each line. The seeds of the CRES-T lines for ADA2b, Msantd, DDF1, DREB26, AtGeBP, and ATHB23 exhibited higher germination rates than Wild type (WT) and developed rosette plants under up to 200 mM NaCl or 400 mM mannitol. WT plants did not grow under these conditions. In these CRES-T lines, the expression patterns of stress-related genes such as RD29A, RD22, DREB1A, and P5CS differed from those in WT plants, suggesting the involvement of the six transcription factors identified here in the stress response pathways regulated by the products of these stress-related genes. Our results demonstrate additional proof that CRES-T is a superior tool for revealing the function of transcription factors.
Optimal Design of a Polyaniline-Coated Surface Acoustic Wave Based Humidity Sensor
Authors: Wang Wen , Xie Xiao , He Shitang
Published: December 2013

This paper presents an optimal design for a new humidity sensor composed of a dual-resonator oscillator configuration with an operation frequency of 300 MHz, and a polyaniline (PANI) coating deposited along the resonation cavity of the sensing device. To improve the corrosion resistance of the sensor chip, Al/Au electrodes were used to form the SAW resonator. Prior to device fabrication, the coupling of modes (COM) model was used for the performance prediction and optimal design parameters determination. Two SAW resonators with Al/Au electrodes were fabricated on an ST-X quartz substrate, and used as the frequency control element in the feedback path of an oscillator circuit. A PANI thin coating was deposited onto the resonator cavity of the sensing device by a spinning approach as the sensor material for relative humidity (RH) detection. High detection sensitivity, quick response, good repeatability and stability were observed from the sensor experiments at room temperature.
Detectable thyroglobulin with negative imaging in differentiated thyroid cancer patients
Authors: Treglia G. , Ceriani L. , Verburg F. , Giovanella L.
Published: December 2013

In the absence of autoantibodies against thyroglobulin (Tg), Tg measurement nowadays is the cornerstone of clinical management of differentiated thyroid cancer patients. DTC patients presenting with a positive Tg measurement without an anatomical correlate on anatomic imaging provide a management challenge to the attending physician.

Based on the literature we will provide an overview of the most important steps to undertake in such patients and their potential clinical consequences.
Cotransplantation of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells and Schwann Cells Combined with Treadmill Training Promotes Functional Recovery in Rats with Contused Spinal Cords
Authors: Sun Tiansheng , Ye Chaoqun , Zhang Zhicheng , Wu Jun , Huang Hongyun
Published: December 2013

The present study investigated the ability of cotransplantation of Schwann cells (SCs) and olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) combined with treadmill training in facilitating neuronal plasticity and promoting hindlimb function recovery of subacute moderate thoracic (T10) spinal cord contusion in rats. Two weeks postinjury, SCs were injected directly into the lesion, while OECs were injected into the adjacent tissues. The treadmill training with the rats began postinjury on day 7, with each session lasting 20 ± 10 min per day, 5 days per week, for 10 weeks. At the 11th week postinjury, OECs were found migrating longitudinally and laterally from the injection site to the injury site through the gray and white matter, while some traveled along the central canal or pia. The SCs remained densely packed and concentrated at the transplant site. The transplanted SCs supported ingrowth of numerous, densely populated neurofilament-positive (NF+), MBP+ axons. The OECs promoted elongation of moderate NF+, GAP-43+ axons and a few MBP+ axons in parallel with OEC processes. The GFAP immunoreactivity in the spared tissue surrounding the graft of SCs and OECs at the lesion site was less intense than that in the DMEM group. Treadmill training had no effect on GFAP immunoreactivity. Treadmill training increased the number of TH-immunoreactive neurons in the gray matter of L2 spinal cord. Moreover, cotransplantation of OECs and SCs significantly increased the BBB score during 5–8 weeks postinjury alongside treadmill training between 5 and 11 weeks. Cotransplantation of OECs and SCs combined with treadmill training resulted in the highest BBB score at 4 and 11 weeks. The study details the differential mechanisms of neuronal plasticity: ( 1 ) axon growth and remyelination induced by cotransplantation of OECs and SCs and ( 2 ) neuron plasticity below the lesion enhanced by treadmill training. The synergistic effects of the combined strategy enhance functional recovery. This manuscript is published as part of the International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR) supplement issue of Cell Transplantation.
Flow microreactor synthesis in organo-fluorine chemistry
Authors: Amii Hideki , Nagaki Aiichiro , Yoshida Jun-ichi
Published: December 2013

Organo-fluorine compounds are the substances of considerable interest in various industrial fields due to their unique physical and chemical properties. Despite increased demand in wide fields of science, synthesis of fluoro-organic compounds is still often faced with problems such as the difficulties in handling of fluorinating reagents and in controlling of chemical reactions. Recently, flow microreactor synthesis has emerged as a new methodology for producing chemical substances with high efficiency. This review outlines the successful examples of synthesis and reactions of fluorine-containing molecules by the use of flow microreactor systems to overcome long-standing problems in fluorine chemistry.
La solidaridad familiar. La participación de la nobleza leonesa en la guerra civil de Portugal (1245-1247)
Authors: Calderón Medina Inés
Published: December 2013

En este trabajo se analiza el panorama nobiliario leonés para explicar la actuación del infante Alfonso de Castilla (futuro Alfonso X) en la guerra civil que enfrentaba a Sancho II de Portugal con su hermano, el futuro Alfonso III. A través de la prosopografía se reconstruye la red de parentesco que une a los nobles leoneses y gallegos, que acompañaron al infante, con la nobleza partidaria de don Sancho. Se demostrará que, ante la alarma lanzada por los parientes lusos, la solidaridad familiar nobiliaria provocó la participación de los nobles leoneses y gallegos en la guerra y el apoyo del infante don Alfonso, ante la negativa de su padre, Fernando III.
Bautista Serra, un agente genovés en la Corte de Felipe III: Lo particular y lo público en la negociación política
Authors: Ben Yessef Garfia Yasmina
Published: December 2013

El protagonismo de particulares y de familias genovesas en el equilibrio de poderes europeo del Antiguo Régimen es fundamental para la comprensión de los procesos de toma de decisiones y de muchas de las estrategias que contribuyeron al manejo de las situaciones de crisis por parte de la Monarquía Hispánica. Así lo pone de manifiesto la actuación de Bautista Serra, agente en Madrid por parte de la República de Génova entre 1614 y 1618. Las instrucciones dadas por la República a Serra, encaminadas al mantenimiento del estatus de Génova y a la preservación de los privilegios de la comunidad genovesa que operaba en los territorios del monarca católico, no excluían la puesta en práctica por parte del agente de modos de negociación alternativos que garantizaran no sólo el éxito de la misión sino también la obtención de beneficios particulares y para otros genoveses. Se trataba de otras vías para la obtención del consenso que complementaban las vías oficiales y que dependían enormemente de la inserción de la familia en las redes de elites internacionales y en los circuitos de patronazgo regio.
La trepidante carrera de sir Benjamin Wright. Comerciante, factor y asentista de Felipe IV
Authors: Alloza Aparicio Ángel , Zofío Llorente Juan Carlos
Published: December 2013

Este artículo reconstruye la trayectoria de un comerciante inglés instalado en Madrid a principios de la década de 1630, que a mediados de la siguiente se había convertido en banquero de Felipe IV. Interrumpida de súbito su trepidante carrera debido a la suspensión de pagos de octubre de 1647, Benjamin Wright aún dejó constancia de una gran tenacidad hasta el final de sus días. La reconstrucción de sus negocios se ha efectuado a partir de fuentes primarias provenientes en gran parte del Archivo Histórico de Protocolos Notariales de Madrid, así como del Archivo General de Simancas. Entre otras cuestiones de relevancia, dichas fuentes han permitido observar por primera vez con cierta nitidez en el complejo mundo de las finanzas de la monarquía hispánica, las diferencias existentes entre lo que se asentó y lo que finalmente se ejecutó, así como las registradas entre el dinero que el inglés colocó en su destino final y el que logró recuperar sobre los pagos que le libró la real hacienda. Microhistoria e Historia Económica y Social se ensamblan en este trabajo para producir un ejemplo paradigmático de movilidad social ascendente en la España del siglo XVII.
Google Sky y los estándares de catalogación: un ejemplo de divergencia entre la información astronómica existente y la que se puede describir
Authors: Alonso-Lifante M. Pilar , Chaín-Navarro Celia
Published: December 2013

Se realiza una revisión tanto de la información astronómica que ofrece Google Sky como la que permiten describir MARC21, ISBD consolidada y RDA, para demostrar que no se han contemplado hasta el momento determinados parámetros astronómicos y astrofísicos, susceptibles de convertirse en futuros campos de descripción de estos estándares. Dichos campos permitirán realizar descripciones mucho más completas y adecuadas de diferentes recursos astronómicos como material cartográfico. En concreto, se analizan exclusivamente aquellos objetos celestes contenidos en imágenes astrofotográficas que pueden encontrarse en archivos y bibliotecas astronómicas. Para ello, primero se realiza una síntesis de la información astronómica que ofrecen Google Sky y las bases de datos a las que enlaza, SIMBAD y NED. Posteriormente se indican los campos de descripción de los que disponen estos estándares para describir material cartográfico celeste y, por último, se realiza una propuesta de los parámetros mínimos deseables relevantes que podrían incluirse en un registro.
Hábitos de publicación y citación según campos científicos: Principales diferencias a partir de las revistas JCR
Authors: Dorta-González Pablo , Dorta-González María Isabel
Published: December 2013

Los indicadores de impacto de revistas no son comparables entre campos científicos debido a las diferencias significativas en los hábitos de publicación y citación. En este trabajo se presenta una descomposición del factor de impacto en cinco variables independientes. Esta descomposición se aplica a las categorías de revista, campos y áreas considerados en las bases de datos del principal proveedor de indicadores científicos, Thomson Reuters. Para localizar las fuentes de la varianza se emplea un Análisis de Componentes Principales y para detectar las semejanzas se utiliza un Análisis Cluster. A pesar de las diferencias sistemáticas entre disciplinas, las componentes principales explican el 78% de la varianza total. Existen categorías de Ciencias que están más próximas, desde el punto de vista estadístico, de algunas Ciencias Sociales que del resto de Ciencias y viceversa.
Análisis de la relación entre flexibilidad en operaciones y performance empresarial mediante técnicas bibliométricas
Authors: Serrano-Bedia Ana María , López-Fernández María Concepción , Pérez-Pérez Marta
Published: December 2013

El propósito de este trabajo es realizar un análisis bibliométrico en el campo del management de operaciones, en concreto el tema que relaciona flexibilidad operativa y la performance empresarial, en el periodo 1981-2011. En el análisis se aplican tanto indicadores de actividad (cuantificación de autores, revistas o Ley de Lotka) como de relación (citas por autor y revista, co-citación entre autores y análisis de co-palabras) utilizando como fuente de datos el Social Sciences Citation Index de Web of Science. Los resultados proporcionados por los indicadores de actividad han puesto de manifiesto que se trata de un campo de estudio relativamente reciente, en el que se verifica el cumplimiento de la ley de Lotka, y en el que los autores y revistas más productivos no necesariamente coinciden con los más citados. El análisis de co-citas ha identificado los autores que constituyen el marco teórico consolidado de referencia. Por último, el análisis de co-palabras ha permitido identificar las temáticas de investigación que conforman el ámbito de estudio y su clasificación en ampliamente desarrolladas, periféricas especializadas, periféricas poco desarrolladas y emergentes, a las que se debe prestar atención para contribuir al desarrollo y consolidación del campo.
Dificultades en la Accesibilidad Web de las Universidades Españolas de acuerdo a la Norma WCAG 2.0
Authors: Chacón-Medina Antonio , Chacón-López Helena , López-Justicia M. Dolores , Fernández-Jiménez Carolina
Published: December 2013

El propósito del estudio ha sido conocer posibles limitaciones en el nivel de accesibilidad de las páginas principales y de estudiantes, de los sitios web de 74 Universidades españolas, para lo cual se ha utilizado la herramienta TAW, que permite analizar, de acuerdo a la norma WCAG 2.0, la existencia de barreras en ellas. Después de revisar automática y manualmente los Principios, Pautas y Criterios de conformidad de la norma, en sus niveles de prioridad A y AA, un análisis porcentual constata que ni una sola de las universidades los supera en su totalidad en ninguna de las dos páginas analizadas, aunque la mejor situada en accesibilidad es la de Granada en ambas páginas, seguida de la de Alicante. Se concluye recomendando hacer chequeos y ajustes para resolver estos problemas y facilitar la accesibilidad web.
¿El dinero importa? Relación entre el presupuesto de la biblioteca y la productividad investigadora de la Universitat Politècnica de València
Authors: Fernández Sergio , Rubio Francisco
Published: December 2013

El objetivo del artículo es determinar si existe una correlación significativa entre el presupuesto de la biblioteca asignado a recursos de información y la productividad investigadora en la Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). Se ha estudiado esta situación desde el año 2001 al 2012 teniendo en cuenta diferentes variables: presupuesto, tamaño de la colección, número de Personal Docente Investigador (PDI), producción de la investigación y uso de la colección. Además se ha analizado la disponibilidad de información en el proceso de investigación de los investigadores de la UPV desde el 2008 al 2012 para intentar estudiar su correlación con el presupuesto y el uso de la colección. No se ha observado una correlación entre el presupuesto asignado a recursos de información y la productividad investigadora, pero sí existe una fuerte correlación entre el presupuesto para recursos en formato electrónico y la productividad investigadora. Finalmente no se ha podido determinar una relación de causa-efecto entre el presupuesto y la productividad científica.
Contribución de las universidades españolas al panel de expertos del programa ACADEMIA de ANECA
Authors: Campanario Juan Miguel
Published: December 2013

En este trabajo se analiza la contribución de las distintas universidades españolas al panel de expertos del programa ACADEMIA de ANECA. Este programa consiste en la acreditación para los cuerpos de profesorado docente universitario. En el trabajo se estudia la distribución de expertos por universidades y la relación entre esta variable y el número de profesores funcionarios que presta sus servicios en ellas y el de tramos de investigación (sexenios) obtenidos por la universidad. Los resultados sugieren que unas cuantas universidades aportan una gran cantidad de expertos al programa ACADEMIA. Además, existe una correlación positiva entre el número de expertos y el número de sexenios o número de profesores funcionarios de cada universidad. Estos resultados sugieren que el universo de evaluadores es representativo de la realidad existente en la universidad española y no existe sesgo significativo en el sistema de selección de expertos.
Análisis bibliométrico de la influencia de la Genética en enfermedades raras, a partir de las bases de datos Pubmed y SCI (2000-2009)
Authors: Serrano-López Antonio Eleazar , Martín-Moreno Carmen , Sanz-Casado Elias
Published: December 2013

Este trabajo se centra en el análisis bibliométrico de los artículos de revista publicados sobre dos enfermedades raras que generan trastornos mentales y del comportamiento: CADASIL y Síndrome de Rett, durante el periodo 2000- 2009. Además, aunque el Rett afecta fundamentalmente al género femenino y las causas de ambas enfermedades son muy diferentes, tienen en común que en ambos casos se trata de trastornos con un origen genético. Para llevar a cabo el análisis se utilizaron dos bases de datos, Medline y SCI y una metodología de análisis multidimensional que permitiera determinar la relación existente entre la producción en estas enfermedades raras y los avances en el campo de la Genética. Los resultados encontrados muestran una clara diferenciación en los patrones de investigación en ambas enfermedades, aunque confluyen en un factor común, la influencia genética, a pesar de que esta está más acentuada en el Síndrome de Rett. Finalmente se concluye que los logros obtenidos en el campo de la genética, tanto específicos (mutaciones en los genes responsables) y generales (secuenciación del genoma humano), afectan significativamente a la actividad científica alrededor de estas enfermedades raras.
La Gestión de la colección en las bibliotecas universitarias españolas. Planes y normativas: la selección
Authors: Herrera-Morillas José Luis
Published: December 2013

En este trabajo se estudian 42 textos que regulan la gestión de la colección en las bibliotecas universitarias españolas. Se describe de manera general la gestión de la colección según se recoge en los documentos, prestando especial atención a la estructura y contenidos de los documentos; a la finalidad de los planes de gestión de la colección; y a su concepto y objetivos. En segundo lugar, se profundiza en cómo se plantea el procedimiento de la selección, como una primera parte de esta investigación que será completada en trabajos futuros que abordarán otros aspectos de la gestión.
A Case Study: Are Traditional Face-To-Face Lectures Still Relevant When Teaching Engineering Courses?
Authors: Alam Shahid , Jackson LillAnne
Published: December 2013

In this rapidly changing age, with virtually all information available on the Internet including courses, students may not find any reason to physically attend the lectures. In spite of the many benefits the online lectures and materials bring to teaching, this drift from the traditional (norm) face-to-face lectures is also creating further barriers, such as difficulty in communicating and building personal relationships, between students and instructor. In this paper we carry out a study that presents and analyzes factors that motivate students to attend a (1) face-to-face instruction in-class versus an (2) online class. This study is based on an anonymous and voluntary survey that was conducted in the School of Engineering at University of Victoria, BC, Canada. This paper presents and shares the detailed results and analysis of this survey that also includes some interesting and useful comments from the students. Based on the results, analysis and comments the paper suggests methodologies of how to improve face-to-face in-class instructions to make them more relevant to the current global information age.
PAIN MANAGEMENT BASED ON SPINAL CORD DORSAL HORN SYSTEM RESPONSE IDENTIFICATION USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: Sokouti Babak , Haghipour Siamak
Published: December 2013

Pain, depending on its severity, is an uncomfortable and individual sensation for sending a signal being sensed by brain about body harms. The spinal cord and nerves provide the pathway for these messages to travel to and from the brain and other parts of the body. Although most of the patients such as cancerous patients may have pain for a variety of reasons, there is still no common way of controlling the pain. Pain identification mechanisms in the nerve system and modeling its artificial neural network (i.e. ANN) system is required to access the best way of clinical cure. Up to now, no practical model has been presented that is capable of identifying the dorsal horn of spinal cord response modes, memory role and regulating other senses' effects on these modes. In this paper, by using the bifurcation methodology and nonlinear dynamic behavior feature extraction of the pain data transmission system along with its supporting clinical database, an ANN model is presented which is able to identify the dorsal horn of spinal cord neuron responses, memory role, other senses' input effect and descending input effects from the high level of the nervous system. The results showed that the ANN model can accurately follow the clinical data based on electrical and thermal stimulations. Moreover, the ANN model simulates pain management while using both electrical and thermal stimulations. In conclusion, it is deduced that the proposed ANN model is efficient in pain management of severe painful patients.