bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cast adhesive polyelectrolyte complex particle films of unmodified or maltose-modified poly(ethyleneimine) and cellulose sulphate: fabrication, film stability and retarded release of zoledronate
Authors: Torger Bernhard , Vehlow David , Urban Birgit , Salem Samaa , Appelhans Dietmar , Müller Martin
Published: September 2013

The bone therapeutic drug zoledronate (ZOL) was loaded at and released by polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) particle films composed of either pure poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) or maltose-modified poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI-M) and oppositely charged cellulose sulfate attached to model germanium (Ge) substrates by solution casting. Dispersions of colloidally stable polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) particles in the size range 11–141 nm were obtained by mixing PEI or PEI-M, CS and ZOL in defined stoichiometric ratios. TRANS-FTIR spectroscopy was used to determine the stability of the PEC films against detachment, in-situ-ATR-FTIR spectroscopy for the ZOL loss in the PEC film and UV–VIS spectroscopy for the ZOL enrichment of the release medium. Films of casted ZOL/CS/PEI-M or ZOL/CS/PEI particles were stable in contact to water, while films of the pure drug (ZOL) and of the binary systems ZOL/PEI-M or ZOL/PEI were not stable against detachment. Retarded releases of ZOL from various PEC films compared to the pure drug film were observed. The molecular weight of PEI showed a considerable effect on the initial burst (IB) of ZOL. No significant effect of the maltose modification of PEI-25 K on IB could be found. Generally, after one day the ZOL release process was finished for all measured ZOL/PEC samples and residual amounts of 0-30% were obtained. Surface adhesive drug loaded PEC particles are promising drug delivery systems to supply and release a defined amount of bone therapeutics and to functionalize bone substitution materials.
Performance analysis of IEEE 802.11ac wireless backhaul networks in saturated conditions
Authors: Liao Ruizhi , Bellalta Boris , Barcelo Jaume , Valls Victor , Oliver Miquel
Published: September 2013

According to the ongoing IEEE 802.11ac amendment, the wireless network is about to embrace the gigabit-per-second raw data rate. Compared with previous IEEE standards, this significant performance improvement can be attributed to the novel physical and medium access control (MAC) features, such as multi-user multiple-input multiple-output transmissions, the frame aggregation, and the channel bonding. In this paper, we first briefly survey the main features of IEEE 802.11ac, and then, we evaluate these new features in a fully connected wireless mesh network using an analytic model and simulations. More specifically, the performance of the MAC scheme defined by IEEE 802.11ac, which employs the explicit compressed feedback (ECFB) mechanism for the channel sounding, is evaluated. In addition, we propose an extended request-to-send/clear-to-send scheme that integrates the ECFB operation to compare with the IEEE 802.11ac-defined one in saturated conditions. The comparison of the two MAC schemes is conducted through three spatial stream allocation algorithms. A simple but accurate analytical model is derived for the two MAC schemes, the results of which are validated with simulations. The observations of the results not only reveal the importance of spatial stream allocations but also provide insight into how the newly introduced features could affect the performance of IEEE 802.11ac-based wireless mesh networks.
Assisted injection among people who inject drugs in Thailand
Authors: Lee William K , Ti Lianping , Hayashi Kanna , Kaplan Karyn , Suwannawong Paisan , Wood Evan , Kerr Thomas
Published: September 2013

Background

Assisted injection is common among people who inject drugs (IDU), and has been associated with elevated risk for HIV infection and overdose. However, this practice has not been explored in the Asian context, including in Thailand, where HIV prevalence among IDU remains high.

Methods

Using multivariate logistic regression, we examined the prevalence and correlates of assisted injecting among IDU participating in the Mitsampan Community Research Project in Bangkok. We also sought to identify reasons for engaging in assisted injecting and those who provide this form of assistance.

Results

In total, 430 IDU participated in this study, including 376 (87.5%) who reported having ever required assistance injecting, and 81 (18.8%) who reported assisted injecting in the previous six months. In multivariate analyses, assisted injecting in the previous six months was independently and positively associated with being female (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.42; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40 – 4.18), being a weekly heroin injector (AOR = 1.78; 95% CI: 0.99 – 3.20), syringe sharing (AOR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.18 – 3.68) and soft-tissue infection (AOR = 3.51; 95% CI: 1.43 – 2.53). Having a longer injecting career (AOR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.94 – 0.99) was negatively associated with assisted injecting. Primary reasons given for engaging in assisted injecting included being new to injecting and lacking knowledge on how to inject. The most common providers of assistance with injecting were close friends.

Conclusion

We found a high prevalence of assisted injecting among IDU in Bangkok, with females, frequent heroin injectors, those with shorter injecting careers being more likely to engage in this practice. Those who require help with the injecting process are more likely to share syringes, and have skin infections. These findings indicate the need for interventions focused on promoting safer and self-administered injections.
Seminal plasma did not influence the presence of transforming growth factor-β1, interleukine-10 and interleukin-6 in porcine follicles shortly after insemination
Authors: Jatesada Jiwakanon , Elisabeth Persson , Anne-Marie Dalin
Published: September 2013

Background

The effects of seminal plasma on the presence of the cytokines transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-6 in ovarian follicles and follicular fluid were studied shortly after insemination in gilts.

Ovaries from gilts were sampled 5–6 h after insemination with either seminal plasma (SP), fresh semen in extender (Beltsville thawing solution, BTS), spermatozoa in extender (Spz), or only BTS (control).

Results

Immunohistochemical (IHC) labeling of TGF-β1, IL-10 and IL-6 was evident in the ovarian oocytes and granulosa cells independent of stage of follicular development (antral follicles). Theca interna cells were labeled to a high degree in mature follicles. No consistent differences between treatment groups could be observed for any of the cytokines.

In follicular fluid, high concentrations of TGF-β1 were found while the levels of IL-10 and IL-6 were low. There were no differences between treatment groups.

Conclusions

Our results show a presence of the cytokines TGF-β1, IL-6 and IL-10 in oocytes, granulosa and theca cells, as well as in the fluid of mature follicles suggesting a role of these cytokines in intra-ovarian cell communication. However, treatment (SP, fresh semen in BTS, spermatozoa in BTS or BTS) did not influence the IHC-labeling pattern or the levels of these cytokines in follicular fluid shortly after insemination.
Frozen section analysis and sentinel lymph node biopsy in well differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Jozaghi Yelda , Richardson Keith , Anand Sumeet , Mlynarek Alex , Hier Michael P , Forest Véronique-Isabelle , Sela Eyal , Tamilia Michael , Caglar Derin , Payne Richard J
Published: September 2013

Background

The aim of this study is to prospectively review the role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in the management of well differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC), and to determine the efficacy of intraoperative frozen section analysis at detecting SLN metastasis and central compartment involvement.

Methods

The SLN biopsy protocol using 1% methylene blue was performed in 300 patients undergoing thyroidectomy for WDTC. A limited pretracheal central compartment neck dissection (CCND) was performed on all patients. Lymph nodes staining blue were considered as SLN's. Both frozen and permanent section analyses were performed.

Results

SLN's with metastasis were found in 14.3% (43/300) of cases. Of this, 11% (33/300) were positive on intraoperative frozen section analysis. Frozen section results failed in predicting central compartment involvement in 15 cases (5%) whereas central neck compartment involvement was missed in 5 cases (1.7%) when based on permanent section results. On frozen section analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value (95% CI) of our SLN biopsy technique aiming to remove all disease from the central compartment was 68.8% (53.6-80.9), 100% (98.1-100), 100% (87.0-100) and 94.4% (90.7-96.7) respectively with P < 0.0001. On permanent section analysis, the values were 89.6% (76.6-96.1), 100% (98.1-100), 100% (89.8-100), and 98.1% (95.3-99.3) with P < 0.0001.

Conclusion

This data series demonstrates that patients with WDTC have positive SLN's in 14.3% of cases. Moreover, when the SLN's are negative for metastasis on frozen section, the central compartment was disease-free in 94.4% of cases. Finally, this study shows that 23.3% of positive SLN's were false negatives on intraoperative frozen section. According to this data, SLN involvement is an accurate predictor of central compartment metastasis, however surgeons should use caution when relying on intraoperative frozen section to determine whether to perform a CCND.
Safety, effectiveness, and cost of long-acting versus intermediate-acting insulin for type 1 diabetes: Protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Tricco Andrea C , Ashoor Huda M , Soobiah Charlene , Hemmelgarn Brenda , Moher David , Hutton Brian , Yu Catherine H , Majumdar Sumit R , Straus Sharon E
Published: September 2013

Background

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) causes progressive destruction of pancreatic beta cells leading to absolute insulin deficiency. Treatment of T1DM requires insulin, and some evidence suggests that longer acting insulin analogues might have a higher effectiveness and greater safety profile compared to intermediate-acting insulin. Our objective is to evaluate the comparative effectiveness, safety, and cost of long-acting insulin versus intermediate-acting insulin through a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Design/methods

Studies examining long-acting versus intermediate-acting insulin or placebo preparations for adult T1DM patients will be included. The primary outcome is glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C), and secondary outcomes include emergency department and physician visits, hospital admissions, weight gain, quality of life, microvascular complications (e.g., retinopathy), macrovascular complications (e.g., cardiovascular disease), all-cause mortality, incident cancers, and cost. We will include experimental [randomized clinical trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, non-RCTs], quasi-experimental (controlled before-after, interrupted time series), observational (cohort), and cost studies, of any duration of follow-up, conducted during all time periods, and disseminated in any language.

We will conduct comprehensive searches of electronic databases from inception onwards, including MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE. We will also search for difficult to locate and unpublished literature by searching dissertation databases, public health organization websites, and trial registries. After a calibration exercise using our eligibility criteria and data abstraction forms, two reviewers will screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data in duplicate. Conflicts will be resolved by team discussion. Using a similar process, the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care Risk of Bias tool will be used to appraise the risk of bias of experimental and quasi-experimental studies, while the Newcastle Ottawa Scale will be used to assess the methodological quality of cohort studies. If feasible and appropriate, we will conduct a random effects meta-analysis, as well as a network meta-analysis.

Discussion

Our systematic review will be of utility to healthcare providers, policy-makers, T1DM patients and family members regarding treatment options of long-acting versus intermediate-acting insulin preparations.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO registry number: CRD42013003610
Effects of crown-root angle on stress distribution in the maxillary central incisors’ PDL during application of intrusive and retraction forces: a three-dimensional finite element analysis
Authors: Heravi Farzin , Salari Soheil , Tanbakuchi Behrad , Loh Shaghayegh , Amiri Motahare
Published: September 2013

Background

Different crown-root angulations of maxillary central incisors can be assumed as a potential reason for many underscored outcomes of orthodontic treatments. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the different crown-root angles on stress distributions in the maxillary central incisor’s periodontal ligament (PDL) during application of intrusive and retraction forces using a 3D finite element method.

Methods

Two models of a maxillary central incisor were constructed using ANSYS software: the first one with an angle of 166.7° (as a sample of the maxillary central incisor in a class II, division 2 patient) and the other one with an angle of 173.4° (normal angulation). Each of the samples was loaded twice by an intrusive force (0.25 N) and a retraction force (0.5 N) through the ideal position of brackets.

Results

FEM results showed little difference between stress distributions in the two models during intrusion (ten thousandth) compared to retraction (thousandth). In the application of retraction force, the stress concentration on the curved tooth was less than the other.

Conclusion

To produce similar patterns of stress in the PDL, orthodontists can apply 1.18 times heavier retraction forces on the maxillary central incisors in class II, division 2 patients compared to class I patients.
Nitric oxide compounds have different effects profiles on human articular chondrocyte metabolism
Authors: de Andrés María C , Maneiro Emilia , Martín Miguel A , Arenas Joaquín , Blanco Francisco J
Published: September 2013

Introduction

The pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by the production of high amounts of nitric oxide (NO), as a consequence of up-regulation of chondrocyte-inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induced by inflammatory cytokines. NO donors represent a powerful tool for studying the role of NO in the cartilage in vitro. There is no consensus about NO effects on articular cartilage in part because the differences between the NO donors available. The aim of this work is to compare the metabolic profile of traditional and new generation NO donors to see which one points out the osteoarthritic process in the best way.

Methods

Human healthy and OA chondrocytes were isolated from patients undergoing joint replacement surgery, and primary cultured. Cells were stimulated with NO donors (NOC-12 or SNP). NO production was evaluated by the Griess method, and apoptosis was quantified by flow cytometry. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by analysing respiratory chain enzyme complexes, citrate synthase (CS) activities by enzymatic assay, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) by JC-1 using flow cytometry, and ATP levels were measured by luminescence assays. Glucose transport was measured as the uptake of 2-deoxy-[3H]glucose (2-[3H]DG). Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

NOC-12 liberates approximately ten times more NO2- than SNP, but the level of cell death induced was not as profound as that produced by SNP. Normal articular chondrocytes stimulated with NOC-12 had reduced activity from complexes I, III y IV, and the mitochondrial mass was increased in these cells. Deleterious effects on ΔΨm and ATP levels were more profound with SNP, and this NO donor was able to reduce 2-[3H]DG levels. Both NO donors had opposite effects on lactate release, SNP diminished the levels and NOC-12 lead to lactate accumulation. OA chondrocytes incorporate significantly more 2-[3H]DG than healthy cells.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the new generation donors, specifically NOC-12, mimic the OA metabolic process much better than SNP. Previous results using SNP have to be considered prudently since most of the effects observed can be induced by the interactions of secondary products of NO.
Ideal resuscitation pressure for uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock in different ages and sexes of rats
Authors: Li Tao , Zhu Yu , Tian Kunlun , Xue Mingying , Peng Xiaoyong , Lan Dan , Liu Liangming
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Our previous studies demonstrated that 50-60 mmHg mean arterial blood pressure was the ideal target hypotension for uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock during the active hemorrhage in sexually mature rats. The ideal target resuscitation pressure for immature and older rats has not been determined.

Methods

To elucidate this issue, using uncontrolled hemorrhagic-shock rats of different ages and sexes (6 weeks, 14 weeks and 1.5 years representing pre-adult, adult and older rats, respectively), the resuscitation effects of different target pressures (40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 mmHg) on uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock during active hemorrhage and the age and sex differences were observed.

Results

Different target resuscitation pressures had different resuscitation outcomes for the same age and sex of rats. The optimal target resuscitation pressures for 6-week-old, 14-week-old and 1.5-year-old rats were 40 to 50 mmHg, 50 to 60 mmHg and 70 mmHg respectively. Ideal target resuscitation pressures were significantly superior to other resuscitation pressures in improving the hemodynamics, blood perfusion, organ function and animal survival of uncontrolled hemorrhagic-shock rats (P < 0.01). For same target resuscitation pressures, the beneficial effect on hemorrhagic shock had a significant age difference (P < 0.01) but no sex difference (P > 0.05). Different resuscitation pressures had no effect on coagulation function.

Conclusion

Hemorrhagic-shock rats at different ages have different target resuscitation pressures during active hemorrhage. The ideal target resuscitation hypotension for 6-week-old, 14-week-old and 1.5-year-old rats was 40 to 50 mmHg, 50 to 60 mmHg and 70 mmHg, respectively. Their resuscitation effects have significant age difference but had no sex difference.
The Roadmap Ripped Up: Lessons from Gaza in the Second Intifada
Authors: Rodgers James
Published: September 2013

Drawing on the author's time as the BBC's correspondent in Gaza from 2002 to 2004, this essay offers a way of understanding more fully the situation in Gaza in 2013, after the recent elections in the United States and Israel and following the Arab uprisings. The core argument is that any future analysis of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must give greater weight to issues of faith and to the idea that land is not simply a commodity but something to which there is a strong, historical, almost spiritual connection. The essay makes the case that recent events in the Middle East make these issues increasingly important.
An evidence-based review of enhanced recovery interventions in knee replacement surgery
Authors: Ibrahim MS , Alazzawi S , Nizam I , Haddad FS
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Total knee replacement (TKR) is a very common surgical procedure. Improved pain management techniques, surgical practices and the introduction of novel interventions have enhanced the patient’s postoperative experience after TKR. Safe, efficient pathways are needed to address the increasing need for knee arthroplasty in the UK. Enhanced recovery programmes can help to reduce hospital stays following knee replacements while maintaining patient safety and satisfaction. This review outlines common evidence-based pre, intra and postoperative interventions in use in enhanced recovery protocols following TKR.

Methods

A thorough literature search of the electronic healthcare databases (MEDLINE®, Embase™ and the Cochrane Library) was conducted to identify articles and studies concerned with enhanced recovery and fast track pathways for TKR.

Results

A literature review revealed several non-operative and operative interventions that are effective in enhanced recovery following TKR including preoperative patient education, pre-emptive and local infiltration analgesia, preoperative nutrition, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, pulsed electromagnetic fields, perioperative rehabilitation, modern wound dressings, different standard surgical techniques, minimally invasive surgery and computer assisted surgery.

Conclusions

Enhanced recovery programmes require a multidisciplinary team of dedicated professionals, principally involving preoperative education, multimodal pain control and accelerated rehabilitation; this will be boosted if combined with minimally invasive surgery. The current economic climate and restricted healthcare budget further necessitate brief hospitalisation while minimising costs. These non-operative interventions are the way forward to achieve such requirements.
Acute gastric necrosis after routine oesophagogastroduodenoscopy with therapeutic argon plasma coagulation
Authors: Sahnan K , Davis BJH , Bagenal J , Cullen S , Appleton S
Published: September 2013

A 56-year-old woman presented to the accident and emergency department with peritonitis 2 days after a routine oesophagogastroduodenoscopy. She was taken to theatre with the finding of gastric necrosis. Blood and peritoneal cultures grew group A haemolytic Streptococcus. Histology revealed normal vasculature, no volvulus but marked neutrophilia in the submucosa with an intact mucosa. The stomach was resected and the patient recovered in the intensive care unit but overwhelming acidosis progressed to multiorgan failure and treatment was eventually withdrawn.

Acute phlegmonous gastritis has been well described in the literature but mainly before the advent of antibiotics. The most common organism is group A haemolytic Streptococcus (commonly found in throat infections) and predisposing factors include instrumentation. Should antibiotics be given at the start of an oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and should routine procedures be delayed if active upper respiratory tract infections are present?
The faciocervicopectoral flap for non-oncological cases of cheek reconstruction
Authors: Makkar RM
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Major facial defect has been a challenging case for plastic surgeons in terms of wound healing and covering technique for a long time.

Methods

Eight faciocervicopectoral (FCP) flaps were performed for reconstruction of major cheek defects due to handmade explosive and gun injuries. They were evaluated perioperatively and postoperatively with regard to operative time and operative blood loss as well as the function and cosmetic appearance.

Results

The technique showed marvellous cosmetic results but encountered minor postoperative flap complications.

Conclusions

The FCP flap is one of the best solutions for coverage of a simple or complex cheek defect. Application of the FCP flap is easy and rapid.
The Mini-CEX is Not Valid or Reliable in Assessing the Clinical Competence of Higher Surgical Trainees
Authors: Yates PJ
Published: September 2013

The mini-clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX) evolved in response to research performed in the 1980s and 1990s highlighting the shortcomings of traditional methods of clinical evaluation, and the lack of clinical observation in new graduates. The medical royal colleges have integrated the mini-CEX into all training schemes in the UK.
Not All Fun and Games: Viral Marketing for Utilitarian Products
Authors: Schulze Christian , Schöler Lisa , Skiera Bernd
Published: September 2013

The success of products such as FarmVille has prompted many firms to engage in viral marketing on Facebook and other social media websites. Yet is the viral marketing approach adopted for games suitable for other, more utilitarian products? This study aims to answer questions that link product characteristics and contexts to viral marketing success: Should primarily utilitarian products rely on the same sharing mechanisms for their viral marketing campaigns as less utilitarian products? If not, why is this the case, and how should viral marketing for primarily utilitarian products differ? This empirical study analyzes the Facebook viral marketing campaigns of 751 products and reveals that the same sharing mechanism that made FarmVille so successful is the worst possible mechanism for promoting primarily utilitarian products. These findings are in line with theory from social psychology: because consumers do not visit Facebook to learn about utilitarian products, they rely on simple cues and heuristics to process viral marketing messages about these products. This study thus contributes to literature on viral marketing in general and sharing mechanisms in particular; it also offers practical, hands-on recommendations to marketing managers in charge of designing viral marketing campaigns for both more and less utilitarian products.
G.C. Lichtenberg on Self-Consciousness and Personal Identity
Authors: Tester Steven
Published: September 2013

Abstract:
Can Price Dispersion Reveal Distance-Related Trade Costs? Evidence from the United States
Authors: Anderson Michael A. , Schaefer Kurt C. , Smith Stephen L. S.
Published: September 2013

We offer insights on how distance-related trade costs may best be inferred from price-dispersion measures. Using a simple spatial model of price dispersion, we argue that measures of price dispersion that are not spatially informed can mislead researchers into concluding that distance-related costs are small even when such costs are the major determinant of price dispersion. With intra-United States data on eleven goods, we find that distance-related costs are large and are indeed underestimated when inferred from standard, non-spatial, price dispersion measures. Our empirical findings have implications for studies of market integration policies (such as trade liberalization and currency unions) and the significance of economic geography.
Role of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR)-α, β/δ and γ triad in regulation of reactive oxygen species signaling in brain
Authors: Aleshin Stepan , Reiser Georg
Published: September 2013

Overwhelming evidence shows that oxidative stress is a major cause in development of brain disorders. Low activity of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-degrading system as well as high levels of oxidative damage markers have been observed in brain tissue of patients with neurodegenerative and other brain diseases to a larger extent than in healthy individuals. Many studies aimed to develop effective and safe antioxidant strategies for the therapy or prevention of brain diseases. Nevertheless, it became clear that rigorous suppression of ROS is deleterious for normal cell functioning. Thus, approaches that can regulate the ROS levels over a wide range, from inhibition to induction, will be a powerful tool for neuroprotection. A most prominent target for such ROS management is the family of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). All three members (PPAR-α, -β/δ and -γ) of this nuclear receptor subfamily form a tightly connected triad. For individual PPAR isoforms, neuroprotective properties have been well proven. Their involvement in regulation of ROS production and degradation underlies the therapeutic effects. Nevertheless, the current paradigms of the involvement of PPAR in neuroprotective therapy ignore such interconnections of PPARs and aim at antioxidant effects of individual PPAR isoforms, but do not take into account the necessity of careful regulation of ROS levels. The present review (i) summarizes the data, which support the concept of the PPAR triad in brain, (ii) demonstrates that usage of the PPAR triad allows the regulation of PPAR-dependent genes over a wide range, from inhibition to upregulation, and (iii) summarizes the known data concerning the PPAR triad involvement in regulation of ROS. Our report opens new directions in the field of PPAR/ROS-related neuroscience research.
Complementary-therapeutic stimulation of deficient autorhythmic arteriolar vasomotion by means of a biorhythmically physical stimulus on the microcirculation and the immune system in 50-year-old rehabilitation patients
Authors: Klopp Rainer Christian , Niemer Wolfgang , Schulz Jörg
Published: September 2013

As part of a placebo-controlled study series, a random sample of 50-year-old rehabilitation patients was examined to determine whether the complementary use of a physical treatment method to stimulate arteriolar vasomotion would improve the therapeutic success of established measures for the purposes of physical conditioning. The result showed that both the microcirculatory blood-flow regulation and the (cellular) immune response could be affected in a therapy-relevant manner through additional physical vasomotion stimulation.
Effects of various physical treatment methods on arteriolar vasomotion and microhemodynamic functional characteristics in case of deficient regulation of organ blood flow. Results of a placebo-controlled, double-blind study
Authors: Klopp Rainer Christian , Niemer Wolfgang , Schmidt Wolfgang
Published: September 2013

As part of a placebo-controlled study, high-resolution measurement methods were used to examine, on the basis of representative functional characteristics of microcirculation, whether and to what extent six different, commercially available, physical treatment devices were suitable for influencing, through complementary therapy, deficient blood-flow regulation. Of the six commercially available devices tested, two proved to be ineffective and three not effective enough to be therapeutically relevant. Only in one device was it possible to show a complementary-therapeutic effect: the device uses a specific, biorhythmically defined stimulus for vasomotion.
Contact of a viscoelastic body with a rough rigid surface and identification of friction coefficients
Authors: Le Vy Khoi , Ang Dang Dinh
Published: September 2013

- The paper is concerned with the contact problem of a viscoelastic body with a rough rigid surface and the identification problem for the friction coefficient in the contact. Using a variational method, the authors give regularized solutions to the recovery problem, formulated as a minimization problem. A smoothness result for the fit-to-data functional is proved.
Parabolic integrodifferential identification problems related to radial memory kernels. I
Authors: Favaron A. , Lorenzi A.
Published: September 2013

- We are concerned with the problem of recovering the radial kernel k, depending also on time, in the parabolic integro-differential equation

, A being a uniformly elliptic second-order linear operator in divergence form. We single out a special class of operators A and two pieces of suitable additional information for which the problem of identifying k can be uniquely solved locally in time when the domain under consideration is a spherical corona or an annulus.
On relations between spectral and dynamical inverse data
Authors: Belishev M. I.
Published: September 2013

- As is known, boundary spectral data of the compact Riemannian manifold Ω (spectrum of Laplacian with zero Dirichlet boundary condition plus traces of normal derivatives of eigenfunctions at ∂Ω) determine its boundary dynamical data (dynamical Dirichlet-to-Neumann map) R2T for all T > 0. In the paper the procedures recovering spectral data of the submanifold ΩT = {x ∈ Ω | dist(x, ∂Ω) < T} via given R2T with any prescribed T > 0 and continuing R2T from ∂Ω × (0, 2T) onto ∂Ω×(0,∞) are proposed. The procedures do not invoke solving the inverse problems; main fragment is the constructing (via R2T ) and the use of a model of dynamical system associated with ΩT.
Numerical comparison of iterative regularization methods for a parameter estimation problem in a hyperbolic PDE
Authors: Kabanikhin S. I. , Kowar R. , Scherzer O. , Vasin V. V.
Published: September 2013

- In this paper we numerically compare several recently investigated iterative regularization schemes for the solution of a parameter estimation problem in a hyperbolic partial differential equation. Moreover, we introduce a framework of monotone iterative regularization techniques for general ill-posed problems. This concept relies on monotone fixed point iteration schemes.
Stability estimates for an inverse elliptic problem
Authors: Choulli M.
Published: September 2013

- We prove stability estimates for an inverse elliptic problem consisting in the determination of an unknown boundary coefficient from an overdetermined data. We consider both the case of all boundary measurements and the case of single boundary measurement. After studying the problem in its generality we treat the special case in which the unknown boundary coefficient is supported in an hyperplane. We find in this latest case that the stability estimates are, in some sense, better than those in the general case.
Spectral properties and an inverse eigenvalue problem for non-symmetric systems of ordinary differential operators
Authors: Trooshin I. , Yamamoto M.
Published: September 2013

- We consider a nonsymmetric first-order differential operator

, where P is a 2×2 matrix whose components are in L2
(0, 1). We study an eigenvalue problem for A with boundary conditions at x = 0, 1. We establish an asymptotic form of the eigenvalues and prove that the set of the root vectors forms a Riesz basis in {L2
(0, 1)}2
. Moreover we show some characterization of L2
-coefficients in an inverse eigenvalue problem. The key is a transformation formula.
Where does language come from? Some reflections on the role of deictic gesture and demonstratives in the evolution of language
Authors: Diessel Holger
Published: September 2013

This paper considers Arbib's hypothesis that (oral) language has its roots in gesture in light of recent research on demonstratives, joint attention, and deictic pointing (Michael Arbib. 2012. How the brain got language: The Mirror System Hypothesis. Oxford: Oxford University Press). It is argued that demonstratives provide an important link between gesture, discourse, and grammar that rests on their communicative function to coordinate the interlocutors' focus of attention. Combining evidence from linguistic typology and historical linguistics with evidence from research on social cognition, the paper argues that demonstratives constitute a universal class of linguistic expressions that are commonly used in combination with a deictic pointing gesture to establish joint attention, a cognitive phenomenon that is closely related to Arbib's notion of “complex imitation”. No other class of linguistic expressions is so closely tied to the speaker's body and gesture than demonstratives. However, demonstratives are not only used to focus the language users' attention on concrete entities in the surrounding situation, they are also used to organize the information flow in discourse, which in turn underlies their frequent development into a wide range of grammatical markers, e.g. definite articles, third person pronouns, relative markers, complementizers, subordinate conjunctions, copulas, and focus markers. In this way, demonstratives provide an explicit link between gesture, imitation, and grammar that is consistent with Arbib's theory of the evolution of language.
Integrating African Markets into the Global Exchange of Services: A Central African Perspective
Authors: Simo Regis Y.
Published: September 2013

Services liberalisation has gradually become very important for growth in developed and less-developed countries alike and can, as such, be seen as development prospects for sub-Saharan Africa where numerous economic integration attempts are stories of repeated failures. Despite the abundant literature on PTAs, however, little attention has been given to Central Africa Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) as a trade bloc. This is an attempt to address that dearth.

At a time when “boosting intra-African trade” is gaining currency on the continent, this article tests the compatibility of the potential CEMAC economic integration agreement (EIA) against the background of the existing framework and argues that Central Africa countries would be in a better position to integrate their economies after widening the borders of their individually tiny markets. Analysing the legal discipline behind services Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and how CEMAC’s agreement fits into this legal landscape, this article further advocates that this sub-group of countries should go beyond the Enabling Clause self-contentment and embark on a deeper (and comprehensive) integration.
Degradation of epoxidized natural rubber compatibilized linear low density polyethylene/ soya powder blends: the effect of natural weathering
Authors: Sam S.T. , Ismail H. , Khalil H.P.S. Abdul
Published: September 2013

In the present study, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)/soya powder blends were compatibilized with epoxidized natural rubber (ENR 50) and exposed to natural weathering. The exposure period for the blends was 1 year. It was found that the degradability of the compatibilized blends was higher than that of uncompatibilized blends. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, the tensile test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were applied to analyze the degradability of the blends. IR spectra showed that the carbonyl index (CI) of the blends increased as a function of exposure period and soya powder content. The compatibilized blends gave higher carbonyl indices. The retention tensile strength and elongation at break (Eb) of the compatibilized blends after weathering was generally lower than for the uncompatibilized blends. The increase of crystallinity also indicated a reduction of the amorphous portion after degradation. The higher crystallinity in compatibilized blends further confirms the higher degradability of ENR 50 compatibilized blends. The weight loss and molecular weight change indicated that the incorporation of ENR 50 into LLDPE/soya powder blends can enhance the degradability of the blends upon outdoor exposure.
Structural aspects of [NiFe]-hydrogenases
Authors: Shomura Yasuhito , Higuchi Yoshiki
Published: September 2013

Enzymes that naturally contain an organometallic complex are highly rare. Hydrogenases commonly include iron carbonyl(s) at the active site and play central roles in the hydrogen metabolism of microorganisms. [NiFe]-hydrogenases that harbor an Ni-Fe(CN)2CO complex at the active site most widely exist among organisms, compared with the other two types, [FeFe]- and [Fe]-hydrogenases. Since the first crystal structure report in 1995, structural information of the Ni-Fe cluster with various redox/substrate-bound states has been obtained, although details of the reaction mechanisms are poorly understood. While the subunit composition, physiological function, and spectroscopic/biochemical properties of [NiFe]-hydrogenases are diverse, structural information of only a limited group of the enzymes is available so far. In this paper, structural aspects of [NiFe]-hydrogenases are reviewed and recent progresses in understanding the mechanism of an O2-tolerant property of limited members and active site assembling of [NiFe]-hydrogenases are described.
Alterations in Endogenous Opioid Functional Measures in Chronic Back Pain
Authors: Martikainen Ilkka K. , Peciña Marta , Love Tiffany M. , Nuechterlein Emily B. , Cummiford Chelsea M. , Green Carmen R. , Harris Richard E. , Stohler Christian S. , Zubieta Jon-Kar
Published: September 2013

The absence of consistent end organ abnormalities in many chronic pain syndromes has led to a search for maladaptive CNS mechanisms that may explain their clinical presentations and course. Here, we addressed the role of brain regional μ-opioid receptor-mediated neurotransmission, one of the best recognized mechanisms of pain regulation, in chronic back pain in human subjects. We compared μ-opioid receptor availabilityin vivoat baseline, during pain expectation, and with moderate levels of sustained pain in 16 patients with chronic nonspecific back pain (CNBP) and in 16 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects, using the μ-opioid receptor-selective radioligand [11C]carfentanil and positron emission tomography. We found that CNBP patients showed baseline increases in thalamic μ-opioid receptor availability, contrary to a previously studied sample of patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. During both pain expectation and sustained pain challenges, CNBP patients showed regional reductions in the capacity to activate this neurotransmitter system compared with their control sample, further associated with clinical pain and affective state ratings. Our results demonstrate heterogeneity in endogenous opioid system functional measures across pain conditions, and alterations in both receptor availability and endogenous opioid function in CNBP that are relevant to the clinical presentation of these patients and the effects of opioid analgesics on μ-opioid receptors.
How It Works
Authors: Plakos Chris
Published: September 2013

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power public relations officer Chris Plakos describes how the Los Angeles Aqueduct works, from its headwaters near Big Springs to the Los Angeles Aqueduct filtration plant in Sylmar.
Forget it, Jake
Authors: Deverell William , Sitton Tom
Published: September 2013

This article places the 1974 film Chinatown alongside the historical events that the film portrays. Rather than a simple comparison between fact and fiction, Deverell and Sitton instead explore what we can learn about the people, places, and events in both Chinatown and the history of the Los Angeles aqueduct.
Owens Valley and the Aqueduct
Authors: Stringfellow Kim
Published: September 2013

This timeline details the economic, social, and environmental impact that the Los Angeles Aqueduct had on the Owens Valley. It begins in the 19th century with the Paiute who lived in the valley, and covers local opposition to the aqueduct and attempts to sabotage it in the 1920s, controversial land sales, depletion of the valley water table, dust at the dry Owens Lake bed, the impact of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power on the region, the second aqueduct and Mono Lake, the 1991 long-term water agreement, and mitigation efforts including dust control at Owens Lake and the Lower Owens River Project. The material is drawn from Stringfellow's There It Is—Take It! project.
Water and power
Authors: Nichols Ron
Published: September 2013

An interview with Ron Nichols, director of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power surveys the past, present, and future of the Los Angeles Aqueduct, the department's relationship with Owens Valley, restoration of Owens Lake, the role of the department and its unions in city politics, climate change and the challenges ahead.
Genomic Prediction in Maize Breeding Populations with Genotyping-by-Sequencing
Authors: Crossa José , Beyene Yoseph , Kassa Semagn , Pérez Paulino , Hickey John M , Chen Charles , de los Campos Gustavo , Burgueño Juan , Windhausen Vanessa S , Buckler Ed , Jannink Jean-Luc , Lopez Cruz Marco A , Babu Raman
Published: September 2013

Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) technologies have proven capacity for delivering large numbers of marker genotypes with potentially less ascertainment bias than standard single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays. Therefore, GBS has become an attractive alternative technology for genomic selection. However, the use of GBS data poses important challenges, and the accuracy of genomic prediction using GBS is currently undergoing investigation in several crops, including maize, wheat, and cassava. The main objective of this study was to evaluate various methods for incorporating GBS information and compare them with pedigree models for predicting genetic values of lines from two maize populations evaluated for different traits measured in different environments (experiments 1 and 2). Given that GBS data come with a large percentage of uncalled genotypes, we evaluated methods using nonimputed, imputed, and GBS-inferred haplotypes of different lengths (short or long). GBS and pedigree data were incorporated into statistical models using either the genomic best linear unbiased predictors (GBLUP) or the reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces (RKHS) regressions, and prediction accuracy was quantified using cross-validation methods. The following results were found: relative to pedigree or marker-only models, there were consistent gains in prediction accuracy by combining pedigree and GBS data; there was increased predictive ability when using imputed or nonimputed GBS data over inferred haplotype in experiment 1, or nonimputed GBS and information-based imputed short and long haplotypes, as compared to the other methods in experiment 2; the level of prediction accuracy achieved using GBS data in experiment 2 is comparable to those reported by previous authors who analyzed this data set using SNP arrays; and GBLUP and RKHS models with pedigree with nonimputed and imputed GBS data provided the best prediction correlations for the three traits in experiment 1, whereas for experiment 2 RKHS provided slightly better prediction than GBLUP for drought-stressed environments, and both models provided similar predictions in well-watered environments.
Há uma relação específica entre consciência morfológica e reconhecimento de palavras?
Authors: Miranda Luciene Corrêa , Mota Márcia Maria Peruzzi Elia da
Published: September 2013

Estudos realizados em línguas alfabéticas mostram que a consciência morfológica - habilidade de refletir sobre os morfemas que compõem as palavras - está associada ao sucesso no reconhecimento e compreensão de palavras na leitura e na escrita. O português é uma língua com uma ortografia que se encontra no meio do espectro quando falamos da transparência nas correspondências entre letra e som. Em línguas transparentes, com correspondência grafema-fonema regulares, a consciência morfológica pode não ter o mesmo impacto na aquisição da escrita. Neste estudo investigamos se o processamento da morfologia derivacional em crianças do ensino fundamental contribui para leitura no português e se essa contribuição é independente da decodificação. Utilizou-se uma tarefa de spooneirismo e outra de subtração de fonemas para acessar a decodificação e o TDE para leitura de palavras. Os resultados mostram que a decodificação é uma habilidade muito importante na leitura e que a habilidade de refletir sobre os morfemas contribui para leitura e que essa contribuição é até certo ponto independente da consciência fonológica.
Relação entre criatividade e traços temperamentais em estudantes do ensino fundamental
Authors: Nakano Tatiana de Cássia , Castro Lívia Rech de
Published: September 2013

A percepção da ausência de pesquisas nacionais que investiguem a relação entre criatividade e temperamento desenvolvidas com crianças e adolescentes motivou o presente estudo, conduzido junto a 142 estudantes de 6o ao 9o ano do Ensino Fundamental (84 do sexo feminino e 58 masculino), com idades entre 11 e 14 anos (M=12,8 anos; DP=1,10). Dois instrumentos foram utilizados: Teste de Criatividade Figural Infantil e Student Styles Questionnaire, cujos resultados indicaram que as dimensões temperamentais extroversão e intuição foram as que mais se relacionaram ao desempenho em criatividade (apresentando correlações significativas com os fatores Enriquecimento de Ideias, Preparação Criativa e Criatividade Total). Influência significativa da variável sexo foi encontrada em relação às dimensões racional e emotiva do temperamento, ao passo que a variável série e sua interação com sexo mostrou-se importante em um fator da criatividade (Aspectos Cognitivos).