bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hilbert polynomials of j-transforms
Authors: GOTO SHIRO , HONG JOOYOUN , VASCONCELOS WOLMER V. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe study transformations of finite modules over Noetherian local rings that attach to a module M a graded module H(x)(M) defined via partial systems of parameters x of M. Despite the generality of the process, which are called j-transforms, in numerous cases they have interesting cohomological properties. We focus on deriving the Hilbert functions of j-transforms and studying the significance of the vanishing of some of its coefficients.
Intermediate- and long-term follow-up of device closure of patent arterial duct with severe pulmonary hypertension: factors predicting outcome
Authors: Sadiq Masood , Rehman Asif U. , Hyder Najam , Qureshi Ahmad U. , Kazmi Tehmina , Qureshi Shakeel A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundIn patients with large patent arterial ducts and severe pulmonary hypertension, the natural history of progression of pulmonary hypertension is very variable. Whether to close or not to close is often a difficult decision, as there are no established haemodynamic parameters predicting reversibility.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to evaluate the results of device closure of large patent arterial ducts with severe pulmonary hypertension after 2 years of age and to determine haemodynamic variables associated with its regression during long-term follow-up.MethodsA total of 45 patients, with median age of 10 (2–27) years, with large patent arterial ducts and severe pulmonary hypertension, were considered. Haemodynamic variables were assessed in air, oxygen, and after occlusion. The follow-up was performed to assess regression of pulmonary hypertension.ResultsDevice closure was successful in 43 (96%) patients. Pulmonary artery systolic and mean pressures decreased from 79 to 67 mmHg and from 59 to 50 mmHg, respectively (p<0.001). At a median follow-up of 80 (41–151) months, severe pulmonary hypertension persisted in four (9.7%) patients. Multivariate analysis showed pulmonary vascular resistance index ⩽6 WU m2 and pulmonary artery systolic and mean pressures ⩽75 and ⩽55 mmHg (all in oxygen), having 97.8% predictive value for regression of pulmonary hypertension (p<0.001) in the long term. In 24 patients with catheterisation-based criteria, regression of pulmonary hypertension was associated with pulmonary vascular resistance index <8 WU m2 (p=0.001) and its fall of >25% (both in oxygen) (p=0.007).ConclusionsDevice closure of large patent arterial ducts with severe pulmonary hypertension is safe and effective. Pulmonary vascular resistance index and systolic and mean pulmonary artery pressures in oxygen are the key prognostic variables predicting regression of pulmonary hypertension.
The Queen of the Chaghatayids: Orghīna Khātūn and the rule of Central Asia
Authors: DE NICOLA BRUNO 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWhen Chinggis Khan died in 1227, his sons inherited different parts of the empire that had been built by their father. Chinggis Khan's second son, Chaghatai (d. c. 1241), became the ruler of the lands of present-day Central Asia, conforming the origin of what became to be known as the Chaghataid Khanate. After the death of its founder, this political entity experienced a long succession crisis that lasted for a decade until a woman, Orghīna Khātūn, took control of the khanate in the name of her son. Although a ruling woman is not an exceptional case in the Mongol empire, she was the first and only woman that ruled over the Chaghataid Khanate, and that did so peacefully and without major upheavals for nine years. Additionally, she did not adopt a passive role but was involved in the running of the khanate, playing her cards in the always-unstable political arena of the Mongol empire. This article looks at the ascension to the throne, the reign and the legacy of this Mongol woman in Mongol Central Asia by contextualising her rule within the history of the region in general and in that of the Mongol empire in particular.
Rashīd al-Dīn and the Shāhnāmeh
Authors: MELVILLE CHARLES 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis paper explores some different, interrelated versions of the history of the Pīshdādiyān, the earliest dynasty represented in theShāhnāmeh, especially the recently edited text of Rashīd al-Dīn'sJāmi‘al-tawārīkh. This is compared with Bal‘amī’s Persian version of the History of al-Ṭabari and Qāḍī Baiḍāwī’sNiẓām al-tawārīkh, of which the latter is shown to provide much the closer basis for Rashīd al-Dīn's work — especially when confronted with the manuscripts of theJāmi‘al-tawārīkhcontemporary with the life of Rashīd al-Dīn. Comparison with both the early Arabic and Persian witnesses of the work suggests that the printed edition does not represent Rashīd al-Dīn's original text, but later reworkings of his chronicle — such as that by the fifteenth-century historian, Ḥāfiẓ-i Abrū — which draw more directly on theShāhnāmeh. In so far as there is discernible subtext to Rashīd al-Dīn's coverage of these earliest periods of Iranian monarchical history, it is more to emphasise the didactic message of theShāhnāmehand the justice and constructive achievements of the first kings, than to follow Firdausī’s narrative. Despite the potency of idea of theShāhnāmehas expressing Persian kingly traditions, it is suggested that perhaps it was only after the time of Rashīd al-Dīn and the Islamisation of the Mongol rulers that historians appreciated and emulated the literary and narrative aspects of the text for their own sake.
The Islamisation of Hülegü: Imaginary Conversion in the Ilkhanate
Authors: BIRAN MICHAL 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAs is well known, Hülegü, Chinggis Khan's grandson and the founder of the Ilkhanate (r. 658–664/1260-65), never converted to Islam. Moreover, as the man who annihilated the Abbasid Caliphate (750-1258), that had led the Islamic umma for more than half a millennium, Hülegü was often portrayed—albeit mainly outside his realm—as one of the great destroyers of Islam. Yet around the mid-seventh/fourteenth century we find at least two different conversion stories relating to Hülegü in both Ilkhanid and Mamluk sources, both allegedly originating in Baghdad. This paper aims to present these narratives and analyse their origin and use in the context of the later or post-Ilkhanate period. I may say already at this stage that I have more questions than answers, and that my explanations as to why such stories were invented are rather speculative.
The long-term geopolitics of the pre-modern Middle East
Authors: COOK MICHAEL 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe geopolitical shape of the Middle East has varied greatly over time. This article is concerned with the period from Late Antiquity to the end of the eighteenth century, during which four basic configurations succeeded each other. Late Antiquity was marked by the coexistence of two large empires, one based in the western Middle East and the other in the eastern Middle East; the early Islamic period saw the dominance of a single empire the location of whose centre was unstable; the medieval period was characterised by the absence of large and lasting empires and a shifting plurality of smaller states; finally in the Ottoman period we see the renewed dominance of a single empire, now based in the western Middle East. Are these changes to be seen as random fluctuations, or can they be explained in terms of a small number of underlying factors? The point of this article is to argue that a focus on the potential imperial heartlands of the Middle East can help us to explain much—though not all—of the changing geopolitical configuration of the region.
Frailty and food insecurity in older adults
Authors: Pérez-Zepeda Mario Ulises , Castrejón-Pérez Roberto Carlos , Wynne-Bannister Emma , García-Peña Carmen 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of the current work was to determine the association between food insecurity and frailty in older adults, within the context of a country with accelerated ageing and nutritional problems.DesignCross-sectional analysis of a representative nationwide survey on health and nutrition.SettingMexican nationwide survey.SubjectsA sample of 7108 adults aged 60 years or older living in communities, representative of Mexican older adults.ResultsMultivariate regression and descriptive analyses of food insecurity and frailty were performed. From a total of 7108 adults aged 60 years or older, with a mean age of 70·7 years, most (54·7 %) were women. Food security categories were: 26·3 % had food security, 40·3 % had mild food insecurity, 20·5 % had moderate food insecurity and 12·9 % had severe food insecurity. Food insecurity categories were associated with frailty, with the severe category having the highest odds ratio of 2·41 (95 % CI 2·03, 2·86; P<0·001) after adjustment for confounding factors.ConclusionsAccording to our results, food insecurity is associated to frailty, which in turn is a condition that renders the older adult at a higher risk of developing adverse outcomes. Targeted food programmes for older adults with a high risk of having food insecurity or of being frail may improve health in this population group.
Improvement of dose homogeneity with irregular surface compensator in whole brain radiotherapy
Authors: Fujita H. , Kuwahata N. , Hattori H. , Kinoshita H. , Fukuda H. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the dosimetric aspects of whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) using an irregular surface compensator (ISC) in contrast to conventional radiotherapy techniques.MethodsTreatment plans were devised for 20 patients. The Eclipse treatment planning system (Varian Medical Systems) was used for dose calculation. For the ISC, a fluence editor application was used to extend the range of optimal fluence. The treatment plan with the ISC was compared with the conventional technique in terms of doses in the planning target volume (PTV), dose homogeneity index (DHI), three-dimensional (3D) maximum dose, eye and lens doses and monitor unit (MU) counts required for treatment.ResultsCompared with conventional WBRT, the ISC significantly reduced the DHI, 3D maximum dose and volumes receiving 105% of the prescription dose, in addition to reducing both eye and lens doses (p<0·05 for all comparisons). In contrast, MU counts were higher for the ISC technique than for conventional WBRT (828 versus 328, p<0·01).ConclusionThe ISC technique for WBRT considerably improved the dose homogeneity in the PTV. As patients who receive WBRT have improved survival, the long-term side effects of radiotherapy are highly important.
Co-production as an approach to developing stakeholder partnerships to reduce mental health inequalities: an evaluation of a pilot service
Authors: Lwembe Saumu , Green Stuart A. , Chigwende Jennifer , Ojwang Tom , Dennis Ruth 
Published: May 2016

Aim
This study aimed to evaluate a pilot cross-sector initiative – bringing together public health, a community group, primary mental health teams and patients – in using co-production approaches to deliver a mental health service to meet the needs of the black and minority ethnic communities.

Background
Black and minority ethnic communities continue to face inequalities in mental health service access and provision. They are under-represented in low-level interventions as they are less likely to be referred, and more likely to disengage from mainstream mental health services. Effective models that lead to improved access and better outcomes are yet to be established. It has long been recognised that to be effective, services need to be more culturally competent, which may be achieved through a co-production approach.

Methods
This study aimed to evaluate the role of co-production in the development of a novel community mental health service for black and minority ethnic service users. Qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews and focus groups, were used to collect data to examine the use of co-production methods in designing and delivering an improved mental health service.

Findings
Twenty-five patients enrolled into the study; of these, 10 were signposted for more intensive psychological support. A 75% retention rate was recorded (higher than is generally the case for black and minority ethnic service users). Early indications are that the project has helped overcome barriers to accessing mental health services. Although small scale, this study highlights an alternative model that, if explored and developed further, could lead to delivery of patient-centred services to improve access and patient experience within mental health services, particularly for black and minority ethnic communities.
Breeding medicinal plant, periwinkle [Catharanthus roseus(L) G. Don]: a review
Authors: Kulkarni R. N. , Baskaran K. , Jhang Tripta 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPeriwinkle [Catharanthus roseus(L) G. Don] has become one of the very extensively investigated medicinal plants after the discovery of two powerful anti-cancer alkaloids, vinblastine and vincristine, in its leaves more than 50 years ago. These alkaloidal drugs are still in clinical use. Also, periwinkle is still the only source of these alkaloids and their precursors, catharanthine and vindoline. Low concentrations of these alkaloids in the plant and, therefore, high costs of their extraction have led to tremendous efforts towards understanding their biosynthesis and exploration of alternate ways of their production such as, chemical synthesis, cell, tissue and hairy root cultures, and metabolic engineering of heterologous organisms. Literature on this plant is quite voluminous, with an average of about 80 publications per year during last three decades (1985–2015). Nearly 60% of these publications are on physiology, biochemistry, cell and tissue culture, phytochemistry, metabolic and genetic engineering aspects. In spite of these efforts, an economically viable alternative to field-grown periwinkle plants as a source of these alkaloids has not yet been found. Biosynthesis ofC. roseusalkaloids is a complex process involving many genes, enzymes, regulators, inter- and intra-cellular transporters, cell types, organelles and tissues and its current understanding is still considered to be incomplete to produceC. roseusalkaloids through metabolic engineering/synthetic biology. Till such time, breeding periwinkle varieties with higher concentrations of anti-cancer alkaloids for cultivation can be an alternate approach to meet the demand for these alkaloids and reduce their costs. While literature on cell and tissue culture, phytochemistry, metabolic and genetic engineering aspects of periwinkle has been reviewed periodically, crop production and plant breeding aspects have received little attention. In this paper, an attempt has been made to bring together published information on genetics and breeding of periwinkle as a medicinal plant. Some probable constraints which may have hindered taking up periwinkle breeding are identified. Initially, quite a few attempts have been made at genetic improvement of periwinkle through induced polyploidy, and subsequently through induced mutagenesis. Mutations, both natural and induced, provide a valuable resource for use in breeding and in functional and reverse genomics research. It is only during last 6–7 years, genetic diversity has been assessed using molecular markers and very recently molecular markers have been identified for marker-assisted selection for alkaloid yield.
Effect of a p38 MAPK inhibitor on FFA-induced hepatic insulin resistance in vivo
Authors: Pereira S , Yu W Q , Moore J , Mori Y , Tsiani E , Giacca A 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe mechanisms whereby prolonged plasma free fatty acids elevation, as found in obesity, causes hepatic insulin resistance are not fully clarified. We herein investigated whether inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) prevented hepatic insulin resistance following prolonged lipid infusion. Chronically cannulated rats were subdivided into one of four intravenous (i.v.) treatments that lasted 48 h: Saline (5.5 μl min−1), Intralipid plus heparin (IH, 20% Intralipid+20 U ml−1 heparin; 5.5 μl min−1), IH+p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB239063) and SB239063 alone. During the last 2 h of treatment, a hyperinsulinemic (5 mU kg−1 min−1) euglycemic clamp together with [3-3H] glucose methodology was carried out to distinguish hepatic from peripheral insulin sensitivity. We found that SB239063 prevented IH-induced hepatic insulin resistance, but not peripheral insulin resistance. SB239063 also prevented IH-induced phosphorylation of activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2), a marker of p38 MAPK activity, in the liver. Moreover, in another lipid infusion model in mice, SB239063 prevented hepatic but not peripheral insulin resistance caused by 48 h combined ethyloleate plus ethylpalmitate infusion. Our results suggest that inhibition of p38 MAPK may be a useful strategy in alleviating hepatic insulin resistance in obesity-associated disorders.
The blunted effect of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue in obese subjects is partly reversed by weight loss
Authors: Asmar M , Arngrim N , Simonsen L , Asmar A , Nordby P , Holst J J , Bülow J 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Background:
Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) appears to have impaired effect on subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue metabolism in obese subjects. The aim of the present study was to examine whether weight loss may reverse the impaired effect of GIP on subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue in obese subjects.

Methods:
Five obese males participated in a 12-week weight loss program, which consisted of caloric restriction (800 Cal day−1) followed by 4 weeks of weight-maintenance diet. Before and after weight loss, subcutaneous adipose tissue lipid metabolism was studied by conducting regional measurements of arterio-venous plasma concentrations of metabolites and blood flow (adipose tissue blood flow, ATBF) across a segment of the abdominal adipose tissue in the fasting state and during GIP infusion (1.5 pmol kg−1min−1) in combination with a hyperinsulinemic–hyperglycemic clamp.

Results:
After weight loss (7.5±0.8 kg), glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity increased significantly as expected. No significant differences were seen in basal ATBF before (1.3±0.4 ml min−1 100 g tissue−1) and after weight loss (2.1±0.4 ml min−1 100 g tissue)−1; however, a tendency to increase was seen. After weight loss, GIP infusion increased ATBF significantly (3.2±0.1 ml min−1 100 g tissue−1) whereas there was no increase before weight loss. Triacylglycerol (TAG) uptake did not change after weight loss. Baseline free fatty acid (FFA) and glycerol output increased significantly after weight loss, P<0.001. During the clamp period, FFA and glycerol output declined significantly, P<0.05, with no differences before and after weight loss. Weight loss increased glucose uptake and decreased FFA/glycerol ratio during the clamp period, P<0.05.

Conclusions:
In obese subjects, weight loss, induced by calorie restriction, improves the blunted effect of GIP on subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue metabolism.
Comparative evaluation of the therapeutic effect of metformin monotherapy with metformin and acupuncture combined therapy on weight loss and insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients
Authors: Firouzjaei A , Li G-C , Wang N , Liu W-X , Zhu B-M 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Objective:
Obesity induces insulin resistance (IR), the key etiologic defect of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, an incidence of obesity-induced diabetes is expected to decrease if obesity is controlled. Although Metformin is currently one of the main treatment options for T2DM in obese patients, resulting in an average of 5% weight loss, adequate weight control in all patients cannot be achieved with Metformin alone. Thus, additional therapies with a weight loss effect, such as acupuncture, may improve the effectiveness of Metformin.

Subjective:
We designed this randomized clinical trial (RCT) to compare the effects of Metformin monotherapy with that of Metformin and acupuncture combined therapy on weight loss and insulin sensitivity among overweight/obese T2DM patients, to understand whether acupuncture plus Metformin is a better approach than Metformin only on treating diabetes. To understand whether acupuncture can be an insulin sensitizer and, if so, its therapeutic mechanism.

Results:
Our results show that Metformin and acupuncture combined therapy significantly improves body weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), leptin, adiponectin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), resistin, serotonin, free fatty acids (FFAs), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) and ceramides.

Conclusions:
Consequently, Metformin and acupuncture combined therapy is more effective than Metformin only, proving that acupuncture is an insulin sensitizer and is able to improve insulin sensitivity possibly by reducing body weight and inflammation, while improving lipid metabolism and adipokines. As a result, electro-acupuncture (EA) might be useful in controlling the ongoing epidemics in obesity and T2DM.
The Use of Voice Cues for Speaker Gender Recognition in Cochlear Implant Recipients
Authors: Meister Hartmut , Fürsen Katrin , Streicher Barbara , Lang-Roth Ruth , Walger Martin 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
The focus of this study was to examine the influence of fundamental frequency (F0) and vocal tract length (VTL) modifications on speaker gender recognition in cochlear implant (CI) recipients for different stimulus types.

Method
Single words and sentences were manipulated using isolated or combined F0 and VTL cues. Using an 11-point rating scale, CI recipients and listeners with normal hearing rated the maleness/femaleness of the corresponding voice.

Results
Speaker gender ratings for combined F0 and VTL modifications were similar across all stimulus types in both CI recipients and listeners with normal hearing, although the CI recipients showed a somewhat larger ambiguity. In contrast to listeners with normal hearing, F0-VTL and F0-only modifications revealed similar ratings in the CI recipients when using words as stimuli. However, when sentences were used, a difference was found between F0-VTL–based and F0-based ratings. Modifying VTL cues alone did not affect ratings in the CI group.

Conclusions
Whereas speaker gender ratings by listeners with normal hearing relied on combined VTL and F0 cues, CI recipients made only limited use of VTL cues, which might be one reason behind problems with identifying the speaker on the basis of voice. However, use of the voice cues depended on stimulus type, with the greater information in sentences allowing a more detailed analysis than single words in both listener groups.
Relevante Eckpunkte der intraoperativen anästhesiologischen Diagnostik
Authors: Ache J. , Rath S. , Schneider R. , Dralle H. , Bucher M. , Raspé C. 
Published: May 2016

ZusammenfassungWährend eines operativen Eingriffs liegt das Hauptaugenmerk von Chirurgen und Anästhesisten auf der Patientensicherheit und bestmöglichen Versorgung des Patienten. Im Rahmen der interdisziplinären Zusammenarbeit ist in diesem Zusammenhang die intraoperative Kommunikation zwischen Chirurgen und Anästhesisten die Basis eines Fall-, Befund- und OP-Phasen-adaptierten Patientenmanagements. Die perioperative Überwachung des Patienten und die Durchführung diagnostischer Maßnahmen vonseiten der Anästhesie bilden einen essenziellen Grundstein für ein optimales Patientenmanagement. Die Ergebnisse der durchgeführten Untersuchungen können den weiteren Verlauf der Operation entscheidend mitbestimmen, sodass Kenntnisse über die wesentlichen intraoperativen Diagnostikmaßnahmen für die chirurgischen Kollegen von Bedeutung sind.