bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The problem with time in mixed continuous/discrete time modelling
Authors: Rovers Kenneth C. , Kuper Jan , Smit Gerard J. M. 
Published: June 2011

The design of cyber-physical systems requires the use of mixed continuous time and discrete time models. Current modelling tools have problems with time transformations (such as a time delay) or multi-rate systems.
We will present a novel approach that implements signals as functions of time, directly corresponding to their mathematical representation. This enables an exact implementation of time transformations and as an additional advantage enables local control over time. A representation of components and signals in both domains is provided, together with composition operators to allow the specification of signal flow diagrams.
Association Between Myocardial Infarction and Fractures
Authors: Gerber Yariv , Melton L. Joseph , Weston Susan A. , Roger Véronique L. 
Published: June 2011

Background—
Data on the association between myocardial infarction (MI) and fractures are scarce. Recent changes in the epidemiology of MI justify exploring this relationship. We evaluated whether MI constitutes a risk factor for osteoporotic fracture and examined secular trends in this association.

Methods and Results—

Consecutive Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents with incident MI diagnosed in 1979 to 2006 and community control subjects individually matched (1:1) to cases on age, sex, and year of onset (n=6642) were followed up through 2009. Outcome measures were time to osteoporotic fracture, overall and by anatomic site, and death. Fracture incidence rates were stable in controls but increased markedly over time among MI cases. Accordingly, although an overall excess of fracture risk after MI was observed (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.12 to 1.56), substantial temporal variations were noted (1979 to 1989: hazard ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.58 to 1.12; 1990 to 1999: hazard ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.10 to 1.96; 2000 to 2006: hazard ratio, 1.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.32 to 2.27;
P
for trend <0.001). Trends were similar regardless of age, sex or fracture site. Conversely, the overall hazard ratio for death in MI cases versus controls did not change materially despite a continuous decline in 30-day case fatality rate (12.5% in 1979 to 1989; 6.7% in 2000 to 2006). Observed changes in the baseline prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, MI characteristics, and comorbidities did not fully account for the trends in fracture risk.

Conclusions—
Over the past decades, the association between MI and osteoporotic fractures increased steadily. The trend is consistent with the displacement of post-MI outcomes toward noncardiovascular events, highlighting the need for comprehensive prevention strategies to accommodate the changing epidemiology of MI.
Pulmonary Hypertension in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Guazzi Marco , Vicenzi Marco , Arena Ross , Guazzi Maurizio D. 
Published: June 2011

Background—
The prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is increasing. The prognosis worsens with pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular (RV) failure development. We targeted pulmonary hypertension and RV burden with the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil.

Methods and Results—
Forty-four patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (heart failure signs and symptoms, diastolic dysfunction, ejection fraction ≥50%, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure >40 mm Hg) were randomly assigned to placebo or sildenafil (50 mg thrice per day). At 6 months, there was no improvement with placebo, but sildenafil mediated significant improvements in mean pulmonary artery pressure (−42.0±13.0%) and RV function, as suggested by leftward shift of the RV Frank-Starling relationship, increased tricuspid annular systolic excursion (+69.0±19.0%) and ejection rate (+17.0±8.3%), and reduced right atrial pressure (−54.0±7.2%). These effects may have resulted from changes within the lung (reduced lung water content and improved alveolar-capillary gas conductance, +15.8±4.5%), the pulmonary vasculature (arteriolar resistance, −71.0±8.2%), and left-sided cardiac function (wedge pulmonary pressure, −15.7±3.1%; cardiac index, +6.0±0.9%; deceleration time, −13.0±1.9%; isovolumic relaxation time, −14.0±1.7%; septal mitral annulus velocity, −76.4±9.2%). Results were similar at 12 months.

Conclusions—
The multifaceted response to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction includes improvement in pulmonary pressure and vasomotility, RV function and dimension, left ventricular relaxation and distensibility (structural changes and/or ventricular interdependence), and lung interstitial water metabolism (wedge pulmonary pressure decrease improving hydrostatic balance and right atrial pressure reduction facilitating lung lymphatic drainage). These results enhance our understanding of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and offer new directions for therapy.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01156636.
Enhancing Mobility in the European Neighborhood Policy? The Cases of Moldova and Georgia
Authors: Eisele Katharina , Wiesbrock Anja 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn 2004, the EU launched the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) with the objective of avoiding new dividing lines between the EU and its neighbors in the East and the South. This was offered as an alternative to full EU membership. The ENP is intended to bring about prosperity, stability, and security. In this context, the EU has agreed on a number of Action Plans on a bilateral basis with twelve ENP partner states. The mobility of persons is a key policy priority in the framework of the ENP, which is substantiated by the conclusion of 'mobility partnerships' with Moldova (2008) and Georgia (2009). Even though the Action Plans have been negotiated on the basis of 'joint ownership', it is arguable that EU interests have come to dominate the cooperation. The question arises to what extent these policy plans are beneficial for the neighboring countries and individual migrants. This article focuses on the rules and policy priorities contained in the Partnership and Cooperation Agreements, the Action Plans, the visa facilitation and readmission agreements, as well as the mobility partnerships concluded with Moldova and Georgia. The analysis unfolds that the main emphasis of the ENP is on border control and the fight against irregular migration, whereas little has been done to enhance legal migration opportunities. Therefore, we argue that the ENP falls short of meeting the objective to create cooperation based on mutual interest and joint ownership.
Evolutionary adaptation of oniscidean isopods to terrestrial life: Structure, physiology and behavior
Authors: Hornung Elisabeth 
Published: June 2011

AbstractTerrestrial isopods (Oniscidea) are the most successful crustacean colonizers of land habitats. From an evolutionary point of view, they are excellent examples of model organisms that have adaptated to terrestrial life. Th e aquatic-terrestrial branching of the phylogenetic lines of the Oniscidea occurred in the marine littoral zone. Th e most oniscid species-rich areas are found in the circum-Mediterranean region. Studies on the morphology, physiology, ecology and biogeography of Oniscidea highlight the diversity of the group. Th ey successfully colonized a wide range of terrestrial habitats by solving such ecological and physiological challenges as reproduction, respiration, excretion and protection against desiccation. During terrestrial adaptation, they evolved diverse morphological, ecological and behavioral traits. Th is review summarizes our present knowledge of some aspects of the morphology, physiology and behavior as it related to oniscidean adaptation to the terrestrial realm.
Role of the Acetabular Labrum and the Iliofemoral Ligament in Hip Stability
Authors: Myers Casey A. , Register Bradley C. , Lertwanich Pisit , Ejnisman Leandro , Pennington W. Wes , Giphart J. Erik , LaPrade Robert F. , Philippon Marc J. 
Published: June 2011

Background Recent biomechanical reports have described the function of the acetabular labrum and iliofemoral ligament in providing hip stability, but the relative stability provided by each structure has not been well described. Hypothesis Both the iliofemoral ligament and acetabular labrum are important for hip stability by limiting external rotation and anterior translation, with increased stability provided by the iliofemoral ligament compared with the acetabular labrum. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Fifteen fresh-frozen male cadaveric hips were utilized for this study. Each specimen was selectively skeletonized down to the hip capsule. Four tantalum beads were embedded into each femur and pelvis to accurately measure hip translations and rotations using biplane fluoroscopy while either a standardized 5 N·m external or internal rotation torque was applied. The hips were tested in 4 hip flexion angles (10° of extension, neutral, and 10° and 40° of flexion) in the intact state and then by sectioning and later repairing the acetabular labrum and iliofemoral ligament in a randomized order. Results External rotation significantly increased from the intact condition (41.5° ± 7.4°) to the sectioned iliofemoral ligament condition (54.4° ± 6.6°) and both-sectioned condition (61.5° ± 5.7°; P < .01), but there was no significant increase in external rotation when the labrum alone was sectioned (45.6° ± 5.9°). The intact and fully repaired conditions were not significantly different. External rotation and internal rotation significantly decreased when the hip flexion angle decreased from 40° of flexion to 10° of extension (P < .01) regardless of sectioned condition. Anterior translation varied significantly across sectioned conditions but not across flexion angles (P < .001). The ligament-sectioned (1.4 ± 0.5 mm), both-sectioned (2.2 ± 0.2 mm), and labrum-repaired (1.1 ± 0.2 mm) conditions all resulted in significantly greater anterior translation than the intact condition (−0.4 ± 0.1 mm) (P < .001). Conclusion The iliofemoral ligament had a significant role in limiting external rotation and anterior translation of the femur, while the acetabular labrum provided a secondary stabilizing role for these motions. Clinical Relevance These results suggest that, if injured, both the acetabular labrum and iliofemoral ligament should be surgically repaired to restore native hip rotation and translation. In addition, a careful repair of an arthroscopic capsulotomy should be performed to avoid increased external hip rotation and anterior translation after arthroscopy.
“At-Risk” Positioning and Hip Biomechanics of the Peewee Ice Hockey Sprint Start
Authors: Stull Justin D. , Philippon Marc J. , LaPrade Robert F. 
Published: June 2011

Background Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is becoming a prevalent overuse injury diagnosis among hockey players. In the adult ice hockey stride, the “at-risk” hip position, defined by internal rotation during flexion and external rotation during abduction, reportedly increases hip vulnerability to labral injury as a result of FAI. Hypothesis Peewee youth ice hockey players display the kinematics for both described at-risk hip positions (internal rotation during flexion and external rotation during abduction) in the ice hockey sprint start. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods Twelve healthy male Peewee ice hockey players (mean age, 10.8 ± 0.6 years) participated in this study. Thirty-five anatomic landmarks were used to analyze the 3-dimensional kinematic and kinetic variables of the hip associated with the ice hockey sprint start. Ten high-speed (120-Hz) infrared cameras recorded the trials, which were subsequently analyzed with Motion Monitor software. The sprint start was recorded over 4 defined periods of motion: start, push, swing, and even. Results In the “push” period, 11.5° of external rotation was observed concurrently with 13.2° of abduction in the push leg, and 6.8° of internal rotation occurred with 33.8° of flexion in the lead leg. During the recovery phase of the “swing” period, maximum internal rotation was 5.6° with concurrent hip flexion of 44.2° in the push leg, while lead leg internal rotation reached a maximum of 10.8° with hip flexion of 35.1° during the “even” period. Conclusion During the sprint start, youth ice hockey players externally rotate in abduction during the push-off phase and internally rotate through increasing hip flexion during the recovery phase, displaying the at-risk hip positions of the ice hockey skating stride. Clinical Relevance During the sprint start, youth ice hockey players position their hips in a manner that can cause impingement of the femoral neck against the acetabulum and potentially lead to labral tears and/or articular cartilage damage. This knowledge could be applied to assist in the prevention of overuse injuries of the hip as youth hockey players mature and increase in skill level.
A Comparative Study of Rural Clinics in Remote Islands and Inland Areas
Authors: Inoue Kazuo , Matoba Shun , Sugita Yoshihiro , Okuno Masataka 
Published: June 2011

The social and professional isolation of physicians remains an important issue in rural areas. However, few studies have investigated the involvement of geographic factors in the isolation. This study investigates rural public clinics in inland and remote island locations and attempts to objectively compare the isolation of these physicians. A mailed questionnaire was sent to rural clinics where graduate physicians from Jichi Medical School were working in 1994 and 1995. Among the 198 clinics with one or more full-time physicians, 185 (93 percent) responded to the inquiry. Geographic and demographic factors of the communities were compared between 43 clinics located in remote islands and the other 142 rural inland clinics. Rural clinics in remote islands have smaller subject populations, fewer part-time physicians, a longer journey to the nearest city, and a longer distance and travel time to the base hospital than rural inland clinics. Physicians in remote island clinics had less medical training and are more isolated than other physicians. More than half of the clinic physicians in remote islands have no regular training schedule, in contrast to less than a quarter of the inland clinic physicians. Almost all clinics (97.7%) in remote islands do not have a part-time physician, whereas about 20 percent of the rural inland clinics do. Physicians in remote island clinics are more socially and professionally isolated than those in inland clinics. Strategies to reduce these problems should be given priority in rural health policy and measures tailored to rural clinics in remote islands. Asia Pac J Public Health 2000;12(1): 22-26
Communicating Health Risks in the Pacific: Scientific Construct and Cultural Reality
Authors: Finau Sitaleki A. 
Published: June 2011

Health workers often communicate to people from a position of power rather than focusing on the needs of the receivers. This is usually clouded with jargon and the so-called principles of scientific accuracy. Often the use of science is to justify the health worker's position rather than to precipitate actions to promote health and achieve people's control over their lives. Communication involves a tripartite reciprocal interaction between the sender, receiver and the medium. This involves both science and art specific to the message, language, values and participants. If the ultimate purpose of communication is healthful action and community control, then scientificness of the explanations must be secondary. Therefore the art of getting the message across must be the priority rather than it being scientifically sound. This conflict is discussed in relation to experiences in the Pacific Islands. The communication of health risks in the Pacific involves the multi-tiered translation of scientific concepts and language into those of the target populations. The scientific concepts are usually occidental and need to be translated into vernacular worldviews and languages. Experiences in and examples from the Pacific have challenged the primacy of scientific explanations over the need to minimise health risks and increase of community control. For health promotion to succeed in multicultural and multilingual Pacific, New Zealand and Australia, the art and science of communicating health risks must be titrated against scientific explanations to appropriately and primarily promote health. Asia Pac J Public Health 2000;12(2): 90-97
Perceived Oral Health Status, Oral Function and Related Behaviour Among the Patients of Behçet's Disease
Authors: Miura Hiroko , Isogai Emiko , Mizugai Hiroyuki , Miura Kunihisa 
Published: June 2011

The majority of patients with Behçet's disease (BD) suffers from oral ulcers. The aim of the present study was to survey self-rated oral health status, oral function, and oral health behaviour of patients with BD in eastern Japan. Subjects were 33 BD patients and 101 healthy individuals ranging in age from 20 to 59 years. The survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. The items of oral health in the questionnaire included subjective symptoms, self-rated dental problems and oral health behaviour. We found that compared to the healthy subjects, BD patients experienced more severe physical limitations, mainly involving difficulty in pronouncing words ( p<0.01) and the pain of oral mucosa and gingival tissue caused by oral ulcers ( p<0.01). Based on the results of oral health behaviour, BD patients did not behave positively with regard to maintaining oral health including regular tooth brushing despite relatively higher risk of dental diseases that they face. The present results suggest that oral ulcers due to BD induced dental disorder such as the pain of gingiva, oral mucosa, and difficulty in the pronouncing of words. In spite of this, their oral health behaviour is not positive compared to the healthy subjects. Thus, the need to develop a more active pragramme for oral health education for patients with BD is indicated. Asia Pac J Public Health 2000;12(2): 98-101
Homebound status in a community-dwelling elderly population in Japan
Authors: Inoue Kazuo , Matsumoto Masatoshi 
Published: June 2011

The present study investigated the association between sociodemographic profiles, health condition and functional disabilities of subjects with a homebound status in a rural community setting. The subjects were residents aged 65 years or over in a mountain village of Japan. A comprehensive questionnaire was used to obtain their data. Among the 1,002 residents, the information of 866 residents (85 %), who voluntarily completed the entire survey, was obtained for this study. All the subjects were native Japanese. Of the 866 subjects investigated, 301 (34.8%) were homebound as defined by the parameters of this study. Univariate analysis revealed age, female gender, functional impairment (vision, hearing and memory), all the ADL impairments, and the use of a portable toilet were associated with homebound status. Multivariate analysis revealed that older age, female gender, visual and two ADL impairments (moving inside the home and bathing) and use of a portable toilet remained significantly related to homebound status. Homebound elderly people have more functional limitation and disability related factor than their non-homebound counterparts. Functional impairment, particularly in the mobility domain and sensory disturbances, was associated with homebound status. These data indicate the importance of assessment in the provision of home care for elderly people. Asia Pac J Public Health 2001; 13(2): 109-115
Factors affecting Nutritional Status of Malaysian Primary School Children
Authors: Anuar Zaini M.Z. , Lim C.T. , Low W.Y. , Harun F. 
Published: June 2011

This paper investigates the nutritional status of a randomly selected cohort of school children and the factors affecting it. This random survey was conducted in the state of Selangor, involving 1,405 primary students (aged 9-10 years from 54 national primary schools). Physical examination was carried out on all the students. Information on the students was also obtained from the parents. Blood samples were taken by using the finger pricking technique. Body mass index (BMI) was used as a measure of physical growth. The students were mainly from urban areas (82.9%). The mean age was 9.71 years and a higher proportion was females (51%). Malays constituted 83.6%, Indians 11.6% and Chinese 4.2% of the study population. The mean weight and height were 32.30 kg and 135.18cm respectively. The mean BMI was 17.42 kg/m2, with 1.2% of the students underweight, 76.3% normal BMI, 16.3% overweight and 6.3% were obese. Nutritional status was significantly related to blood pressure, history of breast feeding, eating fast food, taking canned/bottled drinks, income and educational level of parents. Significant differences in nutritional status between sexes and locations (rural/ urban) were also found. The prevalence of overweight and obese children was of concern. There is thus an urgent need for the School Health Program to periodically monitor the school children's eating habits and physical growth. Appropriate counselling on nutritional intake and physical activities should be given not only to schoolchildren but also to their teachers and parents or caregivers. Asia Pac J Public Health 2005; 17(2): 71-80.
Identifying Competencies for Australian Health Professionals Working in International Health
Authors: Akbar H. , Hill P.S. , Rotem A. , Riley I.D. , Zwi A.B. , Marks G.C. , Mark T. 
Published: June 2011

A profile of the roles performed by Australian health professionals working in international health was constructed to identify the core competencies they require, and the implications for education and training of international health practitioners. The methods used included: literature review and document analysis of available training and education; an analysis of competencies required in job descriptions for international health positions; and consultations with key informants. The international health roles identified were classified in four main groups: Program Directors, Program Managers, Team Leaders and Health Specialists. Thirteen 'core' competencies were identified from the job analysis and key informant/group interviews. Contributing to international health development in resource poor countries requires high level cultural, interpersonal and team-work competencies. Technical expertise in health disciplines is required, with flexibility to adapt to new situations. International health professionals need to combine public health competencies with high level personal maturity to respond to emerging challenges. Asia Pac J Public Health 2005; 17(2): 99-103.
A Comparative Study of Japanese and British BCG Vaccine Strains in Newborn Infants
Authors: Goh Teh , Low M , Chen CH , Tan TH 
Published: June 2011

A prospective study on the British and Japanese BCG vaccines in newborn infants was carried out in which 317 and 285 infants were randomly allocated and vaccinated with the British and Japanese BCG vaccines, respectively. Four follow-up examinations were carried out with an average of 98% of the study cohort attending all sessions. About half the infants did not produce any visible response at the end of the first week. All, by the end of the third month, had characteristic BCG scars with an average diameter of 4.6 mm. A Mantoux test was carried out at six months. A mean skin induration of 7.2 mm (SD 5.3 mm) was recorded. Significantly higher proportions of infants given Japanese BCG were found to be tuberculin convertors (74.7%) when compared to those given British BCG (51.4%). Breast-feeding practices and the mothers' tuberculin status did not influence markedly their infants response to tuberculin.