bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrato incompleto: uma perspectiva entre direito e economia para contratos de longo termo
Authors: Caminha Uinie , Lima Juliana Cardoso
Published: November 2014

O presente trabalho visa apresentar uma análise da teoria econômica do contrato incompleto, demonstrando a interação entre os ramos do direito e da economia, notadamente quando o elemento de ligação é o instituto contratual. A partir de estudos da doutrina estrangeira, pretende-se trazer à órbita judicial a visão econômica dos acordos de longa duração, ampliando, por conseguinte, a hipótese vigente no ordenamento jurídico da revisão dos contratos. Assim, a atualidade do assunto, principalmente na esfera internacional, e a escassa doutrina interna já fundamentam a escolha do tema para a construção de uma pesquisa científica. Neste cenário pouco explorado, pretende-se apresentar as principais características da teoria econômica do contrato incompleto. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, cuja metodologia se efetiva por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica e doutrinária, tanto no âmbito interno como externo, estabelecendo um diálogo entre a teoria econômica do contrato incompleto e a teoria jurídica do contrato. Com tal escopo, sistematizou-se o presente trabalho em três capítulos. No primeiro, objetiva-se realizar uma breve exposição sobre a relação entre direito e economia. O segundo capítulo ingressa, propriamente, no estudo dos principais pontos abordados na teoria econômica do contrato incompleto, em especial, os relativos aos custos de transação. No último capítulo, intenta-se aplicar a teoria econômica do contrato incompleto no ordenamento jurídico. Por fim, conclui-se que a teoria econômica do contrato incompleto amplia a hipótese de revisão, que se baseia na teoria da imprevisão, inovando, portanto, a ordem jurídica.
O formalista expiatório: leituras impuras de Kelsen no Brasil
Authors: Leal Fernando
Published: November 2014

Neste artigo, argumento que a caracterização de Kelsen como um autor formalista e positivista (comum em contextos de recepção da sua obra, como o Brasil) só pode ser considerada plausível dependendo do sentido em que as expressões "formalismo" e "positivismo" são empregadas. Por um lado, mostro por que Kelsen não era um formalista metodológico (i.e., que caracterizava o raciocínio jurídico como dedutivo) e por que a associação entre positivismo jurídico e esse tipo de formalismo é problemática. Por outro, defendo que o que Stanley Paulson chama de crítica de formalismo como esvaziamento - já dirigida contra Kelsen na Alemanha no início do século XX - deve ser levado a sério em seus próprios termos, ou seja, como uma perspectiva metodológica que também pode ser valiosa para investigar a natureza do direito. Com o auxílio dessas análises, é possível desfazer a caricatura que ainda inspira certas visões da obra de Kelsen no Brasil.
Esferas públicas transnacionais: entre o realismo vestfaliano e o cosmopolitismo
Authors: Bernardes Márcia Nina
Published: November 2014

Em resposta à crise de vestfália, propostas de democracia cosmopolita ficam comprometidas diante da assimetria de poder que marca as relações internacionais e pelas dificuldades empíricas de constituição de um arranjo institucional capaz de conferir legitimidade normativa e eficácia política às decisões tomadas em esfera pública: quem deve participar das deliberações e quem é o destinatário das comunicações geradas na sociedade civil mundial? No entanto, afirmo que se consolidaram esferas públicas transnacionais que abrem novas possibilidades de tematização e solução de problemas nacionais antes exclusivamente tratados no âmbito do estado-nação. Neste artigo, pretendo explorar as possibilidades de ampliação da influência e poder dos atores da sociedade civil sobre o estado nacional a partir do recurso a essas esferas públicas transnacionais.
Entre desdém teórico e aprovação na prática: os métodos clássicos de interpretação jurídica
Authors: Krell Andreas J.
Published: November 2014

Boa parte dos autores brasileiros questiona a utilidade dos elementos metodológicos tradicionais da interpretação jurídica, cuja importância está sendo redescoberta em outros países como a Alemanha. Apesar da rejeição teórica, os aplicadores do direito continuam a se valer dos métodos clássicos na prática. A própria interpretação é guiada pelas etapas mentais destes métodos, ainda que a escolha decisiva entre eles seja influenciada pela pré-compreensão pessoal do aplicador da lei sobre uma solução justa do caso. Assim, o uso dos quatro cânones na produção da decisão jurídica depende de uma argumentação racional que observe as "regras de arte" da comunicação jurídica. A expectativa social de uma vinculação estrita entre decisão judicial e texto legal leva a um tipo de interpretação que tem as diretivas metódicas tradicionais como seus principais instrumentos. Embora eles não levem a decisões cientificamente verdadeiras, deve ser reconhecida a sua importância no exercício do raciocínio jurídico.
La media prescripción frente al delito de desaparición forzada de personas. ¿Incumplimiento de la normativa internacional en materia de crímenes de lesa humanidad?
Authors: González Ramírez Isabel , Malamud Herrera Samuel , Fuentealba Martínez María Soledad , Pardo Montenegro Florencio
Published: November 2014

El presente trabajo se presenta como un estudio del tratamiento de la media prescripción aplicada a los crímenes de desaparición forzada de personas. Los autores abordan la problemática desde una perspectiva jurídica e histórica. Exponiendo cómo el sistema chileno en cuanto a la media prescripción no se encuentra en armonía con la legislación internacional, en especial con las disposiciones de los tratados internacionales ratificados y vigentes en chile. Centrando especialmente dicho análisis en la línea evolutiva jurisprudencial del tratamiento del problema por parte de los tribunales chilenos, incluyendo dentro de este análisis jurisprudencial un reciente fallo que parece cambiar la línea interpretativa sustentada con anterioridad.
Systematic Review of Postradiotherapy Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia in Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: Epler Gary R. , Kelly Eileen M.
Published: November 2014

Background.

Radiation therapy for breast cancer has been implicated in the development of bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP). This inflammatory lung disorder was first noted in 1983, and there have been numerous reports of BOOP occurring in women who have had radiation therapy for breast cancer since 1995. This study was undertaken to perform a systematic review of postradiotherapy BOOP to determine the occurrence, presentation, treatment, and outcome.

Materials and Methods.

A systematic literature review was conducted according to the guidelines provided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses report.

Results.

The literature search yielded 10 Japanese epidemiological reports with 129 women, 4 case series reports with 36 women, and 24 case reports with 34 women. Common symptoms included fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Most patients received corticosteroid therapy, and duration of treatment ranged from 6 months to 1 year, although some patients received steroids for longer than 1 year because of relapse, which occurred in approximately one half of patients. No deaths have been reported.

Conclusion.

BOOP is a rare but significant complication from radiation therapy for breast cancer. Chest radiographic studies for women who report new respiratory symptoms during the postradiation period can be beneficial for early diagnosis and for guiding appropriate management.
Chronic Thalidomide and Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Jennifer , Ng Jennifer , Christos Paul J. , Goldenberg Alec S. , Sparano Joseph , Sung Max W. , Hochster Howard S. , Muggia Franco M.
Published: November 2014

Background.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been used to curtail tumor vasculature and delay tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We conducted a phase I trial to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of thalidomide when combined with TACE in patients with advanced HCC.

Methods.

Between June 2000 and November 2003, 56 patients with unresectable HCC and amenable to TACE were enrolled. The starting dose of thalidomide was 200 mg/day and was escalated every 2 weeks as tolerated to a maximum dose of 1,000 mg/day. Dose reductions and discontinuation were determined by toxicity. TACE was performed 4 weeks after initiation of thalidomide therapy and repeated as necessary.

Results.

Overall, 47 and 55 patients were evaluable for response and toxicity, respectively; the median dose of thalidomide given was 200 mg/day. Three patients (6.38%) patients achieved complete responses, whereas 10 (21.3%) had partial responses, for an overall response rate of 27.7%, and 27 (57.5%) had stable disease. Median progression-free survival was 7 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5–10 months), and median OS was 21 months (95% CI: 16–28 months) (Fig. 1). Fatigue and lethargy (49.1%), constipation (47.3%), and nausea (43.6%) were common. Grade 3–4 toxicities consisted mostly of increased aspartate aminotransferase (43.6%) and elevated alanine aminotransferase (38.2%) (Table 1).

Conclusion.

Thalidomide and TACE were commonly associated with nonhematologic side effects, with fatigue and constipation being prominent. With a lack of clear therapeutic benefit, this combination is unlikely to be pursued for HCC.
Some classes of analytic and multivalent functions associated with q-derivative operators
Authors: Purohit S. D. , Raina R. K.
Published: November 2014

By applying the q-derivative operator of order m (m ∈ ℕ0), we introduce two new subclasses of p-valently analytic functions of complex order. For these classes of functions, we obtain the coefficient inequalities and distortion properties. Some consequences of the main results are also considered
Face Recognition Based on Wavelet Kernel Non-Negative Matrix Factorization
Authors: Bai, Lin , Li Yanbo , Hui Meng
Published: November 2014

In this paper a novel face recognition algorithm, based on wavelet kernel non-negative matrix factorization (WKNMF), is proposed. By utilizing features from multi-resolution analysis, the nonlinear mapping capability of kernel nonnegative matrix factorization could be improved by the method proposed. The proposed face recognition method combines wavelet kernel non-negative matrix factorization and RBF network. Extensive experimental results on ORL and YALE face database show that the suggested method possesses much stronger analysis capability than the comparative methods. Compared with PCA, non-negative matrix factorization, kernel PCA and independent component analysis, the proposed face recognition method with WKNMF and RBF achieves over 10 % improvement in recognition accuracy.
Structural Characterization of Doped Thick Gainnas Layers - Ambiguities and Challenges
Authors: Pucicki Damian , Bielak Katarzyna , Ściana Beata , Dawidowski Wojciech , Żelazna Karolina , Serafińczuk Jarosław , Kováč Jaroslav , Vincze Andrej , Gelczuk Łukasz , Dłużewski Piotr
Published: November 2014

GaInNAs alloys are mostly used as an active part of light sources for long wavelength telecom applications. Beside this, these materials are used as thin quantum wells (QWs), and a need is to grow thick layers of such semiconductor alloys for photodetectors and photovoltaic cells applications. However, structural characterization of the GaInNAs layers is hindered by non-homogeneity of the In and N distributions along the layer. In this work the challenges of the structural characterization of doped thick GaInNAs layers grown by atmospheric pressure metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy (APMOVPE) will be presented
Diagnostics of DC and Induction Motors Based on the Analysis of Acoustic Signals
Authors: Glowacz A.
Published: November 2014

In this paper, a non-invasive method of early fault diagnostics of electric motors was proposed. This method uses acoustic signals generated by electric motors. Essential features were extracted from acoustic signals of motors. A plan of study of acoustic signals of electric motors was proposed. Researches were carried out for faultless induction motor, induction motor with one faulty rotor bar, induction motor with two faulty rotor bars and flawless Direct Current, and Direct Current motor with shorted rotor coils. Researches were carried out for methods of signal processing: log area ratio coefficients, Multiple signal classification, Nearest Neighbor classifier and the Bayes classifier. A pattern creation process was carried out using 40 samples of sound. In the identification process 130 five-second test samples were used. The proposed approach will also reduce the costs of maintenance and the number of faulty motors in the industry.
Automated Acquisition of Proximal Femur Morphological Characteristics
Authors: Tabakovic Slobodan , Zeljkovic Milan , Milojevic Zoran
Published: November 2014

The success of the hip arthroplasty surgery largely depends on the endoprosthesis adjustment to the patient's femur. This implies that the position of the femoral bone in relation to the pelvis is preserved and that the endoprosthesis position ensures its longevity. Dimensions and body shape of the hip joint endoprosthesis and its position after the surgery depend on a number of geometrical parameters of the patient's femur. One of the most suitable methods for determination of these parameters involves 3D reconstruction of femur, based on diagnostic images, and subsequent determination of the required geometric parameters. In this paper, software for automated determination of geometric parameters of the femur is presented. Detailed software development procedure for the purpose of faster and more efficient design of the hip endoprosthesis that ensures patients’ specific requirements is also offered
Study on the improvement of hydrophilic character on polyvinylalcohol treated polyester fabric
Authors: S. Pitchai , J. Jeyakodi Moses , Natarajan Swarna
Published: November 2014

Polyester fabric was treated with polyvinyl alcohol in alkaline medium. The moisture regain, water retention and wettability of the PVA treated polyester fabric were tested. The PVA treated PET fabric was dyed with disperse dye. The presence of PVA in the treated PET fabric was assessed by spot test. The treated fabric was also characterized by scanning electron microscope, FTIR and differential scanning calorimetry. The PVA treated polyester fabric showed improved hydrophilic character over intact and sodium hydroxide treated PET fabrics.
Analysis of the Skpos® users Initialisation Times
Authors: Droščák Branislav , Smolík Karol
Published: November 2014

From the establishment of the Slovak real time positioning service (SKPOS®), the reference stations’ observations, network solutions and outputs from the user communications with the service control software were set for archiving. Today we know that all those archived data have the potential to give us valuable information about the service’s character and quality and about the conditions during the performance of Real time Kinematic (RTK) measurements. After conducting some analyses, we are able to easily understand how important factors such as the number of satellites used, the state of the ionosphere, network solutions in the border zone, densification of the network, etc., can affect those measurements. For those purposes the users’ initialisation times derived from the archived National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) messages are used in advance. As a tool for analysis the new Application for SKPOS® Monitoring and R
Living or Dead? Specifics of the Language of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
Authors: Kraśnicka Izabela
Published: November 2014

The original text of the Constitution of the United States of America, written over 200 years ago, constitutes the supreme source of law in the American legal system. The seven articles and twenty seven amendments dictate understanding of fundamental principles of the federation’s functioning and its citizens’ rights.

The paper aims to present the evolution of the U.S. Constitution’s language interpretation as provided by its final interpreter - the Supreme Court of the United States. Example of the Second Amendment will be analyzed to present the change in understanding of the language grammar and, as a consequence, the sense of the right to keep and bear arms in the light of the Supreme Court’s decision in the case of District of Columbia v Heller (554 U.S. 570 (2008)).

It will argue for the accuracy of statement of Charles Evans Hughes, former Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court: “We are under a Constitution, but the Constitution is what the judges say it is...”
In Quest of Sufficient Equivalence. Polish and English Insolvency Terminology in Translation. a Comparative Study
Authors: Matulewska Aleksandra
Published: November 2014

The paper deals with the problem of translating selected insolvency terminology from Polish into English and from English into Polish. The re- search corpora encompassed the Insolvency Act 1986 (England and Wales) as amended and Ustawa z dnia 28 lutego 2003. Prawo upadłościowe i naprawcze [the Act on Polish Insolvency and Rehabilitation Law of 28th February 2003 as amended]. The research methods included: (i) the comparison of parallel texts, (ii) the method of axiomatisation of the legal linguistic reality, (iii) the termino- logical analysis of the corpus material, (iv) the concept of adjusting the target text to the communicative needs and requirements of the community of recipients and (v) the techniques of providing equivalents for non-equivalent terminology. The research hypothesis has been so formulated that the parametrisation of legal reality may assist in finding more adequate equivalents and determine differences in meaning of compared source and target language terms, which in turn facilitates the choice of a more adequate technique of providing equivalents for non-equivalent or partially equivalent legal terminology meeting the com- municative needs of translation recipients. The research results revealed that insolvency terminology is highly system-bound and available equivalents may often be misleading for the community of target text recipients
Time-driven activity-based costing: a driver for provider engagement in costing activities and redesign initiatives
Authors: McLaughlin Nancy , Burke Michael A. , Setlur Nisheeta P. , Niedzwiecki Douglas R. , Kaplan Alan L. , Saigal Christopher , Mahajan Aman , Martin Neil A. , Kaplan Robert S.
Published: November 2014

Object

To date, health care providers have devoted significant efforts to improve performance regarding patient safety and quality of care. To address the lagging involvement of health care providers in the cost component of the value equation, UCLA Health piloted the implementation of time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC). Here, the authors describe the implementation experiment, share lessons learned across the care continuum, and report how TDABC has actively engaged health care providers in costing activities and care redesign.

Methods

After the selection of pilots in neurosurgery and urology and the creation of the TDABC team, multidisciplinary process mapping sessions, capacity-cost calculations, and model integration were coordinated and offered to engage care providers at each phase.

Results

Reviewing the maps for the entire episode of care, varying types of personnel involved in the delivery of care were noted: 63 for the neurosurgery pilot and 61 for the urology pilot. The average cost capacities for care coordinators, nurses, residents, and faculty were $0.70 (range $0.63–$0.75), $1.55 (range $1.28–$2.04), $0.58 (range $0.56–$0.62), and $3.54 (range $2.29–$4.52), across both pilots. After calculating the costs for material, equipment, and space, the TDABC model enabled the linking of a specific step of the care cycle (who performed the step and its duration) and its associated costs. Both pilots identified important opportunities to redesign care delivery in a costconscious fashion.

Conclusions

The experimentation and implementation phases of the TDABC model have succeeded in engaging health care providers in process assessment and costing activities. The TDABC model proved to be a catalyzing agent for cost-conscious care redesign.
A comparison of lumboperitoneal and ventriculoperitoneal shunting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension: an analysis of economic impact and complications using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample
Authors: Menger Richard P. , Connor David E. , Thakur Jai Deep , Sonig Ashish , Smith Elainea , Guthikonda Bharat , Nanda Anil
Published: November 2014

Object

Complications following lumboperitoneal (LP) shunting have been reported in 18% to 85% of cases. The need for multiple revision surgeries, development of iatrogenic Chiari malformation, and frequent wound complications have prompted many to abandon this procedure altogether for the treatment of idiopathic benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri), in favor of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting. A direct comparison of the complication rates and health care charges between first-choice LP versus VP shunting is presented.

Methods

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was queried for all patients with the diagnosis of benign intracranial hypertension (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, code 348.2) from 2005 to 2009. These data were stratified by operative intervention, with demographic and hospitalization charge data generated for each.

Results

A weighted sample of 4480 patients was identified as having the diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), with 2505 undergoing first-time VP shunt placement and 1754 undergoing initial LP shunt placement. Revision surgery occurred in 3.9% of admissions (n = 98) for VP shunts and in 7.0% of admissions (n = 123) for LP shunts (p < 0.0001). Ventriculoperitoneal shunts were placed at teaching institutions in 83.8% of cases, compared with only 77.3% of first-time LP shunts (p < 0.0001). Mean hospital length of stay (LOS) significantly differed between primary VP (3 days) and primary LP shunt procedures (4 days, p < 0.0001). The summed charges for the revisions of 92 VP shunts ($3,453,956) and those of the 6 VP shunt removals ($272,484) totaled $3,726,352 over 5 years for the study population. The summed charges for revision of 70 LP shunts ($2,229,430) and those of the 53 LP shunt removals ($3,125,569) totaled $5,408,679 over 5 years for the study population.

Conclusions

The presented results appear to call into question the selection of LP shunt placement as primary treatment for IIH, as this procedure is associated with a significantly greater likelihood of need for shunt revision, increased LOS, and greater overall charges to the health care system.
Gauging the feasibility of cost-sharing and medical student interest groups to reduce interview costs
Authors: Lieber Bryan A. , Wilson Taylor A. , Bell Randy S. , Ashley William W. , Barrow Daniel L. , Wolfe Stacey Quintero
Published: November 2014

Indirect costs of the interview tour can be prohibitive. The authors sought to assess the desire of interviewees to mitigate these costs through ideas such as sharing hotel rooms and transportation, willingness to stay with local students, and the preferred modality to coordinate this collaboration. A survey link was posted on the Uncle Harvey website and the Facebook profile page of fourth-year medical students from 6 different medical schools shortly after the 2014 match day. There were a total of 156 respondents to the survey. The majority of the respondents were postinterview medical students (65.4%), but preinterview medical students (28.2%) and current residents (6.4%) also responded to the survey. Most respondents were pursuing a field other than neurosurgery (75.0%) and expressed a desire to share a hotel room and/or transportation (77.4%) as well as stay in the dorm room of a medical student at the program in which they are interviewing (70.0%). Students going into neurosurgery were significantly more likely to be interested in sharing hotel/transportation (89.2% neurosurgery vs 72.8% nonneurosurgery; p = 0.040) and in staying in the dorm room of a local student when on interviews (85.0% neurosurgery vs 57.1% nonneurosurgery; p = 0.040) than those going into other specialties. Among postinterview students, communication was preferred to be by private, email identification–only chat room. Given neurosurgery resident candidates' interest in collaborating to reduce interview costs, consideration should be given to creating a system that could allow students to coordinate cost sharing between interviewees. Moreover, interviewees should be connected to local students from neurosurgery interest groups as a resource.
Contemporary health care economics: an overview
Authors: McLaughlin Nancy , Ong Michael K. , Tabbush Victor , Hagigi Farhad , Martin Neil A.
Published: November 2014

Economic evaluations provide a decision-making framework in which outcomes (benefits) and costs are assessed for various alternative options. Although the interest in complete and partial economic evaluations has increased over the past 2 decades, the quality of studies has been marginal due to methodological challenges or incomplete cost determination. This paper provides an overview of the main types of complete and partial economic evaluations, reviews key methodological elements to be considered for any economic evaluation, and reviews concepts of cost determination. The goal is to provide the clinician neurosurgeon with the knowledge and tools needed to appraise published economic evaluations and to direct high-quality health economic evaluations.
The association between dental health and procedures and developing shunt infections in pediatric patients
Authors: Moazzam Alan A. , Nehrer Ernest , Da Silva Stephanie L. , Polido José C. , Arakelyan Anush , Habibian Mina , Krieger Mark D.
Published: November 2014

Object

Cerebrospinal fluid–diverting shunts are often complicated by bacterial infections. Dental procedures are known to cause transient bacteremia that could potentially spread hematogenously to these implanted devices. No literature currently exists to inform practitioners as to the need for prophylactic antibiotics for patients who possess these implants. The authors performed a retrospective study to assess whether dental procedures and poor oral health were associated with a higher likelihood of developing CSF-diverting shunt infections.

Methods

Neurosurgical and pediatric dental records from January 2007 to December 2012 were reviewed for shunt surgeries and dental encounters. Indications for shunt surgery and infection rates were recorded. Dental records were reviewed for several markers of overall dental health, such as a DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) score and a gingival health/oral hygiene score. The association between these scores and the incidence of shunt infections were studied. Moreover, the relationship between the incidence of shunt infections and the timing and invasiveness of preceding dental encounters were analyzed.

Results

A total of 100 pediatric patients were included in our study, for a total of 204 shunt surgeries. Twenty-one shunt infections were noted during the 6-year study period. Five of these shunts infections occurred within 3 months of a dental procedure. The odds ratio (OR) of developing a shunt infection within 3 months of a dental procedure was 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27–3.01), and was not statistically significant. The OR of developing a shunt infection after a high-risk dental procedure compared with a low-risk dental procedure was 1.32 (95% CI 0.02–16.29), and was not statistically significant. There was no significant association between measures of dental health, such as DMFT and gingival health score, and the likelihood of developing a shunt infection. The ORs for these 2 scores were 0.51 (95% CI 0.04–4.96) and 1.58 (95% CI 0.03–20.06), respectively. The study was limited by sample size.

Conclusions

Dental health status and the number and type of dental procedures performed do not appear to confer a higher risk of developing a CSF-diverting shunt infection in this pediatric population.
Pelvic pain from a giant presacral Tarlov cyst successfully obliterated using aneurysm clips in a patient with Marfan syndrome
Authors: Wang Bonnie , Moon Seong-Jin , Olivero William C. , Wang Huan
Published: November 2014

Patients with Marfan syndrome used to succumb early in life from cardiovascular complications. With the current rapid advance in medical and surgical care, such patients may now have near-normal longevities. Consequently, rare late-life complications are emerging in these patients and represent challenges to clinicians for their diagnoses and treatments. The authors report a rare case of pelvic pain and genital prolapse from a giant presacral Tarlov cyst in a 67-year-old patient with Marfan syndrome.

This 67-year-old Caucasian female presented with progressively severe pelvic pain, intermittent explosive diarrhea, and dysuria. Physical and bimanual examination demonstrated genital prolapse and a nontender, cyst-like mass fixed in the midline. She underwent ultrasound, CT, and eventually MRI evaluations that led to the diagnosis of a giant (6.7 × 6.4 × 6.6 cm) Tarlov cyst originating from the right S-2 nerve root sleeve/sacral foramen with intrapelvic extension. She underwent S1–S2 and S2–S3 laminectomy with obliteration of the Tarlov cyst using aneurysm clips. Postoperatively, her pelvic pain and bowel symptoms resolved and the bladder symptoms improved. The 3-month follow-up CT of abdomen/pelvis demonstrated resolution of the cyst.

The present case illustrates that clinicians caring for elderly patients with Marfan syndrome need to increasingly recognize such unusual late-life complications. Also, these large Tarlov cysts can be simply and effectively obliterated with aneurysm clips.
A Particle Filter for Smartphone-Based Indoor Pedestrian Navigation
Authors: Masiero Andrea , Guarnieri Alberto , Pirotti Francesco , Vettore Antonio
Published: November 2014

This paper considers the problem of indoor navigation by means of low-cost mobile devices. The required accuracy, the low reliability of low-cost sensor measurements and the typical unavailability of the GPS signal make indoor navigation a challenging problem. In this paper, a particle filtering approach is presented in order to obtain good navigation performance in an indoor environment: the proposed method is based on the integration of information provided by the inertial navigation system measurements, the radio signal strength of a standard wireless network and of the geometrical information of the building. In order to make the system as simple as possible from the user’s point of view, sensors are assumed to be uncalibrated at the beginning of the navigation, and an auto-calibration procedure of the magnetic sensor is performed to improve the system performance: the proposed calibration procedure is performed during regular user’s motion (no specific work is required). The navigation accuracy achievable with the proposed method and the results of the auto-calibration procedure are evaluated by means of a set of tests carried out in a university building.
Effects of Tetraethyl Orthosilicate (TEOS) on the Light and Temperature Stability of a Pigment from Beta vulgaris and Its Potential Food Industry Applications
Authors: Molina Gustavo , Hernández-Martínez Angel , Cortez-Valadez Manuel , García-Hernández Fernando , Estevez Miriam
Published: November 2014

A novel, simple and inexpensive modification method using TEOS to increase the UV light, pH and temperature stability of a red-beet-pigment extracted from Beta vulgaris has been proposed. The effects on the molecular structure of betalains were studied by FTIR spectroscopy. The presence of betacyanin was verified by UV-Vis spectroscopy and its degradation in modified red-beet-pigment was evaluated and compared to the unmodified red-beet-pigment; performance improvements of 88.33%, 16.84% and 20.90% for UV light, pH and temperature stability were obtained, respectively,. Measurements of reducing sugars, phenol, and antioxidant contents were performed on unmodified and modified red-beet-pigment and losses of close to 21%, 54% and 36%, respectively, were found to be caused by the addition of TEOS. Polar diagrams of color by unmodified and modified red-beet-pigment in models of a beverage and of a yogurt were obtained and the color is preserved, although here is a small loss in the chromaticity parameter of the modified red-beet-pigment.
Dysidinoid A, an Unusual Meroterpenoid with Anti-MRSA Activity from the South China Sea Sponge Dysidea sp.
Authors: Jiao Wei-Hua , Li Jing , Liu Qian , Xu Ting-Ting , Shi Guo-Hua , Yu Hao-Bing , Yang Fan , Han Bing-Nan , Li Min , Lin Hou-Wen
Published: November 2014

An unusual meroterpenoid, dysidinoid A (1), was isolated from the South China Sea sponge Dysidea sp. Its structure was elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods including HRESIMS and 2D NMR, and its absolute configuration was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Dysidinoid A (1) is the first meroterpenoid from Nature bearing a 9,4-friedodrime skeleton and a 2,5-dionepyrrole unit. Dysidinoid A (1) showed potent antibacterial activity against two strains of pathogenic bacteria methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with MIC90 values of 8.0 μg/mL against both.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Liguzinediol Mono- and Dual Ester Prodrugs as Promising Inotropic Agents
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Wei , Wen Hong-Mei , Zhu Hao-Hao , Wang Tian-Lin , Cheng Dong , Yang Kun-Di , Chen Yu-Qing
Published: November 2014

The potent positive inotropic effect, together with the relatively low safety risk of liguzinediol (LZDO), relative to currently available inotropic drugs, has prompted us to intensively research and develop LZDO as a potent positive inotropic agent. In this study, to obtain LZDO alternatives for oral chronic administration, a series of long-chain fatty carboxylic mono- and dual-esters of LZDO were synthesized, and preliminarily evaluated for physicochemical properties and bioconversion. Enhanced lipophilic properties and decreased solubility of the prodrugs were observed as the side chain length increased. All esters showed conspicuous chemical stability in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Moreover, the enzymatic hydrolysis of esters in human plasma and human liver microsomes confirmed that the majority of esters were converted to LZDO, with release profiles that varied due to the size and structure of the side chain. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies following oral administration of monopivaloyl (M5), monodecyl (M10) and monododecyl (M12) esters demonstrated the evidently extended half-lives relative to LZDO dosed alone. In particular the monopivaloyl ester M5 exhibited an optimal pharmacokinetic profile with appropriate physiochemical characteristics.
Alnus subgenus Alnus in the Eocene of western North America based on leaves, associated catkins, pollen, and fruits
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Manchester Steven R. , Jin Jianhua
Published: November 2014

• Premise of the study: The fossil record of alder (Alnus) is well known in the Cenozoic deposits throughout the northern hemisphere, based on numerous reports of the distinctive pollen, cone‐like infructescences, staminate inflorescences, and leaves. However, our understanding of the systematic position of these fossils relative to the modern phylogeny of the genus has been limited because most fossils were described from only one organ.

• Methods: We examined well‐preserved leaves and associated fruiting and staminate catkins from the middle Eocene, Clarno Formation, Oregon, USA by stereomicroscopy. In situ and dispersed pollen were cleaned with HF and acetolized for light and scanning electron microscopy.

• Key results: We reconstructed a new extinct species based on multiple organs and discuss significant phytogeographic and phylogenetic implications for Alnus. Alnus clarnoensis sp. nov. is described based on serrate leaves with 1–4 small teeth between each primary tooth, associated cone‐like fruiting catkins with fruits in situ, and associated slender pollen catkins bearing in situ 3‐ to 6‐pored pollen with arci between the pores. Combined investigations of each organ indicate that they probably derive from the same species and can be confidently attributed to subgenus Alnus Furlow based on leaf architecture and pollen pore number frequency.

• Conclusions: The Clarno fossils are most similar to the extant North American species of subgenus Alnus rather than to those from Asia and Europe, indicating that this modern subgenus was already distinct by the middle Eocene and that the intercontinental migration likely occurred earlier.
Morphometrics of Daucus (Apiaceae): A counterpart to a phylogenomic study
Authors: Arbizu Carlos , Reitsma Kathleen R. , Simon Philipp W. , Spooner David M.
Published: November 2014

• Premise of study: Molecular phylogenetics of genome‐scale data sets (phylogenomics) often produces phylogenetic trees with unprecedented resolution. A companion phylogenomics analysis of Daucus using 94 conserved nuclear orthologs supported many of the traditional species but showed unexpected results that require morphological analyses to help interpret them in a practical taxonomic context.

• Methods: We evaluated character state distributions, stepwise discriminant analyses, canonical variate analyses, and hierarchical cluster analyses from 40 morphological characters from 81 accessions of 14 taxa of Daucus and eight species in related genera in an experimental plot.

• Key results: Most characters showed tremendous variation with character state overlap across many taxa. Multivariate analyses separated the outgroup taxa easily from the Daucus ingroup. Concordant with molecular analyses, most species form phenetic groups, except the same taxa that are problematical in the molecular results: (1) the subspecies of D. carota, (2) D. sahariensis and D. syrticus, and (3) D. broteri and D. guttatus.

• Conclusions: Phenetic analyses, in combination with molecular data, support many Daucus species, but mostly by overlapping ranges of size and meristic variation. The subspecies of D. carota are poorly separated morphologically, are paraphyletic, and all could be recognized at the subspecies rank under D. carota. Daucus sahariensis and D. syrticus are so similar morphologically that they could be placed in synonymy. Combined molecular and morphological data support three species in accessions previously identified as D. broteri and D. guttatus. Molecular and morphological results support the new combination Daucus carota subsp. capillifolius.
Chloroplast DNA sequence utility for the lowest phylogenetic and phylogeographic inferences in angiosperms: The tortoise and the hare IV
Authors: Shaw Joey , Shafer Hayden L. , Leonard O. Rayne , Kovach Margaret J. , Schorr Mark , Morris Ashley B.
Published: November 2014

• Premise of the study: Noncoding chloroplast DNA (NC‐cpDNA) sequences are the staple data source of low‐level phylogeographic and phylogenetic studies of angiosperms. We followed up on previous papers (tortoise and hare II and III) that sought to identify the most consistently variable regions of NC‐cpDNA. We used an exhaustive literature review and newly available whole plastome data to assess applicability of previous conclusions at low taxonomic levels.

• Methods: We aligned complete plastomes of 25 species pairs from across angiosperms, comparing the number of genetic differences found in 107 NC‐cpDNA regions and matK. We surveyed Web of Science for the plant phylogeographic literature between 2007 and 2013 to assess how NC‐cpDNA has been used at the intraspecific level.

• Key results: Several regions are consistently the most variable across angiosperm lineages: ndhF‐rpl32, rpl32‐trnL(UAG), ndhC‐trnV(UAC), 5′rps16‐trnQ(UUG), psbE‐petL, trnT(GGU)‐psbD, petA‐psbJ, and rpl16 intron. However, there is no universally best region. The average number of regions applied to low‐level studies is ∼2.5, which may be too little to access the full discriminating power of this genome.

• Conclusions: Plastome sequences have been used successfully at lower and lower taxonomic levels. Our findings corroborate earlier works, suggesting that there are regions that are most likely to be the most variable. However, while NC‐cpDNA sequences are commonly used in plant phylogeographic studies, few of the most variable regions are applied in that context. Furthermore, it appears that in most studies too few NC‐cpDNAs are used to access the discriminating power of the cpDNA genome.
Treatment with Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors in Axial Spondyloarthritis: Comparison Between Private Rheumatology Practices and Academic Centers in a Large Observational Cohort
Authors: Ciurea Adrian , Weber Ulrich , Stekhoven Daniel , Scherer Almut , Tamborrini Giorgio , Bernhard Jürg , Toniolo Martin , Villiger Peter M. , Zufferey Pascal , Kissling Rudolf O. , Michel Beat A. , Exer Pascale
Published: November 2014

Objective.

To evaluate the initiation of and response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in private rheumatology practices versus academic centers.

Methods.

We compared newly initiated TNF inhibition for axSpA in 363 patients enrolled in private practices with 100 patients recruited in 6 university hospitals within the Swiss Clinical Quality Management (SCQM) cohort.

Results.

All patients had been treated with ≥ 1 nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug and > 70% of patients had a baseline Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) ≥ 4 before anti-TNF agent initiation. The proportion of patients with nonradiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA) treated with TNF inhibitors was higher in hospitals versus private practices (30.4% vs 18.7%, p = 0.02). The burden of disease as assessed by patient-reported outcomes at baseline was slightly higher in the hospital setting. Mean levels (± SD) of the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score were, however, virtually identical in private practices and academic centers (3.4 ± 1.0 vs 3.4 ± 0.9, p = 0.68). An Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS40) response at 1 year was reached for ankylosing spondylitis in 51.7% in private practices and 52.9% in university hospitals (p = 1.0) and for nr-axSpA in 27.5% versus 25.0%, respectively (p = 1.0).

Conclusion.

With the exception of a lower proportion of patients with nr-axSpA newly treated with anti-TNF agents in private practices in comparison to academic centers, adherence to ASAS treatment recommendations for TNF inhibition was equally high, and similar response rates to TNF blockers were achieved in both clinical settings.
Projected Worldwide Disease Burden from Giant Cell Arteritis by 2050
Authors: De Smit Elisabeth , Palmer Andrew J. , Hewitt Alex W.
Published: November 2014

Objective.

To estimate and project the number of people affected worldwide by giant cell arteritis (GCA) by 2050. Modeling the number of people visually impaired as a result of this disease will help establish the projected morbidity and resource burden.

Methods.

A systematic literature review up to December 2013 was conducted using PubMed and ISI Web of Science. Studies reporting an incidence rate for GCA were used to model disease incident cases at regional and national levels. United Nations Population Prospect data were used for population projections. Morbidity burden was established through rates of visual impairment. The associated financial implications were calculated for the United States.

Results.

The number of incident cases of GCA will increase secondary to an aging population. By 2050, more than 3 million people will have been diagnosed with GCA in Europe, North America, and Oceania. About 500,000 people will be visually impaired. By 2050, in the United States alone, the estimated cost from visual impairment due to GCA will exceed US$76 billion. Inpatient care for patients with active GCA will total about US$1 billion. Management of steroid-related adverse events will increase costs further, with steroid-induced fractures estimated to total US$6 billion by 2050.

Conclusion.

Projecting disease burden for GCA on a global scale allows for optimization of healthcare planning and prioritization of research domains. Additional population-based studies are required to more accurately project worldwide disease burden. Our work highlights the future global disease burden of GCA, and illustrates the associated financial implications.
Drug Therapies for Peripheral Joint Disease in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Acosta Felquer Maria Laura , Coates Laura C. , Soriano Enrique R. , Ranza Roberto , Espinoza Luis R. , Helliwell Philip S. , FitzGerald Oliver , McHugh Neil , Roussou Euthalia , Mease Philip J.
Published: November 2014

In 2009, GRAPPA published their first evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Since then, new information has been published and drugs developed. We summarize evidence for the efficacy of available treatments for peripheral joint involvement in PsA. We performed a systematic review of current literature on the efficacy of different therapies, management, and therapeutic strategies for peripheral arthritis involvement in PsA, in order to provide information for the development of the new GRAPPA treatment recommendations.
Comprehensive Treatment of Dactylitis in Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Rose Shawn , Toloza Sergio , Bautista-Molano Wilson , Helliwell Philip S.
Published: November 2014

Dactylitis, a hallmark clinical feature of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and other spondyloarthropathies, may also be a severity marker for PsA and psoriasis. Traditionally, clinicians have used nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and local corticosteroid injections to treat dactylitis, although conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are also used. We performed a systematic literature review to determine the most efficacious current treatment options for dactylitis in PsA. Effect sizes were greatest for the biologic agents ustekinumab, certolizumab, and infliximab, suggesting that therapy with one of these agents should be initiated in patients with dactylitis. However, the limited data highlight the need for randomized, placebo-controlled trials, with dactylitis as a primary outcome, to determine a valid, reliable, and responsive clinical outcome measure for PsA patients with dactylitis.
Comprehensive Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis: Managing Comorbidities and Extraarticular Manifestations
Authors: Ogdie Alexis , Schwartzman Sergio , Eder Lihi , Maharaj Ajesh B. , Zisman Devy , Raychaudhuri Siba P. , Reddy Soumya M. , Husni Elaine
Published: November 2014

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis that can lead to decreased health-related quality of life and permanent joint damage leading to functional decline. In addition to joint and skin manifestations, both psoriasis and PsA are associated with numerous comorbidities and extraarticular/cutaneous manifestations, which may influence the physician’s choice of therapy. The objectives of this review are (1) to identify comorbidities in patients with PsA based on the available evidence; (2) to examine the effects of these comorbidities or extraarticular/cutaneous manifestation on the management of patients with PsA as well as the selection of therapy; and (3) to highlight research needs around comorbidities and treatment paradigms. This review is part of a treatment recommendations update initiated by the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA).