bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
White Collar Fraud: A Case Study of KOSS
Authors: Kukreja Gagan , Brown Robert
Published: May 2016

Fraud does not draw community and political reaction like other crimes (Chapman & Smith, 2001) yet many believe that fraud can be as serious or even more serious than certain types of street crimes (Rebovich & Kane, 2002). The financial statement fraud of KOSS, an American company of more than $34 million was discovered in 2009 after the tipoff from American Express to Michael Koss, CEO. The fraud was significant relative to the size, turnover and profit of the organization perpetrated by senior accounting professional (white collar). KOSS would be classified as an SME and this fraud emphasizes that it is not only large organizations that need to be vigilant regarding accounting frauds and internal controls, but smaller companies as well. Because of its size, KOSS had little segregation of duties and, as was later revealed, massive weaknesses in internal controls. The external auditors, (Grant Thornton, LLP or “GT”) upon whom management were relying, did not have a full understanding of the business and clearly did not meet the expectations of senior management. It is also appeared that auditors failed to apply required audit standards during the audit. Later on, the external auditors agreed to pay KOSS compensation worth $8.5 million in July 2013 as a settlement.The board of directors including audit committee appeared to be unconcerned regarding effective internal controls, risk management and (wrongly) assumed that they could trust their senior executive staff. The board’s limited policy of ethics and compliance was outdated and did not include a whistleblowing policy. There was no internal audit function reporting to the board. Further, the computerized accounting system was outdated and lacked the application controls found in more modern applications. The purpose of this case study is to analyze what went wrong at KOSS, who was involved in fraud and how such kind of frauds can be avoided in future.
Rigorous Proof for Riemann Hypothesis Using the Novel Sigma-power Laws and Concepts from the Hybrid Method of Integer Sequence Classification
Authors: Ting John Y. C.
Published: May 2016

Proposed by Bernhard Riemann in 1859, Riemann hypothesis refers to the famous conjecture explicitly equivalent to the mathematical statement that the critical line in the critical strip of Riemann zeta function is the location for all non-trivial zeros. The Dirichlet eta function is the proxy for Riemann zeta function. We treat and closely analyze both functions as unique mathematical objects looking for key intrinsic properties and behaviors. We discovered our key formula (coined the Sigma-power law) which is based on our key Ratio (coined the Riemann-Dirichlet Ratio). We recognize and propose the Sigma-power laws (in both the Dirichlet and Riemann versions) and the Riemann-Dirichlet Ratio, together with their various underlying mathematically-consistent properties, in providing crucial \textit{de novo} evidences for the most direct, basic and elementary mathematical proof for Riemann hypothesis. This overall proof is succinctly summarized for the reader by the sequential Theorem I to IV in the second paragraph of Introduction section. Concepts from the Hybrid method of Integer Sequence classification are important mathematical tools employed in this paper. We note the intuitively useful mental picture for the idea of the Hybrid integer sequence metaphorically becoming the non-Hybrid integer sequence with certain criteria obtained using Ratio study.
Effect of Basil Leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) Supplement on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Growing Pullets
Authors: Chima NWORGU Friday
Published: May 2016

The performance and carcass characteristics of Growing Pullets (GP) fed basil leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) (OG) supplement was studied for 8 weeks using eighty-four 13 weeks old Nera Black GP. The birds were maintained on growers diet supplemented with 4 levels of basil leaves supplement(BLS) (0, 5, 10 and 15g/bird) for treatments A, B, C and D, respectively at 3 days interval throughout the period of experiment. Each treatment was replicated thrice with seven birds per replicate in a completely randomized block design. Treatment A served as control. The birds were fed the same growers diet. Feed and water were served ad-libitum. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and comparisons made using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results of the experiment showed a significant (p<0.05) treatment effects in total feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FRC) and number of eggs laid, final live weight (FLW) and mean body weight gain (MBWG). Similar scenario was observed in dressed, breast, thigh, plucked weights and egg follicle formation. Birds in control had the highest total feed intake (TFI) (6671.55 g) and MBWG (523.84 g) compared to other treatments (B, C and D) whose values were 6644.27, 6640.29 and 6152.67 g for TFI and 483.34, 500.00 and 445.24 g for MBWG, respectively. The cost of feed consumed was best on birds fed 15gBLS (N353.04/bird) while the highest number of eggs laid was recorded in birds served 5 g(83) and 15gBLS (77) with reference to control (57). Birds served 5-15g BLS had increased liver weight (26.01, 25.01 and 27.42 g) compared to control (24.38 g), while those fed 15gBLS had reduced dressed weight (DW) (952.50 g). The best egg follicle formation was recorded on those served 5g BLS/bird. There was progressive reduction in MBWG, TFI and egg follicle with increasing weight of OG, unlike FRC and liver weight, which increased linearly. Therefore, the GP are recommended to be served 5-15gBLS/bird and later reduced to 5gBLS/bird at 3 days interval when the GP had come up to 15-20% in lay, in order to minimize further loss in weight and to improve egg follicle formation.
New Variable Passive-Compliant Element Design for Quadruped Adaptation to Stiffness-Varying Terrain
Authors: Koco Edin , Mutka Alan , Kovacic Zdenko
Published: May 2016

This paper presents the design of a novel variable passive-compliant ( VPC) element utilized as a lower-leg implant of a fully electrically driven quadruped robot. It is designed as a slider-piston mechanism which ensures that the force produced during a foot-ground contact is directly perpendicular to the contact surface of an actuated revolute spring. In this way, by altering the stiffness of quadruped legs in a closed-loop manner, the VPC element enables the quadruped robot to adapt to varying terrain characteristics, ensuring a constant hopping frequency over a wide range of terrain-stiffness variations. The designed VPC element and its beneficial characteristics are described in detail. Mathematical relations are formulated that help to describe the influence of the VPC element during vertical hopping of a quadruped robot. The properties of the quadruped research platform with integrated VPC element were verified in simulation and through experiments.
Frictional Compliant Haptic Contact and Deformation of Soft Objects
Authors: Zafer Naci , Yilmaz Sezcan
Published: May 2016

This paper is concerned with compliant haptic contact and deformation of soft objects. A human soft fingertip model is considered to act as the haptic interface and is brought into contact with and deforms a discrete surface. A nonlinear constitutive law is developed in predicting normal forces and, for the haptic display of surface texture, motions along the surface are also resisted at various rates by accounting for dynamic Lund-Grenoble (LuGre) frictional forces. For the soft fingertip to apply forces over an area larger than a point, normal and frictional forces are distributed around the soft fingertip contact location on the deforming surface. The distribution is realized based on a kernel smoothing function and by a nonlinear spring-damper net around the contact point. Experiments conducted demonstrate the accuracy and effectiveness of our approach in real-time haptic rendering of a kidney surface. The resistive (interaction) forces are applied at the user fingertip bone edge. A 3-DoF parallel robotic manipulator equipped with a constraint based controller is used for the implementation. By rendering forces both in lateral and normal directions, the designed haptic interface system allows the user to realistically feel both the geometrical and mechanical (nonlinear) properties of the deforming kidney.
Additive Manufacturing Cloud via Peer-Robot Collaboration
Authors: Yao Yuan , Chen Dong , Wang Lei , Yang Xiaoming
Published: May 2016

When building a 3D printing cloud manufacturing platform, self-sensing and collaboration on manufacturing resources present challenging problems. This paper proposes a peer-robot collaboration framework to deal with these issues. Each robot combines heterogeneous additive manufacturing hardware and software, acting as an intelligent agent. Through collaboration with other robots, it forms a dynamic and scalable integration manufacturing system. The entire distributed system is managed by rules that employ an internal rule engine, which supports rule conversion and conflict resolution. Two additive manufacturing service scenarios are designed to analyse the efficiency and scalability of the framework. Experiments show that the presented method performs well in tasks requiring large-scale access to resources and collaboration.
Consumidor fora de estrada: uma análise da cultura de consumo off-road
Authors: Dalmoro Marlon
Published: May 2016

Cultural meanings construction and sharing through consumption activities has been defined as sub-culture of consumption (SCHOUTEN; MCALEXANDER, 1995). With an approach in off-road culture, I seek to understand how consumption mediates the cultural meaning and categories construction associated with 4wheels vehicles and the role of consumption of this type of vehicle in the creation and maintenance of off-road culture. This approach is motivated by the characteristics of culture off-road, which has the 4wheels vehicles as a totemic object. In conducting this study, I got inspiration in the ethnography, with data collection in three different stages of involvement, using observant participation and informal interviews. Results indicate that cultural meanings and categories emerge from the existence of an object viewed by the group as a totem – 4wheels vehicles. The creation and maintenance of off-road culture is resulted of different levels of interaction around the totem. It is understood, therefore, in the analyzed culture, cultural meanings and categories do not emerge from a simple consumption action, but an interaction of different levels (meanings/categories, actors and forms of consumption) around an object considered as a totem by the group.
Análise de cointegração e causalidade entre variáveis macroeconômicas e o índice Dow Jones sobre o Ibovespa
Authors: Ribeiro Alex Alves da Silva , Leite Áydano Ribeiro , Justo Wellington Ribeiro
Published: May 2016

This article aims to analyze the degree of causality and cointegration between a set of macroeconomic variables, expressed by the Selic rate, exchange rate and the index of industrial production jointly to the Dow Jones index on the Bovespa. The period selected for investigation to the months from January 1995 to December 2012. Econometric model used is the method of Vector Auto Regression with Error Correction (VEC). The unit root tests indicate that the series are integrated of order I (1). In the analysis of the VEC of the adjustment parameters was statistically significant indicating that the Bovespa reacts in the trajectory of long-term equilibrium to changes in the short term. On Decomposition of Forecast Error Variance of the results show the explanatory power of the Bovespa index on its own variance.
A remuneração de profissionais de Tecnologia da Informação: um estudo sobre as práticas adotadas por empresas de informática do Distrito Federal
Authors: Gonçalves Wesley Antonio , Corrêa Dalila Alves , Hipólito José Antonio Monteiro , Giuliani Antonio Carlos
Published: May 2016

The remuneration has always been considered a crucial aspect for organizations recognize and systematize the aggregation of results generated by the workers. It is also a challenge, as it turns out related to its productivity and competitiveness. Therefore, this study had as objective to analyze the compensation practices applied by IT sector companies, allocated in the Federal District, in relation to Information Technology (IT) professionals. It is a qualitative study, exploratory and descriptive, carried out among 103 companies affiliated and associated with an association and / or a union area. Data collection was performed using a standardized questionnaire and applied to key managers of these companies. The results showed that the functional compensation is the form most widely practiced by companies that have integrated research and that there is a tendency for them to come to practice strategic compensation. Research has shown, too, gaps in performance management people of these companies to leverage unconventional compensation practices, such as compensation for competence - more suitable methodology to recognize and reward the worker by value.
Responsabilidade social em uma empresa distribuidora de energia elétrica
Authors: Camillo Rodrigo , Ely Bruno José , Souto Bolzan Medeiros Flaviani , Antonini Bortoluzzi Daiane , Da Silva Waechter Lucélia , Obregon Sandra Leonara
Published: May 2016

In the context of social, economic and technological changes through which pass the countries and organizations, these transformations arising from wars, inequality, technological advances and shortage of raw materials, there has been a major concern in establishing ethical principles that lead to realization of shares social responsibility in organizations. In this sense, the present article aims to propose actions to improve the Social Responsibility Programme, based on the Ethos Institute in an electricity distributor. For this, the methodological procedures, the study is characterized as qualitative, descriptive type, being developed through semi-structured interviews with seven employees of the company. Among the results was possible to verify that employees are aware of the role that energy company has been developing for the continuous pursuit of quality, informally demonstrating a certain degree of satisfaction with the company. At the same time, research shows some ignorance on the part of employees about the work that is now developed by the company, thus directing to stagnation of information.
A relação entre uma produção mais limpa e o setor terciário: um estudo fundamentado nas dimensões da qualidade em serviços
Authors: Dias Machado Bernardo , Cortes Borges Martiele , Anicet Bittencourt Bruno
Published: May 2016

The service sector has become increasingly active on the world stage, today representing over 60% of Brazil's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and about 80% of GDP in developed countries. Moreover, the concern of the sector with environmental issues has gained significant space, mainly by the expansion of collective consciousness related environment. Therefore, these companies need to restructure their practices and adopt a new position in the face of such issues. Accordingly, an alternative is the continuous application of an integrated preventive environmental strategy to processes that increase efficiency while reducing risks to the environment: Cleaner Production (CP). Based on this background, this research aims to identify how is the relationship between CP and the service sector. For that, will be presented an association based on the literature from the methodology of implementation of CP and the five dimensions of quality used by the services sector as a way to verify impacts on customer perception as to improvements in operations and processes will be presented. The main result indicates that the relationship exists, because multiple interfaces and impacts of the implementation of CP in quality service dimensions perceived by customers were identified.
Estratégias de mercado acionário utilizando previsão de redes neurais em comparação com modelos autorregressivos
Authors: Miranda André Pacheco , Ceretta Paulo Sergio , Lopes Luis Felipe Dias
Published: May 2016

When investors decide to venture into stock markets they search for a method that provides reliability to support their decision making process even though there is no means to know empirically with certainty which stocks will become profitable investments and which prediction method is the best to discover this. This article presents the development of a heuristic method that employs the trading volume and return lagged as transitions variables. Using assessment criteria proposed further, the result obtained by the development and application of the neural network is compared with the prediction extracted from a linear model. The heuristic method, that has a neural network multilayer perceptron trained with an algorithm for back propagation error, is then compared with an autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model. The results point out that the neural network offers a greater explanation power than ARMA models, even though neither approach presents a satisfactory performance.
Atuação responsável ou jogo de mercado? Entendendo a relação empresa-mídia para a efetivação do consumo sustentável
Authors: Silva Minelle Enéas da , Nascimento Luis Felipe Machado
Published: May 2016

In the context of market analysis about the relationships that can be observed between different stakeholders to meet the demands of society, it is perceived as a real possibility to observe the changes aimed at sustainable development in the search for new practices of currently unsustainable production and consumption. Thus, we assume the possibility of a new social context, with responsible actions and focused on this new perspective. Thus, the article aims to identify the relationship between Wal-Mart Brazil and local media for the realization of sustainable consumption in retail supermarkets in Recife-PE, from the brand Hiper Bompreço. With focus exploratory and qualitative approach to research conducted in the form of a case study considers sustainable consumption as a background of search, to recognition of relations between the actors selected. The discussions held and the findings are suggestive of the existence of responsible action on both actors, even as possible considering the game market, which can be evidenced from the power of influence of company and media on the individual-consumer, and other actors society.
Dos principados hereditários: os jovens executivos e as demandas da carreira
Authors: Couto José Antônio Gontijo do , Carvalho Neto Antonio , Sant´Ana Ana Lúcia , Gonçalves Pedro Paulo Barros , Versiani Fernanda
Published: May 2016

This study aims to discuss the balance between professional and personal life of young heir executives. We interviewed fifteen young executives from Minas Gerais, Brazil, heirs of medium and big firms. The research showed sources of (in) satisfaction related to the meaning and the work process of these young executives. We discussed how they feel towards the possibilities of career advancing relating the professional obligations and the activities dedicated to personal life and leisure. It was discussed also the contents of the role of the executive to diagnosticate the basic dimensions of the tasks executed related to autonomy, identity of the task and significance of work. The results indicate that the young heir executives are satisfied with the distribution of both time and energy dedicated to work and non-working time. These executives are under a domination system rationally legitimated by parent expectations, a fundamental element in the process of continuity and survival of the firm because they occupy a specific space previously delimitated: they are the “owner children”. Prisoners of their predecessor life work and condemned to win through the continuity of their fathers´ work, the young heir executives take the burden of the heritage to fulfill the role expected since very young.
Qualidade e lealdade ao curso no ensino superior
Authors: Gouvêa Maria Aparecida , Onusic Luciana Massaro , Mantovani Daielly Melina Nassif
Published: May 2016

The growth of demand in the sector of higher education in Brazil has increased competitiveness between higher education institutions (HEIs), especially on private institutions, due to high requirement of the target market mainly in relation to quality of service offered and, in consequence to the possibility of getting a job after graduation. This work aims to identify, through a case study, which factors contribute to the student to be loyal to the course chosen in a public institution of higher education, remaining in the chosen course and recommending it to future students in higher level courses. In this study the constructs quality, image, satisfaction and loyalty were analyzed. To identify the relationship between these constructs the technique structural modeling equations was carried out. As a result of the analysis it was found that the student's loyalty stems directly from his or her general satisfaction with the course.
The Brain's Representational Power
Authors: Pennartz Cyriel M.A.
Published: May 2016

A neuroscientifically informed theory arguing that the core of qualitative conscious experience arises from the integration of sensory and cognitive modalities.

Although science has made considerable progress in discovering the neural basis of cognitive processes, how consciousness arises remains elusive. In this book, Cyriel Pennartz analyzes which aspects of conscious experience can be peeled away to access its core: the “hardest” aspect, the relationship between brain processes and the subjective, qualitative nature of consciousness. Pennartz traces the problem back to its historical roots in the foundations of neuroscience and connects early ideas on sensory processing to contemporary computational neuroscience.

What can we learn from neural network models, and where do they fall short in bridging the gap between neural processes and conscious experience? Do neural models of cognition resemble inanimate systems, and how can this help us define requirements for conscious processing in the brain? These questions underlie Pennartz's examination of the brain's anatomy and neurophysiology. The perspective of his account is not limited to visual perception but broadened to include other sensory modalities and their integration. Formulating a representational theory of the neural basis of consciousness, Pennartz outlines properties that complex structures must express to process information consciously. This theoretical framework is constructed using empirical findings from neuropsychology and neuroscience as well as such theoretical arguments as the Cuneiform Room and the Wall Street Banker. Positing that qualitative experience is a multimodal and multilevel phenomenon at its very roots, Pennartz places this body of theory in the wider context of mind-brain philosophy, examining implications for our thinking about animal and robot consciousness.
Ten Tips for Maximizing the Effectiveness of Emergency Medicine Procedure Laboratories
Authors: Hughes Patrick G. , Crespo Maria , Maier Tina , Whitman Alia , Ahmed Rami
Published: May 2016

Incorporating simulation-based medical education techniques is paramount to ongoing training of emergency physicians. Effective procedure laboratories give learners hands-on experience in life-saving procedures they may otherwise not have clinical exposure to and also prevent skill decay. Using procedural education, adult learning theory, deliberate practice, and mastery learning strategies, the authors offer 10 tips to educators for designing an effective emergency medicine procedure laboratory.
Nanohole and dot patterning processes on quartz substrate by R–θ electron beam lithography and nanoimprinting
Authors: Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Taniguchi Kazutake , Suzuki Kouta , Iyama Hiromasa , Kishimoto Shuji , Sato Takashi , Kobayashi Hideo
Published: May 2016

Fine hole and dot patterns with bit pitches (bp’s) of less than 40 nm were fabricated in the circular band area of a quartz substrate by R–θ electron beam lithography (EBL), reactive ion etching (RIE), and nanoimprinting. These patterning processes were studied to obtain minimum pitch sizes of hole and dot patterns without pattern collapse. The patterning on the circular band was aimed to apply these patterning processes to future high-density bit-patterned media (BPM) for hard disk drive (HDD) and permanent memory for the long life archiving of digital data. In hole patterning, a minimum-22-nm-bp and 8.2-nm-diameter pattern (1.3 Tbit/in.2) was obtained on a quartz substrate by optimizing the R–θ EBL and RIE processes. Dot patterns were replicated on another quartz substrate by nanoimprinting using a hole-patterned quartz substrate as a master mold followed by RIE. In dot patterning, a minimum-30-nm-bp and 18.5-nm-diameter pattern (0.7 Tbit/in.2) was obtained by introducing new descum conditions. It was observed that the minimum bp of successful patterning increased as the fabrication process proceeded, i.e., from 20 nm bp in the first EBL process to 30 nm bp in the last quartz dot patterning process. From the measured diameters of the patterns, it was revealed that pattern collapse was apt to occur when the value of average diameter plus 3 sigma of diameter was close to the bp. It was suggested that multiple fabrication processes caused the degradation of pattern quality; therefore, hole patterning is more suitable than dot patterning for future applications owing to the lower quality degradation by its simple fabrication process.
Design of piezoelectric MEMS cantilever for low-frequency vibration energy harvester
Authors: Takei Ryohei , Makimoto Natsumi , Okada Hironao , Itoh Toshihiro , Kobayashi Takeshi
Published: May 2016

We report the design of piezoelectric MEMS cantilevers formed on a silicon-on-insulator wafer to efficiently harvest electrical power from harmonic vibration with a frequency of approximately 30 Hz. Numerical simulation indicates that a >4-µm-thick top silicon layer and >3-µm-thick piezoelectric film are preferable to maximize the output electrical power. An in-plane structure of the cantilever is also designed retaining the footprint of the cantilever. The simulation results indicate that the output power is maximized when the length ratio of the proof mass to the cantilever beam is 1.5. To ensure the accuracy of the simulation, we fabricated and characterized cantilevers with a 10-µm-thick top silicon layer and a 1.8-µm-thick piezoelectric film, resulting in 0.21 µW at a vibration of 0.5 m/s2 and 25.1 Hz. The measured output power is in agreement with the simulated value, meaning that the design is significantly reliable for low-frequency vibration energy harvesters.
Information transfer using wearable thin electrotactile displays with microneedle electrodes
Authors: Tezuka Mayuko , Kitamura Norihide , Miki Norihisa
Published: May 2016

Tactile sensation is considered as a promising information transfer tool that can replace or compensate for sight and hearing information. In this study, we developed a sheet-type electrotactile display with microneedle electrodes. This flexible and thin display is suitable for wearable applications. It can present tactile sensation to the skin at a low voltage by penetrating the stratum corneum with microneedles. As a proof-of-concept experiment of transferring information via tactile sensation, we first tried to convey signals of two patterns using a single display. Next, we attempted to use multiple displays and experimentally investigated the spatial resolution of the tactile sensation on the forearm. Finally, 3-bit information was successfully transferred by three devices attached to the forearm.
Influence of bonding pressure on thermal resistance in reactively-bonded solder joints
Authors: Kanetsuki Shunsuke , Miyake Shugo , Kuwahara Koichi , Namazu Takahiro
Published: May 2016

To realize the practical use of reactively bonded solder joints for thermally sensitive devices such as MEMS and electrical modules, we quantitatively measure the thermal resistance of solder joints fabricated by Al/Ni self-propagating exothermic reaction. By the laser flash method with response function analysis, the influence of bonding pressure on the thermal resistance of the reactive joints is investigated. The thermal resistance of the joints obtained by 3 MPa bonding is higher than that by 20 MPa bonding. By cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, many voids are found in the vicinity of the interface between the reacted AlNi and bottom-side solder layers in 3 MPa joints. In 20 MPa joints, a Ni-rich AlNi intermetallic compound instead of voids is produced around the interface. For reducing the thermal resistance of the reactive joints, the void generation mechanism is discussed in light of SEM observation and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) analysis results.
Sonography of Responsive Versus Nonresponsive Ectopic Pregnancies
Authors: Desai Aditi , Fleischer Arthur C. , Wahab Shaun A. , New Melinda , Smolinsky Ciaran , McKenna John , Andreotti Rochelle
Published: May 2016

This case series describes changes in size, vascularity, and cul‐de‐sac fluid in 30 patients with ectopic pregnancies who were treated with systemic methotrexate. Pretreatment and posttreatment transvaginal sonography of the ectopic pregnancies was performed with color Doppler imaging, and the images were assessed for changes in size, vascularity, and cul‐de‐sac free fluid. There was a trend for nonresponders to show increased vascularity on serial examinations, although this finding was also seen in a single responder. There was also a trend for nonresponders with increased vascularity to be associated with a greater increase in β‐human chorionic gonadotropin levels and responders with decreased vascularity to be associated with a greater decrease in β‐human chorionic gonadotropin levels.
Synthesis of no‐glycerol biodiesel through transesterification catalyzed by CaO from different precursors
Authors: Tang Ying , Yan Tianlan , Shen Bo , Li Huafeng , Jeje Ayodeji
Published: May 2016

Three component mixtures of canola oil, dimethyl carbonate, and methanol, catalyzed by suspended calcium oxide (CaO) particles, produced a biodiesel that required little further processing. Only the catalyst particles needed to be recovered and reused. Substrates for the CaO were laboratory‐grade acetate, hydroxide, oxalate, and carbonate compounds of calcium heated to temperatures ≥ 850 °C at which calcination is complete. The catalyst substrate and conversion process determined the effectiveness of the catalyst for high product yields. CaO derived from calcium carbonate exhibited morphological characteristics that included larger contact surface areas, and thus more reactive sites, compared to the other precursors. Moreover, with only 0.17 μg/g (0.017 %) free glycerol present in the produced biodiesel, the biodiesel can be used directly without further treatment.
Multimodal analysis of cortical chemoarchitecture and macroscale fMRI resting‐state functional connectivity
Authors: van den Heuvel Martijn P. , Scholtens Lianne H. , Turk Elise , Mantini Dante , Vanduffel Wim , Feldman Barrett Lisa
Published: May 2016

The cerebral cortex is well known to display a large variation in excitatory and inhibitory chemoarchitecture, but the effect of this variation on global scale functional neural communication and synchronization patterns remains less well understood. Here, we provide evidence of the chemoarchitecture of cortical regions to be associated with large‐scale region‐to‐region resting‐state functional connectivity. We assessed the excitatory versus inhibitory chemoarchitecture of cortical areas as anExInratio between receptor density mappings of excitatory (AMPA, M1) and inhibitory (GABAA, M2) receptors, computed on the basis of data collated from pioneering studies of autoradiography mappings as present in literature of the human (2 datasets) and macaque (1 dataset) cortex. Cortical variation inExInratio significantly correlated with total level of functional connectivity as derived from resting‐state functional connectivity recordings of cortical areas across all three datasets (human I:P = 0.0004; human II:P = 0.0008; macaque:P = 0.0007), suggesting cortical areas with an overall more excitatory character to show higher levels of intrinsic functional connectivity during resting‐state. Our findings are indicative of the microscale chemoarchitecture of cortical regions to be related to resting‐state fMRI connectivity patterns at the global system's level of connectome organization.Hum Brain Mapp 37:3103–3113, 2016. ©2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intracellular MMP3 Promotes HSP Gene Expression in Collaboration With Chromobox Proteins
Authors: Eguchi Takanori , Calderwood Stuart K. , Takigawa Masaharu , Kubota Satoshi , Kozaki Ken‐ichi
Published: May 2016

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are crucial factors in tumor progression, inflammatory/immune responses and tissue development/regeneration. Of note, it has been known that MMPs promote genome instability, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, invasion, and metastasis in tumor progression. We previously reported that human MMP3 could translocate into cellular nuclei and control transcription in human chondrosarcoma‐derived cells and in articular cartilage (Eguchi et al. [2008] Mol Cell Biol 28(7):2391–2413); however, further transcriptional target genes and cofactors of intranuclear MMP3 have not been uncovered. In this paper, we used transcriptomics analysis in order to examine novel transcriptional target genes regulated by intracellular MMP3. We found that mRNA levels of HSP family members (HSP70B′, HSP72, HSP40/DNAJ, and HSP20/CRYAB) are upregulated by the intracellular MMP3 overload. Bioinformatic analysis predicted several transcription factors that possibly interact with MMP3. Among these factors, heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) cooperated with the MMP3 to activate the HSP70B′ gene promoter in reporter gene assays, while a dominant negative HSF1 blocked the role for MMP3 in the trans‐activation. The hemopexin‐like repeat (PEX) domain of the human MMP3 was essential for transcriptional induction of the HSP70B′ gene. In addition, chromobox proteins CBX5/HP1α and CBX3/HP1γ cooperated with the PEX domain in induction of HSP70B′ mRNA. Taken together, this study newly clarified that intracellular MMP3 cooperate with CBXs/HP1s in transcriptional promotion of HSP genes. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 43–51, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Does topical use of autologous serum help to reduce post-tonsillectomy morbidity? A prospective, controlled preliminary study
Authors: Kara M , Erdoğan H , Altinişik H B , Aylanç H , Güçlü O , Dereköy F S
Published: May 2016

Background:

To evaluate the effects of autologous serum usage on throat pain, haemorrhage and tonsillar fossa epithelisation in patients after tonsillectomy.

Methods:

Thirty-two patients (aged 4–15 years) were included in the study. Tonsillectomy was performed and autologous serum was administered topically to the right tonsillar fossa during the operation, and at 8 and 24 hours post-operatively. The left side served as the control. A visual analogue scale was used to record the patient's pain every day. Each patient's oropharynx was observed on the 5th and 10th post-operative days to examine bleeding and epithelisation.

Results:

The pain scores for the side administered autologous serum were significantly lower than those for the control side, on the night following the operation and on the 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th post-operative days. Tonsillar fossa epithelisation was significantly accelerated on the study side compared with the control side on the 5th and 10th post-operative days.

Conclusion:

In tonsillectomy patients, topically administered autologous serum contributed to throat pain relief and tonsillar fossa epithelisation during the post-operative period.
Habitat suitability models indicate the White-breasted ThrasherRamphocinclus brachyurusoccupies all suitable habitat in Saint Lucia
Authors: SASS EMMA M. , MORTENSEN JENNIFER L. , REED J. MICHAEL
Published: May 2016

Habitat suitability models can guide species conservation by identifying correlates of occurrence and predicting where species are likely to occur. We created habitat suitability models for the White-breasted ThrasherRamphocinclus brachyurus, a narrowly distributed endangered songbird that occupies dry forest in Saint Lucia and Martinique. Eighty-five percent of the global population inhabits two ranges in Saint Lucia, both of which are largely unprotected and threatened by development. We developed three habitat suitability models using Maxent techniques and published occupancy datasets collected from the species’ two Saint Lucian ranges, and used abiotic, land cover, and predator distribution predictors. We built one model with occupancy data from both ranges, and two others with occupancy data specific to each range. The best full-range model included 11 predictors; high suitability was associated with close proximity to Saint Lucia fer-de-lanceBothrops caribbeausrange, moderately low precipitation, and areas near streams. Our assessment of suitable sites island-wide was more restricted than results from a recent model that considered older land cover data and omitted predator distributions. All sites identified in our full-range model as highly suitable were in or adjacent to the species’ current designated range. The model trained on southern range occurrences predicted zero suitable habitat in the northern range, where the population is much smaller. In contrast, the model trained on northern range occurrences identified areas of moderate suitability within the southern range and patches of moderately suitable habitat in the western part of the island, where no White-breasted Thrashers currently occur. We interpret these results as suggesting that White-breasted Thrashers currently occupy virtually all suitable habitat on the island, that birds in the northern range occupy marginal habitat, or that an important correlate of suitability is missing from the model. Our results suggest that habitat management should focus on currently occupied areas.
A Comparison of the Effects of Intraosseous and Intravenous 5% Albumin on Infusion Time and Hemodynamic Measures in a Swine Model of Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Muir Stacy L. , Sheppard Lance B. , Maika-Wilson Anne , Burgert James M. , Garcia-Blanco Jose , Johnson Arthur D. , Coyner Jennifer L.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Obtaining intravenous (IV) access in patients in hemorrhagic shock is often difficult and prolonged. Failed IV attempts delay life-saving treatment. Intraosseous (IO) access may often be obtained faster than IV access. Albumin (5%) is an option for prehospital volume expansion because of the absence of interference with coagulation and platelet function.

Hypothesis/Problem

There are limited data comparing the performance of IO and IV administered 5% albumin. The aims of this study were to compare the effects of tibial IO (TIO) and IV administration of 500 mL of 5% albumin on infusion time and hemodynamic measurements of heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), and stroke volume (SV) in a swine model of hemorrhagic shock.

Methods

Sixteen male swine were divided into two groups: TIO and IV. All subjects were anesthetized and a Class III hemorrhage was achieved by exsanguination of 31% of estimated blood volume (EBV) from a femoral artery catheter. Following exsanguination, 500 mL of 5% albumin was administered under pressurized infusion (300 mmHg) by the TIO or IV route and infusion time was recorded. Hemodynamic measurements of HR, MAP, CO, and SV were collected before and after exsanguination and every 20 seconds for 180 seconds during 5% albumin infusion.

Results

An independentt-test determined that IV 5% albumin infusion was significantly faster compared to IO (P=.01). Mean infusion time for TIO was seven minutes 35 seconds (SD=two minutes 44 seconds) compared to four minutes 32 seconds (SD=one minute 08 seconds) in the IV group. Multivariate Analysis of Variance was performed on hemodynamic data collected during the 5% albumin infusion. Analyses indicated there were no significant differences between the TIO and IV groups relative to MAP, CO, HR, or SV (P>.05).

Conclusion

While significantly longer to infuse 5% albumin by the TIO route, the longer TIO infusion time may be negated as IO devices can be placed more quickly compared to repeated IV attempts. The lack of significant difference between the TIO and IV routes relative to hemodynamic measures indicate the TIO route is a viable route for the infusion of 5% albumin in a swine model of Class III hemorrhage.

MuirSL,SheppardLB,Maika-WilsonA,BurgertJM,Garcia-BlancoJ,JohnsonAD,CoynerJL.A comparison of the effects of intraosseous and intravenous 5% albumin on infusion time and hemodynamic measures in a swine model of hemorrhagic shock.Prehosp Disaster Med.2016;31(4):436–442.
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