bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED ARTICLE: HOXD9 promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cancer metastasis by ZEB1 regulation in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lv Xiupeng , Li Linlin , Lv Li , Qu Xiaotong , Jin Shi , Li Kejun , Deng Xiaoqin , Cheng Lei , He Hui , Dong Lei
Published: October 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor that severely threatens human health. The poor prognosis of HCC is mainly attributed to intrahepatic and extrahepatic metastases. HOXD9 proteins belong to a superfamily that regulates the development and control of many cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, cell shape, and cell migration. HOXD9 can also function as an oncogene in several cancer cells. However, its biological function in human HCC requires further investigation. In this study, HOXD9 exhibited high expression in invasive HCC cells. HOXD9 overexpression can significantly enhance HCC cell migration, invasion, and metastasis, whereas silencing HOXD9 inhibits these processes. HOXD9 also promotes the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC cells. Microarray analysis suggests that ZEB1 can function as a downstream factor of HOXD9. HOXD9 can interact with the promoter region of ZEB1 and promotes ZEB1 expression. ZEB1 knockdown inhibits HOXD9-induced migration and invasion, as well as EMT in HCC cells. This study helps elucidates the oncogenic functions of HOXD9 in HCC.
Outcome analysis of 215 patients with parotid gland tumors: A retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Erovic Boban M. , Shah Manish D. , Bruch Guillem , Johnston Meredith , Kim John , O'Sullivan Brian , Perez-Ordonez Bayardo , Weinreb Ilan , Atenafu Eshetu G. , de Almeida John R. , Gullane Patrick J. , Brown Dale , Gilbert Ralph W. , Irish Jonathan C. , Goldstein David P.
Published: October 2015

Background

To identify prognostic factors in patients with parotid gland carcinomas who were treated at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

Methods

Clinical outcome of two hundred fifteen patients with malignancies of the parotid gland was evaluated over a 16-year period.

Results

Two-hundred-fifteen patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma ( n = 20), adenocarcinoma ( n = 19), acinic cell carcinoma ( n = 62), basal cell adenocarcinoma ( n = 7), carcinoma-ex-pleomorphic adenoma ( n = 18), mucoepidermoid carcinoma ( n = 70) and salivary duct carcinoma ( n = 19) have been included. The 5- and 10-year overall and disease-free survivals were 80.62 %/69.48 % and 74.37 %/62.42 %, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that age greater than 60 years, advanced pN classification, histopathological grade and the presence of lymphovascular invasion significantly worsened overall and disease-free survival. Univariable analysis revealed periparotid lymph node involvement was associated with decreased overall ( p < 0.0001) and disease-free survival ( p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In addition to age, pN classification, histopathological grade, perineural invasion, and lymphovascular involvement, periparotid lymph node metastasis appears to be an important prognosticator in parotid gland malignancy.
High quality draft genomes of the Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides challenge strains Afadé and B237
Authors: Fischer Anne , Santana-Cruz Ivette , Hegerman Jan , Gourlé Hadrien , Schieck Elise , Lambert Mathieu , Nadendla Suvarna , Wesonga Hezron , Miller Rachel A. , Vashee Sanjay , Weber Johann , Meens Jochen , Frey Joachim , Jores Joerg
Published: October 2015

Members of the Mycoplasma mycoides cluster’ represent important livestock pathogens worldwide. Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides is the etiologic agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), which is still endemic in many parts of Africa. We report the genome sequences and annotation of two frequently used challenge strains of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides, Afadé and B237. The information provided will enable downstream ‘omics’ applications such as proteomics, transcriptomics and reverse vaccinology approaches. Despite the absence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae like cyto-adhesion encoding genes, the two strains showed the presence of protrusions. This phenotype is likely encoded by another set of genes.
Draft genome sequence of a nitrate-reducing, o-phthalate degrading bacterium, Azoarcus sp. strain PA01T
Authors: Junghare Madan , Patil Yogita , Schink Bernhard
Published: October 2015

Azoarcus sp. strain PA01T belongs to the genus Azoarcus, of the family Rhodocyclaceae within the class Betaproteobacteria. It is a facultatively anaerobic, mesophilic, non-motile, Gram-stain negative, non-spore-forming, short rod-shaped bacterium that was isolated from a wastewater treatment plant in Constance, Germany. It is of interest because of its ability to degrade o-phthalate and a wide variety of aromatic compounds with nitrate as an electron acceptor. Elucidation of the o-phthalate degradation pathway may help to improve the treatment of phthalate-containing wastes in the future. Here, we describe the features of this organism, together with the draft genome sequence information and annotation. The draft genome consists of 4 contigs with 3,908,301 bp and an overall G + C content of 66.08 %. Out of 3,712 total genes predicted, 3,625 genes code for proteins and 87 genes for RNAs. The majority of the protein-encoding genes (83.51 %) were assigned a putative function while those remaining were annotated as hypothetical proteins.
Development of a Breast Cancer Treatment Program in Port-au-Prince, Haiti: Experiences From the Field
Authors: DeGennaro Vincent , Libby Rachel , Patberg Elizabeth , Gabriel Dieudina , Al-Quran Samer , Kasher Matthew , Heldermon Coy , Daily Karen , Auguste Joseph R. , Suprien Valery C. , Hurley Judith
Published: October 2015

Purpose

The nonprofit Project Medishare launched a breast cancer treatment program in Port-au-Prince in July 2013 to address the demand for breast cancer care in Haiti. We outline the development of the program, highlight specific challenges, and discuss key considerations for others working in global oncology.

Methods

We reflected on our experiences in the key areas of developing partnerships, building laboratory capacity, conducting medical training, using treatment algorithms, and ensuring access to safe, low-cost chemotherapy drugs. We also critically reviewed our costs and quality measures.

Results

The program has treated a total of 139 patients with breast cancer with strong adherence to treatment regimens in 85% of patients. In 273 chemotherapy administrations, no serious exposure or adverse safety events were reported by staff. The mortality rate for 94 patients for whom we have complete data was 24% with a median survival time of 53 months. Our outcome data were likely influenced by stage at presentation, with more than half of patients presenting more than 12 months after first noticing a tumor. Future efforts will therefore focus on continuing to improve the level of care, while working with local partners to spread awareness, increase screening, and get more women into care earlier in the course of their disease.

Conclusion

Our experiences may inform others working to implement protocol-based cancer treatment programs in resource-poor settings and can provide valuable lessons learned for future global oncology efforts.
International Framework for Cancer Patient Advocacy: Empowering Organizations and Patients to Create a National Call to Action on Cancer
Authors: Schear Rebekkah M. , Manasco Leigh , McGoldrick Devon , Kajana Kiti , Rosenthal Lauren , McMikel Ann , Lins Nancy
Published: October 2015

Purpose

With the rate of cancer and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) growing globally, cancer prevention and control efforts are critical internationally. Moreover, since the 2011 United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs, the international health and development community has shifted its awareness to include NCDs as a global health priority, especially in developing countries where mortality rates are disproportionately high. Simultaneously, with the dissemination of the World Cancer Declaration and the evolution of cancer control policies, the international cancer community has recognized the value of engaging patients in reducing the global cancer burden. Cancer advocacy programs that involve patients, survivors, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have increasing opportunities for global impact.

Methods

We developed a framework over 4 years through implementation of two pilot projects. We created a series of trainings and tools to build the capacity of local NGOs and patients to plan and implement a forum for patients with cancer and to create and disseminate a national call to action. The framework was piloted in South Africa from 2009 to 2011 and Japan from 2012 to 2014, and results were measured through postproject surveys completed by members of the collaborative working group and interviews with the in-country partner.

Results

The framework is globally relevant and could be adapted and implemented in low- and middle-income countries to amplify patient voices in the policymaking process, increase grassroots mobilization, and improve health systems and infrastructure through addressing patient needs.

Conclusion

With the dominant paradigm of global health in developing countries—which has previously focused on HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, tuberculosis, and malaria—shifting to adapt to the burgeoning NCD burden, effective patient-centered advocacy frameworks are critical to the success of NCD control.
FGF/MAPK signaling sets the switching threshold of a bistable circuit controlling cell fate decisions in ES cells
Authors: Schröter Christian , Rué Pau , Mackenzie Jonathan Peter , Arias Alfonso Martinez
Published: October 2015

Intracellular transcriptional regulators and extracellular signaling pathways together regulate the allocation of cell fates during development, but how their molecular activities are integrated to establish the correct proportions of cells with particular fates is not known. Here we study this question in the context of the decision between the epiblast (Epi) and the primitive endoderm (PrE) fate that occurs in the mammalian preimplantation embryo. Using an embryonic stem (ES) cell model, we discover two successive functions of FGF/MAPK signaling in this decision. First, the pathway needs to be inhibited to make the PrE-like gene expression program accessible for activation by GATA transcription factors in ES cells. In a second step, MAPK signaling levels determine the threshold concentration of GATA factors required for PrE-like differentiation, and thereby control the proportion of cells differentiating along this lineage. Our findings can be explained by a simple mutual repression circuit modulated by FGF/MAPK signaling. This may be a general network architecture to integrate the activity of signal transduction pathways and transcriptional regulators, and serve to balance proportions of cell fates in several contexts.
Learning from Others? Decision Rights, Strategic Communication, and Reputational Concerns
Authors: Swank Otto H. , Visser Bauke
Published: October 2015

We examine centralized versus decentralized decision making when experience of agents is private information and communication is necessary to learn from others. An agent has reputational concerns and his market may or may not observe what the other agent chooses (global versus local markets). With decentralized decision making, agents' willingness to communicate depends heavily on what a market observes. Strikingly, less communication may improve welfare. If markets are global, centralization outperforms decentralization as it makes communication possible, and communication is informative for any finite degree of conflict among agents and with the center. (JEL D60, D82, D83)
Majority Rule and Utilitarian Welfare
Authors: Krishna Vijay , Morgan John
Published: October 2015

We study the welfare properties of majority and supermajority rules when voting is costly and values, costs, and electorate sizes are all random. Unlike previous work, where the electorate size was either fixed or Poisson distributed, and exhibited no limiting dispersion, we allow for general distributions that permit substantial dispersion. We identify conditions on these distributions guaranteeing that a large election under majority rule produces the utilitarian choice with probability one. Absent these conditions, nonutilitarian outcomes are possible, as we demonstrate. We also show that majority rule is the only voting rule with the utilitarian property—strict supermajority rules are not utilitarian. (JEL D71, D72)
Group Polarization in a Model of Information Aggregation
Authors: Roux Nicolas , Sobel Joel
Published: October 2015

Experiments identify the empirical regularity that groups tend to make decisions that are more extreme, but in the same direction as the tendency of individual members of the group. We present a model of information aggregation consistent with these findings. We assume individuals and groups are rational decision makers facing monotone statistical decision problems where groups and individuals have common preferences, but groups have superior information. We provide conditions under which the distribution of the optimal actions of the group is more variable than the distribution of actions taken by individuals. (JEL D71, D83)
Behavioural evidence for self-medication in bumblebees?
Authors: Baracchi David , Brown Mark J. F. , Chittka Lars
Published: October 2015

The presence of antimicrobial secondary metabolites in nectar suggests that pollinators, which are threatened globally by emergent disease, may benefit from the consumption of nectars rich in these metabolites. We tested whether nicotine, a nectar secondary metabolite common inSolanaceaeandTiliaspecies, is used by parasitized bumblebees as a source of self-medication,using a series of toxicological, microbiological and behavioural experiments. Caged bees infected withCrithidia bombi had a slight preference for sucrose solution laced with the alkaloid and behavioural tests showed that the parasite infection induced an increased consumption of nicotine during foraging activity, though nicotine had an appetite-reducing effect overall. When ingested, nicotine delayed the progression of a gut infection in bumblebees by a few days, but dietary nicotine did not clear the infection, and after 10 days the parasite load approached that of control bees. Moreover, when pathogens were exposed to the alkaloid prior to host ingestion, the protozoan’s viability was not directly affected, suggesting that anti-parasite effects were relatively weak. Nicotine consumption in a single dose did not impose any cost even in starved bees but the alkaloid had detrimental effects on healthy bees if consistently consumed for weeks. These toxic effects disappeared in infected bees, suggesting that detoxification costs might have been counterbalanced by the advantages in slowing the progression of the infection. Nicotine consumption did not affect bee lifespan but the reduction in the parasite load may have other likely unexplored subtle benefits both for individual bees and their colony.  Potential evidence for self-medication is discussed. The contention that secondary metabolites in nectar may be under selection from pollinators, or used by plants to enhance their own reproductive success, remains to be confirmed.
State University of Management’s Scientific School “Risk Management and Security Assurance for Social-Economic and Political Systems”
Authors: Вишняков  , Vishnyakov YAkov , Киселева  , Kisyelyeva Svyetlana
Published: October 2015

The urgency related to solution of problems in the area of risk management, rational nature management

and environmental security providing has been marked in this paper. The importance of environmentfocused

education and tasks in this area has been emphasized. A place and role of the State University

of Management’s Scientific School “Risk Management and Security Assurance for Social-Economic and

Political Systems” have been marked. Directions, mission, strategic goal, and tasks of scientific school have

been considered. The basic information about the Nature Management and Environmental Security Chair,

which is the basis for the scientific school development, as well as about this scientific school’s personnel

potential has been provided. Educational programs realized by the chair with application of scientific

school’s activity results have been specified. Representative activities of scientific school members, their

collaboration with external organizations, and employment assistance for graduates of Nature Management

and Environmental Security Chair’s educational programs have been considered. The information about

workshops, conferences and forums organized by the scientific school, its members participation in these

events, scientific school members’ research and publishing activities, received grants, inventions have

been presented, as well as awards for the scientific school collective. The scientific school collective’s main

scientific results have been considered, as well as their realization and implementation. The development

of the scientific school “Risk Management and Security Assurance for Social-Economic and Political

Systems” is connected with the necessity of ecological crisis overcoming and country’s national security

protection. The State University of Management role as the founder and leader in the development of the

education in the area of risk management and security assurance for social-economic and political systems

in the Russian Federation has been marked. The importance of concerted action of research and education

community, business and State for further development of the scientific school “Risk Management and

Security Assurance for Social-Economic and Political Systems” has been pointed out.
Multinational Teams: The Human Challenge to Global Organizations
Authors: Тиаги  , Tyagi Parul
Published: October 2015

Multinational teams are the teams consisting of representatives from diverse cultural traditions. Evolution

of these global teams can be used as competitive advantage allowing making of new and effective business

solutions. With expanding of world markets and international business competition increasing comes

a corresponding demand for organizations and individuals which are ready to word in this new area of global

trade. Evolution of the global teams provides strategies and ideas to take leading positions. Global organizations

must manage cultural diversity to create synergies both within the company and between the company

and its external environment. Competence to direct the multicultural/multinational team is very important for

a truly global company.
PENSION INSURANCE REFORM IN CROATIA AT THE PRESENT STAGE
Authors: Шрам Валерий , Shram Valeriy
Published: October 2015

The article analyzes the pension insurance reform in Croatia, which marked the beginning of a three-level pension system formation. The first level includes old-age pensions, disability pension and survivors pension as part of the compulsory pension insurance system. The second level includes pensions on the basis of the compulsory pension insurance with a saving element. The third level is based on the voluntary pension insurance system. The author reveals the conditions for granting non-contributory pensions, non-contributory pensions with a saving element as well as conditions for granting funded pensions. The article analyses the new formula for calculation of non-contributory (funded) pensions, which was initially introduced as part of the Pension Insurance Law in 1998. The article displays fundamental changes in the pension insurance system, which led to the formation of compulsory pension funds and non-governmental pension funds. Special attention is paid to the formation in compulsory pension funds of capitalized savings of the insured parties as part of the compulsory pension insurance and to the procedures for payment of funded pensions with a saving element. The article reveals the reasons for adopting in 2013 and 2014 of pension laws, the implementation of which will determine the improvement of the pension insurance system in Croatia. The article reviews the conditions for the formation of compulsory and voluntary pension funds. Special attention is paid to the participation of the insured parties aged up to 40 years in compulsory pension funds, which are divided into three categories depending on the extent of risk management during investing of the insured parties’ savings. Besides general scientific methods (analysis and synthesis), the author also applied in the article private law research techniques, in particular, formal logical, theoretical, comprehensive legal, historical and comparative law methods. Scientific novelty of the work is in its integrative and comprehensive approach to the analysis of the Croatian pension system development, which is formed on the basis of a three-level system of pension insurance. The analysis of the pension insurance norms and law enforcement practice in the modern period is of great scientific and practical importance. The research findings should contribute to the development of proposals on the creation in the Russian Federation of a pension system, which is adequate to the country’s modern social-economic development and which complies with the international and legal standards of social security and foreign states’ experience.
FUNCTUS OFFICIO — LIMITS OF JUDICIAL DISCRETION IN COMMON LAW SYSTEM ON REVIEWING JUDICIAL ACTS AFTER THEIR PASSING AND SERVING
Authors: Гландин Сергей , Glandin Sergey
Published: October 2015

As opposed to Russia, wide scope of judicial discretion is characteristic to the common law states. Recently Great Britain has started to apply in practice forwarding of draft judicial acts to the parties to the lawsuit prior to their final issuance, as a result of which the parties have an opportunity to influence the judge, which may conflict with the principles of legal certainty and independence of judges. As opposed to Russia, where judicial discretion and judges’ rights to review final judgments are statute-restricted, in England the judges’ powers are not enacted into law and are being constantly concretized by case law. For the purpose of helping domestic lawyers to prepare for such surprises, this article investigates, on the basis of a number of recent cases, the modern doctrine of functus officio, types of judiciary acts, which are reviewed after their final passing and serving to the parties, as well as the scope of judicial discretion after issuing judiciary acts, and provides answers on case law in relation to the functus officio institute.
ACTS OF “SOFT” LAW AS REGULATORS OF PRIVATE LAW RELATIONS
Authors: Муратова Ольга , Muratova Olga
Published: October 2015

The article covers the question of the enforcement of acts of “soft” law — unformal sources of regulation of public relations. It is pointed in the article, that though acts of “soft” law are not the sources of law in traditional understanding, such acts are important practical regulators of private-law relations. The author gives the common characteristic of acts of “soft” law, makes comparative analyses with legal acts. Although the most attention in the article is paid to the legal effect of the enforcement of acts of “soft” law, first of all, from the view of regulation of private-law relations. While preparing the article the complex of methods was used, which lay on the basis of systematical and dialectical concepts. The main conclusion of the issue is the acknowledgement of the fact of the exercising of influence by the acts of “soft” law on regulation of private-law relations. This article is based on a combination of methods of cognition, which amounted to a systematic and dialectical approach. The author appeals to the general scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction) and to the specially-legal methods of learning: formal-legal, comparative legal, structural and functional.
ISSUES ON LEGAL PROTECTION OF PERSONS REPORTING CORRUPTION
Authors: Спектор Екатерина , Spyektor YEkatyerina , Севальнев Вячеслав , Sevalnev Vyacheslav
Published: October 2015

This research paper explores the issue of legal and institutional framework for the protection of persons reporting corruption offenses in the public interest and to the state. This research is based on comparative legal analysis of the legislation in Russia and China. Authors explore ways of communication (internal and external), the creation of protective mechanisms that ensure safety of persons reporting corruption offenses, and measures to support them. Besides, this research is also aimed at searching solutions for establishing compensation mechanisms for such persons for the suffered material and health damage, which can result from reporting corruption offense.
A strange phenomenon for the singular values of commutators with rank one matrices
Authors: Wenzel David
Published: October 2015

The singular values of XY ô Y X are the objects under investigation. Here, X andY are square matrices with complex entries, and one of them has rank one. Hence, there are at most two non-trivial numbers among the commutator's singular values, and the pairs of interest can be depicted in the plane. The emphasis will lie on the unexpectedly intriguing case in which both matrices are of rank one { because the result then is astonishingly complex, and the problem gives rise to interpretations unveiling geometry acting in the background.
Governing the ungovernable: spatial policy, markets and volume house-building in a growth region
Authors: Cochrane Allan , Colenutt Bob , Field Martin
Published: October 2015

The global rhetoric surrounding the role of private markets in the provision of new housing masks a more complex reality, highlighted in processes of spatial planning, in which public policy and private developers are deeply enmeshed. This paper discusses some of the tensions with the help of a detailed examination of plans for housing development on the edge of England’s growth region (in Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire) during the period 2003–13. It critically reflects on the consequences of pursuing spatial policies that rely on light touch state involvement in a market shaped by the priorities of powerful corporate actors.
Sumários do Livro de Notas de Francisco Cardoso, tabelião de Montemor-o-Velho (1551-1553), existente no Arquivo Histórico Municipal de Coimbra
Authors: Pinto Pedro , França Paula
Published: October 2015

No Arquivo Histórico Municipal de Coimbra existe, há pelo menos dois séculos, um livro de notas de um tabelião de Montemor-o-Velho do século XVI. O Arquivo da Universidade de Coimbra apenas possui livros dessa tipologia a partir de 1712. Este trabalho apresenta um índice de todos os documentos contidos no referido livro, procurando assim suprir uma lacuna no conhecimento da região, debilitado pelo desaparecimento da documentação notarial até ao século XVIII.
A Obra Social de Bissaya Barreto: investigação e fontes em torno da Criança (1927-1974)
Authors: Nogueira Cristina Luísa Tavares
Published: October 2015

Este artigo incide sobre o estudo da investigação realizada em torno da Obra Social de Bissaya Barreto e da Criança e da informação disponível em novas fontes documentais e arquivísticas. Apoiou-se na revisão bibliográfica, na análise documental e na comparação entre a informação existente nas fontes arquivísticas e a informação utilizada nos estudos sobre aquelas temáticas.Conclui que existem fontes documentais inéditas passíveis de ser utilizadas em linhas de investigação futura e estudos de caráter histórico, socioeconómico e antropológico.
Linguistic Models at the Crossroads of Agents, Learning and Formal Languages
Authors: Becerra-Bonache Leonor , Jiménez López M. Dolores
Published: October 2015

This paper aims at reviewing the most relevant linguistic applications developed in the intersection between three different fields: machine learning, formal language theory and agent technologies. On the one hand, we present some of the main linguistic contributions of the intersection between machine learning and formal languages, which constitutes a well-established research area known as Grammatical Inference. On the other hand, we present an overview of the main linguistic applications of models developed in the intersection between agent technologies and formal languages, such as colonies, grammar systems and eco-grammar systems. Our goal is to show how interdisciplinary research between these three fields can contribute to better understand how natural language is acquired and processed.
Assessment of experiences of survivors of cerebro-vascular accidents and their caregivers functioning at home in the Oshana region of Namibia
Authors: Kuugongelwa Suama , Small Louis F
Published: October 2015

In the wake of a cerebro-vascular accident, survivor and caregiver are often apprehensive about being on their own at home; this is particularly so for those living in low socioeconomic circumstances in the rural areas of Namibia. The situation is aggravated by the fact that there is no structured system of home visits by health workers that could assist caregivers in their daily tasks. Phenomenological interviews were therefore conducted to explore how these caregivers cope with providing home care to the survivors of such accidents. The findings that emerged were categorised into four themes, namely, survivors were unable to provide self-care and were dependent on others for help, the altered role function and performance of survivors, negative emotions because of altered self-esteem, and disrupted social interaction. These experiences together illustrate that some survivors are unable to take care of themselves at all and depend completely on their caregivers for help.
An Empirical Assessment of Cases Experienced during Inpatient Family Medicine Resident Training in a Rural Community Hospital of the Shizuoka Family Medicine Training Program in Japan
Authors: Tsunawaki Shinji , Inoue Machiko , Fetters Michael D.
Published: October 2015

Background: Despite emerging national interest in training family physicians to improve access to medical services in health care shortage areas, empirical data on inpatient resident learning experiences in rural community settings has been lacking. This research sought to understand the breadth of diagnoses, patient demographics, and comorbidities experienced by family medicine residents while training in a newly launched family medicine training program in a rural area in Shizuoka prefecture.

Methods: The design employed secondary dataset analysis from a 260‐bed hospital in rural Shizuoka. Using the hospital administrative database, a dataset was developed of all patient admissions from 9/1/2011 to 8/31/2012 including the Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) code, patient age and gender, and the physician of record. The main outcome measures were frequency and distribution of diagnostic groups and diagnoses in family medicine residents. Secondary outcomes included three or more comorbidities and hospital readmissions.

Results: There were 3474 admissions (males/females 1867/1607) and 8 residents who were the physician of record for 220 cases (mean 27.5 cases/resident, range 10–56), about 6.3% of the total hospital admissions during this timeframe. The mean age of resident cases was 71 years of age (range 0–101 years). Distribution by diagnostic groups included: gastrointestinal (61), pulmonary (41), cardiovascular (28), and neurological (25). The most common diagnoses included: pneumonia (34), congestive heart failure (21), stroke (16), intestinal obstruction (15), and urinary tract infection (10). Seventy‐seven percent (170/220) of cases had one or more comorbidities and 36% of cases had three or more comorbidities which were significantly less than hospital as a whole (46% of cases with three or more comorbidities).

Conclusions: The community hospital setting provides an excellent training environment for family medicine residents because the setting and the care experienced reflects content of what the training program aspires for the residents to provide in the future. Community hospital training serves policy maker's agenda for developing a systematic primary care training system appropriate for health care shortage area community‐based care.
Cheese whey tangential filtration using tubular mineral membranes
Authors: Hinkova Andrea , Bubnik Zdenek , Henke Svatopluk , Pour Vladimir , Zidova Petra , Sarka Evzen , Hassan Nazih , Kadlec Pavel
Published: October 2015

Membrane separation techniques are extensively used in dairy industry both for milk and cheese whey processing. However, cheese whey might still be considered as a problematic waste despite its high content of many valuable substances, such as proteins, lactose or minerals, which can be further used, e.g. in human nutrition, pharmacy or biotechnologies. Another problem, which food technologists have to face, is variable quality, composition and properties of food materials bringing high demands on manufacturing industry. In this paper, filtration kinetics and separation efficiency during purification and fractionation of cheese whey (sweet and salty) from Czech dairies by pilot-plant filtration (Bollene, France) was studied using tubular membranes (Membralox, USA). Various mineral membranes’ cut-offs were tested and all experiments ran in the retentate recycling mode. The obtained mass concentration factors were between 1.9 and 16.5. Steady state fluxes were calculated from the experimental data using a mathematical model. Fine ultrafiltration on a 5 kDa membrane gave steady state fluxes of 14-19 L m
Synthesis and properties of new N,N′-phenyltetrazole podand
Authors: Pazik Agnieszka , Kamińska Beata , Skwierawska Anna , Nakonieczna Sandra , Ossowski Tadeusz
Published: October 2015

The synthesis of a new chromogenic N,N′-phenyltetrazole receptor is reported here. The cationbinding properties of this receptor in solution were investigated by naked-eye colour change, electrochemical methods and UV-Vis spectroscopy in various solvents (CH
Contaminant transfer and hydrodispersiveparameters in basaltic lava flows: artificial tracertest and implications for long-term management
Authors: Bertrand G. , Celle-Jeanton H. , Huneau F. , Baillieux A. , Mauri G. , Lavastre V. , Undereiner G. , Girolami L. , Moquet J.S.
Published: October 2015

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the vulnerabilityafter point source contamination and characterizewater circulations in volcanic flows located in theArgnat basin volcanic system (Chaîne des Puys, FrenchMassif Central) using a tracer test performed by injectinga iodide solution. The analysis of breakthrough curves allowedthe hydrodispersive characteristics of the massivelava flows to be determined. Large Peclet numbers indicateda dominant advective transport. The multimodal featureof breakthrough curves combined with high valuesof mean velocity and low longitudinal dispersion coefficientsindicated thatwater flows in an environment analogousto a fissure system, and only slightly interacts with alow porosity matrix (ne < 1%). Combining this informationwith lava flow stratigraphy provided by several drillingsallowed a conceptual scheme of potential contaminant behaviourto be designed. Although lava flows are vulnerableto point source pollution due to the rapid transfer of waterwithin fractures, the saturated scoriaceous layers locatedbetween massive rocks should suffice to strongly bufferthe transit of pollution through dilution and longer transittimes. This was consistent with the low recovery rate ofthe presented tracer test.
Contemporary sedimentation in the forefield of Hornbreen,Hornsund
Authors: Staszek Monika W. , Moskalik Mateusz J.
Published: October 2015

The paper presents a model of contemporarysedimentation in the forefield of Hornbreen, tidewaterglacier in Brepollen. The model is based on the results ofgrain-size analyses of bottom sediments and the informationabout dominant sedimentary processes in glaciatedfjords. It is concluded that apart from the tidewater glacierwhich is the main source of sediment in this area, the materialis transported also from the shores. Subsequently,the material is redeposited by iceberg-caused reworking,slides and gravity flows. Strong decreasing trend of particles’diameters with increasing distance from the ice cliffis observed.
Preliminary seismic microzonation in a mountainmunicipality of Tuscany (Italy)
Authors: Matassoni L. , Fiaschi A. , Silengo M. C. , Lotti A. , Saccorotti G.
Published: October 2015

In this paperwe describe a microzonation surveycarried out at a mountain Municipality (Piteglio, NorthernApennines). We complemented the available data by conducting106 microtremor measurements for Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) analysis. Most of the dataconcern the three major rural villages (Piteglio-Prataccio,Popiglio and Prunetta). Furthermore, we installed a fieldmobile seismic station at two of the major villages, in orderto obtain earthquakes recordings.The HVSR analysis shows amplification effects due to eluvialor colluvial deposits overlying the seismic bedrock,even for areas previously mapped as bedrock outcrops.Most zones characterized by sandstone outcrops showpeaked HVSR traces. This observation could be also interpretedin terms of a topographic effect. In contrast, areascharacterised by chaotic materials (olistostrome) generallyexhibit a flat HVSR. Other areas of seismic amplificationwere identified on alluvial and landslide deposits.Results byHVSR analysis arewell correlated with availabledata from geo-technical and geophysical surveys, thus allowingto invert HVSRs for the physical properties of thesubsoil. Subsoil properties can thus be extrapolated alsoin areas for which only measurements of seismic noise areavailable. Moreover, noise HVSRs agree well with thosefrom earthquakes recorded at the different selected sites.
Petrology and mineral chemistry of peraluminous Marziyan granites, Sanandaj-Sirjan metamorphic belt (NW Iran)
Authors: Darvishi Esmaiel , Khalili Mahmoud , Beavers Roy , Sayari Mohammad
Published: October 2015

The Marziyan granites are located in the north of Azna and crop out in the Sanandaj-Sirjan metamorphic belt. These rocks contain minerals such as quartz, K-feldspars, plagioclase, biotite, muscovite, garnet, tourmaline and minor sillimanite. The mineral chemistry of biotite indicates Fe-rich (siderophyllite), low TiO2, high Al2O3, and low MgO nature, suggesting considerable Al concentration in the source magma. These biotites crystallized from peraluminous S-type granite magma belonging to the ilmenite series. The white mica is rich in alumina and has muscovite composition. The peraluminous nature of these rocks is manifested by their remarkably high SiO2, Al2O3and high molar A/CNK (> 1.1) ratio. The latter feature is reflected by the presence of garnet and muscovite. All field observations, petrography, mineral chemistry and petrology evidence indicate a peraluminous, S-type nature of the Marziyan granitic rocks that formed by partial melting of metapelite rocks in the mid to upper crust possibly under vapour-absent conditions. These rocks display geochemical characteristics that span the medium to high-K and calc-alkaline nature and profound chemical features typical of syn-collisional magmatism during collision of the Afro-Arabian continental plate and the Central Iranian microplate.
On the peritidal cycles and their diagenetic evolution in the Lower Jurassic carbonates of the Calcare Massiccio Formation (Central Apennines)
Authors: Brandano Marco , Corda Laura , Tomassetti Laura , Testa Davide
Published: October 2015

This paper shows the environmental changes and high-frequency cyclicity recorded by Lower Jurassic shallow-water carbonates known as the Calcare Massiccio Formation which crop out in the central Apennines of Italy. Three types of sedimentary cycle bounded by subaerial erosion have been recognized: Type I consists of a shallowing upward cycle with oncoidal floatstones to rudstones passing gradationally up into peloidal packstone alternating with cryptoalgal laminites and often bounded by desiccation cracks and pisolitic-peloidal wackestones indicating a period of subaerial exposure. Type II shows a symmetrical trend in terms of facies arrangement with peloidal packstones and cryptoalgal laminites present both at the base and in the upper portion of the cycle, separated by oncoidal floatstones to rudstones. Type III displays a shallowing upward trend with an initial erosion surface overlain by oncoidal floatstones to rudstones that, in turn, are capped by pisolitic-peloidal wackestones and desiccation sheet cracks. Sheet cracks at the top of cycles formed during the initial phase of subaerial exposure were successively enlarged by dissolution during prolonged subaerial exposure. The following sea-level fall produced dissolution cavities in subtidal facies, while the successive sea-level rise resulted in the precipitation of marine cements in dissolution cavities. Spectral analysis revealed six peaks, five of which are consistent with orbital cycles. While a tectonic control cannot be disregarded, the main signal recorded by the sedimentary succession points toward a main control related to orbital forcing. High frequency sea-level fluctuations also controlled diagenetic processes.
Depositional environment, organic matter characterization and hydrocarbon potential of Middle Miocene sediments from northeastern Bulgaria (Varna-Balchik Depression)
Authors: Zdravkov Alexander , Bechtel Achim , Ćorić Stjepan , Sachsenhofer Reinhard F.
Published: October 2015

The depositional environments and hydrocarbon potential of the siliciclastic, clayey and carbonate sediments from the Middle Miocene succession in the Varna-Balchik Depression, located in the south-eastern parts of the Moesian Platform, were studied using core and outcrop samples. Based on the lithology and resistivity log the succession is subdivided from base to top into five units. Siliciclastic sedimentation prevailed in the lower parts of units I and II, whereas their upper parts are dominated by carbonate rocks. Unit III is represented by laminated clays and biodetritic limestone. Units IV and V are represented by aragonitic sediments and biomicritic limestones, correlated with the Upper Miocene Topola and Karvuna Formations, respectively. Biogenic silica in the form of diatom frustules and sponge spicules correlates subunit IIa and unit III to the lower and upper parts of the Middle Miocene Euxinograd Formation. Both (sub)units contain organic carbon contents in the order of 1 to 2 wt. % (median: 0.8 for subunit IIa; 1.3 for unit III), locally up to 4 wt. %. Based on Hydrogen Index values (HI) and alkane distribution pattern, the kerogen is mainly type II in subunit IIa (average HI= 324 mg HC/g TOC) and type III in unit III (average HI ~200 mg HC/g TOC). TOC and Rock Eval data show that subunit IIa holds a fair (to good) hydrocarbon generative potential for oil, whereas the upper 5 m of unit III holds a good (to fair) potential with the possibility to generate gas and minor oil. The rocks of both units are immature in the study area. Generally low sulphur contents are probably due to deposition in environments with reduced salinity. Normal marine conditions are suggested for unit III. Biomarker composition is typical for mixed marine and terrestrial organic matter and suggests deposition in dysoxic to anoxic environments.
Order Estimation of Japanese Paragraphs by Supervised Machine Learning and Various Textual Features
Authors: Murata Masaki , Ito Satoshi , Tokuhisa Masato , Ma Qing
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we propose a method to estimate the order of paragraphs by supervised machine learning. We use a support vector machine (SVM) for supervised machine learning. The estimation of paragraph order is useful for sentence generation and sentence correction. The proposed method obtained a high accuracy (0.84) in the order estimation experiments of the first two paragraphs of an article. In addition, it obtained a higher accuracy than the baseline method in the experiments using two paragraphs of an article. We performed feature analysis and we found that adnominals, conjunctions, and dates were effective for the order estimation of the first two paragraphs, and the ratio of new words and the similarity between the preceding paragraphs and an estimated paragraph were effective for the order estimation of all pairs of paragraphs.
Protective effects of forced exercise against nicotine-induced anxiety, depression and cognition impairment in rat
Authors: Motaghinejad Majid , Fatima Sulail , Karimian Morteza , Ganji Saeid
Published: October 2015

Background: Nicotine is one of the psychostimulant agents displaying parasympathomimetic activity; the chronic neurochemical and behavioral effects of nicotine remain unclear. Exercise lowers stress and anxiety and can act as a non-pharmacologic neuroprotective agent. In this study, the protective effects of exercise in nicotine withdrawal syndrome-induced anxiety, depression, and cognition impairment were investigated.

Methods: Seventy adult male rats were divided randomly into five groups. Group 1 served as negative control and received normal saline (0.2 mL/rat, i.p.) for 30 days, whereas group 2 (as positive control) received nicotine (6 mg/kg/day, s.c.) for the first 15 days. Groups 4, 5, and 6 were treated with nicotine (6 mg/kg/day, s.c.) for the first 15 days and then were treated with forced exercise, bupropion (20 mg/kg/day, i.p.), or a combination of the two for the following 15 days. Between day 25 and day 30, Morris water maze was used to evaluate spatial learning and memory. From days 31 to 35, the elevated plus maze (EPM), open field test (OFT), forced swim test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST) were used to investigate the level of anxiety and depression in the subjects.

Results: Nicotine-dependent animals indicated a reflective depression and anxiety in a dose-dependent manner in FST, EPM, and TST, which were significantly different from the control group and also can significantly attenuate the motor activity and anxiety in OFT.

Conclusions: Forced exercise, bupropion, or their combination can attenuate nicotine cessation-induced anxiety, depression, and motor activity in the mentioned behavioral assay. We conclude that forced exercise can protect the brain against nicotine withdrawal-induced anxiety, depression, and cognitive alteration.
Securitizing Narcotics: The Politics and Prospects of Russian Counterdrug Policies
Authors: Galeotti Mark
Published: October 2015

Russia is suffering from a serious and worsening challenge from narcotics, with 6% of the population using or addicted to drugs, which is also leading to a growing public health crisis. A particular problem is the growing availability of heroin from Afghanistan, with Russia an increasingly important transit country, as well as market. Efforts to control this have been severely limited by issues of resourcing, political will and turf wars between security agencies. Russia’s growing economic problems have also led to a need for liquidity on the part of many financial institutions that leads them to turn a blind eye to dirty money. However, the fundamental issues are that the Kremlin regards this as a nationalist, securitized and moral problem. The influx of Afghan heroin reflects at best Western failure and at worse a malign attempt to damage Russia. This needs to be considered a security threat and is therefore best addressed through interdiction and punitive measures rather than harm reduction and civil outreach, especially because drug addiction is considered a moral rather than a medical issue. Thus, Russia needs to adopt a more inclusive and comprehensive strategy that balances policing with treatment, prevention and harm reduction methods, in partnership with local governments, communities and NGOs, as well as foreign partners. Not only must law enforcement cooperation not continue to be a hostage to geopolitical rivalries, but policy over Afghanistan needs to be about encouraging productive efforts to reduce production rather than using the issue as a means to asserting regional hegemony.