bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Memory Avoidance by Older Adults
Authors: Touron Dayna R.
Published: June 2015

Learning often involves a transition from responding based on an effortful initial strategy to using a faster and easier memory-based strategy. Older adults shift strategy more slowly compared with younger adults. I describe research establishing that age differences in strategy shift are impacted not only by declines in older adults’ learning but also by their volitional avoidance of memory retrieval. I also discuss the factors that influence older adults’ memory avoidance, including their understanding of the available strategies’ relative efficiency, accuracy, and effortfulness, as well as age differences in the preference for a consistent strategic approach. Last, I consider the implications of memory avoidance for older adults’ everyday functioning. This research demonstrates that volition and choice must be taken into account when studying cognitive performance and aging.
Teams in Space Exploration
Authors: Salas Eduardo , Tannenbaum Scott I. , Kozlowski Steve W. J. , Miller Christopher A. , Mathieu John E. , Vessey William B.
Published: June 2015

Researchers from a variety of disciplines are currently working with NASA to prepare for human exploration of Mars in the next decades. Such exploration will take scientific discovery to new heights, providing unprecedented information about the geology, atmosphere, and potential for life on Mars, including previous life, current life, and perhaps even our own lives in the future. To make these unparalleled discoveries, however, astronauts will need to undertake a novel and unprecedented journey. Moreover, the mission to Mars will require a team of crew members who will have to endure and sustain team performance requirements never seen before. Multidisciplinary teams of scientists have begun to provide the needed steps to address this challenge. The purpose of this article is (a) to illustrate the kinds of new conceptual frameworks and paradigms needed for teams in space exploration, (b) to delineate promising research paths to ensure that a robust team science can emerge for long-duration space exploration (LDSE), (c) to showcase initial findings and insights from studying astronauts now, and (d) to outline a plan of action for team-effectiveness research in LDSE.
Prediction of Business Failure and Fraudulent Financial Reporting: Evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Arshad Roshayani , Iqbal Sharinah Mohamed , Omar Normah
Published: June 2015

Fraud has been of concern for many corporate managers and regulators since many businesses have been victim of business failures. Business failure corporations have reported and become an element of fraudulent financial reporting.Therefore, the first aim of this study is to examine whether a collective prediction tool can be used to predict business failure and fraudulent financial reporting.The second and more important objective of this study is to examine whether business failure companies are associated with fraudulent financial reporting. The collective prediction tool is based on ratio analysis, Beneish M-score model and Z-score model. Using publicly available information in the annual reports of 24 failed firms matched with 24 non-failed firms listed on Bursa Malaysia, relevant information are extracted and applied in the three models to assist in predicting business failure and detecting fraudulent financial reporting. A total of 10 ratios, cash conversion cycle, Beneish M-score model and Altman's Z-score model were identified for examination as potential predictors of business failure and fraudulent financial reporting. Based on the results, the model was accurate in classifying the total sample of approximately 96 per cent as predictors of business failure and approximately 83.3 per cent as predictors of fraudulent financial reporting as well as predicting the relationship between business failures and fraudulent financial reporting. Hence, it can be concluded that these model functions effectively and can be adopted by regulators, bankers, management, internal and external auditors and to the forensic accountants so that proper preventive or corrective action can be taken to mitigate fraud at its inception.
Japan’s Lay Judge System
Authors: Reichel Philip L. , Suzuki Yumi E.
Published: June 2015

In 1999, major changes to Japan’s criminal justice system were proposed, and over the next 10 years, many were implemented. One of the changes created the lay judge system ( saiban-in seido), wherein citizens serve as fact finders during trials of serious criminal cases. The purpose of the lay judge is to enhance public trust in the judiciary while improving the quality of justice through the common sense of the average person. This article reviews how this major change to Japan’s court system was implemented, describes the process by which lay judges are selected and the requirements of their service, and then discusses some of the reviews and evaluations that have been completed of the system itself. The conclusion suggests that an understanding of Japan’s model could be instructive for other jurisdictions considering justice reform.
Organization of Hospital Nursing, Provision of Nursing Care, and Patient Experiences With Care in Europe
Authors: Bruyneel Luk , Li Baoyue , Ausserhofer Dietmar , Lesaffre Emmanuel , Dumitrescu Irina , Smith Herbert L. , Sloane Douglas M. , Aiken Linda H. , Sermeus Walter
Published: June 2015

This study integrates previously isolated findings of nursing outcomes research into an explanatory framework in which care left undone and nurse education levels are of key importance. A moderated mediation analysis of survey data from 11,549 patients and 10,733 nurses in 217 hospitals in eight European countries shows that patient care experience is better in hospitals with better nurse staffing and a more favorable work environment in which less clinical care is left undone. Clinical care left undone is a mediator in this relationship. Clinical care is left undone less frequently in hospitals with better nurse staffing and more favorable nurse work environments, and in which nurses work less overtime and are more experienced. Higher proportions of nurses with a bachelor’s degree reduce the effect of worse nurse staffing on more clinical care left undone.
Sustainability education in early childhood: An updated review of research in the field
Authors: Somerville Margaret , Williams Carolyn
Published: June 2015

Sustainability education is increasingly practiced in early childhood, but a previous review of the literature suggests that there is little empirical research to provide the necessary foundation and critique. The current paper addresses the question of whether there has been an increase in empirical research in the field since this review, and if so, what are the theoretical and methodological developments informing this research. The method of the study is to review the literature in the field following similar processes to the previous review in order to provide a comparison. The articles identified were then categorized and evaluated according to their different theoretical and methodological orientations. The review found that there are twice as many articles as identified in the previous study and that these articles are now equally published in mainstream and environmental education journals. A meta-analysis of the articles using a typology of methodological orientations provided a basis for critique. Three major categories of theoretical orientation were identified as: Connection to nature; Children’s rights; and Post-human frameworks with varying degrees of theoretical engagement. It is recommended that new post-human frameworks recently applied in early childhood education research could usefully be connected to researching early childhood education for planetary sustainability.
Reflections on foreign languages in Tunisian preschools
Authors: Ben Maad Mohamed Ridha
Published: June 2015

The preparation of early childhood educators in Tunisia has become part of the mainstream pre-service teacher education programmes. Nonetheless, this field has not yet reached the expected maturity as evidenced by the lack of a guiding vision. A case in point that attests to this state of opacity is the example of foreign language (FL) education. The sector has hardly accommodated the needs of both educators and pre-schoolers. Following an examination of the problems and challenges burdening this area of education, this paper suggests the awakening-to-languages approach (ALA) as an alternative project that maps the future course of FL education wherein young learners grow within pedagogy of discovery and critical thinking rather than mere achievement. This project, long championed by European educationalists, may play a key role in supporting a realistic vision for teaching foreign languages to a segment of learners meagrely addressed by the FL education community in Tunisia.
Electroencephalography and Brain MRI Patterns in Encephalopathy
Authors: Wabulya Angela , Lesser Ronald P. , Llinas Rafael , Kaplan Peter W.
Published: June 2015

Introduction. Using electroencephalography (EEG) and histology in patients with diffuse encephalopathy, Gloor et al reported that paroxysmal synchronous discharges (PSDs) on EEG required combined cortical gray (CG) and “subcortical” gray (SCG) matter pathology, while polymorphic delta activity (PDA) occurred in patients with white matter pathology. In patients with encephalopathy, we compared EEG findings and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine if MRI reflected similar pathological EEG correlations. Methods. Retrospective case control study of 52 cases with EEG evidence of encephalopathy and 50 controls without evidence of encephalopathy. Review of clinical, EEG and MRI data acquired within 4 days of each other. Results. The most common EEG finding in encephalopathy was background slowing, in 96.1%. We found PSDs in 0% of cases with the combination of CG and SCG abnormalities. Although 13.5% (n = 7) had PSDs on EEG; 3 of these had CG and 4 had SCG abnormalities. A total of 73.1% (38/52) had white matter abnormalities—of these 28.9% (11/38) had PDA. Conclusion. PSDs were found with either CG or “SCG” MRI abnormalities and did not require a combination of the two. In agreement with Gloor et al, PDA occurred with white matter MRI abnormalities in the absence of gray matter abnormalities.
Buspirone, a new drug for the management of patients with ineffective esophageal motility?
Authors: Scheerens Charlotte , Tack Jan , Rommel Nathalie
Published: June 2015

Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) is the most frequently encountered esophageal motility disorder. Patients may present with a variety of symptoms, such as dysphagia, heartburn, odynophagia, and regurgitation. Over the past years, the landscape of esophageal motility testing has been revolutionized; however, our current treatment options for IEM still remain limited. Previous studies have suggested that buspirone, a serotonin receptor agonist, enhances esophageal peristalsis and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function. Recent work provides the first evidence that buspirone may influence LES resting pressure in patients with systemic sclerosis. Future research should evaluate whether the beneficial effects of buspirone also apply to the broad clinical entity of esophageal dysphagia patients with IEM.
Genomic and epigenomic heterogeneity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Guièze Romain , Wu Catherine J.
Published: June 2015

Defining features of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are not only its immunophenotype of CD19+CD5+CD23+sIgdim expressing clonal mature B cells but also its highly variable clinical course. In recent years, advances in massively parallel sequencing technologies have led to rapid progress in our understanding of the CLL genome and epigenome. Overall, these studies have clearly demarcated not only the vast degree of genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity among individuals with CLL but also even within individual patient leukemias. We herein review the rapidly growing series of studies assessing the genetic and epigenetic features of CLL within clinically defined periods of its growth. These studies strongly suggest an evolving spectrum of lesions over time and that these features may have clinical impact.
Gene expression changes reflect clinical response in a placebo-controlled randomized trial of abatacept in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis
Authors: Chakravarty Eliza F. , Martyanov Viktor , Fiorentino David , Wood Tammara A. , Haddon David James , Jarrell Justin Ansel , Utz Paul J. , Genovese Mark C. , Whitfield Michael L. , Chung Lorinda
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. We sought to assess the clinical and molecular effects associated with response to intravenous abatacept in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic.

Methods

Adult diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis patients were randomized in a 2:1 double-blinded fashion to receive abatacept or placebo over 24 weeks. Primary outcomes were safety and the change in modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) at week 24 compared with baseline. Improvers were defined as patients with a decrease in mRSS of ≥30 % post-treatment compared to baseline. Skin biopsies were obtained for differential gene expression and pathway enrichment analyses and intrinsic gene expression subset assignment.

Results

Ten subjects were randomized to abatacept (n = 7) or placebo (n = 3). Disease duration from first non-Raynaud’s symptom was significantly longer (8.8 ± 3.8 years vs. 2.4 ± 1.6 years, p = 0.004) and median mRSS was higher (30 vs. 22, p = 0.05) in the placebo compared to abatacept group. Adverse events were similar in the two groups. Five out of seven patients (71 %) randomized to abatacept and one out of three patients (33 %) randomized to placebo experienced ≥30 % improvement in skin score. Subjects receiving abatacept showed a trend toward improvement in mRSS at week 24 (−8.6 ± 7.5, p = 0.0625) while those in the placebo group did not (−2.3 ± 15, p = 0.75). After adjusting for disease duration, mRSS significantly improved in the abatacept compared with the placebo group (abatacept vs. placebo mRSS decrease estimate −9.8, 95 % confidence interval −16.7 to −3.0, p = 0.0114). In the abatacept group, the patients in the inflammatory intrinsic subset showed a trend toward greater improvement in skin score at 24 weeks compared with the patients in the normal-like intrinsic subset (−13.5 ± 3.1 vs. −4.5 ± 6.4, p = 0.067). Abatacept resulted in decreased CD28 co-stimulatory gene expression in improvers consistent with its mechanism of action. Improvers mapped to the inflammatory intrinsic subset and showed decreased gene expression in inflammatory pathways, while non-improver and placebos showed stable or reverse gene expression over 24 weeks.

Conclusions

Clinical improvement following abatacept therapy was associated with modulation of inflammatory pathways in skin.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00442611. Registered 1 March 2007.
Lifting harmonic morphisms I: metrized complexes and Berkovich skeleta
Authors: Amini Omid , Baker Matthew , Brugallé Erwan , Rabinoff Joseph
Published: June 2015

Let K be an algebraically closed, complete non-Archimedean field. The purpose of this paper is to carefully study the extent to which finite morphisms of algebraic K-curves are controlled by certain combinatorial objects, called skeleta. A skeleton is a metric graph embedded in the Berkovich analytification of X. A skeleton has the natural structure of a metrized complex of curves. We prove that a finite morphism of K-curves gives rise to a finite harmonic morphism of a suitable choice of skeleta. We use this to give analytic proofs of stronger ‘skeletonized’ versions of some foundational results of Liu-Lorenzini, Coleman, and Liu on simultaneous semistable reduction of curves. We then consider the inverse problem of lifting finite harmonic morphisms of metrized complexes to morphisms of curves over K. We prove that every tamely ramified finite harmonic morphism of Λ-metrized complexes of k-curves lifts to a finite morphism of K-curves. If in addition the ramification points are marked, we obtain a complete classification of all such lifts along with their automorphisms. This generalizes and provides new analytic proofs of earlier results of Saïdi and Wewers. As an application, we discuss the relationship between harmonic morphisms of metric graphs and induced maps between component groups of Néron models, providing a negative answer to a question of Ribet motivated by number theory.

This article is the first in a series of two. The second article contains several applications of our lifting results to questions about lifting morphisms of tropical curves.
Ion-Molecular Memory Model. The Causes Leading to Distortion of Information Stored in Memory
Authors: Герасимов  , Gerasimov I. , Яшин  , Yashin A.
Published: June 2015

. As in perception, transmission, processing and storage of information in technical systems, distortion (useful) information in the functioning of memory is real and ontologically grounded. The reason of the distortion is the theme of this article from the cycle of works on creation of ion-molecular memory model. By analogy with radio-physical systems – nature is "stingy" on the system moves - the principle of evolutionary conservatism (by I.G. Gerasimov and A. A. Yashin) – the main reason of distortion is an information noise. Classification of information noise in the functioning of memory is developed. The cellular level of noisiness is highlighted. It is shown that an important reason for the distortion of information is a copy of information that is essential for brain function. The repair mechanisms distorted information by modifying the parameters of the spectrum of activity of hydrogen ions are considered. It is important to visualize: informational noise depends on the quality of the information signal, and on the quality of (generalized) receiver of useful information that we observe in the memory structure of the bio-object, in human – in the first place. The evolutionary principle of conservatism, the essence of the system-wide law of the universe, according to which the nature is «stingy» in terms of variety of moves and is based on the famous Poincare hypothesis, now – on the Poincare-Perelman theorem. According to this principle, there is a perfect analogy in the implementation of living and non-living systems, including technical solutions created by man. The prerogative of the cellular level of degradation is even more very obvious: in any system, its qualitative characteristics are determined by the degree of perfection / imperfection of its constituent elements-"primary sources".
Nivolumab and Olaparib
Authors: Bcop Dominic A. Solimando , Waddell J. Aubrey
Published: June 2015

The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparation, dispensing, and administration of antineoplastic therapy, and the agents, both commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases.
Trazodone: Insomnia (Adults)
Authors: Generali Joyce A. , Gada Dennis J.
Published: June 2015

This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label Drug Facts, a publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label Drug Facts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific drug uses that are unapproved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This new guide to the literature enables the health care professional or clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information before patient care decisions are made. Direct questions or comments regarding Off-Label Drug Uses to jgeneral@ku.edu .
Impact of a Regional Pharmacy Call Center on Telephone Access Metrics within the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: White Christina A. , Jones Marshall R. , Kuester Melanie K. , Myers Kelly L. , Schnarr Barbara A.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

To establish a cost-effective centralized pharmacy call center to serve the patients of Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 11 that would meet established performance metrics.

Methods

A pilot project began in August 2011 with the Indianapolis VA Medical Center (VAMC) and the Health Resource Center (HRC) in Topeka, Kansas. The Indianapolis VAMC used a first-call resolution business model consisting of pharmacy technicians receiving tier 1 phone calls that could be escalated to a tier 2 line that consisted of lead technicians and pharmacists, while the HRC utilized general telephone agents that would transfer unresolved calls to the primary facility. Pre- and post-VISN 11 Pharmacy Call Center performance metrics were compared for each of the 7 facilities in the network with the goals being monthly average abandoned call rate less than 5% and average speed to answer less than 30 seconds. Cost per call was also compared.

Results

The average abandoned call rate for the network during the year prior to VISN 11 Pharmacy Call Center implementation (August 2010-July 2011) was 15.66% and decreased to 3% in July 2014. The average abandoned call rate decreased for each individual facility. In fiscal year 2014, the VISN 11 Pharmacy Call Center was operating at a cost of $4.35 per call while providing more services than the HRC, resulting in less workload being transferred back to the individual facilities.

Conclusion

A centralized VISN pharmacy call center is a reasonable alternative to individual facility call centers or the HRC.
Consecuencias socioeconómicas y medioambientales de los trasvases de aguas en España (1978-1992)
Authors: Box Amorós Margarita , Morales Gil Alfredo
Published: June 2015

El trabajo analiza las transformaciones que en tierras de Murcia y Valencia se han producido, como resultado de la aplicación en usos agrícolas, urbanos, industriales y turísticos, de aguas procedentes de los trasvases Tajo-Segura y Júcar-Turia, así como la incidencia del primero en cuestiones medioambientales. Pretende invitar a la reflexión, sobre todo a los planificadores del territorio, que el futuro desarrollo económico de estas tierras, a corto y medio plazo, pasa, inevitablemente, por un aumento de las disponibilidades hídricas que, con la actual dinámica socioeconómica han llegado, salvo en la cuenca del Júcar, al techo de sus posibilidades de utilización.
Proceso de formación urbana de Orihuela (Alicante)
Authors: Canales Martínez Gregorio , Salazar Vives Julián , Crespo Rodríguez Fermín
Published: June 2015

La evolución urbana de Orihuela ha venido marcada por un progresivo desplazamiento desde su primitiva ubicación de carácter defensivo en el Monte San Miguel hasta ir ocupando las tierras ribereñas del río Segura, cuyo cauce ha definido hasta fechas muy cercanas su desarrollo urbano. El estudio determina los elementos y circunstancias que han condicionado el proceso de formación urbana desde el siglo XIV hasta nuestros días y sus tendencias expansivas, a través del análisis de la documentación histórica disponible, tanto gráfica como bibliográfica, ofreciendo así una síntesis de la evolución histórica de la ciudad.
Conflictos autonómicos sobre trasvases de agua en España
Authors: Gil Olcina Antonio
Published: June 2015

Este artículo analiza los conflictos autonómicos en torno al agua, con especial atención al controvertido aprovechamiento Tajo-Segura y a los macrotrasvases esbozados en el Anteproyecto de Plan Hidrológico Nacional. Son objeto de consideración los factores que motivan las posturas encontradas de las comunidades autónomas cedentes y receptoras. En estrecha relación con todo ello, se subraya que los lamentables y descabellados empeños de patrimonialización regional del agua chocan de lleno con la normativa vigente y el interés nacional, como si éste, minado por particularismos de toda laya, fuese una referencia trasnochada, insufrible, nefanda o, en el mejor de los casos, secundaria y lejana.
Una nueva geografía de América Latina: ¿un «descubrimiento» geográfico?
Authors: Marchena Gómez Manuel J.
Published: June 2015

El artículo trata de las contradicciones fundamentales entre el ambiente macroeconómico y el desarrollo territorial y social de América Latina en estos años de aplicación ortodoxa de políticas neoliberales. El efecto geográfico es la instalación de dos formas de país diferente en un mismo territorio político o natural: uno próspero, de maneras occidentales, y otro pobre, de identidad más diversa. El resultado es una nueva configuración geográfica del espacio económico, físico, humano y ambiental de América Latina, dificultosamente descubierta por el conocimiento geográfico ya que es una consecuencia directa de las estrategias de ajuste y estabilización dispuestas desde el neoliberalismo economicista.
Repercusiones territoriales de la política agraria comunitaria sobre las estructuras agrarias del Alto y Medio Vinalopó (Alicante)
Authors: Rico Amorós Antonio Manuel
Published: June 2015

La política de estructuras agrarias de la Unión Europea, sometida ahora a un hondo proceso de reflexión y reforma, ha propiciado en el Alto y Medio Vinalopó una serie de repercusiones estructurales, productivas, y espaciales. Las primas que regulan el arranque definitivo de superficies de viñedo, con más de 7.000 Has arrancadas hasta la actualidad constituyen su más relevante exponente, aunque no es el único ni mucho menos. Este trabajo persigue la identificación y evaluación de las líneas de ayuda comunitarias, estatales, y autonómicas, de efectos espaciales más relevantes, sometiendo los mismos a reflexión.
Las inversiones térmicas en Canarias
Authors: Dorta Antequera Pedro
Published: June 2015

La localización geográfica del archipiélago canario, en latitudes subtropicales y con un predominio casi absoluto de los vientos alisios, determina una estructura vertical de la baja troposfera con una presencia constante de inversiones térmicas, de subsidencia en la mayor parte de los casos, que explican la fuerte tendencia a la estabilidad de toda esta región. Realizar un primer análisis estadístico de estas inversiones así como estudiar su origen supone el tema de estudio de este trabajo.
Temporales de Levante en la fachada mediterránea española: ¿sucesos imprevisibles?
Authors: Quereda Sala José , Montón Chiva Enrique
Published: June 2015

Las precipitaciones torrenciales, por sus dramáticos efectos territoriales, constituyen una de las principales preocupaciones de la climatología mediterránea. La sociedad interroga a climatólogos y meteorólogos con una cuestión clave. ¿Son previsibles tales sucesos?. Este artículo sugiere que estas grandes ciclogénesis del Mediterráneo Occidental podrían venir precedidas de algunas señales de alerta. Tales serían las anomalías energéticas hemisféricas detectadas en la SST (Temperatura superficial del mar) y especialmente en los altos valores de la temperatura superficial del Mediterráneo.
Is Autologous or Heterologous Pericardium Better for Valvuloplasty? A Comparative Study of Calcification Propensity
Authors: Jiang Wen-Jian , Cui Yong-Chao , Li Jin-Hua , Zhang Xiu-Hui , Ding Huan-Huan , Lai Yong-Qiang , Zhang Hong-Jia
Published: June 2015

Pericardial calcification is detrimental to the long-term durability of valvuloplasty. However, whether calcification susceptibility differs between heterologous and autologous pericardium is unclear. In this study, we compared the progression of calcification in vivo between autologous and heterologous pericardium.

We randomly divided 28 rabbits into 4 equal groups. Resected rabbit pericardium served as autologous pericardium, and commercial bovine pericardium served as heterologous pericardium. We subcutaneously embedded one of each pericardial patch in the abdominal walls of 21 of the rabbits. The 7 control rabbits (group A) received no implants. The embedded samples were removed at 2 months in group B, at 4 months in group C, and at 6 months in group D. Each collected sample was divided into 2 parts, one for calcium-content measurement by means of atomic-absorption spectroscopy, and one for morphologic and histopathologic examinations.

When compared with the autologous pericardium, calcium levels in the heterologous pericardium were higher in groups B, C, and D (P <0.0001, P <0.0002, and P <0.0006, respectively). As embedding time increased, calcium levels in the heterologous pericardium increased faster than those in the autologous, especially in group D. Disorganized arrangements of collagenous fibers, marked calculus, and ossification were seen in the heterologous pericardium. Inflammatory cells—mainly lymphocytes and small numbers of macrophages—infiltrated the heterologous pericardium.

The autologous pericardium showed a stronger ability to resist calcification. Our results indicate that autologous pericardium might be a relatively better choice for valvuloplasty.
Adjusted Left Atrial Emptying Fraction as a Predictor of Procedural Outcome after Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Im Sung Il , Na Jin Oh , Kim Sun Won , Choi Cheol Ung , Kim Jin Won , Yong Hwan Seok , Kim Eung Ju , Rha Seung-Woon , Park Chang Gyu , Seo Hong Seog , Oh Dong Joo , Lim Hong Euy
Published: June 2015

Structural remodeling of the left atrium is a risk factor for recurrent arrhythmia after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation; however, data are sparse regarding the role of functional left atrial remodeling in predicting procedural outcomes. We evaluated whether left atrial transport function could be used to predict recurrent atrial fibrillation. From July 2008 through August 2010, we enrolled 202 consecutive patients who underwent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (paroxysmal=120, persistent=82). Left atrial volumes (LAVs) were measured by means of multislice computed tomography at every 10% of the R-R interval, and measurements were adjusted for body surface area to yield the LAV index (LAVI) at baseline. The left atrial emptying fraction (LAEF) was calculated according to LAV differences. During the mean follow-up period of 10 ± 4 months after a single ablation procedure, atrial fibrillation recurred in 59 patients (paroxysmal=19, persistent=40). Multivariate analysis revealed that persistent atrial fibrillation, early mitral inflow velocity, LAVImax, LAVImin, LAEF, LAVImax/LAEF, and LAVImin/LAEF were all independent predictors of atrial fibrillation, but the best predictor was LAVImin/LAEF (β=1.329, P=0.001). The cutoff value was 1.61 (mL/m2)/%, and the sensitivity and specificity were 74.6% and 62.2%, respectively (area under the curve=0.761). Our study shows that adjusted left atrial emptying fraction with use of multislice computed tomography might be a useful, noninvasive method to select patients for ablation.
Large Patent Ductus Arteriosus in a 44-Year-Old Woman Leading to Calcium Deposition in the Left Atrium and Mitral and Aortic Valves
Authors: Roberts Carey Camille , Roberts William Clifford
Published: June 2015

This report describes unusual autopsy findings in a 44-year-old woman who had a large, calcified patent ductus arteriosus that produced substantial left-to-right shunting. The patient died in 1962, 7 days after patch closure of the aortic orifice of the ductus. Numerous calcific deposits were present in the mural left atrial endocardium, the mitral valve leaflets and annulus, and the aortic valve cusps. The cause of the left-sided calcific deposits was perhaps related to the patient's several-decades-old giant aortopulmonary shunt, causing a major increase in the volume of blood passing through the left-sided cardiac chambers in comparison with the volume in the right side. To our knowledge, such findings in a patient with patent ductus arteriosus have not been reported previously.
Pulmonary thromboembolic disease – clinical and etiological aspects in internal medicine department
Authors: Mazilu Laura , Adam Tatiana , Suceveanu Andra , Baz R. , Tofolean Doina
Published: June 2015

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) represents the third most frequent vascular disease following acute myocardial ischemic disease and stroke. It is a common and potentially lethal disease. Aim: We observed etiological spectrum, clinical aspects and diagnostic tests for patients with PE. Material and methods: Retrospective observational study that included 53 patients diagnosed with PE between 01.01.2009- 31.12.2013. We followed epidemiological aspects, risk factors, clinical manifestations and methods for positive diagnosis. Results: 53 patients which represents 0.66% from the patients admitted in our department (n=8,011), were diagnosed with PE. The main risk factor for PE was malignancy (n=16). Twenty patients with PE presented deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and 12 patients arterial thrombosis (AT). Main clinical syndromes of patients with PE were pulmonary infarction (n=32), isolated dyspnea (n=11) and circulatory collapse (n=10). A lot of paraclinical investigation sustained positive diagnosis,mainly by high performance techniques. Four cases were diagnosed postmortem.

Conclusions: Clinical diagnosis of PE has a low accuracy. Clinical evaluation, even unspecific has a considerable value in the selection of patients who needed further paraclinical diagnostic procedures.
Minimization of the Perron eigenvalue of incomplete pairwise comparison matrices by Newton iteration
Authors: Ábele-Nagy Kristóf
Published: June 2015

Pairwise comparison matrices are of key importance in multi-attribute decision analysis. A matrix is incomplete if some of the elements are missing. The eigenvector method, to derive the weights of criteria, can be generalized for the incomplete case by using the least inconsistent completion of the matrix. If inconsistency is indexed by CR, defined by Saaty, it leads to the minimization of the Perron eigenvalue. This problem can be transformed to a convex optimization problem. The paper presents a method based on the Newton iteration, univariate and multivariate. Numerical examples are also given.
The evaluation of gestation length range for different breeds of Polish dairy cattle
Authors: Sobek Zbigniew , Nienartowicz-Zdrojewska Anna , Różańska-Zawieja Jolanta , Siatkowski Idzi
Published: June 2015

Summary

For over 2.5 million dairy cows subject to assessment in Poland in 2005–2010, gestation length was analyzed. This trait follows a normal distribution, and it was found that the acceptable upper limit of gestation length for the Montbéliard and Simental breeds was 306 days, this being significantly different from other breeds. For the remaining dairy cattle breeds the value was 298 days. For cows with gestation length exceeding these limiting values, parentage control would be advisable.
Comparison of capillary electrophoresis and high performance liquid chromatography for detection and quantification of hemoglobin New York
Authors: You-Qiong Li , Hui-Ping Huang , Zhi-Zhong Chen , Lin Zhao , Liang Liang , Gui-Fang Qin , Yun Mo
Published: June 2015

Hemoglobin (Hb) New York [β113 (G15) Val→Glu, GTG→GAG], also known as Hb Kaohsiung, is one of the most common Hb variants in South China. Currently, most used screening methods for hemoglobinopathies in South China are high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE). However, there is no study comparing the performance of CE and HPLC in the detection of Hb New York.

In total 15 samples (including 13 adult blood samples and 2 cord blood samples) with heterozygous Hb New York were analyzed by CE and HPLC. Levels of Hb New York, HbA

All 15 cases (100%) were detected by CE, whereas none was detected by HPLC. Mean values of Hb New York and HbA

CE allows the detection of Hb New York, while this variant is not separated from Hb A on HPLC. CE may be the preferred method for hemoglobinopathy screening in areas with high prevalence of Hb New York.
Application Of Rating Scale Model In Conversion Of Rating Scales' Points To The Form Of Triangular Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Jefmański Bartłomiej
Published: June 2015

A new application of fuzzy sets theory in social and economic research is a fuzzy measurement of respondents' opinions. In the subject literature fuzzy rating scales or fuzzy conversion scales are being applied. In this second case, a key stage is a choice of such parameters' values of fuzzy numbers which will best illustrate the perception of linguistic values constituting points of measurement scales.

In the construction of fuzzy conversion scales the item response theory models can find an application. The transformation method of verbal categories to the form of triangular fuzzy numbers with the application of rating scale model was proposed in this article. Usefulness of a suggested approach was introduced on the basis of the analysis of selected research results on inhabitants' quality of life in one of the Lower Silesian Voivodship districts. The analysis results showed big ambiguity of particular verbal categories and, in consequence, the validity of fuzzy conversion scales application.
The Impact Of Penny Stocks On The Pricing Of Companies Listed On The Warsaw Stock Exchange In Light Of The CAPM
Authors: Urbański Stanisław , Jawor Paweł , Urbański Kacper
Published: June 2015

Oryginality and objective – Research on the pricing of stocks listed on developed markets shows inexplicable deviation from the pricing that could be observed with CAPM validity. A similar anomaly is found on the Polish market. Reasons for inconsistent pricing with CAPM are unknown, and they are the main objective of this research.

Method – The study is conducted using stocks listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange in 1995–2012. Quintile stock portfolios are formed on the basis of strategies widely used by investors. The study is carried out in several modes. In the subsequent modes penny stocks with the market values below 0.5, 1.5, 5.0 and 15.0 PLN are eliminated.

Results – It is conjectured that both penny stocks and improper procedures for the test portfolios forming contribute to inconsistent stock pricing in light of the CAPM. The studies show that results are in line with the extended conjectures. Also, study results indicate that speculative stocks are mostly penny stocks, however, it is not possible to explicitly state that penny stock are speculative.
Heavy Metal Balance in a Communal Wastewater treatment Plant
Authors: Gulyás Gábor , Pitás Viktória , Fazekas Bence , Kárpáti Árpád
Published: June 2015

Heavy metal removal from a municipal wastewater treatment plant was evaluated in the given study. The aim of the work was to find water or sludge streams in the technology that could be treated separately for heavy metal removal to maximise the efficiency of the entire treatment. The results proved that in the plant studied 70-80% of the metal content was discharged. Only 5-20% was retained in the digested sludge. A small percentage of the metal content of the influent could only be measured in the primary and secondary sludges. Otherwise, there were very similar metal concentrations in these sludge streams. The reject water exhibited an inconsiderable level of metal recycling in the technology, no more than 2-3% of the influent load. Some 2-10% of the heavy metal content of the inlet was removed from the sand trap. We did not find the separate heavy metal removal from the sludge streams efficient as most of the heavy metal load finally was discharged from the treatment plant with the treated effluent into the recipient.
Adaptive multi-layer techniques for increased system dependability
Authors: Bauer Lars , Henkel Jörg , Herkersdorf Andreas , Kochte Michael A. , Kühn Johannes M. , Rosenstiel Wolfgang , Schweizer Thomas , Wallentowitz Stefan , Wenzel Volker , Wild Thomas , Wunderlich Hans-Joachim , Zhang Hongyan
Published: June 2015

Achieving system-level dependability is a demanding task. The
manifold requirements and dependability threats can no longer be
statically addressed at individual abstraction layers. Instead, all
components of future multi-processor systems-on-chip (MPSoCs) have to
contribute to this common goal in an adaptive manner.

In this paper we target a generic heterogeneous MPSoC that combines
general purpose processors along with dedicated application-specific
hard-wired accelerators, fine-grained reconfigurable processors, and
coarse-grained reconfigurable architectures. We present different
reactive and proactive measures at the layers of the
runtime system (online resource management), system architecture
(global communication), micro architecture (individual tiles), and
gate netlist (tile-internal circuits) to address dependability
threats.
The title of this test article
Authors: Paulsen Paul , Carstensen Carsten , Juliansen Julia
Published: June 2015

Detection and quantification of synthetic cannabinoids (synonym: cannabimimetics) used as a substitute for natural cannabis has been a real toxicological and forensic issue since 2008.
Understanding language awareness in the first language teaching in Slovenia as a “traditional monocultural“ society
Authors: Vogel Jerca
Published: June 2015

In the didactics of the Slovenian language as the first language the term language awareness is related primarily to the identity function of standard language as the most important element of the national and cultural awareness, while the conception of language awareness, based on the functional linguistics, has been put forward only in the last decade. Therefore, the main issue is how to understand language and linguistic cultural awareness in a society which is traditionally considered “culturally monolithic”, and how they should be dealt with in the first language teaching. In attempt to find the answer, first main features of both the language and linguistic cultural awareness are presented: their levels, components and emphasized language functions. It is evident that a person’s linguistic activity and his/her linguistic identification are inseparable. Because of this, the development of language and cultural awareness in the context of two models of first language teaching is discussed later on. In the model aimed at the development of functional communicative competence they are developed optionally and unrelated to each other. Only the model which aims at critical communicative competence allows developing them closely related to each other and to critical thinking.
Syntheses, structures and magnetic properties of two mononuclear nickel(II) complexes based on bicarboxylate ligands
Authors: Li Jun-Xia , Du Zhong-Xiang
Published: June 2015

Two new complexes, [Ni(pydc)(H2O)3] (1) and [Ni(cma)(H2O)3] (2) (H2pydc = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, H2cma = 2-(carboxymethoxy)benzoic acid), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. In both compounds, NiIIis surrounded by one tridentate chelate dianionic ligand (pydc2ˉ for1and cma2ˉ for2) and three coordinated water molecules in a distorted octahedral geometry (NiNO5for1and NiO6for2). The magnetic properties for1and2have been discussed in detail.
A Radiochemical Separation for the Determination of Zirconium or Hafnium in Rocks and Minerals by Neutron Activation Analysis
Authors: Brooks C. K.
Published: June 2015

A new separation scheme for use in the neutron activation analysis of natural silicates for Hf is presented, which may be applied to a greater range of sample compositions and gives higher yields than previously published methods. Data are presented for the Hf concentrations of a number of international rock standards.
Sustancialidad del alma y validez objetiva de las categorías: la Lógica trascendental de Kant a mediados de la década silenciosa (ca. 1775)
Authors: Moledo Fernando
Published: June 2015

Resumen En este artículo se estudian las Reflexiones que conforman el Legado de Duisburg (ca. 1775) de Kant. Su propósito es determinar cuál es el argumento elaborado en ellas para explicar la validez objetiva de las categorías. Se busca así evaluar el estado alcanzado entonces por la Lógica trascendental. Se sostiene al respecto que para ese momento Kant todavía considera posible conocer la naturaleza sustancial  del alma, lo que hace incompatible la posición de entonces con la que sostendrá luego en la KrV. Pero se afirma que el argumento desarrollado entonces para explicar la validez objetiva de las categorías exhibe la idea que más tarde será puesta a la base de la Deducción trascendental. La tesis sobre la Lógica trascendental que se defiende en este artículo es que para 1775 Kant ha alcanzado ya lo esencial de la Analítica trascendental.DOI  http://dx.doi.org/10.15304/ag.34.2.2104
Aqueous Processing CdSe/TGA Quantum dots For Potential Bio-Medical Applications
Authors: Feliciano-Crespo Raquel , Rodriguez-Gonzalez José A , Zhong Chuan-Jian , Perales-Perez Oscar
Published: June 2015

The size-dependent optical properties of CdSe nanoparticles are desirable in bio-imaging and cell sorting applications because of their tunable photoluminescence in the visible range. Previous studies have already suggested that CdSe QDs could be utilized for pathogen detection by using suitable capping agents to make it biocompatible; however, systematic works on the effect of crystallite size and composition of the nanocrystals are scarce. The present research will be focused on the effect of CdSe crystal size and composition (pure and doped systems) to systematically evaluate its applicability in detecting pathogens, like Escherichia coli (E. coli). Highly luminescent water-soluble CdSe QDs were firstly synthesized in the aqueous phase, in the presence of thioglycolic acid (TGA) as a capping agent. CdSe/TGA molar ratios, reaction temperature, time, and pH were evaluated in order to optimizer the QDs optical properties. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) measurements confirmed the formation of CdSe exhibiting hexagonal structure with an estimated averaged crystallite size in the 4-6 nm range. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses evidenced the formation of CdSe nanocrystals with particle sizes between 3-5 nm. UV-Vis measurements showed a strong exciton peak between 390-400 nm with an estimated band gap of 2.64 eV (bulk: 1.74 eV); additionally, a strong fluorescence peak was observed between 500-550 nm using an excitation wavelength of 400 nm. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses suggested the actual functionalization of the CdSe surface with TGA functional groups. Preliminary results of the CdSe/TGA coupling with the selected bacteria, E. coli, are presented and discussed.
Profiling of Oral and Nasal Microbiome in Children with Cleft Palate
Authors: Zhang Min , Wang Renke , Liao Ying , Buijs Mark Johannes , Li Jiyao
Published: June 2015

Objective

To identify the oral and nasal microbial profile of cleft palate children and control children and to reveal interrelationships between the microbiome and the high prevalence of infectious diseases.

Design

Saliva and nasal samples of 10 cleft palate children and 10 age-matched control children were analyzed. Total microbial genomic DNA was isolated, polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was applied to obtain fingerprints, and selected bands on fingerprints were sequenced.

Results

The results revealed a significantly lower saliva microbial diversity in cleft children and a different microbial component in both saliva and nares in children with cleft palate. A higher component similarity between the oral and nasal samples was found in the cleft group than in the control group. Lautropia species and Bacillus species were significantly less present among the saliva samples of cleft group. Dolosigranulum species and Bacillus species were significantly fewer in the nasal cavity of cleft group. Streptococcus species became much more predominant in the nasal cavity of the cleft group than in that of the control group.

Conclusions

A disturbed ecological ecosystem is found in oral and nasal microbiome of children with cleft palate as a consequence of the abnormal communication between the two cavities. Further studies are needed to explore the relationship between the disturbed microbiome and diseases.