bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quasi-Experimental Evidence on the Connection between Property Taxes and Residential Capital Investment
Authors: Lutz Byron
Published: January 2015

Do low property taxes attract new home construction? This question is answered using a large shock to property tax burdens caused by an unusual school finance reform in the state of New Hampshire. The estimates suggest that, in most of the state, communities with a reduced tax burden experience a substantial increase in residential construction. In the area of the state near the region's primary urban center (Boston), however, the shock clears through a price adjustment—i.e., by capitalizing into property values. The differing responses are attributed to differing housing supply elasticities. (JEL H71, H73, R31)
Diagnosing Hospital System Bargaining Power in Managed Care Networks
Authors: Lewis Matthew S. , Pflum Kevin E.
Published: January 2015

We investigate the impact of hospital system membership on negotiations between hospitals and managed care organizations (MCOs). Previous research finds that system hospitals secure higher reimbursements by exploiting local market concentration. By leveraging system membership in the bargaining game, however, system hospitals may also extract a higher percentage of their value to an MCO. Our findings reveal that more of the observed price gap between system and nonsystem hospitals can be attributed to bargaining power differences than to differences linked to relative concentration. These results highlight the importance of explicitly modeling the bargaining process when evaluating negotiated-price markets more generally. (JEL C78, I11, I13, L14)
Inflation Expectations and Readiness to Spend: Cross-Sectional Evidence
Authors: Bachmann Rüdiger , Berg Tim O. , Sims Eric R.
Published: January 2015

There have been suggestions for monetary policy to engineer higher inflation expectations to stimulate spending. We examine the relationship between expected inflation and spending attitudes using the microdata from the Michigan Survey of Consumers. The impact of higher inflation expectations on the reported readiness to spend on durables is generally small, outside the zero lower bound, often statistically insignificant, and inside of it typically significantly negative. In our baseline specification, a one percentage point increase in expected inflation during the recent zero lower bound period reduces households' probability of having a positive attitude towards spending by about 0.5 percentage points. (JEL D12, D84, E21, E31, E52)
Antiviral therapies against Ebola and other emerging viral diseases using existing medicines that block virus entry
Authors: Long Jason , Wright Edward , Molesti Eleonora , Temperton Nigel , Barclay Wendy
Published: January 2015

Emerging viral diseases pose a threat to the global population as intervention strategies are mainly limited to basic containment due to the lack of efficacious and approved vaccines and antiviral drugs. The former was the only available intervention when the current unprecedented Ebolavirus (EBOV) outbreak in West Africa began. Prior to this, the development of EBOV vaccines and anti-viral therapies required time and resources that were not available. Therefore, focus has turned to re-purposing of existing, licenced medicines that may limit the morbidity and mortality rates of EBOV and could be used immediately. Here we test three such medicines and measure their ability to inhibit pseudotype viruses (PVs) of two EBOV species, Marburg virus (MARV) and avian influenza H5 (FLU-H5). We confirm the ability of chloroquine (CQ) to inhibit viral entry in a pH specific manner. The commonly used proton pump inhibitors, Omeprazole and Esomeprazole were also able to inhibit entry of all PVs tested but at higher drug concentrations than may be achievedin vivo. We propose CQ as a priority candidate to consider for treatment of EBOV.
Strain-specific and pooled genome sequences for populations of Drosophila melanogaster from three continents.
Authors: Bergman Casey M. , Haddrill Penelope R.
Published: January 2015

To contribute to our general understanding of the evolutionary forces that shape variation in genome sequences in nature, we have sequenced genomes from 50 isofemale lines and six pooled samples from populations of Drosophila melanogaster on three continents. Analysis of raw and reference-mapped reads indicates the quality of these genomic sequence data is very high. Comparison of the predicted and experimentally-determined Wolbachia infection status of these samples suggests that strain or sample swaps are unlikely to have occurred in the generation of these data. Genome sequences are freely available in the European Nucleotide Archive under accession ERP009059. Isofemale lines can be obtained from the Drosophila Species Stock Center.
Forming Economic Culture of High School Students in the Conditions of Additional Education
Authors: Васильева  , Vasilyeva Galina
Published: January 2015

Success of developing economic culture of high school students at additional education institutions depends on application of up-to-date educational technologies. The «educational foresight» method allows engaging high school students into economic activity: diverse, motivating, and problematic in mastering.
Statement of Need and Algorithm of Assessment of Competencies’ Development by Students of Different Programs
Authors: Тигина  , Tigina Mariya
Published: January 2015

The article states the need to assess the level of formation of students’ skills as a key factor for graduates and students entering a university. An algorithm

for assessing a graduate as a future specialist in a particular professional field is offered. This algorithm will provide the most objective image of the

capabilities of a student and the knowledge he/she received in the educational process.
Essence and Aim of Interdisciplinary Competencies for Senior School Children
Authors: Шевченко  , Shevchenko Natalya
Published: January 2015

The author retrospects tendencies of the development of interdisciplinary results treated as competencies; notes its operationability in achieving

personal goals and mutual dependencies of development processes of interdisciplinary and personal competencies. The article defines the role of

general educational activity in achieving planned academic results according to Standards of General Education, and emphasizes significance of

interdisciplinary competencies in achieving the image of a graduate in demand by new standard. Peculiarities of education of senior school children

are pointed out.
Product Market Competition and the Financing of New Ventures
Authors: de Bettignies Jean-Etienne , Duchêne Anne
Published: January 2015

This paper examines the interaction between venture risk, product market competition, and the entrepreneur’s choice between bank financing and venture capital (VC) financing. Under bank financing, a debt-type contract emerges as optimal, which allows the entrepreneur to retain full control of the venture and thus yields strong effort incentives, as long as the entrepreneur can service the debt repayment; however, this leads to liquidation in the case of default, making the venture’s success quite sensitive to exogenous, even temporary, shocks that may hinder debt repayment. Under VC financing, an equity-type contract emerges as optimal. Although it is not sensitive to exogenous shocks, this contract requires the entrepreneur to share a fraction of the rents with the financier, thus yielding lower effort incentives for the entrepreneur. There exists a threshold level of venture risk such that bank financing is optimal if and only if venture risk is below that threshold. Product market competition increases the value of stronger entrepreneurial incentives and thus increases the maximum level of risk the entrepreneur is willing to take before switching from bank financing to VC financing. This is a robust result that is shown to hold in various models of competition, including the Hotelling, Salop, Dixit–Stiglitz, and Cournot-to-Bertrand switch.

This paper was accepted by Lee Fleming, entrepreneurship and innovation.
The Hidden Cost of Accommodating Crowdfunder Privacy Preferences: A Randomized Field Experiment
Authors: Burtch Gordon , Ghose Anindya , Wattal Sunil
Published: January 2015

Online crowdfunding has received a great deal of attention as a promising avenue to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Because online settings bring increased visibility and traceability of transactions, many crowdfunding platforms provide mechanisms that enable a campaign contributor to conceal his or her identity or contribution amount from peers. We study the impact of these information (privacy) control mechanisms on crowdfunder behavior. Employing a randomized experiment at one of the world’s largest online crowdfunding platforms, we find evidence of both positive (e.g., comfort) and negative (e.g., privacy priming) causal effects. We find that reducing access to information controls induces a net increase in fund-raising, yet this outcome results from two competing influences—treatment increases willingness to engage with the platform (a 4.9% increase in the probability of contribution) and simultaneously decreases the average contribution (a $5.81 decline). This decline derives from a publicity effect, wherein contributors respond to a lack of privacy by tempering extreme contributions. We unravel the causal mechanisms that drive the results and discuss the implications of our findings for the design of online platforms.

This paper was accepted by Lee Fleming, entrepreneurship and innovation.
The effects of alcohol on dental and systemic health
Authors: Lowe Ali
Published: January 2015

In this article, Ali Lowe discusses the effects that alcohol can have on dental health—high pH levels and hidden sugar can have detrimental effects on teeth. Alcohol can also have an effect on systemic health, including liver damage, dementia, stroke and oral cancer
A fast track welcome to dentistry
Authors: Bridges Glenys
Published: January 2015

The need for an expanded skills mix within dental teams can lead to the decision to bring in new team members with the required skills from outside of the dental sector. The dental team benefits from a new skills range and the new team member learns new dentistry skills
Hand hygiene is as simple as the ABCs—always, be, careful, caring and compliant
Authors: Mortell Manny
Published: January 2015

Background:

Health-care professionals (HCPs) who work in the operating room (OR) or post anaesthesia care unit (PACU) have a greater opportunity to cross-contaminate patients due to high workloads and frequent patient contact events. The prevalence of health-care-associated infections is a major health concern and patient contact in the OR and PACU can be a contributing factor, due to microbial contamination. The research published on maintaining the sterility of the OR is abundant, but less attention has been focused on patient contact by ’non-scrubbed’ HCPs in OR and PACU.

Methods:

An observational study was conducted on the hand hygiene compliance of ‘non-scrubbed’ HCPs working in the OR and PACU of the King Fahad Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, a quaternary health-care facility in Saudi Arabia. The participants in the study were surgeons, anaesthetists, circulating and PACU nurses, with surreptitious observations being performed by two trained OR and PACU nurses. ’Sterile’ scrubbed HCPs were excluded. The observation timeframe was from January to December 2013 and the hand hygiene compliance components that were observed were the World Health Organisation ‘5 moments’ of hand hygiene ( Figure 1 ).

Results:

The study included 2300 opportunities (observations) for hand hygiene compliance and HCP observed 2000 nurses, 100 surgeons and 100 anaesthetists. Hand hygiene compliance in the King Abdulaziz Medical City OR and PACU was highest among nurses (> 90%) and lowest among physicians: surgeons (< 70%), followed by anaesthetists (< 50%).

Conclusion:

Adherence to hand hygiene guidelines by King Abdulaziz Medical City OR and PACU nurses was acceptably higher than anaesthetists and surgeons, noting that the organisational hand hygiene compliance target is 100%. However, the low compliance to hand hygiene guidelines by doctors potentially exposes patients to microbial transmission and harm and therefore validates a theory-practice-ethics gap.
Caring for perioperative patients
Authors: Wicker Paul
Published: January 2015

Preassessment of perioperative patients is essential to prepare patients for anaesthesia, surgery and recovery, and to ensure that they understand the anaesthetic and surgical procedures, as well as their postoperative recovery period. This role can be carried out by operating department practitioners (ODPs) and nurses, and they also need to understand the physiological status of the patient so they can inform perioperative staff (including anaesthetists, surgeons and perioperative practitioners) of any issues the patient has. This article covers preoperative assessment, planning and education, and postoperative care, including reducing postoperative complications.
Management of complex clinical issues
Authors: Lloyd-Jones Sadie
Published: January 2015

When dealing with complex clinical issues within the perioperative environment, effective management is crucial for ensuring a high standard of patient care. When carried out correctly, managing complex cases can rapidly reduce risks in the patients perioperative journey. An example of this will be explained in this reflective article.
Evaluating Psychological Aspects of Wood and Laminate Products in Indoor Settings with Pictures
Authors: Jiménez Paul , Dunkl Anita , Eibel Kerstin , Denk Elisabeth , Grote Vincent , Kelz Christina , Moser Maximilian
Published: January 2015

Natural materials in indoor settings influence the human organism positively. Wood is a natural material and shows similar positive effects on the individual's well-being. Because of similar looks and functional properties, wood can be compared with laminate. However, when investigating psychological differences, wood is usually compared with carpets, glass, leather, stone, or plastic, but not compared with a visually similar material such as laminate. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the different psychological perception of wood and laminate products in an indoor setting. This study further investigated what specific psychological aspects can differentiate wood from laminate products, and if wood is preferred over laminate and is more likely to be purchased. Different pictures that depict wood and laminate products in an indoor setting were used to evaluate the psychological perception. This evaluation included measuring 11 quality criteria, the perception of the environmental atmosphere, and the purchase decision. The experimental design was a 2 × 2 × 2 design with repeated measures for material and sequence. The sample consisted of 93 experts as well as nonexperts for wood. The result shows that wood products are rated higher than laminate products regarding several psychological aspects, such as health, physical and mental stimulation, and performance enhancement. In addition, wood products were rated significantly more warming and cozy, and the participants would recommend, purchase, and accept more deficiencies for purchasing wood products than for laminate products. Overall, the material wood was preferred over the material laminate.
Effects of Grate Size on Grinding Productivity, Fuel Consumption, and Particle Size Distribution
Authors: Han Sang-Kyun , Han Han-Sup , Bisson Joel A.
Published: January 2015

Matching the right feedstock quality to a biomass conversion technology effectively facilitates the energy conversion process and improves the economic feasibility of forest biomass for energy production. In this study, we conducted a controlled experiment on a horizontal grinder to evaluate the effect of three different grate size combinations on grinding productivity, fuel consumption, and particle size distribution for two different biomass types (mixed conifer slash and hardwood whole trees). Mixed conifer slash resulted in higher grinding productivity (39.0 to 45.1 bone dry US tons/h) and a lower fuel consumption rate (0.57 to 0.90 gal/h) than hardwood whole trees. Small grate size configurations (2-, 3-, and 3-in. holes) in the grinder had low grinding productivity and higher fuel consumption rates compared with large grate size configurations (3-, 4-, and 4-in. holes). High grinding productivity and low fuel consumption rates were accomplished by using a new anvil type that is manufactured with holes in the plate. The study also showed that production of small feedstock particles (length, <2 in.) from logging slash was operationally feasible by using small grates and a newly designed anvil. Additional research is needed to further control oversized materials and improve our knowledge about the effect of moisture content on grinding productivity, especially with a wide range of grate size combinations.
Role of nuclear factor kappa beta, tumor necrosis factor α, and cyclooxygenase-2 in preterm labor
Authors: Riva'i Syamsul B. , Darwin Eryati , Nasrul Ellyza , Effendi Jusuf S.
Published: January 2015

Background: The pathway of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activation in releasing prostaglandins is suggested to be crucial for initiating labor in the pathogenesis of preterm labor. The aim of the study was to know whether there were mean differences of NF-κB, TNFα, and COX-2 expressions between preterm and term labor and also to know the correlation among them in preterm labor.Methods: A case-control study was performed from May 2013 to February 2014 in Arifin Achmad Hospital, Pekanbaru. There were 30 subjects with preterm labor as cases and 30 with normal labor as controls. All subjects had singleton gestation with maximum parity was three, age limit of 35 year-old, and spontaneous labor in both groups. Placental tissue was collected from all subjects and evaluated with hematoxylin eosin staining. The expressions of TNFα, NF-κB, and COX-2 in the tissue were assessed with immunohistochemical staining by counting the percentage of smeared cells by two experts. The expressions of TNFα, NF-κB, and COX-2 between case and control were compared using t-test and the correlation was analyzed with Pearson correlation coefficient.Results: Mean (SD) of expressions of TNFα (93.05% [12.68] vs 49.11% [27.33]), NF-κB (42.46% [27.29] vs 13.66% [17.77]), and COX-2 (88.75% [10.86] vs 46% [30.36]) were significantly higher in the preterm labor compared to term labor (p = 0.001). There was significant correlation between TNFα and NF-κB expression (r = 0.385; p = 0.036) and no correlation was found between NF-κB and COX-2 (p = 0.982) in preterm labor.Conclusion: High expressions of TNFα, NF-κB, and COX-2 in preterm labor showed to contribute in the onset of preterm labor. High TNFα may suggest that infection was a leading cause of preterm labor. This is supported with an increase in NF-κB activation will increase COX-2 and subsequently prostaglandins that result in premature labor.
Frequency of thalassemia carrier and Hb variant and the quality of stored donor blood
Authors: Maharani Eva A. , Soedarmono Yuyun S.M. , Nainggolan Ita M.
Published: January 2015

Background: This study was aimed to determine the frequency of thalassemia and Hb variant in blood donor. In addition, we also wanted to know the quality of blood from the donor up to seven days of storage, by calculating percentage of hemolysis in vitro.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 138 blood donor specimens at Red Cross Blood Centre Unit in Jakarta. All specimens were tested for thalassemia and Hb variant by complete blood count (CBC) and Hb analysis with HPLC method and DNA analysis for the detection of α thalassemia carrier. To analyze the quality of stored blood, the calculation of hemolytic rate of red blood cells (RBCs) on whole blood (WB) was compared between the first and seventh days of storage.Results: Out of the 138 specimens, 5 samples (3.6%) were diagnosed for α thalassemia carrier in which, one of them is co-inherited with ovalositosis hereditary (Southeast Asian Ovalositosis/SAO), 3 samples (2.2%) for β thalassemia carrier, and 3 samples (2.2%) for Hb E. Meanwhile, the hemolytic rates of RBCs on WB in first day and seven day of storage were below one percent.Conclusion: The frequency of thalassemia carrier and Hb variants in blood donors at Red Cross Blood Centre Unit in Jakarta was 8%. The quality of stored blood until seven day of storage was quite good.
Identification of pathogenesis pathway in basal-like breast cancer based on mutant p53 protein and topoisomerase-IIα expression
Authors: Dwina Yayi , Kodariah Ria , Hardjolukito Endang S.R.
Published: January 2015

Background: Basal-like breast cancer is difficult to treat with standard regimen therapy, because it doesn’t express hormone receptors or epidermal growth factor receptors. Identification of oncogenesis pathway is expected to find molecules which can be used as target for therapy. One candidate molecule is topoisomerase-IIα whose expression is regulated by p53. This study aimed to compare the expression of mutant p53 proteins and topoisomerase IIα in basal-like and non basal-like breast cancer, and to determine the association between mutant p53 proteins and topoisomerase IIα in basal-like group.Methods: The samples were 40 formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues from verified triple negative breast cancer tissue. The samples were divided into 2 groups, basal-like and non basal-like breast cancer, based on cytokeratin - 5 (CK-5) expression. Mutant p53 proteins and topoisomerase IIα were stained using immunohistochemistry method, scored and compared. Statistical test used SPSS software version 16 for descriptive statistics, kappa test, normality test, comparison of two mean, and categorical comparison.Results: Median (min-max) of mutant p53 protein expression in basal-like group was 21 (0-100), the non basal-like group was 2 (0-80), p = 0.061. Min-max of topoisomerase IIα in basal-like group was 263 (15-492), non basal-like group was 262 (0-481), p = 0.409. There was an association between mutant p53 positivity with breast cancer subtype (p = 0.027) and between mutant p53-topoisomerase IIα coexpression with breast cancer subtype (p = 0.018).Conclusion: Co-expression of mutant p53 with topoisomerase IIα has the role in one of the pathway of basal-like breast cancer pathogenesis.
Cameronite conservatism and the politics of marriage under the UK coalition government
Authors: Hayton Richard
Published: January 2015

In the United Kingdom (UK), under the leadership of David Cameron, the Conservative Party has been keen to stress the value of marriage and stable families. However, in practice, the policies of the coalition government he has led since 2010 – particularly the emphasis on austerity – have arguably undermined family life. In addition, by offering financial support to those who are married and disadvantaging those who are not, the government may serve to reinforce the ‘marriage divide’ in the UK.
An Interface to Support Independent Use of Facebook by People With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Davies Daniel K. , Stock Steven E. , King Larry R. , Brown R. Brian , Wehmeyer Michael L. , Shogren Karrie A.
Published: January 2015

Use of social networking sites, such as Facebook, is rapidly expanding, but people with intellectual disability are at risk for exclusion because sites like Facebook are not designed for cognitive access. The purpose of the present study was to describe the development and initial testing of a cognitively accessible prototype interface for Facebook, called Endeavor Connect, that was designed to support independent Facebook use by people with intellectual disability. The performance of young adults with intellectual disability when completing five common Facebook tasks was compared when using the Endeavor Connect and Facebook interfaces. Results suggest that, when using Endeavor Connect, young adults with intellectual disability completed more tasks independently with fewer errors and required fewer prompts. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Postsecondary Education Programs for Students With an Intellectual Disability: Facilitators and Barriers to Implementation
Authors: Plotner Anthony J. , Marshall Kathleen J.
Published: January 2015

Financial, legislative, and philosophical support for postsecondary education (PSE) programs for individuals with intellectual disability has resulted in great increases in the number of such programs across the country. Directors of new PSE programs have few research-based guidelines to provide direction for integrating programs within colleges or universities. In this study, we survey administrators of PSE programs for individuals with intellectual disability across the United States in order to identify perceptions of supports and barriers encountered during program development. We also investigated if these supports or barriers changed over time or varied according to type of program. Results suggest that most perceived barriers and supports, with the exception of funding issues, improved over time. Further, there was a significant difference in perceived support from six of the nine identified institutions of higher education IHE collaborative partners from the inception of the program to the present time.
Indandiazocines: unidirectional molecular switches
Authors: Raeker Tim , Hartke Bernd
Published: January 2015

We report theoretical investigations on azobenzene-based indandiazocines, novel chiral systems that perform unidirectional cis ↔ trans isomerizations upon photoexcitation. For three different systems of this kind, we have simulated excited-state surface-hopping trajectories for both isomerization directions, using a configuration-interaction treatment based on system-specifically reparametrized semiempirical AM1 theory. Our results are also compared to experimental and theoretical results for the parent system diazocine. We show that, as intended by design, the trans → cis bending of the azo unit in these indandiazocines can only happen in one of the two possible directions due to steric constraints, which is a new feature for photoswitches and a necessary prerequisite for directional action at the nanoscale.
Pseudohallucinations in an Adolescent: Considerations for Diagnosis and Treatment in the Case of "Kate"
Authors: Shapiro Michael A. , Bussing Regina , Nguyen Mathew L.
Published: January 2015

Hallucinations are usually considered a hallmark of severe psychopathology, most commonly psychotic or thought disorders such as schizophrenia or other organic brain syndromes. However, several studies describe '"non-psychotic hallucinations" occurring in children and adolescents who experience hallucinations without other core symptoms of true psychosis, such as the presence of a thought disorder, disorganized behavior, and pervasive dysfunction. Some authors describe the controversial subject of "pseudohallucinations," which appears to be more representative of conversion disorder symptoms rather than psychotic symptoms. We present a case of "Kate," a 16-year-old adolescent female who required psychiatric hospitalization for auditory hallucinations with secondary delusional thinking. She was initially given a diagnosis of psychotic disorder, not otherwise specified (NOS), and treated with an antipsychotic and an antidepressant. At outpatient follow-up, although Kate continued to endorse hallucinations and delusional thinking, her symptoms were not felt to be part of a true psychotic disorder. The hallucinations could be viewed as a product of extreme anxiety; a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) was made, and Kate was maintained on the antidepressant and antipsychotic medications. However, this did not entirely explain Kate's symptoms. The consideration of "pseudohallucinations" as conversion disorder symptoms in the form of psychiatric symptoms was key to making an accurate diagnosis, predicting prognosis, and tailoring treatment for Kate and her parents. A total of 29 months of a combination of both cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic treatment by the first author (MAS) included both weekly individual therapy and weekly therapy with her parents for the first 12 months, biweekly individual and parents therapy for the next eight months, and monthly individual sessions for the final nine months, during which Kate was 18 years old. During the initial course of treatment, the antipsychotic was tapered and discontinued without precipitating an exacerbation of symptoms. Symptoms continued to improve throughout treatment with both patient and parents. We discuss the differences between psychosis and “pseudopsychosis” and the reasons for making the distinction in this case. We also discuss the possible explanation for these "pseudohallucinations" in Kate and how treatment was tailored. Finally, we discuss the implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of this and similar cases of non-psychotic hallucinations.
Recent advances and concepts in substrate specificity determination of proteases using tailored libraries of fluorogenic substrates with unnatural amino acids
Authors: Rut Wioletta , Kasperkiewicz Paulina , Byzia Anna , Poreba Marcin , Groborz Katarzyna , Drag Marcin
Published: January 2015

Substrate specificity of proteases can be determined using several methods among which the most frequently used are positional scanning library, proteomics and phage display. Classic approaches can deliver information about preferences for natural amino acids in binding pockets of virtually all proteases. However, recent studies demonstrate the ability to obtain much more information by application of unnatural amino acids to positional scanning library approaches. This knowledge can be used for the design of more active and specific substrates, inhibitors and activity based probes. In this minireview we describe recent strategies and concepts for the design and application of fluorogenic substrates library tailored for exopeptidases and endopeptidases.
Spent UO2 TRISO coated particles – instant release fraction and microstructure evolution
Authors: Curtius Hildegard , Kaiser Gabriele , Lieck Norman , Güngör Murat , Klinkenberg Martina , Bosbach Dirk
Published: January 2015

The impact of burn-up on the instant release fraction (IRF) from spent fuel was studied using very high burn-up UO2 fuel
(∼ 100 GWd/t) from a prototype high temperature reactor (HTR). TRISO (TRi-structural-ISO-tropic) particles from the
spherical fuel elements contain UO2 fuel kernels (500 μm diameter) which are coated by three tight layers
ensuring the encapsulation of fission products during reactor operation. After cracking of the tight coatings 85Kr and
14C as 14CO2 were detected in the gas fraction. Xe was not detected in the gas fraction, although ESEM
(Environmental Scanning Electron Micoscope) investigations revealed an accumulation in the buffer. UO2 fuel kernels were
exposed to synthetic groundwater under oxic and anoxic/reducing conditions. U concentration in the leachate was below the detection
limit, indicating an extremely low matrix dissolution. Within the leach period of 276 d 90Sr and
134/137Cs fractions located at grain boundaries were released and contribution to IRF up to max. 0.2% respectively
8%. Depending on the environmental conditions, different release functions were observed. Second relevant release steps
occurred in air after ∼ 120 d, indicating the formation of new accessible leaching sites. ESEM investigations were
performed to study the impact of leaching on the microstructure. In oxic environment, numerous intragranular open pores acting as new
accessible leaching sites were formed and white spherical spots containing Mo and Zr were identified. Under anoxic/reducing
conditions numerous metallic precipitates (Mo, Tc and Ru) filling the intragranular pores and white spherical spots containing Mo and
Zr, were detected. In conclusion, leaching in different geochemical environments influenced the speciation of radionuclides and in
consequence the stability of neoformed phases, which has an impact on IRF.
Bayesian Network Reconstruction Using Systems Genetics Data: Comparison of MCMC Methods
Authors: Tasaki Shinya , Sauerwine Ben , Hoff Bruce , Toyoshiba Hiroyoshi , Gaiteri Chris , Chaibub Neto Elias
Published: January 2015

Reconstructing biological networks using high-throughput technologies has the potential to produce condition-specific interactomes. But are these reconstructed networks a reliable source of biological interactions? Do some network inference methods offer dramatically improved performance on certain types of networks? To facilitate the use of network inference methods in systems biology, we report a large-scale simulation study comparing the ability of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) samplers to reverse engineer Bayesian networks. The MCMC samplers we investigated included foundational and state-of-the-art Metropolis–Hastings and Gibbs sampling approaches, as well as novel samplers we have designed. To enable a comprehensive comparison, we simulated gene expression and genetics data from known network structures under a range of biologically plausible scenarios. We examine the overall quality of network inference via different methods, as well as how their performance is affected by network characteristics. Our simulations reveal that network size, edge density, and strength of gene-to-gene signaling are major parameters that differentiate the performance of various samplers. Specifically, more recent samplers including our novel methods outperform traditional samplers for highly interconnected large networks with strong gene-to-gene signaling. Our newly developed samplers show comparable or superior performance to the top existing methods. Moreover, this performance gain is strongest in networks with biologically oriented topology, which indicates that our novel samplers are suitable for inferring biological networks. The performance of MCMC samplers in this simulation framework can guide the choice of methods for network reconstruction using systems genetics data.
Heritable Environmental Variance Causes Nonlinear Relationships Between Traits: Application to Birth Weight and Stillbirth of Pigs
Authors: Mulder Herman A , Hill William G , Knol Egbert F
Published: January 2015

There is recent evidence from laboratory experiments and analysis of livestock populations that not only the phenotype itself, but also its environmental variance, is under genetic control. Little is known about the relationships between the environmental variance of one trait and mean levels of other traits, however. A genetic covariance between these is expected to lead to nonlinearity between them, for example between birth weight and survival of piglets, where animals of extreme weights have lower survival. The objectives were to derive this nonlinear relationship analytically using multiple regression and apply it to data on piglet birth weight and survival. This study provides a framework to study such nonlinear relationships caused by genetic covariance of environmental variance of one trait and the mean of the other. It is shown that positions of phenotypic and genetic optima may differ and that genetic relationships are likely to be more curvilinear than phenotypic relationships, dependent mainly on the environmental correlation between these traits. Genetic correlations may change if the population means change relative to the optimal phenotypes. Data of piglet birth weight and survival show that the presence of nonlinearity can be partly explained by the genetic covariance between environmental variance of birth weight and survival. The framework developed can be used to assess effects of artificial and natural selection on means and variances of traits and the statistical method presented can be used to estimate trade-offs between environmental variance of one trait and mean levels of others.
On the Collagen Mineralization. A Review
Authors: Tomoaia Gheorghe , Pasca Roxana-Diana
Published: January 2015

Collagen mineralization (CM) is a challenging process that has received a lot of attention in the past years. Among the reasons for this interest, the key role is the importance of collagen and hydroxyapatite in natural bone, as major constituents. Different protocols of mineralization have been developed, specially using simulated body fluid (SBF) and many methods have been used to characterize the systems obtained, starting with methods of determining the mineral content (XRD, FTIR, Raman, High-Resolution Spectral Ultrasound Imaging), continuing with imaging methods (AFM, TEM, SEM, Fluorescence Microscopy), thermal analysis (DSC and TGA), evaluation of the mechanical and biological properties, including statistical methods and molecular modeling. In spite of the great number of studies regarding collagen mineralization, its mechanism, both in vivo and in vitro, is not completely understood. Some of the methods used in vitro and investigation methods are reviewed here.
The apelin-APJ system in the evolution of heart failure
Authors: Goidescu Cerasela Mihaela , Vida-Simiti Luminița Animarie
Published: January 2015

Heart failure is a chronic, progressive disease in which the overexpression of biologically active molecules and neurohomonal activation are the key factors of the evolution and natural history. The apelin-APJ system is a newly discovered molecular pathway and the RAAS counterbalance is its principal effect. The apelin is a potent inotrope, vasodilator and diuretic with crucial cardioprotective effects against angiotensin and aldosterone injuries. Intense and prolonged RAAS induces the downregulation of the apelin and its receptor at myocardial level and cancels their protection. Compared to the vasoactive agents used in the treatment of acute heart failure, exogen apelin has unique intropic and vasodilatory effects without deleterious consequences, being a promising therapeutic option.
Infantile hemangioma: a brief review
Authors: Bota Madalina , Popa Gheorghe , Blag Cristina , Tataru Alexandru
Published: January 2015

Infantile hemangiomas as frequent infancy tumors have been a controversial issue of medical scientists worldwide. Their clinical aspects are various and their physiopathology is yet to be fully understood. Numerous publications outline the characteristics, causes, evolution possibilities and therapeutic approaches. Deciding whether to treat or not is the main question of this kind of pathology. Hemangiomas that have complications or can cause irreversible damage need therapy. This is a brief review of up-to-date information regarding the presentation of infantile hemangiomas and target-therapies.
LATE RESPONSES IN THE ELECTRODIAGNOSIS OF CERVICAL RADICULOPATHIES
Authors: Galamb Ana Maria , Minea Ioan Dan
Published: January 2015

Backround and aim. This paper aims to assess the parameters of late responses and then determine their usefulness in patients with cervical radiculopathy.Patients and methods. We studied a total of 114 patients with bilateral assessment of median and ulnar nerves and of F and A waves parameters.Results. We draw attention to the need of bilateral electrodiagnostic examination due to changes occurring in a third of cases also in the asymptomatic limb. Pluriradicular injuries occurred in one third of cases. The root that was most commonly affected in cases of uniradicular lesion was C7. The parameters with the most important alterations were persistence, tacheodispersion and chronodispersion, which were changed in about a half of the patients. With regard to the A wave, it occurred in a small number of cases, about 10%, with an average amplitude of about 120 μV and an average latency of 15 ms. The distance from the point of stimulation where the collateral branch appeared was calculated to be approximately 35 cm.Conclusions. Among the F wave parameters, persistence, tacheodispersion and chronodispersion are recommended to be studied; these parameters were also included in the composite score along with the AAEM recommendations.
Ethnozoology: A Brief Introduction
Authors: Alves Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega , Souto Wedson Medeiros Silva
Published: January 2015

Connections between animals and humans date back thousands of years, and cultures all over the world have developed characteristic ways of interacting with the regional fauna over time. Human communities have accumulated a huge store of knowledge about animals through the centuries (passed from generation to generation, largely through oral traditions) that is closely integrated with many other cultural aspects, and this zoological knowledge is an important part of our human cultural heritage. The variety of interactions (both past and present) that human cultures maintain with animals is the subject matter of Ethnozoology, a discipline that has its roots as deep within the past as the first relationships between humans and other animals. Within this context, ethnozoology can be viewed as a discipline that examines the historical, economic, sociological, anthropological and environmental aspects of the relationships between humans and animals. These studies can aid in the evaluation of the impacts human populations have on native animal species and in the development of sustainable management plans - and are thus fundamental to conservation efforts. Additionally, popular knowledge about the regional fauna can be important to academic research projects and offers the possibility of significant savings in comparison to the costs involved with conventional methodologies. The present work gives a brief introduction to Ethnozoology, focusing its importance, historic aspects and current trends.
Evaluation of Mammals Hunting in Indigenous and Rural Localities in Eastern Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Mesquita Geison Pires , Barreto Larissa Nascimento
Published: January 2015

Hunting is responsible for the decline of more than half of all mammal species from Brazil; however, very few studies relating to hunting exist for the Eastern region of the Amazon. Medium- and large-sized mammals are valued for their protein and are thus more affected by hunting activity. Published studies on hunting in the region were quantitatively analyzed and used to determine the biomass and extraction rates of species and groups of species, considering the characteristics of each group, as well as the differences and similarities in composition in each type of game in the locality. A total of 32 species from eight orders and 17 families were hunted, totaling 32,726,990 kilograms of game meat. A positive correlation was found between biomass, the number of animals slaughtered and the number of species. Ungulates were the most hunted group, from which the most biomass was obtained. Concerning food preferences, frugivores represented the highest number of species hunted and also the highest biomass, and a positive correlation existed between the extraction rate and ungulate biomass. There was no significant difference between the diversity of mammals of different indigenous and rural localities; however, from a multidimensional analysis of the localities, A’Ukre and Alto Turiaçu were more similar to each other, and were more distant from the other groups. Knowledge concerning which species and groups and how many animals are hunted in each locality is necessary to direct conservation management plans and increase their efficiency within localities.
Fish, Hasemania crenuchoides Zarske and Géry, 1999 (Ostariophysi: Characiformes: Characidae): rediscovery and distribution extension in the upper rio Paraná system, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Langeani Francisco , Serra Jane Piton , Carvalho Fernando Rogério , Chaves Henrique Figueira , Ferreira Cristiane De Paula , Martins Fernanda De Oliveira
Published: January 2015

None
Fish, Itupararanga Reservoir, Sorocaba River Drainage, São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Smith Welber Senteio , Petrere Jr. Miguel
Published: January 2015

The Itupararanga Reservoir is located at the Sorocaba River Basin, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Five cities use the waters of this reservoir for human consumption. Despite this intensive use of the water resource, no study has been undertaken, to investigate the ichthyofauna of this reservoir. Overall, 22 species of fishes were sampled, including 7 orders and 12 families. Characiformes and Siluriformes were the most representative with respectively 9 and 5 species. Among the families, Characidae and Pimelodidade are noticed, both with respectively 5 and 3 collected species.
Amphibia, Anura, Phyllomedusa ayeaye (B. Lutz, 1966): distribution extension, new state record, and geographic distribution map
Authors: Araujo Cybele De Oliveira , Condez Thais Helena , Haddad Célio F. B.
Published: January 2015

None
Plantae, Magnoliophyta, Lamiales, Oleaceae, Chionanthus micranthus: distribution extension and new state record
Authors: Lombardi Julio A.
Published: January 2015

None
Amphibia, Anura, Hylidae, Scinax aromothyella: distribution extension and habitat
Authors: Borteiro Claudio , Nieto Carina , Kolenc Francisco
Published: January 2015

None
Osteocephalus subtilis Martins and Cardoso, 1987 (Anura: Hylidae): new distribution record
Authors: López Camilo Rodríguez , Ortega Diana Marcela Pinto
Published: January 2015

Osteocephalus subtilis is distributed in the state of Acre, Brazil. In this note we present a new record of distribution of the species in the Reserva Natural Palmarí, in the state of Amazonas, northwest of Brazil. The species was found in two occasions, in shrubs about 1, 2 m height.
Filling gaps on the distribution of Rhinoclemmys punctularia (Daudin, 1801) (Testudines: Geoemydidae) in the state of Maranhão, Brazil
Authors: Pereira Luana N. , Santos Danusy L. , Vasconcelos Tiago S. , Oda Fabrício H.
Published: January 2015

We present a new record of the spot-legged turtle (Rhinoclemmys punctularia) for the state of Maranhão, Brazil. This record fills a gap of 600 km between the easternmost record of the species (municipality of Timon, state of Maranhão) and Ananás (state of Tocantins). In addition, the present study reports the occurrence of R. punctularia in a physiognomy of Cerrado.
Avifaunal records from Chalis Ek, North Andaman Island: insights into distribution of some Andaman Island birds
Authors: Koparde Pankaj , S. Manchi Shirish
Published: January 2015

Species records are important for assessing the distribution and status of species over a spatiotemporal scale. Andaman archipelago, off Southeast Asia, is a high avian endemism area, covering an area of >5000 km2. We conducted this survey in 2011 to make an inventory of avifauna of Chalis Ek area. A total of 73 species, belonging to 61 genera and 34 families were recorded, of which 60 were resident, 11 were winter migrants, one vagrant, and a single species introduced from mainland India. Three species were found to be new records, expanding distribution. Thirteen were endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands and eleven were listed as near threatened in the IUCN Red List. This study shows that sites such as Chalis Ek, even though subject to moderate anthropogenic disturbance, still hosts a large and distinctive avifauna and should be protected.
New additions to the cladoceran fauna of Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta and Colombia
Authors: Fuentes-Reines Juan M. , Roa Evelyn Zoppi de
Published: January 2015

Nine species of cladocerans are newly recorded from the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta Magdalena Department and of these, five of them are new to Colombia (Dunhevedia crassa, Simocephalus vetuloides, Ilyocriptus paranaensis paranaensis, Nicsmirnovius fitzpatricki and Coronatella monacantha). The known number of Cladocera (45 species) in Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta represents about the half of reported species in Colombia. Brief descriptions and illustrations of species, including distribution, are given.