bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Customer Satisfaction at Public Hospitals in Pakistan: PAKSERV Application
Authors: Kashif Muhammad , Altaf Umair , Ayub Hafiz M. , Asif Umer , Walsh John C.
Published: October 2014

Research studies investigating service quality in organizations have popularized various tools. However, the usefulness of these tools in cross-cultural settings has been challenged and needs further investigation. The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of PAKSERV in deciphering the service quality of public sector hospitals in the Asian context of Pakistan. The study used a survey method where data was collected through a questionnaire which employed the PAKSERV dimensions of tangibility, reliability, assurance, sincerity, personalization and formality. Data was collected from 500 respondents visiting different public sector hospitals in the province of Punjab, Pakistan. The collected responses were analyzed using means, correlations and confirmatory factor analysis to interrogate the PAKSERV model’s reliability and confirmation in an entirely new context. Findings suggest some clear gaps in the quality of public hospitals in Pakistan, specifically in the ‘formality’ and ‘tangibility’ dimensions. However, all PAKSERV dimensions generated excellent results except for the ‘Formality’ dimension, which indicates a need for theoretical adjustments while investigating further the service quality of public sector health care. This research is an original contribution to the body of knowledge as PAKSERV has been used for the first time to measure service quality of public sector hospitals in Asian settings. The formality dimension is not valid in case of measuring service quality of public sector hospitals. It indicates a clear need to further investigate PAKSERV service quality with public sector organizations. The study uncovers certain areas that were not previously discussed through SERVQUAL service quality measures of public sector hospitals in an Asian setting. The findings of this study will be beneficial for health care quality assurance officials, aspiring to improve the current stature of public sector health care in countries like Pakistan. The research is limited to public health care in Pakistan as the sample consisted of middle-class people, visiting various public sector hospitals.
A Structural Vector Autoregression Model for Monetary Policy Analysis in India
Authors: Paramanik Rajendra Narayan , Kamaiah Bandi
Published: October 2014

A structural vector autoregression (SVAR) model is proposed for analysing the impact of monetary policy stances on real variables in the Indian economy, in the context of its continuous exposure to global factors like oil price shocks and changes in global financial health. The empirical findings based on monthly data relating to the post-liberalisation period (April 1992–December 2012) suggest that contractionary monetary policy has had a considerable adverse impact on output for a year, which appears to be consistent with the prevailing economic outlook. But the same policy measure fuels inflation further for the first eight months in contrast to its expected decline, and the rise in inflation raises the issue of a ‘price puzzle’ in the Indian context. Monetary policy-induced exchange rate appreciation hampers industrial production due to outperformance of high import demand over export competitiveness and causes an increase in the average price level. Global factors like oil price shocks leave detrimental effects on output for a long time horizon of 10–12 months and raise inflation for nearly half a year, whereas an increase in the US federal funds rate results in a temporary decline in output growth of Indian industries.

JEL Classification: C01, E43, E52
Back to the Future: The Evolution of US Counterterrorism Policy in Africa
Authors: Emerson Stephen
Published: October 2014

The onset of America’s war on terror in September 2001 returned Africa once again to the spotlight, for the first time since the end of the Cold War. In more than a decade since, Africa and its people have been witness to an escalating clash between a US-led coalition and violent Islamic extremists that has turned the continent into yet another battlefield in the global war on terror. But Washington’s initial decision to implement an innovative government counterterrorism strategy has foundered on poor implementation and lack of resources. This in turn has pushed the United States to adopt a more militarised strategy in recent years. While this approach has produced some positive short-term results, Washington’s counterterrorism effort is at a crossroads. Will the US opt for a continuation of the war of attrition that is now waging or will it return to the use of soft power to address the underlying symptoms fuelling terrorism in Africa?
Experience With Simulation/Gaming
Authors: Feldt Allan G.
Published: October 2014

This article reviews the simulation/games that I have helped design and others that I have played or worked on. It is also an account of some of the simulation/gamers whom I have known and with whom I have worked with over the past 50 years.
Parental Support, Critical Consciousness, and Agency in Career Decision Making for Urban Students
Authors: Olle Chad D. , Fouad Nadya A.
Published: October 2014

By investigating parental support as a distal variable and critical consciousness (CC) as a proximal variable, the authors targeted specific factors that may increase the perception of agency and, ultimately, motivated choice behavior in 11th and 12th graders ( N = 137) in an urban high school. The current study adds to the base of support for social cognitive career theory (SCCT) with diverse populations. However, parental support—which served as a sample/age-relevant proxy for learning experiences and distal supports—was only shown to significantly predict variance in outcome expectations (OEs), not self-efficacy. The final regression model included emotional support, OEs, CC, and CC as a moderator and explained 41.2% of the variance in intentions, with the interaction between CC and OEs contributing a significant 2.6% additional variance. Interestingly, CC lessened the positive effect of high OEs on intentions. The authors contextualize the results within the relevant research bases and discuss implications for future research and practice.
What Are Case Studies Good for? Nesting Comparative Case Study Research Into the Lakatosian Research Program
Authors: Vannoni Matia
Published: October 2014

This article discusses two of the most used methods of comparative case study research, namely, John Stuart Mill’s (Millian) method of agreement and the method of difference. In doing so, it claims that those methods allow social research to progress theoretically and empirically if the latter is assessed through the epistemological framework of the research program. The latter represents a series of guidelines to assay the progress of science provided by Imre Lakatos’s philosophy of science. In fact, those two methods can be used according to two methodologies, namely, concept formation and causal inference, which in turn perform specific functions essential for social research to develop theoretically and empirically in line with the guidelines established by the research program. In conclusion, a more nuanced discussion of the link between epistemology, methodology, and methods is needed to fully appreciate what comparative case study research is good for.
Psychometric Evaluation of the MMPI-2/MMPI-2-RF Restructured Clinical Scales in an Israeli Sample
Authors: Shkalim Eleanor
Published: October 2014

The current study cross-culturally evaluated the psychometric properties of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI-2)/MMPI-2–Restructured Form Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales in psychiatric settings in Israel with a sample of 100 men and 133 women. Participants were administered the MMPI-2 and were rated by their therapists on a 188-item Patient Description Form. Results indicated that in most instances the RC Scales demonstrated equivalent or better internal consistencies and improved intercorrelation patterns relative to their clinical counterparts. Furthermore, external analyses revealed comparable or improved convergent validity (with the exceptions of Antisocial Behavior [RC4] and Ideas of Persecution [RC6] among men), and mostly greater discriminant validity. Overall, the findings indicate that consistent with previous findings, the RC Scales generally exhibit comparable to improved psychometric properties over the Clinical Scales. Implications of the results, limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Evaluation of Thrombin Generation Assay in Patients With Hemophilia
Authors: Haghpanah Sezaneh , Bazrafshan Asghar , Silavizadeh Samir , Dehghani Javad , Afrasiabi Abdolreza , Karimi Mehran
Published: October 2014

We evaluated the correlation between thrombin generation (TG) parameters with bleeding symptoms and disease severity in patients with hemophilia. In this cross-sectional study, 59 patients with hemophilia without inhibitors and regardless of their severity were randomly selected from southern Iran and TG assays were conducted. Bleeding score (BS) was calculated by performing a clinical evaluation using Tosetto questionnaire. Only lag time showed a statistically significant correlation with BS ( rs = .316, P = .016). All TG parameters except peak showed association with disease severity ( P < .05). Endogenous thrombin potential showed a significant correlation with factor activity level ( rs = .459, P < .001). Both lag time and start tail showed significant negative correlations with factor activity level ( rs = −0.488, P < .001 and rs= − .289, P < .026, respectively). Although most of the TG parameters evaluated were not significantly correlated with the BS of patients with hemophilia, the majority of TG parameters were significantly associated with factor activity level and disease severity.
Numerical analysis and experimental study on the microvibration of an aerostatic thrust bearing with a pocketed orifice-type restrictor
Authors: Li Yuntang , Zhao Jingyi , Zhu Hongxia , Lin Yingxiao
Published: October 2014

Large eddy simulation was used to analyze the time-variation flow field in order to study the microvibration of an aerostatic thrust bearing with a pocketed orifice-type restrictor. It was found that the vortex shedding caused air pressure fluctuation, which was directly related to the occurrence of the vibration of the bearing. Furthermore, the influence of bearing parameters on the vibration was studied through numerical analysis and experiments. The results indicated that large eddy simulation could predict the vibration by calculating the air pressure fluctuation inside the bearing. Moreover, the vibration could be reduced if the bearing was featured with a small orifice diameter, a large bearing diameter, a shallow air chamber or a low supply pressure.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion gene polymorphism and lung cancer risk: A meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Nan , Yang DaFu , Ji Bin , Li JianYou
Published: October 2014

Objective:

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D polymorphism has been reported to be associated with lung cancer, but the results of previous studies are conflicting. The present study was designed to investigate the association between this polymorphism and the risk of lung cancer using a meta-analysis of the published studies.

Methods:

Two investigators independently searched the PubMed, Embase and CNKI databases. This meta-analysis covered six case-control studies, including 807 lung cancer patients and 816 healthy controls.

Results:

The results of this meta-analysis based on all the studies showed no significant association between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and lung cancer risk (DD vs II: OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 0.68–2.04; DI vs II: OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.56–1.53; DD+DI vs II: OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.68–1.50; DD vs II+DD: OR =1.11, 95% CI = 0.73–1.71). In the subgroup analysis by race and the larger studies ( n > 200 participants), no significant associations between the ACE I/D polymorphism and risk of lung cancer were indicated. However, when the analyses were restricted to small studies ( n ≤ 200 participants), a significantly higher risk was observed (DD vs II: OR = 2.57, 95% CI = 1.24–5.30).

Conclusions:

This meta-analysis suggests that the ACE gene I/D polymorphism may not be associated with the risk of lung cancer, and the observed increase in the risk of lung cancer may be due to small-study bias.
Improving the Implementation of Diabetes Self-Management
Authors: Lewis Megan A. , Williams Pam A. , Fitzgerald Tania M. , Heminger Christina L. , Hobbs Connie L. , Moultrie Rebecca R. , Taylor Olivia M. , Holt Sidney , Karns Shawn A. , Burton Joseph A. , Kamerow Douglas B.
Published: October 2014

To enhance the health and well-being of patients managing type 2 diabetes, the five grantees comprising the Alliance to Reduce Disparities in Diabetes implemented evidence-based approaches to patient self-management education as part of their programs. This article describes strategies implemented by the grantees that may help explain program success, defined as improvement in clinical values and patient-reported outcomes. A process evaluation of grantee programs included interviews and document review at the beginning, midpoint, and end of the Alliance initiative. A total of 97 interviews were conducted over time with 65 program representatives. The Alliance programs served 2,328 people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and provided 36,826 diabetes self-management sessions across the intervention sites. Framework analysis of the interviews identified four key themes that emerged across time and program sites that may help account for program success: empowerment, increasing access and support, addressing local needs and barriers, and care coordination. The overall evaluation findings may help other diabetes self-management programs seeking to translate and implement evidence-based approaches to reduce disparities and enhance patient well-being.
From Discussion Forum to Discursive Studio
Authors: Marone Vittorio
Published: October 2014

In recent years, playful design environments and digital games have been offering increasingly accessible programming tools and integrated editors, significantly expanding opportunities for the creation and sharing of user-generated content. These practices have engendered the diffusion of participatory online environments in which users present, discuss, and critique their creations. This study analyzes one of these design-driven environments dedicated to game levels created with the popular series LittleBigPlanet. Findings suggest that participants interact guided by their desire to become skilled designers and be recognized as such by their peers. To do so, they enact situated discursive functions that entail a pervasive use of specialist language, the formation of shared design references, and the valorization of new forms of originality based on remixing and intertextuality. By engaging in multimodal practices in a competent community of peer designers, participants create a safe “discursive studio” that offers a multiplicity of trajectories for learning and creativity.
Seronegative arthritis
Authors: Kadwani Hina , Mahmud Mohammad
Published: October 2014

The inflammatory arthritides are often divided into those that are ‘seropositive’ and those that are ‘seronegative’. The former test positive with blood tests that look for two proteins: rheumatoid factor; and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody. However, although seropositivity is part of the diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), seronegativity does not exclude the diagnosis, but rather suggests a more benign disease. The term ‘seronegative arthritis’ has evolved from a term used to describe variants of RA, to the present understanding of a spectrum of ‘seronegative spondyloarthritides’ (defined as inflammation within the axial skeleton and vertebral column). These are a closely linked group of conditions with common serological, genetic, clinical and radiological features. These include: ankylosing spondylitis; juvenile ankylosing spondylitis; psoriatic arthritis; reactive arthritis; enteropathic arthritis; undifferentiated spondyloarthritis; and seronegative enthesopathic arthritis syndrome. This article will outline the diagnosis and management of seronegative arthritis.
Pilot validation of objective malnutrition—inflammation scores in pediatric and adolescent cohort on chronic maintenance dialysis
Authors: Iorember Franca M , Bamgbola Oluwatoyin F
Published: October 2014

Background:

In recognition of the challenges inherent with the use of single-item indices for the diagnosis of malnutrition–inflammation morbidity in pediatric dialysis patients, to enhance accuracy, we validated a composite scoring system in a pilot study. The objective malnutrition—inflammation score seeks to validate the use of a composite scoring system as a tool for assessing malnutrition—inflammation burden in a pediatric dialysis population.

Methods:

We enrolled 20 patients on hemodialysis (n = 14) and peritoneal dialysis (n = 6) over a period of 12 months. We derived composite scores from selected indices of renal pathology, nutrition, dialysis adequacy, protein catabolism, and dialysis modality. We assessed reliability by a test–retest method and measured validity by defining the relationship of the indices with serum C-reactive protein in a multiple regression analysis. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and precision for the malnutrition—inflammation score.

Results:

The mean age was 12.8 years (standard deviation = 6.1), and male–female ratio was 12:8. Patients (n = 8) with elevated serum C-reactive protein (>0.3 mg/dL) had higher composite score for malnutrition—inflammation morbidity. Similarly, the pediatric cohort on hemodialysis had higher score than those on peritoneal dialysis. Upon reliability testing, a low value of typical error (0.07) and high correlation coefficient (r = 0.95) supported validity of the instrument. Moreover, multiple regression analysis showed a strong predictive relationship (R2 = 0.9, p = 0.03) between the indices and serum C-reactive protein. Sensitivity of malnutrition—inflammation score was 62.5%, specificity was 83%, accuracy was 75%, and precision was 71%.

Conclusion:

Using criterion-validation method, we established the potential use of multi-diagnostic approach to quantify malnutrition—inflammation morbidity in a pediatric dialysis cohort. Given the small sample size, large-scale population-specific studies are needed to ratify these findings and to demonstrate its clinical effectiveness.
Cyst of Canal of Nuck
Authors: Bagley Jennifer E. , Davis Mackenzie B.
Published: October 2014

A cyst of the canal of Nuck is a rare condition that occurs when the processus vaginalis fails to obliterate during embryologic development. When a nonreducible groin mass is seen in women and girls, a cyst of the canal of Nuck should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Sonography has shown to be accurate and reliable at diagnosing these cysts and should be the primary imaging modality used to image groin masses.
Fixed point theory in partial metric spaces via φ-fixed point’s concept in metric spaces
Authors: Jleli Mohamed , Samet Bessem , Vetro Calogero
Published: October 2014

Let X be a non-empty set. We say that an element

x
∈
X

is a φ-fixed point of T, where

φ
:
X
→
[
0
,
∞
)

and

T
:
X
→
X

, if x is a fixed point of T and

φ
(
x
)
=
0

. In this paper, we establish some existence results of φ-fixed points for various classes of operators in the case, where X is endowed with a metric d. The obtained results are used to deduce some fixed point theorems in the case where X is endowed with a partial metric p.

MSC:54H25, 47H10.
Split equality problem and multiple-sets split equality problem for quasi-nonexpansive multi-valued mappings
Authors: Wu Yujing , Chen Rudong , Shi Luo Yi
Published: October 2014

The multiple-sets split equality problem (MSSEP) requires finding a point

x
∈

⋂

i
=
1

N

C
i

,

y
∈

⋂

j
=
1

M

Q
j

, such that

A
x
=
B
y

, where N and M are positive integers,

{

C
1

,

C
2

,
…
,

C
N

}

and

{

Q
1

,

Q
2

,
…
,

Q
M

}

are closed convex subsets of Hilbert spaces

H
1

,

H
2

, respectively, and

A
:

H
1

→

H
3

,

B
:

H
2

→

H
3

are two bounded linear operators. When

N
=
M
=
1

, the MSSEP is called the split equality problem (SEP). If let

B
=
I

, then the MSSEP and SEP reduce to the well-known multiple-sets split feasibility problem (MSSFP) and split feasibility problem (SFP), respectively. Recently, some authors proposed many algorithms to solve the SEP and MSSEP. However, to implement these algorithms, one has to find the projection on the closed convex sets, which is not possible except in simple cases. One of the purposes of this paper is to study the SEP and MSSEP for a family of quasi-nonexpansive multi-valued mappings in the framework of infinite-dimensional Hilbert spaces, and propose an algorithm to solve the SEP and MSSEP without the need to compute the projection on the closed convex sets.
Approaches for establishing the function of regulatory genetic variants involved in disease
Authors: Knight Julian Charles
Published: October 2014

The diversity of regulatory genetic variants and their mechanisms of action reflect the complexity and context-specificity of gene regulation. Regulatory variants are important in human disease and defining such variants and establishing mechanism is crucial to the interpretation of disease-association studies. This review describes approaches for identifying and functionally characterizing regulatory variants, illustrated using examples from common diseases. Insights from recent advances in resolving the functional epigenomic regulatory landscape in which variants act are highlighted, showing how this has enabled functional annotation of variants and the generation of hypotheses about mechanism of action. The utility of quantitative trait mapping at the transcript, protein and metabolite level to define association of specific genes with particular variants and further inform disease associations are reviewed. Establishing mechanism of action is an essential step in resolving functional regulatory variants, and this review describes how this is being facilitated by new methods for analyzing allele-specific expression, mapping chromatin interactions and advances in genome editing. Finally, integrative approaches are discussed together with examples highlighting how defining the mechanism of action of regulatory variants and identifying specific modulated genes can maximize the translational utility of genome-wide association studies to understand the pathogenesis of diseases and discover new drug targets or opportunities to repurpose existing drugs to treat them.
Evaluating the relationship between amyloid-β and α-synuclein phosphorylated at Ser129 in dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Swirski Marta , Miners J Scott , de Silva Rohan , Lashley Tammaryn , Ling Helen , Holton Janice , Revesz Tamas , Love Seth
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Lewy body and Alzheimer-type pathologies often co-exist. Several studies suggest a synergistic relationship between amyloid-β (Aβ) and α-synuclein (α-syn) accumulation. We have explored the relationship between Aβ accumulation and the phosphorylation of α-syn at serine-129 (pSer129 α-syn), in post-mortem human brain tissue and in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells transfected to overexpress human α-syn.

Methods

We measured levels of Aβ40, Aβ42, α-syn and pSer129 α-syn by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, in soluble and insoluble fractions of midfrontal, cingulate and parahippocampal cortex and thalamus, from cases of Parkinson’s disease (PD) with (PDD; n = 12) and without dementia (PDND; n = 23), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB; n = 10) and age-matched controls (n = 17). We also examined the relationship of these measurements to cognitive decline, as measured by time-to-dementia and the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score in the PD patients, and to Braak tangle stage.

Results

In most brain regions, the concentration of insoluble pSer129 α-syn correlated positively, and soluble pSer129 α-syn negatively, with the levels of soluble and insoluble Aβ. Insoluble pSer129 α-syn also correlated positively with Braak stage. In most regions, the levels of insoluble and soluble Aβ and the proportion of insoluble α-syn that was phosphorylated at Ser129 were significantly higher in the PD and DLB groups than the controls, and higher in the PDD and DLB groups than the PDND brains. In PD, the MMSE score correlated negatively with the level of insoluble pSer129 α-syn. Exposure of SH-SY5Y cells to aggregated Aβ42 significantly increased the proportion of α-syn that was phosphorylated at Ser129 (aggregated Aβ40 exposure had a smaller, non-significant effect).

Conclusions

Together, these data show that the concentration of pSer129 α-syn in brain tissue homogenates is directly related to the level of Aβ and Braak tangle stage, and predicts cognitive status in Lewy body diseases.
Polymer-mediated Dual Mineralization of a Plant Virus: A Platinum Nanowire Encapsulated by Iron Oxide
Authors: Shah Shama S , Shah Sachin N , Heddle Jonathan G
Published: October 2014

We report a facile wet chemical method for the “wire-in-tube” dual mineralization of tomato mosaic virus. The biomineralization process is effectively mediated by poly(vinylpyrrolidone), the first time this has been shown for a tobamovirus. The interior 4 nm cavity of the virus is mineralized with Pt to form a ca. 3.5 nm diameter nanowire, and the outer capsid of the protein is mineralized with iron oxide to form a ca. 50 nm diameter encasing tube. The resulting dual-mineralized nanocomposite was characterized by a range of analysis techniques.
MATHEMATICAL MODEL ADAPTIVE CONTROL NOW
Authors: Лапшин  , Lapshin D.
Published: October 2014

The article explains the possibility of constructing a model of adaptive management of the enterprise , in order to optimize outcomes
IDENTIFICATION OF CONSTANTLY OPERATING MATHEMATICAL MODELS FOR QUALITY CONTROL OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE
Authors: Стародубцев  , Starodubtsev V. , Фарафонов  , Farafonov A.
Published: October 2014

Based on the theory of self-organization has developed an original method for identification of target functions students’ knowledge quality (SKQ) in the face of influencing factors uncertainty. The proposed system of external criteria for the models selection and control parameters allows to use the model for the effective management of the SKQ
VLSI Design Methodology based on low-level ionizing radiation
Authors: Скляр  , Sklyar V.
Published: October 2014

The technique of VLSI design, taking into account low-level ionizing radiation
Some plant extracts retarde nitrification in soil
Authors: AL-ANSARI Abdul–Mehdi S. , ABDULKAREEM Mohammed A.
Published: October 2014

An incubation experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of aqueous extracts of 17 plant materials on nitrification inhibition of urea- N in soil as compared with chemical inhibitor Dicyandiamide (DCD). Plant materials used in study were collected from different areas of Basrah province, south of Iraq. Aqueous extracts were prepared at ratio of 1:10 (plant material: water) and added at conc. of 0.05, 0.10 and 0.20 ml g– 1 soil to loamy sand soil. DCD was added to soil at rate of 50 µg g-1 soil . Soil received urea at rate of 1000 µg N g-1 soil. Treated soils were incubated at 30 OC for 40 days. Results showed that application of all plant extracts, except those of casuarina, date palm and eucalyptus to soil retarded nitrification in soil. Caper, Sowthistle ,bladygrass and pomegranate extracts showed highest inhibition percentage (51, 42, 40 and 40 %, respectively) and were found to be more effective than DCD (33 %). Highest inhibition was achieved by using those extracts at conc. of 0.1 ml g-1 soil after 10 days of incubation . Data also revealed that treated soil with these plant extracts significantly increased amount of NH4+–N and decreased amount of NO3-–N accumulation in soil compared with DCD and control treatments. Results of the study suggested a possibility of using aqueous extracts of some studied plants as potent nitrification inhibitor in soil.
Physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of jellies made from seven grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) varieties
Authors: FERNANDES Luana , RODRIGUES Nuno , PEREIRA José Alberto , RAMALHOSA Elsa
Published: October 2014

Jellies of seven grapevine varieties were physico-chemical and sensorial characterized for the first time. Jellies differed significantly in moisture and ash contents, colour, pH, acidity and antioxidant activities. ‘Tinta Carvalha’ was the darkest and redness jelly, showing the highest antioxidant activity. Regarding sensory characteristics, no significant differences in the appearance, taste, sweetness, acidity and global assessment were observed among jellies. Nevertheless, these attributes were positively evaluated. In conclusion, the production of different jellies will allow the valorisation of grapevine varieties with less potential for wine production, helping to preserve biodiversity, and be an economic alternative to grape producers who may elaborate an enjoyable product with interesting bioactivity.
The content of minerals in Slovenian organic and conventional produced fruits, herbs and vegetables
Authors: KNAP Manca , NEČEMER Marijan , KUMP Peter , POTOČNIK Klemen , VIDRIH Rajko
Published: October 2014

The present study aims to compare mineral composition of fruits, herbs and vegetables grown conventionally and according to organic practice. Fruits, herbs and vegetables have been identified as leading dietary source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. These compounds are very variable in the composition and in the concentration among cultivars and species. Determination of calcium (Ca), potassium (K), phosphorus (P) sulphur (S) and chlorine (Cl) was performed with Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF). We found that among organic crops basil, parsley, pears, peppers, rockets and celery had higher calcium contents in comparison to conventional ones. Organically produced broccoli, eggplant, parsley, rocket and celery had higher potassium contents as well as pepper, rockets, celery, beetroots and tomatoes had higher phosphorus contents. Likewise, higher sulphur content was found in organically produced parsley, rocket, celery and raspberries. Results of this study demonstrated that in general there are no rules in the content of minerals between different farming systems.
Thyroglobulin measurement by highly sensitive assays: focus on laboratory challenges
Authors: Giovanella Luca , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla , Verburg Frederik A. , Grebe Stephan K. , Plebani Mario , Clark Penelope M.
Published: October 2014

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is the most common endocrine cancer and its incidence has increased in recent decades. The initial treatment consists of total thyroidectomy followed by ablation of thyroid remnants by radioiodine in most cases. As thyroid cells are the only source of thyroglobulin (Tg), circulating Tg serves as a biochemical marker of persistent or recurrent disease in the follow-up of DTC. Due to the suboptimal clinical detection rate of older Tg assays endogenous or exogenous thyrotropin (TSH) stimulations are recommended for unmasking occult disease. However, the development of new Tg assays with improved analytical sensitivity and precision at low concentrations now allows detection of very low Tg concentrations, reflecting minimal amounts of thyroid tissue, even without the need for TSH stimulation. Even if the use of these assays still has not found its way in current clinical guidelines, such assays are now increasingly used in clinical practice. As serum Tg measurement is a technically challenging assay and criteria to define a ‘highly sensitive’ assay may be different, a good knowledge of the technical difficulties and interpretation criteria is of paramount importance for both clinical thyroidologists, laboratory physicians and scientists involved in the care of DTC patients.
Influence of Citric Acid Pretreatment on Drying of Peach Slices
Authors: Doymaz İbrahim , Bilici Betül
Published: October 2014

The effect of citric acid pretreatment on the drying characteristics of peach slices was investigated in a cabinet dryer. The experiments were conducted on peach slices with a thickness of 5 mm at temperatures of 45, 55, 65 and 75°C with an air velocity of 2.0 m/s. The drying time of peach slices pretreated with citric acid solution was shorter than the control ones. The drying data were fitted to five thin-layer drying models. The results show that the Midilli et al. model was the most appropriate model for drying of peach slices. The values of effective moisture diffusivity were found to range between 1.94 × 10−10 and 8.49 × 10−10 m2/s over the temperature range studied. The values of activation energy were calculated as 36.82 and 37.12 kJ/mol for control and pretreated samples, respectively. Superior rehydration was noticed for citric acid pretreated slices dried at 65°C.
Shedding of glycan‐modifying enzymes by signal peptide peptidase‐like 3 (SPPL3) regulates cellular N‐glycosylation
Authors: Voss Matthias , Künzel Ulrike , Higel Fabian , Kuhn Peer‐Hendrik , Colombo Alessio , Fukumori Akio , Haug‐Kröper Martina , Klier Bärbel , Grammer Gudula , Seidl Andreas , Schröder Bernd , Obst Reinhard , Steiner Harald , Lichtenthaler Stefan F , Haass Christian , Fluhrer Regina
Published: October 2014

Protein N‐glycosylation is involved in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes such as autoimmunity, tumour progression and metastasis. Signal peptide peptidase‐like 3 (SPPL3) is an intramembrane‐cleaving aspartyl protease of the GxGD type. Its physiological function, however, has remained enigmatic, since presently no physiological substrates have been identified. We demonstrate that SPPL3 alters the pattern of cellular N‐glycosylation by triggering the proteolytic release of active site‐containing ectodomains of glycosidases and glycosyltransferases such as N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase V, β‐1,3 N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase 1 and β‐1,4 galactosyltransferase 1. Cleavage of these enzymes leads to a reduction in their cellular activity. In line with that, reduced expression of SPPL3 results in a hyperglycosylation phenotype, whereas elevated SPPL3 expression causes hypoglycosylation. Thus, SPPL3 plays a central role in an evolutionary highly conserved post‐translational process in eukaryotes.
Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping of Melanization in the Plant Pathogenic FungusZymoseptoria tritici
Authors: Lendenmann Mark H , Croll Daniel , Stewart Ethan L , McDonald Bruce A
Published: October 2014

Melanin plays an important role in virulence and antimicrobial resistance in several fungal pathogens. The wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici is important worldwide, but little is known about the genetic architecture of pathogenicity, including the production of melanin. Because melanin production can exhibit complex inheritance, we used quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in two crosses to identify the underlying genes. Restriction site−associated DNA sequencing was used to genotype 263 (cross 1) and 261 (cross 2) progeny at ~8500 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and construct two dense linkage maps. We measured gray values, representing degrees of melanization, for single-spore colonies growing on Petri dishes by using a novel image-processing approach that enabled high-throughput phenotyping. Because melanin production can be affected by stress, each offspring was grown in two stressful environments and one control environment. We detected six significant QTL in cross 1 and nine in cross 2, with three QTL shared between the crosses. Different QTL were identified in different environments and at different colony ages. By obtaining complete genome sequences for the four parents and analyzing sequence variation in the QTL confidence intervals, we identified 16 candidate genes likely to affect melanization. One of these candidates was PKS1, a polyketide synthase gene known to play a role in the synthesis of dihydroxynaphthalene melanin. Three candidate quantitative trait nucleotides were identified in PKS1. Many of the other candidate genes were not previously associated with melanization.
From S-explicitation to T-explicitation? Tracing the development of the explicitation concept
Authors: Krüger Ralph
Published: October 2014

This paper sets out to investigate the coexistence of two different versions of explicitation in translation studies, which, with reference to Chesterman’s distinction between S-universals and T-universals, are called S-explicitation and T-explicitation in the first part of this article. Following a brief survey of the major strands in explicitation research, the specific characteristics of S-explicitation and T-explicitation are discussed. By tracing the development of the explicitation concept from its origins in Vinay and Darbelnet’s comparative stylistics to its widespread application in corpus-based translation studies, the circumstances leading to the emergence of T-explicitation are identified and it is shown that T-explicitation has developed in the wake of the more general paradigm shift from source-text orientation to target-text orientation. Looking at the issue from the conceptual side, several arguments for a profound conceptual difference between S-explicitation and T-explicitation are then laid out. The terminological implications of subsuming the two concepts under a common designation are discussed and it is argued that, after all, T-explicitation is not a form of explicitation proper but rather a form of comparative explicitness, since it lacks the necessary criterion of translational intertextuality and thus falls outside the cognitive reality and the translational action of the translator.
The EULA’s labyrinth: Mapping the process
Authors: Orozco-Jutoran Mariana
Published: October 2014

After close observation of the general practices of translating End-User License Agreements (EULAs) from English into Spanish, it was found that there were inconsistencies in the way in which translation companies dealt with the problem of the legal terms and principles found in this type of document. Some companies accounted for the difference between the legal requirements of the source text and the target text whilst others did not. This finding flagged up the need to analyse how EULAs were being translated, and to determine how research into the translation process could contribute to improving the way in which professional translators approached the translation of these documents. The aim of the LAW10n project was first to analyze all relevant aspects of the translation of software license agreements from English into Spanish and, secondly, to improve the quality of these translations by ensuring that the differences in the legal requirements of source and target texts are taken into account during the translation process, thereby best satisfying the communicative goal. The methodology used in the project was based on direct observation and interviews with translators and companies involved in translating EULAs using a validated questionnaire. Analysis of the data obtained provided a general description of the process of translation used and evidenced its shortcomings. As a result, proposals have been made for the improvement of the process of translating EULAs, including the creation of a web-based tool with translation resources. Future research contemplates expanding the data-gathering process and proposals for improvements in the translation of these documents in other languages and cultures.
The translator as expert — a realistic or an idealistic model? How recent empirical findings fit into existing models of translation
Authors: Dam Helle , Zethsen Karen
Published: October 2014

By means of four independent questionnaire-based studies we have studied the status of Danish company, agency, freelance and EU translators. A general picture has emerged from our empirical data: translators see themselves as having relatively low status, they consider themselves to be experts, but they do not feel recognized as such. Inspired by Abdallah and Koskinen’s (2007) network-based production model of translation (based on Barabási’s 2002 network model) we investigate and discuss how this picture, emerging from our empirical studies, fits in with the current theoretical models of translation and the translator. To this end we have also turned to Bourdieu’s conceptual framework to reach an understanding of the gap between the translators’ self-image as experts and their lack of recognition and their low status. Drawing on Abdallah and Koskinen (2007) we have analyzed the field of translation, its capitals and its habitus. Our data provide empirical support for Abdallah and Koskinen’s network production model of translation and through our Bourdieusian analyses we have reached a deeper understanding especially of the symbolic capital which equals power and influence within the narrow field of translation practice, the wider field of the translation business and the superordinate field of business, respectively. This understanding helps us to explain the gap between translators’ self-image as experts and their relatively low status and what may come to constitute a breakdown in illusio if the current trends of translation production continue.
Frailty Is an Independent Predictor of Survival in Older Patients With Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ommundsen Nina , Wyller Torgeir B. , Nesbakken Arild , Jordhøy Marit S. , Bakka Arne , Skovlund Eva , Rostoft Siri
Published: October 2014

Background.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is prevalent in the older population. Geriatric assessment (GA) has previously been found to predict treatment tolerance and postoperative complications in older cancer patients. The aim of this study was to explore whether GA also predicts 1-year and 5-year survival after CRC surgery in older patients and to compare the predictive power of GA with that of established prognostic factors such as TNM classification of malignant tumors (TNM) stage and age.

Materials and Methods.

A cohort of 178 CRC patients aged 70 and older were followed prospectively. All patients went through elective surgery, and GA was performed presurgery. The GA resulted in patients being divided into two groups: frail or nonfrail. All patients were followed for 5 years or until death. Data were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier plots and the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results.

Seventy-six patients (43%) were frail, and one hundred and two (57%) were nonfrail. Twenty-three patients (13%) died during the first year after surgery. One-year survival was 80% in the frail group and 92% in the nonfrail group. Five-year survival was significantly lower in frail (24%) than nonfrail patients (66%), and this difference was apparent both within the stratums of TNM stages 0–II and TNM stage III. In multivariable analysis adjusting for TNM stage, age, and sex, frailty was an independent prognostic factor for survival.

Conclusion.

A GA-based frailty assessment predicts 1-year and 5-year survival in older patients after surgery for CRC. In localized and regional disease, the impact of frailty upon 5-year survival is comparable with that of TNM stage.
Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Genetics of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2B in a Complete Population
Authors: Znaczko Anna , Donnelly Deirdre E. , Morrison Patrick J.
Published: October 2014

This paper reports the first published prevalence of Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN 2B). Estimates of the epidemiology of MEN 2B were based on a single population with one centralized genetic clinic. MEN 2B remains a relatively rare condition and can be easily missed if the diagnosis has not been considered.
A Phase II Trial Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Efavirenz in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Houédé Nadine , Pulido Marina , Mourey Loic , Joly Florence , Ferrero Jean-Marc , Bellera Carine , Priou Frank , Lalet Caroline , Laroche-Clary Audrey , Raffin Mireille Canal , Ichas François , Puech Alain , Piazza Pierre Vincenzo
Published: October 2014

Background.

Preclinical studies demonstrated that non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors used for the treatment of HIV could antagonize tumor development. This led us to assess the efficacy of efavirenz in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in a multicenter phase II study.

Methods.

We used a Simon two-stage design and a 3-month prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nonprogression rate of 40% as a primary objective. Patients received 600 mg efavirenz daily with the possibility of a dose increase in case of PSA progression. Exploratory analyses included pharmacokinetics of efavirenz plasma concentrations and correlations with clinical outcomes.

Results.

Among 53 assessable patients, we observed 15 instances of PSA nonprogression at 3 months, corresponding to a nonprogression rate of 28.3% (95% confidence interval: 16.8%–42.3%). The exploratory analysis revealed that for the 7 patients in whom optimal plasma concentration of efavirenz was achieved, PSA progression was observed in only 28.6% compared with 81.8% of patients with suboptimal plasma concentrations of efavirenz.

Conclusion.

Although 600 mg efavirenz did not statistically improve the PSA nonprogression rate, our exploratory analysis suggests that higher plasma concentrations of this drug (i.e., use of increased dosages) may be of potential benefit for the treatment of mCRPC.
Fekete type points for ridge function interpolation and hyperbolic potential theory
Authors: Bos Len , de Marchi , Levenberg Norm
Published: October 2014

We apply hyperbolic potential theory to the study of the asymptotics of
Fekete type points for univariate ridge function interpolation
The Coburn-Simonenko theorem for some classes of Wiener-Hopf plus Hankel operators
Authors: Didenko Victor , Silbermann Bernd
Published: October 2014

Wiener-Hopf plus Hankel operators W(a)+ H(b) : Lp(R+) ? Lp(R+) with
generating functions a and b from a subalgebra of L?(R) containing almost
periodic functions and Fourier images of L1(R)-functions are studied. For a
and b satisfying the so-called matching condition a(t)a(?t) = b(t)b(?t), t ?
R, we single out some classes of operators W(a)+ H(b) which are subject to
the Coburn-Simonenko theorem.
New moduli of smoothness
Authors: Kopotun K.A. , Leviatan D. , Shevchuk I.A.
Published: October 2014

We discuss various properties of the new modulus of smoothness ?? k,r (f(r),
t)p := sup 0<h?t ?Wr kh(?)?k h?(?)(f(r), ?)? Lp[?1,1], where ?(x):= ?1?x2
and W?(x) = (1-x)-??(x)/2)(1+x???(x)/2))1/2. Related moduli with more
general weights are also considered.