bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma – mini review
Authors: Bharthuar Anubha , Pandey Himanshu , Sood Swapan
Published: May 2015

The management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has evolved considerably in the last decade. A number of different systemic molecular targeted agents that have been recently approved have improved the survival of patients with mRCC. This mini-review focuses on the implementation of multi-modality therapy in the management of mRCC and the approved indications of the various available novel agents. These novel agents have expanded our armamentarium and improved clinical outcomes of this challenging disease that has considerable biological heterogeneity and clinical variability.
An Agency Problem in the MBS Market and the Solicited Refinancing Channel of Large-scale Asset Purchases
Authors: Kandrac John , Schlusche Bernd
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we document that mortgage-backed securities (MBS) held by the Federal Reserve exhibit faster principal prepayment rates than MBS held by the rest of the market. Next, we show that this stylized fact persists even when controlling for factors that affect prepayment behavior, and thus determine the MBS that are delivered to the Federal Reserve. After ruling out several potential explanations for this result, we provide evidence that points to an agency problem in the secondary market for MBS, which has not previously been documented, as the most likely explanation for the abnormal prepayment behavior of Federal Reserve-held MBS. This agency problem - a key feature of the MBS market - arises when originators of mortgages that underlie the MBS no longer share in the prepayment risk of the securities, thereby increasing incentives to solicit refinancing activity. Therefore, Federal Reserve MBS holdings acquired from originators as a result of large-scale asset purchases can help stimulate economic activity through a so-called \solicited refinancing channel.&quot; Finally, we provide an estimate of the additional refinancing activity resulting from the solicited refinancing channel in the years after the Federal Reserve&#x27;s first MBS purchase program, demonstrating that this channel conveyed savings on monthly mortgage payments to homeowners.
Application of a panel of 14 D-loop mtDNA SNPs for the screening of highly degraded specimens in missing persons cases.
Authors: Gustavo Chemale
Published: May 2015

We have developed an assay containing a panel of 14 highly discriminatory control region mtDNA SNPs to be typed using SNaPShotTM (Applied Biosystems) [1] for the screening of highly decomposed human remains in the forensic casework when mtDNA analysis is needed. The main goal of the assay is to apply a less labor intensive and less expensive screening method for mtDNA analysis, in order to aid in the exclusion of non-matching samples and as a presumptive test prior to final confirmatory DNA sequencing. The assay was validated by typing more than a hundred HVS-1/HVS-2 sequenced samples. No differences were observed between the SNP typing and DNA sequencing when results were compared, with the exception of null alleles observed in a few haplotypes. Haplotype diversity for a Brazilian population using 160 mtDNA sequences was 0.9794. In order to validate the assay, it was applied to identify maternal relationships in ten missing person cases. Bone samples from unidentified skeletal remains present in mortuaries were cleaned and ground in a cryogenic mill. DNA was extracted using the DNA IQ® (Promega) and PrepfilerTM Automated Forensic Extraction kit in the Automate ExpressTM Forensic DNA Extraction System (Applied Biosystems). Buccal swab samples from putative family members of the missing persons were extracted with Chelex® (Bio-Rad). mtDNA HVS-1 and HVS-2 segments were amplified in a single duplex PCR and SNPs were typed in a single multiplex SNaPShot reaction. When SNP profiles were compared, matches were only observed between the remains and their respective maternal relatives. One of the remains didn?t match any of the references. We did not get results from one of the bone samples. All results were further confirmed by autosomal STR analysis. Our results suggest that the method is straightforward and can be used for exclusionary purposes in the screening of casework samples, missing persons and mass disaster identifications, saving time and laboratory resources when mtDNA analysis is necessary.
Cerebral Perfusion Pressure and Intracranial Pressure in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Mitchell Pamela H. , Kirkness Catherine , Blissitt Patricia A.
Published: May 2015

Nearly 300,000 children and adults are hospitalized annually with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and monitored for many vital signs, including intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). Nurses use these monitored values to infer the risk of secondary brain injury. The purpose of this chapter is to review nursing research on the monitoring of ICP and CPP in TBI. In this context, nursing research is defined as the research conducted by nurse investigators or research about the variables ICP and CPP that pertains to the nursing care of the TBI patient, adult or child. A modified systematic review of the literature indicated that, except for sharp head rotation and prone positioning, there are no body positions or nursing activities that uniformly or nearly uniformly result in clinically relevant ICP increase or decrease. In the smaller number of studies in which CPP is also measured, there are few changes in CPP since arterial blood pressure generally increases along with ICP. Considerable individual variation occurs in controlled studies, suggesting that clinicians need to pay close attention to the cerebrodynamic responses of each patient to any care maneuver. We recommend that future research regarding nursing care and ICP/CPP in TBI patients needs to have a more integrated approach, examining comprehensive care in relation to short- and long-term outcomes and incorporating multimodality monitoring. Intervention trials of care aspects within nursing control, such as the reduction of environmental noise, early mobilization, and reduction of complications of immobility, are all sorely needed.
Genomics, Transcriptomics, and Epigenomics in Traumatic Brain Injury Research
Authors: Puccio Ava M. , Alexander Sheila
Published: May 2015

The long-term effects and significant impact of the full spectrum of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has received increased attention in recent years. Despite increased research efforts, there has been little movement toward improving outcomes for the survivors of TBI. TBI is a heterogeneous condition with a complex biological response, and significant variability in human recovery contributes to the difficulty in identifying therapeutics that improve outcomes. Personalized medicine, identifying the best course of treatment for a given individual based on individual characteristics, has great potential to improve recovery for TBI survivors. The advances in medical genetics and genomics over the past 20 years have increased our understanding of many biological processes. A substantial amount of research has focused on the genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic profiles in many health and disease states, including recovery from TBI. The focus of this review chapter is to describe the current state of the science in genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic research in the TBI population. There have been some advancements toward understanding the genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic processes in humans, but much of this work remains at the preclinical stage. This current evidence does improve our understanding of TBI recovery, but also serves as an excellent platform upon which to build further study toward improved outcomes for this population.
Microsatellite DNA polymorphism in selectively controlled Apis mellifera carnica and Apis mellifera caucasica populations from Poland
Authors: Nikolova Stanimila , Bienkowska Malgorzata , Gerula Dariusz , Ivanova Evgeniya
Published: May 2015

Genetic polymorphism in selectively controlled honeybee populations of A. m.
carnica and A. m. caucasica in Poland, was characterized by microsatellite
DNA analysis. All honeybee samples were analyzed for nine microsatellite
loci: Ac011; A024; A043; A088; Ap226; Ap238; Ap243; Ap249 and Ap256, which
were found to be polymorphic in both populations. The mean number of alleles
per locus was 6.222 for A. m. carnica and 4.556 for A. m. caucasica. Average
observed and expected heterozygosity values were calculated as 0.976 and
0.734 in A. m. carnica and as 0.933 and 0.603 in A. m. caucasica,
respectively. For the nine microsatellite loci, a total of 76 alleles were
found in both populations. Thirty-five private alleles were observed in A. m.
carnica and 20 in A. m. caucasica. Information about allele frequencies, FST
values and genotypic differentiation is given. Nei?s genetic distance between
studied populations of A. m. carnica and A. m. caucasica was calculated as
0.384.
Effect of Ga2O3 addition on the properties of Y2O3-doped AlN ceramics
Authors: Shin H. , Yoon-Ok S. , Kim S. , Bang S.
Published: May 2015

Effect Ga2O3 addition on the densification and properties of Y2O3-doped AlN
ceramics was investigated under the constraint of total sintering additives
(Y2O3 and Ga2O3) of 4.5 wt%. Ga was detected in the AlN grain as well as the
grain boundary phases. YAlO3 and Y4Al2O9 were observed as the secondary
crystalline phases in all of the investigated compositions. As the
substitution of Ga2O3 for Y2O3 increased, the quantity of the Y4Al2O9 phase
decreased while that of YAlO3 was more or less similar. Neither additional
secondary phases was identified, nor was the sinterability inhibited by the
Ga2O3 addition; the linear shrinkage and apparent density were above 20
percent and 3.34-3.37 g/cm3, respectively. However, the optical reflectance
and the elastic modulus generally decreased whereas the Poisson ratio
increased significantly. The dielectric constant and the loss tangent of
4.0Y2O3-0.5Ga2O3-95.5Y2O3 at the resonant frequency of 8.22 GHz were 8.63
and 0.003, respectively.
Reheating of zinc-titanate sintered specimens
Authors: Labus N. , Mentus S. , Rakic S. , Djuric Z.Z. , Vujancevic J. , Nikolic M.V.
Published: May 2015

The scope of this work was observing dimensional and heat transfer changes in
ZnTiO3 samples during heating in nitrogen and air atmosphere. Interactions of
bulk specimens with gaseous surrounding induce microstructure changes during
heating. Sintered ZnTiO3 nanopowder samples were submitted to subsequent
heating. Dilatation curves and thermogravimetric with simultaneous
differential thermal analysis TGA/DTA curves were recorded. Reheating was
performed in air and nitrogen atmospheres. Reheated samples obtained at
different characteristic temperatures in air were analyzed by X-ray
diffraction (XRD). Microstructures obtained by scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) of reheated sintered samples are presented and compared. Reheating in a
different atmosphere induced different microstructures. The goal was
indicating possible causes leading to the microstructure changes.
Interpretation of Frenkel’s theory of sintering considering evolution of activated pores: II. Model and reliability
Authors: Yu C.L. , Gao D.P. , Chai S.M. , Liu Q. , Shi H. , Xie X.L.
Published: May 2015

Frenkel's liquid-phase sintering mechanism has essential influence on the
sintering of materials, however, by which only the initial 10% during
isothermal sintering can be well explained. To overcome this shortage,
Nikolic et al. introduced a mathematical model of shrinkage vs. sintering
time concerning the activated volume evolution. This article compares the
model established by Nikolic et al. with that of the Frenkel's liquid-phase
sintering mechanism. The model is verified reliable via training the height
and diameter data of cordierite glass by Giess et al. and the first-order
partial differential equation. It is verified that the higher the
temperature, the more quickly the value of the first-order partial
differential equation with time and the relative initial effective activated
volume to that in the final equibrium state increases to zero, and the more
reliable the model is.
The Limited Effect of Coincident Orientation on the Choice of Intrinsic Axis
Authors: Li Jing , Su Wei
Published: May 2015

The allocentric system computes and represents general object-to-object spatial relationships to provide a spatial frame of reference other than the egocentric system. The intrinsic frame-of-reference system theory, which suggests people learn the locations of objects based upon an intrinsic axis, is important in research about the allocentric system. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether the effect of coincident orientation on the choice of intrinsic axis was limited. Two groups of participants (24 men, 24 women; M age = 24 yr., SD = 2) encoded different spatial layouts in which the objects shared the coincident orientation of 315° and 225° separately at learning perspective (0°). The response pattern of partial-scene-recognition task following learning reflected different strategies for choosing the intrinsic axis under different conditions. Under the 315° object-orientation condition, the objects' coincident orientation was as important as the symmetric axis in the choice of the intrinsic axis. However, participants were more likely to choose the symmetric axis as the intrinsic axis under the 225° object-orientation condition. The results suggest the effect of coincident orientation on the choice of intrinsic axis is limited.
Effect Of Fabric Layers On Whiteness And Yellowness Indices Of Some Polyester Fabrics Woven With Different Constructional Parameters
Authors: Akgun Mine
Published: May 2015

This paper focuses on the assessment of whiteness indices (WI) changes that occurred in white polyester fabrics according to different fabric layers. Yellowness indices (YI) were also assessed with the WI of fabric samples. White polyester fabrics having different constructional parameters were used, the results showed that WI of polyester fabrics increased up to a certain layer of fabric depending on constructional parameters and compactness of fabric. After a certain layer, WI of fabrics remained almost constant or steeply decreased. YI changed in good relation with whiteness changes. The results showed that the suitable number of fabric layer could be determined for WI measurements according to the compactness and to the structural parameters of the fabric samples. The suitable choice of the fabric layers for whiteness measurement depended on fabric constructional properties and could be made by considering the certain layer number, which could be obtained at the point of the maximum value of whiteness.
Properties Of Viscose Vortex Yarns Depending On Technological Parameters Of Spinning
Authors: Moučková Eva , Mertová Iva , Jirásková Petra , Krupincová Gabriela , Křemenáková Dana
Published: May 2015

This paper analyzes the relationship between technological parameters of spinning of 100% CV Vortex yarns of different counts and its selected geometrical parameters (a lead of helix of wrapping fibre ribbon, yarn diameter) as well as yarn properties. The number of twist of wrapping fibre layer is determined. The effect of the yarn delivery speed, hollow spindle diameter, and the main draft on the hairiness, mass irregularity, tenacity, elongation, resistance to abrasion and bending rigidity of Vortex yarn is observed. The yarn properties are compared with the properties of open-end rotor spun yarns. Slivers of the same spinning lot were used for the production of both kinds of yarn. The results showed that the delivery speed in combination with spindle diameter affects yarn diameter, hairiness and abrasion resistance. Mass irregularity and imperfections of yarn is mainly affected by the main draft of drafting unit. Technological parameters of spinning do not affect the level of bending rigidity of the Vortex yarn. Tested rotor spun yarns had a larger diameter, higher hairiness, lower tenacity and higher elongation, lower mass irregularity and number of imperfections, higher abrasion resistance and lower bending rigidity compared to tested Vortex spun yarns.
Rank of Submodule, Linear Transformations and Linearly Independent Subsets of Z-module
Authors: Nakasho Kazuhisa , Futa Yuichi , Okazaki Hiroyuki , Shidama Yasunari
Published: May 2015

In this article, we formalize some basic facts of Z-module. In the first section, we discuss the rank of submodule of Z-module and its properties. Especially, we formally prove that the rank of any Z-module is equal to or more than that of its submodules, and vice versa, and that there exists a submodule with any given rank that satisfies the above condition. In the next section, we mention basic facts of linear transformations between two Z-modules. In this section, we define homomorphism between two Z-modules and deal with kernel and image of homomorphism. In the last section, we formally prove some basic facts about linearly independent subsets and linear combinations. These formalizations are based on [9](p.191-242), [23](p.117-172) and [2](p.17-35).
Events of Borel Sets, Construction of Borel Sets and Random Variables for Stochastic Finance
Authors: Jaeger Peter
Published: May 2015

We consider special events of Borel sets with the aim to prove, that the set of the irrational numbers is an event of the Borel sets. The set of the natural numbers, the set of the integer numbers and the set of the rational numbers are countable, so we can use the literature [10] (pp. 78-81) as a basis for the similar construction of the proof. Next we prove, that different sets can construct the Borel sets [16] (pp. 9-10). Literature [16] (pp. 9-10) and [11] (pp. 11-12) gives an overview, that there exists some other sets for this construction. Last we define special functions as random variables for stochastic finance in discrete time. The relevant functions are implemented in the article [15], see [9] (p. 4). The aim is to construct events and random variables, which can easily be used with a probability measure. See as an example theorems (10) and (14) in [20]. Then the formalization is more similar to the presentation used in the book [9]. As a background, further literatures is [3] (pp. 9-12), [13] (pp. 17-20), and [8] (pp.32-35).
Some Remarkable Identities Involving Numbers
Authors: Ziobro Rafał
Published: May 2015

The article focuses on simple identities found for binomials, their divisibility, and basic inequalities. A general formula allowing factorization of the sum of like powers is introduced and used to prove elementary theorems for natural numbers.

Formulas for short multiplication are sometimes referred in English or French as remarkable identities. The same formulas could be found in works concerning polynomial factorization, where there exists no single term for various identities. Their usability is not questionable, and they have been successfully utilized since for ages. For example, in his books published in 1731 (p. 385), Edward Hatton [3] wrote: “Note, that the differences of any two like powers of two quantities, will always be divided by the difference of the quantities without any remainer...”.

Despite of its conceptual simplicity, the problem of factorization of sums/differences of two like powers could still be analyzed [7], giving new and possibly interesting results [6].
From the Editors (English)
Authors: Behrensen Maren
Published: May 2015

No abstract available.
Targeted and Non-targeted Killing
Authors: Wolbert Werner
Published: May 2015

After some historical remarks about former examples of Targeted killing the paper asks about the paradigm in which targeted killing could fit: punishment, police action, war of which the latter one seems to be the most promising. In this context, the problem of Immunity of non-combatants and who is to be counted as such becomes relevant.
A Critical Look at Biomedical Journals’ Policies on Animal Research by Use of a Novel Tool: The EXEMPLAR Scale
Authors: Martins Ana , Franco Nuno
Published: May 2015

Animal research is not only regulated by legislation but also by self-regulatory mechanisms within the scientific community, which include biomedical journals’ policies on animal use. For editorial policies to meaningfully impact attitudes and practice, they must not only be put into effect by editors and reviewers, but also be set to high standards. We present a novel tool to classify journals’ policies on animal use—the EXEMPLAR scale—as well as an analysis by this scale of 170 journals publishing studies on animal models of three human diseases: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Type-1 Diabetes and Tuberculosis. Results show a much greater focus of editorial policies on regulatory compliance than on other domains, suggesting a transfer of journals’ responsibilities to scientists, institutions and regulators. Scores were not found to vary with journals’ impact factor, country of origin or antiquity, but were, however, significantly higher for open access journals, which may be a result of their greater exposure and consequent higher public scrutiny.
The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in the Formation of Extracellular Traps (ETs) in Humans
Authors: Stoiber Walter , Obermayer Astrid , Steinbacher Peter , Krautgartner Wolf-Dietrich
Published: May 2015

Extracellular traps (ETs) are reticulate structures of extracellular DNA associated with antimicrobial molecules. Their formation by phagocytes (mainly by neutrophils: NETs) has been identified as an essential element of vertebrate innate immune defense. However, as ETs are also toxic to host cells and potent triggers of autoimmunity, their role between pathogen defense and human pathogenesis is ambiguous, and they contribute to a variety of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. Since the discovery of ET formation (ETosis) a decade ago, evidence has accumulated that most reaction cascades leading to ET release involve ROS. An important new facet was added when it became apparent that ETosis might be directly linked to, or be a variant of, the autophagy cell death pathway. The present review analyzes the evidence to date on the interplay between ROS, autophagy and ETosis, and highlights and discusses several further aspects of the ROS-ET relationship that are incompletely understood. These aspects include the role of NADPH oxidase-derived ROS, the molecular requirements of NADPH oxidase-dependent ETosis, the roles of NADPH oxidase subtypes, extracellular ROS and of ROS from sources other than NADPH oxidase, and the present evidence for ROS-independent ETosis. We conclude that ROS interact with ETosis in a multidimensional manner, with influence on whether ETosis shows beneficial or detrimental effects.
Problematic Game Play: The Diagnostic Value of Playing Motives, Passion, and Playing Time in Men
Authors: Kneer Julia , Rieger Diana
Published: May 2015

Internet gaming disorder is currently listed in the DSM—not in order to diagnose such a disorder but to encourage research to investigate this phenomenon. Even whether it is still questionable if Internet Gaming Disorder exists and can be judged as a form of addiction, problematic game play is already very well researched to cause problems in daily life. Approaches trying to predict problematic tendencies in digital game play have mainly focused on playing time as a diagnostic criterion. However, motives to engage in digital game play and obsessive passion for game play have also been found to predict problematic game play but have not yet been investigated together. The present study aims at (1) analyzing if obsessive passion can be distinguished from problematic game play as separate concepts, and (2) testing motives of game play, passion, and playing time for their predictive values for problematic tendencies. We found (N = 99 males, Age: M = 22.80, SD = 3.81) that obsessive passion can be conceptually separated from problematic game play. In addition, the results suggest that compared to solely playing time immersion as playing motive and obsessive passion have added predictive value for problematic game play. The implications focus on broadening the criteria in order to diagnose problematic playing.
Landform Monitoring and Warning Framework Based on Time Series Modeling of Topographic Databases
Authors: Dalyot Sagi
Published: May 2015

Global Positioning System (GPS) and geodetic control networks are used today for analyzing and monitoring time-dependent crustal deformations, providing a series of accurate positional measurements to deliver information on positional changes and deformations that have occurred. Still, such networks present a low-resolution dispersal of positional measures, and do not take into account various physical constraints that affect the terrain’s seismic behavior. An alternative form of spatio-temporal infrastructure that is feasible and practical to establish might involve the use of Digital Terrain Model (DTM) databases. These databases use higher positional resolutions, and are exhibiting an increasing level of positional and height accuracy. Still, when comparing temporal DTMs, the separation of actual physical phenomena from data-related ambiguities is essential in the framework of spatio-temporal analysis. This paper proposes the use of a hierarchical co-modeling of different DTM databases for the task of landform monitoring. Analyses showed promising results, pointing to the feasibility of the proposed methodology in monitoring and quantifying topographic-related spatio-temporal phenomena, such as landslides and change detection, thus facilitating a reliable and precise landform monitoring and warning framework for geomorphodynamic analyses.
The House Crow (Corvus splendens): A Threat to New Zealand?
Authors: Fraser Diane , Aguilar Glenn , Nagle William , Galbraith Mel , Ryall Colin
Published: May 2015

The house crow (Corvus splendens), a native of the Indian subcontinent, has shown a rapid expansion of habitat range across Eastern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Europe and Asia. It is an adaptable, gregarious commensal bird which is regarded globally as an important pest species due to its impacts on livestock, agricultural and horticultural crops and indigenous fauna and as a fecal contaminator of human environments and water resources. Two Maxent (v3.3.3k) models (A) with presence data in Australia and (B) with simulated entry data locations in New Zealand) and a third ArcGIS model (C) with environmental and social layers) are used to determine an overall suitability index and establish a niche-based model of the potential spatial distribution for C. splendens within New Zealand. The results show that New Zealand, particularly the northern regions of North Island, has suitable environments for the establishment of the house crow. In order of suitability Model B showed highest potential land area suitability (31.84%) followed by Model A (13.79%) and Model C (10.89%). The potential for further expansion of this bird’s invasive range is high and, if New Zealand is invaded, impacts are likely to be significant.
Effect of γ-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex on the Absorption of R-α-Lipoic Acid in Rats
Authors: Uchida Ryota , Iwamoto Kosuke , Nagayama Suetada , Miyajima Atsushi , Okamoto Hinako , Ikuta Naoko , Fukumi Hiroshi , Terao Keiji , Hirota Takashi
Published: May 2015

R-α-lipoic acid (RLA) is an endogenous organic acid, and works as a cofactor for mitochondrial enzymes and as a kind of antioxidant. Inclusion complexes of RLA with α-, β- or γ-cyclodextrins (CD) were prepared and orally administered as a suspension to rats. Among them, RLA/γ-CD showed the highest plasma exposure, and its area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of RLA was 2.2 times higher than that after oral administration of non-inclusion RLA. On the other hand, the AUC after oral administration of non-inclusion RLA and RLA/γ-CD to pylorus-ligated rats did not differ. However, the AUC after intraduodenal administration of RLA/γ-CD was 5.1 times higher than that of non-inclusion RLA, and was almost comparable to the AUC after intraduodenal administration of RLA-Na solution. Furthermore, the AUC after intraduodenal administration of RLA/γ-CD was not affected by biliary ligation or co-administration of an amylase inhibitor. These findings demonstrated that RLA was absorbed from the small intestine effectively when orally administered as a γ-CD inclusion complex, which could be easily dissolved in the lumen of the intestine. In conclusion, γ-CD inclusion complex is an appropriate formulation for supplying RLA as a drug or nutritional supplement with respect to absorption.
“Bring Back the Land”—A Call to Refocus on the Spatial Dimension of Zimbabwe’s Land Reform
Authors: Hentze Konrad , Menz Gunter
Published: May 2015

In this article, we argue that research on land reform in the nation of Zimbabwe has overlooked possibilities of integrating geospatial methods into analyses and, at the same time, geographers have not adequately developed techniques for this application. Scholars have generally been captured within the debate focused on the success or failure of the Zimbabwean land reform program, and have neglected to analyze what has occurred where during the process of “fast-track land reform”. To date, no extensive national dataset of land ownership change, and the effect of this change on land use planning strategies, has been developed within the scientific community. As a result, most publications, even very detailed and thorough ones, have been based on regional case studies, broad estimates, or on outdated, cross-referenced statistics. To overcome the lack of spatio-temporal data, we propose an analytic framework to map Zimbabwe’s fast-track land reform and its country-wide effects. It emphasizes the potential of geographic information systems and satellite remote sensing to provide an objective basis for future studies of the subject.
Direct Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Sputum Specimens from Patients with Hospital-Associated Pneumonia Using a Novel Multilocus Pcr Assay
Authors: Huang Zeng-Guang , Zheng Xing-Zheng , Guan Jing , Xiao Shu-Nian , Zhuo Chao
Published: May 2015

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant cause of hospital-associated pneumonia (HAP). The rapid identification of MRSA would be beneficial for early diagnosis. The study aimed to evaluate a multilocus, fluorescence-based PCR assay based on the detection of mecA and nuc genes for identification of S. aureusin lower respiratory tract (LRT) specimens. Sensitivity and specificity of the PCR assay were analyzed. Clinical evaluation for the assay was performed using LRT specimens from patients with HAP, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) were evaluated in comparison with semi-quantitative culture methods. The result showed the assay provided positive identification of all MRSA reference strains with a limit of detection for MRSA of 4 × 103 CFU/mL. Compared with semi-quantitative culture, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 100%, 89.6%, 75.0%, and 100%, respectively. A positive correlation between MRSA bacterial colonies and PCR copy number was found. The specificity and PPV reached 96.6% and 89.7% respectively, if the PCR copy number reached a definite positive threshold of 5.96 × 105. It suggested that this novel multilocus, fluorescence-based PCR assay proved to be a fast, sensitive and specific tool for direct detection of MRSA from LRT specimens.
Network Analysis Identifies Crosstalk Interactions Governing TGF-β Signaling Dynamics during Endoderm Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Mathew Shibin , Sundararaj Sankaramanivel , Banerjee Ipsita
Published: May 2015

The fate choice of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is controlled by complex signaling milieu synthesized by diverse chemical factors in the growth media. Prevalence of crosstalks and interactions between parallel pathways renders any analysis probing the process of fate transition of hESCs elusive. This work presents an important step in the evaluation of network level interactions between signaling molecules controlling endoderm lineage specification from hESCs using a statistical network identification algorithm. Network analysis was performed on detailed signaling dynamics of key molecules from TGF-β/SMAD, PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK pathways under two common endoderm induction conditions. The results show the existence of significant crosstalk interactions during endoderm signaling and they identify differences in network connectivity between the induction conditions in the early and late phases of signaling dynamics. Predicted networks elucidate the significant effect of modulation of AKT mediated crosstalk leading to the success of PI3K inhibition in inducing efficient endoderm from hESCs in combination with TGF-β/SMAD signaling.
S-Nitrosylation in Organs of Mice Exposed to Low or High Doses of γ-Rays: The Modulating Effect of Iodine Contrast Agent at a Low Radiation Dose
Authors: Nicolas Fadia , Wu Changgong , Bukhari Salwa , De Toledo Sonia , Li Hong , Shibata Masayuki , Azzam Edouard
Published: May 2015

The covalent addition of nitric oxide (NO•) onto cysteine thiols, or S-nitrosylation, modulates the activity of key signaling proteins. The dysregulation of normal S-nitrosylation contributes to degenerative conditions and to cancer. To gain insight into the biochemical changes induced by low-dose ionizing radiation, we determined global S-nitrosylation by the “biotin switch” assay coupled with mass spectrometry analyses in organs of C57BL/6J mice exposed to acute 0.1 Gy of 137Cs γ-rays. The dose of radiation was delivered to the whole body in the presence or absence of iopamidol, an iodinated contrast agent used during radiological examinations. To investigate whether similar or distinct nitrosylation patterns are induced following high-dose irradiation, mice were exposed in parallel to acute 4 Gy of 137Cs g rays. Analysis of modulated S-nitrosothiols (SNO-proteins) in freshly-harvested organs of animals sacrificed 13 days after irradiation revealed radiation dose- and contrast agent-dependent changes. The major results were as follows: (i) iopamidol alone had significant effects on S-nitrosylation in brain, lung and liver; (ii) relative to the control, exposure to 0.1 Gy without iopamidol resulted in statistically-significant SNO changes in proteins that differ in molecular weight in liver, lung, brain and blood plasma; (iii) iopamidol enhanced the decrease in S-nitrosylation induced by 0.1 Gy in brain; (iv) whereas a decrease in S-nitrosylation occurred at 0.1 Gy for proteins of ~50 kDa in brain and for proteins of ~37 kDa in liver, an increase was detected at 4 Gy in both organs; (v) mass spectrometry analyses of nitrosylated proteins in brain revealed differential modulation of SNO proteins (e.g., sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase subunit beta-1; beta tubulins; ADP-ribosylation factor 5) by low- and high-dose irradiation; and (vi) ingenuity pathway analysis identified major signaling networks to be modulated, in particular the neuronal nitric oxide synthase signaling pathway was differentially modulated by low- and high-dose γ-irradiation.
Online Social Snapshots of a Generic Facebook Session Based on Digital Insight Data for a Secure Future IT Environment
Authors: Chu Hai-Cheng , Park Jong
Published: May 2015

Physical memory acquisition has been an import facet for digital forensics (DF) specialists due to its volatile characteristics. Nowadays, thousands of millions of global participants utilize online social networking (OSN) mechanisms to expand their social lives, ranging from business-oriented purposes to leisure motivations. Facebook (FB) is one of the most dominant social networking sites (SNS) available today. Unfortunately, it has been a major avenue for cybercriminals to commit illegal activities. Therefore, the digital traces of previous sessions of an FB user play an essential role as the first step for DF experts to pursue the disclosure of the identity of the suspect who was exploiting FB. In this research work, we provide a systematic methodology to reveal a previous session of an FB identity, as well as his/her partial social circle via collecting, analyzing, preserving and presenting the associated digital traces to obtain the online social snapshots of a specific FB user who was utilizing a computing device with Internet Explorer (IE) 10 without turning off the power of the gadget. This novel approach can be a paradigm for how DF specialists ponder the crime scene to conduct the first response in order to avoid the permanent loss of the precious digital evidence in previous FB sessions. The hash values of the image files of the random access memory (RAM) of the computing device have proven to be identical before and after forensics operations, which could be probative evidence in a court of law.
An Integrated Architecture, Methods and Some Tools for Enhancing Sustainable Enterprises and Systems
Authors: Ranky Paul
Published: May 2015

Sustainability and, in particular, green sustainability are very complex subjects, because they typically include several integrated sub-systems. Many of these contain dynamically changing objects and variables, which are often difficult to measure and calibrate. Green sustainability means waste reduction and optimization with a non-toxic process focus that can be maintained over time, for a very long time. Furthermore, it means the ability of an ecosystem to maintain ecological processes and functions, biological diversity and productivity over time. Sustainable, green engineering design, manufacturing, demanufacturing and re-engineering are changing every aspect of our lives. In this paper, we offer an overview, a systems engineering framework, as well as some methodology and concrete results.
Secularización y Aceleración. Bases teológicas del concepto sociológico de “aceleración social”
Authors: Torres Navarro Felipe
Published: May 2015

El término «acortamiento del tiempo» tiene relación con la tradición judeocristiana que anuncia el fin de los tiempos como un momento en que Dios, en honor a los elegidos, acortará los días y las horas, pues sin ello nadie se salvaría. Mientras que en este sentido la salvación está asociada a una intervención divina, la tesis de la aceleración invertiría la fórmula precedente responsabilizando al ser humano del estrechamiento del tiempo. Pero si el acortamiento del tiempo en el apocalipsis se orienta a la salvación del mundo, ¿hacia dónde apunta la aceleración, idea secularizada del acortamiento de los tiempos? ¿Qué es lo que justifica el aumento en la velocidad de concreción de tareas que anteriormente tomaban considerables cantidades de tiempo y hoy son efectuadas en pocas horas? ¿Cómo justificar el frenesí por obtener lo que se pretende en el menor tiempo posible?.
E-Government Concept
Authors: Soares Delfina de Sá , Amaral Luis
Published: May 2015

Over the last few years, many different definitions for the e-government term have appeared in the literature. This diversity of definitions created a conceptual multiplicity and divergence. While being understandable, taking into consideration the newness of the e-government field, this may be prejudicing the e-government research and development. The aim of this chapter is to contribute to the clarification of the e-government concept, by providing a framework that hopefully will help to understand its boundaries and main constituents, as well as the way in which many of the different related terms found in the literature, can be further articulated. The framework put forward in this chapter is based on a generic model of a democratic government system. Building on that model, six main spaces, where Information Technologies (ITs) can be deployed, are identified and discussed. The use of IT in all those spaces contributes to the overall development of a country's e-government reality and maturity. By suggesting and arguing for a comprehensive, holistic and eclectic vision of e-government, this framework provides a basis for achieving more sustained e-government research and development efforts.
E-Governance as a Paradigm Shift in Public Administration
Authors: Islam Muhammad Muinul , Ehsan Mohammad
Published: May 2015

The ICT-blessed e-governance is transforming public administration systems worldwide and forcing a paradigm shift. E-governance renders a new way and style in each and every aspect of public administration. It brings about changes in the structure, functions, and processes of public service delivery, ushering transformation in the system through effectively connecting, engaging, and streamlining the relations among government, businesses, citizens, and other relevant stakeholders. Irrespective of certain obvious limitations and challenges, it not only attempts to ensure economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in service delivery, but also offers unlimited potential for combating corruption and many other bureau-pathologies in public administration. Based on secondary sources, this chapter offers brief theoretical discussions on e-governance, including, among others, its emergence, types of service delivery, and transformation stages.
Towards an Interactive E-Government System in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Conteh Charles , Smith Greg
Published: May 2015

Governments worldwide, including those in Africa, are embracing the promises and prospects of electronic service delivery (or e-government). In particular, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are moving towards adopting system-wide Integrated Communication Technology (ICT) and Enterprise Content Management (ECM) systems to support Electronic Government (EG) services. There are reasons to believe that Africa stands at the threshold of a new experience in this century, but there are also considerable challenges ahead. This chapter examines some of the prospects and challenges of the continent's adoption of Electronic Government. The discussion focuses on the rationale and characteristics of e-government in Africa, as well as its strengths and weaknesses, with particular reference to two countries in the region – Ghana and Kenya. The chapter concludes with a synopsis of some of the key issues as well as salient lessons to highlight the broader future challenges and prospects of e-government in Africa.
Method and Lessons from Evaluating the Impact of E-Participation Projects in MOMENTUM
Authors: Wimmer Maria A. , Bicking Melanie
Published: May 2015

Decreasing election turnouts and citizens' disinterest in democracy galvanized the European Commission (EC) to co-fund a set of e-participation pilot projects. During the runtime of the program, and in particular after the last projects ended in 2010, policy makers at European level were keen to know how well this funding program performed. Hence, the EC also initiated a project called MOMENTUM with the aim to monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of the projects. MOMENTUM designed and performed a systematic comparative analysis of the projects. This chapter presents the impact evaluation framework, which is based on methods of evaluation from empirical research, thereby also reflecting programmatic contexts of the projects. The evaluation framework grounds the interplay of elements of a holistic e-participation solution: the participation process, the topics to discuss, the policy supported, and the technology and tools deployed. The authors present results of the evaluation and demonstrate how attention on the interrelations of these issues affect users' perception and motivation to participate in an e-participation endeavor. Insights show that the method developed can lead to useful and usable impact analysis and evaluation results. The survey results provide valuable clues to the behavioral intention of the civil society to use e-participation tools and applications. These findings provide not only information on whether and how far the monitored projects are successful but also why they succeeded or failed and how they can be improved.
The Methodology of National Innovation System Analysis
Authors: Golichenko Oleg
Published: May 2015

Many efforts have been made in developing the National Innovation System (NIS) concept. However, there are the limitations, which do not make it operable and effective in practice. This investigation attempts to eliminate some limitations of the approach. The NIS is presented as three interrelated macro blocs: business environment, environment producing new knowledge, and knowledge transfer mechanism. The principles of performance and efficiency measuring of NIS are proposed. The system structure-object and functional approaches to NIS performance and efficiency are applied. The former is used for decomposition of NIS objects of high aggregation level. The latter is available for analysis of NIS efficiency and its factors. The methods allow the estimation of the NIS component by component and identification of the cause-effect chains of factor impacts on its elements. The key policy tools tailored to liquidate and mitigate market failure and NIS dysfunctions are proposed.
The Administrative Policy Quandary in Canada's Health Service Organizations
Authors: Paterson Grace I. , MacDonald Jacqueline M. , Mensink Naomi Nonnekes
Published: May 2015

This chapter examines the process for administrative health service policy development with respect to information sharing and decision-making as well as the relationship of policy to decision making. The challenges experienced by health service managers are identified. The administrative health policy experience in Nova Scotia is described. There is a need for integrated policy at multiple levels (public, clinical, and administrative). The quandary is that while working to share health information systems, most Canadian health service organizations continue to individually develop administrative health policy, expending more resources on policy writing than on translation/education, monitoring, or evaluation. By exploring the importance and nature of administrative policy as a foundation for quality improvement in healthcare delivery, a case is made for greater use of health informatics tools and processes.
E-Government in the OECD
Authors: Warf Barney
Published: May 2015

The literature on electronic government (e-government) often assumes that there exists one suitable model that can be adopted in all contexts. This chapter emphasizes the constitutive role of political and institutional context in the design, implementation, and impacts of e-government initiatives, the understanding of which require a geographically-specific analysis. It begins with a summary of various styles of e-government, including differing models and stages of implementation. Second, it offers empirical synopses of how e-government varies among and within OECD countries, emphasizing that the impacts are always culturally and politically mediated. Third, it points to the role of the digital divide in shaping citizen access to e-government, re-enforcing existing social inequalities and enhancing the access of already information-privileged groups to the levers of state power.
M-Powering
Authors: Maake Benard Magara , Oino Naftal Nyarangi , Awuor Fredrick Mzee
Published: May 2015

A mobile government affords, for instance, a powerful and transformational capacity to extend access to existing services, to expand the delivery of new services, to increase active citizen participation in government operations, and to change the way of working within the public sector. With the advancement of wireless and mobile technology, more people have been enabled to connect to local and regional resources that might have been unreachable in the absence of these telecommunication networks. The ability to perform both private and government transactions using mobile phones has enhanced and promoted the awareness of a digital government, reducing the level of digital divide in marginalized, poor, and developing nations. M-PESA is a mobile money service in Kenya transforming the citizens' lives and the government's operations. This chapter shows how Mobile Money transfers (M-Pesa) transactions have been a driver to realize an e-Government in Kenya through the monetary controls.