bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of the Common Currency on Exports of New EMU Members: Firm-level Evidence for Slovenia and Slovakia
Authors: Cieślik Andrzej , Michałek Jan , Michałek Anna
Published: March 2014

There are many studies aiming at estimation of aggregate trade effects of the euro adoption by the old EU countries, which are based on the augmented gravity model. In contrast to the existing literature, we investigate whether the adoption of the common currency increases the export activity of individual firms. In particular, we refer to the new strand in the trade theory literature, based on the Melitz (2003) model, in which export performance depends on labor productivity and costs of exporting. There are already many empirical studies, based on firm level data, showing the relevance of the Melitz (2003) model. Most of those studies demonstrate that export performance positively depends on firms’ characteristics such as labor productivity, spending on R&D, age of the firm, the stock of human capital or propensity to innovate, but they do not take into account the impact of the common currency on the cost of exporting. There are only few studies analyzing trade implications of euro adoption for firms’ exports of “old EU” members. In our empirical paper we use the firm level data basis set up by the EBRD and the World Bank for Central and Eastern European Countries. Using the probit model, we analyze whether the accession of Slovenia and Slovakia to the Eurozone did increase the firms’ propensity to export in those countries.
New Technologies Adoption and Diffusion Patterns in Developing Countries. An Empirical Study for the Period 2000-2011
Authors: Lechman Ewa
Published: March 2014

In recent years, enormous changes are noted worldwide during broad  adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). These unique  technologies – often perceived as economic development incentives – have a great  ability to spread at high pace and low cost in countries all over the world, bringing  people opportunities to contribute to economic development and growth. New Technologies  play a special role in developing countries, where their in-country adoption  lies in the centre of development strategies. ICT are treated as tools which bring  people access to information, education and knowledge, offering unlimited possibilities  for wealth-creation.  The paper, purely empirical in nature, reports on the pace of adoption of new Information  and Communication Technologies in developing countries, and – additionally  – investigates country-specific ICT diffusion patterns. We expect to uncover  the S-shape curve in the diffusion process in most of developing countries, as well as  in the whole country sample.  For the analysis purposes, we apply all counties which – according to the World  Bank nomenclature – are classified as low-income and lower-middle-income econ-  omies. Our sample covers 46 countries (upper-middle-income and high-income  economies are excluded from the study purposefully) which are classified as developing  economies. The time framework is set for the period of 2000-2011. All data  necessary for the analysis are derived from World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators  Database 2012 (16th edition).
Knowledge Creation in International Scientific Networks on Example of NetAware Intensive Programme
Authors: Matusiewicz Justyna , Smyczek Sławomir
Published: March 2014

The knowledge-based economy analyzes economic organization and development when the creation, distribution and use of knowledge become decisive factors. To become a successful knowledge economies, countries must act simultaneously on their education base, their innovation systems and their information and communication technology infrastructure, while also building a high-quality economic and institutional regime. The institutions for higher education are the main figures for the successful transition to a knowledge based economy and society. Their cooperation activities with the neighboring countries and the countries within their wider vicinity are an important priority for breaking the university isolation from what happens in the civil society, as well as the other structural problems, like the outdated curricula and skills of teachers. This paper focuses on international scientific networks as an example of tool created in order to stimulate the use of new knowledge. The main objective of the paper is to identify: 1) the knowledge creation and transfer processes in ISC 2) influence of that processes on the participants of the ISC. The methodology utilized in this study is qualitative and exploratory. Re-  sults of research shows the process of knowledge creation and transfer on the example of NetAware Intensive Programme and the project evaluation results.
Online Product Reviews: Implications for Retailers and Competing Manufacturers
Authors: Kwark Young , Chen Jianqing , Raghunathan Srinivasan
Published: March 2014

This paper studies the effect of online product reviews on different players in a channel structure. We consider a retailer selling two substitutable products produced by different manufacturers, and the products differ in both their qualities and fits to consumers' needs. Online product reviews provide additional information for consumers to mitigate the uncertainty about the quality of a product and about its fit to consumers' needs. We show that the effect of reviews on the upstream competition between the manufacturers is critical in understanding which firms gain and which firms lose. The upstream competition is affected in fundamentally different ways by quality information and fit information, and each information type has different implications for the retailer and manufacturers. Quality information homogenizes consumers' perceived utility differences between the two products and increases the upstream competition, which benefits the retailer but hurts the manufacturers. Fit information heterogenizes consumers' estimated fits to the products and softens the upstream competition, which hurts the retailer but benefits the manufacturers. Furthermore, reviews may also alter the nature of upstream competition from one in which consumers' own assessment on the quality dimension plays a dominant role in consumers' comparative evaluation of products to one in which fit dimension plays a dominant role. If manufacturers do not respond strategically to reviews and keep the same wholesale prices regardless of reviews (i.e., the upstream competition is assumed to be unaffected by reviews), then, we show that reviews never hurt the retailer and the manufacturer with favorable reviews, and never benefit the manufacturer with unfavorable reviews, a finding that demonstrates why reviews' effect on upstream competition is critical for firms in online marketplaces.
Characterization of 6-Gingerol for In Vivo and In Vitro Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Usama I. Aly  , Mohamed S. Abbas  , Hussein S. Taha  , El-Sayed I. Gaber
Published: March 2014

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosco) belonging to the family Zingiberaceae is one of the world’s most important spices and produces a pungent, aromatic rhizome that is valuable all over the world. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of 6-gingerol in different parts (in vivo and in vitro) of Zingiber officinale using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) have been performed. Data of TLC showed spots having identical Rf value (0.15), according to the synthetic standards of 6-gingerol in all samples extract. 6-gingerol was detected in all extracts of different parts of ginger derived from in vivo and in vitro culture conditions. Quantitative determination of 6-gingerol using HPLC technique was carried out. Comparing with the peaks of 6-gingerol in synthetic standards, in vivo rhizomes and in vitro cultures of different ginger parts was showed similar UV spectra characteristics. The quantity of 6-gingerol in rhizomes (in vivo and in vitro) and in vitro microrhizomes (45.37; 42.64; 28.11 mg/g respectively), were showed a higher value than that of in vitro calli, shoots and roots (7.89; 7.46; 6.40 mg/g respectively).
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Effect of Some Medicinal Herbs Used in Iranian Traditional Medicine for Memory Improvement
Authors: Homa Hajimehdipoor  , Tina Tehranifar  , Hamed Shafaroodi
Published: March 2014

Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) has a long history in treatment of disorders mostly by using medicinal plants. “Nesyan” is one of the common diseases in ITM that could be partly comparable with Alzheimer. Since, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) are the usual drugs for Alzheimer, therefore, in order to find new AChEIs, the plants used in ITM are good candidates. In the present investigation, AChEI activity of nine species used for “Nesyan” in ITM have been investigated. Aqueous and total extracts of Phyllanthus emblica, Urginea maritima, Corylus avellana, Alpinia officinarum, Matricaria chamomilla, Curcuma longa, Crocus sativus, Melissa officinalis and Brassica nigra have been prepared by using infusion and maceration methods, respectively. The extracts were dried and their AChEI activity were assessed by using Ellman method with acetylthiocholine iodide as substrate and dithiodinitrobenzoic acid as reagent in 96-well plates at 405 nm. The results demonstrated that only total extract of Alpinia officinarum showed 41.3% inhibition at concentration of 300 µg/ml. Other extracts had trace or no AChEI properties. It is concluded that among the examined species used in ITM, Alpinia officinarum acts as anti-Alzheimer through AChE inhibition possibly with other mechanisms. In order to find the mechanisms of other plants more investigations are necessary.
Effects of Early Life Experiences on Brain Development of Premature Babies Admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Ali Hirani Shela Akbar
Published: March 2014

Infancy is the most crucial time period in children’s life during which babies require sensitive and responsive care-giving from their primary caregivers for their overall growth and development. Sick preterm babies, who require admission at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and experience physical separation from their parents during early days of their lives, are at high risk to encounter toxic stress that can be detrimental for their developing brains, overall development and stress regulatory mechanism in later life.
This paper presents case study of a preterm baby who encountered toxic stress due to the effects of disease process, physical separation from primary caregivers, painful procedures at NICU, as well as bright and noisy environment of NICU. In the light of the presented case study and reviewed literature, modifications in the NICU environment are suggested to reduce the sources of toxic stress on the developing brains of premature babies. Role of lactation support for mothers of preterm babies, kangaroo mother care, and neurodevelopmental care in the NICU environment is highlighted to assure growth promotion, brain development, infant-mother bonding, and better cognitive functions among premature babies.
Safety and Potential Side Effects of ß2-Agonists: A Still Debated Question
Authors: Bozzola Elena , Bozzola Mauro , Barberi Salvatore , Cutrera Renato , Villani Alberto
Published: March 2014

In the last years, the safety profile of ß2-agonists has been largely discussed as there are concerns about the adverse effects of their regular use. In this review, we analyze the main questions relating both morbidity and mortality of currently available ß2-agonists. Although questions still remain regarding the issue of safety, evidence from epidemiological studies is strongly suggestive that the use of ß2-agonists is not dangerous.
A Genotype First Approach in Currarino Syndrome
Authors: Milani Donatella , Bonarrigo Francesca Andrea , Guerneri Silvana , Baccarin Marco , Menni Francesca , Esposito Susanna
Published: March 2014

We describe a 3-year-old girl presenting with psychomotor delay and facial dysmorphisms. Array CGH showed a region of duplication and a contiguous deletion on the long arm of chromosome 7. The genetic results allowed us to discover previously unsuspected sacral agenesis and presacral teratoma typical of Currarino syndrome, whose gene maps to the deleted region. So we used a genotype first approach to better discover the phenotypic traits of our patient, highlighting the advantages of an appropriate clinical use of genetic methods.
Granuloma Annulare
Authors: Leung Alexander K.C. , Barankin Benjamin , Hon Kam Lun
Published: March 2014

Granuloma annulare is a benign, usually self-limited granulomatous disease of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Several distinct subtypes have been recognized, namely localized granuloma annulare, generalized or disseminated granuloma annulare, subcutaneous granuloma annulare, papular granuloma annulare, interstitial or patch granuloma annulare, and perforating granuloma annulare. Localized granuloma annulare is the most common form in children and comprises 75% of cases. Clinically, the condition is characterized by asymptomatic, flesh-colored or erythematous-brown papules, frequently arranged in a ring or annular pattern on the distal extremities. It is estimated that 0.1 to 0.4% of new patients attending dermatologic clinics have granuloma annulare. Most cases of granuloma annulare occur before the age of 30 years. A delayed hypersensitivity and cell-mediated immune response to an antigen contributes to the pathogenesis. Histologic examination of the lesion shows central collagen degeneration and mucin deposition surrounded peripherally by palisading histiocytes and inflammatory cells. Most cases of granuloma annulare are asymptomatic and self-limited; and reassurance is often sufficient. Treatment is mainly for cosmetic purposes and various modalities of treatment options are discussed.
Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets after Accelerated Artificial Aging
Authors: Drubi-Filho Brahim , Sousa Ana Beatriz Silva , Chinelatti Michelle Alexandra , Panzeri Pires-de-Souza Fernanda Carvalho
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study was to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) after Accelerated Artificial Aging (AAA) of metal orthodontic brackets bonded with self-polymerizing (Concise Ortodôntico - CS, 3M Unitek) and light activated (Transbond Plus Color Change - TPCC, 3M Unitek) composites to enamel after different surface treatments. Methodology: 60 human premolars were separated into 5 groups (n=12): Group I - 37% phosphoric acid (PA Dental Gel, Dentsply) and CS; Group II – PA + Primer and CS; Group III - PA and TPCC; Group IV - PA + XT Primer (3M Unitek) and TPCC; and Group V – Transbond Plus Self Etching Primer - SEP (3M Unitek) and TPCC. Twenty-four hours after bracket bonding, half of the specimens from each group were submitted to AAA for 960 hours. The samples were submitted to the shear bond strength (SBS) test in a universal test machine (0.5mm/min). ARI was evaluated under a loupe (10X) and quantified using a score (0-3). Data were submitted to 2-way ANOVA and Bonferroni’s test (????a=5%). Results: Group II without AAA showed the highest mean value of SBS (p<0.05) in comparison with Groups III and V, which showed the lowest mean of SBS, when comparing the adhesive systems used. All groups without AAA presented a greater frequency of score 3, regarding the ARI. There was an increase in the frequency of scores 1 and 2 when specimens were submitted to AAA, Conclusion: AAA did not influence the SBS of brackets, but reduced the area of ARI.
A Case Study of Scrap Tire Disposal in North Carolina
Authors: Williams Vereda Johnson
Published: March 2014

North Carolina law states that whole tires were banned from landfills as of March 1, 1990. Used tires disposed in landfills do not decompose for several years and tend to disrupt landfill covers by rising to the surface. In 2011-12 approximately 145 thousand tons of scrap tires were reported in North Carolina. These tires were used for fuel, either in shredded form known as tire-derived fuel (TDF) or whole, depending on the type of combustion device. Best practices have shown that tires need to be reduced in size to fit in most combustion units. TDF is one of several alternatives to prevent newly generated scrap tires from inappropriate disposal in tire piles, and for reducing or eliminating existing tire stockpiles. Scrap tires represent both a disposal problem as well as a resource opportunity. There are several potentially negative environmental and health impacts associated with scrap tire piles. This study focuses on an examination of North Carolina’s disposal and usage of scrap tires.
Aplicación del diagnóstico geoecológico del paisaje en la gestión del turismo litoral. Caso destino turístico Litoral Norte de Holguín, Cuba
Authors: La O Osorio José Alberto , Salinas Chávez Eduardo , Licea Sánchez José Enrique
Published: March 2014

Se aborda el estudio de los paisajes litorales de uso turístico de la provincia de Holguín desde el enfoque de la Geoecología de los Paisajes, realizándose el diagnostico integrado de los mismos, lo que posibilitará  establecer estrategias de gestión turística sostenible y de adaptación a los efectos del cambio climático, con una dimensión espacial, y de acuerdo con el  modelo de desarrollo de esta región. El estudio incluyó el inventario y análisis de los paisajes, la evaluación de las potencialidades de la región y el modelo turístico en explotación, y la identificación de la problemática ambiental del territorio, obteniéndose como resultado su estado geoecológico, lo que permite comprender la situación de esa región para la toma de decisiones de manera consistente en cuanto al desarrollo turístico en los paisajes, y los cambios globales y la evolución del medio ambiente cubano.
Indicadores para analizar la evolución del ciclo de vida de los destinos turísticos litorales
Authors: Soares Jennifer Caroline , Gandara José Manoel , Ivars Baidal Josep
Published: March 2014

El turismo de sol y playa es el segmento que genera mayor flujo de turistas y representa un importante motor para el desarrollo de la actividad en muchos países. Sin embargo, la masificación, el deterioro ambiental, los cambios en la demanda y el aumento de la competencia han generado una preocupación por el futuro de los destinos consolidados de sol y playa. Para este análisis multi-casos se ha utilizado la investigación bibliográfica y se ha identificado la necesidad de conocer la evolución y situación actual de los destinos para planificar el futuro de la actividad, a la vez que se hacen imprescindibles herramientas que puedan ayudar a los planificadores a entender tales procesos y adoptar estrategias con mayores posibilidades de éxito, aumentando la competitividad de los destinos, y garantizando su sostenibilidad y la extensión del ciclo de vida.
Segmentación cluster en hoteles pequeños y medianos de Huatulco, México
Authors: Barradas Salas Pascal , Vidal González Miguel , Aparisi García Francisco , Méndez Saucedo Sandra Luz
Published: March 2014

En este estudio se realiza un diagnóstico sobre el sistema de calidad implantado en hoteles pequeños y medianos. A partir del mismo se realiza un análisis cluster para segmentar los mismos, como paso previo para desarrollar una estrategia común de calidad como primer escalón para desarrollar una red turística multiagente de destino. Bahías de Huatulco, México se presenta como estudio de caso.
Turismo y cambio climático: una actividad vulnerable que debe adaptarse
Authors: Olcina Cantos Jorge
Published: March 2014

El turismo es una actividad especialmente expuesta a los efectos del cambio climático. Alguna de las modalidades de turismo (sol y playa, de nieve, de grandes ciudades) presenta una alta vulnerabilidad ante el calentamiento térmico planetario y sus procesos asociados. Aumento de temperaturas y reducción de precipitaciones son los procesos que han tenido preferencia en la transmisión de los efectos del cambio climático en latitudes medias y, con especial incidencia, en el ámbito mediterráneo. Sin embargo, otras consecuencias del cambio climático son menos conocidos y sus consecuencias si que pueden afectar en especial a la actividad turística en las modalidades señaladas: el incremento de extremos atmosféricos y la pérdida del confort climático. El turismo debe aproximarse al problema del cambio climático con la necesidad de transmitir la realidad de un fenómeno complejo y con la responsabilidad de evitar posturas extremas (cambio drástico de destinos, desaparición del modelo de “sol y playa”, etc.) que pueden crear descreimientos o afianzar irresponsables actitudes “negacionistas” arraigadas en la falta de manifestaciones evidentes en la actualidad de un proceso que, por naturaleza, se desarrollará a medio y largo plazo. La puesta en marcha de medidas de reducción y adaptación al cambio climático evitará la pérdida de competitividad de los destinos turísticos. Se presentan ejemplos de actuaciones orientadas a la mitigación de los efectos del cambio climático.
Aproximación al marco jurídico de la contratación electrónica de servicios turísticos y de las agencias de viaje on-line
Authors: Asensi Meras Altea
Published: March 2014

A pesar de la creciente demanda de la contratación de servicios turísticos por vía electrónica, para lograr una adecuada protección del consumidor es necesario superar las divergencias que existen entre las normas de comercio electrónico y la normativa aplicable en el ámbito de la contratación a distancia de servicios turísticos. El objetivo de este trabajo es doble porque consiste, precisamente, en analizar el marco jurídico aplicable en el ámbito de la contratación electrónica de los servicios turísticos, que presenta un carácter excesivamente fragmentando, y determinar el estatuto jurídico de las agencias de viaje on-line, haciendo especial referencia a los deberes que vinculan a las empresas turísticas en el desarrollo de esta actividad, en función de la modalidad contractual turística que se celebre, tanto en relación a su identificación como en relación a las obligaciones de información previas y posteriores a la celebración del contrato turístico por medios electrónicos, así como los derechos que le corresponden al consumidor-turista que participa en esta modalidad contractual.
Discursos y disciplinamiento de la pobreza en la población desplazada por la violencia en Colombia
Authors: Guevara Fletcher Diego Andrés
Published: March 2014

El objetivo del presente artículo es señalar las distintas posiciones de los agentes que intervienen en el tema del desplazamiento forzoso en Colombia. Esto es, cómo la población en situación de desplazamiento producto de la violencia, siente y evalúa su condición así como la apreciación y percepción de actores del orden institucional que intervienen sobre esta problemática. En este sentido, la pobreza se convierte en un término que puede ser producido y reproducido por la sociedad. Los anteriores análisis se realizaron con base en información cualitativa y cuantitativa efectuada a la asociación de desplazados de Florida Valle, –Adesflovale– en el departamento del Valle del Cauca, al sur occidente de Colombia.
Legendre duality on hypersurfaces in Kähler manifolds
Authors: Martino V.
Published: March 2014

We give a sufficient condition on real strictly Levi-convex hypersurfaces M, embedded in four-dimensional Kähler manifolds V , such that Legendre duality can be performed. We consider the contact form θ on M whose kernel is the restriction of the holomorphic tangent space of V and show that if there exists a Legendrian Killing vector field ν, then the dual form β ( · ) := dθ(ν; · ) is a contact form on M with the same orientation than θ.
Role of OATP-1B1 and/or OATP-1B3 in hepatic disposition of tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Khurana Varun , Minocha Mukul , Pal Dhananjay , Mitra Ashim K.
Published: March 2014

Background: The metabolism of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is mainly mediated via hepatic route, but the mechanism responsible for their hepatocellular accumulation is still unknown. This study was designed to understand the contribution of organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) in the hepatic uptake of selected TKIs – pazopanib, canertinib, erlotinib, vandetanib and nilotinib.

Methods: Michaelis-Menten (MM) kinetic parameters for TKIs were determined by concentration-dependent cellular accumulation of selected TKIs using Chinese hamster ovary cells – wild type as well as transfected with humanized OATP-1B1 and OATP-1B3 transporter proteins.

Results: The MM constant (K
m) values of OATP-1B1 for nilotinib and vandetanib are 10.14±1.91 and 2.72±0.25 μM, respectively, and V
max values of OATP-1B1 for nilotinib and vandetanib were 6.95±0.47 and 75.95±1.99 nmol/mg protein per minute, respectively. Likewise, K
m values of OATP-1B3 for canertinib, nilotinib and vandetanib were 12.18±3.32, 7.84±1.43 and 4.37±0.79 μM, respectively, and V
max values of OATP-1B3 for canertinib, nilotinib and vandetanib were 15.34±1.59, 6.75±0.42 and 194.64±10.58 nmol/mg protein per minute, respectively. Canertinib did not exhibit any substrate specificity toward OATP-1B1. Also, erlotinib and pazopanib did not exhibit any substrate specificity toward OATP-1B1 and -1B3.

Conclusions: Because selected TKIs are the substrates of OATP-1B1 and -1B3 expressed in hepatic tissue, these compounds can be regarded as molecular targets for transporter-mediated drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Any alteration in the function of these hepatic OATPs might account for the pharmacokinetic variability of TKIs.
Energy Transport and Storage using Methanol as a Carrier
Authors: Müller Karsten , Fabisch Florian , Arlt Wolfgang
Published: March 2014

Methanol has been proposed frequently as an energy carrier in recent years. High storage capacity, easy manageability and similarity to existing fuels make it an interesting option for energy storage. However, the usage of methanol is constrained by its low boiling point and its toxicity and the energy balance of a methanol economy is disputable. Net energy ration and renewability factor for different scenarios of a methanol economy have been analyzed, considering hydrogen production, methanol synthesis and transport and repowering. It appears that the overall efficiency of methanol based energy storage is rather low, but still can be sustainable due to a high renewability factors.
Adsorption of arsenic from aqueous media using
lateritic minerals: Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic
studies
Authors: Khalid Nasir , Daud Muhammad
Published: March 2014

The sorption behavior of arsenic on minerals from a lateritic weathering has been
investigated to evaluate its potential for the decontamination of arsenic ions from aqueous
media. Various physicochemical parameters such as pH, equilibration time, adsorbent dose,
concentration of adsorbate, effect of diverse ions and temperature were studied in order to
simulate the best conditions under which this material can be used as an adsorbent,
employing batch method and radiotracer technique. Maximum adsorption was observed in buffer
solutions having pH of 2.0 and 8–9, using 0.5 g of adsorbent for
6.674 · 10
–5 mol L
–1 arsenic concentration in 10 min equilibration
time. The sorption data followed the pseudo-second order reaction kinetics. The adsorption
data fit both the Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm equations over the range of
3.195 · 10
–5 to 3.195 · 10
–3 mol L
–1 arsenic concentration. The
characteristic Freundlich constants i.e. 1/n = 0.427 ± 0.009 and K = 3.04 × 10−4 ± 1.46 · 10
–5 mol g
–1 have been computed for the sorption system. The
sorption mean free energy from the Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm is
12.00 ± 0.38 kJ mol
–1 indicating ion-exchange mechanism of
chemisorption. The uptake of arsenic increases with the rise in temperature
(278.16–323.16 K). Thermodynamic quantities i.e.
ΔG,
ΔS and ΔH have also been calculated for the system. The sorption
process was found to be endothermic.
Radionuclide content and state of isotopic disequilibrium in some utilized smoking pastes
Authors: Shabana El-Said Ibrahim , Kinsara Abdulraheem Abdulrahman , Yahya Ahmad Abu Bakre
Published: March 2014

238U, 234U, 226Ra, 210Pb and 210Po were measured in some jurak and mehassel
samples collected from the local market. Jurak is a paste mixture composed of 30% tobacco, 50% molasses and
20% spices and minced fruits. Mehassel is a local trade-name of a paste mixture of unknown ratios of tobacco to spices and
minced fruits. Both jurak and mehassel are used for smoking by Shisha (a pipe used for smoking and has a water filter). Just for
comparison, these radionuclides were measured in some cigarette tobacco samples. In cigarette tobacco samples, the average activity
concentrations were 0.32 ± 0.10, 0.51 ± 0.11, 3.6 ± 1.0, 16.1 ± 2.4 and 15.8 ± 2.2 Bq/kg for 238U,
234U, 226Ra, 210Pb and 210Po, respectively. These values for the same isotopes were
1.01 ± 0.25, 1.04 ± 0.27, 1.2 ± 0.4, 4.4 ± 1.0 and 4.2 ± 0.9 Bq/kg in jurak samples and 0.17 ± 0.07,
0.24 ± 0.08, 1.8 ± 0.7, 7.5 ± 1.7 and 7.0 ± 1.6 Bq/kg in mehassel samples, respectively. Generally, the mean values
of the results indicated that, except for uranium in jurak, the activity concentration for all the analyzed radionuclides in the
different samples followed the sequence: 210Po ≈210Pb >226Ra ≫234U >238U, whereas for each radionuclide, its activity concentration followed the sequence: cigarette tobacco > mehassel >
jurak. Molasses contributed to the enhanced uranium content in jurak samples. The obtained results are discussed in detail.
Androgen receptor antagonists for prostate cancer therapy
Authors: Helsen Christine , Van den Broeck Thomas , Voet Arnout , Prekovic Stefan , Van Poppel Hendrik , Joniau Steven , Claessens Frank
Published: March 2014

Androgen deprivation is the mainstay therapy for metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). Another way of suppressing androgen receptor (AR) signaling is via AR antagonists or antiandrogens. Despite being frequently prescribed in clinical practice, there is conflicting evidence concerning the role of AR antagonists in the management of PCa. In the castration-resistant settings of PCa, docetaxel has been the only treatment option for decades. With recent evidence that castration-resistant PCa is far from AR-independent, there has been an increasing interest in developing new AR antagonists. This review gives a concise overview of the clinically available antiandrogens and the experimental AR antagonists that tackle androgen action with a different approach.
Increased plasma ghrelin suppresses insulin release in wethers fed with a high-protein diet
Authors: Takahashi T , Sato K , Kato S , Yonezawa T , Kobayashi Y , Ohtani Y , Ohwada S , Aso H , Yamaguchi T , Roh S G , Katoh K
Published: March 2014

Ghrelin is a multifunctional peptide that promotes an increase of food intake and stimulates GH secretion. Ghrelin secretion is regulated by nutritional status and nutrients. Although a high-protein (HP) diet increases plasma ghrelin secretion in mammals, the mechanisms and the roles of the elevated ghrelin concentrations due to a HP diet have not been fully established. To clarify the roles of elevated acylated ghrelin upon intake of a HP diet, we investigated the regulation of ghrelin concentrations in plasma and tissues in wethers fed with either the HP diet or the control (CNT) diet for 14 days, and examined the action of the elevated plasma ghrelin by using a ghrelin-receptor antagonist. The HP diet gradually increased the plasma acylated-ghrelin concentrations, but the CNT diet did not. Although the GH concentrations did not vary significantly across the groups, an injection of ghrelin-receptor antagonist enhanced insulin levels in circulation in the HP diet group. In the fundus region of the stomach, the ghrelin levels did not differ between the HP and CNT diet groups, whereas ghrelinO-acyltransferase mRNA levels were higher in the group fed with HP diet than those of the CNT diet group were. These results indicate that the HP diet elevated the plasma ghrelin levels by increasing its synthesis; this elevation strongly suppresses the appearance of insulin in the circulation of wethers, but it is not involved in GH secretion. Overall, our findings indicate a role of endogenous ghrelin action in secretion of insulin, which acts as a regulator after the consumption of a HP diet.
Transient Intrapulmonary Shunting in a Patient Treated With β2-Adrenergic Agonists for Status Asthmaticus
Authors: Bates Melissa L. , Jacobson Joseph E. , Eldridge Marlowe W.
Published: March 2014

Intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses (IPAVs) are large-diameter pathways that directly connect the arterial and venous networks, bypassing the pulmonary capillaries. Ubiquitously present in healthy humans, these pathways are recruited in experimental conditions by exercise, hypoxia, and catecholamines and have been previously shown to be closed by hyperoxia. Whether they play a role in pulmonary pathophysiology is unknown. Here, we describe IPAV recruitment associated with hypoxemia and right-to-left shunt in a patient with status asthmaticus, treated with agonists of the B2-adrenergic pathway. Our observation of IPAVs in a pediatric patient, mechanically ventilated with 100% O2, suggests that these pathways are recruited in clinically important circumstances and challenges the notion that IPAVs are always closed by alveolar hyperoxia.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Young Children: Predictors of Diagnostic Stability
Authors: Law Evelyn C. , Sideridis Georgios D. , Prock Lisa Albers , Sheridan Margaret A.
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVES:

The goals of this study were (1) to provide estimates of diagnostic stability for a sample of young children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) after undergoing comprehensive multidisciplinary assessments and (2) to identify baseline child and family characteristics that predict diagnostic stability over time.

METHODS:

Children aged 3 to 6 years, 11 months consecutively diagnosed with ADHD after multidisciplinary consultations at a tertiary care clinic between 2003 and 2008 were recontacted in 2012 and 2013 (N = 120). At follow-up, the primary outcome was the proportion of children who continued to meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD. To identify predictors of diagnostic stability, logistic regression models were used. In addition, a latent class model was used to independently classify subjects into distinct clusters.

RESULTS:

In this cohort, 70.4% of the children contacted at follow-up continued to meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Predictors of diagnostic stability included externalizing and internalizing symptoms at baseline, parental history of psychopathology, and family socioeconomic status. The latent class model independently identified 3 distinct profiles: (1) children who no longer met ADHD criteria; (2) children with persistent ADHD and high parental psychopathology; and (3) children with persistent ADHD and low family socioeconomic status.

CONCLUSIONS:

Young children who underwent comprehensive developmental and psychological assessments before receiving an ADHD diagnosis, had higher rates of diagnostic stability than in previous studies of community samples. Child and family factors that predict diagnostic stability have the potential to guide treatment planning for children diagnosed with ADHD before 7 years of age.
Precipitates Caused in Silicon Wafers by Prolonged High-Temperature Annealing in Nitrogen Atmosphere
Authors: Nakazawa Haruo , Ogino Masaaki , Teranishi Hideaki , Takahashi Yoshikazu , Habuka Hitoshi
Published: March 2014

The precipitate behavior in a floating zone silicon crystal produced from a Czochralski single-crystal ingot has been studied. Large precipitates of α-Si3N4 crystal, having a dimension of about 2 μm, were formed at the mid-depth in the wafer by means of annealing at a high temperature in an ambient N2 (70%) + O2 (30%) atmosphere. The precipitate number detected by cross-sectional X-ray topography increased with the increasing annealing time. Interstitial silicon is expected to eliminate the precipitate origins.
Electronic and Mechanical Coupling in Elastically Bent ZnO Micro/Nanowires
Authors: Fu Xuewen , Liao Zhimin , Yu Dapeng
Published: March 2014

Elastic engineering strain has been regarded as a low-cost and continuously variable manner for altering the physical and chemical properties of materials, and it becomes even more important at low-dimensionality because at micro/nanoscale, materials/structures can usually bear exceptionally high elastic strains before failure. The elastic strain effects are therefore greatly magnified in micro/nanoscale structures and should be of great potential in the design of novel functional devices. The purpose of this overview is to present a summary of our recently progress in the energy band engineering of elastically bent ZnO micro/nanowires. First, we present the electronic and mechanical coupling effect in bent ZnO nanowires. Second, we summary the bending strain gradient effect on the near-band-edge (NBE) emission photon energy of bent ZnO micro/nanowires. Third, we show that the strain can induce exciton fine-structure splitting and shift in ZnO microwires. Our recent progresses illustrate that the electronic band structure of ZnO micro/nanowires can be dramatically tuned by elastic strain engineering, and point to potential future applications based on the elastic strain engineering of ZnO micro/nanowires.
Estimation of taxa richness using a novel method
Authors: Li Xin , Ni Xinzhi
Published: March 2014

A novel method to estimate taxa richness was presented in this study. It was developed based on Coleman’s random placement hypothesis. The novel method was tested and compared to six non-parametric methods for the estimation of taxa richness. The results of total bias, absolute bias, relative bias and minimum sample size for taxa richness estimation indicated that the novel method performed better than all other methods.
Osmotic flow in compacted expansive clay
Authors: Thyagaraj T. , Rao Sudhakar M.
Published: March 2014

Depending on the relative chemical concentrations of clay pore water and landfill leachate, three osmotic flow scenarios may be anticipated to dissipate the osmotic suction gradient: outward osmotic flow, inward osmotic flow and no (osmotic) flow. This study examines the volume change behaviour of clay subjected to all osmotic flow conditions. Results show that osmotic suction gradient decreases swelling strains when the osmotic flow is outward, whereas swelling strains increase in case of inward osmotic flow. The increase or decrease in effective stress from osmotic suction gradient is transient and reduces to zero with dissipation of matric suction and osmotic suction gradient. In the no (osmotic) flow condition, the swelling strains are governed by matric suction and pore fluid osmotic suction. The experimental results bring out the dependency of swelling strains on applied stress, stress paths and osmotic suction gradient.
Resource-efficient conception of waste electrical and electronic equipment collection groups
Authors: von Gries Nadja , Wilts Henning
Published: March 2014

Critical metals are in great demand by the electrical and electronics industry, so waste electrical and eletronic equipment represents a significant source of secondary raw materials. Owing to low recycling rates and the concomitant supply risks associated with critical metals, the closure of the material cycles is highly relevant to the German economy. Losses of these metals occur from collection until their material recovery, along the entire disposal chain of waste electrical and electronic equipment. This paper develops planning criteria for the design of collection groups to achieve higher recovery amounts of such metals. The aim is to clarify what amounts of metals exist, both product-specific and on the market, how the dismantling of the products is constructed and how collection groups can be arranged with planning criteria oriented towards resource conservation. The analysis is a snapshot using the example of indium and selected products. A procedure is presented and findings identified which are transferable to various critical metals and to waste electrical and electronic equipment. The results show that grouping of products according to resource amounts and the dismantling effort enables forward-looking and resource-efficient planning of the treatment of every single collection group.
Morphological variability in tree root architecture indirectly affects coexistence among competitors in the understory
Authors: Aschehoug Erik T. , Callaway Ragan M.
Published: March 2014

Interactions between plants can have strong effects on community structure and function. Variability in the morphological, developmental, physiological, and biochemical traits of plants can influence the outcome of plant interactions and thus have important ecological consequences. However, the ecological ramifications of trait variability in plants are poorly understood and have rarely been tested in the field. We experimentally tested the effects of morphological variation in root architecture of Quercus douglasii trees in the field on interactions between understory plants and community composition. Our results indicate that variability among Q. douglasii tree root systems initiates a striking reversal in the competitive effects of dominant understory grass species on a less common species. Trees with a deep‐rooted morphology facilitated exotic annual grasses and these annual grasses, in turn, competitively excluded the native perennial bunchgrass, Stipa pulchra. In contrast, Q. douglasii trees with shallow‐rooted morphologies directly suppressed the growth of exotic annual grasses and indirectly released S. pulchra individuals from competition with these annual grasses. Morphological variation in the root architecture of Q. douglasii created substantial conditionality in the outcomes of competition among species which enhanced the potential for indirect interactions to sustain coexistence and increase community diversity.
An Update on the Efficacy of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, and Exposure Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Mello Patricia Gaspar , Silva Gustavo Ramos , Donat Julia Candia , Kristensen Christian Haag
Published: March 2014

Objective:

Even though cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the current treatment of choice for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is still unclear which components of its protocol are more important for clinical improvement. This study aims to replicate a previous review, updating findings on the efficacy of CBT, cognitive therapy (CT), and exposure therapy (ET) for PTSD when compared with other well-established treatments or conditions without active treatment.

Method:

The search was performed in the databases Cochrane, Embase, and Medline. Studies were required to be randomized controlled trials published between 2006 and 2012 comparing CBT, CT, or ET with (1) each other, (2) other active treatments (e.g., EMDR, counseling, supportive therapy), or (3) assessment only conditions. The main outcome measures were diagnostic and symptomatic remission.

Results:

The final sample contained 29 articles. CBT, CT, and ET were shown to be efficacious treatments individually when compared to assessment-only conditions, with no difference found between treatments. Comparison with other active treatments favored ET. Both included studies comparing CBT and EMDR favored the latter.

Conclusions:

CBT and its components still appear to be equally efficacious in improving PTSD symptoms and diagnosis. Even so, a current tendency of researchers to focus on ET exists. EMDR shows interesting results compared to CBT. Further research should clarify the lasting effects, efficiency, and other comparative benefits of each protocol.
Mental Adjustment to Cancer: The Role of Anxious and Depressive Symptoms under Treatment
Authors: De Fazio Pasquale , Barberi Angela , Caglioti Francesca , Pierfrancesco Tassone , Piersandro Tagliaferri , Segura-García Cristina
Published: March 2014

Objective:

Depression is a risk factor for poor quality of life and mental adjustment to cancer. This research aims to evaluate the course of mental adjustment to illness of cancer patients with anxious-depressive symptoms who receive antidepressant therapy (ADT).

Method:

Eighty oncological patients with and without depressive symptoms were divided into three groups. Group 1: 30 depressed cancer patients who underwent ADT with SSRI; Group 2: 30 depressed cancer patients who refused ADT; Group 3: 20 non-depressed cancer patients. Patients were evaluated at t0 and 4 (t1) and 12 (t2) weeks later through: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), and MINI-MAC.

Results:

HDRS and HARS mean scores were stable and under threshold across the study only in Group 3; at t2 they improved in Group 1 and worsened in Group 2. The improvements in anxiety and depression scores were associated with ADT and related to the changes in Mini-MAC helpless-hopeless, anxious preoccupations, cognitive avoidance and fighting spirit dimensions.

Conclusion:

The improvement of mental adjustment to illness is directly related to the decrease of anxious-depressive symptoms among depressed cancer patients under antidepressant therapy.
Diagnostic Validity of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) Depression Module in an East African Population
Authors: Gelaye Bizu , Williams Michelle A. , Lemma Seblewengel , Deyessa Negussie , Bahretibeb Yonas , Shibre Teshome , Wondimagegn Dawit , Lemenih Asnake , Fann Jesse R. , Stoep Ann Vander , Zhou Xiao-Hua Andrew
Published: March 2014

Objective:

To evaluate the validity and reliability of the structured Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) in diagnosing current major depressive disorder (MDD) among East African adults.

Methods:

A sample of 926 patients attending a major referral hospital in Ethiopia participated in this diagnostic assessment study. We used a two-stage study design where participants were first interviewed using an Amharic version of the CIDI and a stratified random sample underwent a follow-up semi-structured clinical interview conducted by a psychiatrist, blinded to the screening results, using the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN) instrument. We tested construct validity by examining the association of the CIDI and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHO-QOL) questionnaire. We calculated the psychometric properties of the CIDI using the SCAN diagnostic interview as a gold standard.

Results:

We found that the Amharic version of the CIDI diagnostic interview has good internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.97) among Ethiopian adults. Compared to the SCAN reference standard, the CIDI had fair specificity (72.2%) but low sensitivity (51.0%). Our study provided evidence for unidimensionality of core depression screening questions on the CIDI interview with good factor loadings on a major core depressive factor.

Conclusion:

The Amharic language version of the CIDI had fair specificity and low sensitivity in detecting MDD compared with psychiatrist administered SCAN diagnosis. Our findings are generally consistent with prior studies. Use of fully structured interviews such as the CIDI for MDD diagnosis in clinical settings might lead to under-detection of DSM-IV MDD.