bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HLA associations in South Asian multiple sclerosis
Authors: Pandit Lekha , Malli Chaithra , Singhal Bhim , Wason James , Malik Omar , Sawcer Stephen , Ban Maria , D’Cunha Anitha , Mustafa Sharik
Published: April 2015

Background:

Previous efforts to identify Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) gene associations with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the South Asian population have been underpowered.

Aim:

To identify the primary HLA class II alleles associated with MS in Indians.

Methods:

We typed HLA-DRB1, -DQA1 and -DQB1 in 419 patients and 451 unrelated controls by polymerase chain reaction using sequence specific oligonucleotide probes (PCR-SSOP).

Results:

At the gene level DRB1 showed significant evidence of association ( p=0.0000012), DQA1 showed only marginal evidence of association ( p=0.04) and there was no evidence for association at DQB1 ( p=0.26). At the DRB1 locus association is confirmed with the *15:01 ( p=0.00002) and the *03 ( p=0.00005) alleles.

Conclusion:

Our study confirms that the risk effects attributable to the HLA- DRB1*15:01and DRB1*03 alleles seen in Europeans are also seen in Indians. The absence of any evidence of association with DQB1 alleles reflects the lower linkage disequilibrium between DQB1 alleles and DRB1 risk alleles present in this population, and illustrates the potential value of fine mapping signals of association in different ethnic groups.
Enrichment for Northern European-derived multiple sclerosis risk alleles in Sardinia
Authors: Hadjixenofontos A , Gourraud PA , Bakthavachalam V , Foco L , Ticca A , Bitti P , Pastorino R , Bernardinelli L , McCauley JL
Published: April 2015

Background:

The list of genomic loci associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility outside the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in patients of Northern European (NE) ancestry has increased to 103. Despite the extraordinarily high MS prevalence in the isolated Sardinian population, the contribution of genetic risk factors to MS in Sardinia is largely not understood.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to examine the relevance of non-MHC MS susceptibility variants in Sardinia.

Methods:

We examined a log-additive MS-specific genetic burden score (MSGB) using 110 NE-derived risk alleles in a dataset of 75 Sardinian cases, 346 Sardinian controls and 177 cases and 1967 controls from the United States (US).

Results:

Sardinian cases demonstrate a heavier non-MHC MSGB load than Sardinian controls and US cases ( p = 2E-06, p = 1E-06, respectively). Furthermore, Sardinian controls carry a heavier burden than US controls ( p = 2E-14). Our results confirm the limited ability of the 110-SNP MSGB to predict disease status in Sardinia (AUROC = 0.629).

Conclusions:

Risk alleles discovered in samples of NE ancestry are relevant to MS in Sardinia. Our results suggest a general enrichment of MS susceptibility alleles in Sardinians, encouraging the pursuit of further studies of MS in this population.
Feasibility of Day Surgery in Patients With Breast Conservation and Sentinel Node Biopsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ojala K. , Vironen J. H. , Mattila K. , Eklund A. M. , Leidenius M. H. K. , Meretoja T. J.
Published: April 2015

Background and Aims:

The aim of this study was to analyze feasibility of day surgery in breast cancer patients with breast conserving surgery and sentinel node biopsy.

Material and Methods:

The study was a randomized controlled trial comparing day surgery with one night hospital stay in breast cancer patients with breast conserving surgery and sentinel node biopsy. A total of 40 patients with ⩽3-cm tumor and clinically N0 were randomized to one night stay group and 38 patients to day surgery group. Within discharge, patients and their relatives were given questionnaires in order to evaluate their experience regarding the duration of hospital stay.

Results:

Randomized groups were similar regarding patient age and tumor stage. A total of 18 (47%) day surgery group patients were discharged the same day. The most common reason for overnight hospital stay was axillary clearance, 9 (24%). None of the patients in the day surgery group, but 2 patients in the overnight hospital stay group had re-operation due to complications. Perception and preference results were analyzed both according to randomization and actual treatment groups. Patients in both groups had rather similar experiences on the first postoperative day. Also, spouse’s or relative’s perception after discharge was similar in both groups.

Conclusion:

Day surgery was well received by the patients and their relatives. Day surgery appears as feasible in patients with breast conservation and sentinel node biopsy.
Wave endurance time: A new concept for structural assessment under extreme waves
Authors: Dastan Diznab Mohammad Ali , Jahanmard Vahidreza , Tabeshpour Mohammad Reza , Seif Mohammad Saeed , Mehdigholi Hamid
Published: April 2015

The wave endurance time method is a novel dynamic approach to conveniently estimate structural performance under various extreme wave conditions. In this method, offshore structures are subjected to a gradually intensifying sea surface profile called wave function, and their performance is assessed in different sea state conditions by a single time history analysis. From a wave endurance time analysis perspective, structural behavior is judged based on the maximum time duration that a structure can withstand the wave function. In this study, a description of the wave endurance time concept is presented, and generation of the initial type of wave functions is thoroughly addressed. In addition, the evaluation of a simplified model of a realistic jacket platform under extreme wave conditions is viewed through the lens of a wave endurance time study. The accuracy of this approach is investigated by a comparative study between the wave endurance time approach and typical 3-h time history analyses. The results indicate that the wave endurance time approach is capable of estimating the results of 3-h simulations with acceptable accuracy and less computational effort.
Feasibility study of minimal prepared hydroflush screening colonoscopy
Authors: Moshkowitz Menachem , Fokra Ahmad , Itzhak Yoseph , Arber Nadir , Santo Erwin
Published: April 2015

Background

Although screening colonoscopy is effective for early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC), screening rates remain low. Multiple factors are thought to be responsible for the low rates of screening colonoscopy, but bowel preparation appears to be a key deterrent. Tolerability issues with bowel preparations may lead to poor patient compliance, inadequate colon cleansing, and reduced detection of colonic polyps.

Aim

The aim of this article is to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of minimally prepared intra‐procedural hydroflush technique as an alternative to traditional bowel preparation in screening colonoscopy.

Design

We conducted a prospective feasibility study of intraprocedural hydroflush technique aided by water‐jet pumps and a mechanical suction novel device following minimal bowel preparation for CRC screening.

Patients and methods

Nine procedures were performed in nine healthy individuals scheduled for routine screening colonoscopy. Preparation included mild diet restriction, laxative tablets two to three days prior to the procedure and two Fleet enemas one to two hours before the colonoscopy. The cleanliness of the colon was assessed by using the Boston bowel preparation scale. Insertion and withdrawal times were recorded.

Results

Complete colonoscopy to the cecum was performed in all patients (100%). Mean time to the cecum was 5.78 ± 2.68 minutes, and mean withdrawal time was 15.33 ± 3.94 minutes. Endoscopic visualization of the entire mucosa was achieved in all cases with no colonoscopy repeated because of inadequate preparation. Four polyps have been detected and removed in three patients. Mild mucosal erosions were seen in some areas where the suction was used extensively, similar to those that can be seen during conventional colonoscopy. Mild stiffness of the shaft of the scope was noted.

Limitations

This was an uncontrolled feasibility study of selected patients.

Conclusions

Minimally prepared colonoscopy with the intra‐procedural hydroflush technique for colorectal screening is feasible. The water exchange technology compensates for the mild stiffness of the scope. This technique might increase patients’ compliance for CRC screening.
‘A respite thing’: A qualitative study of a creative arts leisure programme for family caregivers of people with dementia
Authors: Pienaar Lorinda , Reynolds Frances
Published: April 2015

This study explored the meanings of participating in a 5-week creative arts leisure programme designed for family caregivers of people with dementia, using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Eight carers attended and four who met the eligibility criteria agreed to be interviewed. Participants experienced the arts group as providing a sense of freedom and respite, strengthening identity through promoting achievement, offering social support through a collective focus on art- and craft-making and increasing resilience for coping with caring. Some found the 5-week programme too short. Benefits were linked to the security of knowing that loved ones with dementia were close by, being well cared for. Further research is needed into the long-term benefits of creative arts groups for promoting carer well-being.
A Review on Ethnobotanical and Therapeutic Uses of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum L)
Authors: Bahmani Mahmoud , Shirzad Hedayatollah , Mirhosseini Mahmoud , Mesripour Azadeh , Rafieian-Kopaei Mahmoud
Published: April 2015

Fenugreek with the scientific name of Trigonella foenum-graceum L and with leaves consisting of 3 small obovate to oblong leaflets is an annual herbaceous plant of the Fabaceae family. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean but is cultivated worldwide. This plant has medicinal alkaloids, steroid compounds, and sapogenins and many uses have been mentioned for this plant in traditional medicine. This plant has been used to ease childbirth, to aid digestion, and as a general tonic to improve metabolism. Trigonelline is considered as the most important metabolite of fenugreek, which is very effective in treating diabetes and decreasing blood cholesterol. Diaszhenin is another important compound in seeds of this plant, which is used in producing medicinal steroids like contraceptive pills. Many studies have been performed on the therapeutic effects and identification of chemical compounds of this plant. In this article, the most important biological effects and reported compounds about fenugreek seed are reviewed and its therapeutic applications are investigated.
The Difficult Task of Evaluating MDG-4
Authors: Garenne Michel
Published: April 2015

Background. The fourth Millennium Development Goal (MDG-4) proposed to reduce under-5 mortality rates (U5MR) by two thirds within 25 years. The article discusses changes in U5MR for 35 sub-Saharan African countries, for which DHS surveys are available. Methods. Analysis of DHS data, reconstruction of time series of U5MR, and comparison with other series. Findings. Few countries were able to achieve MDG-4 from 1985 to 2010, and the few who did seem to have achieved the goal apparently either because of abnormally high baseline or a surprisingly low endpoint. If all countries experienced significant mortality decline, only a minority had a steady decline, and many had periods of rising and falling mortality, for a variety of reasons. Interpretation. Discussion focuses on data quality, on methods for estimating levels and trends in under-5 mortality, and on the circumstances explaining rises and falls in mortality. MDG-4 appeared overambitious for Africa, given high mortality levels, political instability, economic crises, and above all emerging diseases, in particular HIV/AIDS. The last 10 years from 2000 to 2010 appeared as the most favorable period since 1960 in African countries, with the exception of countries with widespread HIV/AIDS.
Credit Union Names
Authors: Chen Lindsey N.H.
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis study examines 301 California credit union names in an effort to uncover naming patterns. These names provide key markers for the field of membership that not only identify the prospective members of the credit union, but also emphasize the sense of community that underlies credit unions (as opposed to stockholder-based financial institutions). Collectively, the credit union names highlight the geographic, ethnic, economic, and social diversity that characterizes California. The results of this study may contribute to knowledge of business naming practices.
Combination of 4Ts score and PF4/H-PaGIA for diagnosis and management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: prospective cohort study
Authors: Linkins Lori-Ann , Bates Shannon M. , Lee Agnes Y. Y. , Heddle Nancy M. , Wang Grace , Warkentin Theodore E.
Published: April 2015

Key Points

A negative PaGIA test in a patient with low/intermediate 4Ts score excludes HIT with a high level of confidence. A low 4Ts score was insufficient to exclude HIT in some cases because the posttest probability of HIT with a positive PaGIA was moderate.
The Profusion of Things
Authors: Singer T. Benjamin
Published: April 2015

This article argues that activist claims about the erasure of transgender people in public health settings and research studies obscure a profusion of trans- and gender-nonconforming identities, embodiments, and terminology in public health contexts. Using the concept of a “transgender matrix,” this work explains how proliferating transgender imaginaries result in differing conceptualizations of sex, gender, sexuality, race, and culture that resonate with similarly variable public health research categorization practices. Demographic categories are double-edged swords in that they are necessary for the redirection of resources toward socially marginalized people; at the same time, they often constitute the conditions of containment of these same people. Drawing on de Certeau's concept of a tactic, this article proposes a mode of evasion through the mobilization of alternate classificatory schemas based on interrelational race- and class-based categorical imaginaries. This is exemplified by an ethnographically documented account of the Trans-health Information Project (TIP), a federally funded public health program. TIP created nonstandard safer-sex outreach packets that employed classificatory mobility in an ongoing process of adaptation and change, mutating in response to specific racial, ethnic, and class-based differences through the use of local vernaculars. This tactical maneuver temporarily circumnavigated administrative capture.
Making Transgender Count in Poland
Authors: KŁonkowska Anna M.
Published: April 2015

The article examines the criteria for determining which individuals become legible as transgender in Poland and how expert medical and legal discourses normalize the gender identity, sexuality, and gender performativity of this group. Only those transgender people who fit the outdated model of the “true transsexual” are allowed to (in fact expected to) undergo a physical transition. Once transitioned, they are expected to blend into society and present heteronormative, socially conforming gender roles. In Poland, only those people who have been diagnosed as so-called true transsexuals are counted in the estimated number of transgender people. After describing the convoluted legal and medical processes that individuals are required to follow, the article presents qualitative research describing how transgender people in Poland have responded to these normalizing systems. The article concludes with proposals that would make trans populations more legible to policy makers and the mass media without imposing outdated medical norms on the trans community.
Boxes of Our Own Creation
Authors: Harrison-Quintana Jack , Grant Jaime M. , Rivera Ignacio G.
Published: April 2015

This article reports on the experience of developing and conducting the National Transgender Discrimination Survey (NTDS) as a grassroots community-based project that made a home for the 6,456 trans and gender-nonconforming people who chose to answer its seventy questions and created the largest quantitative data set on trans experience anywhere in the world. In order to explore the possibility of liberatory grassroots survey research, this article addresses three elements of the survey questionnaire and process. First, it discusses the convening of the team that ultimately created the instrument. Second, it describes the four qualifying questions that opened the survey questionnaire, inviting respondents to articulate their own gender identities. And finally, it looks closely at the last question of the survey, which eschewed the multiple-choice format in order to invite long-form responses about any topic respondents wished to address. This project has been unique in that it owes as much to the methodologies of activism and the history of community organizing as to the theories of survey research. Likewise, this article does not seek to offer best practices built only on citations to existing social science but rather is a record of the trail we blazed with this survey project in dialogue with women of color feminisms and trans liberation. The NTDS is a joint project of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality.
The Rise and Fall of Disability Insurance Enrollment in the Netherlands
Authors: Koning Pierre , Lindeboom Maarten
Published: April 2015

As recently as 15 years ago, the high level of Disability Insurance (DI) enrollment was considered to be one of the major social and economic problems of the Netherlands; indeed, the Netherlands was characterized as the country with the most out-of-control disability program of OECD countries. But since about 2002, the Netherlands has seen a spectacular decline in its Disability Insurance enrollment rate. Radical reforms to the Dutch DI system were implemented over the period 1996 to 2006. We cluster these reforms in three broad categories: 1) reducing the incentives of employers to move workers to disability; 2) increased gatekeeping; and 3) tightening disability eligibility criteria while enhancing worker incentives. The reforms appear to have been very effective. Since 2002, yearly DI inflow rates dropped from 1.5 percent in 2001 to about 0.5 percent of the insured population in 2012. We argue that particularly the interaction of employer incentives and formal employer obligations has contributed to the substantial decrease in DI inflow. On the downside, however, it seems workers with bad health have sorted into temporary employment—without employers bearing the financial responsibility of their benefit costs.
A Rare Case of Evan Syndrome with Portal Hypertension
Authors: Sinha Rahul , Bajpai Mukul , Dalal Shamsher , Sodhi Kirandeep
Published: April 2015

Evan’s syndrome was first described in 1951 by Evan’s and associates. It has long been considered as a coincidental combination of ITP and AIHA and or immune neutropenia in the absence of any underlying cause. We report this rare condition in a 9-year-old male who presented with severe pallor and multiple ecchymotic patches over arms and abdomen with portal hypertension.
Immuno Modulatory Potentials and Histopathological Effects of Aqueous Extract of Abrus Precatorius Leaf in Mus Musculus
Authors: Saganuwan Saganuwan Alhaji , Onyeyili Patrick Azubuike , Etuk Emmanuel Udok
Published: April 2015

Aqueous extract of Abrus precatorius leaf is being used by Nupe community of Nigeria to treat infectious diseases including malaria, pneumonia, typhoid, diarrhoea, wound and candidiasis. The aim of the research was to study immunomodulatory potentials and histopathological effects of the extract. Forty-two mice of either sex weighing 28.25+5.92 g used for the study were divided into 6 groups of seven mice each administered 0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg bodyweight for a period of 3 weeks. The body weight and blood samples of the mice were obtained prior to the administration of the extract and subsequently weekly. One-third milliliter (0.33 ml) of blood was obtained from the tail vein of each mice and placed in ethylene diamine tetra acetate (EDTA) sample bottles for haematology. Liver, lung, spleen and heart were harvested for histopathology. Observed are significantly increased (p
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and the hope of specific biomarker
Authors: Nafrialdi Nafrialdi
Published: April 2015

[No abstract available]
Serum cell-free DNA concentration in BALB/c mice with azoxymethane-dextran sodium sulfate-induced colorectal cancer
Authors: Novianry Virhan , Yulhasri Yulhasri , Kusmardi Kusmardi
Published: April 2015

Background: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States with a mortality rate ranked second in 2012. Early diagnosis such as detection of DNA in serum or faeces at the polyp stage, will reduce colorectal cancer mortality. This study was conducted to analyze the concentration of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as a tumor marker in colorectal carcinogenesis by using blood serum samples from BALB/c mice previously induced by azoxymethane (AOM) and promoted by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS).Methods: This experimental animal study used 6 BALB/c mice which had serial intervention in a certain time frame. The first serum samples were taken before induction of carcinogenesis (week-0); then AOM induction of carcinogenesis followed and the second sampling one week after AOM intervention (week-1). Subsequently, promotion of carcinogenesis followed with DSS and the third sampling one week after this intervention (week-2). The fourth sampling was 5 weeks after AOM-DSS intervention (week-6). Quantification of the serum cfDNA was performed with SYBR-Green II fluorescence using Rotor Gene 6000 as a reference. Histopathological examination verified induction of carcinogenesis. For statistical analysis paired T-test was used.Results: Concentration of serum cfDNA showed significant difference between sampling group at week-0 (1238.49 ± 674.84 pg/µL) and sampling group at week-6 (2244.04 ± 726.57 pg/µL) the latter group showing pre-cancerous histopathology. Slightly increased cfDNA at week-1 with AOM induction (1358.57 ± 803.81 pg/µL) and week-2 after DSS promotion (1317.23 ± 735.92 pg/µL) were not significantly different from week-0 samples.Conclusion: The concentration of cfDNA in the serum of BALB/c mice 5 weeks after AOM induction of carcinogenesis and DSS promotion is significantly higher than before induction.
Arrain-hondakinak baloratzea, gazta ontziratzeko
Authors: Uranga Jone , Etxabide Alaitz , Guerrero Pedro , De la Caba Koro
Published: April 2015

Elikagaiak ontziratzeko filmak aztertzea garrantzitsua da, ikerketaren bidez gaur egun merkatuan dauden ontziratzeen propietateak hobetzea ahalbidetu baitaiteke. Kasu honetan, polimero berriztagarri eta biodegradagarri bat erabiliz, hainbat azido zitriko kantitatetako filmak egin dira. Haien propietateak aztertu dira, bai eta gazten ontziratzean duten jarrera. Arrain-gelatinazko film hauek film komertzialek eskaintzen ez dituzten zenbait propietate interesgarri erakutsi dituzte; esaterako, gaztak bere koipea gordetzea eta ez lehortzea ahalbidetzen dute.
Dynamical contribution of mean potential vorticity pseudo-observations derived from MetOp/GOME2 ozone data into short-range weather forecast during high precipitation events
Authors: Sbii Siham , Zazoui Mimoun , Semane Noureddine
Published: April 2015

Satellites are uniquely capable of providing uniform data coverage globally. Motivated by such capability, this study builds on a previously described methodology that generates numerical weather prediction initial conditions from satellite total column ozone data. The methodology is based on two principal steps. Firstly, the studied linear regression between vertical (100hPa-500hPa) Mean Potential Vorticity (MPV) and MetOp/GOME2 total ozone data (O3) generates MPV pseudo-observations. Secondly, the 3D variational (3D-Var) assimilation method is designed to take into account MPV pseudo-observations in addition to conventional observations.After a successful assimilation of MPV pseudo-observations using a 3D-Var approach within the Moroccan version of the ALADIN limited-area model, the present study aims to assess the dynamical behavior of the short-range forecast at upper levels during heavy precipitation events (HPEs). It is found that MPV assimilation offers the possibility to internally monitor the model upper-level dynamics in addition to the use of Water Vapor Satellite images.
Persistently raised aspartate aminotransferase (AST) due to macro-AST in a rheumatology clinic
Authors: Mbagaya Wycliffe , Foo Joanne , Luvai Ahai , King Claire , Mapplebeck Sarah , Gough Andrew , Jassam Nuthar
Published: April 2015

Macrocomplexes between immunoglobins and aspartate aminotransferase (macro-AST) may result in persistently increased AST concentration. The presence of macro-AST in patients has been implicated in unnecessary investigations of abnormal liver function tests. We report the case of a 44-year-old female who presented to the rheumatology clinic with a 12-months’ history of constant widespread pain affecting her limbs and was found to have an elevated AST concentration. Further information from her GP revealed a 14-years’ history of elevated AST with otherwise normal liver function. Previous abdominal ultrasound and two liver biopsies carried out 2 years apart were normal. This prompted further analytical investigation by the biochemistry department which identified macro-AST as the cause. This case illustrates that persistently raised isolated AST concentration with no other abnormal indices may warrant macroenzyme analysis potentially avoiding unnecessary invasive investigations.
Decreasing the threshold current density in Si lasers fabricated by using dressed-photons
Authors: Tanaka H. , Kawazoe T. , Ohtsu M. , Akahane K.
Published: April 2015

We fabricated a silicon (Si) laser by applying a dressed-photon–phonon assisted annealing process to a ridge-type light waveguide that we fabricated via siliconon- insulator (SOI) technology. We also evaluated a nearinfrared Si photodiode having optical gain to estimate the differential gain coefficient for designing lightwaveguides. We designed light waveguides having a thickness of 15 μm to realize a large optical confinement factor. The fabricated Si laser oscillated at a wavelength of 1.4 μm. The intensity of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) lightwas too low to be observed, because the threshold current density was so low that the Si laser started oscillating immediately after ASE occurred. The threshold current density for oscillation was estimated to be 40 A/cm
Congenital megalourethra: a case report of an isolated delayed presentation
Authors: Puri Anurag , Pal Dilip Kumar
Published: April 2015

Megalourethra is a diffuse dilatation of the anterior urethra due to lack of corpus spongiosum with or without corpora cavernosa; it usually presents as a dilatation of that part of the urethra. The absence of these structures causes a ballooning of the urethra despite there being no mechanical obstruction. A 7-year-old boy presented with the complaints of weak stream, ballooning of the penis before and during voiding urine and post voiding dribbling. After examination and micturating urethrogram, he was diagnosed as having megalourethra, which was then corrected using reduction urethroplasty. These days megalourethra is diagnosed with prenatal ultrasonogram. This was a case of isolated delayed presentation of megalourethra without any associated anomaly.
e-Infrastructures Austria – Ein nationales Projekt für die Aufbereitung, dauerhafte Bereitstellung und Nachnutzung von Daten an wissenschaftlichen Einrichtungen
Authors: Sánchez Solís Barbara , Budroni Paolo
Published: April 2015

Im Januar 2014 wurde in Österreich das dreijährige vom Bundesministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Wirtschaft (BMWFW) geförderte Partnerprojekt e-Infrastructures Austria initiiert, das den koordinierten Ausbau von digitalen Archiven, die Weiterentwicklung von Services und den Aufbau eines Wissensnetzwerks für die Bereitstellung, Verbreitung und sichere Archivierung von elektronischen Publikationen, Multimedia-Objekten und anderen Daten aus Forschung und Lehre verfolgt. An den 20 teilnehmenden Universitäten und fünf weiteren Forschungseinrichtungen geht es nicht nur darum, die technische Infrastruktur bereitzustellen, sondern vor allem auch um ein strategisches Konzept für das zukünftige Forschungsdatenmanagement in Österreich. Dabei wird auf die Möglichkeiten und Herausforderungen Bezug genommen, die sich durch den Umgang mit digitalen Objekten und sich ständig erweiternde Anwendungsbereiche ergeben. Heute sind innovative Formen der Nachnutzung gefragt, postuliert durch den Open Access-Gedanken und das Konzept einer kooperativen, offenen Wissenschaft. Bei der langfristigen strategischen Planung von Repositorien gilt es, Interoperabilität, eine laufende Erweiterung der Systeme, Organisation und Management zu beachten. Eine Grundvoraussetzung dafür, dass Daten langfristig auffindbar, verständlich und nachnutzbar bleiben, ist die Wahrung der Rechtssicherheit. Alle wissenschaftlichen Einrichtungen sollten für die Schaffung eines gemeinsamen Rechtsraums sorgen. Dieser kann durch die Einführung von geeigneten Policies und Datenmanagementplänen begleitet werden. e-Infrastructures Austria involviert mit der verfolgten Projektstruktur unterschiedliche Stakeholder (Bibliotheken, lokale IT-Dienstleister, Wissenschafter, Beschäftigte aus juristischen Abteilungen, institutionelle und nationale Forschungsförderungsbüros). Dadurch sollten spezifische Rollen und Verantwortlichkeiten in den Prozessen des digitalen Workflows wahrgenommen werden.
The effect of acupuncture on pain score after open kidney surgery
Authors: Tabassi Kamiar Tavakkoli , Amini Parisa , Mohammadi Shabnam , Razavizadeh Rahim Taghavi , Golchian Amir
Published: April 2015

: The pain after nephrectomy, just as any other surgery, is one of the problems that surgeons confront. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relieving effect of acupuncture on the pain experienced after nephrectomy.

: This was a clinical trial that was performed on 30 patients with mean age of 40.8 ± 12.54 who were candidates for nephrectomy. After matching for gender and age, the patients were divided into either acupuncture or control group. In acupuncture group, four points were stimulated for 30 minutes, and in control group, other points were stimulated ineffectively for 30 min. Then, the pain experienced in the first six hours after the surgery was registered by a blind observer based on visual analog scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and the t-test.

: Our results showed that the severity of pain in the acupuncture group was significantly lower than that in the control group. Also, there were six patients who required opioids in the acupuncture group, but there were 12 such patients in the control group. The mean opiate used in the control group was significantly greater than the mean for the acupuncture group.

: Acupuncture can reduce the severity of pain and the demand for opioids in patients who have undergone nephrectomy.
Does Father Involvement Influence the Affect, Language Acquisition, Social Engagement and Behavior in Young Autistic Children? An Early Intervention Study
Authors: Louis Preeti Tabitha , Kumar Navin
Published: April 2015

The present study adopts a randomized experimental design to evaluate the impact of a father-mediated therapy to improve the play skills, affect, language, social skills and behavior among 30 clinically diagnosed autistic children at the age of 3-5 years. Standardized inventories such as, The Play Based Observation (PBO), The Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales (GMDS), The Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS) and the Rendel Shorts Questionnaire were administered pre and post intervention. A special program that involved fathers in the caregiving and nurturing processes of these children was designed and implemented for 6 months after which the children were reassessed. Prior to the intervention, deficits in play skills and developmental delays across expressive and receptive language were observed. Scores on the Vineland Social Maturity Scale and the Rendel Shorts revealed behavioral markers. Post intervention, we noticed significant differences in the play, language acquisition, social engagement and behavior in the treatment group in comparison to the control group. The results suggested that father-mediated therapeutic involvement significantly has proven to positively foster development in young autistic children and this is an important implication for practitioners in developing early intervention programs.
Dative constructions and givenness in the speech of four-year-olds
Authors: Stephens Nola
Published: April 2015

Previous research has shown that givenness influences adults’ syntactic choices with alternating dative verbs like
The Risk Assessment of Adverse Events of Nursing Activities as the Element of Quality Management in Healhcare
Authors: Wiśniewska Malgorzata Z. , Grudowski Piotr , Konieczyńska Emila
Published: April 2015

The purpose of the paper is to present MedCARVER+Shock method and Pareto analysis and its usability for the risk assessment of adverse events of nursing activities. 888 activities carried out by all 190 nurses working at the District Hospital X located in Poland were taken into account. During the research the qualitative approach was used. As the result sixteen groups of nursing activities causing the highest risk of adverse events were selected. Special attention required in: admission of a patient to the ward, sterilization, verbal communication with the patient, using of intravenous cannulas, needles, syringes, devices for transfusion of infusion liquids, servicing of hospital rooms, first aid in life-threatening situations, using medical devices and equipment. Ten basic causes of the risk of adverse events were identified, among others: lack of trainings, of modern equipment, of staff, failure to comply with procedures, lack of staff supervision, poor quality of ancillary materials, lack of management commitment. Finally MedCARVER+Shock method and Pareto analysis usability has been confirmed but it appeared that it is time-consuming and requires support from skilled professionals. Several suggestions have been put forward to improve the utility of MedCARVER+Shock.
Progressive constructions in native-speaker and adult-acquired Spanish
Authors: Fafulas Stephen
Published: April 2015

This research documents the acquisition of a range of progressive constructions and their associated predictors of use by English-speaking learners of Spanish in the United States. The few existing studies on acquisition of the Spanish progressive by adult second language learners analyze only theestar‘be located’ + V-ndoform and little is known about the development of other progressive constructions (e.g.,andar‘go around’ + V-ndo) in interlanguage grammars. At the same time, research on the use and distribution of present progressive constructions by adult native-speakers of Spanish is limited. In order to address these gaps in the literature, the current study provides empirical evidence of native-speaker use of a range of progressive constructions and documents the emergence of these forms in adult-acquired Spanish. Results of the current study indicate that progressive constructions vary by dialect and language type, thus presenting an area of difficulty for learners of Spanish.
Breeding Avifauna Of The Waste Water Treatment Plants, Located In Northern Left-Bank Part Of Ukraine
Authors: Fedun O. M. , Usov O. Ye. , Gavris G. G.
Published: April 2015

Over the years 2005–2012 avifauna was studied of 17 waste water treatment plants, located in the Chernihiv and Sumy Regions (northern left-bank) of Ukraine. 81 species of 30 families and 14 orders were registered. Taking into account landscape and technological peculiarities of the waste water treatment plants the follows zones of the birds’ distribution were distinguished: zone of water areas, agro-meadows zone, zone of dams, technological zone. It was noted that birds occurred in different zones unevenly. Maximal species number and diversity of ecological structure of the breeding avifauna was noted within the water bodies and dams. In terms of landscape-biotopic characteristic in waste water treatment plants dominated dendrophilous and wetland birds.
A Pasture Of Big Ungulate Animals As Key Ecological Factor Influencing On The Fluctuation Of Natural Habitat Of Steppe Herbivorous Mammals
Authors: Tokarsky V.
Published: April 2015

The objective laws of the natural habitat structure of European subspecies of the steppe marmot over the period of the 20–21st centuries in Rostov Region have been analyzed. Essential changes in the way of usage of nature and foremost the decrease of number of stock-raising capacities and pasture areas took place all over the territory of European subspecies of the steppe marmot natural habitat. There is no doubt that the agricultural usage of land contributed to the inhabitance of big quantity of steppe marmots, namely keeping big quantities of horses and cattle which had large territories used as pasture areas. During these periods, we can see the substantial decreases of the steppe marmot’s population despite full prohibition of hunt (since 1929 there has been no industrial hunting for steppe marmots). In first case, over a 30-year period, the steppe marmots completely disappeared from the territory of Rostov Region. The second period is not over yet. Here we can foresee two variants of the situation development. At present the period of the steppe marmot disappearance has reached its midpoint. If the quantity of cattle and horses remains the same we can surely make forecasts of continued decrease of marmot’s population. However, if a cattle breeding increases the population of steppe marmots will be able to restore its natural habitat to previous size.
On a (3+1)-dimensional Boiti–Leon–Manna–Pempinelli Equation
Authors: Zuo Da-Wei , Gao Yi-Tian , Yu Xin , Sun Yu-Hao , Xue Long
Published: April 2015

The Boiti–Leon–Manna–Pempinelli (BLMP) equation is seen as a model for the incompressible fluid. In this article, a (3+1)-dimensional BLMP equation is investigated. With the aid of the Bell polynomials, bilinear form of such an equation is obtained. By virtue of the bilinear form, two kinds of soliton solutions with different nonlinear dispersion relations and another kind of analytic solutions are derived. Lax pairs and Bäcklund transformations are also constructed. Soliton propagation and interaction are analysed: (i) solitions with different nonlinear dispersion relations have different velocities and backgrounds; (ii) for another kind of analytic solutions with different nonlinear dispersion relations, the periodic property is displayed.
Spike Synchrony Reveals Emergence of Proto-Objects in Visual Cortex
Authors: Martin Anne B. , von der Heydt Rüdiger
Published: April 2015

Neurons at early stages of the visual cortex signal elemental features, such as pieces of contour, but how these signals are organized into perceptual objects is unclear. Theories have proposed that spiking synchrony between these neurons encodes how features are grouped (binding-by-synchrony), but recent studies did not find the predicted increase in synchrony with binding. Here we propose that features are grouped to “proto-objects” by intrinsic feedback circuits that enhance the responses of the participating feature neurons. This hypothesis predicts synchrony exclusively between feature neurons that receive feedback from the same grouping circuit. We recorded from neurons in macaque visual cortex and used border-ownership selectivity, an intrinsic property of the neurons, to infer whether or not two neurons are part of the same grouping circuit. We found that binding produced synchrony between same-circuit neurons, but not between other pairs of neurons, as predicted by the grouping hypothesis. In a selective attention task, synchrony emerged with ignored as well as attended objects, and higher synchrony was associated with faster behavioral responses, as would be expected from early grouping mechanisms that provide the structure for object-based processing. Thus, synchrony could be produced by automatic activation of intrinsic grouping circuits. However, the binding-related elevation of synchrony was weak compared with its random fluctuations, arguing against synchrony as a code for binding. In contrast, feedback grouping circuits encode binding by modulating the response strength of related feature neurons. Thus, our results suggest a novel coding mechanism that might underlie the proto-objects of perception.
Lateralized Delay Period Activity Marks the Focus of Spatial Attention in Working Memory: Evidence from Somatosensory Event-Related Brain Potentials
Authors: Katus Tobias , Eimer Martin
Published: April 2015

The short-term retention of sensory information in working memory (WM) is known to be associated with a sustained enhancement of neural activity. What remains controversial is whether this neural trace indicates the sustained storage of information or the allocation of attention. To evaluate the storage and attention accounts, we examined sustained tactile contralateral delay activity (tCDA component) of the event-related potential. The tCDA manifests over somatosensory cortex contralateral to task-relevant tactile information during stimulus retention. Two tactile sample sets (S1, S2) were presented sequentially, separated by 1.5 s. Each set comprised two stimuli, one per hand. Human participants memorized the location of one task-relevant stimulus per sample set and judged whether one of these locations was stimulated again at memory test. The two relevant pulses were unpredictably located on the same hand (stay trials) or on different hands (shift trials). Initially, tCDA components emerged contralateral to the relevant S1 pulse. Sequential loading of WM enhanced the tCDA after S2 was presented on stay trials. On shift trials, the tCDA's polarity reversed after S2 presentation, resulting in delay activity that was now contralateral to the task-relevant S2 pulse. The disappearance of a lateralized neural trace for the relevant S1 pulse did not impair memory accuracy for this stimulus on shift trials. These results contradict the storage account and suggest that delay period activity indicates the sustained engagement of an attention-based rehearsal mechanism. In conclusion, somatosensory delay period activity marks the current focus of attention in tactile WM.
Solar powered infotainment spot: design, feasibility study and fabrication of an autonomous PV system
Authors: Weeda V. , Isabella O. , Zeman M.
Published: April 2015

For increasing the awareness of photovoltaic (PV) conversion and its consumer developments, a PV-powered infotainment spot (information + entertainment) has been recently designed to be used in the campus of Delft University of Technology. This demonstrator provides information to people on campus via a rugged touchscreen that is powered only by solar energy. In this PV system, a 90-W rated flexible CIGS module was deployed as market alternative to rigid c-Si modules. A methodology to accurately estimate the irradiance on a curved plane was developed. Taking into account temperature, irradiance and shading effects, the energy production of the PV module was estimated to be 62 kWh/year. On the other hand, the load should exhibit an energy consumption of 19.3 kWh/year. By means of a 12-V DC mini grid, the excess energy was thus stored in a 120 Ah battery regulated via charge controller or made directly available with two ad-hoc USB ports for smartphone battery recharging. The realized prototype of the infotainment spot is potentially a completely autonomous small-scale PV system with zero loss of load probability.
European Capital Cities and Their Surroundings - Innovativeness Convergence or Divergence?
Authors: Markowska Małgorzata
Published: April 2015

The study presents an attempt to answer the question of whether the closest surroundings of European capital cities are becoming as innovative as the capital cities themselves. The value of an aggregate index of innovation was defined for the EU NUTS 2 level regions based on eight characteristics. Against the background of changes occurring in the values of the Innovation Index in the European regional space, the study assesses the effects of capital cities on their closest surroundings in the context of trends observed in terms of innovation. The analysis covered countries in which the capital city is at the same time the NUTS 2 level region. It also discusses the variables determining the differences in the Innovation Index values between capital cities and the areas that surround them.
A importância do método crítico na renovação dos estudos católicos em Portugal: o caso de Luís António Verney
Authors: Ferreira Breno Ferraz Leal
Published: April 2015

No presente artigo, pretende-se tratar da obra Verdadeiro método de estudar (1746), de Luís António Verney (1713-1792), como uma proposta de renovação dos estudos católicos em Portugal baseada no método crítico. Após passarmos em revista o desenvolvimento do método crítico nos séculos XVII e XVIII, identificando alguns de seus desdobramentos na França, Itália e Portugal, inseriremos a obra de Verney no contexto intelectual italiano, onde o autor viveu desde 1736. Em seguida, mostraremos como a proposta do autor girava em torno da ideia de se conciliar a filosofia moderna com a teologia dogmática. Para ele, a teologia escolástica adotada pela Companhia de Jesus nos colégios e universidades portugueses não servia para o que deveria ser o principal empenho de teólogos e filósofos: defender a religião católica satisfatoriamente contra a heterodoxia religiosa.
Tradições de história global na América Latina e no Caribe
Authors: Marquese Rafael , Pimenta João Paulo
Published: April 2015

Neste artigo é feito um apanhado crítico de autores e correntes historiográficas que, nos séculos XIX e XIX, estiveram voltados para a história da América Latina e do Caribe e que de muitas maneiras podem, efetivamente, ser considerados representantes do que hoje se reconhece como uma chamada história global. Com isso, pretende-se matizar e relativizar os afãs renovadores daqueles historiadores que atualmente se identificam com tal postura, bem como valorizar a importância de olhares abrangentes e articulados sobre a história do continente americano.
Problematização das relações entre História e Literatura na historiografia portuguesa actual: alguns exemplos
Authors: Moreira Nuno Bessa
Published: April 2015

Este artigo trata o tema da narrativa historiográfica, relacionando-o com a literatura, desde os anos 1980, e na virada do século XX para o XXI, em Portugal - assunto escassamente abordado. Situamo-nos numa História da Historiografia comparativa, salvaguardando um enquadramento sintético da evolução desta área durante o século XX, considerando-se uma perspectiva internacional da História Narrativa. Serão analisados três textos específicos, da autoria de Fátima Bonifácio, Rui Bebiano e Luís Adão da Fonseca. Projetando conclusões, defende-se que a História Narrativa não alberga uma realidade una e homogénea. Enquanto Maria de Fátima Bonifácio parece pugnar pelo retorno da velha História, Rui Bebiano entende-a como poética, sem abdicar do rigor na pesquisa de fontes. Luís Adão da Fonseca defende a manutenção da história científica, mas considera que esta deve se conjugar com um estilo literário.