bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
News content online: Patterns and norms under convergence dynamics
Authors: Doudaki Vaia , Spyridou Lia-Paschalia
Published: February 2014

The article investigates evolutionary trends in online news presentation and delivery in the light of convergence dynamics. The case study of Greece is an example of how convergence ideas are ‘normalised’ in the actual content due to countering forces exercised by the dominant professional culture and organisational models in the news business. The findings provide evidence that the outcomes of this new culture of high interconnectivity that come along with convergence cannot be ignored even in countries with no advanced employment of its potentialities. At the same time, questions on whether, under conditions of scarce resources and a weak journalistic culture, convergence affordances actually create spaces for a more open and inclusive journalism or are used mainly as vehicles for economic survival, smothering any other potential, are raised.
Effects of renal sympathetic denervation using saline-irrigated radiofrequency ablation catheter on the activity of the renin-angiotensin system and endothelin-1
Authors: Lu Jiayi , Ling Zhiyu , Chen Weijie , Du Huaan , Xu Yanping , Fan Jinqi , Long Yi , Chen Shaojie , Xiao Peilin , Liu Zengzhang , Zrenner Bernhard , Yin Yuehui
Published: February 2014

Introduction:

Excessive activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) are crucial and interacted closely in the pathogenesis of chronic cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the effects of renal denervation (RDN) on the RAS.

Materials and methods:

Eight Chinese Kunming dogs underwent bilateral RDN utilizing saline-irrigated radiofrequency ablation catheter. Blood pressure (BP) measurements, blood sampling assays and renal angiography were performed at baseline, 30 min, one month and three months after ablation.

Results:

During three months of follow-up, RDN caused a significant and uniform reduction in plasma level of renin, angiotensin II, and endothelin-1(ET-1), with the reduction of –5.7±6.8 ( p=0.049), –19.4±19.3 ( p=0.025), and –22.4±21 pg/ml ( p=0.02) for plasma renin, –10.6±7.2 ( p=0.004), –15.9±8.8 ( p=0.001), and –15.2±9.6 pg/ml ( p=0.003) for plasma angiotensin II, as well as –3.9±3 ( p=0.007), –10.8±5 ( p<0.001), and –14.6±6.1 pg/ml ( p<0.001) for plasma ET-1. RDN utilizing a saline-irrigated catheter also caused a progressive and substantial BP reduction of –19±22/–8±13, –30±13/–13±14, and –36±20/–16±14 mm Hg ( p=0.045, p<0.001, and p<0.002 for systolic BP; p=0.14, p=0.036, and p=0.014 for diastolic BP) without ablation-related complications.

Conclusion:

RDN substantially decreased BP and also significantly decreased the plasma levels of RAS and ET-1, which might be implicated in the mechanism of BP reduction by RDN.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme I/D polymorphism is associated with pneumonia risk: A meta-analysis
Authors: Nie Wei , Zang Yuansheng , Chen Jiquan , Liu Tao , Xiao Lin , Xiu Qingyu
Published: February 2014

Background:

Previous studies examined the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE) I/D polymorphism and pneumonia, but their results were inconsistent. Thus, a meta-analysis was performed to clarify the effect of ACE I/D polymorphism on pneumonia risk and pneumonia-related mortality.

Methods:

The PubMed, Embase, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were searched for relevant studies published up to 27 April 2013. Data were extracted and pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results:

Pooled analysis of 12 case-control studies (1431 cases and 3600 controls) showed that there was a significant association between ACE I/D polymorphism and pneumonia risk in a recessive genetic model (OR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.30–1.80, p < 0.00001). No significant association between ACE I/D polymorphism and mortality was observed (OR = 2.68, 95% CI 0.80–8.90, p = 0.11).

Conclusions:

Our meta-analysis confirmed that ACE I/D polymorphism was associated with pneumonia risk. However, ACE I/D polymorphism was not associated with pneumonia mortality.
Anti-stress and nootropic activity of drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin system in rats based on indirect biochemical evidence
Authors: Anil Kumar KV , Nagwar Shrasti , Thyloor Rama , Satyanarayana Sreemantula
Published: February 2014

Introduction:

Various stress hormones are responsible for bringing out stress-related changes and are implicated in learning and memory processes. The extensive clinical experience of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and direct renin inhibitor as antihypertensive agents provides anecdotal evidence of improvements in cognition. The neurochemical basis underlying the anti-stress and nootropic effects are unclear. This study was aimed to determine the effects of aliskiren, valsartan and their combination on the neuromediators of the central nervous system (CNS) and periphery as well as on cognitive function.

Materials and methods:

Groups of rats were subjected to a forced swim stress for one hour after daily treatment with aliskiren, valsartan and their combination. The 24 h urinary excretion of vanillylmandellic acid (VMA), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), 6-β-hydroxycortisol (6-β-OH) cortisol and homovanillic acid (HVA) was determined in all groups under normal and stressed conditions. Nootropic activity was studied using cook’s pole climbing apparatus and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity by Ellman’s method.

Results:

Administration of aliskiren (10 mg/kg), valsartan (20 mg/kg) and their combination at a dose of 5 and 10 mg/kg respectively reduced the urinary metabolite levels. Further, all drugs showed significant improvement in scopolamine-impaired performance and produced inhibition of the AChE enzyme.

Conclusions:

The present study provides scientific support for the anti-stress and nootropic activities of aliskiren, valsartan and their combination.
AAC Camp as an Alternative School-Based Service Delivery Model
Authors: Dodd Janet L. , Hagge Darla K.
Published: February 2014

School-based speech-language pathologists are obligated to apply evidence-based practice and document progress of their students’ response to intervention in compliance with federal law. The purpose of this preliminary study was to explore the effects of an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)–based intervention provided in a camp format and begin the exploration of examining strategies to monitor and document progress. Through the use of a survey, data were also collected regarding the demographics of camp attendees and their response to the camp-based intervention model. Results indicated children with autism and intellectual disability comprised a significant portion of the children referred for this type of intervention, and positive gains were documented both in the areas of communicative behaviors and pragmatic use.
Parental Support for Language Development During Joint Book Reading for Young Children With Hearing Loss
Authors: DesJardin Jean L. , Doll Emily R. , Stika Carren J. , Eisenberg Laurie S. , Johnson Karen J. , Ganguly Dianne Hammes , Colson Bethany G. , Henning Shirley C.
Published: February 2014

Parent and child joint book reading (JBR) characteristics and parent facilitative language techniques (FLTs) were investigated in two groups of parents and their young children; children with normal hearing (NH; n = 60) and children with hearing loss (HL; n = 45). Parent–child dyads were videotaped during JBR interactions, and parent and child behaviors were coded for specific JBR behaviors using a scale developed for this study. Children’s oral language skills were assessed using the Preschool Language Scale–4 (PLS-4). Parents of children with HL scored higher on two of the four subscales of JBR: Literacy Strategies and Teacher Techniques. Parents of children with NH utilized higher level FLTs with their children who had higher language skills. Higher level FLTs were positively related to children’s oral language abilities. Implications are discussed for professionals who work with families of very young children with HL.
Perceptions des communautés sur le paludisme et les vaccins : étude qualitative réalisée dans les districts sanitaires de Kaya et Houndé, au Burkina Faso
Authors: Yaya Bocoum Fadima I. K. , Kouanda Seni , Hinson Laura , Collymore Yvette , Ba-Nguz Antoinette , Bingham Allison
Published: February 2014

Au Burkina Faso, le paludisme est la principale cause de mortalité chez les enfants de moins de 5 ans. L’un des moyens les plus efficaces de prévention des maladies reste la vaccination. Aucun vaccin antipaludique n’existe actuellement, mais la recherche pour développer un vaccin progresse. Si les résultats des essais cliniques sont concluants d’ici 2014, l’Organisation Mondiale de la Santé (OMS) pourrait recommander l’utilisation d’un vaccin anti-paludique dès 2015. C’est dans le but de guider la décision d’introduire éventuellement un vaccin contre le paludisme que cette étude a été menée. Les objectifs étaient de comprendre les perceptions et les expériences des communautés au sujet du paludisme et des vaccins et d’explorer l’acceptabilité éventuelle d’un vaccin antipaludique par ces communautés. Cette étude qualitative s’appuie sur le cadre socioécologique de L. W. Green. Elle s’est déroulée dans les districts sanitaires de Kaya et Houndé, au Burkina Faso. Au total, 30 groupes de discussions dirigées et 29 entretiens individuels ont été réalisés. Tous les participants à l’étude ont reconnu que le paludisme représente la première cause de morbidité et de mortalité au sein de leur communauté. En général, les populations de Kaya et Houndé ont eu des expériences positives avec les programmes de vaccination existant. Les effets bénéfiques que pourrait avoir un futur vaccin sont les motifs d’acceptation. L’avis du chef de ménage, l’interaction entre les prestataires de soins et les usagers des services de santé, et les effets secondaires sont des obstacles potentiels. Les résultats de cette étude fournissent des informations aux décideurs pour l’élaboration d’une stratégie de communication à l’éventuelle introduction d’un vaccin contre le paludisme. Pour surmonter les obstacles à l’introduction d’un nouveau vaccin, une stratégie de communication efficace devra formuler des messages appropriés, et identifier des canaux d’information et les publics cibles en tenant compte du contexte local.
Power Plays
Authors: Marsh Abigail A. , Cardinale Elise M. , Chentsova-Dutton Yulia E. , Grossman Molli R. , Krumpos Kalli A.
Published: February 2014

Both transient and stable facial cues have evolved as essential features of social communication in humans. Accumulating research links actual and perceived aggression to a higher ratio between the height and bizygomatic width of a person’s face (facial width-to-height ratio [WHR]) and shows that digitally increasing this ratio can alter apparent aggressiveness. We present evidence that facial behaviors associated with anger—the state most closely associated with aggressive intentions—also increase facial WHR, mimicking the facial morphology of aggressive individuals. In Study 1, individuals induced to appear aggressive naturally increased their facial WHR using anger-related facial behaviors. In Study 2, we found that validated anger expressions increased facial WHR and that this change predicts increased attributions of aggressiveness. We also found statistical suggestions that anger-related facial behaviors may serve as cues that overrepresent the expresser’s aggressiveness. Our findings suggest that facial behaviors associated with anger may have emerged to facilitate aggressive encounters.
The role of bariatric surgery in the treatment of diabetes
Authors: Tham Ji Chung , Howes Noah , le Roux Carel W.
Published: February 2014

The obesity epidemic contributes to approximately 44% of the world’s type 2 diabetes burden. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with morbid obesity as it improves glycaemia, blood pressure, lipids and inflammation. This review describes the evidence supporting the addition of bariatric surgery to the treatment algorithms used by diabetologists. We emphasize the need to view bariatric surgery as an adjuvant therapy which should not be used instead of but rather together with best medical therapy.
Computed tomography coronary angiography: Is radiation a concern for the gold standard test for anomalous coronary arteries?
Authors: Alfakih Khaled , Sharma Sanjay
Published: February 2014

Multi-detector computed tomography is now an established modality for the investigation of coronary artery disease.1,2^ 64-Slice multi-detector computed tomography is the standard requirement by the British society of cardiac imaging and can image the whole heart in four heart beats. The 320 slice multi-detector computed tomography can image the heart in one heart beat, but both technologies depend on B-blockers to slow the patient’s heart rate to 60 beats per minute to ensure excellent image quality and low radiation dose. The faster dual source multi-detector computed tomography is less dependent on B-blockers. The availability and ease of use of multi-detector computed tomography has meant that it is increasingly used in younger patients to rule out coronary artery disease or rule out anomalous coronary arteries. We consider the radiation associated with computed tomography coronary angiography and the available dose reduction techniques.
A six-time Ultraman winner and a normal heart: A case report
Authors: Araújo Claudio Gil Soares de , Belém Luciano , Gottlieb Ilan
Published: February 2014

Number of subjects currently participating in high-endurance aerobic exercise training regimens and competitions has substantially increased in recent years. While there is no doubt that regular exercise practice is fundamental for the maintenance of a good health, there have been reports of cardiac structural changes of subjects exposed to strenuous endurance physical exercise. This article reports a case of a 47-year-old male very successful sportsman—including being a six-time Ultraman winner—who has accumulated more than 50,000 h of training and competition in his 35-year career, averaging 25–30 h/week. Despite this huge amount of aerobic exercise, about 25 times larger than typically recommended dose for health purposes (i.e. 75 min of vigorous exercise per week), no major abnormalities were detected in electrocardiograms (rest and maximal exercise), transthoracic echocardiogram, and magnetic resonance imaging. In fact, after this complete evaluation, his heart was found to be quite normal.
A catalytic-independent role for the LUBAC in NF-κB activation upon antigen receptor engagement and in lymphoma cells
Authors: Dubois Sonia M. , Alexia Catherine , Wu Youtong , Leclair Héloïse M. , Leveau Claire , Schol Emilie , Fest Thierry , Tarte Karin , Chen Zhijian J. , Gavard Julie , Bidère Nicolas
Published: February 2014

Key Points

LUBAC elements HOIP and SHARPIN participate in T-cell receptor-mediated NF-κB activation independently of HOIP catalytic activity. LUBAC silencing compromises constitutive NF-κB activation and cell survival in ABC DLBCL lines.
Genomic rearrangements involving programmed death ligands are recurrent in primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Twa David D. W. , Chan Fong Chun , Ben-Neriah Susana , Woolcock Bruce W. , Mottok Anja , Tan King L. , Slack Graham W. , Gunawardana Jay , Lim Raymond S. , McPherson Andrew W. , Kridel Robert , Telenius Adele , Scott David W. , Savage Kerry J. , Shah Sohrab P. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Steidl Christian
Published: February 2014

Key Points

Programmed death ligands 1 and 2 are rearranged at a frequency of 20% in PMBCL.
Duration of anticoagulant therapy for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
Authors: Kearon Clive , Akl Elie A.
Published: February 2014

It takes about 3 months to complete “active treatment” of venous thromboembolism (VTE), with further treatment serving to prevent new episodes of thrombosis (“pure secondary prevention”). Consequently, VTE should generally be treated for either 3 months or indefinitely (exceptions will be described in the text). The decision to stop anticoagulants at 3 months or to treat indefinitely is dominated by the long-term risk of recurrence, and secondarily influenced by the risk of bleeding and by patient preference. VTE provoked by a reversible risk factor, or a first unprovoked isolated distal (calf) deep vein thrombosis (DVT), has a low risk of recurrence and is usually treated for 3 months. VTE associated with active cancer, or a second unprovoked VTE, has a high risk of recurrence and is usually treated indefinitely. The decision to stop anticoagulants at 3 months or to treat indefinitely is more finely balanced after a first unprovoked proximal DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE). Indefinite anticoagulation is often chosen if there is a low risk of bleeding, whereas anticoagulation is usually stopped at 3 months if there is a high risk of bleeding. The decision to continue anticoagulation indefinitely after a first unprovoked proximal DVT or PE is strengthened if the patient is male, the index event was PE rather than DVT, and/or d-dimer testing is positive 1 month after stopping anticoagulant therapy.
Management of bronchiectasis
Authors: King P.T. , Daviskas E.
Published: February 2014

Educational aims

To describe the specific current and potential future treatments for bronchiectasis.

To describe a potential management plan for the treatment of bronchiectasis.

Non-cystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis remains a common and difficult respiratory condition to manage. Patients with bronchiectasis generally tend to have persistent symptoms and require long-term medical treatment. There are a large number of treatment options available for the management of bronchiectasis. However only a limited number of trials to assess efficacy of treatment have been conducted. These studies have generally included fewer than 20 patients and very few of them have been randomised or blinded. As such, the management of bronchiectasis is not clearly defined. This review will discuss the specific treatments available to treat patients with non-CF bronchiectasis and how they could be integrated into a specific management plan.
Exploration of microRNAs in porcine milk exosomes
Authors: Chen Ting , Xi Qian-Yun , Ye Rui-Song , Cheng Xiao , Qi Qi-En , Wang Song-Bo , Shu Gang , Wang Li-Na , Zhu Xiao-Tong , Jiang Qing-Yan , Zhang Yong-Liang
Published: February 2014

Background

Breast milk contains complex nutrients and facilitates the maturation of various biological systems in infants. Exosomes, membranous vesicles of endocytic origin found in different body fluids such as milk, can mediate intercellular communication. We hypothesized that microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding small RNAs of 18–25 nt which are known to be packaged in exosomes of human, bovine and porcine milk, may play important roles in the development of piglets.

Results

In this study, exosomes of approximately 100 nm in diameter were isolated from porcine milk through serial centrifugation and ultracentrifugation procedures. Total RNA was extracted from exosomes, and 5S ribosomal RNA was found to be the major RNA component. Solexa sequencing showed a total of 491 miRNAs, including 176 known miRNAs and 315 novel mature miRNAs (representing 366 pre-miRNAs), which were distributed among 30 clusters and 35 families, and two predicted novel miRNAs were verified targeting 3’UTR of IGF-1R by luciferase assay. Interestingly, we observed that three miRNAs (ssc-let-7e, ssc-miR-27a, and ssc-miR-30a) could be generated from miRNA-offset RNAs (moRNAs). The top 10 miRNAs accounted for 74.5% (67,154 counts) of total counts, which were predicted to target 2,333 genes by RNAhybrid software. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses using DAVID bioinformatics resources indicated that the identified miRNAs targeted genes enriched in transcription, immunity and metabolism processes, and 14 of the top 20 miRNAs possibly participate in regulation of the IgA immune network.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that porcine milk exosomes contain a large number of miRNAs, which potentially play an important role in information transfer from sow milk to piglets. The predicted miRNAs of porcine milk exosomes in this study provide a basis for future biochemical and biophysical function studies.
An experiment in knowledge sharing
Authors: Schultz Phil
Published: February 2014

The 277 attendees at the Geophysical Society of Houston's 2013 Spring Symposium were participants in an experiment in knowledge sharing. We often speak of education as being one of the principal objectives shaping the activities of a professional society such as SEG or the Geophysical Society of Houston (GSH), of which I currently serve as first vice president. Education is a laudable objective. After all, we like to learn something new and useful. However, focusing narrowly on it may cause us to miss an important opportunity for learning. The word education calls up the image of an instructional setting, where subject-matter experts provide valuable information that flows directionally toward the audience. Our annual SEG convention is conducted mostly in this manner, in which a series of formal presentations proceeds one after another during the technical sessions.
State of the Net
Authors: Swiney Mick
Published: February 2014

The ink is still fresh on the year 2014, and great opportunities are already presenting themselves left and right in the form of new special sections, events, and calls for papers. All the while, SEG Denver 2014 looms ever closer in the upcoming fall—exhibitor booth assignments have already begun, abstract submissions for the Technical Program will begin 5 March, sponsors have begun leaping to grab choice promotional opportunities … and registration lurks a mere four months away.
Regulation of the phosphorylation and nuclear import and export of β-catenin by APC and its cancer-related truncated form
Authors: Wang Lili , Liu Xiaoyong , Gusev Ekaterina , Wang Chuanxin , Fagotto François
Published: February 2014

We report the first direct analysis of the endogenous β-catenin phosphorylation activity in colon cancer SW480 cells. By comparing parental SW480 cells that harbor a typical truncated adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) form, cells expressing full-length APC and APC-depleted cells, we provide the formal demonstration that APC is necessary for β-catenin phosphorylation, both for priming of the protein at residue serine 45 and for the subsequent phosphorylation of residues 33, 37 and 41. Truncated APC still sustains a surprisingly high phosphorylation activity, which requires the protein to bind to β-catenin through the APC 20-amino-acid (20AA) repeats, thus providing a biochemical explanation for the precise truncations found in cancer cells. We also show that most of the β-catenin phosphorylation activity is associated with a dense insoluble fraction. We finally examine the impact of full-length and truncated APC on β-catenin nuclear transport. We observe that β-catenin is transported much faster than previously thought. Although this fast translocation is largely insensitive to the presence of wild-type or truncated APC, the two forms appear to limit the pool of β-catenin that is available for transport, which could have an impact on β-catenin nuclear activities in normal and cancer cells.
Purinergic control of AMPK activation by ATP released through connexin 43 hemichannels: pivotal roles in hemichannel-mediated cell injury
Authors: Chi Yuan , Gao Kun , Li Kai , Nakajima Shotaro , Kira Satoru , Takeda Masayuki , Yao Jian
Published: February 2014

Connexin hemichannels regulate many cell functions. However, the molecular mechanisms involved remain elusive. Given that hemichannel opening causes loss of ATP, we therefore speculated a potential implication of AMPK in the biological actions of hemichannels. Activation of hemichannels by removing extracellular Ca2+ led to an efflux of ATP and a weak activation of AMPK. Unexpectedly, dysfunction of hemichannels markedly potentiated AMPK activation, which was reproduced by promotion of extracellular ATP degradation or inhibition of P2 purinoceptors, but counteracted by exogenous ATP. Further analysis revealed that ATP induced a purinoceptor-dependent activation of Akt and mTOR. Suppression of Akt or mTOR augmented AMPK activation, whereas activation of Akt by transfection of cells with myr-Akt, a constitutively active form of Akt, abolished AMPK activation. In a pathological model of hemichannel opening triggered by cadmium, disclosure of hemichannels similarly enhanced AMPK activity, which protected cells from cadmium-induced cell injury through suppression of mTOR. Collectively, we unraveled a channel-mediated regulation of AMPK through purinergic signaling pathway. Furthermore, we defined AMPK as a pivotal molecule underlying the regulatory effects of hemichannels on cell survival.
Glypican-3 binds to frizzled and plays a direct role in the stimulation of canonical Wnt signaling
Authors: Capurro Mariana , Martin Tonya , Shi Wen , Filmus Jorge
Published: February 2014

Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a proteoglycan that is bound to the cell surface. It is expressed by most hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), but not by normal hepatocytes. GPC3 stimulates HCC growth by promoting canonical Wnt signaling. Because glypicans interact with Wnts, it has been proposed that these proteoglycans stimulate signaling by increasing the amount of Wnt at the cell membrane, facilitating in this way the interaction of this growth factor with its signaling receptor Frizzled. However, in this study we demonstrate that GPC3 plays a more direct role in the stimulation of Wnt signaling. Specifically, we show that, in addition to interacting with Wnt, GPC3 directly binds to Frizzled through its glycosaminoglycan chains, indicating that this glypican stimulates the formation of signaling complexes between these two proteins. Consistent with this, we show that Wnt binding at the cell membrane triggers the endocytosis of a complex that includes Wnt, Frizzled and GPC3. Additional support to our model is provided by the finding that Glypican-6 (GPC6) inhibits canonical Wnt signaling despite the fact that it binds to Wnt at the cell membrane.
An Economist's Guide to Visualizing Data
Authors: Schwabish Jonathan A.
Published: February 2014

Once upon a time, a picture was worth a thousand words. But with online news, blogs, and social media, a good picture can now be worth so much more. Economists who want to disseminate their research, both inside and outside the seminar room, should invest some time in thinking about how to construct compelling and effective graphics.
Global Biofuels: Key to the Puzzle of Grain Market Behavior
Authors: Wright Brian
Published: February 2014

In the last half-decade, sharp jumps in the prices of wheat, rice, and corn, which furnish about two–thirds of the calorie requirements of mankind, have attracted worldwide attention. These price jumps in grains have also revealed the chaotic state of economic analysis of agricultural commodity markets. Economists and scientists have engaged in a blame game, apportioning percentages of responsibility for the price spikes to bewildering lists of factors, which include a surge in meat consumption, idiosyncratic regional droughts and fires, speculative bubbles, a new “financialization” of grain markets, the slowdown of global agricultural research spending, jumps in costs of energy, and more. Several observers have claimed to identify a “perfect storm” in the grain markets in 2007/2008, a confluence of some of the factors listed above. In fact, the price jumps since 2005 are best explained by the new policies causing a sustained surge in demand for biofuels. The rises in food prices since 2004 have generated huge wealth transfers to global landholders, agricultural input suppliers, and biofuels producers. The losers have been net consumers of food, including large numbers of the world's poorest peoples. The cause of this large global redistribution was no perfect storm. Far from being a natural catastrophe, it was the result of new policies to allow and require increased use of grain and oilseed for production of biofuels. Leading this trend were the wealthy countries, initially misinformed about the true global environmental and distributional implications.
Quality Management at the Russian Timber Enterprises in Compliance with FSC Standards
Authors: Баурина  , Baurina Svetlana
Published: February 2014

Peculiarities of quality management at the timber industry enterprises of this

country based on FSC standards are considered. Practical experience of

implementing FSC voluntary forest certification in Russia is analyzed. Geography

of Russia’s certified forests is presented. Current system of state forest

certification in Russia is briefly characterized and the prospects of its development

are outlined.
Notion of «Industry» in the Context of Industrial Policy
Authors: Костин  , Kostin Andrey , Кислюк  , Kislyuk M. , Юсим  , Yusim Vyacheslav
Published: February 2014

The rationale for specifying such notions, as «industrial policy» and «economic policy» for legislative purposes is presented. Various definitions are suggested based on fundamental guidelines for the mentioned branches of public policy.
Mathematical Method for Determining the Structure’s Elements of Thread-Conveyor Systems of Discrete Manufacturing
Authors: Буриков  , Burikov Alyeksandr
Published: February 2014

The author proposes a mathematical method for determining structure elements

of discrete component manufacturing. Based on the information theory the

author has developed a new formula for calculation of job numbers needed

to the flow-line conveyor system.
How to Promote Sustainable Branch-Wise Financial Flows in the Context of Contractual Regime (the Case of Public Utility Sector)
Authors: Каменева  , Kameneva E.
Published: February 2014

The subject structure of branch-wise economic and financial relations is described. Factors, affecting financial and economic activity, financial stability and sustainability of financial flows in the public utility sector are revealed. Contractual regime depending on the way the administrating body enters the apartment houses management market is presented.
Basic science of anterior cruciate ligament injury and repair
Authors: Kiapour A. M. , Murray M. M.
Published: February 2014

Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most devastating and frequent injuries of the knee. Surgical reconstruction is the current standard of care for treatment of ACL injuries in active patients. The widespread adoption of ACL reconstruction over primary repair was based on early perception of the limited healing capacity of the ACL. Although the majority of ACL reconstruction surgeries successfully restore gross joint stability, post-traumatic osteoarthritis is commonplace following these injuries, even with ACL reconstruction. The development of new techniques to limit the long-term clinical sequelae associated with ACL reconstruction has been the main focus of research over the past decades. The improved knowledge of healing, along with recent advances in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, has resulted in the discovery of novel biologically augmented ACL-repair techniques that have satisfactory outcomes in preclinical studies. This instructional review provides a summary of the latest advances made in ACL repair.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:20–31.
A Real-Time Imaging System for Lumber Strength Prediction
Authors: Hietaniemi Riku , López Miguel Bordallo , Hannuksela Jari , Silvén Olli
Published: February 2014

In this article, we describe a system for machine vision–based lumber strength prediction. The system utilizes images taken from all four sides of pinewood boards. Those images are further divided into small subareas, and the local gradients inside each area are used to calculate the local grain direction. Together, these directions form the grain direction map. The grain direction map and knot features are used to predict the breaking strength of the board. Because of the high speed of production lines, we also present a parallel general-purpose graphics processing unit (GPGPU) implementation of the method to achieve real-time performance using low-cost hardware. We describe the challenges of the design on a GPU compared with a traditional central processing unit implementation. Most of the modern sawmills already have multiple camera systems in use, making the camera-based strength prediction extremely cost effective. In our experiments, an r2 value of 0.63 was obtained between the measured strength attributes of the board and our strength prediction coefficient. The ground truth for the breaking strength was measured using destructive 3-point bending tests. Using a regular desktop computer, the described system achieves a throughput of over 50 Mpixels/s. For the parallel implementation, we provide qualitative evaluation of the results and a comparison of the computational speed on several platforms.
Industry Cycles in the US Softwood Lumber Industry: 1985 through 2010
Authors: Mehrotra Shiv N. , Kant Shashi , Majumdar Indrajit
Published: February 2014

Cyclical patterns in business activity are a common feature of industry in market economies. This study identifies and describes industry cycles in the US softwood lumber industry from 1985 to 2010. Statistical decomposition and filtering procedures are applied to time series data on sales volumes to extract the cyclical component, and nonparametric techniques are used to date the industry cycles. The study identifies four softwood lumber industry cycles: three coincident with business cycles and one attributable to developments in the US–Canada softwood lumber trade dispute. Softwood lumber industry cycle durations ranged between 5 and 6 years. Decline in seasonally adjusted softwood lumber industry business activity caused by cyclic contractions averaged 13 percent for the period under study, with the most recent contraction (January 2006 to March 2009) contributing a 22 percent decline in business activity.
O ESTUDO DE CASO COMO ABORDAGEM METODOLÓGICA NO ENSINO SUPERIOR
Authors: Coimbra Maria De Nazaré Castro Trigo , Martins Alcina Manuela De Oliveira
Published: February 2014

O estudo tem por finalidade analisar as caraterísticas processuais de estudos de caso, aplicados por estudantes de mestrado, em Ciências da Educação. Assim, foi usada uma metodologia predominantemente qualitativa, de orientação interpretativa, porém integrando a quantificação. A análise incidiu em 42 dissertações de estudantes que, entre 2010-2013, optaram pelo estudo de caso. Os trabalhos analisados convergem numa pesquisa mista, qualitativa e quantitativa, descritiva e/ou interpretativa. Os resultados comprovam que a maioria dos estudantes constrói o seu estudo de caso procurando o “como” e o “porquê” da realidade educativa, em contexto. Todavia, nem todos os casos se encontram devidamente sustentados ou interligam teoria-prática, sobretudo no que se refere à análise crítica da produção científica na área, focalização distanciada do investigador, uso de mecanismos de controlo, e ainda aplicabilidade e generalização de resultados.http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v24i3.2696
DESCOMPASSOS NA FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES EM EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA NO CONTEXTO BRASILEIRO
Authors: Francisco Marcos Vinicius
Published: February 2014

Por meio da revisão bibliográfica e da pesquisa documental procuramos analisar o processo de formação de professores em Educação Física no Brasil. Utilizamos como fonte de geração de dados a consulta dos Programas de Pós-Graduação da área de Educação Física cadastrados no diretório da CAPES, bem como consulta dos endereços eletrônicos de cada Programa, a fim de obter informações acerca do número de pesquisadores, linhas de pesquisa e áreas de concentração. Os dados foram analisados com base no referencial epistemológico do Método do Materialismo Histórico Dialético. Os resultados apontam que é reduzida a quantidade de pesquisadores que investigam o processo de formação de professores em Educação Física. Tal descompasso não é apenas quantitativo, também se refere à ausência de consistência epistemológica nas problematizações de sua produção.http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v24i3.2706
Fetal chylous ascites may redevelop only after birth
Authors: Peychl Ivan , Harvanek Karel , Krasnicanova Petra
Published: February 2014

Congenital chylous ascites is a rare condition. We describe a case in which fetal ascites was found on a routine antenatal ultrasound, with all abnormalities resolving by 36 weeks’ gestation. No investigations or treatment for the ascites was undertaken after the baby´s birth. At the age of 3 months, when the baby underwent surgery for bilateral inguinal hernias and hydrocele, milky fluid was drained from the hernia sac. Laboratory and ultrasound investigations confirmed the presence of a significant amount of chyle in the peritoneal cavity. Congenital chylous ascites was treated by means of a diet based on medium chain triglycerides. By the age of 6 months, the fluid in the abdomen had resolved. However, it partly reappeared once a normal mixed diet was allowed. A minimal amount of fluid in the lower abdominal cavity was consistently found up to the age of 22 months. The fluid had finally disappeared by the age of 30 months when the child was generally in good health and developing normally. We conclude that congenital chylous ascites may be diagnosed prior to birth but may become more clinically significant only after birth, when its severity is enhanced by feedings of milk containing long chain fats. We recommend a thorough postnatal evaluation and follow-up in all infants diagnosed with fetal ascites, so that appropriate and timely management decisions can be made, if the chylous origin of the ascites is confirmed.
Sexual and reproductive health of Portuguese adolescents
Authors: Mendes Neuza , Palma Fátima , Serrano Fátima
Published: February 2014

Background: As adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are major sources of morbidity, preventing them is an important health goal for Portuguese society.

Objective: To review data on the knowledge, attitudes and statistics on sexual and reproductive health.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted including peer-reviewed articles addressing issues influencing the sexuality of Portuguese adolescents (aged 13 to 19), published up to 2011 and conducted in any type of setting. After crossing-cleaning the reference list, 33 articles were included.

Results: The rate of sexual activity by Portuguese adolescents is high (44%–95%), but there has been an increase in the age of intercourse debut (currently 15.6 years). Early commencement of sexual intercourse is associated with smoking and regular alcohol consumption. Condoms are the most frequently chosen contraceptive method for first (76%–96%) and subsequent (52%–69%) sexual encounters. The perception of a double standard in sex still exists in teenage culture for both genders and influence behavior. There are significant differences between migrant and native adolescents: African adolescents initiate sexual intercourse at earlier ages and are more likely to have unprotected sex. Only one-third of Portuguese teenagers have ever visited a health facility to seek counseling concerning contraception or STIs, and less than half have ever attended classes on reproductive health. Very few (12%) have knowledge about Chlamydia trachomatis infection. The prevalence of STIs in Portuguese youth is unknown. The adolescent fertility rate is still high (14.7 births per 1000 females aged 15–19 years), but it, as well as the rate of abortion, is steadily decreasing.

Conclusions: There is still a long way to go towards promoting a resourceful young population. Citizens and institutions must focus on increasing both the competence of youths and external supports. Information must be provided systematically and health services must have greater accessibility. Studies addressing cultural and environmental determinants that contribute to the molding of the sexual conduct of Portuguese adolescents must be held to produce new and effective culturally sensitive health interventions.
Research on Non-contact Voltage Transducer for High-Voltage Transmission Lines Based on Inverse Problem of Electric Field
Authors: Yu Mengting , Wang Jingang , Ma Jun , Peng Hu , Xiong Lan
Published: February 2014

A new method to measure the voltage in a grid has been proposed based on the studies of a novel electronic voltage transducer for the high-voltage power transmission equipment using the charge induction principle and electromagnetic computing method. The voltage measuring method has been improved, the real-time electric field position and orientation near the high-voltage transmission lines has been measured and the real-time voltage has been calculated by computing the electric field inverse problem. According to the electric field simulation with test data, the data compensation and calibration calculation were carried out. With the rapid engineering method on computing voltage, a non-contact electronic voltage transducer has been developed. First, we did the confirmatory test of the electric field detection and designed the preliminary model of the sensor. By the contrast test of voltage detection, the sensor was able to realize the voltage detection, but the precision was not high enough. Next, the measuring mechanism of the voltage transducer was analyzed taking account of strong interference from electromagnetic field, electric field distortion, changes in temperature and humidity, and impact between adjacent electric fields and conductor galloping. The measuring accuracy was satisfied by data compensation.
On the socially aware development of self-adaptive ubiquitous computing
applications
Authors: Geihs Kurt , Niemczyk Stefan , Roßnagel Alexander , Witsch Andreas
Published: February 2014

Ubiquitous computing applications provide pervasive support
to users in a self-adaptive and non-obtrusive way. Applications reason about
the user situation and adapt dynamically, often without explicit user
interaction. Such applications exploit technical features such as context
awareness, context reasoning, adaptation models, dynamic resource
discovery/binding, and self-configuration. The engineering of ubiquitous
computing applications is a challenge because the user acceptance depends
not only on functional features but at least as much on non-functional and
user-related features that we address under the term “social awareness”.
In this paper we present an interdisciplinary development approach for
self-adaptive applications that takes into account social awareness
requirements in a systematic and integrated manner. Our focus is on
usability, trust, and legality. We present the ingredients of our new
methodology and its evaluation based on application prototypes. Our approach
is compatible with existing software engineering process models and
practices.
Novel technology for high precision, fast
non-contact asphere metrology
Authors: Berger Gernot , Petter Jürgen
Published: February 2014

A method for non-contact optical profiling of aspheric surfaces is presented, which is based on multi wavelength interferometry (MWLI). The method yields high density 3D data at high accuracies in short measurement times. It measures aspheres without restrictions in terms of spherical departures. In addition, measurement of a large variety of special optics is enabled, segmented, ground, and discontinuuos optics. The measurement instrument can be used under production conditions.
Curvature radii characterization based on point clouds
Authors: Galovska Maryna , Krystek Michael , Tutsch Rainer
Published: February 2014

Radii characterization procedures consist of a sequence of operations. Data
processing for point clouds, resulting from area-based measurements, differs
from profile-based processing. We deal with the realization of point cloud
operations in the case of curvature characterization. Special challenges of
complex geometries are the partition and association operations. We propose an
approach to the association including partition indirectly. The approach is
based on fitting of the complete mathematical model without separating the
data into subsets attributed to geometrical primitives. A study of uncertainty
propagation for the developed approach was carried out by using Monte-Carlo
simulations.
In vivoActivation ofWntSignaling Pathway Enhances Cognitive Function of Adult Mice and Reverses Cognitive Deficits in an Alzheimer's Disease Model
Authors: Vargas Jessica Y. , Fuenzalida Marco , Inestrosa Nibaldo C.
Published: February 2014

The role of theWntsignaling pathway during synaptic development has been well established. In the adult brain, different components ofWntsignaling are expressed, but little is known about its role in mature synapses. Emergingin vitrostudies have implicatedWntsignaling in synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, activation ofWntsignaling has shown to protect against amyloid-β-induced synaptic impairment. The present study provides the first evidence thatin vivoactivation ofWntsignaling improves episodic memory, increases excitatory synaptic transmission, and enhances long-term potentiation in adult wild-type mice. Moreover, the activation ofWntsignaling also rescues memory loss and improves synaptic dysfunction in APP/PS1-transgenic mice that model the amyloid pathology of Alzheimer's diseases. These findings indicate thatWntsignaling modulates cognitive function in the adult brain and could be a novel promising target for Alzheimer's disease therapy.
Cholinergic Contributions to Supramodal Attentional Processes in Rats
Authors: Ljubojevic Vladimir , Luu Paul , De Rosa Eve
Published: February 2014

Cholinergic neurotransmission has been shown to play an important role in modulating attentional processing of visual stimuli. However, it is not yet clear whether the neurochemical acetylcholine (ACh) is necessary exclusively for visual attention, or if it also contributes to attentional functions through some modality-independent (supramodal) mechanism. To answer this question, we examined the effects of reduced cortical cholinergic afferentation on both a traditional visual and a novel olfactory five-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT), the benchmark rodent test of sustained attention in rats. Following the successful acquisition of both modalities of the task, the rats underwent either a cholinergic immunotoxic- or sham-lesion surgery of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM), the basal forebrain nuclei that provide the majority of neocortical ACh. Reduced cholinergic afferentation to the neocortex was induced by bilaterally infusing the cholinergic immunotoxin 192 IgG-saporin into the NBM. After surgery, ACh-NBM-lesioned rats performed comparably to sham-lesioned rats under the conditions of low attentional demand, but displayed behavioral decrements relative to the sham-lesioned rats when the attentional demands of the task were increased. Moreover, this decrement in attentional functioning correlated significantly with the number of choline acetyltransferase-immunoreactive cells in the NBM. Importantly, the nature of this behavioral decrement was identical in the visual and olfactory 5-CSRTTs. Together, these data suggest the presence of a supramodal attentional modulatory cortical network whose activity is dependent on cholinergic innervation from the NBM.