bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous Bilateral Meningoencephalocoeles of the Temporal Bones
Authors: Rose Oliver , Neeff Michel , Low Christopher
Published: October 2013

Spontaneous tegmen tympani defects are rare with even rarer bilateral cases. The symptoms are nonspecific; hence, a high index of suspicion is required to prevent serious intracranial complications. We present a case of spontaneous bilateral tegmen tympani defects with associated meningoencephalocoeles in a 54-year-old male who presented with the signs and symptoms of severe meningitis. After careful workup which included a lumbar puncture, CT and MRI scans, both defects were repaired using a middle fossa approach. The patient made an uneventful recovery with complete cessation of otorrhoea and improvement in his hearing.
Migraines, Marriage, and Mascara
Authors: Bystrom Dianne , Dimitrova Daniela V.
Published: October 2013

Recent studies show that women running for vice president or president of the United States as major political party candidates often are covered differently than their male opponents by the media. This study examines Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann’s television news coverage compared to her male opponents in the months leading up to the primary stage of the 2012 campaign. Our analysis shows that Bachmann received less coverage, which was more often written in the game than issue frame. She was more likely to be associated with masculine than feminine issues. However, Bachmann received less image and negative coverage than her male opponents.
Can immunohistochemistry quantification of Cathepsin-D be useful in the differential diagnosis between vital and post-mortem wounds in humans?
Authors: Montisci Massimo , Corradin Matteo , Giacomelli Luciano , Viel Guido , Cecchetto Giovanni , Ferrara Santo Davide
Published: October 2013

Markers of skin wound vitality and the research methodology used for their determination are still matters of debate in forensic pathology. Cathepsin-D, a lysosomal enzyme, is the most expressed cathepsin in human skin, and although it seems to have the necessary requirements to be utilized as a vitality marker, past research has provided no definitive and clear response on its potential usefulness. Immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies and image analysis has been employed to detect and quantify the expression of Cathepsin-D in human skin wounds. We analyzed skin fragments obtained from 20 living individuals (group A) and 20 persons deceased from natural causes (group B). For each case, five skin fragments were withdrawn at 0′, 5′, 10′, 30′, and 90′ after abdominal incision. Once the samples were formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded, we analyzed the expression of Cathepsin-D through the quantification of the immunohistochemistry signal by image analysis. Immunoreactivity was displayed in Pixels of positive area measured by image analysis and converted in micrometer squares. The average levels of Cathepsin-D were higher in group B than in group A, except in three cases which showed a lower expression, with a statistically significant difference of Cathepsin-D expression between the two groups ( p < 0.0001). Group B showed unvaried levels among the progressive samples and group A revealed an increasing predominant trend at 30′. Due to the high levels of expression of Cathepsin-D found in the post-mortem injuries, our study definitively excludes any usefulness of immunohistochemistry quantification of this enzyme in the differentiation between vital and post-mortem injuries.
Towards a Regime of Post-political Biopower? Dispatches from Greece, 2010–2012
Authors: Kioupkiolis Alexandros
Published: October 2013

This article makes the case that Greece has witnessed a transition from a ‘post-democratic’ condition in the ’90 s and the early 21st century to a regime of ‘post-political biopower’ in 2010–12 that can bid democracy farewell. To adequately theorize this modality of power in a way pertinent to contemporary Greece, the paper takes its bearings from Agamben’s take on biopower, the homo sacer and the endless state of exception. But the analysis fills in Agamben’s theoretical skeleton by drawing on Naomi Klein’s account of the ‘Shock Doctrine’, which captures a particular technique of biopower deployed by neoliberal hegemony, Deleuze’s insights about the ‘society of control’ and Lazzarato’s elaborations of these insights with reference to the ‘indebted man’, which can shed light on the political implications of the Greek debt crisis. Yet popular responses, initiatives and electoral politics, as well as the intricacies of dominant power relations, upset any monolithic and quasi-totalitarian account of sovereign rule, disclosing cracks, imbalances and dispersion in its edifice.
Developmental Change and Time-Specific Variation in Global and Specific Aspects of Self-Concept in Adolescence and Association With Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Kuzucu Yaşar , Bontempo Daniel E. , Hofer Scott M. , Stallings Michael C. , Piccinin Andrea M.
Published: October 2013

Previous research has demonstrated that adolescents make differential self-evaluations in multiple domains that include physical appearance, academic competence, and peer acceptance. We report growth curve analyses over a 7-year period from age 9 to 16 on the six domains of the Harter Self-Perception Profile for Children. In general, we find little change in self-concept, on average, but do find substantial individual differences in level, rate of change, and time-specific variation in these self-evaluations. The results suggest that sex differences and adoptive status were related to only certain aspects of the participants’ self-concept. Depressive symptoms were found to have significant effects on individual differences in the rate of change and on time-specific variation in general self-concept, as well as on some of the specific domains of self-concept.
Attitudes Toward, and Use of, Textbooks Among Marketing Undergraduates
Authors: Vafeas Mario
Published: October 2013

While textbooks remain a key part of the teaching and learning process, evidence suggests that student completion of reading assignments is lower than teacher expectations. Although there is a small body of literature examining textbook use, studies relating specifically to marketing textbooks are sparse. This article seeks to explore how marketing students perceive and use textbooks, what barriers inhibit their use, and how these barriers might be overcome. Qualitative exploratory and quantitative confirmatory research conducted at a British university reveals that reading assignments from the textbook are rarely completed. The textbook is primarily used as a handbook of definitions to help with the completion of coursework and as a revision aid for exams. The explanation for the lack of reading is less clear. The qualitative research suggested textbooks are cumbersome, inaccessible, and boring and that students perceive reading assignments to be unimportant because of their lack of integration into classwork. However, the quantitative study was less emphatic and revealed a neutral attitude toward textbooks, with less confidence that changes to the style of textbooks would encourage more reading. The article goes on to discuss implications for professional practice and incorporates tentative suggestions as to how to encourage regular and “active” reading.
“I Am a Nice Person When I Do Yoga!!!”
Authors: Ross Alyson , Bevans Margaret , Friedmann Erika , Williams Laurie , Thomas Sue
Published: October 2013

Purpose: To develop a better understanding of how yoga practice affects one’s interpersonal relationships. Design: Qualitative. Method: Content analysis was used to qualitatively analyze written comments ( n = 171) made regarding yoga improving interpersonal relationships in a large cross-sectional survey of yoga practitioners ( N = 1,067). Findings: Four themes were identified: Yoga practice leads to personal transformation, increases social interaction, provides coping mechanisms to weather relationship losses and difficulties, and leads to spiritual transcendence. Practitioners believed that their interpersonal relationships improved because their attitude and perspective had changed, making them more patient, kind, mindful, and self-aware. They expressed an aspect of community that was both practical (they met new friends) and spiritual (they felt they belonged). They thought they could better weather difficulties such as divorce and death. A number discussed feeling a sense of purpose and that their practice contributed to a greater good. Conclusions: There appears to be an aspect of community associated with yoga practice that may be beneficial to one’s social and spiritual health. Yoga could be beneficial for populations at risk for social isolation, such as those who are elderly, bereaved, and depressed, as well as individuals undergoing interpersonal crises.
A nonparametric approach using artificial intelligence in vibration and noise reduction of flexible systems
Authors: Zolfagharian Ali , Noshadi Amin , Ghasemi Seyed Ebrahim , Zain Mohd Zarhamdy Md
Published: October 2013

The main aim of this paper is to broaden the application’s area of artificial intelligence including fuzzy logic and multiobjective evolutionary algorithm into real-time control area. Wiper system is a high order, nonlinear model with single-input and multi-outputs so that rise time, maximum overshoot, and end-point vibration of wiper blade are observed in conflict as the faster response leads to the larger level of undesired noise and vibration. The first part of this paper centers acquiring experimental data from a passenger automobile wiper system during its operation and using a reliable nonlinear system identification, namely, nonlinear autoregressive exogenous Elman neural network. Knowing that in a practical environment, where the loading conditions of the flexible wiper blade may be varied due to rain, snow, or wind lift in high-speed driving, causing changes in the characteristics of the system, the system performance with a fixed conventional controller scheme will not be satisfactory. The main contribution of this work is presented in second part where a novel multiobjective, bilevel adaptive-fuzzy controller is proposed for an automobile wiper system. The system’s parameters are tuned simultaneously by a multiobjective genetic algorithm based on fitness sharing whereby an automobile wiper blade is moved within its sweep workspace in the least amount of time with minimum noise and vibration.
Experimental study on the injection characteristics of dimethyl ether–biodiesel blends in a common-rail injection system
Authors: Hou Junxing , Wen Zhenhua , Liu Yuanpeng , Jiang Zhiqiang
Published: October 2013

The injection rate and dynamic behaviour during and after the injection of dimethyl ether–biodiesel blends in a common-rail injection system are experimentally studied. The characteristics of the instantaneous line pressure evolution induced by the injection are obtained. In comparison with the injection of biodiesel, the injection of 100 wt % dimethyl ether starts later, but the starts of injection of other fuels are almost at the same time. Increasing the dimethyl ether blending ratio leads to a retarded end of injection and a significantly prolonged injection duration, but the peak injection rate changes little. With increasing rail pressure, the early rate of change in the injection rate with time and the peak injection rate increase, and the injection rate fluctuates more strongly. With increasing energizing time, the start of injection and the peak injection rate remain unchanged. The curves of the line pressure fluctuations at the injector inlet are similar for all dimethyl ether–biodiesel blends. When the dimethyl ether blending ratio is increased from 30 wt % to 100 wt %, the drop in the amplitude of the line pressure at the start of injection becomes smaller, the peak pressure decreases gradually and the phase is retarded. The duration of the line pressure fluctuations after injection becomes longer with increasing dimethyl ether blending ratio. By increasing the rail pressure, the line pressure at the start of injection drops more quickly, with a larger amplitude. At the end of injection, the magnitude of the peak pressure increases with an advanced phase, and the duration of the pressure fluctuations increases. By increasing the energizing time, the line pressure drop at the start of injection is unchanged, and the first line pressure peak increases with a retarded phase.
A numerical optimization chain combining computational fluid dynamics and surrogate analysis for the aerodynamic design of airfoils
Authors: Boulkeraa T , Ghenaiet A , Mendez S , Mohammadi B
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study is to present a fully automated computational fluid dynamics-based optimization chain, implementing a radial basis function meta-model combined with an improved Latin hypercube design of experiments strategy. The objective function (aerodynamic performance) is evaluated through computational fluid dynamics calculations by using the commercial code ANSYS-CFX. The optimization strategy is hybridization between a stochastic bi-objective non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm and a gradient-based method known as modified method of feasible direction to get benefit from their combined capabilities. The testing of this optimization chain consisted in finding the optimal operating conditions of an airfoil NACA0012. This methodology may help to a great extent in the better exploration of the design space and to guide numerical and experimental studies to the potentially optimal design parameters.
Immigrant students and the “homeland music”: Meanings, negotiations and implications
Authors: Karlsen Sidsel
Published: October 2013

This article builds from a multi-sited ethnographic study on immigrant students’ musical agency, conducted in three lower secondary school classrooms in the capital cities of Finland, Sweden and Norway. The focus of the article is twofold, and concerns what kinds of meanings the participating students ascribed to the music from their own or their parents’ homelands as well as how this music was negotiated within music classrooms and the wider school contexts to which these students belonged. The findings showed that students’ ascribed meanings and performed negotiations were rich and complex, and this is taken as a point of departure when discussing these findings’ potential for informing teachers’ practice in multicultural music classrooms.
The news-democracy narrative and the unexpected benefits of limited news consumption: The case of news resisters
Authors: Woodstock Louise
Published: October 2013

In the US, a dominant narrative about news and democracy claims that democracy depends on a knowledgeable citizenry and that knowledge stems from news consumption. News and politics are said to positively correlate; the political democracy’s vibrancy depends upon the strength of both. This qualitative examination of ‘news resisters,’ people who purposefully limit their news consumption, turns the news-democracy narrative on its head by arguing that decreased news consumption positions resisters to participate in public life. Informed by practice theory, evidence about news resistance sheds light on the specific ways news resisters relate to news and on the social norms around news consumption against which they conceptualize and forge their own practices. News resisters articulate the benefits of limited news consumption – greater calm and purpose, a constructive attitude toward the present and future, a willingness to work with others – qualities that enable news resisters to engage in meaningful political participation.
Teacher unionism and school management
Authors: Msila Vuyisile
Published: October 2013

This article reports on a study that was conducted in 10 urban schools, situated in the city of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The research explored the perceptions of school stakeholders with regard to the effects of power relations between teacher unions and school managers. It is assumed, within the context of this research, that school managers would, ideally, know how to act in times of conflict to solve problems emanating from power wrangling and thus ensure that their schools continue to function effectively at all times. It was found, however, that there are significant differences between the running of schools where teacher trade unions are politically strong, and schools where the unions are relatively weak or barely visible. The research findings suggest that in schools where there are strong political union affiliations among teachers, there are very real possibilities of these affiliations leading to the paralysis of school management and leadership, with negative consequences for the creation of effective teaching and learning.
Impact of vancomycin resistance on mortality in neutropenic patients with enterococcal bloodstream infection: a retrospective study
Authors: Cho Sung-Yeon , Lee Dong-Gun , Choi Su-Mi , Kwon Jae-Cheol , Kim Si-Hyun , Choi Jae-Ki , Park Sun Hee , Park Yeon-Joon , Choi Jung-Hyun , Yoo Jin-Hong
Published: October 2013

Background

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) bloodstream infection (BSI) is generally associated with the delayed administration of adequate antibiotics. The identification of risk factors and outcomes of VRE BSI is necessary for establishing strategies for managing neutropenic fever in patients with hematological malignancies.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed consecutive cases of enterococcal BSI in patients with neutropenia after chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation between July 2009 and December 2011 at a single center.

Results

During the 30-month period, among 1,587 neutropenic patients, the incidence rate of enterococcal BSI was 1.76 cases per 1,000 person-days. Of the 91 enterococcal BSIs, there were 24 cases of VRE. VRE BSI was associated with E. faecium infection (P < .001), prolonged hospitalization (P = .025) and delayed administration (≥48 hours after the febrile episode) of adequate antibiotics (P = .002). The attributable mortality was 17% and 9% for VRE and vancomycin-susceptible Enterococcus (VSE), respectively (P = .447). The 30-day crude mortality was 27% and 23% for VRE and VSE, respectively (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.53–3.59; P = .059). Only SAPS-II was an independent predictive factor for death (adjusted OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.08–1.17; P < .001).

Conclusions

In conclusion, vancomycin resistance showed some trend towards increasing 30-day mortality, but is not statistically significant despite the delayed use of adequate antibiotics (≥48 hours). Only underlying severity of medical condition predicts poor outcome in a relatively homogeneous group of neutropenic patients.
Activation of amygdala opioid receptors by electroacupuncture of Feng-Chi (GB20) acupoints exacerbates focal epilepsy
Authors: Yi Pei-Lu , Lu Chin-Yu , Cheng Chiung-Hsiang , Tsai Yi-Fong , Lin Chung-Tien , Chang Fang-Chia
Published: October 2013

Background

The effect of seizure suppression by acupuncture of Feng-Chi (GB20) acupoints has been documented in the ancient Chinese literature, Lingshu Jing (Classic of the Miraculous Pivot), however, there is a lack of scientific evidence to prove it. This current study was designed to elucidate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of bilateral Feng-Chi (GB20) acupoints on the epileptic activity by employing an animal model of focal epilepsy.

Methods

Administration of pilocarpine into the left central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) induced the focal epilepsy in rats. Rats received a 30-min 100 Hz EA stimulation of bilateral Feng-Chi acupoints per day, beginning at 30 minutes before the dark period and performing in three consecutive days. The broad-spectrum opioid receptor antagonist (naloxone), μ-receptor antagonist (naloxonazine), δ-receptor antagonist (naltrindole) and κ-receptor antagonist (nor-binaltorphimine) were administered directly into the CeA to elucidate the involvement of CeA opioid receptors in the EA effect.

Results

High-frequency (100 Hz) EA stimulation of bilateral Feng-Chi acupoints did not suppress the pilocarpine-induced epileptiform electroencephalograms (EEGs), whereas it further increased the duration of epileptiform EEGs. We also observed that epilepsy occurred while 100 Hz EA stimulation of Feng-Chi acupoints was delivered into naïve rats. EA-induced augmentation of epileptic activity was blocked by microinjection of naloxone, μ- (naloxonazine), κ- (nor-binaltorphimine) or δ-receptor antagonists (natrindole) into the CeA, suggesting that activation of opioid receptors in the CeA mediates EA-exacerbated epilepsy.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that high-frequency (100 Hz) EA stimulation of bilateral Feng-Chi acupoints has no effect to protect against pilocarpine-induced focal epilepsy; in contrast, EA further exacerbated focal epilepsy induced by pilocarpine. Opioid receptors in the CeA mediated EA-induced exacerbation of focal epilepsy.
Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis with extra-mammillary Paget’s disease: a case report
Authors: Huang Xinyan , Zhang Limei , Zhang Songzhao
Published: October 2013

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH) is a very rare systemic disease with variable phenotypic presentation and a high rate of misdiagnosis. Here we describe a patient with MRH and extra-mammillary Paget’s disease (EMPD), a diagnosis that has not previously been described in the literature.
Cost Effectiveness of Primary Pegfilgrastim Prophylaxis in Patients With Breast Cancer at Risk of Febrile Neutropenia
Authors: Aarts Maureen J. , Grutters Janneke P. , Peters Frank P. , Mandigers Caroline M. , Dercksen M. Wouter , Stouthard Jacqueline M. , Nortier Hans J. , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. , van Warmerdam Laurence J. , van de Wouw Agnes J. , Jacobs Esther M. , Mattijssen Vera , van der Rijt Carin C. , Smilde Tineke J. , van der Velden Annette W. , Temizkan Mehmet , Batman Erdogan , Muller Erik W. , van Gastel Saskia M. , Joore Manuela A. , Borm George F. , Tjan-Heijnen Vivianne C.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Guidelines advise primary granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) prophylaxis during chemotherapy if risk of febrile neutropenia (FN) is more than 20%, but this comes with considerable costs. We investigated the incremental costs and effects between two treatment strategies of primary pegfilgrastim prophylaxis.

Methods

Our economic evaluation used a health care perspective and was based on a randomized study in patients with breast cancer with increased risk of FN, comparing primary G-CSF prophylaxis throughout all chemotherapy cycles (G-CSF 1-6 cycles) with prophylaxis during the first two cycles only (G-CSF 1-2 cycles). Primary outcome was cost effectiveness expressed as costs per patient with episodes of FN prevented.

Results

The incidence of FN increased from 10% in the G-CSF 1 to 6 cycles study arm (eight of 84 patients) to 36% in the G-CSF 1 to 2 cycles study arm (30 of 83 patients), whereas the mean total costs decreased from € 20,658 (95% CI, € 20,049 to € 21,247) to € 17,168 (95% CI € 16,239 to € 18,029) per patient, respectively. Chemotherapy and G-CSF determined 80% of the total costs. As expected, FN-related costs were higher in the G-CSF 1 to 2 cycles arm. The incremental cost effectiveness ratio for the G-CSF 1 to 6 cycles arm compared with the G-CSF 1 to 2 cycles arm was € 13,112 per patient with episodes of FN prevented.

Conclusion

We conclude that G-CSF prophylaxis throughout all chemotherapy cycles is more effective, but more costly, compared with prophylaxis limited to the first two cycles. Whether G-CSF prophylaxis throughout all chemotherapy cycles is considered cost effective depends on the willingness to pay per patient with episodes of FN prevented.
Reoccupation of historical areas by the endangered giant river otter Pteronura brasiliensis (Carnivora: Mustelidae) in Central Amazonia, Brazil
Authors: dos Santos Lima Danielle , Marmontel Miriam , Bernard Enrico
Published: October 2013

After decades of banning commercial hunting, the population of the endangered giant river otter in South America is no larger than 5000 animals, with slightly increasing populations, and apparent reoccupation of parts of its historical distribution. In Brazil, which may hold the largest populations, the refinement of distributional data and the conduction of censuses in Amazonia were identified as essential for the conservation of the species. To confirm if the species was, in fact, reoccupying its historical area, we present here data collected between October 2004 and September 2008 in Amanã Reserve, Central Amazonia. A total of 18,181 km along 13 water bodies were surveyed in 465 days of fieldwork, resulting in 711 records. Animals presented a uniform occupation pattern, with expansion to new areas, no vacancy of previously used ones, and with frequent reuse of sites along the years. However, considering the number of records/km and sightings/km were almost constant between years, the local population may be experiencing just a slight increase, with animals probably expanding their home ranges. Although our study witnessed some population growth, giant river otters remained at low numbers during the survey, indicating that such population still have not reached its carrying capacity and require continuous attention.
Children, Adolescents, and the Media
Authors:   COUNCIL ON COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA, Strasburger Victor C. , Hogan Marjorie J. , Mulligan Deborah Ann , Ameenuddin Nusheen , Christakis Dimitri A. , Cross Corinn , Fagbuyi Daniel B. , Hill David L. , Levine Alanna Estin , McCarthy Claire , Moreno Megan A. , Swanson Wendy Sue Lewis
Published: October 2013

Media, from television to the “new media” (including cell phones, iPads, and social media), are a dominant force in children’s lives. Although television is still the predominant medium for children and adolescents, new technologies are increasingly popular. The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to be concerned by evidence about the potential harmful effects of media messages and images; however, important positive and prosocial effects of media use should also be recognized. Pediatricians are encouraged to take a media history and ask 2 media questions at every well-child visit: How much recreational screen time does your child or teenager consume daily? Is there a television set or Internet-connected device in the child’s bedroom? Parents are encouraged to establish a family home use plan for all media. Media influences on children and teenagers should be recognized by schools, policymakers, product advertisers, and entertainment producers.
Professor Elio Lugaresi's contributions to neurology and sleep disorders
Authors: Tensini Fernando , Moro Adriana , Munhoz Renato Puppi , Silva Tallulah Spina , Teive Helio Afonso Ghizoni
Published: October 2013

The authors present a brief historical review of the most important contributions by Professor Elio Lugaresi, of the University of Bologna, Italy, to neurology and sleep disorders.
The myasthenic patient in crisis: an update of the management in Neurointensive Care Unit
Authors: Godoy Daniel Agustin , Mello Leonardo Jardim Vaz de , Masotti Luca , Napoli Mario Di
Published: October 2013

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular transmission leading to generalized or localized muscle weakness due most frequently to the presence of autoantibodies against acetylcholine receptors in the postsynaptic motor end-plate. Myasthenic crisis (MC) is a complication of MG characterized by worsening muscle weakness, resulting in respiratory failure that requires intubation and mechanical ventilation. It also includes postsurgical patients, in whom exacerbation of muscle weakness from MG causes a delay in extubation. MC is a very important, serious, and reversible neurological emergency that affects 20–30% of the myasthenic patients, usually within the first year of illness and maybe the debut form of the disease. Most patients have a predisposing factor that triggers the crisis, generally an infection of the respiratory tract. Immunoglobulins, plasma exchange, and steroids are the cornerstones of immunotherapy. Today with the modern neurocritical care, mortality rate of MC is less than 5%.
An Unsuccessful Partnership: Behavioral Compliance and Strengths-Based Child Welfare Practice
Authors: Mirick Rebecca G.
Published: October 2013

A strengths-based, family-centered perspective is considered a best practice in child welfare. However, many frontline workers still do not use this perspective to guide their work, or they apply it either inconsistently or incorrectly. This article discusses the emphasis on compliance in child welfare practice, including the common use of compliance as an indicator of engagement and the negative consequences of noncompliance. This focus on compliance impacts workers' ability to use strengths-based approaches in child welfare work, specifically around issues of use of power, resistance, and responsibility for engagement. The implications of this are explored and recommendations for ways to increase collaborative work are also discussed, using a case study to illustrate the points. Recommendations for future research are included.
The Disclosure of Non-GAAP Earnings Following Regulation G: An Analysis of Transitory Gains
Authors: Baumker Michael , Biggs Philip , McVay Sarah E. , Pierce Jeremy
Published: October 2013

SYNOPSIS

We investigate how managers report one-time gains resulting from legal settlements and insurance recoveries in press releases following Regulation G. Regulation G may have had the unintended consequence of allowing managers to omit mention of these transitory gains, resulting in higher reported performance absent non-GAAP disclosure. We find that while managers generally provide some information about transitory gains in the earnings announcement, there is a large amount of variation in the granularity of the detail. For example, the vast majority of managers (88.5 percent) mention the gain in the earnings announcement, but few (34 percent) report non-GAAP earnings per share summary figures explicitly excluding transitory gains. This percentage is significantly lower than pre-Regulation G, where approximately 62 percent of firms reported non-GAAP earnings per share excluding the transitory gain. Interestingly, we find that gains are less likely to be carved out of earnings when there are no concurrent transitory losses, providing some evidence that there continues to be an opportunistic component of non-GAAP reporting following Regulation G.

Data Availability: Data are available from sources identified in the text.
The Effect of Supply Chain Knowledge Spillovers on Audit Pricing
Authors: Chen Jengfang , Chang Hsihui , Chen Hsin-Chi , Kim Sungsoo
Published: October 2013

We present evidence on the effect of audit firms' supply chain knowledge spillover on audit pricing. Analyzing data from Audit Analytics and Compustat for the seven-year period from 2003 to 2009, we find that audit firms' supply chain knowledge has a negative effect on audit fees. Specifically, an audit firm with more supply chain knowledge charges lower audit fees to its clients when the firm also audits its clients' major buyers. In addition, we find that the fee discount is greater when the audit firm possesses major buyer-related supply chain knowledge at the office level compared to the national level. Our findings are consistent, albeit weaker, to an expanded sample of companies that voluntarily disclose their major buyers.

Data Availability: The data are publicly available.
The relationship of vertical skeletofacial morphology to oropharyngeal airway shape using cone beam computed tomography: Possible implications for airway restriction
Authors: Haskell Jennifer A. , Haskell Bruce S. , Spoon Michael E. , Feng Changyong
Published: October 2013

Objective:

To determine if the shape of the oropharyngeal airway is related to the vertical morphology of the skeletofacial complex, including the hyoid bone.

Materials and Methods:

Cone beam computed tomography scans from 50 pretreatment adult orthodontic records were used to obtain skeletal and airway measurements. Linear regression statistics were used to compare soft tissue variables to hard tissue predictor variables.

Results:

Transverse airway widening was significantly increased when the distance between the hyoid and vertebrae was reduced; when the three-dimensional (3D) facial axis angle decreased (became more vertical); when the 3D mandibular plane angle increased; when the width of the hyoid increased, or when the calculated length of the geniohyoid decreased.

Conclusions:

A laterally elliptical airway—found when the face is more vertical and when the hyoid is closer to the cervical vertebrae—is hypothetically more resistant to collapse. Patients with a retrognathic, skeletal deep bite and a rounded oropharynx should be identified and corrected early to prevent potential airway problems.
Mass and heat balance of snowpatches in Basen nunatak, Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, in summer
Authors: Leppäranta Matti , Järvinen Onni , Lindgren Elisa
Published: October 2013

An experimental study concerning the mass and heat balance of snowpatches was performed during the Finnish Antarctic Research Programme (FINNARP) 2004 and 2010 summer expeditions to Basen nunatak (73°03′ S, 13°25′ W). Data were collected from a snow stake line, snow pits and automated weather and snow recording systems. One 100 m perennial snowpatch and several smaller seasonal patches (<10 m) were monitored. Snow thickness decreased by 4.0–6.3 mm d−1 due to sublimation, compression and, close to lateral boundaries, meltwater runoff. The vertical mass loss was 1–2 mm snow water equivalent (SWE) d−1 and the lateral decay was −10 cm d−1. The net radiation was 20.2 W m−2 and the mean latent heat flux was −15.5 W m−2 .The mean surface energy flux was 4.9 W m −2 and the heat loss to the ground was 1.5 W m−2. Thin snow decayed faster due to surface thermomechanical erosion and melt from the bottom where the soil was heated by the solar radiation. Between the summers of 2004 and 2010, the thickness of the perennial snowpatch decreased by 230 mm.
Molecular Docking Studies of Marine Diterpenes as Inhibitors of Wild-Type and Mutants HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase
Authors: Miceli Leonardo , Teixeira Valéria , Castro Helena , Rodrigues Carlos , Mello Juliana , Albuquerque Magaly , Cabral Lucio , De Brito Monique , De Souza Alessandra
Published: October 2013

AIDS is a pandemic responsible for more than 35 million deaths. The emergence of resistant mutations due to drug use is the biggest cause of treatment failure. Marine organisms are sources of different molecules, some of which offer promising HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitory activity, such as the diterpenes dolabelladienotriol (THD, IC50 = 16.5 µM), (6R)-6-hydroxydichotoma-3,14-diene-1,17-dial (HDD, IC50 = 10 µM) and (6R)-6-acetoxydichotoma-3,14-diene-1,17-dial (ADD, IC50 = 35 µM), isolated from a brown algae of the genus Dictyota, showing low toxicity. In this work, we evaluated the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of THD, HDD and ADD as anti HIV-1 RT, using a molecular modeling approach. The analyses of stereoelectronic parameters revealed a direct relationship between activity and HOMO (Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital)-LUMO (Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital) gap (ELUMO–EHOMO), where antiviral profile increases with larger HOMO-LUMO gap values. We also performed molecular docking studies of THD into HIV-1 RT wild-type and 12 different mutants, which showed a seahorse conformation, hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds with important residues of the binding pocket. Based on in vitro experiments and docking studies, we demonstrated that mutations have little influence in positioning and interactions of THD. Following a rational drug design, we suggest a modification of THD to improve its biological activity.
A Stable-Isotope Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolic Footprinting Approach to Analyze Exudates from Phytoplankton
Authors: Weber Ralf , Selander Erik , Sommer Ulf , Viant Mark
Published: October 2013

Phytoplankton exudates play an important role in pelagic ecology and biogeochemical cycles of elements. Exuded compounds fuel the microbial food web and often encompass bioactive secondary metabolites like sex pheromones, allelochemicals, antibiotics, or feeding attractants that mediate biological interactions. Despite this importance, little is known about the bioactive compounds present in phytoplankton exudates. We report a stable-isotope metabolic footprinting method to characterise exudates from aquatic autotrophs. Exudates from 13C-enriched alga were concentrated by solid phase extraction and analysed by high-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. We used the harmful algal bloom forming dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense to prove the method. An algorithm was developed to automatically pinpoint just those metabolites with highly 13C-enriched isotope signatures, allowing us to discover algal exudates from the complex seawater background. The stable-isotope pattern (SIP) of the detected metabolites then allowed for more accurate assignment to an empirical formula, a critical first step in their identification. This automated workflow provides an effective way to explore the chemical nature of the solutes exuded from phytoplankton cells and will facilitate the discovery of novel dissolved bioactive compounds.
Dillenia Suffruticosa Extract Inhibits Proliferation of Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) via Induction of G2/M Arrest and Apoptosis
Authors: Armania Nurdin , Yazan Latifah , Ismail Intan , Foo Jhi , Tor Yim , Ishak Nurshafini , Ismail Norsharina , Ismail Maznah
Published: October 2013

The present research was designed to evaluate the anticancer properties of Dillenia suffruticosa extract. Our focus was on the mode of cell death and cell cycle arrest induced in breast cancer cells by the active fractions (designated as D/F4, D/F5 and EA/P2) derived from chromatographic fractionation of D. suffruticosa extracts. The results showed that the active fractions are more cytotoxic towards MCF-7 (estrogen positive breast cancer cells) and MDA-MB-231 (estrogen negative breast cancer cells) as compared to other selected cancer cell lines that included HeLa, A459 and CaOV3. The induction of cell death through apoptosis by the active fractions on the breast cancer cells was confirmed by Annexin V-FITC and PI staining. Cell cycle analysis revealed that D/F4 and EA/P2 induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 cells. On the other hand, MDA-MB-231 cells treated with D/F4 and D/F5 accumulated in the sub-G1 phase without cell cycle arrest, suggesting the induction of cell death through apoptosis. The data suggest that the active fractions of D. suffruticosa extract eliminated breast cancer cells through induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. The reason why MCF-7 was more sensitive towards the treatment than MDA-MB-231 remains unclear. This warrants further work, especially on the role of hormones in response towards cytotoxic agents. In addition, more studies on the mechanisms underlying the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by the plant extract also need to be carried out.
RHEOLOGICAL STRAINS IN CONCRETE MODIFIED WITH STEEL FIBRE REINFORCEMENT
Authors: Bywalski Czesław , KamiIński Mieczysław
Published: October 2013

This paper discusses the rheological properties of normal (ordinary) strength concrete. The results of tests aimed at determining the creep strains and shrinkage strains in normal strength concretes modified with steel fibre reinforcement are presented. The tests were divided into three groups. Steel fibre reinforced concretes (SFRCs) with a different composition were studied in each of the groups. Hook steel fibres, 50-mm long and 0.8 mm in diameter, were used in the tested SFRCs. The latter had an average compressive strength of 35.17–59.18 MPa and a steel fibre content of 0, 25, 35, 50 and 65 kg per 1 m3 of the concrete mixture respectively. Functional dependences for the increase in shrinkage and creep strains over time are given. The problem of the effect of aggregate grading on creep strains is addressed. Conclusions concerning the rheological deformability of steel fibre reinforced concrete are drawn.
Portable Text Summarization
Authors: Hassel Martin , Dalianis Hercules
Published: October 2013

Today, with digitally stored information available in abundance, even for many minor languages, this information must by some means be filtered and extracted in order to avoid drowning in it. Automatic summarization is one such technique, where a computer summarizes a longer text to a shorter non-redundant form. The development of advanced summarization systems also for smaller languages may unfortunately prove too costly. Nevertheless, there will still be a need for summarization tools for these languages in order to curb the immense flow of digital information. This chapter sets the focus on automatic summarization of text using as few direct human resources as possible, resulting in what can be perceived as an intermediary system. Furthermore, it presents the notion of taking a holistic view of the generation of summaries.
The office of prophets as an emergency measure
Authors: De Bruyn Joseph J.
Published: October 2013

Initially there was not supposed to be a prophetic office in Israel. ‘Prophetism’ was considered to be part of work that the priests performed. Thus, the priests were seen to be acting as prophets. Generally speaking, the prophets of the Old Testament are described as people who preached the Word of God. In the same way, priests are generally described as people who fulfilled functions at the temple and whose task it was to sacrifice on behalf of the Israelites. This article, however, argues that Yahweh intended much more through the establishment and ministry of the priests than merely administer sacrifices. It is the contention that Yahweh ordained the office of priests to preach the Word of God or to give advice in accordance with the will of Yahweh as it is documented in the Torah. The article’s contribution to the subject of prophetism in Israel will begin by studying the chronological history of Israel as it is described in the Hebrew Bible. The terms prophet, prophecy and prophetism will also be examined as they are used in the Hebrew Bible. By doing so, the article will show that it was only when the priests failed in their prophetic calling or when Yahweh wanted to change the cult or political establishment that He called people from outside of the established cult to fulfil the role of prophet. Yahweh used the prophetic office in times of need. One may call it an emergency measure – in times when the priests failed in their calling.Die bedoeling was aanvanklik nie dat daar ’n profetiese amp in Israel moes wees nie. ‘Profetisme’ was veronderstel om deel van die priesterlike amp te wees. Die priesters het dus as profete opgetree. Oor die algemeen word die Ou-Testamentiese profete as persone beskryf wat die Woord van God verkondig het. Op ’n soortgelyke algemene wyse word priesters as persone beskryf wat hulle werk by die tempel verrig het en wie se taak dit was om namens die Israeliete te offer. Hierdie artikel argumenteer egter dat Jahwe oorspronklik met die instelling van die priesteramp meer as net offerdiens in gedagte gehad het. Jahwe het oorspronklik die priesteramp ingestel om die Woord van God te preek en om advies te gee in oorstemming met die wil van Jahwe soos dit in die Tora vervat is. In hierdie artikel word die chronologiese geskiedenis van Israel soos dit in die Hebreeuse Bybel beskryf word, bestudeer. Die terme profeet, profesie en profetisme soos in die Hebreeuse Bybel gebruik, sal ook beskryf word. In die bestudering van hiervan sal aangedui word dat Jahwe persone van buite die kultus slegs as profete aangestel het wanneer die priesters in hulle profetiese taak gefaal het of wanneer Hy verandering in die bestaande kultus of politieke stelsel te weeg wou bring. Jahwe het dus die profete-amp as noodmaatreël gebruik wanneer die priesters in hulle profetiese roeping gefaal het.
Clinical Manifestations and Risk Factors of Amebic Liver Abscess in Southeast Taiwan Compared with Other Regions of Taiwan
Authors: Chen Huan-Lin , Bair Ming-Jong , Lin I-Tsung , Wu Chia-Hsien , Lee Yuan-Kai
Published: October 2013

Amebic liver abscess (ALA) had previously been endemic in Taiwan, particularly in the southern region, although its occurrence in the southeastern area was unknown. Thus, we conducted a retrospective study for southeastern Taiwan. We identified 14 patients who were diagnosed with ALA between July of 1995 and July of 2008. These patients were predominantly male and older in age. Most patients lived in rural areas (85.7%). Alcoholism (78.6%) and diabetes (35.7%) were risk factors for ALA. No human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections were detected. The most common clinical symptoms were fever (100%) and abdominal pain (100%). Short mean durations of symptoms, high bilirubin levels, and low albumin levels were also noted. Most patients (92.86%) had a single lesion, particularly in the right liver lobe (71.4%). Six patients also had secondary Klebsiella pneumoniae bacterial infections. Clinicians should be aware of the different risk factors in different regions when diagnosing amebic liver abscess in Taiwan.
Conservation and valorization of the historical heritage through laser scanner tecnology
Authors: Guzzetti F. , Cattaneo N. , Toso F. , Privitera A.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. In Italy there is a very widespread multitude of buildings important and interesting in the field of Cultural Heritage. Several of them have been abandoned in the last decades and now they show all the deterioration and the structural damages due to abandon. This is also the case of about forty traditional farmsteads located in the close suburbs of the city of Milano and belonging to the local administration. Among these farmsteads, Cascina Linterno, for its rich historical background going back to the 14th century and earlier, was chosen to carry out a test in the planning process with the participation of local associations under the supervision of a group of experts in the field of structural assessment, preservation and design from Politecnico of Milan. Time and resources saving and effectiveness of appropriate activities is the main guideline of this process, where the first step consists necessarily on the topographical survey. The choice of Terrestrial Laser Scanner to carry out the survey complied naturally most necessities, but it was also meant to provide new challenges in the fruition of the point cloud by groups of experts without topographical knowledge. The aim is to analyze the procedures and the output needed by the different specialists involved in this kind of intervention on Cultural Heritage, in order to provide friendly tools to work directly on the point cloud, taking advantage of its rapidity in acquisition and of its richness of details, thus avoiding the production of traditional "lossy" layouts.
Momentum and buoyancy transfer in atmospheric turbulent boundary layer over wavy water surface – Part 1: Harmonic wave
Authors: Troitskaya Yu. I. , Ezhova E. V. , Zilitinkevich S. S.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. The surface-drag and mass-transfer coefficients are determined within a self-consistent problem of wave-induced perturbations and mean fields of velocity and density in the air, using a quasi-linear model based on the Reynolds equations with down-gradient turbulence closure. Investigation of a harmonic wave propagating along the wind has disclosed that the surface drag is generally larger for shorter waves. This effect is more pronounced in the unstable and neutral stratification. The stable stratification suppresses turbulence, which leads to weakening of the momentum and mass transfer.