bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and correlates of body dysmorphic disorder in a community sample of adolescents
Authors: Schneider Sophie C , Turner Cynthia M , Mond Jonathan , Hudson Jennifer L
Published: September 2016

Objective:

Body dysmorphic disorder typically begins in adolescence, yet little is known about the prevalence and correlates of the disorder in this age group. The current study aimed to explore the presenting features of adolescents meeting probable criteria for body dysmorphic disorder in a large community sample, and compare levels of comorbid psychopathology, quality of life and mental health service use between adolescents with probable body dysmorphic disorder and those without.

Method:

Questionnaires were completed at school by 3149 adolescents: 63% male, aged 12–18 years ( M = 14.58). These assessed Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) body dysmorphic disorder criteria, past mental health service use and symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and eating disorders. In male participants, additional measures assessed quality of life, muscularity concerns, emotional symptoms, peer problems, conduct problems and hyperactivity.

Results:

The prevalence of probable body dysmorphic disorder was 1.7%; there was no sex difference in prevalence, but older adolescents reported higher prevalence than younger adolescents. Probable body dysmorphic disorder participants reported substantially elevated levels of psychopathology, quality of life impairment and mental health service use compared to non-body dysmorphic disorder participants.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder in adolescents is similar to adult samples, and probable body dysmorphic disorder is associated with comorbidity, distress and functional impairment in a community sample. Further research is required to better understand the presentation of body dysmorphic disorder in adolescents, and to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Choreography of a Massacre
Authors: Aroni Sulca Renzo
Published: September 2016

On August 14, 1985, during the armed conflict between the Communist Party of Peru, known as Shining Path, and the Peruvian state, an army patrol entered the town of Accomarca, in the Andean region of Ayacucho, and assassinated 69 peasants, presumed sympathizers of the insurgents. The majority of the survivors were displaced to the city of Lima, where they created an organization of victims and joined the Asociación de Hijos del Distrito Accomarca. Since 2011, the survivors and relatives of the victims have been remembering the massacre and transmitting their memories to their children through a Carnival performance of music and dance. Carnival is a constructive space for the production of other forms of memory and for the pursuit of justice and reparations through participatory choreography and musical performance.

El 14 de agosto de 1985—-durante el conflicto armado entre el Partido Comunista de Perú, conocido como Sendero Luminoso, y el Estado peruano—una patrulla del ejército entró en el pueblo de Accomarca, en la región andina de Ayacucho, y asesinó a 69 campesinos, presuntos simpatizantes de los insurgentes. La mayoría de los sobrevivientes fueron desplazados a la ciudad de Lima, en donde crearon una organización de víctimas y se unieron a la Asociación de Hijos del Distrito Accomarca. Desde 2011, los sobrevivientes y los familiares de las víctimas han estado recordando la masacre y transmitiendo sus memorias a sus hijos a través de un espectáculo carnavalesco de música y baile. El carnaval es un espacio constructivo para la producción de otras formas de la memoria y para la búsqueda de la justicia y la reparación por medio de una coreografía participativa y una representación musical.
An Examination of Response of Consumers with Different Levels of Uniqueness to Limited Quantity Offers
Authors: Soni Mayank Jyotsna , Koshy Abraham
Published: September 2016

Executive Summary

Marketers try to influence consumers through promotional offers by restricting availability of products to a limited number of customers, a limited time period, or a specific segment, thereby creating a perception of scarcity. Such promotional appeal of making a product or offer scarce is called as scarcity appeal.

Literature suggests that people with high need for uniqueness (NFU) prefer scarce products, or at least products which are depleting fast. However, the relationship between scarcity of offers and the NFU has not been much explored.

The objective of this research is to understand how consumers with different levels of uniqueness respond to the scarcity appeal offer, especially with discount. Hypotheses relate to variability of purchase intent and attitude towards the product due to scarcity versus no-scarcity sales promotion appeals and by consumers with high and low needs for uniqueness. Proposed hypotheses were tested using 2 × 2 between-subjects factorial design. Quantity scarcity and no-scarcity appeals were manipulated using pre-tested and validated scenarios. Product used in the scenarios (laptop) was identified through an iterative process of seeking inputs from respondents with demographic profile similar to those in the final sample. Consumers’ need for uniqueness (CNFU) purchase intention, and attitude towards product were measured using scales that were pre-tested and validated using accepted protocols.

On testing the formulated hypotheses using experimental design, it was found that: Consumers respond more favourably to quantity scarcity appeal offer when compared with no-scarcity appeal offer. Consumers with higher NFU indicate higher purchase intention in a no-scarcity appeal situation when compared with those with low NFU. There is no statistically significant difference in purchase intention of consumers with high and low needs for uniqueness in a situation of scarcity appeal messaging.
Integrated Community Sustainability Planning in Atlantic Canada: Green-Washing an Infrastructure Agenda
Authors: Grant Jill L. , Beed Timothy , Manuel Patricia M.
Published: September 2016

In 2005 the Canadian federal government initiated a New Deal for Cities and Communities. The program, which involved bilateral agreements with provincial governments, promised substantial funding to municipalities to promote integrated community sustainability through capacity building and infrastructure renewal. We evaluate the content of sustainability plans and the processes that produced them in one region: Atlantic Canada. The findings suggest that although the state mandate and funding resources produced a large number of sustainability plans, changing national political priorities and local desperation for economic and population growth undermined the program’s initial commitment to and potential for environmental and social sustainability.
An Institutional Change in Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Busch Rebecca A. , Curtis Caitlin S. , Kight Cassandra E. , Leverson Glen E. , Ma Yue , Maursetter Laura , Kudsk Kenneth A.
Published: September 2016

Background: Critically ill patients with acute kidney injury may require parenteral nutrition (PN) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Introduction of a phosphate‐free premixed renal replacement fluid without system‐wide education in May 2011 resulted in increased incidence of hypophosphatemia, necessitating change in practice. Changes included (1) maximizing phosphate in PN, (2) modifying the CRRT order set, and (3) developing a CRRT competency evaluation for nutrition support team members. This study evaluates the effect of these changes on the incidence of hypophosphatemia. Methods: Phosphate levels and predicated probability of hypophosphatemia were evaluated for patients receiving PN and CRRT over 3 time periods: prior to implementing the changes (preimplementation), during change implementation (intermediate), and following implementation (postimplementation). Hypophosphatemia was defined as a serum phosphate level <2.5 mg/dL. Generalized linear mixed models were applied for statistical analysis. Results: The retrospective study includes 336 measures from 49 patients. Patients in the intermediate and postimplementation periods were not significantly different from each other and had significantly higher mean phosphate levels than patients in the preimplementation period (P < .0001). They were also less likely to develop hypophosphatemia compared with preimplementation patients (intermediate: odds ratio [OR], 0.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03–0.18, P < .0001; postimplementation: OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.03–0.27, P < .0001). Conclusions: Modifications in phosphate dosing together with CRRT education reduced the incidence of hypophosphatemia in PN patients receiving CRRT. Communication of significant changes in clinical care should be shared with all services prior to implementation. Communication and planning between services caring for complex patients are necessary to prevent systems‐based problems.
Use of Blenderized Tube Feeding in Adult and Pediatric Home Enteral Nutrition Patients
Authors: Epp Lisa , Lammert Lisa , Vallumsetla Nishanth , Hurt Ryan T. , Mundi Manpreet S.
Published: September 2016

Background: Long‐term use of enteral nutrition (EN) continues to increase due to significant noted benefits. Patients also continue to express significant desire to pursue holistic and organic diets. Despite this, many nutrition providers are not well versed in assisting patients with blenderized tube feeding (BTF), and prevalence of its use is unknown. Methods: A validated survey was administered to Oley Foundation members or individuals with access to the Oley website to assess the prevalence of BTF. Results: A total of 216 participants took the survey, of whom 125 (57.8%) were pediatric patients with a mean age of 5.4 ± 3.5 years and 91 (42.2%) were adults with a mean age of 51.7 ± 19.5 years. Of pediatric patients, 112 (89.6%) used BTF for an average of 71% of their total daily nutrition intake; 93 (83%) reported that BTF comprised >50% of their daily EN, 12 (10.7%) reported it comprised 25%–50% of their daily enteral intake, and 7 (6.3%) reported BTF comprised < 25% of their daily intake. In the adult population, 60 (65.9%) used BTF for an average of 56% of total daily nutrition intake; 41 (68.4%) reported BTF comprised >50% of their daily nutrition intake, 11 (18.3%) reported it compromised 25%–50%, and 8 (13.3%) reported BTF comprised <25% of their daily intake. Conclusions: Most of the pediatric and adult patients surveyed use BTF as some portion of their enteral intake, making it essential that clinicians expand their knowledge related to BTF to appropriately care for this patient population.
High Prevalence of Suboptimal Vitamin D Status and Bone Loss in Adult Short Bowel Syndrome Even After Weaning Off Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Fan Shengxian , Ni Xiaodong , Wang Jian , Zhang Yongliang , Tao Shen , Kong Wencheng , Li Yousheng , Li Jieshou
Published: September 2016

Background: Previous studies have noticed the high incidence of suboptimal vitamin D (VtD) status and bone loss in short bowel syndrome (SBS) with parenteral nutrition (PN) dependence. However, limited data have focused on adult SBS without PN dependence. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of suboptimal VtD status and bone loss in adult SBS even after weaning off PN. Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective study of 60 adult patients with SBS. Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OHD) was measured by radioimmunoassay. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Medical records and various laboratory parameters were collected in all participants. Results: Suboptimal VtD status was identified in all individuals, including 3 (5.0%) with VtD insufficiency and 57 (95.0%) with VtD deficiency. Residual small bowel length (B, 0.072, P = .001) and duration of SBS (B, –0.066, P = .020) were both significantly correlated with suboptimal VtD levels. Overall, only 2 patients presented a normal BMD; osteopenia and osteoporosis were noted in 41 (68.3%) and 17 (28.3%) individuals, respectively. Low 25‐OHD concentration was associated with a decreased BMD (B, 0.065, P = .029). There were no other demographic characteristics or clinical examinations associated with suboptimal VtD levels and bone loss. Conclusion: Suboptimal VtD status and bone loss were common in adult SBS even after weaning off PN. Despite routine oral VtD supplementation, most patients did not achieve satisfactory status. This emphasizes the critical importance of routine surveillance of 25‐OHD and BMD, as well as consideration of alternative methods of supplementation after weaning off PN.
Self-Reported Health and Functional Characteristics of Mexican and Mexican American Adults Aged 80 and Over
Authors: Downer Brian , Chen Nai-Wei , Wong Rebeca , Markides Kyriakos S.
Published: September 2016

Objective: To examine the health and functional characteristics of Mexican and Mexican American adults aged ≥80. Method: Data came from Wave I (2001) and Wave III (2012) of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS), and Wave IV (2000-2001) and Wave VII (2010-2011) of the Hispanic Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (HEPESE). Results: In 2000-2001, diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, and stroke were higher in the HEPESE than in the MHAS. In the HEPESE, activities of daily living (ADL) difficulties and all health conditions, except heart attack, were greater in 2010-2011 than in 2000-2001. In the MHAS, hypertension and ADL difficulties were greater, and arthritis was lower in 2012 compared with 2001. In 2010-2011, all self-reported health conditions were higher in the HEPESE compared with the 2012 observation of the MHAS. Discussion: The observed differences may reflect worse health for Mexican Americans, health care access, reporting bias, and more selective survival to very old age in Mexico.
Exploring Relationship among Brand Experience Dimensions, Brand Evaluation and Brand Loyalty
Authors: Bapat Dhananjay , Thanigan Jayanthi
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this article is to explore the impact of brand experience dimensions on brand evaluation and brand loyalty. The study used convenience-sampling technique and measured the relationship between brand experience dimensions, overall brand evaluation and brand loyalty. Factor analysis confirmed that brand experience has two major dimensions: emotional brand experience and cognitive brand experience. Using structural equation modelling, the study reveals that emotional and cognitive brand experience dimensions affect brand evaluation, and brand evaluation influences brand loyalty. With the increased importance of brand experience, marketers need to understand various dimensions of brand experience and find how it influences other brand variables. With the growing importance to brand experience dimensions, the study will add value to the existing literature. The current study from the Indian context would benefit both academia and marketing managers. Future researchers can test the model for a specific set of products/service categories and specific set of customers. Researchers can also explore the relation among various brand experience dimensions and other brand constructs.
Low-Grade Lymphomas in the Background of Numerous Multinucleated Histiocytic Giant Cells Can Be Missed
Authors: AbdullGaffar Badr , Seliem Rania M. , Al Thahyabat Mahammad , Odeh Bassam , Al Olama Asma
Published: September 2016

Epithelioid granulomas, epithelioid histiocytes, and occasional multinucleated giant cells are recognizable pathologic findings in lymphomas, particularly in Hodgkin lymphomas. The giant cells could be neoplastic and nonneoplastic. The nonneoplastic giant cells are of different histogenesis. They include, in the majority of cases, histiocytes. Usually, they are minor easily recognizable components of the nodal lymphomas. To our knowledge, low-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas with numerous multinucleated histiocytic giant cells without epithelioid granulomas or crystals formation have not been previously reported. This might present a diagnostic challenge for the unwary pathologists since the diagnostic workout will be focused on the giant cells that might mask the apparently mixed bland-looking neoplastic lymphocytic background. We report a case of a 24-year-old woman who presented with generalized lymphadenopathy, organomegaly, and B-symptoms. The lymph nodes were enlarged and diffusely effaced with a striking feature of numerous multinucleated giant cells with a background of apparently mixed population of small lymphocytes and plasma cells. Initially, the diagnosis of a small low-grade lymphoma was histologically missed and the focus was on the differential diagnoses of the giant cells. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry raised the suspicion of masked small lymphocytic lymphoma that was subsequently confirmed by molecular studies. The rarity of small lymphocytic lymphoma and the unusual histologic features in this case confounded the clinical and pathologic diagnosis.
STEM Stereotypes and High School Students’ Math/Science Career Goals
Authors: Garriott Patton O. , Hultgren Kristin M. , Frazier Julian
Published: September 2016

This study examined negative stereotypes of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals as predictors of math/science interests and career goals in a sample of high school students. In a scale development study, results of an exploratory factor analysis ( N = 341) indicated a single-factor structure best represented items for the Math and Science Stigma (MASS) Scale—a measure of negative stereotypes of STEM professionals. In a follow-up study, structural equation modeling was used to confirm the factor structure of the MASS. Further analyses showed that a model with STEM stereotypes depicted as a proximal contextual barrier to math/science career interests and goals fit the data well. STEM stereotypes were a significant predictor of math/science self-efficacy, math/science self-efficacy was a significant predictor of math/science interests, and interests predicted math/science career goals. The relationship between STEM stereotypes and math/science interests was explained by self-efficacy. Results are discussed in terms of decreasing negative stereotypes of STEM professionals and enhancing high school students’ interests in STEM careers.
Quantifying the pressure on the teams batting or bowling in the second innings of limited overs cricket matches
Authors: Bhattacharjee Dibyojyoti , Lemmer Hermanus H
Published: September 2016

A team batting second in a limited overs match is under pressure to score the required number of runs for victory in the allotted number of overs without losing all its wickets. The bowling team has to prevent its opponents from reaching the target for victory. The objective of this study is to define methods that can be used to assess the pressure on the two teams’ batsmen and bowlers when playing the second innings of a Twenty20 or One-day match, and also to define methods to determine the best partnership and the turning point in such an innings. Methods are also defined to determine the batting and bowling performances of individual players in a specific match. These measures can be quite useful for selectors to assess how the players perform under pressure.
Brivaracetam as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients with epilepsy: the current evidence base
Authors: Brandt Christian , May Theodor W. , Bien Christian G.
Published: September 2016

Brivaracetam (BRV) is a novel antiepileptic drug recently licensed for the treatment of partial epilepsy in adults and adolescents over 16 years old. Like levetiracetam (LEV), it is a ligand of the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A. BRV has been shown in animal models and in studies using human brain slices to have a higher SV2A affinity and faster penetration into the brain. Its efficacy and safety have been shown in several randomized, controlled studies. The recommended initial dose is 50–100 mg, divided into two daily doses. Up-titration to a 200 mg daily dose is possible. Dizziness and somnolence are frequent side effects. There are some hints that BRV may be less frequently associated with behavioural adverse events than LEV. Long-term efficacy and safety and BRV use in special patient groups have to be assessed in the future.
Perceived effectiveness of one-minute preceptor in microskills by residents in dental residency training at National Dental Centre Singapore
Authors: Ong Marianne Meng-Ann , Yow Mimi , Tan Jestina , Compton Scott
Published: September 2016

Background: The National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS) has collaborated with the National University of Singapore’s Division of Graduate Dental Studies to provide supervised clinical training in the five dental specialties for residents since the early 1990s. Faculty were first introduced to the one-minute preceptor (OMP) in microskills through in-house workshops held from May to August 2014. Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess if a OMP faculty workshop impacts residents’ perceptions of clinical teaching in NDCS. Methods: First- and second-year residents were asked to rate their perceptions of the quantity and quality of clinical teaching, and the adequacy of the five OMP microskills performed by faculty before and one month after the OMP workshops. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric statistical tests. Results: A total of 37 NDCS clinical faculty participated in the OMP workshops and 34 residents participated in the pre- and post-workshop survey. The short-term impact of the OMP faculty workshop revealed minimal effect on residents’ perceptions of the clinical teaching in both quantity and quality. Conclusion: A one-time OMP workshop for faculty members does not substantially improve residents’ perceptions of the quality or quantity of clinical teaching. The results of this study indicate that the effort to improve clinical teaching by faculty must be a sustained effort. Future studies should investigate the barriers to faculty members’ performance of the OMP microskills.
Religion among Scientists in International Context
Authors: Ecklund Elaine Howard , Johnson David R. , Scheitle Christopher P. , Matthews Kirstin R. W. , Lewis Steven W.
Published: September 2016

Scientists have long been associated with religion’s decline around the world. But little data permit analysis of the religiosity of scientists or their perceptions of the science-faith interface. Here we present the first ever survey data from biologists and physicists in eight regions around the world—France, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Taiwan, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States, countries and regions selected because they exhibit differing degrees of religiosity, varying levels of scientific infrastructure, and unique relationships between religious and state institutions (N = 9,422). The data collection includes biologists and physicists at all career stages from elite and non-elite universities and research institutes. We uncovered that in most of the national contexts studied, scientists are indeed more secular—in terms of beliefs and practices—than those in their respective general populations, although in four of the regional contexts, over half of scientists see themselves as religious. And surprisingly, scientists do not think science is in conflict with religion. Instead, most see religion and science as operating in separate spheres.
Life in the shadow of a dominant partner: the FVIII-VWF association and its clinical implications for hemophilia A
Authors: Pipe Steven W. , Montgomery Robert R. , Pratt Kathleen P. , Lenting Peter J. , Lillicrap David
Published: September 2016

A normal hemostatic response to vascular injury requires both factor VIII (FVIII) and von Willebrand factor (VWF). In plasma, VWF and FVIII normally circulate as a noncovalent complex, and each has a critical function in the maintenance of hemostasis. Furthermore, the interaction between VWF and FVIII plays a crucial role in FVIII function, immunogenicity, and clearance, with VWF essentially serving as a chaperone for FVIII. Several novel recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) therapies for hemophilia A have been in clinical development, which aim to increase the half-life of FVIII (∼12 hours) and reduce dosing frequency by utilizing bioengineering techniques including PEGylation, Fc fusion, and single-chain design. However, these approaches have achieved only moderate increases in half-life of 1.5- to 2-fold compared with marketed FVIII products. Clearance of PEGylated rFVIII, rFVIIIFc, and rVIII-SingleChain is still regulated to a large extent by interaction with VWF. Therefore, the half-life of VWF (∼15 hours) appears to be the limiting factor that has confounded attempts to extend the half-life of rFVIII. A greater understanding of the interaction between FVIII and VWF is required to drive novel bioengineering strategies for products that either prolong the survival of VWF or limit VWF-mediated clearance of FVIII.
Can positional MRI predict dynamic changes in the medial plantar arch? An exploratory pilot study
Authors: Johannsen Finn , Hansen Philip , Stallknecht Sandra , Rathleff Michael Skovdal , Hangaard Stine , Nybing Janus Damm , Boesen Mikael
Published: September 2016

Background

Positional MRI (pMRI) allows for three‐dimensional visual assessment of navicular position. In this exploratory pilot study pMRI was validated against a stretch sensor device, which measures movement of the medial plantar arch. We hypothesized that a combined pMRI measure incorporating both vertical and medial displacement of the navicular bone induced by loading would be correlated with corresponding stretch sensor measurements.

Methods

10 voluntary participants were included in the study. Both pMRI and subsequent stretch sensor measurements were performed in a) supine, b) standing and c) standing position with addition of 10 % body weight during static loading of the foot. Stretch sensor measurements were also performed during barefoot walking.

Results

The total change in navicular position measured by pMRI was 10.3 mm (CI: 7.0 to 13.5 mm). No further displacement occurred when adding 10 % bodyweight (mean difference: 0.7 mm (CI: −0.7 to 2.0 mm), P = 0.29). The total navicular displacement correlated with stretch sensor measurement under static loading conditions (Spearman's rho = 0.66, P = 0.04) but not with measurements during walking (Spearman's rho = 0.58, P = 0.08).

Conclusions

Total navicular bone displacements determined by pMRI showed concurrent validity with stretch sensor measurements but only so under static loading conditions. Although assessment of total navicular displacement by combining concomitant vertical and medial navicular bone movements would appear advantageous compared to monoplanar measurement the combined measure did not seem to predict dynamic changes of the medial foot arch during walking, which are among several possible factors depending on different walking patterns.
Prevalence of foot problems in people with inflammatory arthritis in Singapore
Authors: Carter K. , Lahiri M. , Cheung P. P. , Santosa A. , Rome K.
Published: September 2016

Background

Foot problems are highly prevalent in people with inflammatory arthritis reported from studies in the UK, Europe and New Zealand, but there is limited evidence from Southeast Asia. The study aim was to evaluate the prevalence of foot problems in people with inflammatory arthritis in Singapore.

Methods

People with inflammatory arthritis were recruited from the rheumatology outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Disease and clinical characteristics included age, sex, disease duration, current blood tests and medications. The Leeds Foot Impact Scale was used to evaluate foot impairment/disability and the Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire was used to assess global function.

Results

We recruited 101 people with inflammatory arthritis, of which 50 % were female. The majority of participants were Chinese (70 %). The mean (SD) age was 52 (15) years, and the mean (SD) disease duration was 9.3 (0.3) years. The most commonly reported inflammatory arthritic conditions were rheumatoid arthritis (46), gout (31) and spondyloarthritis (15 %). The mean (SD) of the total Leeds Foot Impact Scale was 17 (13) indicating moderate to severe levels of foot impairment and activity limitation. Over 80 of participants reported foot pain during the course of their condition, and 48 % reported current foot pain. Despite the high prevalence of foot pain, only 21 participants (21 %) had been referred to a podiatrist.

Conclusion

This is the first study to investigate the prevalence of foot problems in people with inflammatory arthritis from Singapore. The majority of the participants reported foot problems, but had not been referred to a podiatry service.
Common fixed points of G-nonexpansive mappings on Banach spaces with a graph
Authors: Tripak Orawan
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we prove the weak and strong convergence of a sequence $\{x_{n}\}$
{

x
n

}
generated by the Ishikawa iteration to some common fixed points of two G-nonexpansive mappings defined on a Banach space endowed with a graph.
Salt efflorescence in historic wooden buildings
Authors: Catelli Emilio , Bănică Florinel-Gabriel , Bănică Ana
Published: September 2016

Efflorescence and subflorescence are frequent phenomena occurring in buildings of porous inorganic materials such as bricks, stone, and concrete. Since the above phenomena have detrimental effects, they were the subject of detailed physicochemical investigations. Efflorescence on wooden material was commonly observed on collection artefacts treated with preservatives such as inorganic salts or organic pesticides. Occurrence of efflorescence in historical wooden buildings was less studied although it could cause serious conservation concerns. This paper describes an examination of chemical and mineralogical composition of salt efflorescence in wooden buildings. In situ analysis by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry was followed by investigation of plain efflorescence by infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and electron probe microanalysis. Quantitative analysis of purified efflorescence was performed by plasma atomic emission spectrometry, ion chromatography and absorption spectrophotometry. In addition, depth-profiling of characteristic ions in wood was performed. The objects of study were a series of log houses of the Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum in Trondheim, Norway. It was found that the efflorescence in these buildings includes a series of metal ions, the most abundant being Al3+, Mg2+, Zn2+, K+, Na+, and Fe2+. In addition the ammonium ion is present in a large amount. The single detected anion is sulfate. Actually, the efflorescence consists of a mixture of simple and double sulfate salts of alum and Tutton’s compound types. Identified Tutton’s compounds are mohrite ((NH4)2Fe(SO4)2·6H2O), ammonium zinc sulfate hexahydrate ((NH4)2Zn(SO4)2·6H2O)), and boussingaultite ((NH4)2Mg(SO4)2·6H2O)). Among the alums, both tschermigite (NH4Al(SO4)2·12H2O), and potassium alum (KAl(SO4)2·12H2O)) were detected. The composition of efflorescence suggests that the wooden material was treated with a blend of sulfate salts ((NH4)2SO4, Al2(SO4)3·18H2O, MgSO4·7H2O, FeSO4·7H2O, ZnSO4·7H2O, and Na2SO4·10H2O)) for protection against fire and biological degradation. The efflorescence appeared as a consequence of water leakage through the roof that led to the dissolution of the salts contained in the wood, followed by evaporation and salt crystallization at the surface in the form of double sulfate salts. Although the occurrence of efflorescence in this case was accidental, a natural and more frequent cause of efflorescence could be the deliquescence of inorganic preservatives impregnated in the wood.
Molecular mechanisms of Ebola pathogenesis
Authors: Rivera Andrea , Messaoudi Ilhem
Published: September 2016

Ebola viruses (EBOVs) and Marburg viruses (MARVs) are among the deadliest human viruses, as highlighted by the recent and widespread Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa, which was the largest and longest epidemic of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in history, resulting in significant loss of life and disruptions across multiple continents. Although the number of cases has nearly reached its nadir, a recent cluster of 5 cases in Guinea on March 17, 2016, has extended the enhanced surveillance period to June 15, 2016. New, enhanced 90-d surveillance windows replaced the 42-d surveillance window to ensure the rapid detection of new cases that may arise from a missed transmission chain, reintroduction from an animal reservoir, or more important, reemergence of the virus that has persisted in an EVD survivor. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of EBOV pathogenesis, describe vaccine and therapeutic candidates in clinical trials, and discuss mechanisms of viral persistence and long-term health sequelae for EVD survivors.
Personality traits in adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and their unaffected first-degree relatives
Authors: Pironti Valentino Antonio , Lai Meng-Chuan , Müller Ulrich , Bullmore Edward Thomas , Sahakian Barbara Jacquelyn
Published: September 2016

Background

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) shows clear, albeit heterogeneous, cognitive dysfunctions. However, personality traits are not well understood in adults with ADHD, and it is unclear whether they are predisposing factors or phenotypical facets of the condition.

Aims

To assess whether personality traits of impulsivity, sensation seeking and sensitivity to punishment and reward are predisposing factors for ADHD or aspects of the clinical phenotype.

Method

Twenty adults with ADHD, 20 unaffected first-degree relatives and 20 controls completed rating scales assessing traits of impulsivity, sensation seeking and sensitivity to punishment/reward.

Results

Compared with relatives and controls, individuals with ADHD showed increased impulsive personality traits, were more susceptible to boredom and presented hypersensitivity to reward but normal sensitivity to punishment.

Conclusions

High impulsivity traits, heightened sensitivity to reward and boredom are associated with the phenotype of ADHD, rather than being predisposing factors, as these traits were not shared between ADHD probands and their relatives.
Function of Ltbp-4L and fibulin-4 in survival and elastogenesis in mice
Authors: Bultmann-Mellin Insa , Essers Jeroen , van Heijingen Paula M. , von Melchner Harald , Sengle Gerhard , Sterner-Kock Anja
Published: September 2016

LTBP-4L and LTBP-4S are two isoforms of the extracellular matrix protein latent-transforming growth factor beta-binding protein 4 (LTBP-4). The mutational inactivation of both isoforms causes autosomal recessive cutis laxa type 1C (ARCL1C) in humans and an ARCL1C-like phenotype in Ltbp4−/− mice, both characterized by high postnatal mortality and severely affected elastogenesis. However, genetic data in mice suggest isoform-specific functions for Ltbp-4 because Ltbp4S−/− mice, solely expressing Ltbp-4L, survive to adulthood. This clearly suggests a requirement of Ltbp-4L for postnatal survival. A major difference between Ltbp4S−/− and Ltbp4−/− mice is the matrix incorporation of fibulin-4 (a key factor for elastogenesis; encoded by the Efemp2 gene), which is normal in Ltbp4S−/− mice, whereas it is defective in Ltbp4−/− mice, suggesting that the presence of Ltbp-4L might be required for this process. To investigate the existence of a functional interaction between Ltbp-4L and fibulin-4, we studied the consequences of fibulin-4 deficiency in mice only expressing Ltbp-4L. Resulting Ltbp4S−/−;Fibulin-4R/R mice showed a dramatically reduced lifespan compared to Ltbp4S−/− or Fibulin-4R/R mice, which survive to adulthood. This dramatic reduction in survival of Ltbp4S−/−;Fibulin-4R/R mice correlates with severely impaired elastogenesis resulting in defective alveolar septation and distal airspace enlargement in lung, and increased aortic wall thickness with severely fragmented elastic lamellae. Additionally, Ltbp4S−/−;Fibulin-4R/R mice suffer from aortic aneurysm formation combined with aortic tortuosity, in contrast to Ltbp4S−/− or Fibulin-4R/R mice. Together, in accordance with our previous biochemical findings of a physical interaction between Ltbp-4L and fibulin-4, these novel in vivo data clearly establish a functional link between Ltbp-4L and fibulin-4 as a crucial molecular requirement for survival and elastogenesis in mice.
Diagnosis and treatment of lipoedema
Authors: Reich-Schupke S.
Published: September 2016

The following article is a summary of important benchmarks of the new guideline for diagnostics and treatment of the lipoedema, whish was updated October 2015.
Gatekeepers at Work: An Empirical Analysis of a Maternity Unit
Authors: Freeman Michael , Savva Nicos , Scholtes Stefan
Published: September 2016

We use a detailed operational and clinical data set from a maternity hospital to investigate how workload affects decisions in gatekeeper-provider systems, where the servers act as gatekeepers to specialists but may also attempt to serve customers themselves, albeit with a probability of success that is decreasing in the complexity of the customers’ needs. We study the effect of workload during a service episode on gatekeepers’ service configuration decisions and the rate at which gatekeepers refer customers to a specialist. We find that gatekeeper-providers (midwives in our context) make substantial use of two levers to manage their workload (measured as patients per midwife): they ration resource-intensive discretionary services (epidural analgesia) for customers with noncomplex service needs (mothers with spontaneous onset of labor) and, at the same time, increase the rate of specialist referral (physician-led delivery) for customers with complex needs (mothers with pharmacologically induced labor). The workload effect in the study unit is surprisingly large and comparable in size to those for leading clinical risk factors: when workload increases from two standard deviations below to two standard deviations above the mean, noncomplex cases are 28.8% less likely to receive an epidural, leading to a cost reduction of 8.7%, while complex cases are 14.2% more likely to be referred for a physician-led delivery, leading to a cost increase of 2.6%. These observations are consistent with overtreatment at both high and low workload levels, albeit for different types of patients, and suggest that smoothing gatekeeper workload would reduce variability in customer service experience.

This paper was accepted by Serguei Netessine, operations management.
Detection of KRAS Mutations in Circulating Tumor DNA by Digital PCR in Early Stages of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Brychta Nora , Krahn Thomas , von Ahsen Oliver
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Since surgical removal remains the only cure for pancreatic cancer, early detection is of utmost importance. Circulating biomarkers have potential as diagnostic tool for pancreatic cancer, which typically causes clinical symptoms only in advanced stage. Because of their high prevalence in pancreatic cancer, KRAS proto-oncogene, GTPase [KRAS (previous name: Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog)] mutations may be used to identify tumor-derived circulating plasma DNA. Here we tested the diagnostic sensitivity of chip based digital PCR for the detection of KRAS mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in early stage pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

We analyzed matched plasma (2 mL) and tumor samples from 50 patients with pancreatic cancer. Early stages (I and II) were predominant (41/50) in this cohort. DNA was extracted from tumor and plasma samples and tested for the common codon 12 mutations G12D, G12V, and G12C by chip-based digital PCR.

RESULTS

We identified KRAS mutations in 72% of the tumors. 44% of the tumors were positive for G12D, 20% for G12V, and 10% for G12C. One tumor was positive for G12D and G12V. Analysis of the mutations in matched plasma samples revealed detection rates of 36% for G12D, 50% for G12V, and 0% for G12C. The detection appeared to be correlated with total number of tumor cells in the primary tumor. No KRAS mutations were detected in 20 samples of healthy control plasma.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support further evaluation of tumor specific mutations as early diagnostic biomarkers using plasma samples as liquid biopsy.
Aplicação de um protocolo de avaliação ambiental rápida em dois reservatórios do semiárido brasileiro
Authors: Brito Maiara Tábatha da Silva , Do Nascimento Filho Silvano Lima , Viana Girlene Fábia Segundo , Melo Júnior Mauro
Published: September 2016

In the semi-arid region of Brazil, artificial reservoirs are ecosystems of extremely important ecological and social. Due to pressures caused by long periods of pluviometric irregularity, the reservoirs Cachoeira I and Barra, located in the interior of Pernambuco, have been subject to very significant changes, marked mainly by the reduction of stored water volume, seasonal changes in the abiotic parameters, reduction of riparian vegetation and absence of macrophytes. All these changes were observed in this study through the use of an auxiliary monitoring tool, a rapid assessment protocol adapted for lentic ecosystems of semiarid, capable of detecting numerous types of environmental changes, assisting in monitoring these springs.
COMO SOBREVIVER EM UM AMBIENTE DE FINANCIAMENTO INSTÁVEL? GESTÃO DE RECURSOS EM ORGANIZAÇÕES EMPREENDEDORAS DO TERCEIRO SETOR QUE ATUAM COM O ESPORTE
Authors: Mota Ana Lúcia Castilho da , Nassif Vânia Maria Jorge
Published: September 2016

Esta pesquisa tem por objetivo identificar quais são as estratégias, relacionadas à gestão de recursos utilizadas pelas organizações do terceiro setor (OTS) que atuam com o esporte educacional e de participação visando à continuidade de seus projetos e sua sobrevivência. O método adotado foi o qualitativo e está baseado na perspectiva fenomenológica, visto que retrata a realidade a partir das experiências subjetivas dos participantes da pesquisa. Para tal, a entrevista foi o instrumento utilizado para coletar os dados. Fizeram parte dessa pesquisa quatro fundadores e sete coordenadores ou diretores de organizações renomadas no Brasil, totalizando onze entrevistas. Os dados foram categorizados à luz de Flores (1999) e o recurso utilizado para auxílio da organização das categorias foi o software Atlas ti, evidenciando duas categorias: Sustentabilidade/Sobrevivência e Gestão Organizacional. Observou-se pelos resultados que socializar experiências de captação e mobilização de recursos pode contribuir para o avanço da sustentação das organizações. A dependência de financiamento é apontada como uma preocupação e um desafio para a sobrevivência das OTS, pela pouca flexibilidade na mobilização de recursos, gerando insegurança para a execução de projetos de médio e logo prazos. A estratégia que essas Organizações vêm buscando para minorar esses problemas é o fortalecimento da instituição por meio de novas parcerias e da articulação em rede visando à construção de políticas públicas para atender as necessidades da população no que tange ao acesso à prática de esportes e também que atendam às especificidades do setor.
EMPREENDEDORISMO NO SETOR PÚBLICO: A INFLUÊNCIA DAS CARACTERÍSTICAS ORGANIZACIONAIS
Authors: Hipólito Borges Denise Aparecida , Romaniello Marcelo Marcio , De Brito Mozar José
Published: September 2016

O empreendedorismo durante muito tempo esteve atrelado ao setor privado como uma característica inerente e exclusiva das organizações desta esfera. No entanto, a Administração Pública nos últimos anos também tem apostado na introdução do empreendedorismo no seu setor. Definido em termos de tomada de decisão, inovação e proatividade, a literatura aponta o empreendedorismo público como uma ação capaz de melhorar a alocação dos recursos, mas que precisa de um ambiente organizacional favorável ao seu desenvolvimento. Diante disso, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a relação entre as características organizacionais- estruturais, administrativas, culturais e ambientais, com o empreendedorismo público compreendendo como elas podem influenciar essas ações. Para tanto, foi conduzida uma pesquisa em uma Prefeitura Municipal localizada na região sudeste de Minas Gerais. Tal pesquisa se destaca como exploratória, de natureza mista na qual foi utilizada a triangulação de instrumentos para a coleta de dados. Os resultados mostram que as características estudadas de fato influenciam o empreendedorismo público existindo relação positiva para a presença dos fatores hierarquia, formalidade, flexibilidade, autonomia, recompensas, especialização, accountability, multiplicidade de objetivos, orientação para os resultados, responsabilidade legal e para a competição e relação negativa para a presença dos fatores participação e influência política.
ATITUDE EMPREENDEDORA E DESEMPENHO ORGANIZACIONAL EM MICRO E PEQUENAS EMPRESAS: UM ESTUDO NO SETOR VAREJISTA DE CONFECÇÕES DE CURITIBA – PR
Authors: Damke Elói Junior , Damke Joice Franciele Wendling , Hijazi Mohamed Mehdi , Benitez Julio Ricardo , Moreira Luis Fernando
Published: September 2016

Diversos estudos têm defendido a relação de dependência entre atitude empreendedora e desempenho organizacional, embora são raros os levantamentos que associam estas duas variáveis, em especial, traços atitudinais do empreendedor com o desempenho de pequenas empresas. Conjugando variáveis nessas dimensões, este estudo objetivou analisar a relação entre atitude empreendedora e desempenho organizacional de micro e pequenas empresas do setor varejista de confecções do município de Curitiba – PR. Os dados foram levantados em survey com 229 empresas e investigados por meio do teste qui quadrado e de análise de correlação de Pearson e revelaram grupos de empresas com níveis de atitude distintos e diferentes níveis de desempenho, embora as médias dos grupos atingiram valores considerados próximos. As análises de correlações não evidenciaram a relação direta entre atitude empreendedora e desempenho organizacional.
AVALIAÇÃO DE FRANQUIAS EMPRESARIAIS POR MEIO DE MÚLTIPLOS DE RECEITA: UM SACRILÉGIO ACADÊMICO DESCULPÁVEL
Authors: Olivo Rodolfo Leandro de Faria , Morilhas Leandro José , Nielsen Flávia Angeli Ghisi , Carvalho Daniel Estima de
Published: September 2016

O mercado de franquias no Brasil, apesar de movimentar bilhões de reais, é composto de milhares de unidades franqueadas, constituídas na forma de micro e pequenas empresas. Assim a avaliação dessas unidades franqueadas em geral não se utiliza do método do Fluxo de Caixa Descontado - FCD, devido às dificuldades da aplicação desse método a pequenas empresas, mas vale-se, alternativamente, da avaliação por meio de múltiplos de receita, a qual sofre críticas acadêmicas. O trabalho argumenta, utilizando-se do método do estudo de caso, que especificamente para as franquias empresariais enquadradas como Micro e Pequenas Empresas - MPEs, devido a suas próprias características enquanto negócio, a utilização da avaliação por múltiplos é bastante razoável, convergindo em valores com a avaliação pelo FCD e sendo assim uma boa alternativa para definição do valor da empresa. Desta forma a prática de mercado de franquias para a sua avaliação em compras e vendas de unidades franqueadas, torna-se eficiente, mesmo que por outros métodos, uma vez que converge com a técnica acadêmica do Fluxo de Caixa Descontado, sendo que os múltiplos, nesse caso específico, refletem de forma razoável, o valor intrínseco das franquias