bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exit and Failure of Credit Unions in Brazil: A Risk Analysis
Authors: Carvalho Flávio Leonel de , Diaz Maria Dolores Montoya , Bialoskorski Neto Sigismundo , Kalatzis Aquiles Elie Guimarães
Published: April 2015

This study aims to investigate the factors that affect the market exit of Brazilian singular credit unions from 1995 to 2009; it also identifies and lists the determinants of various types of market exits and analyzes whether profitability is a significant factor for credit union survival. This study was conducted with accounting data provided by the Central Bank of Brazil, which derives only from individual cooperatives, i.e. singular credit unions. Quarterly financial statements from these credit unions that were active from 1995 to the second quarter of 2009 were employed, totaling 71,325 observations for 1,929 credit unions. Based on survival and the model of competing risks (such as the Cox, Exponential, Weibull, Gompertz, and Competing Risk models), the results show that there is no statistical evidence to ensure a correlation between profitability and credit union survival. The results also suggest that the size of credit unions plays a key role in their survival and longevity and that their funding and investment management are related to their survival and risk of market exit. In conclusion, the results confirm the initial idea that the duality inherent to credit unions - cooperative principles versus economic efficiency - might influence the stability, survival, and longevity of these institutions. Such results may also imply that a credit union embracing the rationale of a private bank will become more estranged from its members, something which will hinder its future operations and increase the likelihood of its exit from the market.
As Concepções de Geometrias não Euclidianas de um Grupo de Professores de Matemática da Educação Básica
Authors: Lovis Karla Aparecida , Franco Valdeni Soliani
Published: April 2015

Este artigo apresenta uma pesquisa em que foram identificadas e analisadas as concepções sobre Geometrias não Euclidianas de um grupo de 27 professores de Matemática, da Educação Básica, que atuam em escolas públicas do Estado do Paraná. Para atingir o objetivo, procurou-se averiguar os conhecimentos, as opiniões, as preferências e as ideias que os participantes da pesquisa apresentam a respeito dessas Geometrias. A escolha desses participantes realizou-se por meio de um questionário, e a coleta dos dados adveio de uma entrevista semiestruturada. Constatou-se que seis professores não apresentam concepções sobre o assunto e, dentre estes, um professor não sabia da inclusão das Geometrias não Euclidianas na estrutura curricular do estado do Paraná. Treze professores apresentam algumas ideias e opiniões sobre as Geometrias não Euclidianas. Os resultados mostram que a inserção e o estudo das Geometrias não Euclidianas ainda não instauraram novas concepções, uma vez que somente oito professores apresentam suas concepções fundamentadas em resultados e/ou conceitos dessas Geometrias.
A survey of body practices and primary health care in a district of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Carvalho Yara M. , Manoel Edison de J.
Published: April 2015

The present study surveyed the profile of people who did or did not take part in programs and activities in primary healthcare units in the Butantã district, the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The rationale for the study was the concept of body practice understood as a practice of health and care. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to 1090 individuals mostly middle-aged housewives. Only 5.78% of respondents were enrolled in some program and activities, mainly walking and stretching. There was a consensus between participants and non-participants on the importance of initiatives geared to care for the body and attention to health. The difficulties for having access to programs and the lack of options in the health public service were pointed out as the main obstacles for a greater involvement by local population.
Step-count guidelines referenced on 60-minutes of moderate/vigorous physical activity
Authors: Fontana Fabio Eduardo , Silva Michael Pereira da , Marston Ripley , Finn Kevin , Gallagher Jere
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this study was to establish step-count guidelines for sixth-grade students and assess the ability of step-counts to discriminate between students achieving and not achieving 60-minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. 201 sixth-grade students completed the study. They wore a pedometer and an accelerometer at the waist level for one full day. ROC curves were used to establish step-count guidelines and determine the diagnostic accuracy of step-counts. Sixth grade students need 12,118 steps/day to reach adequate daily levels of physical activity. The AUC indicated good diagnostic accuracy of step-counts. Suggested step-count guidelines can be a useful tool for identifying children who need to increase their daily levels of physical activity. The step-count cutoff proposed in this study is adequate for discriminating between sixth grade students reaching and not reaching recommended levels of physical activity.
Gestão do Risco Operacional em Arranjo Produtivo Local: um estudo exploratório no setor de fruticultura
Authors: Carlos Filho Francisco de Assis , Lagioia Umbelina Cravo Teixeira , Araújo João Gabriel Nascimento de , Silva Filho Lucivaldo Lourenço da , Barbosa Ítalo de Souza
Published: April 2015

Este trabalho teve como objetivo compreender como ocorre a gestão do risco operacional no Arranjo Produtivo Local de fruticultura no Vale do São Francisco. A pesquisa é classificada como exploratória e descritiva, pois, ao buscar uma aproximação com o fenômeno investigado, a partir do levantamento de informações por meio da pesquisa de campo realizada, foi possível conhecer mais a seu respeito, bem como descrevê-lo e analisá-lo. O estudo também é caracterizado como uma pesquisa quantitativa. Teve como população as empresas exportadoras de frutas situadas no cluster de fruticultura do Vale do São Francisco. O número total de produtores exportadores desse cluster é de 38. A amostra deste estudo é composta de 31 questionários respondidos. Pôde se concluir que boa parte dos entrevistados adotam procedimentos de gestão do risco operacional. Se o gestor utilizar a análise de desempenho como finalidade no processo decisório, maior será a probabilidade de o mesmo utilizar a gestão do risco operacional na sua empresa. Entretanto, quanto maior for a não utilização, objetivando a tomada de decisão como finalidade no processo decisório, menor será a probabilidade do administrador utilizar a gestão do risco operacional.
Gestão Estratégica de Custos nos Cursos de Graduação em Ciências Contábeis das Instituições de Ensino Superior do Estado de Santa Catarina
Authors: Cunha Leila Chaves , Borgert Altair , Ferrari Mara Juliana Ferrari
Published: April 2015

Por meio de um estudo do tipo levantamento, com amostragem por acessibilidade, a presente pesquisa tem por objetivo evidenciar os conteúdos relacionados à Gestão Estratégica de Custos (GEC), descritos nos planos de ensino, dos cursos de graduação em Ciências Contábeis das Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) do estado de Santa Catarina. Para tal, utiliza-se como base a categorização dos termos da GEC, proposta por Wrubel et al. (2011), em que se analisam 88 planos de ensino de disciplinas relacionadas a custos, cujos dados são estatisticamente descritos e analisados por meio de Clusters. Os resultados demonstram que a categoria ABC/ABM é a mais evidenciada, tanto no total das IES, com 38,89%, como em cada um dos Clusters: Universidades (41,67%); Centros Universitários e Faculdades (43,75%); e IES que oferecem mestrado em Contabilidade (21,43%). Esse resultado não converge com o de pesquisas aplicadas em ambientes empresariais, nos quais a utilização do ABC/ABM é pouco evidenciada. Considerando-se o total dos conteúdos, as IES que oferecem mestrado em Contabilidade são as que mais evidenciam a GEC (7,29%) e os Centros Universitários e Faculdades são os que apresentam menor evidenciação (3,64%). Outra constatação é que 35 categorias nas Universidades, e 12 nos Centros Universitários e Faculdades são evidenciadas, sem, contudo, estarem contextualizadas na GEC. Além disso, a análise da Cadeia de Valor é o tema-chave mais evidenciado. Por fim, verifica-se que as categorias da GEC são mais evidenciadas nas fases intermediárias e finais dos cursos de Ciências Contábeis.
A Model of Anomaly Discovery
Authors: Liu Qi , Sun Bo , Yan Hongjun , Lu Lei
Published: April 2015

We analyze a model of anomaly discovery. Consistent with existing evidence, we show that the discovery of an anomaly reduces its magnitude and increases its correlation with existing anomalies. One new prediction is that the discovery of an anomaly reduces the correlation between deciles 1 and 10 for that anomaly. Using data for 12 well-known anomalies, we find strong evidence consistent with this prediction. Moreover, the correlation between deciles 1 and 10 of an anomaly becomes correlated with the aggregate hedge-fund wealth volatility after the anomaly is discovered. Our model also sheds light on how to distinguish between risk- and mispricing-based anomalies.
The Systematic Component of Monetary Policy in SVARs: An Agnostic Identification Procedure
Authors: Arias Jonas E. , Caldara Dario , Rubio-Ramirez Juan F.
Published: April 2015

Following Leeper, Sims, and Zha (1996), we identify monetary policy shocks in SVARs by restricting the systematic component of monetary policy. In particular, we impose sign and zero restrictions only on the monetary policy equation. Since we do not restrict the response of output to a monetary policy shock, we are agnostic in Uhlig's (2005) sense. But, in contrast to Uhlig (2005), our results support the conventional view that a monetary policy shock leads to a decline in output. Hence, our results show that the contractionary effects of monetary policy shocks do not hinge on questionable exclusion restrictions.
Fluorescence-based determination of enzyme activity of recombinant CYP51b1 (sterol 14α-demethylase) with coumarin derivatives
Authors: Petushkova N.A. , Lisitsa A.V. , Pozdnev V.F. , Karuzina I.I.
Published: April 2015

The current investigation was undertaken with the aim to carry out an in vitro evaluation of the ability of coumarin derivatives as probe substrates to predict the activity of CYP51b1. The results obtained indicate that 7-aminocoumarin-4-acetic acid (ACAC) can be used to determine the recombinant CYP51b1 activity. Determination of CYP51b1 activity with ACAC is based on the direct registration of fluorescence increasing at 30°C. It was found also that BMR in a simple soluble model system can be used as an electron donor for CYP51B1. Fluorescence-based assay is highly sensitive and can be used for the screening of sterol 14alpha-demethylase inhibitors.
Improvement of pharmacological values of the nifedipine by means of mechanochemical complexation with glycyrrhizic acid
Authors: Tolstikova T.G. , Khvostov M.V. , Bryzgalov A.O. , Dushkin A.V. , Meteleva E.S.
Published: April 2015

A new water-soluble form of the calcium blocker nifedipine (NF) with glycyrrhizic acid (GA) (with molecular ratio 1:4) has been obtained by mechanochemical synthesis. Its pharmacological advantages in comparison with nifedipine were determined. An effective dose of nifedipine in complex reduced to 10 times as compared to its therapeutic dose while high antihypertensive activity preservation and pleiotropic antiarhythmic activity enhancement. This new antihypertensive and antiarhythmic agent (complex of NF:GA = 1:4) is chemically stable and safe for parenteral administration.
The level of free radical oxidation products in heart and blood plasma by diabetes mellitus with chronic alcohol intoxication
Authors: Indutny A.V. , Bykov D.E. , Vysokogorsky V.E.
Published: April 2015

The research results of level glycemia, contents of free radical oxidation products (thiobarbiturate-reactive substances, oxidized-modified proteins) in blood plasma and heart of diabetes mellitus rats with chronic alcohol intoxication are presented. It is shown, that at presence of a diabetes mellitus the chronic alcohol consumption does not change blood plasma levels of the oxidized-modified proteins, thiobarbiturate-reactive substances and glucose. However the contents of thiobarbiturate-reactive substances and oxidizing modification of proteins products in animals heart is more considerably increased at combination of the diabetes with chronic alcohol consumption, in comparison with changes at the diabetes mellitus outside of alcoholization and with changes at the isolated chronic alcohol influence. Found out alcohol-induced free radical processes hyperactivation in heart at the diabetes is capable to render additional injuring influence.
Glycerolipids of alkyl type - modulators of tumoral cells destruction
Authors: Romanova S.G. , Romanov V.G. , Serebrennikova G.A. , Shtil A.A.
Published: April 2015

The review is summarizes current information on biological activity and search of the antineoplastic mechanism of action of alkyl glycerolipids. Special attention is paid to following problems: selective ability phosphorus alkyl glycerolipids, antineoplastic activity, cytostatic and cytotoxic effects of edelfosine and its analogues. The review contains set of the data known for today from the literature, on the possible mechanism cytoyoxic actions of such connections.
Functional state of rat brain mitochondria at hypoglycemia convulsive syndrome and different ways of its arresting
Authors: Ivanova A.V. , Stunzhas N.M.
Published: April 2015

Respiratory and phosphorylation functions of rat brain mitochondria was studied under conditions insulin shock and after its treatment with glucose or glutamate (in combination with inhalation of hypercapnic gas mixture - air enriched with 7% СО2). Certain differences in the effects of the applied agents were found. Phosphorylation ability of mitochondria did not reach the normal level even one day after both ways of convulsive state treatment. Some respiratory parameters suggest that unfavorable changes in the respiratory chain functioning mainly occur at the respiratory chain complex I.
Implication of integrin α5β1 in human breast carcinoma apoptosis and drug resistance
Authors: Morozevich G.E. , Kozlova N.I. , Ushakova N.A. , Preobrazhenskaya M.E. , Berman A.E.
Published: April 2015

Doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7Dox line, which is a derivative of the drug-sensitive MCF-7 human breast carcinima line, differs from the latter by a strongly reduced expression of the α2β1 integrin and a highly increased expression of the α5β1 receptor. Silencing of this integrin in the MCF-7Dox cells by transfection with α5-specific siRNA markedly stimulated anoikis and increased sensitivity of the cells to doxorubicin. α5β1 silencing also leads to significant inhibition of the activity of kinases Akt and Erk2 in MCF-7Dox cells. Our results suggest that integrins α5β1-induced signals, controlling distinct aspects of cell behavior, are conducted through the common signal pathways.
Where intestinal epithelial stem cells are localized? About molecular markers
Authors: Proskuryakov S.Ya. , Konoplyannikov A.G. , Verkhovskii Yu.G. , Ulyanova L.P. , Tsyb A.F.
Published: April 2015

Using stem cells as an example the review considers a new history and methodology of search for stem cells (SC), found in tissues of adult Homo sapiens and Drosophila melanogaster organisms. These studies of SC resulted in several original hypotheses explaining their unusual features. Impressive progress recently achieved in this direction (2008-2010) is associated with employment of new methods of somatic recombination for long-term registration of various strains of differentiated cells, early and distant SC progeny. 1) Although anatomic localization of intestinal epithelium cells lacking marked morphological and biochemical differentiation markers (the lower third of intestinal and colon crypts) is known for about 40 years results of their experimental identification, isolation and detection of their functional characteristics still represent the subject for discussions. Particularly, it remains unclear, which SC are involved in crypt regeneration: the same as those involved into homeostatic renewal or their various subpopulations or early SC progenies acquired stem features by reprogramming? 2) In addition, most detected biochemical markers of potential SC are common for SC from other tissues of embryonic and mature organisms so it is possible to apply method developed for intestinal epithelium for their isolation. 3) Data on induction of intestinal epithelium polyps and neoplasias by mutations in genes encoding SC markers and identification of biochemical characteristics of potential SC in these tumors support the hypothesis of stem tumor cell origination from normal SC or their earliest progeny. In general, facts considered in this review may be useful for both development of optimal methods for the use of SC in cell therapy (as the source of humoral factors), regenerative medicine (as the source of differentiated cells for restoration of injured tissue), and also for targeted search of antitumor drugs (SC as the target) and preparations modifying genetic and epigenetic reactions of SC to genotoxic and stress treatments.
One-dimensional proteomic mapping of embryos danio rerio
Authors: Kisrieva J.S. , Petushkova N.A. , Chernobrovkin A.S. , Larina O.B. , Trifonova O.P. , Kuznetsova G.P. , Samenkova N.F. , Kashirceva V.N. , Belayeva N.F. , Karuzina I.I. , Lisitsa A.V.
Published: April 2015

In the present study, a proteomic technology combining one-dimensional gel electrophoresis (1DE) with subsequent mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-PMF) has been successfully applied for revelation of changes in the protein profile of zebrafish (Danio rerio) 52 hpf embryos. Prior to 1DE separation of zebrafish embryonic proteins, the procedure for obtaining embryos homogenate was optimized by ultrasonic treatment. A total of 84 proteins, including 15 vitellogenins, were identified. It was shown that growing of zebrafish embryos in the medium with doxorubicin (DOX) stimulated Caspase-3 induction and promoted the disappearance of cardiac troponins, both these findings being consistent with literature data on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. The 1DE-based proteomic mapping approach proposed herein enabled not only to identify proteins but also to register those changes in embryos' proteomic profile that were caused by doxorubicin.
Specificity of molecular recognition in oligomerization of bacterial L-asparaginases
Authors: Mezentsev Yu.V. , Molnar A.A. , Sokolov N.N. , Lisitsina V.B. , Ivanov A.S. , Archakov A.I. , Archakov M.A.
Published: April 2015

Bacterial L-asparaginases, which are widely used in the antitumor therapy, act only as homotetramers, because their active sites are located at the interface between the subunits of the enzyme. Since salt bridges substantially stabilize L-asparaginase tetramers, we have supposed that oligomerization of bacterial L-asparaginase is a high-avidity process. This assumption was proved by bioinformatic and biosensoric methods. It was shown, that a stable tetrameric complex can be formed only by the subunits of the same L-asparaginase. Using two mutants of L-asparaginase Helicobacter pylori it was shown that specificity of molecular recognition is significantly reduced even by single point mutation at the interface of high-homologous closely-related subunits.
Current methods of cytochrome P450 analysis
Authors: Moskaleva N.E. , Zgoda V.G.
Published: April 2015

Current review describes recent approaches of cytochrome P450 concentration and activity evaluation. Special attention paid to modern methods of proteomic analysis such as electrophoresis and chromato-mass-spectrometry. Methods of targeted proteomic applicable for quantitative and qualitative study of P450s in biological samples as well as methods for the enzyme activity measurements are reviewed. Finally, data on correlation between certain P450 isoform content and its specific enzymatic activities were described and discussed in the review.
Activity of endogenous aldehydes catabolism enzymes in subcellular fractions of liver, heart and brain of rats at pubertal age under stress
Authors: Sukhova L.L. , Guryeva A.V. , Berezhnaya E.A. , Davydov V.V.
Published: April 2015

Activities of enzymes involved in redox transformation of endogenous aldehydes have been investigated in subcellular fractions of liver, heart, and brain of pubertal rats exposed to prolonged immobilization stress. In the liver aldo-keto reductase (AKR) activity in the postmitochondrial fraction and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) acivity of the mitochondrial fraction demonstrated a more pronounced decrease in 2-month-old rats. Rat heart postmitochondrial AKR and ALDH demonstrated opposite changes in their enzymatic activities, while activity of mitochondrial ALDH remained unchanged. Brain cells create conditions that favor effective utilization of endogenous aldehydes in metabolic redox pathways.
Comparative studies on the genotoxic activity of a new palladium (II) acidocomplex vs cisplatin in human blood lymphocytes
Authors: Grekhova A.K. , Gorbacheva L.B. , Ivanova N.A. , Efimenko I.A. , Osipov A.N.
Published: April 2015

A comparative study on the genotoxic activity of cisplatin versus morfozol, the first representative of a new class of cation-anion complexes of palladium [AH] [PdCl ] (where A-methylmorpholine) has been performed using human lymphocytes in vitro. The results of the DNA-DNA cross-linking activity investigations showed that both compounds studied exhibited biphasic dose-effect relationship: a linear decrease in the DNA percent in the comet tail and the region of the "plateau". However, in the "plateau" region, morfozol reduced the DNA percent in the comet tail up to 6 times while cisplatin caused a 2-fold decrease only. Morfozol, like cisplatin, inducing DNA-protein cross-linking and generating reactive oxygen species, was more effective than cisplatin.
Adrenocortical and renin-angiotensin systems in dynamics of experimental diabetes
Authors: Cherkasova O.P. , Selyatitskaya V.G.
Published: April 2015

Components of the adrenocortical system (adrenal and blood corticosteroid hormones and hepatic and renal 11b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity) and also activity of the most important enzyme of the renin-angiotensin system, tissue and blood angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) have been investigated in dynamics of alloxan diabetes. The study has shown that the initial period of diabetes is characterized by activation of synthesis and secretion of adrenocortical hormones into blood. High blood glucose and glucocorticoid hormones increase activity of the renin-angiotensin system in lungs and decrease ACE secretion into blood. This is accompanied by a decrease of activity of the renin-angiotensin system in kidneys. Subsequent progression of diabetes resulted in impairments of physiologically determined correlations between the components of these systems. Development of experimental diabetes for 30 days was accompanied by sign of a decrease of the adrenal glucocorticoid function regardless of stable impairments of carbohydrate metabolism. Under these conditions increased adrenal and hepatic 11b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity may be responsible for maintenance of elevated levels of the main glucocorticoid in blood and tissues. Factor analysis revealed impairments in intersystem relationships between the adrenocortical and renin-angiotensin systems in experimental diabetes thus suggesting disintegration of regulatory systems.
Imiquimod: the biochemical mechanisms of immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity
Authors: Bozrova S.V. , Levitsky V.A. , Nedospasov S.A. , Drutskaya M.S.
Published: April 2015

Imidazoquinolins represent a new group of compounds that recently entered into clinical practice as anti-tumor and anti-viral immune modulators. They are low molecular weight synthetic guanosine-like molecules. Although imiquimod, the most widely used imidazoquinolin, is recommended for the treatment of several forms of skin cancer and papillomas, the molecular mechanisms of its action are not fully understood. In particular, imiquimod has been characterized as a specific agonist of Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and is widely used in this capacity in a large number of experimental studies and clinical trials. However, detailed analysis of the published data with the use of imiquimod, suggests that its biological activity can not be explained only by interaction with TLR7. There are indications of a direct interaction of imiquimod with adenosine receptors and other molecules that regulate the synthesis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate. A detailed understanding of the biochemical basis of imiquimod immunomodulating and antitumor effect will increase its clinical effectiveness and accelerate the development of new drugs with similar but improved medical properties. This review summarizes the published data concerning the effects of imiquimod on a variety of intracellular biochemical processes and signaling pathways.
Modification of fatty acid composition of polar and neutral lipids of blood and liver in rat in conditions of prolonged high-fat diet
Authors: Novgorodtseva T.P. , Karaman Yu.K. , Zhukova N.V.
Published: April 2015

Studied the composition of fatty acids of polar and neutral lipids of plasma, erythrocytes and liver Wistar rats under prolonged high-fat diet. It was established that during long-term (90-180 days) in rats high-fat load is blocking the cells ligand-retseptor active capture polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This is confirmed by the accumulation of blood in LDL cholesterol and lipid fractions, esterified n-3 and n-6 PUFA (triacylglycerides, sterols esters, phospholipids), while the deficit these same fatty acids in the lipids of erythrocytes. In the liver under the influence of prolonged high-fat diet increased pool monoenic (18:1 n-9) and polyunsaturated (20:5 n-3, 20:3 n-6, 22:5 n-3) fatty acids. These data suggest that prolonged exposure of rats high-fat diet contributes to compensatory de novo synthesis of fatty acids in the liver. However, due to violations of the receptor active transport of fatty acids synthesized in the liver fatty acids are not captured by cells of the peripheral organs. Identified data allow us to expand the understanding of the role of nutritional factors in the physiology and pathophysiology of the cell, modulation of lipid metabolism.
Critical conditions as a logical and appropriate chain of iron methabolism disorders (the summary of experimental studies)
Authors: Orlov Y.P. , Lukach V.N. , Dolgih V.T. , Soboleva E.L. , Ivanov A.V. , Ivanova A.M. , Boltruchenko A.S. , Boronenko V.V. , Kozhevnikova E.F. , Pozharov S.V.
Published: April 2015

It is revealed that in all models of critical conditions will activate the free-radical oxidation, decreasing the total antioxidant activity, the concentration of transferrin decreases in the serum of the blood, increase of the concentration of ferritin, the rheological properties of the blood are violated and the signs of endothelial dysfunction are identified. Pre-entered deferoxamine in the dose of 80 mg/kg reduced the intensity of free-radical oxidation processes, restoring the antioxidant potential, concentration of the transferrin, and a lower level of ferritin, contributed to the normalization of blood rheological properties and a reduction of the extent endothelium destruction as a result of the reduction Fe2+ concentration in blood serum.
Is cobalt-binding capacity of serum a new perspective diagnostic marker?
Authors: Litus E.A. , Zaitsev V.G. , Verovskij V.E. , Goncharova L.V. , Dudchenko G.P. , Ostrovskij O.V.
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the reference interval of serum cobalt-binding capacity (CoBC) and to estimate the effect of factors unrelated to oxidative modification of serum albumin on this diagnostic marker. A group of healthy volunteers (n=194), a group of patients with autoimmune diseases (n=44) and a group of patients with diabetes type 2 (n=50) participated in this study. The regional reference interval was found to be 0,462-0,744 mmol Co 2+ /l of serum. The study of serum CoBC in two groups of patients showed that the CoBC level strongly depends on the serum protein profile. Therefore, this diagnostic test may be used for diagnosing ischemia, but other pathologies associated with changes in a ratio of blood protein fractions can also influence the serum CoBC level.
Comparison of basic carboxypeptidases activity in male rats tissues at a single injection of haloperidol
Authors: Pravosudova N.A. , Bykova I.O.
Published: April 2015

The influence of a single injection of haloperidol on basic carboxypeptidases (biologically active peptide processing enzymes) activity in rat tissues was studied. Acute exposure to haloperidol increased the activity of carboxypeptidases H (CP H) in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system and cerebellum and reduced such activity in testes. Multidirectional changes of PMSF-inhibited carboxypeptidases activity (PMSF-CP) were observed after a single haloperidol injection in all studied tissues except testes. It is suggested that changes of CP H and PMSF-CP activity might affect levels of regulatory peptides in the brain and blood and thus may be involved in general and side effects of haloperidol on the organism.
“Just How Graphic Are Graphic Novels?” An Examination of Aggression Portrayals in Manga and Associations With Aggressive Behavior in Adolescents
Authors: Coyne Sarah M. , Callister Mark , Stockdale Laura , Coutts Holly , Collier Kevin M.
Published: April 2015

Manga, a type of graphic novel, represent a widely popular literary genre worldwide and are one of the fastest growing areas of the publishing arena aimed at adolescents in the United States. However, to our knowledge, there has been almost no empirical research examining content or effects of reading manga. This article consists of 2 studies. Study 1 represents a content analysis of aggressive behavior in best-selling manga aimed at adolescents. Results revealed that aggression was common and was often portrayed in ways that may influence subsequent behavior. Study 2 examined the relationship between reading manga and aggressive behavior in 223 adolescents. Manga readers were more physically aggressive than non-manga readers and also reported more peer relationships with lonely individuals and smaller groups. In addition, reading manga with particularly high levels of aggression was associated with physical aggression even after controlling for media violence exposure in other media. Implications regarding these findings are discussed.
Prevalence and Phenomenology of Neonaticide in Switzerland 1980–2010: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Krüger Paula
Published: April 2015

For a child, the likelihood of being murdered is highest during the first year of life, and many such cases are neonaticides. Although several recent studies have examined neonaticide in different countries and cultures, there has been no in-depth analysis of Swiss cases, even though this country has special neonaticide legislation and four “baby hatches” have been opened to prevent such killings. The primary objective of this retrospective study was to analyze the prevalence and phenomenon of neonaticide in Switzerland. Using data from judicial files, 11 cases were identified in 15 German-speaking cantons between 1980 and 2010. The sample included two uncommon cases of nonmaternal neonaticide. The discussion addresses possible prevention strategies.
Quantifying the Association Between Self‐Reported Diabetes and Periodontitis in the New Zealand Population
Authors: Knight Ellie T. , Leichter Jonathan W. , Tawse‐Smith Andrew , Thomson W. Murray
Published: April 2015

Background: This study aims to investigate the association between diabetes and periodontitis in the New Zealand (NZ) adult population.

Methods: Data from two NZ national surveys (N = 2,048) were analyzed to compare estimates of the strength of the association between diabetes and periodontitis using two multivariate epidemiologic approaches (cohort and matched case‐control studies). This was possible because the first survey provided participants for the second survey. Periodontitis cases were identified using 14 case definitions, including six severe definitions. The cohort study identified those with diabetes in 2006/07 and those with periodontitis in 2009 to determine the patients with diabetes odds of having periodontitis, using logistic regression modeling (adjusting for smoking status, sociodemographic, and dental characteristics). The matched case‐control study identified cases of severe periodontitis in 2009 and compared their 2006/07 diabetic status with that of controls (individually matched on age group, sex, and socioeconomic status). Conditional logistic regression modeling was used for the case‐control study, adjusting for ethnicity, smoking status, and dental characteristics.

Results: Overall, 3.6% of the periodontally examined adults reported having diabetes. There was no sex difference in diabetes prevalence, but it was greater in older age groups. Depending on the definition of periodontitis used, there were different estimates of risk for periodontitis, with odds ratios ranging from 1.91 (P = 0.01) to 3.51 (P = 0.22) using the cohort study approach. Diabetes was associated with a greater risk of having periodontitis using only two of the 14 periodontitis case definitions. No association was observed using the matched case‐control study.

Conclusions: The diabetes‐periodontitis association in the NZ population remains unclear. This study demonstrates that the determination of the strength of a putative association is method dependent.
Eliminating Health Disparities: Innovative Methods to Improve Cervical Cancer Screening in a Medically Underserved Population
Authors: Bharel Monica , Santiago Emely R. , Forgione Sanju Nembang , León Casey K. , Weinreb Linda
Published: April 2015

Homeless women have disproportionately lower rates of cervical cancer screening and higher rates of cervical cancer. In 2008, only 19% of the homeless women seen by Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) were screened for cervical cancer. To improve screening, BHCHP implemented a 6-part intervention that incorporates point-of-care service, multidisciplinary screening, improved health maintenance forms, population management, process improvement, and increased provider and patient education. This resulted in a significant increase in cervical cancer screening, from 19% in 2008 to 50% in 2013. When compared with national and local cervical cancer screening trends, BHCHP surpassed improvement rates seen in other vulnerable populations. Simple and innovative interventions proved to be the most effective and practical methods of improving screening.
Differential HIV Risk for Racial/Ethnic Minority Trans*female Youths and Socioeconomic Disparities in Housing, Residential Stability, and Education
Authors: Wilson Erin C. , Chen Yea-Hung , Arayasirikul Sean , Fisher Marla , Pomart W. Andres , Le Victory , Raymond H. Fisher , McFarland Willi
Published: April 2015

Objectives. We examined HIV prevalence and risk behaviors of 282 trans*female youths aged 16 to 24 years participating in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, SHINE study from 2012 to 2013 to determine differences between racial/ethnic minority and White youths.

Methods. We conducted the χ2 test to determine distributional differences between racial/ethnic minority and White participants in sociodemographic factors, HIV-related risk behaviors, and syndemic factors.

Results. Of the trans*female youths, 4.8% were HIV positive. Racial/ethnic minority and White trans*female youths differed significantly in gender identity and sexual orientation. Racial/ethnic minority youths also had significantly lower educational attainment, were less likely to have lived with their parents of origin as a child, and were significantly more likely to engage in recent condomless anal intercourse than were Whites.

Conclusions. Efforts to assess the impact of multiple-minority stress on racial/minority trans*female youths are needed imminently, and prevention efforts must address macrolevel disparities for trans*female youths, especially those from racial/ethnic minority groups, to reduce these disparities and prevent incident cases of HIV.
Transdisciplinary Cardiovascular and Cancer Health Disparities Training: Experiences of the Centers for Population Health and Health Disparities
Authors: Golden Sherita Hill , Ferketich Amy , Boyington Josephine , Dugan Sheila , Garroutte Eva , Kaufmann Peter G. , Krok Jessica , Kuo Alice , Ortega Alexander N. , Purnell Tanjala , Srinivasan Shobha
Published: April 2015

The Centers for Population Health and Health Disparities program promotes multilevel and multifactorial health equity research and the building of research teams that are transdisciplinary. We summarized 5 areas of scientific training for empowering the next generation of health disparities investigators with research methods and skills that are needed to solve disparities and inequalities in cancer and cardiovascular disease. These areas include social epidemiology, multilevel modeling, health care systems or health care delivery, community-based participatory research, and implementation science. We reviewed the acquisition of the skill sets described in the training components; these skill sets will position trainees to become leaders capable of effecting significant change because they provide tools that can be used to address the complexities of issues that promote health disparities.
Participatory Evaluation of a Community Mobilization Effort to Enroll Wyandotte County, Kansas, Residents Through the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Fawcett Stephen B. , Sepers Charles E. , Jones Jerry , Jones Lucia , McKain Wesley
Published: April 2015

Successful implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) depends on the capacity of local communities to mobilize for action. Yet the literature offers few systematic investigations of what communities are doing to ensure support for enrollment. In this empirical case study, we report implementation and outcomes of Enroll Wyandotte, a community mobilization effort to facilitate enrollment through the ACA in Wyandotte County, Kansas. We describe mobilization activities during the first round of open enrollment in coverage under the ACA (October 1, 2013–March 31, 2014), including the unfolding of community and organizational changes (e.g., new enrollment sites) and services provided to assist enrollment over time. The findings show an association between implementation measures and newly created accounts under the ACA (the primary outcome).
Intergenerational Transmission of the Effects of Acculturation on Health in Hispanic Americans: A Fetal Programming Perspective
Authors: Fox Molly , Entringer Sonja , Buss Claudia , DeHaene Jessica , Wadhwa Pathik D.
Published: April 2015

We propose a transdisciplinary, life span framework for examining the underlying cause of the observed intergenerational decline in health among Hispanic Americans. We focus on acculturation, and we posit that acculturation-related processes in first-generation Hispanic immigrant mothers may affect the intrauterine development of an unborn child, via the process of fetal programming, to produce phenotypic effects that may alter the susceptibility for noncommunicable chronic diseases. In this manner, an intergenerational cascade of perpetuation may become established. Our framework may shed light on the biological, behavioral, and social causes of intergenerational cycles of vulnerability among immigrant minority groups, with public health and policy implications for primary prevention and intervention.
Spatial Clustering of Occupational Injuries in Communities
Authors: Forst Linda , Friedman Lee , Chin Brian , Madigan Dana
Published: April 2015

Objectives. Using the social-ecological model, we hypothesized that the home residences of injured workers would be clustered predictably and geographically.

Methods. We linked health care and publicly available datasets by home zip code for traumatically injured workers in Illinois from 2000 to 2009. We calculated numbers and rates of injuries, determined the spatial relationships, and developed 3 models.

Results. Among the 23 200 occupational injuries, 80% of cases were located in 20% of zip codes and clustered in 10 locations. After component analysis, numbers and clusters of injuries correlated directly with immigrants; injury rates inversely correlated with urban poverty.

Conclusions. Traumatic occupational injuries were clustered spatially by home location of the affected workers and in a predictable way. This put an inequitable burden on communities and provided evidence for the possible value of community-based interventions for prevention of occupational injuries. Work should be included in health disparities research. Stakeholders should determine whether and how to intervene at the community level to prevent occupational injuries.
Nuevo Amanecer: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Community-Based, Peer-Delivered Stress Management Intervention to Improve Quality of Life in Latinas With Breast Cancer
Authors: Nápoles Anna María , Ortíz Carmen , Santoyo-Olsson Jasmine , Stewart Anita L. , Gregorich Steven , Lee Howard E. , Durón Ysabel , McGuire Peggy , Luce Judith
Published: April 2015

Objectives. We evaluated a community-based, translational stress management program to improve health-related quality of life in Spanish-speaking Latinas with breast cancer.

Methods. We adapted a cognitive–behavioral stress management program integrating evidence-based and community best practices to address the needs of Latinas with breast cancer. Spanish-speaking Latinas with breast cancer were randomly assigned to an intervention or usual-care control group. Trained peers delivered the 8-week intervention between February 2011 and February 2014. Primary outcomes were breast cancer–specific quality of life and distress, and general symptoms of distress.

Results. Of 151 participants, 95% were retained at 6 months (between May 2011 and May 2014). Improvements in quality of life from baseline to 6 months were greater for the intervention than the control group on physical well-being, emotional well-being, breast cancer concerns, and overall quality of life. Decreases from baseline to 6 months were greater for the intervention group on depression and somatization.

Conclusions. Results suggest that translation of evidence-based programs can reduce psychosocial health disparities in Latinas with breast cancer. Integration of this program into community-based organizations enhances its dissemination potential.
Upscaling Kinetics for Field-Scale In-Situ-Combustion Simulation
Authors: Nissen Anna , Zhu Zhouyuan , Kovscek Anthony , Castanier Louis , Gerritsen Margot
Published: April 2015

We demonstrate the effectiveness of a non-Arrhenius kinetic upscaling approach for in-situ-combustion processes, first discussed by Kovscek et al. (2013). Arrhenius reaction terms are replaced with equivalent source terms that are determined by a work flow integrating both laboratory experiments and high-fidelity numerical simulations. The new formulation alleviates both stiffness and grid dependencies of the traditional Arrhenius approach. Consequently, the computational efficiency and robustness of simulations are improved significantly. In this paper, we thoroughly investigate the performance of the non-Arrhenius upscaling method compared with Arrhenius kinetics. We investigate robustness by considering grid effects and sensitivity to heterogeneity. Performance improvements of the new kinetic upscaling approach compared with traditional Arrhenius kinetics are demonstrated through numerical experiments in one and two dimensions for both homogeneous- and heterogeneous-permeability fields.
Design and Synthesis of Novel Arylketo-containing P1-P3 Linked Macro-cyclic BACE-1 Inhibitors
Authors: Sandgren Veronica , Belda Oscar , Kvarnström Ingemar , Lindberg Jimmy , Samuelsson Bertil , Dahlgren Anders
Published: April 2015

A series of arylketo-containing P1-P3 linked macrocyclic BACE-1 inhibitors were designed, synthesized, and compared with compounds with a previously known and extensively studied corresponding P2 isophthalamide moiety with the aim to improve on permeability whilst retaining the enzyme- and cell-based activities. Several inhibitors displayed substantial increases in Caco-2 cell-based permeability compared to earlier synthesized inhibitors and notably also with retained activities, showing that this approach might yield BACE-1 inhibitors with improved properties.
Minimax fractional programming with nondiferentiable (G,β)-invexity
Authors: Liu Xiaoling , Yuan Dehui
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we consider the minimax fractional programming Problem (FP) in
which the functions are locally Lipschitz (G,?)-invex. With the help of a
useful auxiliary minimax programming problem, we obtain not only G-sufficient
but also G-necessary optimality conditions theorems for the Problem (FP). With
G-necessary optimality conditions and (G,?)-invexity in the hand, we further
construct dual Problem (D) for the primal one (FP) and prove duality results
between Problems (FP) and (D). These results extend several known results to
a wider class of programs.
General fixed point theorems on metric spaces and 2-metric spaces
Authors: An Van , Dung Van , Hang Vo
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we state a new form of fixed point theorems on metric spaces
and 2-metric spaces which unifies and generalizes many results in the
literature. Examples are given to illustrate the results.
Cyclic generalized φ-contractions in b-metric spaces and an application to integral equations
Authors: Nashine Kumar , Kadelburg Zoran
Published: April 2015

We introduce the notion of cyclic generalized ?-contractive mappings in
b-metric spaces and discuss the existence and uniqueness of fixed points for
such mappings. Our results generalize many existing fixed point theorems in
the literature. Examples are given to support the usability of our results.
Finally, an application to existence problem for an integral equation is
presented.
On certain classes of fractional kinetic equations
Authors: Luo Min-Jie , Raina R.K.
Published: April 2015

This paper considers certain general forms of fractional kinetic equations
and obtains their solutions. The usefulness of the main results are depicted
by deriving certain generalized fractional kinetic equations. By adopting
important methodology at various stages, we extensively treat solving
completely the problems on fractional kinetic equations involving various
types of special functions. Relevances and some new consequences of the main
results are also pointed out.
Two regularized solutions of an ill-posed problem for the elliptic equation with inhomogeneous source
Authors: Tuan Huy , Binh Tran
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we address a Cauchy problem for elliptic equations with
inhomogeneous source data. The problem is shown to be ill-posed as the
solution exhibits an unstable dependence on the given data functions. Here,
we shall deal with this problem by using two different regularized methods.
Moreover, convergence estimates are established under some priori assumptions
on the exact solution. Some numerical examples are given to illuminate the
effect of our methods.
On certain subclasses of multivalent analytic functions
Authors: Cang Yi-Ling , Liu Jin-Lin
Published: April 2015

In the present paper the authors introduce two new subclasses of multivalent
analytic functions. Distortion inequalities and partial sums of functions in
these classes are given.
Coordinate finite type rotational surfaces in Euclidean spaces
Authors: Bayram Bengü , Arslan Kadri , Nen Nergiz , Bulca Betü
Published: April 2015

Submanifolds of coordinate finite-type were introduced in [10]. A submanifold
of a Euclidean space is called a coordinate finite-type submanifold if its
coordinate functions are eigenfunctions of ?. In the present study we
consider coordinate finite-type surfaces in E4. We give necessary and
su_cient conditions for generalized rotation surfaces in E4 to become
coordinate finite-type. We also give some special examples.