bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Genetic Linkage Map of the Medicinal Mushroom Agaricus subrufescens Reveals Highly Conserved Macrosynteny with the Congeneric Species Agaricus bisporus
Authors: Foulongne-Oriol Marie , Rocha de Brito Manuela , Cabannes Delphine , Clément Aurélien , Spataro Cathy , Moinard Magalie , Dias Eustáquio Souza , Callac Philippe , Savoie Jean-Michel
Published: March 2016

Comparative linkage mapping can rapidly facilitate the transfer of genetic information from model species to orphan species. This macrosynteny analysis approach has been extensively used in plant species, but few example are available in fungi, and even fewer in mushroom crop species. Among the latter, the Agaricus genus comprises the most cultivable or potentially cultivable species. Agaricus bisporus, the button mushroom, is the model for edible and cultivable mushrooms. We have developed the first genetic linkage map for the basidiomycete A. subrufescens, an emerging mushroom crop known for its therapeutic properties and potential medicinal applications. The map includes 202 markers distributed over 16 linkage groups (LG), and covers a total length of 1701 cM, with an average marker spacing of 8.2 cM. Using 96 homologous loci, we also demonstrated the high level of macrosynteny with the genome of A. bisporus. The 13 main LG of A. subrufescens were syntenic to the 13 A. bisporus chromosomes. A disrupted synteny was observed for the three remaining A. subrufescens LG. Electronic mapping of a collection of A. subrufescens expressed sequence tags on A. bisporus genome showed that the homologous loci were evenly spread, with the exception of a few local hot or cold spots of homology. Our results were discussed in the light of Agaricus species evolution process. The map provides a framework for future genetic or genomic studies of the medicinal mushroom A. subrufescens.
Efficient Software for Multi-marker, Region-Based Analysis of GWAS Data
Authors: Sanjak Jaleal S , Long Anthony D , Thornton Kevin R
Published: March 2016

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have associated many single variants with complex disease, yet the better part of heritable complex disease risk remains unexplained. Analytical tools designed to work under specific population genetic models are needed. Rare variants are increasingly shown to be important in human complex disease, but most existing GWAS data do not cover rare variants. Explicit population genetic models predict that genes contributing to complex traits and experiencing recurrent, unconditionally deleterious, mutation will harbor multiple rare, causative mutations of subtle effect. It is difficult to identify genes harboring rare variants of large effect that contribute to complex disease risk via the single marker association tests typically used in GWAS. Gene/region-based association tests may have the power detect associations by combining information from multiple markers, but have yielded limited success in practice. This is partially because many methods have not been widely applied. Here, we empirically demonstrate the utility of a procedure based on the rank truncated product (RTP) method, filtered to reduce the effects of linkage disequilibrium. We apply the procedure to the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium (WTCCC) data set, and uncover previously unidentified associations, some of which have been replicated in much larger studies. We show that, in the absence of significant rare variant coverage, RTP based methods still have the power to detect associated genes. We recommend that RTP-based methods be applied to all existing GWAS data to maximize the usefulness of those data. For this, we provide efficient software implementing our procedure.
Sequence of the Gonium pectorale Mating Locus Reveals a Complex and Dynamic History of Changes in Volvocine Algal Mating Haplotypes
Authors: Hamaji Takashi , Mogi Yuko , Ferris Patrick J , Mori Toshiyuki , Miyagishima Shinya , Kabeya Yukihiro , Nishimura Yoshiki , Toyoda Atsushi , Noguchi Hideki , Fujiyama Asao , Olson Bradley J S C , Marriage Tara N , Nishii Ichiro , Umen James G , Nozaki Hisayoshi
Published: March 2016

Sex-determining regions (SDRs) or mating-type (MT) loci in two sequenced volvocine algal species, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Volvox carteri, exhibit major differences in size, structure, gene content, and gametolog differentiation. Understanding the origin of these differences requires investigation of MT loci from related species. Here, we determined the sequences of the minus and plus MT haplotypes of the isogamous 16-celled volvocine alga, Gonium pectorale, which is more closely related to the multicellular V. carteri than to C. reinhardtii. Compared to C. reinhardtii MT, G. pectorale MT is moderately larger in size, and has a less complex structure, with only two major syntenic blocs of collinear gametologs. However, the gametolog content of G. pectorale MT has more overlap with that of V. carteri MT than with C. reinhardtii MT, while the allelic divergence between gametologs in G. pectorale is even lower than that in C. reinhardtii. Three key sex-related genes are conserved in G. pectorale MT: GpMID and GpMTD1 in MT–, and GpFUS1 in MT+. GpFUS1 protein exhibited specific localization at the plus-gametic mating structure, indicating a conserved function in fertilization. Our results suggest that the G. pectorale–V. carteri common ancestral MT experienced at least one major reformation after the split from C. reinhardtii, and that the V. carteri ancestral MT underwent a subsequent expansion and loss of recombination after the divergence from G. pectorale. These data begin to polarize important changes that occurred in volvocine MT loci, and highlight the potential for discontinuous and dynamic evolution in SDRs.
A HAND2 Loss-of-Function Mutation Causes Familial Ventricular Septal Defect and Pulmonary Stenosis
Authors: Sun Yu-Min , Wang Jun , Qiu Xing-Biao , Yuan Fang , Li Ruo-Gu , Xu Ying-Jia , Qu Xin-Kai , Shi Hong-Yu , Hou Xu-Min , Huang Ri-Tai , Xue Song , Yang Yi-Qing
Published: March 2016

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common developmental abnormality, and is the leading noninfectious cause of mortality in neonates. Increasing evidence demonstrates that genetic defects play an important role in the pathogenesis of CHD. However, CHD exhibits substantial heterogeneity, and the genetic determinants for CHD remain unknown in the overwhelming majority of cases. In the current study, the coding exons and flanking introns of the HAND2 gene, which encodes a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor essential for normal cardiovascular development, were sequenced in 192 unrelated patients with CHD, and a novel heterozygous mutation, p.S65I, was identified in a patient with congenital ventricular septal defect (VSD). Genetic analysis of the index patient’s pedigree revealed that the mutation was present in all seven affected family members available, but absent in the 13 unaffected family members examined. Besides, in addition to VSD, five of the proband’s close relatives also had pulmonary stenosis (PS), and the proband’s son also had double outlet right ventricle (DORV). The missense mutation, which altered an evolutionarily conserved amino acid, was absent in 300 unrelated, ethnically matched healthy individuals. Biological analyses using a dual-luciferase reporter assay system showed that the mutant HAND2 was associated with significantly diminished transcriptional activity. Furthermore, the mutation abolished the synergistic activation between HAND2 and GATA4, as well as NKX2.5—two other cardiac core transcriptional factors that have been causally linked to CHD. These findings indicate that HAND2 loss-of-function mutation contributes to human CHD, perhaps via its interaction with GATA4 and NKX2.5.
Large-Scale Survey of Intraspecific Fitness and Cell Morphology Variation in a Protoploid Yeast Species
Authors: Jung Paul P , Sigwalt Anastasie , Ohnuki Shinsuke , de Montigny Jacky , Ohya Yoshikazu , Schacherer Joseph
Published: March 2016

It is now clear that the exploration of the genetic and phenotypic diversity of nonmodel species greatly improves our knowledge in biology. In this context, we recently launched a population genomic analysis of the protoploid yeast Lachancea kluyveri (formerly Saccharomyces kluyveri), highlighting a broad genetic diversity (π = 17 × 10−3) compared to the yeast model organism, S. cerevisiae (π = 4 × 10−3). Here, we sought to generate a comprehensive view of the phenotypic diversity in this species. In total, 27 natural L. kluyveri isolates were subjected to trait profiling using the following independent approaches: (i) analyzing growth in 55 growth conditions and (ii) investigating 501 morphological changes at the cellular level. Despite higher genetic diversity, the fitness variance observed in L. kluyveri is lower than that in S. cerevisiae. However, morphological features show an opposite trend. In addition, there is no correlation between the origins (ecological or geographical) of the isolate and the phenotypic patterns, demonstrating that trait variation follows neither population history nor source environment in L. kluyveri. Finally, pairwise comparisons between growth rate correlation and genetic diversity show a clear decrease in phenotypic variability linked to genome variation increase, whereas no such a trend was identified for morphological changes. Overall, this study reveals for the first time the phenotypic diversity of a distantly related species to S. cerevisiae. Given its genetic properties, L. kluyveri might be useful in further linkage mapping analyses of complex traits, and could ultimately provide a better insight into the evolution of the genotype–phenotype relationship across yeast species.
Latitudinal Clines of the Human Vitamin D Receptor and Skin Color Genes
Authors: Tiosano Dov , Audi Laura , Climer Sharlee , Zhang Weixiong , Templeton Alan R , Fernández-Cancio Monica , Gershoni-Baruch Ruth , Sánchez-Muro José Miguel , El Kholy Mohamed , Hochberg Zèev
Published: March 2016

The well-documented latitudinal clines of genes affecting human skin color presumably arise from the need for protection from intense ultraviolet radiation (UVR) vs. the need to use UVR for vitamin D synthesis. Sampling 751 subjects from a broad range of latitudes and skin colors, we investigated possible multilocus correlated adaptation of skin color genes with the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR), using a vector correlation metric and network method called BlocBuster. We discovered two multilocus networks involving VDR promoter and skin color genes that display strong latitudinal clines as multilocus networks, even though many of their single gene components do not. Considered one by one, the VDR components of these networks show diverse patterns: no cline, a weak declining latitudinal cline outside of Africa, and a strong in- vs. out-of-Africa frequency pattern. We confirmed these results with independent data from HapMap. Standard linkage disequilibrium analyses did not detect these networks. We applied BlocBuster across the entire genome, showing that our networks are significant outliers for interchromosomal disequilibrium that overlap with environmental variation relevant to the genes’ functions. These results suggest that these multilocus correlations most likely arose from a combination of parallel selective responses to a common environmental variable and coadaptation, given the known Mendelian epistasis among VDR and the skin color genes.
Embryonal Control of Yellow Seed Coat Locus ECY1 Is Related to Alanine and Phenylalanine Metabolism in the Seed Embryo of Brassica napus
Authors: Wang Fulin , He Jiewang , Shi Jianghua , Zheng Tao , Xu Fei , Wu Guanting , Liu Renhu , Liu Shengyi
Published: March 2016

Seed coat color is determined by the type of pigment deposited in the seed coat cells. It is related to important agronomic traits of seeds such as seed dormancy, longevity, oil content, protein content and fiber content. In Brassica napus, inheritance of seed coat color is related to maternal effects and pollen effects (xenia effects). In this research we isolated a mutation of yellow seeded B. napus controlled by a single Mendelian locus, which is named Embryonal Control of Yellow seed coat 1 (Ecy1). Microscopy of transverse sections of the mature seed show that pigment is deposited only in the outer layer of the seed coat. Using Illumina Hisequation 2000 sequencing technology, a total of 12 GB clean data, 116× coverage of coding sequences of B. napus, was achieved from seeds 26 d after pollination (DAP). It was assembled into 172,238 independent transcripts, and 55,637 unigenes. A total of 139 orthologous genes of Arabidopsis transparent testa (TT) genes were mapped in silico to 19 chromosomes of B. napus. Only 49 of the TT orthologous genes are transcribed in seeds. However transcription of all orthologs was independent of embryonal control of seed coat color. Only 55 genes were found to be differentially expressed between brown seeds and the yellow mutant. Of these 55, 50 were upregulated and five were downregulated in yellow seeds as compared to their brown counterparts. By KEGG classification, 14 metabolic pathways were significantly enriched. Of these, five pathways: phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, cyanoamino acid metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, metabolic pathways, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, were related with seed coat pigmentation. Free amino acid quantification showed that Ala and Phe were present at higher levels in the embryos of yellow seeds as compared to those of brown seeds. This increase was not observed in the seed coat. Moreover, the excess amount of free Ala was exactly twice that of Phe in the embryo. The pigment substrate chalcone is synthesized from two molecules of Ala and one molecule of Phe. The correlation between accumulation of Ala and Phe, and disappearance of pigment in the yellow seeded mutant, suggests that embryonal control of seed coat color is related with Phe and Ala metabolism in the embryo of B. napus.
Staufen Negatively Modulates MicroRNA Activity in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Ren Zhiji , Veksler-Lublinsky Isana , Morrissey David , Ambros Victor
Published: March 2016

The double-stranded RNA-binding protein Staufen has been implicated in various posttranscriptional gene regulatory processes. Here, we demonstrate that the Caenorhabditis elegans homolog of Staufen, STAU-1, functionally interacts with microRNAs. Loss-of-function mutations of stau-1 significantly suppress phenotypes of let-7 family microRNA mutants, a hypomorphic allele of dicer, and a lsy-6 microRNA partial loss-of-function mutant. Furthermore, STAU-1 modulates the activity of lin-14, a target of lin-4 and let-7 family microRNAs, and this modulation is abolished when the 3′ untranslated region of lin-14 is removed. Deep sequencing of small RNA cDNA libraries reveals no dramatic change in the levels of microRNAs or other small RNA populations between wild-type and stau-1 mutants, with the exception of certain endogenous siRNAs in the WAGO pathway. The modulation of microRNA activity by STAU-1 does not seem to be associated with the previously reported enhanced exogenous RNAi (Eri) phenotype of stau-1 mutants, since eri-1 exhibits the opposite effect on microRNA activity. Altogether, our results suggest that STAU-1 negatively modulates microRNA activity downstream of microRNA biogenesis, possibly by competing with microRNAs for binding on the 3′ untranslated region of target mRNAs.
EXAMINATION OF ENERGY RECOVERY OF BREWERS' SPENT GRAIN I. - CHEMICAL PROCESS
Authors: Azevedo Borges Catarina , Géczi GÃ¡bor , Kovács Katalin , Horváth MÃ¡rk , Bácskai IstvÃ¡n , Korzenszky PÃ©ter
Published: March 2016

Production rate of technologies applied in the food industry can only be of economical nature if energy consumption is specifically reduced in parallel with increasing the capacities and/or utilization of alternative energy sources gains higher ratio during production. In food manufacturing technologies usually a high proportion of waste/byproduct forms; transportation, recovery and recycling of which involves costs in many cases and simultaneously it also means environmental issues.
Beer brewing industry’s most important byproduct is the brewers' spent grains (BSG) which forms during mashing. Utilization of this product is theoretically solved, it is most frequently sold as animal fodder but usage in energy sector also holds promising possibilities. Our study examines the possibilities of energetical recovery of brewers' spent grains by means of chemical processes – such as combustion or pyrolysis – seeking for the economical and environmental advantages.
EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF EDTA, GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT, LYSOZYME AND SODIUM BENZOATE INCORPORATED IN STARCH-GLYCEROL BASED ANTIMICROBIAL FOOD PACKAGING FILM
Authors: Bhatia Sugandha , Garg Samiksha , Kumari Anita
Published: March 2016

The consortia of micro organisms obtained from contaminated food (Milkfed Verka Kheer) was effectively tested against antibacterial agents, i.e. Sodium benzoate, grinded grape fruit seed powder GSP, Lysozyme and EDTA by agar diffusion method. Bacterial inhibition by combinations using two levels from each of the three factors (EDTA, Sodium benzoate and Lysozyme) without AM films was evaluated using liquid incubation method. The levels of the agents were selected according to their permissibility standards. Statistical analysis of experimental data for their antimicrobial spectrum was carried out by multi regression analysis and framed poly-quadratic equation using coded factors and percentage contribution of antimicrobial agents was determined using Design-Expert software. Properties such as thickness, opacity, transparency, UV absorbance and efficient working pH of the film were also determined. The best result was observed with EDTA: Sodium benzoate: Lysozyme at 100 mM: 100 mM: 1000 IU respectively at pH 9, where maximum zone of inhibition was observed that is 21mm. No zone of inhibition was observed using GSP as antibacterial factor limiting its widely supported usage. The work screened was imperative in performing optimization studies for the combination treatments to incorporate in starch-glycerol based active packaging film.
COAT PROTEIN GENE OF NEW ISOLATE OF CUCUMBER MOSAIC VIRUS INFECTING BANANA IN EGYPT
Authors: G. A. Khaled Abdelsabour , Wardany Ahmed , Y. M. Mahmoud Sabry
Published: March 2016

Banana plants showing typical mosaic and yellow stripes on leaves as symptoms were collected from Assiut Governorate in Egypt. The causal agent was identified as Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) on the basis of symptoms, transmission, serology, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Coat protein (CP) gene was amplified using gene specific primer, followed by cloning into desired cloning vector and sequencing. In this study the CMV was transmitted into propagation host either by aphid or mechanically. The transmission was confirmed through direct antigen coating enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (DAC-ELISA). Analysis of the 120 deduced amino acid sequence of the coat protein gene revealed that the Eg-A strain of CMV shared from 97.50 to 98.33% with those strains belonging to subgroup IA. The cluster analysis grouped the Egyptian isolate with strains Fny and Ri8 belonging sub-group IA. It appears that there occurs a high incidence of CMV infecting banana belonging to IA subgroup in most parts of Egypt.
BRANCHED CHAIN AMINO ACIDS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE IN NUTRITION
Authors: Brestenský Matej , Nitrayová SoÅa , Patráš Peter , Heger Jaroslav , Nitray Jozef
Published: March 2016

Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) - leucine, isoleucine and valine are essential amino acids which are metabolized directly in muscles and offer energy fuel to performance of the work. There is lot of evidences supporting the positive effect of BCAA supplementation on muscle growth. The main importance is attached particularly to leucine. There was observed that leucine supplementation increased protein synthesis in skeletal muscles after resistance exercise in young people and in elderly people suffered by sarcopenia as well. There is not exactly clear, what is the reason for the positive effect of BCAA to increase protein synthesis in muscles. Besides the positive effect of BCAA on muscle growth, there was observed their positive effect against fatigue and on a production of endogenous glucose, which is necessary to maintain the glucose balance in body during adaptation to stress. The minimum and maximum dose of BCAA is not established, but the daily recommended amount of leucine : isoleucine : valine is in a ratio 40:20:20 mg.kg body weight -1. It is recommended to use the mixture of BCAA rather than leucine individual, because of depletion other BCAA in body. There was observed no toxicity of BCAA even at high doses. The present review describes the metabolism of action and effect of BCAA on protein synthesis and physiological functions in human.
The Efficacy of Topiramate in Benign Paroxysmal Torticollis of Infancy: Report of Four Cases
Authors: Yaghini Omid , Badihian Negin , Badihian Shervin
Published: March 2016

Benign paroxysmal torticollis (BPT) is a rare paroxysmal dyskinesia and 1 of the childhood periodic syndromes presenting with recurrent stereotypic episodes of torticollis, usually accompanied with some of the nonheadache features of migraine such as vomiting and ataxia. Although the nature of BPT may seem benign, its recurrent episodes can mimic attacks of epilepsy and expose the infant to unnecessary hospitalization and adverse effects of inappropriate medications. There is no approved medication for the disease, but a few studies have suggested that cyproheptadine is useful. However, use of this agent has not been confirmed as effective for these patients, and the safe dosage for children aged <2 years has not yet been established. We report 4 patients who exhibited a successful response to treatment with topiramate (their episodes of BPT stopped). Considering the underlying relation of BPT with migraine, the satisfactory response of our patients to topiramate, and the safety of this medication in neonates and children, topiramate seems to be an effective and safe medication for the reduction and elimination of BPT episodes. In addition, 1 of our case subjects (patient 4) confirmed this finding by exhibiting an explicit dependence in the regularity and duration of her attacks with topiramate. Topiramate seems to be an effective medication for the prophylaxis of BPT episodes. Further studies and clinical trials are recommended.
Development of Guidelines for Skeletal Survey in Young Children With Intracranial Hemorrhage
Authors: Paine Christine Weirich , Scribano Philip V. , Localio Russell , Wood Joanne N.
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

As evidenced by the variation and disparities in evaluation, there is uncertainty in determining which young children with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) should undergo evaluation with skeletal survey (SS) for additional injuries concerning for abuse. We aimed to develop guidelines for performing initial SS in children <24 months old presenting with ICH by combining available evidence from the literature with expert opinion.

METHODS:

Using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method, a multispecialty panel of 12 experts used the literature and their own clinical expertise to rate the appropriateness of performing SS for 216 scenarios characterizing children <24 months old with ICH. After a moderated discussion of initial ratings, the scenarios were revised. Panelists re-rated SS appropriateness for 74 revised scenarios. For the 63 scenarios in which SS was deemed appropriate, the panel rated the necessity of SS.

RESULTS:

Panelists concluded that SS is appropriate for 85% (63), uncertain for 15% (11), and inappropriate for 0% of scenarios. Panelists determined that SS is necessary in all scenarios deemed appropriate. SS was deemed necessary for infants <6 months old and for children <24 months old with subdural hemorrhage that is not tiny and under a skull fracture. For children 6 to 23 months old with epidural hemorrhage, necessity of SS depended on the child’s age, history of trauma, signs/symptoms, and ICH characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS:

The resulting clinical guidelines call for near-universal evaluation in children <24 months old presenting with ICH. Detailed, validated guidelines that are successfully implemented may decrease variation and disparities in care.
Water resource vulnerability: simulation and optimisation models
Authors: Hoang Lan , Dessai Suraje
Published: March 2016

Approaches to adaptation to a changing climate in water resource planning have relied on both simulation and optimisation models. Simulation models project the impacts of climate change on water system performance, while optimisation models show the optimal system performance under climate change conditions. This study uses two water resource models to analyse a water resource system in Sussex (south-east England) under climatic and socio-economic uncertainty. Overall, the simulation and optimisation models show structural model uncertainty. The simulation model highlights potential vulnerability in current operational practice, while the optimisation model shows that the current system could be vulnerable to climate change and demand growth even under the best-case scenario. The integrated scenarios in this study combine both climate scenarios from four different climate products over the periods of 2020s, 2030s and 2050s and socio-economic scenarios represented by different demand profiles. The results show that water demand quickly becomes a controlling factor once it increases by more than 35% from the 2007 baseline level. Both models demonstrate a gradual increasing risk of supply deficit in the 2020s and the 2030s. Water deficit risks vary widely in the 2050s and are highly dependent on the socio-economic scenarios.
Short communication: (What) To teach or not to teach – from theory to practice
Authors: Wesley Laurence
Published: March 2016

It is suggested that the teaching of basic soil mechanics has not changed much since the early days of soil mechanics, and appears be ‘stuck in a rut’. An obvious symptom of this is the absence of material on residual soils in soil mechanics courses. It is long past the time when such material should be an integral part of soil mechanics teaching. Failure to do this means that students and practising engineers routinely use a log scale for compression behaviour and assign values of overconsolidation ratio and compression index to residual soils. There is no basis for doing this, since residual soils are not formed by a consolidation process. Other aspects or soil behaviour of which students lack an adequate understanding at completion of their degree courses are: (1) the pore pressure state above the water table, especially in clays, (2) when to use total stress and effective stress analyses, (3) the use of the plasticity chart for evaluating soils, rather than for classifying them, and (4) the limitations of the theories they are taught at universities. Examples are given where soil behaviour in the field is clearly incompatible with theory.
Fire resistance of RC beams under design fire exposure
Authors: Gao Wan-Yang , Dai Jian-Guo , Teng Jin-Guang
Published: March 2016

This paper presents the development of a design approach for predicting the fire resistance of reinforced concrete (RC) beams exposed to design fire. The proposed method is based on the energy-based time equivalence method in combination with a correction factor that is formulated as a function of concrete cover depth and compartmental characteristics. In the proposed approach, the fire resistance period of an RC beam under design fire exposure can be deduced from that of the same RC beam under standard fire exposure; the latter can be predicted using a set of explicit equations previously developed by the authors. The fire resistance data of RC beams under design fire exposure, which were used to formulate and validate the proposed approach, were generated using a reliable finite-element approach. The proposed design approach is shown to be accurate in predicting the fire resistance of RC beams under design fire exposure.
OS RISCOS ENFRENTADOS PELOS PROFISSIONAIS DE ENFERMAGEM NO EXERCÍCIO DA ATIVIDADE LABORAL
Authors: Neves Paiva de Araújo Silvani
Published: March 2016

Os riscos ocupacionais estão presentes constantemente no cotidiano dos profissionais de enfermagem através de situações que podem ocasionar o desequilíbrio físico, mental e social dos mesmos. O estudo teve como objetivo compreender e evidenciar os riscos enfrentados pelos profissionais de enfermagem na realização do processo de cuidar, verificando os desgastes sofridos por estes impactos na saúde destes trabalhadores ao exercer sua atividade laboral. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática com revisão da literatura. Obteve como resultado que diversas cargas e desgastes conduzem a problemas na saúde destes funcionários, bem como alto índice de absenteísmo.
A ATUAÇÃO DO(A) ENFERMEIRO(A) NA PROMOÇÃO, INCENTIVO E APOIO AO ALEITAMENTO MATERNO: REVISÃO BIBLIOGRÁFICA
Authors: Santos Marinho Maykon Dos , Andrade Everaldo Nery de , Abrão Ana Cristina Freitas de Vilhena
Published: March 2016

O(A) enfermeiro(a) tem um importante papel durante o pré-natal, são por meio de suas práticas e atitudes que estes profissionais podem incentivar a amamentação e apoiar as nutrizes, evitando assim dúvidas e o desmame precoce. O estudo tem como objetivo analisar a atuação do(a) enfermeiro(a) na promoção, incentivo e apoio ao aleitamento materno. Trata-se, portanto, de uma pesquisa exploratória de caráter bibliográfico. Realizou uma busca com os descritores: Aleitamento materno; Enfermagen; Educação em saúde na base de dados Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). Analisaram-se dez artigos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão previamente estabelecidos. Observou-se que nos dez artigos pesquisados o(a) enfermeiro(a) é destacado como agente disseminador da promoção, do incentivo e apoio ao aleitamento materno. Este estudo permitiu depreender a importância do profissional enfermeiro(a) atuando e orientando as gestantes quanto à promoção, incentivo e apoio ao aleitamento materno.
OSTEOPOROSE: UMA ANÁLISE FISIOPATOLÓGICA VOLTADA PARA OS PROFISSIONAIS DA ENFERMAGEM
Authors: Farias Lailla Thayse Macedo , Libório Lago Cristiana Da Costa , Clarêncio Jorge
Published: March 2016

A osteoporose é um distúrbio osteometabólico em que a ressorção é maior que a deposição, resultando em matriz óssea total reduzida e ossos mais frágeis devido à redução da densidade mineral. O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar a fisiopatologia da osteoporose, a fim de subsidiar a atuação dos profissionais de enfermagem de modo preventivo e terapêutico. Trata-se de um estudo de revisão de literatura de natureza descritiva. Realizou-se levantamento bibliográfico nas bases de dados Scielo, LILACS e MEDLINE, compreendidas no período de 2001 a 2015. Resultando em 29 publicações, nos idiomas português, inglês e alemão. A osteoporose afeta predominantemente mulheres brancas, pós-menopausa, não-obesas e com histórico familiar da doença. A baixa ingestão de cálcio e vitamina D, tabagismo, bebida alcoólica e cafeína em excesso estão associadas ao distúrbio. A densitometria óssea é utilizada como exame padrão. Entretanto, a ultrassonometria óssea de calcâneo é um método eficiente e barato para detecção precoce. O tratamento é realizado por meio da suplementação de cálcio e vitamina D, drogas anti-reabsortivas e/ou anabólicas e atividades físicas. Os cuidados da enfermagem envolvem a promoção da saúde, identificação das pessoas em risco de osteoporose, reconhecimento de problemas associados, instrução do paciente quanto à suplementação de cálcio e vitamina D e prevenção de lesões espontâneas decorrentes da osteoporose. O conhecimento da fisiopatologia da osteoporose capacita o profissional da enfermagem para atuar de forma mais integrada tanto na prevenção, através da identificação dos fatores de risco, como também no tratamento multidisciplinar.
Horrible Heroes: Liberating Alternative Visions of Disability in Horror
Authors: Hall Melinda
Published: March 2016

Understanding disability requires understanding its social construction, and social construction can be read in cultural products. In this essay, I look to one major locus for images of persons with disabilities—horror. Horror films and fiction use disability imagery to create and augment horror. I first situate my understanding of disability imagery in the horror genre using a case study read through the work of Julia Kristeva. But, I go on to argue that trademark moves in the horror genre, which typically support ableist assumptions, can be used to subvert ableism and open space for alternative social and political thinking about disability. I point to the work of Tim Burton and Stephen King to demonstrate these possibilities in horror.
Disability, Narrative, and Moral Status
Authors: Purcell Elizabeth B.
Published: March 2016

The present essay aims to respond to recent arguments which maintain that persons with severe cognitive impairments should not enjoy the full moral status or equal dignity as other "cognitively-able" humans. In the debate concerning moral standing and worth, philosophers Singer and McMahan have argued that individuals with certain impairments should not be granted full moral status and therefore, by extension, should not be awarded the same inviolability as humans without cognitive impairments. In response, I argue that an overlooked social ability – the capacity to narrate – provides grounds for the full moral status of individuals with severe cognitive impairments, and thus provides a defense and support for individuals with such "disabilities" to play a robust role in moral action and contribution to human living.
The Body and its Able-ness: Articulating In/Eligibility through Rhetorics of Motherhood, Unjust Language, and Questionable Medical Authority
Authors: Davidson Rachel D. , Stache Lara C.
Published: March 2016

This essay analyzes a controversy involving Amelia (Mia) Rivera, a three-year old girl who was denied a life-saving kidney transplant in January 2012. As reported by Mia's mother, Chrissy, on her blog post, Mia was denied the kidney transplant because of her mental disability. Throughout the public discussion that took place over a few short weeks, we argue Mia's ineligibility was rearticulated through rhetorics of motherhood, unjust body language, and questions about medical authority. we suggest this indicates that descriptions of the body and its able-ness carry more weight in the public's understanding of health issues than does medical authority.
"What is disability? It depends whose shoes you are wearing": Parent understandings of the concept of disability
Authors: Cologon Kathy
Published: March 2016

This study investigates parent perspectives on the meaning of 'disability'. One hundred and twenty-one parents in Australia, each of whom have one or more children labelled with impairments, participated in this study. Parent definitions of disability are considered in light of the contrasting dominant deficit discourse involved in the medical model pathologizing of children labelled with impairments, and the social model positioning of disability as oppression of a minority group. Thematic analysis is used to examine parent views and to consider the relevance of social and medical models of disability to families. This study, that forms part of a larger study on family experiences of inclusion and exclusion, contributes to developing a deeper understanding of family experiences and the ways in which parents define disability. Overall, Thomas' social relational model of disability was found to be particularly salient to understanding the experiences of the families participating in this study.
Virtual realities: The use of violent video games in U.S. military recruitment and treatment of mental disability caused by war
Authors: Derby John
Published: March 2016

This article critically analyzes the U.S. military's contradictory use of violent video gaming technologies for recruiting young gamers to the military, training soldiers for combat, and clinically treating soldiers for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by military service. Using a Disability Studies lens, I discuss the commercial video game Full Spectrum Leader/Warrior, the U.S. Army's free video game America's Army, and the virtual reality exposure therapy application Virtual Iraq. I also discuss missions and omissions from the literature on these gaming technologies, which bolsters the underlying ableism of military culture that inhibits soldiers from recovering from PTSD.
Review of Deaf and Hearing Siblings in Conversation
Authors: Ostrove Joan M
Published: March 2016

No abstract available
Optimal Portfolio Allocations For Global Bank Stocks In Local Currencies And Us Dollars 1992-2001
Authors: Weston Rae , Ford Guy
Published: March 2016

In this paper we examine the optimal composition of global portfolios of bank stocks, expressed in both local currencies and in US dollar terms, over the period January 1992 to June 2001. We estimate optimal global bank stock portfolios using two covariance optimisation algorithms the Markowitz expected return/variance algorithm (MPT), and the Elton, Gruber and Padberg average correlation algorithm (EGP) and compare the composition and performance of these portfolios with a portfolio comprising equally-weighted bank stocks. Our study also includes measures of skewness and kurtosis, and risk adjusted return measures based on variance, semi-variance and portfolio betas. The purpose of our study is twofold. First, we wish to examine whether the covariance optimisation approaches produce significantly different portfolio allocations over the period of the study. Second, we wish to determine if the two significant events for the global banking sector in this period the implementation of global risk-based capital adequacy standards in 1992 and the Asian banking crisis of 1997 may have had any influence on the optimal allocation of global bank stocks in an investment portfolio. To achieve this we construct the optimal bank portfolios, using both optimisation algorithms, for the period 1992-1996 and 1997-2001. We include bank stock returns for 26 countries in the study. We find that the MPT and EGP optimisation algorithms do produce different portfolio allocations during both periods of the study. If return is measured against variance, the MPT algorithm produces the best performing portfolio. However if return is measured against semi-variance, the results are mixed. We also find that bank portfolios performed better on a risk-adjusted basis in the period leading up to the Asian crisis of 1997. Our most interesting finding is that if the highest risk bank stocks are removed from the portfolio, the terminal wealth of the portfolio falls by around half in each period. This suggests that higher-risk bank stocks are needed to achieve sufficient diversification to protect the return for a global portfolio of bank stocks.
An Empirical Assessment Of Reported Intangible Assets Under IAS No.38
Authors: Wang Zhemin
Published: March 2016

Since the European Union (EU) adopted the New Accounting Strategy in 1995, several European countries have passed laws allowing their companies to publish consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Accounting Standards (IAS). As IAS is accepted by more and more countries and stock exchanges, SEC is under increasing pressure to accept IAS-based financial statements from foreign registrants. Recently, SEC indicated its intention to allow the utilization of IAS by foreign issuers on the condition that IAS is comprehensive and of high quality, and calls for the study of the quality of IAS. This study attempts to address the intangible assets controversy surrounding IAS No.38. Under IAS No.38 Intangible Assets, research and development (R&D) costs are separated. Companies are required to expense the research costs, but capitalize development costs, which must be expensed when incurred under U.S. GAAP. Furthermore, IAS No.38 allows the capitalized intangible assets (including development costs) to be revalued in subsequent periods, which is not allowed under U.S. GAAP. Critics of IAS No.38 argue that separation of R&D and the capitalization of development costs will likely be applied inconsistently across companies and provide an opportunity for management to manipulate the reported accounting numbers. Based on the financial and stock pricing information of 57 companies from eight countries whose consolidated financial statements were prepared using IAS, this study documented significant empirical evidence on investors assessment of IAS No.38s intangible assets reporting policy. Specifically, using a cross-sectional equity valuation model, evidence is obtained suggesting that intangible assets reported by sample firms under IAS No. 38 reflects the economic value of the underlying intangible assets as perceived by investors. The findings seem to support the use of IAS in preparation of financial statements for cross-border offerings.
Enron/Off: A Morality Play In Three Acts
Authors: Lundblad Heidemarie , Davidson Naomi Berger
Published: March 2016

The Enron collapse has many facets. It is particularly rich in financial reporting and disclosure issues. This case addresses some of Enrons creative revenue recognition practices and the role Special Purpose Entities and derivatives played in Enrons reported success and ultimate failure. The role of Enrons board of directors and senior management is also covered. The case is designed for use in intermediate and advanced accounting and management courses. It includes some suggested instructional questions.
Equity Implications Of A Corporate Tax Reform
Authors: Patsouratis Vassilis
Published: March 2016

The paper attempts to access the likely distributional effects of the corporate tax reform in Greece. The major distributional consequences of introducing a new corporate tax system upon dividend policy, on the share prices, the shifting and incidence of the tax and the removal of the existing tax inequities. The equity implications from the introduction of the new system could be summarized as follows: The new system favours distribution to less degree than the old system which means that under the latter a larger proportion of income could be closely adjusted to taxable capacity of the individual shareholder. On the other hand, under the new system corporate income is taxed by a flat and not by a progressive tax rate as the principle of taxable capacity would suggest. If we accept that higher payout ratios have a positive effect upon share prices then, since the new system favours distribution to a less degree than the old system it would have a negative effect upon share prices. Finally, the greater tax burden on the corporation level, under the new system, provides the corporation with a greater incentive to shift the tax.
Political Imperatives And Firm-Level Political Activities: A Study Of U.S. Multinationals
Authors: Keillor Bruce D. , Lewison Dale
Published: March 2016

The existence of political threats, also known as political imperatives, represents one of the key distinctions between home country and international operations. At the same time, little published research exists which addresses how firms deal with these types of threats. This study explores the types of political activities firms use when faced with particular political imperatives. The findings show that firm-level political activities vary depending upon the form of political imperative faced by the firm.
Persona Concept for Privacy and Authentication
Authors: Toth Kal , Subramanium Mahesh , Chen Ike
Published: March 2016

This paper describes ongoing research and development aimed at creating a trustworthy software-based model called the Persona Concept. The Persona Architecture uses web services to implement this model and is designed to provide the consumer direct control over their identity, credentials and private data. Credentials are expressed as third-party assertions encapsulated in certificates using Secure Assertion Markup Language (SAML) and are digitally signed. The architecture also supports distributed management of electronic credentials and aims at operating across various fixed and mobile platforms including cell phones and wireless Portable Digital Assistants(PDAs).
Convergence Of US-GAAP And International Standards: The Critical Issues
Authors: Smalt Steven W. , McAllister John P.
Published: March 2016

This paper provides readers with:1)An update on an institutional change that will focus the attention of worldwide accounting and financial reporting standard setters on the convergence of international and national standards, and2)An analysis of in-process issues in the international accounting arena that will be critical to the success / failure of this convergence effort.
Straddling For Market Space: Transforming Estonian State-Owned Enterprises Toward A Free-Market Orientation
Authors: Santalainen Timo J. , Baliga Ram B. , Leimann Jaak
Published: March 2016

This paper examines the dynamics of transformation of three Estonian state-owned enterprises Eesti Gaas, Eesti Energia and Eesti Telefon - toward a free market orientation following the Estonias decision to separate from the USSR. The difficulties of such transformation are first examined from a theoretical perspective. It is argued that organizations attempting such transformation are likely to be stuck in a state of dynamic equilibrium between the old static mode and the emerging free-market mode until some key factor causes it to tip over into one or the other of these modes. Four major transformational challenges - strategic orientation, resource and competency acquisition logic, workforce and organizational configuration - are discussed by examining the dynamics of transformation of three Estonian state-owned enterprises.
Can Corrupt Countries Attract Foreign Direct Investment? A Comparison Of FDI Inflows Between Corrupt And Non-Corrupt Countries
Authors: Harrison Michael J.
Published: March 2016

Globalization and technological innovations create investment opportunities for enterprises worldwide. While firms pursue foreign direct investment opportunities on a global basis, countries compete to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. Recent studies suggest that corruption negatively impacts FDI inflows and may act as a tax on foreign direct investment. Transparency International, a non-profit organization, publishes an annual index measuring the perceived level of corruption in countries all over the world. Countries competing for FDI inflows are ranked from least-corrupt to most-corrupt. This paper analyses FDI inflows between the least corrupt and most corrupt countries as determined by Transparency Internationals Corruption Perceptions Index. Using UNCTADs Inward FDI Potential Index and Inward FDI Performance Index this paper assesses and draws conclusions regarding the absolute amount of FDI inflows, FDI inflows adjusted for country size, and FDI inflow potential.
The Study Of Ethical Leadership: Emerging Issues
Authors: McKee Margaret C.
Published: March 2016

Recent high profile corporate scandals have sparked considerable discussion about the need for increased research into business ethics. This paper reviews the extant literature on ethical leadership, and makes recommendations for future research.