bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Centrosomal protein CEP104/ChlamydomonasFAP256 moves to the ciliary tip during cilia assembly
Authors: Satish Tammana Trinadh V. , Tammana Damayanti , Diener Dennis R. , Rosenbaum Joel
Published: August 2013

The ciliary tip has been implicated in ciliary assembly/disassembly and signaling, yet information on its protein composition is limited. Using comparative, quantitative proteomics based on the fact that tip proteins will be ca. twice as concentrated in half-length compared to full-length flagella, we have identified FAP256 as a tip protein in Chlamydomonas. FAP256 localizes to the tips of both central pair and outer doublet microtubules (MTs) and it remains at the tip during flagellar assembly and disassembly. Similarly, its vertebrate counterpart, CEP104, localizes on the distal ends of both centrioles of nondividing cells until the mother centriole forms a cilium and then localizes at the tip of the elongating cilium. A null mutant of FAP256 in Chlamydomonas and RNAi in vertebrate cells showed that FAP256/CEP104 is required for ciliogenesis in a high percentage of cells. In those cells that could form cilia, there were structural deformities at the ciliary tips.
Nanometric Colloidal Sols of CeO2–ZrO2 Solid Solution as Catalyst Modifiers. II. TWC Performance
Authors: Tanimoto Kenji , Kato Hirokazu , Takeshita Shoya , Hidaka Miyuki , Hinokuma Satoshi , Machida Masato
Published: August 2013

A stable colloidal sol consisting of CeO2–ZrO2 solid solution (CZ) was studied as an efficient modifier for supported Rh catalysts. After coating CZ sol onto Al2O3 by simple impregnation, the catalytic activity for CO–NO–C3H6–O2 reaction increased to a different extent depending on an air-to-fuel weight ratio (A/F). A significant effect on the activity arises largely from water-gas shift reaction and C3H6 steam-reforming in a rich region (A/F < 14.6), and promoted C3H6–O2 reaction in a lean region (A/F > 14.6). Moreover, CZ coating yielded an oxygen storage capacity (OSC), the effect of which could be highlighted in the catalytic reaction under a dynamic lean–rich perturbation.
Cosensitization of Ruthenium–Polypyridyl Dyes with Organic Dyes in Dye-sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Numata Youhei , Zhang Shufang , Yang Xudong , Han Liyuan
Published: August 2013

Cosensitization, a technique involving sensitization of a metal-oxide semiconductor electrode with two or more different dyes, is a promising strategy to enhance light-harvesting capabilities of dye-sensitized solar cells through expansion of the light absorption range. In this review, we introduce recent developments in highly efficient solar cells cosensitized by ruthenium–polypyridyl and organic dyes. Design strategies for cosensitizer molecules, development of UV and NIR cosensitizers, and performances of reported cosensitized solar cells are reviewed. Cosensitization is an effective method to improve the conversion efficiencies, as not only photocurrent but also photovoltage can be increased by employing an appropriate cosensitizer.
Efficient Parameter Estimation and Implementation of a Contour Integral-Based Eigensolver
Authors: Sakurai Tetsuya , Futamura Yasunori , Tadano Hiroto
Published: August 2013

We consider an eigensolver for computing eigenvalues in a given domain and the corresponding eigenvectors of large-scale matrix pencils. The Sakurai-Sugiura (SS) method is an eigensolver based on complex moments given by contour integrals of matrix inverses with several shift points. This method has good parallel scalability, and is suitable for massively parallel computing environments. The SS method has several parameters, and the choice of these parameters is crucial for achieving high accuracy and good parallel performance. We discuss some numerical properties of the method, and present efficient parameter estimation techniques. We demonstrate the efficiency of our method with numerical experiments.
An FMM Based on Dual Tree Traversal for Many-Core Architectures
Authors: Yokota R.
Published: August 2013

The present work attempts to integrate the independent efforts in the fast N-body community to create the fastest N-body library for many-core and heterogenous architectures. Focus is placed on low accuracy optimizations, in response to the recent interest to use FMM as a preconditioner for sparse linear solvers. A direct comparison with other state-of-the-art fast N-body codes demonstrates that orders of magnitude increase in performance can be achieved by careful selection of the optimal algorithm and low-level optimization of the code. The current N-body solver uses a fast multipole method with an efficient strategy for finding the list of cell-cell interactions by a dual tree traversal. A task-based threading model is used to maximize thread-level parallelism and intra-node load-balancing. In order to extract the full potential of the SIMD units on the latest CPUs, the inner kernels are optimized using AVX instructions.
Searching for Alliance Partners: Effects of Geographic Distance on the Formation of R&D Collaborations
Authors: Reuer Jeffrey J. , Lahiri Nandini
Published: August 2013

We investigate how geographic distance influences which firms engage each other in research and development (R&D) collaborations. Given advances in technology, geographic distance might not be expected to affect who partners with whom, yet recent research has reported on the localization of exchanges in numerous market settings. We identify factors that shape the degree to which geographic distance matters to alliance formation by considering the heterogeneity in adverse selection risk across exchange partners. Specifically, we argue that the effects of geographic distance depend on the extent to which partners are able to evaluate each others’ resources and prospects. Empirical evidence from R&D collaborations in the semiconductor industry indicates that the likelihood of alliance formation is negatively related to geographic distance, even within clusters. The extent to which alliance formation falls off with geographic distance is diminished when the firms have prior ties, operate in the same product market, or possess similar technological knowledge.
When Do Spinouts Enhance Parent Firm Performance? Evidence from the U.S. Automobile Industry, 1890–1986
Authors: Ioannou Ioannis
Published: August 2013

Spinouts—entrepreneurial ventures founded by ex-employees of incumbent firms within the same industry—have emerged in numerous industries. Some existing literature argues that they typically have a negative association with their parents’ performance because of the loss of human capital, the disruption of organizational routines, and subsequent adverse competitive effects. More recent work, however, suggests that such negative effects may have been overstated and argues that there are conditions under which spinouts may be linked to enhanced performance of the parent. I contribute to this literature by theorizing about and empirically testing for such conditions. In particular, using data from the U.S. automobile industry spanning 1890 to 1986, I find evidence that spinouts are associated with enhanced parent performance when they increase the parent’s corporate coherence either through (a) the core competencies and capabilities domain by refocusing the parent’s resources on the core or (b) the cognitive path by resolving a conflict at the top level of the parent’s hierarchy. I discuss implications for both research and practice.
Electronic Data Capture through Total Joint Replacement Registries
Authors: Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Bozic Kevin J.
Published: August 2013

There has been a move toward adoption and implementation of electronic health
records. In the U.S. there exists the potential to use electronic data capture to better
understand patient outcomes and improve the quality and efficiency of medical care.
Within orthopaedics, national joint replacement registries have been shown in other
countries to improve clinical decision-making and outcomes after joint arthroplasty. As
such, there is increasing interest among U.S. clinical investigators and policy makers
to utilize electronic clinical data to develop national and regional joint replacement
registries. We discuss our experience with integrating electronic data capture and
reporting methodology into the California Joint Replacement Registry (CJRR) and American
Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR) initiatives. The use of electronic clinical data for
joint replacement registries will better facilitate multi-stakeholder collaboration,
improve the quality of care, reduce medical spending and foster customized evidence
based clinical decision-making.
Horizontal Mergers, Firm Heterogeneity, and R&D Investments
Authors: Matsushima Noriaki , Sato Yasuhiro , Yamamoto Kazuhiro
Published: August 2013

We investigate the incentive and welfare implications of a merger when heterogeneous oligopolists compete both in process R&D and on the product market. We examine how a merger affects the output, investment, and profits of firms. In addition, we examine whether firms have merger incentives, and, if so, whether such mergers are desirable from the viewpoint of social welfare. If R&D is not expensive and if large cost differences between efficient and inefficient firms exist, a merger between homogeneous firms tends to occur even though it harms welfare.
Voltage THD Improvement for an Outer Rotor Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine
Authors: de la Cruz Javier , Ramirez Juan M. , Leyva Luis
Published: August 2013

This article deals with the design of an outer rotor Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (PMSM) driven by wind turbines. The Voltage Total Harmonic Distortion (VTHD) is especially addressed, under design parameters’ handling, i.e., the geometry of the stator, the polar arc percentage, the air gap, the skew angle in rotor poles, the pole length and the core steel class. Seventy-six cases are simulated and the results provide information useful for designing this kind of machines. The study is conducted on a 5 kW PMSM.
Fabrication of hemp fiber-reinforced green composites with organoclay-filled poly(butylene succinate) matrix by pultrusion process
Authors: Li Jing , Ben Goichi , Yang Junhe
Published: August 2013

Hemp fiber-reinforced green composites with organoclay-filled poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) matrix were fabricated by pultrusion process. Morphological studies revealed that the clay particles were intercalated/partially exfoliated when the clay content was lower than 6 wt%. The tensile modulus and strength of PBS/25% hemp composites were 15 and 2.9 times of the neat PBS. By adding organoclay to the PBS/hemp composites, the tensile properties of the hybrid composites generally reflected the similar change with the organoclay modified PBS matrix. Upon certain duration of environmental exposure, the degradation of tensile properties of hemp/organoclay/PBS hybrid composites was retarded compared with hemp/PBS composites.
Zur Grammatik des Verstehens im Gespräch: Inferenzen anzeigen und Handlungskonsequenzen ziehen mit also und dann
Authors: Deppermann Arnulf , Helmer Henrike
Published: August 2013

The paper studies how the German connectives also and dann are
used as displays of understanding in talk-in-interaction. It is shown that the
use of also at turn-beginnings in pre-front-field position is a routine practice to
explicate implicit meanings of the prior turn of the partner, which is presented
for confirmation. Also thus indexes that explicated meanings are taken to be
intersubjective, i.e. part of the interlocutors’ common ground. Turn-initial dann
(in front-field position), in contrast, is routinely used to (a) index the formulation
of a unilateral inference from the partner’s prior turn which is not claimed
to have already been communicated by the partner, and is (b) used to preface
different kinds of next actions which are framed as being a consequence from
the preceding action of the partner. Drawing on data from four genres of talkin-
interaction (conversation, psychotherapy, doctor-patient interaction, broadcasted
talk shows), the paper discusses how functions of also and dann are
related to their positions concerning turn-construction and topological fields,
prosodic design, collocations, sequential structures and participation frameworks
of the interaction.
New Approach for Selecting Crumb-Rubber-Modified Asphalts for Rutting and Permanent Deformation Resistance
Authors: Ragab MohyElDin , Abdelrahman Magdy , Ghavibazoo Amir
Published: August 2013

In the current research, the introduction of a new selecti on approach for crumb-rubber-modified asphalts (CRMA), based on their rutting and permanent deformation resistance, is carried out. This new approach involves selecting CRMA according to their rheological properties [complex modulus (G*) and phase angle (δ) values] by utilizing a proposed three-dimensional (3D) parametric diagrams approach. This was carried out for the different asphalt and crumb-rubber (CR) types investigated. Three-dimensional parametric diagrams for both the G* and δ were constructed through controlling the interaction time, speed, and temperature for the CRMA synthesis. This was carried out to illustrate the combined effect of interaction speed and temperature, with the increase of interaction time, on the produced rutting and permanent deformation resistance properties of CRMA. It was found that, for all the asphalt types investigated, the utilization of a high interaction mixing speed of 50 Hz with a medium interaction temperature (190°C) for the mixing of cryogenic processed CR with asphalt produced the best results in terms of complex modulus (G*) and phase angle (δ) values. For ambient processed CR, on the other hand, the utilization of a low interaction temperature (160°C), with both interaction speeds utilized (10 and 30 Hz), produced enhanced properties (G* and δ) for the CRMA. Based on the results obtained in this research, the new selection approach presents an efficient way to provide an expected profile for the asphalt in-service required properties with relation to their synthesis conditions.
Olfactory receptor 51E1 as a novel target for diagnosis in somatostatin receptor-negative lung carcinoids
Authors: Giandomenico Valeria , Cui Tao , Grimelius Lars , Öberg Kjell , Pelosi Giuseppe , Tsolakis Apostolos V
Published: August 2013

Somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) may be used in lung carcinoids (LCs) for diagnosis and therapy, although additional targets are clearly warranted. This study aimed to investigate whether olfactory receptor 51E1 (OR51E1) may be a potential target for LCs. OR51E1 coding sequence was analyzed in LC cell lines, NCI-H727 and NCI-H720. OR51E1 transcript expression was investigated in LC cell lines and frozen specimens by quantitative real-time PCR. OR51E1, SSTR2, SSTR3, and SSTR5 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded sections of 73 typical carcinoids (TCs), 14 atypical carcinoids (ACs), and 11 regional/distant metastases and compared with OctreoScan data. Immunohistochemistry results were rendered semiquantitatively on a scale from 0 to 3, taking into account the cellular compartmentalization (membrane vs cytoplasm) and the percentage of tumor cells (<50 vs >50%). Our results showed that WT OR51E1 transcript was expressed in both LC cell lines. OR51E1 mRNA was expressed in 9 out of 12 TCs and 7 out of 9 ACs (P=NS). Immunohistochemically, OR51E1, SSTR2, SSTR3, and SSTR5 were detected in 85, 71, 25, and 39% of TCs and in 86, 79, 43, and 36% of ACs respectively. OR51E1 immunohistochemical scores were higher or equal than those of SSTRs' in 79% of TCs and 86% of ACs. Furthermore, in the LC cases where all SSTR subtypes were lacking, membrane OR51E1 expression was detected in 10 out of 17 TCs and 1 out of 2 ACs. Moreover, higher OR51E1 immunohistochemical scores were detected in 5 out of 6 OctreoScan-negative LC lesions. Therefore, the high expression of OR51E1 in LCs makes it a potential novel diagnostic target in SSTR-negative tumors.
IgG AVIDITY WESTERN BLOT USING Toxoplasma gondii rGRA-7 CLONED FROM NUCLEOTIDES 39-711 FOR SERODIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE TOXOPLASMOSIS
Authors: Deshpande Poonam S. , Kotresha Dupadahalli , Noordin Rahmah , Yunus Muhammad Hafiznur , Saadatnia Geita , Golkar Majid , Osman Sabariah , Karim Izzati Zahidah Abdul , Ghaffarifar Fatemeh
Published: August 2013

Toxoplasmosis is an important cause of congenital infection. The present study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of recombinant (r) GRA-7 cloned from nucleotides (n) 39-711 in discriminating between acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. First, commercial IgM, IgG and IgG avidity ELISAs were used to determine the serological profile of the sera. Serum samples were from 20 symptomatic patients with acute infection (low IgG avidity, IgM positive), 10 with chronic infection (high IgG avidity, IgM negative) and 10 with indeterminate IgG avidity (IgM positive) which were tested for IgG avidity status with an in-house developed IgG avidity Western blot using the rGRA-7 recombinant antigen. All 20 sera from cases of probable acute infection showed bands which either faded out completely or reduced significantly in intensity after treatment with 8 M urea, whereas the band intensities of the 10 serum samples from chronic cases remained the same. Of the 10 sera with indeterminate IgG avidity status, after treatment with 8 M urea the band intensities with six sera remained the same, two sera had completely faded bands and another two sera had significantly reduced band intensities. Discrimination between acute and chronic toxoplasmosis was successfully performed by the in-house IgG avidity Western blot.
Scedosporium apiospermum EUMYCETOMA SUCCESSFULLY TREATED WITH ORAL VORICONAZOLE: REPORT OF A CASE AND REVIEW OF THE BRAZILIAN REPORTS ON SCEDOSPORIOSIS
Authors: Oliveira Flávio de Mattos , Unis Gisela , Hochhegger Bruno , Severo Luiz Carlos
Published: August 2013

We describe a case of white-grain eumycetoma caused by Scedosporium apiospermum in an immunocompetent host that was successfully treated with oral voriconazole, and we review the Brazilian reports on scedosporiosis.
THE FIRST CASE OF Angiostrongylus cantonensis EOSINOPHILIC MENINGITIS DIAGNOSED IN THE CITY OF SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL
Authors: Espírito-Santo Maria Cristina Carvalho do , Pinto Pedro Luiz Silva , Mota Dan Jesse Gonçalves da , Gryschek Ronaldo César Borges
Published: August 2013

Introduction:Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a natural parasite found in lung arteries of rats, which in humans may cause eosinophilic meningitis. Objective: To report the first case of eosinophilic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Case report: A male patient, 11 years old, living in the southern area of São Paulo, was admitted to the Pediatric Emergency Department with ongoing headaches for three days, but no fever or any other complaint. The presence of snails and rodents was reported in the peridomicile. The child was awake, lucid, oriented; muscular strength preserved, isochoric, photo reagent pupils and terminal nuchal rigidity - Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) = 15. The laboratory tests showed a mild leukocytosis with 1736 eosinophils/mm3 and the CSF analysis disclosed 160 leukocytes/mm3 with 36% of eosinophils. The bacterial culture was negative. Computed Cerebral Tomography showed no alterations. The RT-PCR assay for detecting Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae and DNA was negative. ELISA antibodies for IgG anti-A. cantonensis was negative in serum and undetermined in CSF and samples collected five days after the onset of symptoms. Seroconversion was observed in the sample collected 135 days later. Conclusion: the epidemiological and clinical data, the CSF alterations with eosinophilia and the seroconversion strongly suggest Angiostrongylus cantonensis eosinophilic meningitis.
SHIFT IN HUMAN ROTAVIRUS DISTRIBUTION IN BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL DETECTED BY RIBONUCLEIC ACID ELECTROPHORESIS
Authors: Silva Millan Scarabeli Alves Coelho da , Penna Francisco José , Duarte Ricardo Jenner , Pereira Pedro Augusto Rocha , Cursino Andreia Elisa , Péret-Filho Luciano Amedée , Mendes Edilberto Nogueira , Magalhães Paula Prazeres
Published: August 2013

Rotavirus has been considered the main agent of infectious diarrhea especially among younger children. We addressed the prevalence of rotavirus-associated diarrhea and the diversity of circulating electropherotypes by immunochromatography and RNA electrophoresis. Stool samples were taken from 391 children (267 with diarrhea) from the lower socioeconomic stratum who sought treatment in the Hospital Infantil João Paulo II/Belo Horizonte, during 2005 and 2006. Rotavirus was detected in 79/20.2% of subjects, 64/24.0% with diarrhea and 15/12.1% with no diarrhea. The virus was strongly associated with diarrhea (p = 0.003). A total of 76/19.4% and 69/17.6% rotavirus-positive children were identified by immunochromatography and electrophoresis, respectively. Rotavirus-associated diarrhea was more frequently detected in dry months (p < 0.001) and almost exclusively in children aged up to three years. Long profile strains prevailed (54/78.3%) but a shift toward short electropherotype was identified. Despite the decrease seen in 2006, rotavirus infection is still very common in our area. Although viral RNA electrophoresis is useful as a typing method, it should not be used exclusively in the diagnosis of rotavirus infection. We confirmed a shift from long to short profile strains, as already described for other South American countries.
Evaluation of WGA and Concanavalin A (Con A) lectin as biomarkers of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis in human biopsies with no evidence of egg-granuloma system
Authors: Rêgo Moacyr Jesus Barreto de Melo , Vieira-De-Mello Gabriela Souto , Araújo Cláudio Witaker , Cavalcanti Maria do Socorro de Mendonça , Beltrão Eduardo Isidoro Carneiro
Published: August 2013

Introduction: Colonic lesions are predominant in patients with schistosomiasis. However, carbohydrate alterations in colonic schistosomiasis remain unclear. Lectin-ligands allow us to identify changes in the saccharide patterns of cells. Methods: Biopsies of descending and rectosigmoid colon of patients were submitted to WGA and Con A lectin histochemistry. Results: WGA stained stroma and gland cells of descending colon and rectosigmoid tissues in a granular strong cytoplasmatic pattern in schistosomiasis specimens differing from normal control and Con A failing to recognize all samples analyzed. Conclusions: WGA ligands are expressed differently in patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis and no evidence of egg-granuloma system.
BACTERIOLOGICAL HAZARDS AND RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SEAFOOD CONSUMPTION IN BRAZIL
Authors: Santos Carlos A.M. Lima dos , Vieira Regine H. S. Fernandes
Published: August 2013

SUMMARY The present study is a review of data available in Brazil on bacterial diseases transmitted through the consumption of seafood and related products. Data are presented regarding outbreaks and cases of disease and laboratory findings associated with pathogens in seafood and related products, and methods for prevention and control are described.
EVOLUTION OF PATIENTS WITH AIDS AFTER cART: CLINICAL AND LABORATORY EVOLUTION OF PATIENTS WITH AIDS AFTER 48 WEEKS OF ANTIRETROVIRAL TREATMENT
Authors: Fukumoto Ana Esther Carvalho Gomes , Oliveira Cristiano Claudino , Tasca Karen Ingrid , Souza Lenice do Rosario de
Published: August 2013

SUMMARY Combination Antiretroviral Therapy (cART) aims to inhibit viral replication, delay immunodeficiency progression and improve survival in AIDS patients. The objective of this study was to compare two different schemes of cART, based on plasma viral load (VL) and CD4+ T lymphocyte count, during 48 weeks of treatment. For this purpose, 472 medical charts of a Specialized Outpatient Service were reviewed from 1998 to 2005. Out of these, 58 AIDS patients who had received a triple drug scheme as the initial treatment were included in the study and two groups were formed: Group 1 (G1): 47 individuals treated with two nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) and one non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor; Group 2 (G2): 11 patients treated with two NRTI and one protease inhibitor. In G1 and G2, 53.2% and 81.8% respectively were patients with an AIDS-defining disease. The T CD4+ lymphocyte count increased progressively up until the 24th week of treatment in all patients, while VL became undetectable in 68.1% of G1 and in 63.6% of G2. The study concluded that the evolutions of laboratory tests were similar in the two treatment groups and that both presented a favorable clinical evolution.
NATURAL INFECTION BY Trypanosoma cruzi IN ONE DOG IN CENTRAL WESTERN BRAZIL: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Almeida Arleana do Bom Parto Ferreira de , Paula Daphine Ariadne Jesus de , Otton Maria Luisa Paro , Jaune Felipe Wolf , Cruz Raquel Aparecida Sales da , Madeira Maria de Fatima , Nakazato Luciano , Mendonca Adriane Jorge , Pescador Caroline Argenta , Sousa Valeria Regia Franco
Published: August 2013

SUMMARY It is estimated that about 10 million people are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi worldwide, mostly in Latin America and more than 25 million are at risk of acquiring this infection in endemic areas. Dogs are an important reservoir for this pathogen and thus, considered a risk factor for human populations. This report describes one case of Chagas disease in a dog from Cuiabá, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The diagnosis was obtained by direct examination of trypomastigote forms in blood smears. Amastigotes forms were visualized in microscopy of the bone marrow, lymph nodes, kidneys, liver and brain. The T. cruzi (ZIII) infection was confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction, and sequencing. The animal presented multisystemic failure and died. Although acute Chagas disease in humans is not reported in Cuiabá, this is the first report of a canine case in this region. This case represents a warning, to health professionals and authorities, to the possibility of transmission of this zoonosis in Cuiabá.
Utilização de dados parciais na seleção de codornas de corte para produção de ovos
Authors: Teixeira Bruno Bastos , Euclydes Ricardo Frederico , Silva Luciano Pinheiro da , Torres Robledo de Almeida , Silva Felipe Gomes da , Carneiro Antonio Policarpo Souza , Lehner Helmut Gonçalves , Teixeira Rafael Bastos
Published: August 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a possibilidade de uso de dados parciais na seleção de codornas de corte para produção de ovos. Foram avaliados os grupos genéticos de codornas de corte UFV1 e UFV2, de origens distintas. Utilizaram-se informações de 1.632 matrizes, das quais 816 provieram do grupo genético UFV1, e 816 do grupo UFV2. Os parâmetros genéticos foram obtidos nos períodos parciais da 6ª semana até a 24ª (P24), a 32ª (P32), a 40ª (P40) e a 48ª (P48) semanas, e no período total de produção de ovos(P52), da 6ª à 52ª semana. Os componentes de variância e covariância e os parâmetros genéticos foram estimados pelo método da máxima verossimilhança restrita, pelo modelo animal unicaracterístico. A produção parcial e a total de ovos foram estimadas pelo modelo animal multicaracterístico, por meio do aplicativo Wombat. Para UFV1, os valores de herdabilidade foram: 0,09, P24; 0,09, P32; 0,09, P40; 0,08, P48; e 0,07 para P52; as correlações genéticas variaram de 0,79 a 0,99. Para UFV2, os valores de herdabilidade foram: 0,09, P24; 0,09, P32; 0,10, P40; 0,11, P48; e 0,13 para P52; as correlações variaram de 0,70 a 0,99. Para a seleção de UFV1, recomenda-se considerar a produção de ovos até a 40ª semana e, para UFV2, até a 48ª semana. As baixas estimativas de herdabilidade indicam que se devem fazer mudanças de manejo para controlar os efeitos de ambiente.
Preparatory Efficacy Effects on Practice Effort and Performance
Authors: Wood Jared M. , Feltz Deborah L.
Published: August 2013

Bandura [1] has theorized that during preparation for sport competition some doubt about one's capabilities to
perform effectively may be beneficial to spurring athletes to put forth a strong preparatory effort. We designed two
experiments to test the idea that lower preparatory efficacy levels would benefit practice effort. Participants who
competed in golf putting competitions were separated into preparation and competition phases. Participants categorized
put balls to three targets of varying difficulty (i.e., high, medium, and low efficacy targets). Preparation phases consisted
of 30 free choice practice putts. Practice effort was measured as the number of practice putts allocated to each target. In
both studies, the high efficacy target resulted in the lowest practice effort in comparison to practice effort at the medium
and low efficacy targets (p < .001), and preparatory efficacy was associated with a significant linear increase in effort
across the respective high, medium, and low efficacy targets.
Effects of Frequent Hemodialysis on Ventricular Volumes and Left Ventricular Remodeling
Authors: Chan Christopher T. , Greene Tom , Chertow Glenn M. , Kliger Alan S. , Stokes John B. , Beck Gerald J. , Daugirdas John T. , Kotanko Peter , Larive Brett , Levin Nathan W. , Mehta Ravindra L. , Rocco Michael , Sanz Javier , Yang Phillip C. , Rajagopalan Sanjay
Published: August 2013

Background and objectives

Higher left ventricular volume is associated with death in patients with ESRD. This work investigated the effects of frequent hemodialysis on ventricular volumes and left ventricular remodeling.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

The Frequent Hemodialysis Network daily trial randomized 245 patients to 12 months of six times per week versus three times per week in-center hemodialysis; the Frequent Hemodialysis Network nocturnal trial randomized 87 patients to 12 months of six times per week nocturnal hemodialysis versus three times per week predominantly home-based hemodialysis. Left and right ventricular end systolic and diastolic volumes, left ventricular mass, and ejection fraction at baseline and end of the study were ascertained by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The ratio of left ventricular mass/left ventricular end diastolic volume was used as a surrogate marker of left ventricular remodeling. In each trial, the effect of frequent dialysis on left or right ventricular end diastolic volume was tested between predefined subgroups.

Results

In the daily trial, frequent hemodialysis resulted in significant reductions in left ventricular end diastolic volume (−11.0% [95% confidence interval, −16.1% to −5.5%]), left ventricular end systolic volume (−14.8% [−22.7% to −6.2%]), right ventricular end diastolic volume (−11.6% [−19.0% to −3.6%]), and a trend for right ventricular end systolic volume (−11.3% [−21.4% to 0.1%]) compared with conventional therapy. The magnitude of reduction in left and right ventricular end diastolic volumes with frequent hemodialysis was accentuated among patients with residual urine output<100 ml/d (P value [interaction]=0.02). In the nocturnal trial, there were no significant changes in left or right ventricular volumes. The frequent dialysis interventions had no substantial effect on the ratio of left ventricular mass/left ventricular end diastolic volume in either trial.

Conclusions

Frequent in-center hemodialysis reduces left and right ventricular end systolic and diastolic ventricular volumes as well as left ventricular mass, but it does not affect left ventricular remodeling.
Dying on Dialysis
Authors: Schmidt Rebecca J. , Moss Alvin H.
Published: August 2013

Acceleration of comorbid illness in patients undergoing long-term maintenance hemodialysis may be manifested by clinical deterioration that is subtle and not immediately life-threatening. Nonetheless, it is emotionally debilitating for patients and families in addition to being medically and ethically challenging for treating nephrologists. A marked decline in clinical status warrants review of the balance of benefits to burdens dialysis is providing to a given patient and should trigger conversation about the option of withdrawal using an individualized patient-centered, rather than disease-oriented, approach. This paper presents a rationale for and an objective approach to initiating and managing dialysis withdrawal for patients who wish to withdraw because of unsatisfactory quality of life and those (many with significant cognitive impairment) for whom withdrawal is deemed appropriate because the burdens of continuing treatment substantially outweigh the benefits.
Effects of Exercise and Lifestyle Intervention on Cardiovascular Function in CKD
Authors: Howden Erin J. , Leano Rodel , Petchey William , Coombes Jeff S. , Isbel Nicole M. , Marwick Thomas H.
Published: August 2013

Background and objectives

CKD is associated with poor cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). This predefined substudy determined the effect of exercise training and lifestyle intervention on CRF and explored the effect on cardiovascular risk factors and cardiac and vascular function.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Between February 2008 and March 2010, 90 patients with stage 3–4 CKD were screened with an exercise stress echocardiogram before enrollment. Patients (n=83) were randomized to standard care (control) or lifestyle intervention. The lifestyle intervention included multidisciplinary care (CKD clinic), a lifestyle program, and aerobic and resistance exercise training for 12 months. CRF (peak V[Combining Dot Above]O2), left ventricular function, arterial stiffness, anthropometric, and biochemical data were collected at baseline and 12 months.

Results

Ten percent of randomized patients had subclinical myocardial ischemia at screening and completed the study without incident. There was no baseline difference among 72 patients who completed follow-up (36 in the lifestyle intervention group and 36 in the control group). The intervention increased peak V[Combining Dot Above]O2 (2.8±0.7 ml/kg per minute versus −0.3±0.9 ml/kg per minute; P=0.004). There was small weight loss (−1.8±4.2 kg versus 0.7±3.7 kg; P=0.02) but no change in BP or lipids. Diastolic function improved (increased e’ of 0.75±1.16 cm/s versus −0.47±1.0 cm/s; P=0.001) but systolic function was well preserved and did not change. The change in arterial elastance was attenuated (0.11±0.76 mmHg/ml versus 0.76±0.96 mmHg/ml; P=0.01). Δ peak V[Combining Dot Above]O2 was associated with group allocation and improved body composition.

Conclusions

Exercise training and lifestyle intervention in patients with CKD produces improvements in CRF, body composition, and diastolic function.
Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and Barriers to Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Prakash Suma , Perzynski Adam T. , Austin Peter C. , Wu C. Fangyun , Lawless Mary Ellen , Paterson J. Michael , Quinn Rob R. , Sehgal Ashwini R. , Oliver Matthew James
Published: August 2013

Background and objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between neighborhood socioeconomic status and barriers to peritoneal dialysis eligibility and choice.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This study was a mixed methods parallel design study using quantitative and qualitative data from a prospective clinical database of ESRD patients. The eligibility and choice cohorts were assembled from consecutive incident chronic dialysis patients entering one of five renal programs in the province of Ontario, Canada, between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2010. Socioeconomic status was measured as median household income and percentage of residents with at least a high school education using Statistics Canada dissemination area-level data. Multivariable models described the relationship between socioeconomic status and likelihood of peritoneal dialysis eligibility and choice. Barriers to peritoneal dialysis eligibility and choice were classified into qualitative categories using the thematic constant comparative approach.

Results

The peritoneal dialysis eligibility and choice cohorts had 1314 and 857 patients, respectively; 65% of patients were deemed eligible for peritoneal dialysis, and 46% of eligible patients chose peritoneal dialysis. Socioeconomic status was not a significant predictor of peritoneal dialysis eligibility or choice in this study. Qualitative analyses identified 16 barriers to peritoneal dialysis choice. Patients in lower- versus higher-income Statistics Canada dissemination areas cited built environment or space barriers to peritoneal dialysis (4.6% versus 2.7%) and family or social support barriers (8.3% versus 3.5%) more frequently.

Conclusions

Peritoneal dialysis eligibility and choice were not associated with socioeconomic status. However, socioeconomic status may influence specific barriers to peritoneal dialysis choice. Additional studies to determine the effect of targeting interventions to specific barriers to peritoneal dialysis choice in low socioeconomic status patients on peritoneal dialysis use are needed.
Evaluation of costs and time required for laparoscopic-assisted versus open cystotomy for urinary cystolith removal in dogs: 43 cases (2009–2012)
Authors: Arulpragasam Shiara P. , Case J. Brad , Ellison Gary W.
Published: August 2013

Objective—To compare required time and costs of surgery and hospitalization as well as prevalence of incomplete urinary cystolith removal associated with laparoscopic-assisted cystotomy versus open cystotomy in dogs.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—20 dogs with urolithiasis treated by laparoscopic-assisted cystotomy and 23 dogs treated by open cystotomy.

Procedures—Medical records were reviewed. Surgery cost, hospitalization cost, total cost, surgery time, days in hospital, incomplete cystolith removal, and number of doses of analgesic administered IV after surgery were compared between the laparoscopic-assisted cystotomy and open cystotomy groups.

Results—Surgery cost and total cost were significantly higher in the laparoscopic-assisted cystotomy group. Hospitalization cost, days in hospital, and prevalence of incomplete cystolith removal did not differ significantly between groups. Number of doses of analgesic was significantly lower in the laparoscopic-assisted cystotomy group.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Laparoscopic-assisted cystotomy was more time-consuming and expensive but associated with fewer postoperative doses of injectable analgesics, compared with open cystotomy. Laparoscopic-assisted cystotomy is an acceptable, more expensive, and minimally invasive alternative to open cystotomy for the removal of urinary cystoliths in dogs.
Suspected carprofen toxicosis caused by coprophagia in a dog
Authors: Hutchins Rae G. , Messenger Kristen M. , Vaden Shelly L.
Published: August 2013

Case Description—A 1-year-old spayed female mixed-breed dog was evaluated because of urinary incontinence, polyuria, polydipsia, and minimally concentrated urine.

Clinical Findings—Markedly high circulating alanine transaminase activity, mildly high circulating alkaline phosphatase activity, and low urine specific gravity were detected for the dog. Results of ultrasonographic examination of the abdomen and cytologic examination of liver samples were unremarkable. Carprofen was detected in serum and plasma samples obtained from the dog. Exposure to carprofen was attributed to ingestion of feces of another dog in the household that was receiving the drug daily.

Treatment and Outcome—Access to feces of other dogs in the household was prevented; no other treatment was initiated. Urinary incontinence, polyuria, and polydipsia resolved, and urine specific gravity increased within 7 days following discontinuation of consumption of feces. Alanine transaminase activity was substantially lower than the value determined during the initial examination, and alkaline phosphatase activity was within the reference range 5 weeks after discontinuation of consumption of feces by the dog.

Clinical Relevance—Findings for the dog of this report suggested that carprofen toxicosis can be caused by consumption of feces of another dog receiving the drug. This cause of adverse effects should be a differential diagnosis for dogs with clinical signs and clinicopathologic abnormalities consistent with carprofen toxicosis.
Prevalence and characteristics of tinnitus in individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder
Authors: Chandan H. S. , Prabhu Prashanth , Deepthi Mahadeva
Published: August 2013

Objective:

Tinnitus is one of the reported complaints in individuals with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD). The study highlights the prevalence of tinnitus and its characteristics in individuals with ANSD.

Study design:

The study consisted of 95 patients with tinnitus out of 149 individuals with ANSD. The overall prevalence, laterality and gender effect was studied in these 95 patients. The study also reports on the subjective nature of tinnitus in 23 subjects and its relationship with the configuration of the audiogram.

Results:

The prevalence of tinnitus was found to be around 67%, mostly bilateral (89.5%) and seen more often in females (70.52%). The subjective pitch was low-pitched in individuals with low frequency hearing loss and the perceived pitch was high with a flat configuration of loss.

Conclusion:

Our results show prevalence of tinnitus is more than 50% in individuals with ANSD and the tinnitus matched with the individual's frequency of maximal hearing loss.
Bilevel Generalized Least Squares Estimation of Dynamic Origin–Destination Matrix for Urban Network with Probe Vehicle Data
Authors: Cao Peng , Miwa Tomio , Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Morikawa Takayuki
Published: August 2013

Methods of estimating dynamic origin–destination (O-D) matrices for urban networks from probe vehicle data are explored. A speed–density function is derived and fitted for different types of roads with the use of the maximum likelihood method. Both a Bayesian method that carefully incorporates prior information and an ordinary method are used to estimate link flows from probe vehicle speed. A dynamic traffic assignment–based bilevel generalized least squares (GLS) estimator considering the distance between the estimated and target O-D matrices as well as the distance between the calculated and observed link flows is formulated to estimate dynamic O-D matrices from estimated link flows. In the iterative solution procedure, the upper level is solved with the extended Bell algorithm, and the microscopic dynamic traffic assignment system VISSIM is applied to produce the assignment matrix in the lower level. A medium-sized signalized network in Tokyo is modeled in a case study in which Bayesian and ordinary methods are compared both in link flow estimation and O-D matrix estimation. Further, the bilevel GLS estimator and bilevel ordinary least squares estimator are implemented and then compared in O-D estimation. The results validate the proposed bilevel GLS estimator.
Model-Based Dynamic Pricing Algorithm for Managed Lanes
Authors: Fu Lina , Kulkarni Rakesh
Published: August 2013

Managed lanes, or high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes, have been implemented across the United States to improve the utility of existing road facilities. The pricing algorithm in managed lanes is the critical component in ensuring that the desired level of service metrics is met. Some pricing algorithms currently in use are static algorithms, and others adopt a dynamic strategy. Static pricing algorithms do not account for the changes in real-time traffic conditions. However, dynamic pricing algorithms are reactive in nature and do not account for the potential demand for actual future time intervals for which the toll is determined. The HOT-lane system is nonlinear and complex in nature; this complexity leads to high levels of instability in such a system. The complexity has been increasing because of the growth in demand as well as incorporation of other, noninteracting strategies that are implemented to address this demand. Therefore, more sophisticated designs of the pricing algorithm are needed for HOT-lane pricing control. A model-based pricing algorithm is proposed for determining the toll rate dynamically to maximize the throughput on the HOT lanes while maintaining a desired level of service. It consists of both proactive and reactive components to achieve fast response to real-time changes and maintain a steady, maximal traffic flow. The controller structure also incorporates active bottleneck management to maintain optimal traffic flow under stressed conditions. Implementation of this controller has shown high utilization of HOT lanes while ensuring the desired level of service.
Funding Major Airport Ground Access Projects
Authors: Gosling Geoffrey D. , Wei Wenbin , Freeman Dennis
Published: August 2013

Funding projects to improve the intermodal connectivity between the surface transportation system and airports is often complicated by the need to draw on a range of funding programs and sources, each with its own project eligibility requirements and regulations. This paper presents seven case studies of the funding sources used for a range of major intermodal airport ground access projects in the United States that were completed in the past 12 years or were under construction. The case studies were undertaken as part of a recently completed research study that investigated collaborative funding strategies to facilitate airport ground access. The projects included a major intermodal center, two automated people mover links between airports and nearby rail stations, two airport access highway projects, and two extensions of rail transit systems to airports. The funding sources for the seven projects varied widely with the nature and location of the project. All seven projects involved some collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies in developing the funding plan for each project, although the number of agencies involved varied, with the larger projects generally having more agencies involved in providing funding. This experience suggests that developing a funding plan for such projects requires the involvement of a broad range of stakeholder agencies in planning and implementing the project.
Operational and Environmental Assessment of Electric Taxi Based on Fast-Time Simulation
Authors: Wollenheit Richard , Mühlhausen Thorsten
Published: August 2013

Economic pressure and increasing environmental awareness stimulate the development of new taxi operation technologies and procedures. One of the most promising developments is the use of electrically powered landing gear for medium-size aircraft in civil aviation. If the prerequisite that the weight of the new equipment and the weight of the saved fuel be approximately balanced is met, operational as well as economic and environmental benefits can be achieved. This paper describes a method of assessing these benefits by means of a fast-time simulation model and presents the findings for two airports. The first, Frankfurt am Main Airport, is one of the major European hub airports. Because of the higher share of heavy aircraft, which are assumed not to be equipped with an electric taxi system, the relative benefit of almost 20% fuel savings is lower than at the second airport in the study, Berlin Brandenburg Willy Brandt Airport, which is still under construction and estimated to open in 2014 at the earliest. Because the share of medium-size aircraft is expected to be higher, relative fuel savings of more than 36% can be achieved there. Besides these economic and environmental impacts, operational benefits can also be observed as the aircraft can back out from their parking stands autonomously. With this maneuver, the time-consuming coupling and decoupling of a pushback vehicle can be eliminated.