bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Outcomes in a Primary Care Practice Within a Center for Health Equity
Authors: Scott Edward Demond , Gil Karen , King Billi Copeland , Piatt Elizabeth
Published: April 2015

Objective: A Center for Health Equity that included a primary care practice was built in a neighborhood affected by long-term disparities related to race and class in order to promote health equity within the population. Changes in blood pressure and HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) over 2 years were examined to assess the impact of providing culturally appropriate and patient-centered care. Methods: Data from June 1, 2012, to June 30, 2014 were obtained. Patients with high blood pressure or elevated HbA1c levels were treated according to evidence based guidelines. Blood pressure and HbA1c values at the first and last visit were compared using paired t tests. Results: Of the 390 patients seen with a systolic pressure ≥140 mm Hg, 358 came back for at least 1 visit (92%). By the time of the last visit, 70% had values <140 mm Hg. Mean decreases for systolic and diastolic pressure between the first and last visit were statistically significant (both P < .001). Of the 88 patients seen with HbA1c values ≥7%, 68 came back for at least 1 visit (77%). By the last visit, 31% had values <7%. The change in mean HbA1c levels between the first and last visits was statistically significant ( P = .001). Conclusion: Data from this report demonstrate statistically significant improved clinical outcomes among members of this community who sought and received care from physicians within this Center for Health Equity.
The Effect of Advancing Age on Total Joint Replacement Outcomes
Authors: Fang Michele , Noiseux Nicolas , Linson Eric , Cram Peter
Published: April 2015

Objective:

To describe age-related differences in outcomes among older adults undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Design:

Retrospective study.

Participants:

A total of 1792 patients who underwent primary THA or TKA at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics between 2010 and 2013 were identified in the University HealthSystem Consortium Database and University of Iowa Orthopedics Joint Replacement Registry.

Main Outcome Measures:

Hospital length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission rate, in-hospital mortality, number of days admitted to intensive care unit (ICU discharge disposition), in-hospital complications (pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, wound infection, hemorrhage, sepsis, or myocardial infarction), quality of life (measured using Short-Form 36 [SF-36]), discharge disposition (home, home with home health, nursing home, inpatient rehabilitation, transfer to another acute care hospital, and dead), and total patient level observed hospital cost (based on hospital charge information from each revenue code and estimated labor costs). Outcomes were compared in patients stratified by age and categorized by decade (ie, ≤50, 51-60, 61-70, 71-80, and ≥81).

Results:

A total of 871 THAs and 921 TKAs were performed. The mean age of our cohort was 60.5 years and 56.1% were women. In-hospital complication rates and ICU utilization progressively increased with increasing age. There was also a higher likelihood of skilled nursing facility placement and longer LOS. There was no increase in 30-day readmissions, mortality, or total cost. Improvements in patient reported outcomes (SF-36) scores were similar for all age-groups.

Conclusions:

Compared to younger patients, older THA and TKA recipients were more likely to experience postoperative complications, admission to the ICU, discharge to a skilled care facility, and had longer hospital LOS. Improvements in patient-related outcomes were similar across all age-groups. These findings may be helpful when counseling older patients regarding elective total joint arthroplasty.
“The Mother of All Comebacks”
Authors: Hodler Matthew R. , Lucas-Carr Cathryn
Published: April 2015

Swimmer Dara Torres’s comeback to her sport at 41 years of age was a prominent story from the 2008 Beijing Olympics. While her record making swims made her comeback an athletic success, the importance of her comeback extends beyond her athletic accomplishments. Media representations of Torres during her comeback construct her body and the lifestyle that produced it as inspirational—or fitspirational. Although the term circulates widely in U.S. popular culture, and despite its importance in reframing what a woman’s ideal body is and how it is achieved, fitspiration has not received much attention from scholars. In this article, we use the constructed narrative of Torres’s 2008 comeback to demonstrate how notions of individualism, self-monitoring practices, personal responsibility, and empowerment in conjunction with long-standing ideological portrayals of women athletes erase social inequalities and perpetuate heteronormative ideals. The constructed narrative produces her as a fitspirational figure whom American women should emulate. Furthermore, this process transforms Torres from an elite athlete to a mom who used sport to regain her fitness. Her status as an elite athlete is marginalized and her body becomes attainable through the representation of her age and motherhood as barriers that can be overcome through self-monitored consumptive practices.
Psychosis Uncommonly and Inconsistently Precedes Violence Among High-Risk Individuals
Authors: Skeem Jennifer , Kennealy Patrick , Monahan John , Peterson Jillian , Appelbaum Paul
Published: April 2015

A small group of individuals with mental illness is repeatedly involved in violence. Little is known about how often and how consistently these high-risk individuals experience delusions or hallucinations just before a violent incident. To address these questions, data from the MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Study were used to identify 305 violent incidents associated with 100 former inpatients with repeated violence (representing 50% of incidents and 9% of participants) and test whether psychosis-preceded incidents cluster within individuals. Results indicated that (a) psychosis immediately preceded 12% of incidents, (b) individuals were “fairly” consistent in their violence type (ICC = .42), and (c) those with exclusively “non-psychosis-preceded” violence (80%) could be distinguished from a small group who also had some psychosis-preceded violence (20%). These findings suggest that psychosis sometimes foreshadows violence for a fraction of high-risk individuals, but violence prevention efforts should also target factors like anger and social deviance.
Toward a Global Consensus on Outcome Measures for Clinical Trials in Tinnitus: Report From the First International Meeting of the COMiT Initiative, November 14, 2014, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Authors: Hall Deborah A. , Haider Haúla , Kikidis Dimitris , Mielczarek Marzena , Mazurek Birgit , Szczepek Agnieszka J. , Cederroth Christopher R.
Published: April 2015

In Europe alone, over 70 million people experience tinnitus; for seven million people, it creates a debilitating condition. Despite its enormous socioeconomic relevance, progress in successfully treating the condition is somewhat limited. The European Union has approved funding to create a pan-European tinnitus research collaboration network (2014–2018). The goal of one working group is to establish an international standard for outcome measurements in clinical trials of tinnitus. Importantly, this would enhance tinnitus research by informing sample-size calculations, enabling meta-analyses, and facilitating the identification of tinnitus subtypes, ultimately leading to improved treatments. The first meeting followed a workshop on “Agreed Standards for Measurement: An International Perspective” with invited talks on clinimetrics and existing international initiatives to define core sets for outcome measurements in hearing loss (International classification of functioning, disability, and health core sets for hearing loss) and eczema (Harmonizing outcome measures for eczema). Both initiatives have taken an approach that clearly distinguishes the specification of what to measure from that of how to measure it. Meeting delegates agreed on taking a step-wise roadmap for which the first output would be a consensus on what outcome domains are essential for all trials. The working group seeks to embrace inclusivity and brings together clinicians, tinnitus researchers, experts on clinical research methodology, statisticians, and representatives of the health industry. People who experience tinnitus are another important participant group. This meeting report is a call to those stakeholders across the globe to actively participate in the initiative.
Research of initial dynamic recrystallisation for AZ31 alloy with pulse current
Authors: Chu X. R. , Lin S. X. , Yue Z. M. , Gao J. , Zhang C. S.
Published: April 2015

Tensile tests with pulse current for AZ31 alloy under room temperature and different voltages were carried out. Pulse current influence on the critical condition of initial dynamic recrystallisation for AZ31 alloy was investigated. The critical value was determined by one-parameter approach and validated by metallographic observation. The results showed that, with current voltage increased, the ultimate strength decreased, and the amount of strain hardening before reaching the ultimate strength decreased. When the voltage increases, high dynamic recrystallisation degree can be obtained, but due to the high electroplastic effect, the dynamic recrystallisation grain grows up and the material mechanical property deteriorates. The microstructure observation proved that the critical condition for initial dynamic recrystallisation can be determined with the one-parameter approach.
Relaxation effect of pulse current on Ti50·0Ni50·0 structure during rolling
Authors: Potapova A. A. , Stolyarov V. V.
Published: April 2015

Using transmission electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry, the microstructure and martensitic transformation of the Ti50·0Ni50·0 alloy after cold rolling and after rolling with a pulse current were compared. A structural relaxation effect was observed in the alloy during rolling with current. The effect is manifested in the more slow kinetics of the structure formation and less intensive suppression of martensitic transformations at rolling with current compared to cold rolling with some deformation degrees.
Senary refractory high entropy alloy MoNbTaTiVW
Authors: Zhang B. , Gao M. C. , Zhang Y. , Yang S. , Guo S. M.
Published: April 2015

The design approach and validation of a single phase senary refractory high entropy alloy (HEA) MoNbTaTiVW was presented in the present study. The design approach was to combine phase diagram inspection of available binary and ternary systems and Calculation of Phase Diagrams prediction. Experiments using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques verified a single phase microstructure in body centred cubic lattice for MoNbTaTiVW. The observed elemental segregation agrees well with the solidification prediction using the Scheil model. The lattice constant, density and microhardness were measured to be 0.3216 nm, 4.954 GPa and 11.70 g cm− 3 respectively. The atomic size difference, the Ω parameter, enthalpy of mixing and entropy of mixing for MoNbTaTiVW HEA are 3.1, 11.1, − 3.4 kJ mol− 1 and +13.39 J K− 1 mol− 1 respectively.
Structure of slowly solidified 30Cr2Ni4MoV casting with surface pulsed magneto-oscillation
Authors: Zhao J. , Yu J. , Li Q. , Zhong H. , Song C. , Zhai Q.
Published: April 2015

Large scale 30Cr2Ni4MoV ingots play a crucial role in nuclear power plants. Shrinkage and carbon segregation are the most common defects in the manufacture of these large scale ingots. Large scale ingots have very low cooling rates. In the present work, an experimental method was employed to achieve similarly low cooling rates with the aim of simulating the solidification process of large ingots in smaller 30Cr2Ni4MoV ingots.Thus, we examined the effect of surface pulsed magneto-oscillation (SPMO)on solidification structure in a laboratory setting. Our experimental results showed an SPMO treated ingot with less carbon segregation and a smaller shrinkage cavity than in an untreated one. Finally, the action mechanism was analysed by numerical simulation.
Preparation of nitinol by non-conventional powder metallurgy techniques
Authors: Novák P. , Moravec H. , Salvetr P. , Průša F. , Drahokoupil J. , Kopeček J. , Karlík M. , Kubatík T. F.
Published: April 2015

The aim of the present paper was to compare the evolution of Ni–Ti intermetallics in two non-conventional production techniques for the synthesis of NiTi shape memory alloy. Short term ultrahigh energy mechanical alloying is proposed to be able to describe the early stages of the milling process, which was not described in the literature previously, and to obtain intermetallics in shorter process durations. The reactive sintering using high heating rate (>300°C min− 1) is a process designed to suppress the formation of secondary intermetallics and to reduce the porosity of the product. The same phases’ formation sequence was determined for both processes. The detrimental Ti2Ni phase forms preferentially, and therefore, its presence cannot be avoided in any of the investigated techniques.
Nanoindentation characterised plastic deformation of a Al0.5CoCrFeNi high entropy alloy
Authors: Jiao Z. M. , Chu M. Y. , Yang H. J. , Wang Z. H. , Qiao J. W.
Published: April 2015

The plastic deformation of a high entropy alloy Al0.5CoCrFeNi was investigated by instrumented nanoindentation over a broad range of strain rates at room temperature. Results show that the creep behaviour depends on the strain rate remarkably. In situ scanning images showed a significant pile up around the indents, demonstrating that a highly localised plastic deformation occurred in the process of nanoindentation. Under different strain rates, contact stiffness and elastic modulus basically remain unchanged. However, the hardness decreases as indentation depth increases due to indentation size effect. For the same maximum load, serrations became less prominent as the loading rate of indentation increased. Similar serrations have been observed in the current alloy upon quasi-static compression.
RUNX1 represses the erythroid gene expression program during megakaryocytic differentiation
Authors: Kuvardina Olga N. , Herglotz Julia , Kolodziej Stephan , Kohrs Nicole , Herkt Stefanie , Wojcik Bartosch , Oellerich Thomas , Corso Jasmin , Behrens Kira , Kumar Ashok , Hussong Helge , Urlaub Henning , Koch Joachim , Serve Hubert , Bonig Halvard , Stocking Carol , Rieger Michael A. , Lausen Jörn
Published: April 2015

Key Points

RUNX1 inhibits erythroid differentiation by downregulation of the erythroid gene expression program. RUNX1 can act as an activator and repressor during megakaryocytic differentiation and counteracts the activity of TAL1.
Imaging lateral heterogeneity using reflected surface waves
Authors: Hyslop Craig , Stewart Robert R.
Published: April 2015

Surface waves that reflect or backscatter from sharp lateral changes in the near surface provide information about the location, depth, and amount of these variations. We developed a 2D semianalytic forward model for surface-wave propagation and used it to design a processing flow for determining surface-wave reflection coefficients as a function of spatial location along a survey line and frequency (or depth). Using these reflection coefficients, we updated surface-wave phase-velocities (determined by picking dispersion curves) across the survey line. The result was a sharply defined phase-velocity model in the lateral direction, which can be inverted for an S-wave velocity model. Two synthetic examples of blind faults with data simulated by the spectral-element method were developed for our processing flow. Buried faults were properly located, and the S-wave velocity model was improved in the lateral direction. In addition, our method effectively identified faults for seismic data acquired across the Hockley Fault system near Houston, Texas.
Linguopragmatic Actualisators of Interpersonal Interraction in the German Critical Review
Authors: Кремер  , Kremer Inessa
Published: April 2015

The article dwells upon the aspect of interpersonal interaction in the

German critical review and its linguopragmatic actualization. Theoretical

foundations are given for peculiar informational and evaluative spectres

of the review, and its derivative character as well. Linguistic means of

expression the relationship «the critic-the author of the review» are emphasised

in the course of the analysis. Special attention is given to the

role of citational inclusions.
To Modern Mass Media Technologies Practical Aspects Analysis (The Case of Sports Mass Media)
Authors: Ровинская  , Rovinskaya Yu.
Published: April 2015

The analysis of modern foreign sports mass media functioning in communication

plane on the basis of main principles, methods, approaches establishing

in work is provided in the research article. The author’s monitoring,

interviewing, experimental activities were performed during the Olympic

Games in Sochi in 2014. The general methodology of broadcasting, coverage,

perception of sports events is revealed. Sports priorities professional

ranking is specified. The notions of information and communication attractiveness,

communication and audience factor are thematically realized.

The specificity of information channels as sports theme message sources

through verbal and nonverbal speech implementation vectors is indicated.

Communication and metacommunication aspects of sports journalist’s professional

level are taxonomized. The role of sports mass media is clarified

on the basis of modern mass media technologies use.
Global trends of development of services in the post-industrial society
Authors: Аветисян Меружан , Avetisyan Meruzhan
Published: April 2015

The concept of post-industrial society represents a society in which the economy as a result of the technological revolution and significant income growth went from pre-emptive priority production of goods to production of services, has recently become even more relevant. For example, the World Bank experts, authors of the report "Industry of the future: a new era of global growth and innovation" argue that if a country has reached the average level of well-being, the share of services in GDP of the country begins to exceed the performance of industry and agriculture. Currently, as post-industrial countries are classified those countries in which the service sector accounts for well over half of GDP. Fall under this criterion, in the first place, the United States (the service sector accounts for 79.4% of US GDP), European Union (the service sector is 69.4% of the GDP of the EU countries), and all developed countries. A comparative analysis of the service sector in Russia shows that without a radical increase in the efficiency of the sector the transition of our country in the post-industrial stage of development is impossible. The post-industrial structure of the economy suggests that overall GDP of more than 50% is formed by the service sector. The rapid development of the service sector and the increase of its share in the gross national product are features of the country´s transition to a post-industrial stage of development. Only relatively recently came the understanding of the important role services can play in the process of integration into the global economy and the international division of labor. Overall condition of the Russian service sector shows that without a radical increase in the efficiency of this sector, to speak of Russia´s transition to a post-industrial stage of development is prematurely. Comparative analysis of the dependence of the well-being of the world from the share of services in countries’ GDP, revealed a number of interesting facts that have enabled the author to supplement, clarify and restate the conclusion of international experts as follows: the service sector in the GDP of the country begins to exceed the performance of industry and agriculture if the country embarked on the path of the main characteristics of the post-industrial society - the development of services. The welfare of the country, in this case does not matter. Moreover, at present the number of countries in which the service sector accounts for well over half of GDP, is growing rapidly.
Restructuring as an regulation instrument for the sanatorium complex in the Russian Federation
Authors: Подсевалова Елена , Podsevalova Elena , Зикирова Шахло , Zikirova Shakhlo , Свирюкова Ольга , Sviryukova Olga
Published: April 2015

The article highlights the necessity for restructuring sanatorium complex, indicates a need for the development and implementation of the state program of restructuring the network of companies of the sanatorium complex as an instrument of state influence, and reveals the specificity of services provided by enterprises belonging to the sanatorium-resort complex. The authors examine the elements of the sanatorium complex. Its main components are the enterprises, the activities of which are directly determined by the specifics of sanatorium services and have less to do with the treatment, but with the preservation of health. Sanatorium services are not essential services, so the demand for them is determined by social and psycho-physiological factors.

No less a significant element of the sanatorium complex controls are different levels. Resort business in Russia has historically been considered an object of state social policy, which is why the activities of management in view of the prevailing conditions in fact aimed at ensuring its development.

In this regard, management of the sanatorium complex on the part of public authorities is using such methods and forms, as program-oriented planning; achieving stability of the tax system; establishment of a regime of tax allowances for companies in this sector; government contracts; coordination of the activities of companies in the health resort; management of state property; prioritization of structural policy; antitrust regulation; provision of information services based on the introduction of new information technologies; licensing; certification; state supervision.

The article analyzes the differences in concepts such as "restructuring" and "reform"; and also addresses issues of reforming the enterprises of a service that involves a restructuring, and the factors that determine the need for restructuring the sanatorium complex, as well as for identifying deficiencies in operational planning and management in terms of restructuring. The authors note the need for the development and implementation of the conceptual foundations of respect for the health at the state level.
Formation of target capital by non-profit organizations
Authors: Бокарева Елена , Bokareva Elena , Егорова Елена , Egorova Elena , Леонова Анна , Lyeonova Anna , Мухоморова Ирина , Mukhomorova Irina
Published: April 2015

Russian education is undergoing serious changes, especially with respect to higher education. Today, both the state and science expect from universities a high level of service quality and independence in the choice of development strategy. In modern conditions, the university may not be effective, relying only on public funding. That is why for universities in Russia in the near future it is necessary to solve a question of finding additional funding sources, one of which is an increasingly popular mechanism of endowment funds. The relevance of the Endowment Funds for the higher education system is that they allow to accumulate financial resources and ensure the stable development of the universities in the long run. The article presents the results of investigation of the essence and methods of development of the financial mechanism of attraction and use of target capital. To achieve this goal, the following objectives form the structure of this article: a review of the history of the Endowment Funds; a market research of endowment funds in Russia; an analysis and evaluation of public awareness of Endowment Funds. Legislation in many countries stimulates the creation of the target capital, which is the source of income going to the financing of the non-profit sector as a non-profit organization forms an endowment, receives a stable and long-term source of funding for its activities. In addition, the target capital is a significantly more transparent model for donors, compared with the current or one-time funding to provide the ability to control of decision-making. The availability of endowment allows partial independence of non-profit organizations from one-time and sporadic donations, plan their activities in the long term. For non-profit organizations target capital means the ability to finance various projects and programs, professorships (for high schools), construction / renovation of buildings, staff development, etc. The availability of endowment informs that the organization is able to plan its activities for at least the next few years, which indicates a clear understanding by the employees of a nonprofit organization its mission and objectives.
Influence of tax preferences on the formation of budget revenues
Authors: Егорова Елена , Egorova Elena , Бокарева Елена , Bokareva Elena
Published: April 2015

One of the priorities of economic development is the formation of a stable and sustainable tax system for the Russian Federation for the upcoming planning period, and this means fiscal stability, promoting economic growth in business activity. In the current situation, the main focus of the tax must be made exactly on stimulating component of tax policy in order to ensure stimulation of the economy, as well as business agents to develop production and open new business in Russia. One of the tools of tax incentives are tax preferences. Legislators at the federal level should not make decisions for the regions, the regions should be given a greater autonomy in matters of incentives. In the first place, it is necessary to increase production and sales of competitive goods and services. Only by increasing the production of goods may be increased tax revenues. Today, taxes are considered solely as a means to supplement the budget. The government, seeking to reduce tax benefits, believes that this will contribute to greater density in the budget. But the reduction of tax preferences for the producers will have the opposite effect - a reduction of output and, consequently, a decrease in the output of goods as well as reduced tax revenues. Therefore, in our opinion, it is necessary not to reduce, but to increase government support through tax breaks, subsidies and different preferences, as this would increase the output of goods and, therefore, result in an increase in the tax base and in an increase in tax revenues.
Necessary and sufficient conditions for oscillations of first order neutral delay difference equations with constant coefficients
Authors: Murugesan A. , Sowmiya P.
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we establish the necessary and sufficient conditions for oscillation of the following first order neutral delay difference equationÂ \begin{equation*} \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad\quad \quad \quad \quad\Delta[x(n)+px(n-\tau)]+qx(n-\sigma)=0, \quad \quad n\geq n_0, \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad {(*)} \end{equation*}where \(\tau\) and \(\sigma\) are positive integers, \(p\neq 0\) is a real number and \(q\) is a positive real number. We proved that every solution of (*) oscillates if and only if its characteristic equation\begin{equation*}\quad \quad \quad \quad\quad \quad \quad \quad\quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad (\lambda-1)(1+p\lambda^{-\tau})+q\lambda^{-\sigma}=0\quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad {(**)} \end{equation*}has no positive roots.
The Worst of Both Worlds: How U.S. and U.K. Models are Influencing Australian Education
Authors: Dinham Stephen
Published: April 2015

This commentary explores the so-called global ‘crisis’ in education and the corresponding pressures and moves to ‘reform’ education, and in particular, public education. The myths underpinning and driving these developments are examined. Supposed problems with (public) education and proposed solutions are explored. The solutions include government, institutional and corporate support for non-traditional forms of schooling such as government funded independent, for-profit schools, free schools, charter schools, cyber schools and academies. These are proliferating despite a lack of supporting evidence and in some cases in spite of non-supportive evidence. General deregulation of education at all levels and a belief in the power of market forces to improve teaching, schooling and student achievement drive these developments, in which Australia is following closely in the footsteps of models developed in U.S. and the UK. Cumulatively, these forces and developments are resulting in the discrediting and dismantling of public education. Rather than being addressed and rectified, disadvantage is being reinforced and inequity deepened, widened and entrenched, something that is ultimately bad for everyone in society.
Singularities of relativistic membranes
Authors: Eggers J. , Hoppe J. , Hynek M. , Suramlishvili N.
Published: April 2015

Pointing out a crucial relation with caustics of the eikonal equation we discuss the singularity formation of 2-dimensional surfaces that sweep out 3-manifolds of zero mean curvature in R
Physical Properties of Polymer Support Fluids in Use and Their Measurement Techniques
Authors: Lam Carlos , Jefferis Stephan A.
Published: April 2015

This paper was concerned with the physical properties of polymeric excavation-support fluids during use and reuse in the field and the techniques for their measurement. Synthetic polymer fluids were used as replacements for conventional bentonite clay slurries for the construction of bored piles (drilled shafts) and diaphragm walls since the early 1990s. They are used, in part, because of their rheological properties, especially their shear-thinning behavior, but to date research has focused on clean fluids and little also has been reported on the effects of reuse under field conditions and on the suitability of viscosity measurement devices. To fill this knowledge gap, the properties of polymer fluids were measured on a construction site in London, UK, over the entire construction period of 52 days. It was found that the density of the fluid and hence other properties were highly dependent on the decisions made by the contractor and that a well-designed tank system could offer considerable benefits in terms of fluid maintenance. Regarding the monitoring of fluid viscosity, the Marsh funnel was, unsurprisingly, found to be unsuitable for detailed analyses; although it did provide some useful information about the overall fluid condition. However, with a direct-indicating viscometer, it was possible to characterize the shear-thinning properties of the fluids over a range of shear rates and stages of fluid use. From the test results, it was concluded that the effect of reuse was to increase in the overall fluid viscosity but at the same time to enhance the shear-thinning behavior.
Thermoset Polymer Reinforced With Silica Micro and Nanoparticles
Authors: Cesar dos Santos Júlio , Hallak Panzera Túlio , Luiz Christoforo André , de Oliveira Vieira Kayo , Antonio Schiavon Marco , Antonio Rocco Lahr Francisco
Published: April 2015

Fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) have been used to replace conventional materials in a wide range of applications in transportation and civil engineering. The dispersion of nanoparticles and microparticles into epoxy matrix phase has been widely investigated to enhance the mechanical properties of hybrid FRCs. The nanoparticles generate large attractive forces among themselves, providing a significant tendency to agglomerate. A chemical treatment based on diallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDDA) was evaluated to disperse the silica nanoparticles within the epoxy polymer. A microstructural analysis was conducted to better assess the results. Experimental analysis was carried out based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tuckey test in order to verify the effect of PDDA treatment, silica particle size (micro and nano), and silica particle inclusion (1, 2, and 3.5 wt.%) on the mechanical properties of epoxy polymer commonly used as matrix phase in FRCs. The PDDA treatment was able to disperse the silica nanoparticles. The incorporation of 1 wt. % of silica micro or 1 and 2 wt. % of nanoparticles slightly improved the tensile strength and modulus of the epoxy polymer.
A Composite-Likelihood Method for Detecting Incomplete Selective Sweep from Population Genomic Data
Authors: Vy Ha My T , Kim Yuseob
Published: April 2015

Adaptive evolution occurs as beneficial mutations arise and then increase in frequency by positive natural selection. How, when, and where in the genome such evolutionary events occur is a fundamental question in evolutionary biology. It is possible to detect ongoing positive selection or an incomplete selective sweep in species with sexual reproduction because, when a beneficial mutation is on the way to fixation, homologous chromosomes in the population are divided into two groups: one carrying the beneficial allele with very low polymorphism at nearby linked loci and the other carrying the ancestral allele with a normal pattern of sequence variation. Previous studies developed long-range haplotype tests to capture this difference between two groups as the signal of an incomplete selective sweep. In this study, we propose a composite-likelihood-ratio (CLR) test for detecting incomplete selective sweeps based on the joint sampling probabilities for allele frequencies of two groups as a function of strength of selection and recombination rate. Tested against simulated data, this method yielded statistical power and accuracy in parameter estimation that are higher than the iHS test and comparable to the more recently developed nSL test. This procedure was also applied to African Drosophila melanogaster population genomic data to detect candidate genes under ongoing positive selection. Upon visual inspection of sequence polymorphism, candidates detected by our CLR method exhibited clear haplotype structures predicted under incomplete selective sweeps. Our results suggest that different methods capture different aspects of genetic information regarding incomplete sweeps and thus are partially complementary to each other.
Listado anotado de Solanum L. (Solanaceae) en el Perú
Authors: Särkinen Tiina , Baden Maria , Gonzáles Paúl , Cueva Marco , Giacomin Leandro L. , Spooner David M. , Simon Reinhard , Juárez Henry , Nina Pamela , Molina Johanny , Knapp Sandra
Published: April 2015

Solanum L. es uno de los géneros que posee una alta riqueza de especies dentro de la flora peruana y dentro de los Andes tropicales en general. Presentamos una lista revisada de 276 especies de Solanum para el Perú, de estas 253 son nativas, mientras que 23 son introducidas y/o cultivadas. Un total de 74 especies de Solanum (29% de las especies nativas) son endémicas de Perú. Además 58 especies se encuentran solamente en pequeñas poblaciones fuera del Perú, y estas especies están designadas aquí como casi endémicas para destacar el rol importante del Perú en la futura protección de estas especies. El pico de diversidad de especies es observado entre 2500 – 3000 m de elevación, pero la diversidad de especies endémicas es más alta entre 3000 – 3500 m. Cajamarca tiene el más alto número de especies (130 spp.) y de especies endémicas (29 spp.), incluso si se considera el efecto del área. Centros de diversidad de especies endémicas se localizan en las provincias de Cajamarca (Cajamarca), Huaraz y Carhuaz (Ancash), Canta y Huarochirí (Lima). Centros de endemismos secundarios con una alta concentración tanto de especies endémicas y de casi endémicas se encuentran en San Ignacio y Cutervo (Cajamarca), Santiago de Chuco (La Libertad), Oxapampa (Pasco), y Cusco (Cusco): Los actuales patrones de diversidad están altamente correlacionados con la densidad de colecciones, por lo que es necesario una mayor colecta en todas las regiones, especialmente en Arequipa, Ayacucho, Puno, Ancash, Huánuco, Amazonas y Cajamarca, donde se indican altos niveles de diversidad y endemismo de especies, pero de las cuales existen pocas colecciones.
Biodegradación de hidrocarburos en fondos de tanques de la industria petrolera
Authors: Pucci Graciela , Acuña Adrián , Pucci Oscar
Published: April 2015

Los fondos de tanques provenientes de la industria petrolera son un problema ambiental a resolver en la cuenca del golfo San Jorge. En este trabajo se estudio la biodegradación del hidrocarburo remanente que queda en el sedimento después del lavado con agua y detergente del fondo de tanque. Se realizaron bioreactores a los cuales se los siguió con el sistema OxiTop, consumo de oxígeno, se realizaron recuentos bacterianos y determinación de hidrocarburos por infrarrojo (IR) y por cromatografía gaseosa (GC). El sedimento proveniente del lavado de fondo de tanque contenía cantidad suficiente de bacterias degradadoras y aerobias totales, con un predominio de los géneros Pseudomonas sp y Rhodococcus sp que junto a las condiciones de 20 % humedad, oxigenación y nutrientes en una proporción de 100:3:03 redujeron los hidrocarburos de 2,9 a 0,4 %. La degradación se produjo mayoritariamente entre los hidrocarburos alifáticos de cadena entre 13 a 26 átomos de carbono, la fracción aromáticas presentó baja degradación.
Towards a framework for assessing foreign language oral proficiency in a large-scale test setting
Authors: Levi Tziona
Published: April 2015

This paper presents the qualitative findings of a study that applied Dynamic Assessment (DA) to an English as a foreign language (EFL) oral proficiency test within a large-scale context in secondary schools in outlying areas in Israel. Two formats of mediation were scrutinized. Micro-genetic analysis of learners’ discourse during their interactions present several salient features showing rich potential for application in a large-scale setting: knowledge construction, self/peer interaction, self-criticism, use of L1 to advance L2, blurred roles of participants in a community of practice, group-DA and group ZPD. Clearer understanding of DA mechanisms and the current findings may lead to greater and more effective use of dynamic assessment in oral proficiency testing, especially with large groups.
Panorama dos Retornos dos IPO's sob o Ponto de Vista do Investidor
Authors: Oliveira Jailson da Conceição Teixeira de , Cunha Daniel Carvalho
Published: April 2015

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar os processos de abertura de capital de empresas que ocorreram no Brasil no período de 2004 a 2010 e avaliar se eles têm trazido benefícios para os investidores individualmente. Para analisar o desempenho do IPO no mercado acionário brasileiro serão empregados os métodos Market Adjusted Abnormal Returns (MAARSS) e Buy-and-Hold Adjusted Returns (BHARS), os mesmos utilizados por Toniato (2007) que comparam o retorno de uma ação qualquer com o seu respectivo benchmarks. As rentabilidades calculadas a partir da data dos IPO's foram extraídas da plataforma Bloomberg. e mensuradas para as seguintes janelas: 1 dia, 1 ano e 3 anos, períodos semelhantes aos escolhidos por Ritter e Welch (2002). Os resultados obtidos nesse trabalho confirmam o fenômeno do underpricing na amostra e apontam ainda que os retornos de longo prazo são afetados pelo aquecimento do mercado no lançamento dos IPO's. Fica como sugestão para trabalhos futuros isolar o efeito provocado pelos coordenadores na precificação da oferta e, por conseguinte, no desempenho das ações, em função do aquecimento de mercado.
Association between Opioid Receptor mu 1 (OPRM1) Gene Polymorphisms and Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption in a Spanish Population
Authors: Francès Francesc , Portolés Olga , Castelló Ana , Costa Jose Antonio , Verdú Fernando
Published: April 2015

Evidence gained from animals and humans suggests that the encephalic opioid system might be involved in the development of drug addiction through its role in reward. Our aim is to assess the influence of genetic variations in the opioid receptor mu 1 on alcohol and tobacco consumption in a Spanish population. 763 unrelated individuals (465 women, 298 men) aged 18-85 years were recruited between October 2011 and April 2012. Participants were requested to answer a 35-item questionnaire on tobacco and alcohol consumption, as well as to complete the AUDIT and Fagerström tests. Individuals were genotyped for three polymorphisms in the opioid receptor mu 1 (OPRM1) gene, using a TaqMan® protocol. In males, the rs10485057 polymorphism was associated with total pure ethanol intake and with the risk of being an alcohol consumer. Also, this polymorphism was significantly associated with higher Fagerström scores. Rs1799971 had a different influence on adaptive and maladaptive patterns of alcohol use. Despite the limited sample size, our study might enrich current knowledge on patterns of alcohol use, because it encompasses both extreme and adaptive phenotypes, providing thus a wider perspective on this subject.
Comparative proteomic analysis of cancerous and adjacent normal lung tissues
Authors: Ki Beom Lee , Kyung Bae Pi
Published: April 2015

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in industrialized countries. Unfortunately, most lung cancers are found too late for a cure, therefore early detection and treatment is very important. We have applied proteomic analysis by using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and peptide mass fingerprinting techniques for examination of cancerous and adjacent non-cancerous lung tissues from the same patient. The aim of the study was to find proteins, which could be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring of this disease. Indeed, we found differences in expression of several proteins, related to various cellular activities, such as, chaperoning (e,g. GRP96, GRP78, HSP27), metabolism and oxidation stress (e.g. L-fucose, GST), cytoskeleton (e.g., tubulin beta 2/3, beta actin), cell adhesion (e.g. annexin A5/3), binding proteins (e.g. 14-3-3 theta) and signal transduction. These changes may be important for progression of carcinogenesis; they may be used as the molecular-support for future diagnostic markers.
A decrease of sensitivity of adenylyl cyclase and heterotrimeric g-proteins to chorionic gonadotropin and peptide hormones action in the tissues of reproductive system of the rats in the condition of experimental type 2 diabetes
Authors: Shpakov A.O. , Derkach K.V. , Bondareva V.M.
Published: April 2015

Patients with different forms of the diabetes, particularly with insulin-independent type 2 diabetes have a wide spectrum of the disturbances of the functions of reproductive system. It is supposed that the main reason of these disturbances is altered sensitivity of reproductive system tissues to regulatory action of hormones. The aim of the work was the identification of the changes in functioning of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) - and peptide hormones-sensitive adenylyl cyclase system (ACS) in the ovary, testes and uterus of rats with neonatal streptozotocin (STZ) diabetes that is similar to the type 2 diabetes in humans. The effects of hCG, PACAP-38 and relaxin, realizing their effects via G-protein of the stimulatory type (Gs), and somatostatin, acting via G-protein of the inhibitory type (Gi), on adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity and the GTP binding of the G-proteins were studied. Regulatory effects of hCG and PACAP-38 decreased in the ovary and testes of rats with STZ type 2 diabetes, while the effects of somatostatin decreased in all investigated tissues (in a considerable extent in the uterus). This expressed in the weakening of hormonal effects on AC activity, stimulating in the case of hCG and PACAP-38 and inhibiting in the case of somatostatin, and in the decrease of stimulation of the GTP binding by the hormones. At the same time a significant decrease of ACS sensitivity to relaxin in the tissues of diabetic rats was not found. Data obtained suggest that the key reason of the disturbances of reproductive functions in experimental type 2 diabetes is the decrease of ACS sensitivity to the hormones, such as hCG, PACAP-38 and somatostatin, that play a important role in functioning of reproductive system.
Determination of total aminothiols and neuroactive amino acids in plasma by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection
Authors: Pozdeev V.K. , Pozdeyev N.V.
Published: April 2015

This paper describes a simple and sensitive reversed-phase HPLC method for the determination of total homocysteine, total cysteine, total glutathione (GSH+GSSG), and neuroactive amino acids (Asp, Glu, Tau, GABA) using precolumn derivatization with ortho-phtaldialdehyde and fluorimetric detection at 360 and 470 nm for emission and excitation, respectively. Derivatization was performed with ortho-phthaldialdehyde in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol after alkylation of the free sulfhydryl groups with iodoacetic acid. For determination of total aminothiols, the disulfide bonds were reduced and protein-bound thiols were released by addition of dithiothreitol to the plasma sample. The advantage of this method is the simultaneous determination of both homocysteine/cysteine/glutathione and neuroactive amino acids in the sample. The plasma levels of studied compounds were determined in 14 healthy volunteers (20-45 years old) and 55 patients with chronic hepatitis C (20-49 years old) and the resulting numbers were in a good agreement the studies published earlier. The calibration curves were linear over a concentration range of 5-100 μM in plasma (r2=0.985-0.996). The intraday and interday coefficients of variation were 3-6% and 4-7%, respectively. The recovery of the standards added to the plasma samples ranged from 94 to 102%. The limits of detection (LOD) were 0.2-0.5 ng per 10 μl injection volume (signal-to-noise ratio of 3).
Preparation of affinity sorbents with immobilized synthetic ligands for therapeutic apheresis
Authors: Levashov P.A. , Afanasieva O.I. , Dmitrieva O.A. , Klesareva E.V. , Adamova I.Yu. , Afanasieva M.I. , Bespalova Zh.D. , Sidorova M.V. , Pokrovsky S.N.
Published: April 2015

Preparation and stability of a few examples of medical sorbents are described. A simple and practical technique has been developed for sorbent preparation with the low weight synthetic ligands such as amino acids, peptides or oligosaccharides. This approach to sorbent preparation enables the development of the new affine columns generation for medicine and biotechnology to be carried out with ease.
Phenothiazines are slowly oxidizable substrates of horseradish peroxidase
Authors: Rogozhina T.V. , Rogozhin V.V.
Published: April 2015

Reactions of peroxidase oxidation of triftazine and thioproperazine have been investigated in the presence of horseradish peroxidase using steady state kinetic methods. It has been shown that phenothiazines are slowly oxidizable substrates for horseradish peroxidase. kcat and Km values have been determined in the range of pH from 4.5 to 7.5. The study of co-oxidation of phenothiazines and o-dianisidine (ODN) revealed that in the presence of aminazine and ODN in the reaction medium both substances follow sequential oxidation. ODN oxidation was not observed until full conversion of aminazine. At pH 4.5-5.5 thioproperazine bound to the enzyme-substrate complex and caused a nticompetitive inhibition of peroxidase. At pH>5.5 sequential substrate oxidation with preferential thioproperazine conversion occurred. In the range of pH from 4.5 to 7.5 triftazine did not influence ODN oxidation.