bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A spatiotemporal observation of EndMT and mesenchymal cell colonization at the onset of human cardiac valve development
Authors: Monaghan Michael G. , Linneweh Miriam , Liebscher Simone , Van Handel Ben , Layland Shannon L. , Schenke-Layland Katja
Published: December 2015

Elucidation of mechanisms in semilunar valve development may enable the development of new therapies. Here, we found differences in proliferation-associated genes and genes repressed by vascular endothelial growth factor between human semilunar valves from first and second trimester valve leaflets. The proliferation of valve interstitial cells and ventricular valve endothelial cells (VECs) and cellular density declined from the first to the second trimester. Cytoplasmic expression of nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc-1) in VECs (4 weeks), and later cells in the leaflet/annulus junction mesenchyme expressing inactive NFATc-1 (5.5-9 weeks) were detected, indicative of EndMT in valvulogenesis. At this leaflet/annulus junction CD44+ cells clustered during elongation (11 weeks), extending toward the tip along the fibrosal layer in second trimester leaflets. Differing patterns of maturation in the fibrosa and ventricularis were detected via increased fibrosal periostin content, which tracked the presence of the CD44+ cells in the second trimester.

We revealed that spatiotemporal NFATc-1 expression actively regulates EndMT during human valvulogenesis, as early as 4 weeks. Additionally, CD44+ cells play a role in leaflet maturation toward the trilaminar structure, possibly via migration of VECs undergoing EndMT, which subsequently ascend from the leaflet/annulus junction.
WDR8 is a centriolar satellite and centriole-associated protein that promotes ciliary vesicle docking during ciliogenesis
Authors: Kurtulmus Bahtiyar , Wang Wenbo , Ruppert Thomas , Neuner Annett , Cerikan Berati , Viol Linda , Dueñas-Sánchez Rafael , Gruss Oliver J. , Pereira Gislene
Published: December 2015

Ciliogenesis initiates at the mother centriole through a series of events that include membrane docking, displacement of cilia-inhibitory proteins and axoneme elongation. Centriolar proteins, in particular at distal and subdistal appendages, carry out these functions. Recently, cytoplasmic complexes named centriolar satellites have also been shown to promote ciliogenesis. Little is known about the functional and molecular relationship between appendage proteins, satellites and cilia biogenesis. Here, we identified the WD-repeat protein 8 (WDR8, also known as WRAP73) as a satellite and centriolar component. We show that WDR8 interacts with the satellite proteins SSX2IP and PCM1 as well as the centriolar proximal end component Cep135. Cep135 is required for the recruitment of WDR8 to centrioles. Depletion experiments revealed that WDR8 and Cep135 have strongly overlapping functions in ciliogenesis. Both are indispensable for ciliary vesicle docking to the mother centriole and for unlocking the distal end of the mother centriole from the ciliary inhibitory complex CP110–Cep97. Our data thus point to an important function of centriolar proximal end proteins in ciliary membrane biogenesis, and establish WDR8 and Cep135 as two factors that are essential for the initial steps of ciliation.
One-Pot Facile Synthesis of Water-Soluble Cationic Aluminum(III) Porphyrins in a Unique Heterogeneous System at Ambient Temperature
Authors: Mathew Siby , Kuttassery Fazalurahman , Yamamoto Daisuke , Onuki Satomi , Nabetani Yu , Tachibana Hiroshi , Inoue Haruo
Published: December 2015

Water-soluble cationic 5,10,15,20-tetra(N-methyl-4′-pyridiniumyl)porphyrinatoaluminum(III) (AlTMPyP) has been synthesized by novel one-pot reaction between the parent free-base porphyrin and trimethyl aluminum in a heterogeneous system at ambient temperature. Subsequent addition of water results in the formation of hydroxy-coordinated AlTMPyP(OH) in high yield (96%).
Promoting the Carbon Removal in Coal Utilization-A Benefit-Risk Analysis among Full-Chain Carbon Capture and Utilization Project
Authors: Zhu Lei , Liu Xin
Published: December 2015

The full-chain development of CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) requires the cooperation of different stakeholders. Focusing on full-chain CCS-EOR (enhanced oil recovery) projects, this study presents a benefit-risk analysis for two kinds of stakeholder (power plant owner and oil field owner). Their interaction (in CO2 capture and utilization) will be reflected in the contract design, in terms of several items referring to price setting and cost sharing. Taking account of uncertainty factors and operational flexibility, benefits and risks for a power plant and an oil field cooperating on a CCS-EOR project can be separately evaluated. The simulation results show that the oil field occupies the dominant position in cooperative CO2 utilization, and that contract design needs to improve the position of power plants, especially in terms of the pricing power of captured CO2. The present approach can help different stakeholders in the CCS value chain to better identify their level of benefit and risk, and to support the negotiation of cost and risk sharing among different stakeholders in full-chain CCS deployment.
Early-Age Index Choosing for Long-Term Quality Evaluation of Concrete Structures
Authors: Zhao Yuxi , Zhang Hongru , Chen Can , Jin Weiliang
Published: December 2015

This paper aims to reveal the relationship between typical early-age and long-term properties of concrete structures, in order to select proper early-age indexes to predict or evaluate the long-term performance of concrete structures. Four groups of concrete specimens were prepared in different construction scenarios. Cube compressive strength, air permeability, chloride ion penetration, steel bar corrosion, and porosity of the four groups of concrete specimens were tested at different ages. The test results have confirmed the significant influence of both vibration and curing conditions on concrete qualities. Furthermore, in this study, the 28-day air permeability index has been proved to have good correlation with the tested durability indexes, including the chloride ion diffusion coefficient and corrosion current density of steel bars in concrete. It is recommended in this paper that the 28-day air permeability index, together with the 28-day compressive strength, should be chosen as the early-age property index for long-term quality evaluation or prediction of concrete structures.
Seismic Fragility Analysis of an Isolated Continuous Girder Bridge Using the Response Surface Method with Random Factors
Authors: Long X.H. , Fan J. , Yang B.B. , Chen B.L.
Published: December 2015

To improve the efficiency of seismic fragility analysis, this paper analyzes the seismic fragility of isolated continuous girder bridges by adopting the response surface method with random factors. A three-dimensional finite element model is established for a typical RC isolated continuous girder bridge in western China using the finite element analysis software OpenSees. Next, test samples are determined according to experimental design theory by simultaneously accounting for the uncertainty of the structure itself and the earthquake ground motion. The response surface models of the scenario's structural capability can be obtained in terms of the numerical calculation results, after which structural parameter sensitivity analysis is conducted. On this basis, a seismic fragility curve for the major components and structural system can be obtained by the Latin Hypercube method. The analysis shows that concrete's compressive strength is the dominant factor affecting structural capacity in the parameter sensitivity analysis. Use of isolation bearing greatly reduces the possibility of pier damage by contrasting the seismic fragility curve. Briefly, the application of this method not only decreases the workload immensely, providing a new idea for seismic fragility analysis, but also has significant, practical value for the design and optimization of similar isolated bridges.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigation on Mechanical Performance of Aluminum Alloy Beams in Unit Curtain Walls
Authors: Hui Cun , Zhu Yanzhi , Wang Bin , Wang Yuanqing , Tao Wei
Published: December 2015

On the basis of the following three experiments: (1) a single beam, (2) an unit curtain wall loaded with pressurized chamber, and (3) an unit curtain wall (UCW) loaded with sandbags, the mechanical performance of aluminium alloy beams was assessed. The experimental beams held like an open-section in an unit curtain wall, which was loaded due to wind. The out-of-plane and in-plane deformations as well as the strain of the male and female beams were measured, the results of which show that the values obtained from the aforementioned three experiments were approximately close to each other. The mechanical performance and the load-bearing capacity of the aluminium alloy beams were analyzed by using the Chinese code, the British and the American standards. On comparison, the experimental results of the load-bearing capacity were higher than that of the theoretical results. To optimize the utilization of material used in an open cross-section of the aluminium alloy beam, the theoretical method should be modified keeping in view the experimental results.
Long-Term Health Monitoring of in-Service Bridge Deck by Covariance of Covariance Matrix of Acceleration Responses
Authors: Wang L. X. , Li X. Y. , Tan Y. , Law S. S.
Published: December 2015

The covariance of covariance (CoC) matrix is formed from the auto/cross-correlation function of acceleration responses of a structure under white noise ambient excitation. The components are function of the modal parameters of the structure and contain more information on the vibration modes of the structure compared to the general existing methods for extracting the modal parameters. This paper makes use of the CoC matrix and a new pattern match criterion for long-term health monitoring, damage localization and quantification of a five-bay three-dimensional frame structure. A large amount of measured data from an in-service suspension bridge is also analyzed. Only the acceleration responses are required to compute the covariance of covariance matrix. The components of the matrix are analyzed and the effects of the traffic flow and environmental temperature are studied. Finally, a strategy to identify the abnormal state of the bridge is presented based on the properties of the CoC components of the bridge. The CoC matrix is shown suitable for analyzing huge amount of measured data for the output-only structural damage detection without need of an analytical model.
Progressive Collapse Analysis of RC Buildings against Internal Blast
Authors: Al-Salloum Y.A. , Almusallam T.H. , Khawaji M.Y. , Ngo T. , Elsanadedy H.M. , Abbas H.
Published: December 2015

This paper seeks to explore the vulnerability of a typical reinforced concrete (RC) building against progressive collapse as a consequence of internal blast. The emphasis has been on the local model analysis for which two approaches – one involving the use of CONWEP and another using fluid-structure interaction through Alternate Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) element formulation - have been employed. The finite element model of the structure was created using LS-DYNA, which uses explicit time integration algorithms for solution. The results of the study are proposed to be used to control or prevent progressive collapse of the building. In order to validate the employed numerical models, blast test results of a RC column available in literature were validated using LS-DYNA modeling of the RC column. The deformation response of the column was compared which showed acceptable prediction.
The Ways of Bertrand Paradox Overcoming in Light of Tasks of System Modeling
Authors: Высокий  , Vysokiy Victor
Published: December 2015

In this article there are offered the ways of Bertrand paradox overcoming

existing in microeconomics. There is employed an inversion approach for

a linear method regarding the market competition models by analogy with

the gravitational traffic models. By the way the analogies with the regularities

in electrical engineering are also revealed. The new ways of modeling of the

territorially dispersed systems are open, for example, settlements systems,

whose elements are economically linked.

In this article there are used the scientific results achieved with the support

of The Russian Foundation for Basic Research for the project No. 13-07-91151,

entitled as «The Academic Exchange on Simulation of Urban Spatial Development

between Russia and China», made under supervision of F.S. Kudryavtsev.
The Concept of Innovative-Technological Development
Authors: Каленов  , Kalenov Oleg
Published: December 2015

The article considers a conceptual approach to the definition of innovativetechnological

development of the company. The author presents the process of

development in the form of functional dependence that defines the instruments

which provided the process and results the scheme of the national innovation

system.
Hepatocellular carcinoma: management of a complex and challenging condition
Authors: Al-Kadhimi Gill
Published: December 2015

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma is increading in the Western world, including in the UK. Late diagnosis impacts sigificantly on treatment options, and as the majority of patients will also have an underlying chronic liver disease, management is complex and challenging. Early referral to a specialist centre with a multidisciplinary team is critical in order to provide the best standard of care and maximum treatment options for the patient. Prevention is key, along with early diagnosis. Outcomes should be measured not just by length of survival, but also by the quality of that survival, and it is in this area that nurses can play a pivotal role
Older people and alcohol use
Authors: Bakhshi Savita , While Alison E
Published: December 2015

The proportion of older people drinking alcohol above the recommended levels is increasing in the UK. Alcohol dependency and misuse can lead to various physical and psychological problems for older people. A range of factors can influence alcohol dependency and misuse among older adults, which need careful consideration when interventions are being developed to reduce consumption. Interventions to reduce alcohol consumption among older people can include: home visits; telephone support; mentoring; one-to-one and group programmes; family and community engagement programmes; outreach programmes; targeted support groups focused on education; and social activities alongside proactive health promotion during hospital and GP appointments. There is a need for the training of hospital nurses focused on improving the detection (screening and assessment), treatment and service provision for older people.
Minding your Ps and Qs
Authors: Teare Sally
Published: December 2015

To what extent should children be pressured into saying please and thank you? Sally Teare examines current debate around this and highlights the benefits of courtesy in the context of child development.
Splish and splash
Authors: Baker Paula
Published: December 2015

Children are often drawn to puddles. Take advantage of rainy weather to take the children outdoors to splash in the puddles and hone their mathematics skills in an entertaining way.
Tender loving care
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: December 2015

Set up a veterinary practice with the children in your role play area, with inspiration from Let's Make and Play: Teddy Bear Doctor by Deanna Cook, and help them care for the toy animals in your setting.
Special story sacks
Authors: Garner Lynne
Published: December 2015

Encourage children to develop a love of books by using them as a basis for other fun activities and imaginative play in and outside the classroom environment.
MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF Cu2+ SUBSTITUTED BaFe12-xCuxO19 (x= 0.1,0.2,0.3,..., 4)
Authors: Humaidi Syahrul , S Ratna A , S Tua Raja , S Seri Dermayu , S Perdamean
Published: December 2015

Permanent magnet Barium M-Hexaferrite, BaFe12-x Cux O19  was synthesized with  a wide range of x (x = 0.1, 0.2,  …, 3 and 4mole% respectively). The precursor was made by mixing BaCO3 powder and Fe2O3  powder, whereas CuO powder was used as additive. The powders were mixed together by wet milling in distilled water medium for 20 hours. The powders  had been dried at a temperature of 1000C for 24 h before calcined at a temperature of 11000C for 2 hours. The powders were then grained to prepare 400 mesh (38 µm) in diameter.  The samples density was determined by using Archimedes method, magnetic properties by using permagraph,  crystal structure by XRD-pattern and microwave absorbing properties using VNA. The hysteresis curve showed that the value of magnetic field ranging from  43.36 G to 100.42 G , remanence magnetic induction (Br) 20G-320G, coercivity (HcJ) 1.07 kOe to 9.22 kOe and energy production (BH) max from 0.05kGOe to 0.92 kGOe with a density from 3.82 g/cm3 to 5.2 g/cm3. The  effect of Cu doping tent to increase the value of density with an optimum magnetic properties at  x=0.3%mole.
From Cooperation to Capacitation: Cuban Medical Internationalism in the South Pacific
Authors: Chris Walker  , John M. Kirk
Published: December 2015

This article analyses Cuba's medical missions in the South Pacific and specifically in Timor-Leste (East Timor), the largest outside of Latin America. Here, the adaptation of Cuba's low-technology and low-resourced preventive-focused medical model (based on the development of human capital) is used to highlight lessons regarding effective medical cooperation. This article finds that these lessons should be drawn from the dynamic and creative adaptations of the Cuban medical model, which are assisting South Pacific medical systems by scaling up primary care workforces to target previously underserved areas. Thus, the contribution of Cuban medical personnel, bolstered by the education of indigenous South Pacific students (trained by Cuban professors, both in Havana and locally) has developed into unique medical models for South Pacific nations. Such models of cooperation are also clearly adaptable elsewhere.
Studying public deliberation after the systemic turn: the crucial role for interpretive research
Authors: Ercan Selen A , Hendriks Carolyn M , Boswell John
Published: December 2015

The recent shift towards a deliberative systems approach suggests understanding public deliberation as a communicative activity occurring in a diversity of spaces. While theoretically attractive, the deliberative systems approach raises a number of methodological questions for empirical social scientists. For example, how does one identify multiple communicative sites within a deliberative system, how does one study connections between different sites, and how does one assess the impact of the broader context on deliberative forums and systems? Drawing on multiple case studies, this article argues that interpretive research methods are well-suited to studying the ambiguities, dynamics and politics of complex deliberative systems.
El paludismo en Fuente Álamo de Murcia en los siglos XVIII y XIX
Authors: Castejón Porcel Gregorio
Published: December 2015

En los siglos XVIII y XIX, Fuente Álamo de Murcia se vio afectada por diversos brotes palúdicos dentro de la afección febril generalizada que afligía a gran parte del territorio nacional, especialmente al área levantina. La existencia natural de varias zonas encharcadas en el cauce de las ramblas adyacentes al núcleo poblacional, fue el detonante de estos brotes tercianarios cuyos efectos fueron especialmente graves en la población. A mediados del XVIII, Juan Antonio García Serón decidió hacerse cargo de las colosales obras que eran necesarias para iniciar el drenaje de las zonas marjalencas; pero no será hasta mediados del XIX cuando desaparecerán los problemas causados por las tercianas, gracias al intenso aprovechamiento de las aguas captadas mediante los sistemas de galerías con lumbreras existentes (el primero creado por el señor Serón en 1753 y el segundo construido por sus descendientes, pertenecientes a la familia Girón, en 1837-1840) y mediante los numerosos pozos verticales que extraían el agua del subsuelo por medio de la fuerza eólica o animal, lo que provocó el descenso de los niveles freáticos y la desaparición de las fuentes naturales que alimentaban las charcas.
La movilidad en el Campus Vila-seca de la URV: propuestas para una movilidad más sostenible
Authors: Saladié Òscar , Jurado Joan
Published: December 2015

Mediante una encuesta a 191 estudiantes de los grados de Turismo y de Geografía y Ordenación del Territorio de la URV se ha analizado la movilidad durante el curso académico desde su lugar de residencia hasta el Campus Vila-seca. En un 64,4% el desplazamiento se realiza en coche y el 67,5% van solos en el vehículo. A mucha distancia del coche se encuentra el autobús (19,9%). Un 7,3% se desplazan en tren y un 6,8% a pie. Existen diferencias significativas teniendo en cuenta el municipio de residencia de los estudiantes. El principal motivo para escoger el coche es la rapidez en el desplazamiento (41,5%), seguido de la poca oferta de transporte público (26%). Por su parte, las principales razones esgrimidas entre los usuarios de autobús y tren son el precio (32,1%) y el hecho de no disponer de vehículo propio (28,3%). Seis de cada diez de los estudiantes que se desplazan en coche cambiarían a un medio de transporte colectivo si las razones aducidas para no hacerlo no se dieran. Finalmente, se proponen un total de seis acciones para alcanzar una movilidad más sostenible.
BENITO DEL POZO, P. (Dir.) (2014): Planificación territorial y desarrollo del suelo empresarial en España. Cizur Menor (Navarra): Aranzadi, 242 pp.
Authors: Feo Parrondo Francisco , Moliní Fernando
Published: December 2015

A lo largo de las últimas décadas ha adquirido en España un notable recimiento la preocupación por la planificación territorial y la regulación de suelos empresariales. En la obra aquí reseñada este tema se desarrolla y actualiza para los casos de Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla-León y Navarra. El libro resulta imprescindible para conocer los cambios que sobre el suelo productivo se han producido en dichas Comunidades Autónomas (CC.AA) a lo largo de las últimas décadas. El trabajo aborda un tema de gran interés, proporciona un análisis riguroso, ofrece información valiosa y está muy bien escrito. Cabe destacar el mérito que tiene el que un proyecto de investigación se publique en una obra de tanta calidad y en una editorial de tanto prestigio. Lo que sí habría sido conveniente es que el título se refiriese únicamente al noroeste de España y no a su conjunto.
Analyst Earning Forecasts and Advertising and R&D Budgets: Role of Agency Theoretic Monitoring and Bonding Costs
Authors: Chakravarty Anindita , Grewal Rajdeep
Published: December 2015

Because security analysts, who serve as brokers between public firms and investors, arrive at their forecasts by incorporating guidance from managers, there is immense pressure on the managers to meet or beat analyst earnings forecasts; moreover, investors reward (penalize) firms for exceeding (missing) analyst forecasts. Reasoning that decisions taken in response to analyst forecasts involve discretionary budgets, the authors study four contingent conditions under which quarterly analyst forecasts drive unanticipated adjustments to advertising and R&D budgets, and the long-term consequences of these budgetary changes. The choice of contingent conditions is related to agency theory–driven concepts of monitoring and bonding costs. Results from a panel data set of 515 firms and a hierarchical Bayesian model that provides firm-level coefficients show that both artificially imposed incentives on managers (monitoring costs) and personal career management concerns (bonding costs) moderate the extent to which managers react to analyst forecasts. Specifically, (1) bonus versus equity proportion of CEO compensation enhances the likelihood of managers reacting to analyst forecasts with unanticipated decreases in advertising and R&D budgets; (2) output experience of CEOs decreases this likelihood; (3) throughput experience of CEOs increases this likelihood; and (4) increasing marketing and R&D intensity decreases this likelihood. The authors also find that the unanticipated adjustments in advertising and R&D budgets adversely affect long-term firm returns and risk.
Students’ Attitude Towards Self-Study: A Case of College Study Programmes in Social Sciences
Authors: Klizaitė Jūratė , Arlauskienė Renata
Published: December 2015

In recent years, the significance of quality in higher education has been emphasised, with special emphasis placed on the opinion of students. The present paper analyses the attitude of college students towards self-study assignments as a factor essential for the development of generic competences, presently related to the widely discussed educational paradigms, such as student-oriented learning, metacognitive study strategies, and holistic personality development. The changes in the educational paradigms and recent fundamental and applied research reveal the importance of student independent work in the study process and the development of abilities necessary for learning, the enhancing of motivation, and the promotion of reflection and critical thinking. A new attitude towards the development of student thinking and the enhancing of their activity has been formed. Students‘ generic abilities necessary for independent work and relevant for the solution of the problems arising in their professional activity in the future (monitoring, organisation, communication, work in a team, etc.), as well as their learning motivation, are different. Student selfstudy activity is a major integral part of college studies, and it has to be appropriately organised, monitored, assessed, and provided with the most important sources of information and technologies. The research aim is to identify the views of college students on self-study assignments in the process of implementation of study programmes in social sciences. The analysis of the outcomes of the student survey and of the research of other authors is expected to lead to the identification of the weaknesses in the organisation of self-study activities and to contribute to the forecasting of the improvement trends and the development of generic competences that integrate individual knowledge, abilities, and attitudes into a whole and and consciously channel them in the chosen direction.
Learning in Later Life: The Perspective of Successful Ageing
Authors: Šatienė Salomėja
Published: December 2015

The integrated approach to the development of educational theory of later life learning should be informed by comprehensive knowledge of ageing as a social construct. Establishment of the role of later life learning in the context of successful ageing paradigm encompasses both sociological and educational perspectives taking into consideration the complexity of older people’s engagement in society and participation in education with regard to social use for the learning outcomes and personal growth. In the context of successful ageing, it should provide the answers to the questions related to the meaning and role of learning in later life. The present research aims to explore the role of learning in the construct of successful ageing and to analyze the characteristic features of non-formal later life learning in Lithuania in the perspective of successful ageing based on the review some recent literature on psychological and social aspects of successful ageing and older adult education and research in the fields of educational and psychosocial gerontology. It pursues answers to the questions as to “How can learning in later life contribute to successful ageing? What are the implications for the role of learning in the models of successful ageing? How is the role of third-age learning conceptualized in the perspective of successful ageing?” The answers to these questions provide better insight into the conceptual background of older adult education and suggests prospective research on the issue of the role of learning in older age. The multidimensional nature of the concept of successful ageing revealed by the literature review suggests that the role of learning in the construct of successful ageing is analyzable in relationship with health, psychological and social domains. The role of learning in later life is manifested through its impact on maintenance of cognitive function, psychological resources and social functioning. The positive impact of learning in later life on mental health through maintenance of cognitive function and the utilization of psychological resources through stimulation of personal growth and self-efficacy of older adult learners has been supported by findings of many recent studies. Education has been identified as one of the predictors of active engagement with life as an essential component of successful ageing.
Impact of Different Variables on Recovery Time in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis
Authors: Smokovska Nikolina , Grozdanovski Risto , Spasovski Goce
Published: December 2015

Introduction. Patients on hemodialysis (HD) are proven to have impaired Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) compared to the general population. Recovery from the hemodialysis session is a permanent problem among majority of patients receiving HD treatment. A partial explanation may be the osmotic imbalance between different compartments of the body due to the fluid and electrolyte movement across the cell membrane which is a part of the HD process itself. The aim of our study was to see whether the length of recovery time (RT) is associated with different clinically relevant variables and dialysis treatment features in our HD population.

Methods. We performed a cross-sectional study on patients receiving trice weekly HD in a single hemodialysis center. The recovery time was defined by posing a single question "How long does it take you to recover after a hemodialysis session?" and was calculated in hours (up to 2, 2-6, 6-12, and 12-24 hours) / minutes. Various demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed for association with the RT.

Results. The mean RT was 364.62±339.24 minutes. From all of the analyzed variables a significant statistical correlation was obtained with the level of albumin, urea, interdialytic weight gain (IDWG), protein catabolic rate (PCR), body mass index (BMI) and the level of hemoglobin (p<0.05 for all parameters). The longest mean RT had patients with hypertension and glomerulonephritis as a primary cause of ESRD and the shortest, patients with an adult dominant polycystic kidney disease. With the multiple regression analysis a significant correlation was obtained only for the level of hemoglobin (Hb) with a coefficient for partial regression analysis - 0.2635. The t-test showed that the influence of the level of hemoglobin on recovery time in patients was statistically significant (p = 0.039).

Conclusions. RT in our study was associated with IDWG, albumin, urea, BMI, and PCR, while the level of hemoglobin was also shown to have a significant impact on the RT and on patients’ overall health status. Hence, we could conclude that maintaining Hb levels in dialysis patients within reference values among the other benefits, may improve the recovery time and HRQoL of our patients.
Patients with Primary Brain Tumors as Organ Donors
Authors: Orlic Lidija , Sladoje-Martinovic Branka , Mikolasevic Ivana , Zupan Zeljko , Racki Sanjin
Published: December 2015

Organ transplant is now the treatment of choice for many end-stage diseases. The success of solid organ transplantation is accompained by a severe shortage of available organs for those currently awaiting transplantation. In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for organs, but not a similar increase in the supply leading to a severe shortage of organs for transplant that resulted in increasing waiting times for recipients. This has resulted in expanded donor criteria to include older donors and donors with mild diseases. Malignancy is considered a contra-indication to organ donation, with a few possible exceptions. There is a significant controversy in the transplant literature around the use of organs from donors with primary brain tumors (PBT). While case reports and registry data have certainly documented transmission of PBT with resultant morbidity and even mortality, the loss of quality and quantity of life by those on the waiting list remains a staggering and sobering reality. Ultimately the decision regarding transplantation from such donors lies with the transplanting team that should weigh the risk of donor tumor transmission against the risk of their patient dying on the waiting list.
Development of Acute Peritonitis after Gynecological Procedure in a Peritoneal Dialysis Patient
Authors: Klaric Dragan
Published: December 2015

Although the majority of peritonitis cases in peritoneal (PD) dialysis patients are caused by gram-positive cocci, streptococcus agalactiae, a gram-positive group B β haemoliticus streptococcus, may rarely be found in this group of patients. We present a case of acute peritonitis caused by streptococcus agalactiae with bacteriemia and septic shock occurring after a curettage indicated because of gynecologic bleeding. The patient did not receive antimicrobial prophylaxis since the gynecologist considered this case as a "routine" procedure without the need to administer antibiotics. Our case demonstrate that small procedures may cause great problems and therefore one should always give priority to individual approach regardless of the protocol for "routine" surgery, especially if there are no indications for the emergency procedure
A patient with AL amyloidosis with negative free light chain results
Authors: Milani Paolo , Valentini Veronica , Ferraro Giovanni , Basset Marco , Russo Francesca , Foli Andrea , Palladini Giovanni , Merlini Giampaolo
Published: December 2015

The detection and quantification of amyloidogenic monoclonal light chains are necessary for the diagnosis and evaluation of response to treatment in AL amyloidosis. However, the amyloid clone is often small and difficult to detect. We report the case of a 68-year-old man who was referred to our Center in April 2013 after syncope and the identification of left ventricular hypertrophy at echocardiography, suspected for amyloidosis. A commercial agarose gel electrophoresis immunofixation (IFE) did not reveal monoclonal components in serum and urine. The κ serum free light chain (FLC) concentration was 21.5 mg/L, λ 33 mg/L (κ/λ ratio 0.65), NT-proBNP 9074 ng/L (u.r.l. <332 ng/L) and an echocardiogram confirmed characteristic features of amyloidosis. The abdominal fat aspiration was positive and the amyloid typing by immune-electron microscopy revealed λ light chains deposits. A high-resolution (hr) IFE of serum and urine showed a faint monoclonal λ component in the urine. A bone marrow biopsy showed 8% plasma cells (BMPC) and a kappa/lambda light-chain restriction with λ light chain on immunofluorescence. The diagnosis of AL (λ) amyloidosis with cardiac involvement was made. In May 2013, patient was started on cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone. After six cycles, serum and urine hr-IFE were negative, the bone marrow biopsy showed 3% BMPC without light chain restriction by immunofluorescence, and a decrease of NT-proBNP was observed (5802 ng/L).Thus, treatment was discontinued. In this patient the amyloid clone could be detected only by in house hr-IFE of urine and bone marrow examination. The detection of the small dangerous amyloidogenic clone should be pursued with a combination of high-sensitivity techniques, including assessment of BMPC clonality. Studies of novel tools, such as mass spectrometry on serum and next-generation flow cytometry analysis of the bone marrow, for detecting plasma cell clones in AL amyloidosis and other monoclonal light chain-related disorders are warranted.
The Financial Crisis, Austerity Policy And Greece
Authors: Eißel Dieter
Published: December 2015

This article contains a brief review of the main causes of the current crisis and concerns strategies of market dogmatism and their impacts, which followed the end of post-war boom and the end of the so-called Bretton Woods System. Rising inequality and deregulation led to increasing investment of speculative capital (casino capitalism), creating a real estate bubble in USA. Owing to public bailouts, this finance capital did not lose so much after the bubble bursts. However, the bailouts created serious problems for state budgets, which were already poor as a consequence of the tax race to the bottom following the specific neoliberal recommendations to surmount the economic crisis. Together with weak economic performance and high interest rates for state bonds - due low rankings by rating agencies - some states in the euro zone were threatened with insolvency. Additionally, home-made negative structures and mismanagement worsened the situation. The financial assistance then provided by the troika were tied to harsh “reforms” in the spirit of the austerity policy. This has led to a social crisis with colossal humanitarian impacts; it is economically a fiasco and has increased the public debt to unbearable proportions, mainly in Greece, a country which might be seen as a laboratory for this strategy. Central and Eastern European countries could learn by the Greek example of austerity policy: First, they should stay longer to their own currency, allowing them to remain competitive by compensating stronger trade partners’ productivity by the chance of devaluating. Second, it is clear that cutting off expenditures will not solve problems in case of aiming at balancing the public budget. Just the opposite, it will increase social and economic problems by down-sizing public and private demand and it will endanger necessary investments in future development (infrastructure, education). That’s why increasing state receipts and a fair tax policy are on the agenda, as long as the rich escape from contributing adequately to state’s action capability.
Catching Up And Falling Behind: Four Puzzles After Two Decades Of Post-Communist Transformation
Authors: Norkus Zenonas
Published: December 2015

After more than two decades since the exit from Communism, no former communist country has been completely successful in catching up with the technological frontier countries. However, they divide into two groups: those which decreased the GDP gap with frontier countries since 1989-1990, and those which failed to do so. One may ask: What were the decisive causal conditions for their progress or failure in convergence? Were they the early implementation of Washington consensus style market reforms; their neighbourhood with advanced affluent countries; peaceful transition; accession to the EU; endowment with natural resources; state sovereignty before postcommunism; or interactions between these factors (or others)? Because of the small N, statistical analysis is not an appropriate tool for testing these hypotheses. Hence this paper uses qualitative comparative analysis to identify four explanatory puzzles of the catching-up growth performance of the postcommunist countries.
The Location Premises Of FDI In Poland. The Case Of The Lodz Province
Authors: Dorożyński Tomasz , Świerkocki Janusz , Urbaniak Wojciech
Published: December 2015

This paper aims to study the role of various factors in attracting foreign capital to the Province of Lodz. Conclusions are based on the direct questionnaire study conducted among 188 companies with foreign capital which invested in the region. The obtained results indicate that specific Lodz Province (voivodeship) characteristics were of little importance to foreign investors. Both in Poland and in the voivodeship, they were looking for relatively cheap and skilful labour in order to lower their total costs of production. We confirmed that investment incentives were of little importance for the inflow of FDI to the communes and counties of the Province of Lodz. The factors which most discouraged investment in the region were poor transport infrastructure and an uninteresting social infrastructure decisive for the quality of everyday life. Our conclusion is that the inflow of FDI does not eliminate intra-regional disproportions; on the contrary it probably deepens them.
Concurrent Training in Prepubescent Children: The Effects of 8 Weeks of Strength and Aerobic Training on Explosive Strength and V̇o 2max
Authors: Alves Ana R. , Marta Carlos C. , Neiva Henrique P. , Izquierdo Mikel , Marques Mário C.
Published: December 2015

Alves, AR, Marta, CC, Neiva, HP, Izquierdo, M, and Marques, MC. Concurrent training in prepubescent children: the effects of 8 weeks of strength and aerobic training on explosive strength and V̇o
2max. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 2019–2032, 2016—The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 8-week training periods of strength training alone (GS), combined strength and aerobic training in the same session (GCOM1), or in 2 different sessions (GCOM2) on explosive strength and maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o
2max) in prepubescent children. Of note, 168 healthy children, aged 10–11 years (10.9 ± 0.5), were randomly selected and assigned to 3 training groups to train twice a week for 8 weeks: GS (n = 41), GCOM1 (n = 45), GCOM2 (n = 38) groups, and a control group (GC) (n = 44; no training program). The GC maintained the baseline level, and trained-induced differences were found in the experimental groups. Differences were observed in the 1 and 3-kg medicine ball throws (GS: +5.8 and +8.1%, respectively; GCOM1: +5.7 and +8.7%, respectively; GCOM2: +6.2 and +8%, respectively, p < 0.001) and in the countermovement jump height and in the standing long jump length (GS: +5.1 and +5.2%, respectively; GCOM1: +4.2 and +7%, respectively; GCOM2: +10.2 and +6.4%, respectively, p < 0.001). In addition, the training period induced gains in the 20-m time (GS: +2.1%; GCOM1: +2.1%; GCOM2: +2.3%, p < 0.001). It was shown that the experimental groups (GCOM1, GCOM2, and GS) increased V̇o
2max, muscular strength, and explosive strength from pretraining to posttraining. The higher gains were observed for concurrent training when it was performed in different sessions. These results suggest that concurrent training in 2 different sessions seems to be an effective and useful method for training-induced explosive strength and V̇o
2max in prepubescent children. This could be considered as an alternative way to optimize explosive strength training and cardiorespiratory fitness in school-based programs.
Rhabdomyolysis After Performing Blood Flow Restriction Training: A Case Report
Authors: Tabata Shogo , Suzuki Yukio , Azuma Koichiro , Matsumoto Hideo
Published: December 2015

Tabata, S, Suzuki, Y, Azuma, K, and Matsumoto, H. Rhabdomyolysis after performing blood flow restriction training: a case report. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 2064–2068, 2016—Rhabdomyolysis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition related to resistance training. Despite numerous reports of low-intensity blood flow restriction (BFR) training inducing muscle hypertrophy and increasing strength, few reports of rhabdomyolysis related to BFR training have been published. Here, we report a 30-year-old obese Japanese man admitted to our hospital the day after his first BFR training session with complaints of severe muscle pain in his upper and lower extremities, high fever, and pharyngeal pain. He was diagnosed with acute rhabdomyolysis based on a serum creatine phosphokinase level of 56,475 U·L−1 and a urine myoglobin level of >3,000 ng·ml−1, and with acute tonsillitis based on a white blood cell count of 17,390 and C-reactive protein level of 10.43 mg·dl−1. A number of factors are suspected to be related to the onset and exacerbation of rhabdomyolysis, including excessive muscular training with BFR, bacterial infection, and medication. After 10 days of hospitalization with intravenous fluids and antibacterial drugs, he recovered without complications. This case indicates that BFR training should be conducted with careful consideration of the physical condition and strength of the individual to prevent serious complications, such as rhabdomyolysis.
Ultrasound Changes in Achilles Tendon and Gastrocnemius Medialis Muscle on Squat Eccentric Overload and Running Performance
Authors: Sanz-López Fernando , Berzosa Sánchez César , Hita-Contreras Fidel , Cruz-Diaz David , Martínez-Amat Antonio
Published: December 2015

Sanz-López, F, Berzosa Sánchez, C, Hita-Contreras, F, Cruz-Diaz, D, and Martínez-Amat, A. Ultrasound changes in Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius medialis muscle on squat eccentric overload and running performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2015—Previous studies have proven the adaptation to load in the Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscle after different types of exercise, such as running, heel drop training, and a variety of sports. These findings have been applied to improve performance and in the treatment and prevention of overuse injuries. However, the effects that squat performance may have on the Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscle are still unknown. Squats are a widely used training exercise that involves calf-muscle activation. Similarly, no reports have been published regarding the adaptation to load of trained and untrained subjects during several consecutive days of running. The purpose of this study was to analyze changes in the Achilles tendon and in the pennation angles of the gastrocnemius medialis after eccentric overload training and within 3 days of running. Twenty healthy males who volunteered for this study were divided into 2 groups. Subjects in the eccentric overload training (ECC) group performed 6 weeks of eccentric overload training (twice weekly, 4 sets of 7 repetitions in a Yoyo squat device) before the running intervention. All participants, ECC and control (CONT) groups, ran on 3 consecutive days. After the eccentric training, an increase in the cross-sectional area of the Achilles tendon and in the pennation angle was observed. As for the running intervention, the behavior of tissues in both groups was similar. These results suggest that eccentric overload training with squats promotes changes in the Achilles tendon and in the pennation angle of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle. Nevertheless, significant changes in the tissue do not appear between the running performance of trained and untrained subjects.
Illumination-Guided Stereo Correspondence
Authors: Li Francis , Wong Alexander , Zelek John
Published: December 2015

This work implements a method to improve correspondence matching
in stereo vision by using varying illumination intensities from an
external light source. By iteratively increasing the light intensity on
the scene, different parts of the scene become saturated in the left
and right images. These saturated areas are assumed to correspond
to each other, greatly reducing the search space for stereo
correspondence and increasing robustness to erroneous matches.
The stereo camera and light source used in this work is the DUO3D
camera by Code Laboratories. Visually, experimental results show
the resultant point clouds from the proposed method is less noisy
with fewer outliers compared to standard block matching method,
but produces fewer matches.
Colour-based gesture recognition for American Sign Language via Hidden Markov Models
Authors: Greenberg Sara , Blight Jennifer , Wong Alexander
Published: December 2015

We present a new approach to gesture recognition for use in a sign
language learning environment. This method utilizes inexpensive
cloth gloves to alleviate the difficulty of hand detection and to allow
for feature creation. Salient colours identify the glove base and
fingertip markers, which are then used to extract a hand centroid
and a convex hull describing the fingertips for each hand. A Hidden
Markov Model is created for each sign, as well as an additional
threshold model created from all signs. When a candidate sign is
performed, the sign of the HMM that produces the greatest likelihood
is matched, provided it also exceeds the threshold model
likelihood. Isolated recognition testing of the training library indicated
76% accuracy, and continuous recognition testing showed
60% accuracy.