bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the Influence of Neighborhood Development Pattern on Modal Choice
Authors: Soltani Ali , Shams Alireza
Published: January 2017

Although several studies have been undertaken on the association between built environmental characteristics and travel patterns in western societies, the impacts of the local built environment on individuals’ travel behavior considering the specific conditions of developing nations have remained largely unknown. Thus, this paper investigates the travel behavior effects of local planning and design in three residential neighborhoods of Shiraz, a city in the southwest of Iran. The data on land use and built environment characteristics were extracted primarily from an existing digital map and GIS, whereas the data on individuals’ socioeconomics and their daily travel behavior were purposefully collected using a field questionnaire survey (n=393). A nested logit model (NLM) based on the microeconomic utility concept was then applied to discover the impacts of personal characteristics and built environment factors on the choice mode of the individuals. The results and the associated policy implications can be helpful in defining a strategic agenda for neighborhood design and planning.
The Use of Antidepressants, Anxiolytics, and Hypnotics in People with Type 2 Diabetes and Patterns Associated with Use: The Hoorn Diabetes Care System Cohort
Authors: Mast R. , Rauh S. P. , Groeneveld L. , Koopman A. D. , Beulens J. W. J. , Jansen A. P. D. , Bremmer M. , van der Heijden A. A. W. A. , Elders P. J. , Dekker J. M. , Nijpels G. , Hugtenburg J. G. , Rutters F.
Published: January 2017

Objective. With depression being present in approximately 20% of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), we expect equally frequent prescription of antidepressants, anxiolytics, and hypnotics. Nevertheless, prescription data in people with T2DM is missing and the effect of depression on glycaemic control is contradictory. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of antidepressants, anxiolytics, and/or hypnotics use in a large, managed, primary care system cohort of people with T2DM and to determine the sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, T2DM medication, and metabolic control associated with its use. Method. The prevalence of antidepressants, anxiolytics, and/or hypnotics use in the years 2007–2012 was assessed in the Hoorn Diabetes Care System Cohort from the Netherlands. Results. From the 7016 people with T2DM, 500 people (7.1%) used antidepressants only, 456 people (6.5%) used anxiolytics and/or hypnotics only, and 254 people (3.6%) used a combination. Conclusion. We conclude that in our managed, primary care system 17% of all people with T2DM used antidepressants, anxiolytics, and/or hypnotics. Users of antidepressants, anxiolytics, and/or hypnotics were more often female, non-Caucasian, lower educated, and more often treated with insulin.
A Pulmonary Rehabilitation Decisional Score to Define Priority Access for COPD Patients
Authors: Vitacca Michele , Comini Laura , Barbisoni Marilena , Francolini Gloria , Paneroni Mara , Ramponi Jean Pierre
Published: January 2017

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate, through an ad hoc 17-item tool, the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Decisional Score (PRDS), the priority access to PR prescription by respiratory specialists. The PRDS, scoring functional, clinical, disability, frailty, and participation parameters from 0 = low priority to 34 = very high priority for PR access, was retrospectively calculated on 124 specialist reports sent to the GP of subjects (aged 71±11 years, FEV1%  51±17) consecutively admitted to our respiratory outpatient clinic. From the specialist’s report the final subject’s allocation could be low priority (LP) (>60 days), high priority (HP) (30–60 days), or very high priority (VHP) (<30 days) to rehabilitation. The PRDS calculation showed scores significantly higher in VHP versus LP (p<0.001) and significantly different between HP and VHP (p<0.001). Comparing the specialist’s allocation decision and priority choice based on PRDS cut-offs, PR prescription was significantly more appropriate in VHP than in HP (p=0.016). Specialists underprescribed PR in 49% of LP cases and overprescribed it in 46% and 30% of the HP and VHP prescriptions, respectively. A multicomprehensive score is feasible being useful for staging the clinical priorities for PR prescription and facilitating sustainability of the health system.
Systematic Approach for the Formulation and Optimization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles of Efavirenz by High Pressure Homogenization Using Design of Experiments for Brain Targeting and Enhanced Bioavailability
Authors: Gupta Shweta , Kesarla Rajesh , Chotai Narendra , Misra Ambikanandan , Omri Abdelwahab
Published: January 2017

The nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, used for the treatment of HIV infections, are reported to have low bioavailability pertaining to high first-pass metabolism, high protein binding, and enzymatic metabolism. They also show low permeability across blood brain barrier. The CNS is reported to be the most important HIV reservoir site. In the present study, solid lipid nanoparticles of efavirenz were prepared with the objective of providing increased permeability and protection of drug due to biocompatible lipidic content and nanoscale size and thus developing formulation having potential for enhanced bioavailability and brain targeting. Solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared by high pressure homogenization technique using a systematic approach of design of experiments (DoE) and evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency. Particles of average size 108.5 nm having PDI of 0.172 with 64.9% entrapment efficiency were produced. Zeta potential was found to be −21.2 mV and the formulation was found stable. Thein-vivopharmacokinetic studies revealed increased concentration of the drug in brain, as desired, when administered through intranasal route indicating its potential for an attempt towards complete eradication of HIV and cure of HIV-infected patients.
Quantitative Analysis of Volatile Impurities in Diallyldimethylammonium Chloride Monomer Solution by Gas Chromatography Coupled with Liquid-Liquid Extraction
Authors: Liu Cheng , Zhang Yuejun , Wang Haiying , Wang Weixin
Published: January 2017

The quantitative analysis method for volatile impurities in diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC) monomer solution was established in this paper. The volatile impurities were quantitatively analyzed with trichloromethane as extraction solvent and n-hexane as internal standard by using gas chromatography (GC) coupled with solvent extraction, and the chromatographic conditions, quantitative methods, and extraction conditions were systematically investigated in detail. The results showed that excellent linear relationships of 5 volatile impurities (dimethylamine, allyldimethylamine, allyl chloride, allyl alcohol, and allyl aldehyde) were obtained in the range of 1–100 mg·L−1. The method also showed good specificity, recovery (95.0%–107.5%), and relative standard deviation (RSD, 1.40%–7.67%). This method could accurately detect the whole volatile impurities in DADMAC monomer solution quantitatively in one time with a low detection limit. Furthermore, this method is conducive to the preparation of highly pure DADMAC monomer and the development of national and international standards of the DADMAC monomer product quality, and the results could provide a strong foundation for the regulation and mechanism research of impurities on monomer reactivity in polymerization.
Gastric Cancer Associated Genes Identified by an Integrative Analysis of Gene Expression Data
Authors: Jiang Bing , Li Shuwen , Jiang Zhi , Shao Ping
Published: January 2017

Gastric cancer is one of the most severe complex diseases with high morbidity and mortality in the world. The molecular mechanisms and risk factors for this disease are still not clear since the cancer heterogeneity caused by different genetic and environmental factors. With more and more expression data accumulated nowadays, we can perform integrative analysis for these data to understand the complexity of gastric cancer and to identify consensus players for the heterogeneous cancer. In the present work, we screened the published gene expression data and analyzed them with integrative tool, combined with pathway and gene ontology enrichment investigation. We identified several consensus differentially expressed genes and these genes were further confirmed with literature mining; at last, two genes, that is, immunoglobulin J chain and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 17, were screened as novel gastric cancer associated genes. Experimental validation is proposed to further confirm this finding.
Public versus Private Drug Insurance and Outcomes of Patients Requiring Biologic Therapies for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Rumman Amir , Candia Roberto , Sam Justina J. , Croitoru Kenneth , Silverberg Mark S. , Steinhart A. Hillary , Nguyen Geoffrey C.
Published: January 2017

Background. Antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy is a highly effective but costly treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of IBD patients who were prescribed anti-TNF therapy (2007–2014) in Ontario. We assessed if the insurance type was a predictor of timely access to anti-TNF therapy and nonroutine health utilization (emergency department visits and hospitalizations).Results. There were 268 patients with IBD who were prescribed anti-TNF therapy. Public drug coverage was associated with longer median wait times to first dose than private one (56 versus 35 days,P=0.002). After adjusting for confounders, publicly insured patients were less likely to receive timely access to anti-TNF therapy compared with those privately insured (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI: 0.45–0.95). After adjustment for demographic and clinical characteristics, publicly funded subjects were more than 2-fold more likely to require hospitalization (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 2.30; 95% CI: 1.19–4.43) and ED visits (IRR 2.42; 95% CI: 1.44–4.08) related to IBD.Conclusions. IBD patients in Ontario with public drug coverage experienced greater delays in access to anti-TNF therapy than privately insured patients and have a higher rate of hospitalizations and ED visits related to IBD.
Immunooncology: Can the Right Chimeric Antigen Receptors T-Cell Design Be Made to Cure All Types of Cancers and Will It Be Covered?
Authors: Au Regina
Published: January 2017

Immunooncology (IO) is the buzz word today and it has everyone doing IO research. If we look back at the history of cancer treatment, the survival rate was measured in months which, according to oncologists, was a lot back then because the mortality rate in most cancers was 100%. However, most traditional chemotherapies were not well tolerated because they would kill both cancerous and healthy cells, which lead to major side effects such as loss of hair, nausea and vomiting, and risk of infection. Survival was better but not much better depending on the type of cancer and the patient’s own genetic and physiological make-up. IO therapies target specific receptors on the cancer cells. However, with more advance technologies, the cost to develop these types of therapies increases significantly because the biology is more complex and it is more difficult to produce. Find out why these therapies are more complex and therefore more expensive. But the enhanced efficacy of these therapies does justify the cost.
Energy-Efficient Broadcasting Scheme for Smart Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Chen Zhuangbin , Liu Anfeng , Li Zhetao , Choi Young-June , Sekiya Hiroo , Li Jie
Published: January 2017

In smart Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks (IWSNs), sensor nodes usually adopt a programmable technology. These smart devices can obtain new or special functions by reprogramming: they upgrade their soft systems through receiving new version of program codes. If sensor nodes need to be upgraded, the sink node will propagate program code packets to them through “one-to-many” broadcasting, and therefore new capabilities can be obtained, forming the so-called Software Defined Network (SDN). However, due to the high volume of code packet, the constraint energy of sensor node, and the unreliable link quality of wireless network, rapidly broadcasting the code packets to all nodes in network can be a challenge issue. In this paper, a novel Energy-efficient Broadcast scheme with adjustable broadcasting radius is proposed aiming to improve the performance of network upgrade. In our scheme, the nonhotspots sensor nodes take full advantage of their residual energy caused in data collection period to improve the packet reception probability and reduce the broadcasting delay of code packet transmission by enlarging the broadcasting radius, that is, the transmitting power. The theoretical analyses and experimental results show that, compared with previous work, our approach can averagely reduce the Network Upgrade Delay (NUD) by 14.8%–45.2% and simultaneously increase the reliability without harming the lifetime of network.
Ultrasonic Measurement of Dynamic Muscle Behavior for Poststroke Hemiparetic Gait
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhang Xudong , Shi Wenxiu , Wang Jun , Xiang Yun , Zhou Yongjin , Yang Wan-Zhang
Published: January 2017

Quantitative evaluation of the hemiparesis status for a poststroke patient is still challenging. This study aims to measure and investigate the dynamic muscle behavior in poststroke hemiparetic gait using ultrasonography. Twelve hemiparetic patients walked on a treadmill, and EMG, joint angle, and ultrasonography were simultaneously recorded for the gastrocnemius medialis muscle. Pennation angle was automatically extracted from ultrasonography using a tracking algorithm reported previously. The characteristics of EMG, joint angle, and pennation angle in gait cycle were calculated for both (affected and unaffected) sides of lower limbs. The results suggest that pennation angle could work as an important morphological index to continuous muscle contraction. The change pattern of pennation angle between the affected and unaffected sides is different from that of EMG. These findings indicate that morphological parameter extracted from ultrasonography can provide different information from that provided by EMG for hemiparetic gait.
Transcriptional Profile of Kidney from Type 2 Diabetic db/db Mice
Authors: Zhang Haojun , Zhao Tingting , Li Zhiguo , Yan Meihua , Zhao Hailing , Zhu Bin , Li Ping
Published: January 2017

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a common diabetic microvascular complication, is characterized by progressive glomerular sclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. However, the underlying mechanisms involved in DN remain to be elucidated. We explored changes in the transcriptional profile in spontaneous type 2 diabetic db/db mice by using the cDNA microarray. Compared with control db/m mice, the db/db mice exhibited marked increases in body weight, kidney weight, and urinary albumin excretion. Renal histological analysis revealed mesangial expansion and thickness of the basement membrane in the kidney of the db/db mice. A total of 355 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by microarray analysis. Pathway enrichment analysis suggested that biological oxidation, bile acid metabolism, and steroid hormone synthesis were the 3 major significant pathways. The top 10 hub genes were selected from the constructed PPI network of DEGs, including Ccnb2 and Nr1i2, which remained largely unclear in DN. We believe that our study can help elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying DN.
Natural Products as Adjunctive Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer: Recent Trends and Advancements
Authors: Yue Qingxi , Gao Guogang , Zou Gangyong , Yu Haiqing , Zheng Xi
Published: January 2017

Pancreatic cancer is a type of common malignant tumors with high occurrence in the world. Most patients presented in clinic had pancreatic cancer at advanced stages. Furthermore, chemotherapy or radiotherapy had very limited success in treating pancreatic cancer. Complementary and alternative medicines, such as natural products/herbal medicines, represent exciting adjunctive therapies. In this review, we summarize the recent advances of using natural products/herbal medicines, such as Chinese herbal medicine, in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic agents to treat pancreatic cancer in preclinical and clinical trials.
Outdoor Environment and Pediatric Asthma: An Update on the Evidence from North America
Authors: Pollock Jenna , Shi Lu , Gimbel Ronald W.
Published: January 2017

Introduction. The evidence about the association between asthma and outdoor environmental factors has been inadequate for certain allergens. Even less is known about how these associations vary across seasons and climate regions. We reviewed recent literature from North America for research related to outdoor environmental factors and pediatric asthma, with attention to spatial-temporal variations of these associations. Method. We included indexed literature between years 2010 and 2015 on outdoor environmental factors and pediatric asthma, by searching PubMed. Results. Our search resulted in 33 manuscripts. Studies about the link between pediatric asthma and traffic-related air pollutants (TRAP) consistently confirmed the correlation between TRAP and asthma. For general air pollution, the roles of PM2.5 and CO were consistent across studies. The link between asthma and O3 varied across seasons. Regional variation exists in the role of SO2. The impact of pollen was consistent across seasons, whereas the role of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon was less consistent. Discussion. Recent studies strengthened the evidence about the roles of PM2.5, TRAP, CO, and pollen in asthma, while the evidence for roles of PM10-2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in asthma was less consistent. Spatial-temporal details of the environment are needed in future studies of asthma and environment.
Multiple Viral Infection Detected from Influenza-Like Illness Cases in Indonesia
Authors: Adam Kindi , Pangesti Krisna Nur Andriana , Setiawaty Vivi
Published: January 2017

Influenza is one of the common etiologies of the upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). However, influenza virus only contributes about 20 percent of influenza-like illness patients. The aim of the study is to investigate the other viral etiologies from ILI cases in Indonesia. Of the 334 samples, 266 samples (78%) were positive at least for one virus, including 107 (42%) cases of multiple infections. Influenza virus is the most detected virus. The most frequent combination of viruses identified was adenovirus and human rhinovirus. This recent study demonstrated high detection rate of several respiratory viruses from ILI cases in Indonesia. Further studies to determine the relationship between viruses and clinical features are needed to improve respiratory disease control program.
Preparing and Analyzing Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) Library for the Mammary Tissue of Local Turkish Kivircik Sheep
Authors: Ozdemir Ozgenturk Nehir , Omeroglu Ulu Zehra , Ulu Salih , Un Cemal , Ozdem Oztabak Kemal , Altunatmaz Kemal
Published: January 2017

Kivircik sheep is an important local Turkish sheep according to its meat quality and milk productivity. The aim of this study was to analyze gene expression profiles of both prenatal and postnatal stages for the Kivircik sheep. Therefore, two different cDNA libraries, which were taken from the same Kivircik sheep mammary gland tissue at prenatal and postnatal stages, were constructed. Total 3072 colonies which were randomly selected from the two libraries were sequenced for developing a sheep ESTs collection. We used Phred/Phrap computer programs for analysis of the raw EST and readable EST sequences were assembled with the CAP3 software. Putative functions of all unique sequences and statistical analysis were determined by Geneious software. Total 422 ESTs have over 80% similarity to known sequences of other organisms in NCBI classified by Panther database for the Gene Ontology (GO) category. By comparing gene expression profiles, we observed some putative genes that may be relative to reproductive performance or play important roles in milk synthesis and secretion. A total of 2414 ESTs have been deposited to the NCBI GenBank database (GW996847–GW999260). EST data in this study have provided a new source of information to functional genome studies of sheep.
Genetic Variants in Epigenetic Pathways and Risks of Multiple Cancers in the GAME-ON Consortium
Authors: Toth Reka , Scherer Dominique , Kelemen Linda E. , Risch Angela , Hazra Aditi , Balavarca Yesilda , Issa Jean-Pierre J. , Moreno Victor , Eeles Rosalind A. , Ogino Shuji , Wu Xifeng , Ye Yuanqing , Hung Rayjean J. , Goode Ellen L. , Ulrich Cornelia M. ,   on behalf of the OCAC,   CORECT,   TRICL,   ELLIPSE,   DRIVE,   and GAME-ON consortia
Published: January 2017

Background: Epigenetic disturbances are crucial in cancer initiation, potentially with pleiotropic effects, and may be influenced by the genetic background.

Methods: In a subsets (ASSET) meta-analytic approach, we investigated associations of genetic variants related to epigenetic mechanisms with risks of breast, lung, colorectal, ovarian and prostate carcinomas using 51,724 cases and 52,001 controls. False discovery rate–corrected P values (q values < 0.05) were considered statistically significant.

Results: Among 162,887 imputed or genotyped variants in 555 candidate genes, SNPs in eight genes were associated with risk of more than one cancer type. For example, variants in BABAM1 were confirmed as a susceptibility locus for squamous cell lung, overall breast, estrogen receptor (ER)–negative breast, and overall prostate, and overall serous ovarian cancer; the most significant variant was rs4808076 [OR = 1.14; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10–1.19; q = 6.87 × 10−5]. DPF1 rs12611084 was inversely associated with ER-negative breast, endometrioid ovarian, and overall and aggressive prostate cancer risk (OR = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.91–0.96; q = 0.005). Variants in L3MBTL3 were associated with colorectal, overall breast, ER-negative breast, clear cell ovarian, and overall and aggressive prostate cancer risk (e.g., rs9388766: OR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.03–1.08; q = 0.02). Variants in TET2 were significantly associated with overall breast, overall prostate, overall ovarian, and endometrioid ovarian cancer risk, with rs62331150 showing bidirectional effects. Analyses of subpathways did not reveal gene subsets that contributed disproportionately to susceptibility.

Conclusions: Functional and correlative studies are now needed to elucidate the potential links between germline genotype, epigenetic function, and cancer etiology.

Impact: This approach provides novel insight into possible pleiotropic effects of genes involved in epigenetic processes. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 816–25. ©2017 AACR.
Correlation between Inflammatory Biomarkers and Red Blood Cell Life Span in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ma Jie , Dou Yanna , Zhang Hanjie , Thijssen Stephan , Williams Schantel , Kuntsevich Viktoriya , Ouellet Georges , Wong Michelle M.Y. , Persic Vanja , Kruse Anja , Rosales Laura , Wang Yuedong , Levin Nathan W. , Kotanko Peter
Published: January 2017

Background and Objectives: The pathogenesis of anemia in hemodialysis (HD) patients is dependent on multiple factors, with decreased red blood cell life span (RBCLS) being a significant contributor. Although the impact of reduced RBCLS on anemia is recognized, it is still a subject that is not well researched. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between RBCLS and inflammatory biomarkers in chronic HD patients. Design, Setting, Participants, and Measurements: RBCLS was calculated from alveolar carbon monoxide concentrations measured by gas chromatography. Interleukins (IL) IL-6, IL-18, IL-10, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein were measured using bead-based multiplex assay. Measurements were carried out at baseline and during follow-up. The associations between RBCLS and inflammatory biomarkers were evaluated using linear mixed effects models. Results: RBCLS measurements were available for 54 HD patients. Their average age was 58.5 ± 14.4 years, 68.5% were males, 48.1% were diabetics, and the HD vintage was 51 ± 48 months. In 4 patients, RBCLS was measured once, while in 50 patients, up to 5 repeated RBCLS measurements were available. RBCLS was 73.2 ± 17.8 days (range 37.7-115.8 days). No association was found between RBCLS and any of the inflammatory biomarkers. Of note, RBCLS was positively correlated with levels of uric acid (p = 0.02) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN; p = 0.01), respectively. Conclusion: Our study suggests that inflammation pathways reported by these biomarkers only have a limited role in causing premature RBC death. The positive correlation with uric acid and BUN warrants further studies.
The Effect of Depression in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients on Inpatient Hospitalization Outcomes
Authors: Chan Lili , Tummalapalli Sri Lekha , Ferrandino Rocco , Poojary Priti , Saha Aparna , Chauhan Kinsuk , Nadkarni Girish N.
Published: January 2017

Background/Aims: Depression is common in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis (HD). Although, depression is associated with mortality, the effect of depression on in-hospital outcomes has not been studied as yet. Methods: We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample for trends and outcomes of hospitalizations with depression in patients with ESRD. Results: The proportion of ESRD hospitalizations with depression doubled from 2005 to 2013 (5.01-11.78%). Hospitalized patients on HD with depression were younger (60.47 vs. 62.70 years, p < 0.0001), female (56.93 vs. 47.81%, p < 0.0001), white (44.92 vs. 34.01%, p < 0.0001), and had higher proportion of comorbidities. However, there was a statistically significant lower risk of mortality in HD patients within the top 5 reasons for admissions. Conclusion: There were significant differences in demographics and comorbidities for hospitalized HD patients with depression. Depression was associated with an increased rate of adverse effects in discharged patients, and decreased in-hospital mortality.
When You Operate on Friends and Relatives: Results of a Survey among Surgeons
Authors: Knuth Jurgen , Bulian Dirk Rolf , Ansorg Jörg , Büchler Peter
Published: January 2017

Objective: We designed a questionnaire to collect data on surgeons' views and experiences of operating on friends or relatives. Subjects and Methods: A link to a 38-item online survey was sent to all 16,849 members of the Professional Board of German Surgeons (Bund Deutscher Chirurgen, BDC) several times. Standard interview software was used. The questionnaire collected a wide variety of information concerning how surgeons have experienced, think about, and deal with the situation when they operate on friends or relatives. Results: Of the 16,849 BDC members notified of the survey, 1,643 completed the questionnaires (9.8%). Of these, 1,275 (77.6%) had previously performed surgery on friends or relatives. Overall, the surgeons willingly accepted doing so without experiencing any difficulties. However, the surgeons frequently used different techniques when operating on friends and relatives (123 [10%] when self-assessed compared to 527 [35%] when observed by others). Out of the whole sample, 506 (30.8%) would appreciate having a guideline or ethical code and 370 (41.2%) of those who have not yet operated on friends and relatives would like to have such an ethical code. Conclusion: Most of the surgeons who responded accepted the task of operating on friends or relatives. Performing surgery on friends or relatives was a complex matter because objectivity was not guaranteed. Negative implications on personal relationships were rare. We recommend that this matter should be well considered and discussed with the patient and an ethical guideline or code should be created.
A INFLAÇÃO ESTÁ CONTROLADA E NÃO GERA IMPACTO NAS DECISÕES EMPRESARIAIS. SERÁ?
Authors: Martins Zilton Bartolomeu , Morais Marisa Luciana Schvabe de , Wollinger Helena , Soares Janypher Marcela Inácio
Published: January 2017

Este caso para ensino apresenta uma situação na qual o leitor é levado a refletir sobre o impacto da inflação nas Demonstrações Contábeis. O personagem central do caso em questão é Antônio Morais, um empresário de sucesso, que ao adquirir uma empresa de médio porte, logo tratou de “conhecer” seu novo empreendimento, iniciando com análises detalhadas nas Demonstrações Contábeis, assim como reuniões pontuais com o departamento contábil para esclarecimentos adicionais. Antônio entendia que havia espaço para expandir ainda mais seu novo negócio, mas para isso, precisava de informações seguras que subsidiassem suas decisões. O gestor, decide então, contratar uma Auditoria Independente para analisar as Demonstrações Contábeis da empresa, e recebe um relatório preliminar do Auditor, afirmando não contemplarem, por meio da correção monetária, os efeitos da perda de poder de compra da moeda do país (inflação). O caso busca propiciar uma reflexão quanto aos impactos da inflação nas Demonstrações Contábeis, promovendo assim a oportunidade de explorar conceitos e correlacioná-los com a prática. Este trabalho pode ser utilizado nos cursos de graduação em Administração e Ciências Contábeis, especificamente nas disciplinas de Contabilidade Societária, Análise das Demonstrações Contábeis e Administração Financeira.
Incidence of Bleeding‐Related Complications During Primary Implantation and Replacement of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices
Authors: Nichols Christine I. , Vose Joshua G.
Published: January 2017

Background

Use of cardiac implantable electronic devices (
CIED
s) is increasing. The incidence of bleeding‐related complications during
CIED
procedures and the association with subsequent infection risk have been studied in trial settings but not in nonrandomized “real‐world” populations.

Methods and Results

This retrospective database analysis of US insurance claims from the Truven MarketScan database (2009‐2013) evaluated the incidence of bleeding complications during, or in the 30 days following, a
CIED
procedure and the association between bleeding and subsequent infection in days 31 to 365 of follow‐up. This study identified 42 606 patients who had a primary or replacement
CIED
procedure and met all inclusion criteria. Incidence of bleeding ranged from 0.58% to 2.81% by type of pharmaceutical therapy. Incidence of infection during days 31 to 365 of follow‐up was significantly higher among patients with a bleeding complication in the first 30 days versus those without (6.56% vs 1.24%,
P
<0.001), with results upheld in multivariate analysis (
HR
=2.97, 95%
CI
1.94‐4.54,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

This study provides a lower bound of the real‐world incidence of bleeding complications following a CIED procedure within the coding limitations of an insurance claims database. Results confirm the association between bleeding in the pocket and risk of subsequent infection. Further research is needed to precisely identify the costs associated with bleeding in the pocket.
A revision of the cis-andean species of the genus Brycon Müller & Troschel (Characiformes: Characidae)
Authors: LIMA FLÁVIO C.T.
Published: January 2017

A revision of the cis-andean species of Brycon, with the exception of the Brycon pesu species-complex, is presented. Twenty-one Brycon species (including B. pesu) are recognized from cis-andean river systems: Brycon stolzmanni Steindachner, from the upper Río Marañon basin, Peru; Brycon coxeyi Fowler, from the Río Marañon basin, Ecuador and Peru; Brycon polylepis Moscó Morales, from the Lago de Maracaibo, Río Orinoco, upper rio Amazonas, and rio Tocantins basins, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, and Brazil; Brycon coquenani Steindachner, from the upper Río Caroni, Río Orinoco basin, Venezuela; Brycon insignis Steindachner, from the rio Paraíba do Sul and small adjacent coastal river basins of eastern Brazil; Brycon vermelha Lima & Castro, endemic from the rio Mucuri basin, eastern Brazil; Brycon howesi new species, endemic from the rio Jequitinhonha basin, Brazil; Brycon dulcis new species, endemic from the rio Doce basin, eastern Brazil; Brycon ferox Steindachner, from several small coastal river systems, including the rio Mucuri basin in eastern Brazil; Brycon vonoi new species, from the rio Pardo basin and apparently also from a adjacent river system, the rio Una, in eastern Brazil; Brycon opalinus (Cuvier), from the headwaters of the rio Paraíba do Sul and rio Doce basins, eastern Brazil; Brycon nattereri Günther, from the headwaters of the upper rio Paraná, rio São Francisco, and upper rio Tocantins basins, Brazil; Brycon orthotaenia Günther, endemic from the rio São Francisco basin, Brazil; Brycon orbignyanus (Valenciennes), from the rio Paraná and rio Uruguai basins, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay; Brycon hilarii (Valenciennes), from the rio Paraguai, middle rio Paraná, and upper rio Amazonas basins, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Peru, and Ecuador; Brycon whitei Myers & Weitzman, from the Río Orinoco basin in Colombia and Venezuela; Brycon amazonicus (Agassiz), from the Rio Amazonas and Río Orinoco basins, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Guyana; Brycon gouldingi Lima, endemic from the rio Tocantins basin, Brazil; Brycon melanopterus (Cope), from the western and central rio Amazonas basin, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia; and Brycon falcatus Müller & Troschel, widespread in the the rio Amazonas and Río Orinoco basins, and several guyanese river systems, in Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. All species are redescribed and illustrated, and a key to the species is provided. Comments on the diagnosis of the genus Brycon, the biogeography of the cis-andean species, and their current conservation status, are presented.
A catalog of the types of Staphylinidae (Insecta, Coleoptera) deposited in the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales, Buenos Aires (MACN)
Authors: BACHMANN AXEL O. , CHANI-POSSE MARIANA , GUALA MARIEL E. , NEWTON ALFRED F.
Published: January 2017

The type specimens (all current categories) of Staphylinidae deposited in this Museum are listed; names are recorded, most of them represented by name-bearing types (primary types). The specific and subspecific names are alphabetically ordered in a single list, followed by the generic names (and subgeneric ones, if they were stated) spelled as they were published; later combinations and/ or current binomina are mentioned insofar these are known to the authors. Two lists are added: 2. Specimens labeled as types of names not found in the literature and probably never published, or published as nomina nuda; and 3. Specimens labeled as types, but not originally designated as such. An appendix provides a systematically arranged list of all names discussed, with indication of where they are discussed in the text.
Revision of the genus Dinotoperla Tillyard, 1921 (Plecoptera: Gripopterygidae) using morphological characters and molecular data: Establishes two new genera, three new species and updates the larval taxonomy
Authors: MYNOTT JULIA H , SUTER PHILLIP J , THEISCHINGER GUNTHER
Published: January 2017

The larval taxonomy of Australian stoneflies (Plecoptera) shows a large disparity in knowledge when compared to the adult taxonomy with many species having undescribed larval forms. The importance of stoneflies as an indicator group for monitoring aquatic ecosystems means knowledge of the larval taxonomy and the ability to identify species is essential. This study combined morphology and mitochondrial gene sequences to associate the adult and larval life-stages for species of Dinotoperla Tillyard. Morphological identification of adult males was recognised for 17 of the 35 Dinotoperla species and combining molecular data with morphology confirmed eight new adult-larval life stage associations. Further, molecular data supported the larval taxonomy for five morphospecies which remain unassociated. The combination of molecular and morphological methods enabled the larval morphology to be reassessed for the genus Dinotoperla and this has led to the establishment of two new genera, Odontoperla, gen. nov. and Oedemaperla, gen. nov., and the new species Dinotoperla aryballoi, sp. nov, D. tasmaniensis, sp. nov. and Oedemaperla shackletoni, sp. nov. as well as the new or updated descriptions of the larvae of 31 species and a comprehensive dichotomous key to these larvae.
SHARPpy: An Open-Source Sounding Analysis Toolkit for the Atmospheric Sciences
Authors: Blumberg William G. , Halbert Kelton T. , Supinie Timothy A. , Marsh Patrick T. , Thompson Richard L. , Hart John A.
Published: January 2017

With a variety of programming languages and data formats available, widespread adoption of computing standards by the atmospheric science community is often difficult to achieve. The Sounding and Hodograph Analysis and Research Program in Python (SHARPpy) is an open-source, cross-platform, upper-air sounding analysis and visualization package. SHARPpy is based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Storm Prediction Center’s (NOAA/SPC) in-house analysis package, SHARP, and is the result of a collaborative effort between forecasters at the SPC and students at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Meteorology. The major aim of SHARPpy is to provide a consistent framework for sounding analysis that is available to all. Nearly all routines are written to be as consistent as possible with the methods researched, tested, and developed in the SPC, which sets this package apart from other sounding analysis tools.

SHARPpy was initially demonstrated and released to the atmospheric community at the American Meteorological Society (AMS) Annual Meeting in 2012, and an updated and greatly expanded version was released at the AMS Annual Meeting in 2015. Since this release, SHARPpy has been adopted by a variety of operational and research meteorologists across the world. In addition, SHARPpy’s open-source nature enables collaborations between other developers, resulting in major additions to the program.
How Suitable is Quantile Mapping For Postprocessing GCM Precipitation Forecasts?
Authors: Zhao Tongtiegang , Bennett James C. , Wang Q. J. , Schepen Andrew , Wood Andrew W. , Robertson David E. , Ramos Maria-Helena
Published: January 2017

GCMs are used by many national weather services to produce seasonal outlooks of atmospheric and oceanic conditions and fluxes. Postprocessing is often a necessary step before GCM forecasts can be applied in practice. Quantile mapping (QM) is rapidly becoming the method of choice by operational agencies to postprocess raw GCM outputs. The authors investigate whether QM is appropriate for this task. Ensemble forecast postprocessing methods should aim to 1) correct bias, 2) ensure forecasts are reliable in ensemble spread, and 3) guarantee forecasts are at least as skillful as climatology, a property called “coherence.” This study evaluates the effectiveness of QM in achieving these aims by applying it to precipitation forecasts from the POAMA model. It is shown that while QM is highly effective in correcting bias, it cannot ensure reliability in forecast ensemble spread or guarantee coherence. This is because QM ignores the correlation between raw ensemble forecasts and observations. When raw forecasts are not significantly positively correlated with observations, QM tends to produce negatively skillful forecasts. Even when there is significant positive correlation, QM cannot ensure reliability and coherence for postprocessed forecasts. Therefore, QM is not a fully satisfactory method for postprocessing forecasts where the issues of bias, reliability, and coherence pre-exist. Alternative postprocessing methods based on ensemble model output statistics (EMOS) are available that achieve not only unbiased but also reliable and coherent forecasts. This is shown with one such alternative, the Bayesian joint probability modeling approach.
The Unusual Early Morning Tornado in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico, on 25 May 2015
Authors: Barrett Bradford S. , Farfán Luis M. , Raga Graciela B. , Hernández Daribel H.
Published: January 2017

This study analyzes the synoptic- and mesoscale conditions present during initiation and intensification of the supercell thunderstorm that produced a tornado in Ciudad Acuña, a community located in the state of Coahuila, Mexico, 10 km southwest of the U.S. border. Early morning convective activity, first detected by radar at 0628 UTC 25 May 2015, developed into an intense and well-defined supercell thunderstorm that produced a tornado between approximately 1045 and 1130 UTC. Hourly analyses from the Rapid Refresh model indicated an upslope component to surface flow in the region of convection initiation over the Serranías del Burro (SdB). Along the storm’s trajectory, dewpoint temperatures increased from 15° to 22°C, convective available potential energy increased from 1500 to near 4000 J kg−1, and convective inhibition changed from −150 J kg−1 at the time of convection initiation to near zero in Ciudad Acuña. Simulations from the Weather Research and Forecasting Model confirmed the sensitivity of both convection initiation and storm intensification to the topography of the SdB. In the control simulation and two simulations in which topography was reduced in elevation, a cluster of storms formed and intensified over the central mountains. However, when topography was further reduced and the SdB region became a large flat plain, little convective activity was seen, forming only along the dryline without intensifying or propagating to the east as was observed.
EMI in Germany
Authors: Weiss Felix , Schindler Steffen
Published: January 2017

This article discusses effectively maintained inequality considering two different examples from the Germany education system: secondary school attainment and enrolment in highly ranked universities among freshmen. In our analyses of secondary school attainment, we investigate whether considering differentiation in upper secondary education leads to other conclusions than restricting the analyses to the conventional distinction between the traditional degree levels. In our analyses of university choice, we investigate whether the introduction of university ranking lists has created a new qualitative dimension of inequality in the German higher education system.
Educational Inequality in Apartheid South Africa
Authors: McKeever Matthew
Published: January 2017

In this article, I explore the utility of effectively maintained inequality theory in examining educational inequality in South Africa at the end of the apartheid era. As an obviously unequal country, South Africa provides an excellent opportunity to test the claim that even with large quantitative differences in achievement, qualitative differences will matter. Using data from the early 1990s, I find that there were extensive quantitative differences in secondary school transitions across respondents in different racial categories. The minority White population was consistently able to achieve both more and better education. At the same time, though, qualitative distinctions mattered. For the majority of the population, particularly Africans, the quality of education attained varied across parental background. These outcomes are important not only for examining the veracity of effectively maintained inequality, both in terms of racial and class differences but also because they illustrate how educational differences have served to perpetuate inequality over time in a society that no longer allows for the explicit denial of opportunity by race.
An Archaeology of Effectively Maintained Inequality Theory
Authors: Lucas Samuel R.
Published: January 2017

Effectively maintained inequality (EMI) was proposed as a general theory of inequality. While the theory flows from a decades-long tradition of studying social background effects on educational attainment, it also has resonances with theories in other domains. After conveying the tenets of EMI, I consider its proposed mechanisms and patterned implications for inequality. Given this foundation, I identify affinities between EMI and selected theoretical predecessors. In the penultimate section, selected implications for policy development and reform strategies are conveyed. A concluding section reflects upon the implications of EMI as a resource for social action.
Authoritarian “Rule of Law” and Regime Legitimacy
Authors: Whiting Susan H.
Published: January 2017

A prominent hypothesis to explain the durability of authoritarian regimes focuses on the official adoption of law and legal institutions. The present study offers a novel empirical approach to test the relationship between legal construction and regime legitimation, drawing on a quasi-experiment and original panel survey in rural China. Using difference-in-difference, subgroup, and two-stage least squares analyses, it finds that the Chinese state’s project of legal construction powerfully shapes the legal consciousness of ordinary rural citizens and that state-constructed legal consciousness enhances regime legitimacy. The study also presents qualitative evidence to identify the causal mechanism linking state-constructed legal consciousness and regime legitimacy: the expansion of local institutions like state-run legal-aid centers in rural communities. The study contributes to the institutional focus in debates about authoritarian durability by providing evidence at the intersection of state and society.
Determination of Orientation and Practice Requirements When Using an Obstacle Course for Mobility Performance Assessment
Authors: Karakolis Thomas , Sinclair Brittany A. , Kelly Alison , Terhaar Phil , Bossi Linda L. M.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

Determine effect of orientation (introduction and familiarization) and practice (repeated performance) on human performance under various load conditions as assessed by an obstacle course.

Background:

Obstacle courses are commonly used as screening tools by military, police, and firefighters or to assess human capabilities and the effect of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and other occupationally necessary equipment on mobility task performance. Unfortunately, little is formally documented about the effect of orientation and practice on performance outcomes of obstacle or mobility courses being used.

Method:

Forty-eight participants were recruited from the Canadian Army Infantry and Combat Engineer population. Participants either received regular or extensive orientation of the course before completing it. Following orientation, participants completed the course five consecutive times while wearing their PPE with full fighting order (FFO) and five consecutive times while wearing no PPE and non-FFO across a five-day period (maximum two runs per day), with ensemble presentation order counterbalanced. Total course completion time and individual obstacle completion times were measured for each run of the course.

Results:

While wearing FFO, participants continued to decrease the time required for completing the course; however, while wearing non-FFO, time to course completion did not significantly change over the five runs. There were no differences in course completion times for the regular and extensive course orientation groups.

Conclusions:

Considerations required to mitigate orientation and practicing effects can differ depending on type or complexity of load condition. While wearing FFO, practicing effects can introduce undesired confounding factors into data collection.

Application:

Any practice runs on an obstacle course prior to its use as an assessment tool should focus on the loaded (e.g., FFO) condition because improvement on loaded runs is likely transferred to unloaded, but this does not apply in the reverse.