bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Care Provision in a Swiss Urban Walk-In-Clinic. Is Advanced Nursing Practice a Solution for a New Model in Primary Care? / Gesundheitsversorgung in einer städtischen Walk-In-Praxis in der Schweiz. Ist Advanced Nursing Practice ein neues Modell in der Grundversorgung?
Authors: Kambli Katrin , Flach Daniel , Schwendimann René , Cignacco Eva
Published: May 2015

Background: Changing demographic and economic factors are producing serious challenges to Switzerland’s primary care providers: meeting the population’s growing needs will require redevelopment and reorganization. Large-scale community-based care can be expanded via alternative care models, including walk-in-clinics (WIC) stuffed by interdisciplinary teams, with Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) playing key roles in the treatment of minor complaints.

Aims: To reveal the proportion of adult patients within five exemplary diagnostic groups (respiratory tract infections, earaches, hearing impairments, urinary tract infections and wounds) who could be treated by APNs in a Swiss urban WIC in order to develop a future model of multidisciplinary collaboration between APN and physicians.

Methods: A retrospective data analysis was performed on WIC’s medical records. Reflecting seasonal variations, a one-month patient data sample was collected for each of four consecutive seasons (July and October 2010, January and April 2011). Data analyses included calculations of frequencies of individual diagnoses and of diagnostic groups.

Results: Of a combined sample of 5,130 patient consultations, 53% (n=2,733) fit within the scope of APN competencies. The most common diagnoses concerned minor wounds (24%; n=1,240) and upper respiratory tract infections (18%; n=926).

Conclusion: Based on this study’s results, we conclude that assigning APNs to primary care clinics would contribute a meaningful new professional role to Switzerlands healthcare system. Further research will be necessary to evaluate the effects of such implementation on inter-professional collaboration and patient outcomes.
Amniotic fluid LPCAT1 mRNA correlates with the lamellar body count
Authors: Welch Robert A. , Shaw Michael K. , Welch Kathryn C.
Published: May 2015

Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1) is required in the biosynthesis of pulmonary surfactant. This short communication describes our assessment of LPCAT1 mRNA levels in human amniotic fluid. We found a direct correlation between LPCAT1 mRNA copies and the amniotic fluid lamellar body count (LBC). This finding corroborates an association between LPCAT1 and surfactant phospholipid biosynthesis in humans. It may provide a model for future research in perinatal medicine.
Modeling spatial batting ability using a known covariance matrix
Authors: Cross Jared , Sylvan Dana
Published: May 2015

In baseball, heat maps, which visualize a batter’s ability across regions in and around the strike zone, play an important role in baseball commentary and scouting reports. We represent the stochastic process underlying these heat maps as a spatial Gaussian field with isotropic covariance. Spatial interpolation (kriging) relies on the assumption of a known covariance function, but in reality the parameters of the covariance are typically estimated from the data. Our simulation study, based on a known covariance function, helps to understand and explain the spatial dependence of the process and allows us to produce improved heat maps.
Throughput Maximization with S-graph Framework using Global Branching Tree
Authors: Holczinger Tibor , Orosz Ákos
Published: May 2015

Majozi and Friedler [3] developed the first approach for throughput maximization, which has no need for the optimal number of time points a-priori. The feasibility of a sequence of subproblems is examined with guided search driven S-graph based approach. Although, the approach has proved to be efficient for several problems [1], it can be developed further to increase the size of addressable cases.

In the original approach, a branching tree is generated for each subproblem separately, even though these trees can have significantly large overlaps. The presented approach exploits this redundancy to reduce the computational needs for industrial scale problems.
Sensor Fusion for Intrusion Detection With Sensor Networks
Authors: Koszteczky Bence , Simon Gyula
Published: May 2015

A sensor fusion algorithm is proposed, which can be used to fuse measurements from a distributed sensor network, containing inexpensive, easily deployable and energy efficient magnetic sensor devices. The sensor measurements are collected and transferred to a central base station, where the sensor fusion is performed, using the sensor location. The algorithm provides location, direction, and speed information about the detected vehicles. The paper describes the sensor technology and the fusion method, and the performance of the system is illustrated by real test measurements.
Chromosomal abnormalities in a decade of prenatal testing at the Department of Obstetrics and Pathology of Pregnancy Medical University of Lublin
Authors: Krzyżanowski Arkadiusz , Gęca Tomasz , Kwiatek Maciej , Kwaśniewska Anna
Published: May 2015

Introduction. Chromosomal abnormalities, one of the leading causes of pregnancy complications, attract attention of both researchers and clinicians. They use two approaches to identify chromosomal abnormalities, namely screening and diagnostic tests. Ultrasonography is a very reliable screening and diagnostic tool, but the only way to determine if there are any chromosomal defects in the fetus, is performing one of invasive diagnostics tests chorionic villus sampling (CVS), cordocentesis or amniocentesis. Unfortunately, these invasive diagnostic procedures carry a potentially high risk of complications. Using amniocentesis means a procedure-related miscarriage risk at a rate of about 0.5-1%.

Aim. The aim of this paper was to present our own experience, results in performing amniocentesis and a review of the literature.

Material and methods. During a 10-year period 237 mid-trimester, transabdominal amniocenteses were performed.

Results. The follow-up revealed one spontaneous abortion within seven days after the procedure. Premature delivery occurred in fourteen cases (two of them with chromosomal abnormalities). No neonatal deaths related to amniocentesis were noticed. Chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 33 patients.

Conclusions. In the group with chromosomal abnormalities the main indications to perform amniocentesis were: improper ultrasound scan and the first trimester biochemical, noninvasive screening tests. This is a proof that modern, non-invasive procedures like the first-trimester ultrasound scan and biochemical tests should be made available to every pregnant woman and not only to mothers’ aged >35 years or those with a poor obstetrics history.
Prevalence of self-injury, suicidal ideation, plans and attempts in adolescents aged 13 to 19 years of age
Authors: Pawłowska Beata , Potembska Emilia , Zygo Maciej , Olajossy Marcin
Published: May 2015

Introduction. Increased suicide rates, both among adults and adolescents, have been seen in Poland over recent years.

Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of self-injury, suicide ideation, plans and attempts in adolescents aged 13 to 19 years.

Material and methods. The study encompassed the total number of 6883 individuals aged 13 to 19 years, 69% of them being girls and 31% - boys. All respondents lived in Lubelskie Province. The research was conducted using a questionnaire designed by the authors.

Results. In the group composed of 6883 adolescents living in Lublin Province, suicide ideation was reported by 47.65% of the respondents, suicide plans by 32.35%, suicide attempts were carried out by 10% of adolescents and self-injury by 24.91% of the respondents aged 13 to 19 years.

Conclusions. The greatest prevalence of suicide ideation, plans and attempts, as well as self-injuries, were recorded in the group of adolescents aged 17. The adolescents living in the urban areas are more likely to inflict self-injury than those living in rural areas. Furthermore, adolescents with suicidal tendencies, e.g. attempting suicide and self-injury, are more prone to alcohol and substance abuse. It needs emphasizing that many adolescents with suicidal tendencies, compared against those who did not carry them out, have past experience of psychological, physical and sexual violence in the family, have been raised by a single parent or in families, where one of the parents abused alcohol.
Ocena podstawowych i złożonych czynności życia codziennego pacjentów geriatrycznych po zabiegu endoprotezoplastyki stawu biodrowego / Assessment of basic and instrumental activities of daily living in geriatric patients after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Puzio Grzegorz , Stopa Agnieszka , Staszczak–Gawełda Izabela , Krupnik Szymon , Żak Marek , Szczygielska–Babiuch Anna
Published: May 2015

Streszczenie

Wstęp: Choroba zwyrodnieniowa stawów biodrowych stanowi u osób starszych jedną z głównych przyczyn dysfunkcji narządu ruchu oraz jest najczęstszą przyczyną wykonywania endoprotezoplastyki stawów biodrowych u osób po 65 r.ż. Postęp medycyny i rehabilitacji pozwala osobom starszym na utrzymanie wysokiej sprawności funkcjonalnej oraz samodzielności w wykonywaniu czynności życia codziennego.

Cel pracy: Przedstawienie najczęstszych problemów z zakresu czynności dnia codziennego po zabiegu endoprotezoplastyki stawu biodrowego u pacjentów geriatrycznych.

Materiał i metody: Zbadano 189 pensjonariuszy placówek opieki instytucjonalnej w wieku 70-98 lat (MEAN 81,77; SD 6,5), w tym 123 kobiety i 66 mężczyzn. Do oceny funkcjonalnej zastosowano skalę oceny podstawowych czynności życia codziennego ADL oraz skalę złożonych czynności życia IADL. Wykonano stratyfikację na wiek (Gr I: 70-79 r.ż., Gr II- >80 r.ż.). Analizę statystyczną wykonano w programie STATISTICA v10. Weryfikację hipotez podjęto na podstawie testu Manna-Whitneya przy założeniu α=0.05.

Wyniki: Wszystkie badane osoby miały największe problemy w ADL w zakresie czynności samodzielnego kąpania się (43%) oraz kontrolowaniu wydalania moczu i stolca (66,66%). W skali IADL największe trudności badani mieli z gospodarowaniem pieniędzmi (71%), ponad połowa nie była w stanie wyjść poza odległość spaceru (54%). Po wprowadzeniu stratyfikacji na wiek, wynik główny ADL nie różnił się istotnie pomiędzy grupami (5 pkt. vs 5 pkt., p>0.05), istotne statystycznie różnice wykryto w skali IADL pomiędzy grupami (Gr I 20 pkt vs Gr II 18pkt., p<0.05).

Wnioski: W 4 tygodnie po endoprotezoplastyce osoby objęte opieką instytucjonalną prezentują ubytki funkcjonalne w zakresie pielęgnacji. Treningi aktywności podstawowych i złożonych czynności dnia codziennego powinny być podstawowym elementem postępowania interdyscyplinarnego w geriatrii.
Surgery for nasal obstruction in inferior turbinate hypertrophy
Authors: Saulescu Mihai , Sarafoleanu Codrut
Published: May 2015

In the international literature, there is no consensus on patient selection for turbinate surgery. Surgery is usually indicated to the patients on the basis of subjective complaint of nasal obstruction and surgeon´s clinical examination. Although most surgical techniques demonstrate a subjective and objective improvement in postoperative nasal airflow and subjective scores, it is hard to say which technique is best suited for treating inferior turbinate enlargement. Inferior turbinate reduction for nasal obstructive symptoms caused by enlarged turbinates is a useful procedure and is reserved for patients who are not responding to medical treatment or in whom the medical management is contraindicated.
Endoscopic approach of sinonasal inverted papilloma – our 15 years’ experience on 162 cases
Authors: Budu Vlad , Schnaider Alexandra , Bulescu Ioan
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND. Inverted papilloma is a benign tumor of the nose and sinuses, with a high risk of recurrence and malignant degeneration. The inverted papilloma is a slow growing tumor that can be approached through an endoscopic or external approach, depending on its stage.

OBJECTIVE. The aims of the study are to identify the particularities of diagnosis of the inverted papilloma, to establish the correct steps in surgical treatment of this tumor and to open the access for other steps of treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS. The authors present their experience in managing the sinonasal inverted papilloma in a 15-year retrospective clinical study, which included 162 patients. The preoperative protocol consisted in clinical examination, nasal endoscopy, radiologic imaging (CT scan) and biopsy with histopathology results and immunohistochemistry findings. Surgical removal of the inverted papilloma was performed by endoscopic techniques, according to the stage of the tumor. We were interested in the recurrence rate of the tumor and its malignancy after a long-term follow-up.

RESULTS. In our series, we included 162 patients and we had 26 (16.04%) recurrences and 12 (7.40%) malignant degenerations. All our patients were diagnosed in Krouse stages I, II and III and underwent endoscopic resection of the tumor.

CONCLUSION. In order not to have any leftover tumor (the most important factor of recurrence and malignant transformation), it is mandatory to have a complete diagnosis of the inverted papilloma, a precise surgical technique and a rigorous followup. In some cases, the surgical treatment is associated with other type of treatment (antiviral, antiangiogenetic).
Polypropylene meshes and other alloplastic implants for soft tissue and cartilage nasal reconstructive surgery – a literature review
Authors: Ionita Sabina , Popescu Serban , Lascar Ioan
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND. The reconstructive surgery is a domain in continuous research for new techniques and alloplastic materials for replacement of complex defects. Different biomaterials are used in soft tissue reconstruction including polypropylene meshes covered with collagen, which have the best results in abdominal and pelvic surgery, but are not yet used in nasal surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS. We analysed the studies from the literature regarding the different alloplastic implants used in nasal reconstruction surgery, their benefits and contraindications for nasal defects.

RESULTS. The most used polymers are Silicone, Medpor®, Mersilene® and polypropylene. Silicone is no longer widely used in facial reconstructive surgery because of its many complications. Medpor® (high-density polyethylene) is used for reconstruction of the facial skeleton and for aesthetic contour enhancement, including nasal reconstruction. Mersilene® (polyethylene terephthalate) is used for dorsum nasal defect reconstruction. Gore-Tex® is used for soft-tissue augmentation in the nose and is not recommended as a structural graft. Polypropylene meshes (Marlex®) are widely used in abdominal and chest wall reconstructive surgeries, with few studies on using them in nasal cartilage reconstruction.

CONCLUSION. Nasal reconstructive surgery is a difficult part of plastic surgery than can cause many problems to the surgeon, the need for soft tissue and cartilage reconstruction are difficult to solve in a repeatedly operated nose with few autogenous graft options and complex reconstructive surgeries, especially in posttraumatic defects and revision rhinoplasties. There are many alloplastic implants that can be used with excellent results.
Physical Activity Interventions in Middle School and High School Girls A Review
Authors: Larson Jessyka N. , Hannon James C. , Brusseau Timothy A.
Published: May 2015

This review examined 62 studies that focused on adolescent females’ physical activity and gender differences in physical activity levels among adolescents. Approximately 15% of female adolescents are obese and only 35% are meeting the recommendation of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day declining to 3% once females reach high school. Identifying factors that influence physical activity among adolescent females has led to successful interventions.
Bishop Callistus I. of Rome (217?−222?): A Martyr or a Confessor?
Authors: Handl András
Published: May 2015

Doubtlessly, Callistus, Bishop of Rome (217?−222?), was added to the list of honored martyrs of the City of Rome (Depositio martyrum). But whether or not he actually was martyred, as the Acta Callisti suggest, is controversially debated. The author of the Refutatio omnium haeresium (Elenchos), an opponent of the bishop, does not at all refer to his death. He does mention, however, that Callistus was sentenced to the mines of Sardinia. After his return, Bishop Victor (189?−199?), and implicitly the author as well, acknowledges him as a confessor. Because the terminology is not definite at this point in time, the confessor Callistus is described as a martyr and added to the list of martyrs after his death. The missing narrative of his violent death that is implicated by the title martyr is invented by the Acta. The efforts to underscore the reliability of the Acta through the similarly novelesque Historia Augusta are unconvincing. Therefore the Acta are of no importance for the determination of the facts about the life and death of Bishop Callistus. However, they provide insights on the development of the tradition of Callistus in Trastevere, the Catacombs of Calepodius as well as the topography of Rome at the end of the 5th century.
Morning salutationes and the Decline of Sympotic Eucharists in the Third Century
Authors: Leonhard Clemens
Published: May 2015

In late antiquity and the middle ages, many expositors compare the liturgy of the Eucharist (or the mass/the Divine Liturgy) with the accounts of Jesus’ Last supper claiming continuity and identity for a tradition in whose early phases diversity and change were abound. This essay departs from five issues regarding aspects of change between the early Christian sympotic celebrations of the Eucharist and the state of affairs in the middle ages: first, the quantity and quality of food to be consumed; second, the combined (as against separate) blessing or consecration of bread and wine; third, the timing of the celebration in the afternoon and evening versus the early morning; fourth, its compulsory combination with a liturgy of the word that is, moreover, performed preceding the Eucharist and not following the meal as it would be customary in ancient Greece and Rome; fifth, the later reservation of the presidency to clerics of the church. At least these five aspects of change in Eucharistic celebrations can be explained with recourse to the Roman custom of patrons receiving their clients almost every morning in the framework of the morning salutatio. Thus, it is indicated how the churches of Carthage moved from Eucharistic celebrations in the style of dinner parties and communal meals towards distributions of gifts to clients at a meeting with their bishop as patron of the church. This thesis explains why the loss of prandial Eucharists began long before Constantine. It explains when and why Christian churches in the Roman Empire abandoned a celebration that lent itself to the spontaneous interpretation as a mimetic celebration of the Last Supper thus creating the need to emphasize-eventually as part of the ritual itself in the form of the recitation of institution narratives-that the Eucharist is still the same, although it lost most of its mimetic allusions to its alleged pattern in the first century. The gradual adoption of the social institution of the morning salutatio also explains the parallel existence of different forms of Eucharistic celebrations: Its adoption and adaptation is an answer to the growth of the churches in certain places which could remain unimportant for others.
Composite Properties from Instrumented Load Tests on Mini-Piers Reinforced With Geotextiles
Authors: Iwamoto Melia K. , Ooi Phillip S. K. , Adams Michael T. , Nicks Jennifer E.
Published: May 2015

Four pairs of large-scale instrumented geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) square columns were load tested to study the effects of varying reinforcement strength to spacing ratio, to discern the lateral pressures during construction and during load testing, and to derive shear strength parameters of the GRS composite. Each pair was identical in every respect, except one was loaded with a dry-stacked concrete masonry unit (CMU) facing in place and the other without. Lateral pressures during construction were found to be small for the facing type used in this study. Also, based on the derived GRS composite shear strength parameters, it was found that (1) the GRS composite Mohr–Coulomb envelopes are not parallel to those for the unreinforced soil; (2) the reinforcement increased the composite cohesion compared to the unreinforced soil (cohesion increases with decreasing spacing and increasing reinforcement strength); (3) the composite friction angle is less than that of the unreinforced soil (friction angle increases with decreasing reinforcement strength and increasing spacing); (4) as the composite friction angle increases, the active lateral earth pressure coefficient decreases; and (5) the benefits of reinforcing a soil become increasingly significant as the reinforcement spacing decreases.
Vitamin D, carotid intima–media thickness and bone structure in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Winckler Karoline , Tarnow Lise , Lundby-Christensen Louise , Almdal Thomas P , Wiinberg Niels , Eiken Pia , Boesgaard Trine W , _ _
Published: May 2015

Despite aggressive treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) still have increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The primary aim of this study was to examine the cross-sectional association between total (25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D)) and risk of CVD in patients with T2D. Secondary objective was to examine the association between 25(OH)D and bone health. A Danish cohort of patients with T2D participating in a randomised clinical trial were analysed. In total 415 patients (68% men, age 60±9 years (mean±s.d.), duration of diabetes 12±6 years), including 294 patients (71%) treated with insulin. Carotid intima–media thickness (IMT) and arterial stiffness (carotid artery distensibility coefficient (DC) and Young's elastic modulus (YEM)) were measured by ultrasound scan as indicators of CVD. Bone health was assessed by bone mineral density and trabecular bone score measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. In this cohort, 214 patients (52%) were vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D <50 nmol/l). Carotid IMT was 0.793±0.137 mm, DC was 0.0030±0.001 mmHg, YEM was 2354±1038 mmHg and 13 (3%) of the patients were diagnosed with osteoporosis. A 25(OH)D level was not associated with carotid IMT or arterial stiffness (P>0.3) or bone health (P>0.6) after adjustment for CVD risk factors. In conclusion, 25(OH)D status was not associated with carotid IMT, arterial stiffness or bone health in this cohort of patients with T2D. To explore these associations and the association with other biomarkers further, multicentre studies with large numbers of patients are required.
A new pathway in the control of the initiation of puberty: the MKRN3 gene
Authors: Abreu Ana Paula , Macedo Delanie B , Brito Vinicius N , Kaiser Ursula B , Latronico Ana Claudia
Published: May 2015

Pubertal timing is influenced by complex interactions among genetic, nutritional, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. The role ofMKRN3, an imprinted gene located in the Prader–Willi syndrome critical region (chromosome 15q11–13), in pubertal initiation was first described in 2013 after the identification of deleteriousMKRN3mutations in five families with central precocious puberty (CPP) using whole-exome sequencing analysis. Since then, additional loss-of-function mutations ofMKRN3have been associated with the inherited premature sexual development phenotype in girls and boys from different ethnic groups. In all of these families, segregation analysis clearly demonstrated autosomal dominant inheritance with complete penetrance, but with exclusive paternal transmission, consistent with the monoallelic expression ofMKRN3(a maternally imprinted gene). Interestingly, the hypothalamicMkrn3mRNA expression pattern in mice correlated with a putative inhibitory input on puberty initiation. Indeed, the initiation of puberty depends on a decrease in factors that inhibit the release of GnRH combined with an increase in stimulatory factors. These recent human and animal findings suggest thatMKRN3plays an inhibitory role in the reproductive axis to represent a new pathway in pubertal regulation.
Effects of nutritional programing on growth and metabolism caused by albumen removal in an avian model
Authors: Willems Els , Koppenol Astrid , De Ketelaere Bart , Wang Yufeng , Franssens Lies , Buyse Johan , Decuypere Eddy , Everaert Nadia
Published: May 2015

In mammalian models of prenatal undernutrition the maternal diet is manipulated, exerting both nutritional and hormonal effects on the offspring. In contrast, in the chicken, strictly nutritional effects can be applied. Prenatal protein undernutrition in chickens was induced by partial replacement of albumen with saline during early embryonic development (albumen-deprived group) and results were compared with a sham-manipulated and a non-manipulated group. Body weight of the albumen-deprived hens was reduced throughout the entire experimental period (0–55 weeks). The reproductive capacity was diminished in the albumen-deprived hens as reflected in the reduced number of eggs and lower egg weight. The plasma triiodothyronine levels were increased in the albumen-deprived group compared with the non-manipulated hens, but not the sham-manipulated hens. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 10 weeks of age revealed a decreased glucose tolerance in the albumen-deprived hens. During adulthood, an age-related loss of glucose tolerance was observed in the hens, leading to disappearance of treatment differences in the OGTT. The offspring of the albumen-deprived hens (PA chicks) had reduced body weight until at least 3 weeks of age. In addition, the PA chicks had a decreased relative residual yolk weight at hatching. An insulin tolerance test revealed increased sensitivity to insulin for the PA chicks compared with the offspring of the non-manipulated (PN) and sham-manipulated hens (PS). In conclusion, prenatal protein undernutrition by albumen removal caused long-term effects on body weight, reproductive performance, and physiology.
The involvement of gonadotropin inhibitory hormone and kisspeptin in the metabolic regulation of reproduction
Authors: Wahab F , Shahab M , Behr R
Published: May 2015

Recently, kisspeptin (KP) and gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), two counteracting neuropeptides, have been acknowledged as significant regulators of reproductive function. KP stimulates reproduction while GnIH inhibits it. These two neuropeptides seem to be pivotal for the modulation of reproductive activity in response to internal and external cues. It is well-documented that the current metabolic status of the body is closely linked to its reproductive output. However, how reproductive function is regulated by the body's energy status is less clear. Recent studies have suggested an active participation of hypothalamic KP and GnIH in the modulation of reproductive function according to available metabolic cues. Expression ofKISS1, the KP encoding gene, is decreased while expression ofRFRP(NPVF), the gene encoding GnIH, is increased in metabolic deficiency conditions. The lower levels of KP, as suggested by a decrease inKISS1gene mRNA expression, during metabolic deficiency can be corrected by administration of exogenous KP, which leads to an increase in reproductive hormone levels. Likewise, administration of RF9, a GnIH receptor antagonist, can reverse the inhibitory effect of fasting on testosterone in monkeys. Together, it is likely that the integrated function of both these hypothalamic neuropeptides works as a reproductive output regulator in response to a change in metabolic status. In this review, we have summarized literature from nonprimate and primate studies that demonstrate the involvement of KP and GnIH in the metabolic regulation of reproduction.
Comparison of bioactivities, binding properties and intrafollicular levels of bovine follistatins
Authors: Glister Claire , Sunderland Simon J , Boland Maurice P , Ireland James J , Knight Phil G
Published: May 2015

Five isoforms of follistatin (FST) (Mr31, 33, 35, 37, and 41 kDa) were purified from bovine follicular fluid (bFF). Comparison of their activin and heparan sulphate proteoglycan (HSP) binding properties and biopotencies in the neutralisation of activin A actionin vitrorevealed that all five isoforms bound activin A, but they did so with different affinities. Only the 31 kDa isoform (FST-288) bound to HSP. FST-288 also showed the greatest biopotency, and the 35 and 41 kDa isoforms were the least potent. To determine whether bovine follicle development is associated with changing intrafollicular FST and activin profiles, we analysed bFF from dominant follicles (DFs) and subordinate follicles (SF) collected at strategic times during a synchronised oestrous cycle. Total FST, activin A and activin AB were measured by immunoassay, whereas individual FST isoforms were quantified by immunoblotting. Follicle diameter was positively correlated with oestrogen:progesterone ratio (r=0.56) in bFF but negatively correlated with activin A (r=−0.34), activin AB (r=−0.80) and ‘total’ FST (r=−0.70) levels. Follicle diameter was positively correlated with the abundance of the 41 kDa isoform (r=0.59) but negatively correlated with the abundance of the 33 and 31 kDa isoforms (r=−0.56 andr=−0.41 respectively). Both follicle statuses (DF and SF) and cycle stage affected total FST, activin A and activin B levels, whereas follicle status, but not cycle stage, affected the abundance of the 41, 37, 33 and 31 kDa FST isoforms. Collectively, these findings indicate that intrafollicular FST isoforms, which differ in their ability to bind and neutralise activins and to associate with cell-surface proteoglycans, show divergent changes during follicle development. Enhanced FST production may play an important negative role, either directly or via the inhibition of the positive effects of activins, on follicle growth and function during follicular waves.
Systematic Global Analysis of Genes Encoding Protein Phosphatases inAspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Winkelströter Lizziane K , Dolan Stephen K , Fernanda dos Reis Thaila , Bom Vinícius Leite Pedro , Alves de Castro Patrícia , Hagiwara Daisuke , Alowni Raneem , Jones Gary W , Doyle Sean , Brown Neil Andrew , Goldman Gustavo H
Published: May 2015

Aspergillus fumigatus is a fungal pathogen that causes several invasive and noninvasive diseases named aspergillosis. This disease is generally regarded as multifactorial, considering that several pathogenicity determinants are present during the establishment of this illness. It is necessary to obtain an increased knowledge of how, and which, A. fumigatus signal transduction pathways are engaged in the regulation of these processes. Protein phosphatases are essential to several signal transduction pathways. We identified 32 phosphatase catalytic subunit-encoding genes in A. fumigatus, of which we were able to construct 24 viable deletion mutants. The role of nine phosphatase mutants in the HOG (high osmolarity glycerol response) pathway was evaluated by measuring phosphorylation of the p38 MAPK (SakA) and expression of osmo-dependent genes. We were also able to identify 11 phosphatases involved in iron assimilation, six that are related to gliotoxin resistance, and three implicated in gliotoxin production. These results present the creation of a fundamental resource for the study of signaling in A. fumigatus and its implications in the regulation of pathogenicity determinants and virulence in this important pathogen.
Intrinsic Toxicity of Unchecked Heterochromatin Spread Is Suppressed by Redundant Chromatin Boundary Functions inSchizosacchromyces pombe
Authors: Garcia Jennifer F , Al-Sady Bassem , Madhani Hiten D
Published: May 2015

Effective boundary mechanisms halt the spread of repressive histone methylation. In the fission yeast Schizosacchromyces pombe, two factors/elements required for boundary function have been described, the jmjC protein Epe1 and binding sites for the RNA polymerase III transcription factor TFIIIC. Perplexingly, individual mutation of Epe1 or TFIIIC sites produces only mild boundary defects, and no other boundary factors have been identified. To approach these issues, we developed a synthetic reporter gene tool that uses a tethered Clr4 histone H3K9 methyltransferase and monitors the ability of a DNA element to block heterochromatin spread. The inverted repeat (IR) that flanks the mat2/3 silent mating-type cassette region demonstrates strong boundary activity compared to sequences that flank pericentromeric heterochromatic repeats. Rather than acting in the same inhibitory pathway, Epe1 and TFIIIC sites mediate boundary function of the IR via the two parallel and largely redundant pathways. We also use the system to demonstrate that HP1/Swi6 promotes boundary activity in addition to promoting silencing and acts in the same pathway as Epe1. Inhibition of heterochromatin spread at the endogenous IR element also requires either Epe1 or TFIIIC sites. Strikingly, mutation of both mechanisms results in growth inhibition that is associated with the spread of heterochromatin over many kilobases to the nearest essential gene and the near-complete silencing of several intervening euchromatic genes. The growth defect is reversed by deletion of clr4+, indicating that the redundant boundary mechanisms protect cells from intrinsic toxicity caused by the spread of heterochromatin.
On the convergence rate of a difference solution of the Poisson equation with fully nonlocal constraints
Authors: Berikelashvilia Givi , Khomeriki Nodar
Published: May 2015

We consider the Poisson equation in a rectangular domain. Instead of the classical specification of boundary data, we impose an integral constraints on the inner stripe adjacent to boundary having the width ξ. The corresponding finite-difference scheme is constructed on a mesh, which selection does not depend on the value ξ. It is proved the unique solvability of the scheme. An a priori estimate of the discretization error is obtained with the help of energy inequality method. It is proved that the scheme is convergent with the convergence rate of order s-1, when the exact solution belongs to the fractional Sobolev space of order s (1<s ≤3).
Smoothness of solutions with respect to multi-strip integral boundary conditions for nth order ordinary differential equations
Authors: Henderson Johnny
Published: May 2015

Under certain conditions, solutions of the boundary value problem y(n) = f(x,y,y',...,y(n-1)), a < x < b, y(i-1)(x1) = yi, i=1,...,n-1, y(x2) ∑ i=1mγi ∫ ξiηiy(x)dx=yn, a<x1<ξ1<η1<ξ2<η2<...<ξm<ηm<x2<b, are differentiated with respect to the boundary conditions.
Nonnegative solutions for a system of impulsive BVPs with nonlinear nonlocal BCs
Authors: Infante Gennaro , Pietramala Paolamaria
Published: May 2015

We study the existence of nonnegative solutions for a system of impulsive differential equations subject to nonlinear, nonlocal boundary conditions. The system presents a coupling in the differential equation and in the boundary conditions. The main tool that we use is the theory of fixed point index for compact maps.
Stability and nonlinear dynamics in a Solow model with pollution
Authors: Ferrara Massimiliano , Guerrini Luca , Sodini Mauro
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we introduce a time-to-build technology in a Solow model with pollution. We show that Hopf bifurcations occur as the delay passes through critical values. The direction and the stability criteria of the bifurcating periodic solutions are obtained by the normal form theory and the center manifold theorem. Numerical experiments confirm the analytical results with regard to the emergence of nonlinear dynamics.
Log-linear learning model for predicting a steady-state manual assembly time
Authors: Kleiza Vytautas , Tilindis Justinas
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the method for estimating the parameters of a two parameter learning curve (LC). Different values of parameters and different sample sizes are used for this estimation. Based on the experimental data an adequate mathematically grounded LC model is proposed for a manual assembly process of automotive wiring harness. The model enables us to determine the LC parameters αε (slope coefficient) and the learning rate stabilization point xc, i.e. to completely restore LC and predict the production process. The propositions that ground the model application correctness are proved. The model adequacy is estimated, based on concrete production process monitoring data. The criterion that determines production process without stabilized learning rate is proposed.
An exhaustive search approach for chemical kinetics experimental data fitting, rate constants optimization and confidence interval estimation
Authors: Laurynėnas Audrius , Kulys Juozas
Published: May 2015

Finding reaction rate constants in a complex chemical mechanism is a complicated problem. These complications can be attributed mainly to the nonlinearity of such systems, where the least squares optimization procedure fail when experimental data are being fitted. Here we analyze two cases: analytical and numerical. From analytical case possible issues of optimization are found and methods to cope with them are derived. The complex case shows how an exhaustive search fitting approach works. Our results indicate that certain properties of systems can be found only by running grid search on entire rate constant set and minima found have practical value only if the properties of entire fitting score surface are known.
Compound orbits break-up in constituents: An algorithm
Authors: San Martín Jesús , Gómez Antonia González González , Moscoso María José José , Rodriguez-Perez Daniel
Published: May 2015

In this paper, decomposition of periodic orbits in bifurcation diagrams are derived in unidimensional dynamics system xn+1=f(xn;r), being f an unimodal function. We prove a theorem, which states the necessary and sufficient conditions for the break-up of compound orbits in their simpler constituents. A corollary to this theorem provides an algorithm for the computation of those orbits. This process closes the theoretical framework initiated in [J. San Martín, M.J. Moscoso, A. González Gómez, Composition law of cardinal ordering permutations, Physica D, 239:1135–1146, 2010. Theorem 2 of present work closes the theoretical frame of composition and decomposition.
BMI and Magnitude of Scoliosis at Presentation to a Specialty Clinic
Authors: Gilbert Shawn R. , Savage Albert J. , Whitesell Rebecca , Conklin Michael J. , Fineberg Naomi S.
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether curve magnitude of scoliosis at presentation correlates with BMI.

METHODS:

Retrospective chart review of 180 patients presenting with scoliosis was performed. Curve pattern and magnitude, Risser status, occurrence of surgery, zip code, height and weight, race, and insurance status were recorded. Relationships were examined by Spearman rank and Pearson correlations, and logistic regression analysis was used to determine odds ratios.

RESULTS:

For both thoracic and lumbar curve patterns, there was a correlation between BMI and curve magnitude. Spearman rank correlation was 0.19 for thoracic (P = .03) and 0.24 for lumbar curves (P = .02). Overweight or obese patients were not more likely, however, to present with curves at higher risk of progression or more likely to have surgical intervention. With respect to potential confounding socioeconomic variables, thoracic curve magnitude was negatively correlated with median family income (Spearman rank correlation –0.17, P = .04). Curve magnitude was not correlated with race, distance, or insurance payer.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with high BMI and scoliosis are more likely to present with larger curves, but not more likely to require surgery. This is concerning because of the national trend of increasing childhood obesity and because scoliosis treatment may be more complicated in larger curves. Socioeconomic factors may also be barriers to access.
Academic Effects of Concussion in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Ransom Danielle M. , Vaughan Christopher G. , Pratson Lincoln , Sady Maegan D. , McGill Catherine A. , Gioia Gerard A.
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this work is to study the nature and extent of the adverse academic effects faced by students recovering from concussion.

METHOD:

A sample of 349 students ages 5 to 18 who sustained a concussion and their parents reported academic concerns and problems (eg, symptoms interfering, diminished academic skills) on a structured school questionnaire within 4 weeks of injury. Postconcussion symptoms were measured as a marker of injury severity. Results were examined based on recovery status (recovered or actively symptomatic) and level of schooling (elementary, middle, and high school).

RESULTS:

Actively symptomatic students and their parents reported higher levels of concern for the impact of concussion on school performance (P < .05) and more school-related problems (P < .001) than recovered peers and their parents. High school students who had not yet recovered reported significantly more adverse academic effects than their younger counterparts (P < .05). Greater severity of postconcussion symptoms was associated with more school-related problems and worse academic effects, regardless of time since injury (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

This study provides initial evidence for a concussion’s impact on academic learning and performance, with more adverse effects reported by students who had not yet recovered from the injury. School-based management with targeted recommendations informed by postinjury symptoms may mitigate adverse academic effects, reduce parent and student concerns for the impact of the injury on learning and scholastic performance, and lower the risk of prolonged recovery for students with active postconcussion symptoms.
Developmental Outcomes of Extremely Preterm Infants Born to Adolescent Mothers
Authors: Hoffman Laurie , Bann Carla , Higgins Rosemary , Vohr Betty ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Extremely preterm infants and infants born to adolescent mothers are at risk for adverse developmental. The objectives were to evaluate development and behavior outcomes of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants born to adolescent mothers <20 compared with adult mothers ≥20 years and to identify socioeconomic risk factors that affect outcomes.

METHODS:

Retrospective cohort analysis of 211 infants >27 weeks of adolescent mothers and 1723 infants of adult mothers at Neonatal Research Network centers from 2008 to 2011. Groups were compared and regression models were run to predict 18- to 22-month adverse outcomes. Primary outcomes were Bayley-III scores, neurodevelopmental impairment, and Brief Infant Toddler Social Emotional Assessment problem scores (BITSEA/P) ≥75th percentile.

RESULTS:

Adolescent mothers were more often single, Hispanic, less educated, and had public insurance. By 18 to 22 months, their children had significantly increased rates of having lived ≥3 places (21% vs 9%), state supervision (7% vs 3%), rehospitalization (56% vs 46%), and BITSEA/P ≥75th percentile (50% vs 32%) and nonsignificant Bayley-III language scores <85 (56% vs 49%, P = .07). In regression analysis, children of adolescent mothers were more likely to have BITSEA/P ≥75th percentile (relative risk 1.50, 95% confidence interval 1.08–2.07). Living ≥3 places and nonwhite race were predictors of adverse behavior. State supervision was an independent predictor of each Bayley-III composite <70 and neurodevelopmental impairment.

CONCLUSIONS:

ELBW infants of adolescent mothers experience high social and environmental risks that are associated with adverse behavior outcomes. These findings inform the need for comprehensive follow-up, coordinated care services, and behavior interventions for ELBW infants of adolescent mothers.
Tiempo, lenguaje y memoria: indagación filosófica y expresión poética en la experiencia del límite del pensar
Authors: Fernández Agis Domingo
Published: May 2015

A partir de J.-P. Sartre y M. Heidegger, se aborda la relación entre temporalidad, conciencia y comprensión, y se examina la experiencia de la indeterminación vinculada a la intuición del límite de lo pensable y expresable, con el fin de articular la filosofía y la poesía como formas de acercamiento a dicho límite. Se plantean dos presupuestos: el cuestionamiento de la demarcación radical entre indagación filosófica y expresión poética, y la aproximación racional, pero sin prejuicios racionalistas, a los límites del pensar y del decir. Con ello se reivindica una forma de entender la filosofía que parte de M. Heidegger y alcanza brillantes expresiones en M. Foucault y J. Derrida.
Datos, fenómenos y representación: sobre el estructuralismo empirista de van Fraassen
Authors: Rolleri José Luis
Published: May 2015

En este escrito se analizan ciertos conceptos del estructuralismo empirista de Bas van Fraassen, en particular, el de representación, para intentar una crítica a su posición con respecto al vínculo entre los modelos de las teorías y, en última instancia, el mundo físico por medio de los modelos de datos, a los cuales van Fraassen les adjudica el papel de representantes de los fenómenos. Al final se delinea, a muy grandes rasgos, una alternativa conceptualista.
Sobre el valor de la verdad. Una crítica a Richard Rorty
Authors: Forero Mora José Andrés
Published: May 2015

Se sostiene, con Rorty, que la verdad no es ninguna propiedad y, contra Rorty, que esta posición no implica eliminar el concepto de verdad del discurso teórico. Con una estrategia pragmatista, se analizan las prácticas de los hablantes, para mostrar que no se adquieren los mismos compromisos cuando se atribuye verdad y cuando se atribuye justificación. Se evidencia el sentido en que es socialmente útil la distinción filosófica entre verdad y justificación, para finalizar mostrando cómo esa distinción no entraña ninguna metafísica misteriosa.
Narración y autoconciencia. Una lectura crítica a los postulados dantianos sobre el fin del arte
Authors: Olvera Pablo , Martínez Mariano
Published: May 2015

Danto inicia su filosofía de la historia del arte con un núcleo problemático que inaugura el modernismo: una obra de arte llega a ser indiscernible de una mera cosa, en la medida en que es el resultado lógico de la narrativa de un cierto periodo. Hablar sobre el fin del arte es hablar de las razones que sustentan esa narración y de la posibilidad de su culminación. Se propone una crítica, a partir de la relación entre esencialismo, historicismo y pluralismo, para examinar su controversial tesis sobre la clausura histórica del arte por agotamiento de su impulso cognitivo.
La transformación postsecular de la relación entre religión y racionalidad
Authors: Gómez Rincón Carlos Miguel
Published: May 2015

Se examina la idea de un vínculo directo entre modernización y pérdida de plausibilidad de la creencia religiosa, se explora la imagen contemporánea de la relación entre religión y racionalidad, y se muestra cómo no puede afirmarse que el avance de la ciencia conduzca a la secularización. Ante la pregunta, si la postsecularización conlleva una mutua exclusión de religión y racionalidad, se examinan las propuestas de J. Habermas y N. Wolterstorff, buscando criterios normativos para el diálogo entre racionalidades religiosas y no religiosas.