bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vocational Education Course Taking and Post–High School Employment of Youth With Emotional Disturbances
Authors: Wagner Mary M. , Newman Lynn A. , Javitz Harold S.
Published: February 2016

Data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2 (NLTS2) were used to examine the patterns of career and technical education (CTE) course taking in high school by students receiving special education services for emotional disturbances (ED). Descriptive analyses indicate the extent of such course taking by students with ED and their engagement in a concentrated program of occupationally specific general education CTE, a level of CTE course taking that early research has linked to improved post–high school employment outcomes. Propensity scoring methods were used to determine the extent to which either type of CTE course taking was related to higher odds of full-time employment after high school and whether results differed with the length of time post high school. There was a significant positive effect for participating in a concentration of occupationally specific CTE in the first 2 post–high school years, but effects were non-significant for later years. Results showed no benefits of CTE course taking overall. The implications for high school programming and transition planning are discussed.
Clinical and laboratory variability in a cohort of patients diagnosed with type 1 VWD in the United States
Authors: Flood Veronica H. , Christopherson Pamela A. , Gill Joan Cox , Friedman Kenneth D. , Haberichter Sandra L. , Bellissimo Daniel B. , Udani Rupa A. , Dasgupta Mahua , Hoffmann Raymond G. , Ragni Margaret V. , Shapiro Amy D. , Lusher Jeanne M. , Lentz Steven R. , Abshire Thomas C. , Leissinger Cindy , Hoots W. Keith , Manco-Johnson Marilyn J. , Gruppo Ralph A. , Boggio Lisa N. , Montgomery Kate T. , Goodeve Anne C. , James Paula D. , Lillicrap David , Peake Ian R. , Montgomery Robert R.
Published: February 2016

Key Points

Type 1 VWD in the United States is highly variable, including patients with very low VWF levels as well as those with mild or minimal VWF deficiency. The frequency of sequence variants in the VWF gene increases with decreasing VWF level, but BS does not vary by VWF level.
Parasail: SIMD C library for global, semi-global, and local pairwise sequence alignments
Authors: Daily Jeff
Published: February 2016

Background

Sequence alignment algorithms are a key component of many bioinformatics applications.

Though various fast Smith-Waterman local sequence alignment implementations have been developed for x86 CPUs, most are embedded into larger database search tools. In addition, fast implementations of Needleman-Wunsch global sequence alignment and its semi-global variants are not as widespread. This article presents the first software library for local, global, and semi-global pairwise intra-sequence alignments and improves the performance of previous intra-sequence implementations.

Results

A faster intra-sequence local pairwise alignment implementation is described and benchmarked, including new global and semi-global variants. Using a 375 residue query sequence a speed of 136 billion cell updates per second (GCUPS) was achieved on a dual Intel Xeon E5-2670 24-core processor system, the highest reported for an implementation based on Farrar’s ‘striped’ approach. Rognes’s SWIPE optimal database search application is still generally the fastest available at 1.2 to at best 2.4 times faster than Parasail for sequences shorter than 500 amino acids. However, Parasail was faster for longer sequences. For global alignments, Parasail’s prefix scan implementation is generally the fastest, faster even than Farrar’s ‘striped’ approach, however the opal library is faster for single-threaded applications. The software library is designed for 64 bit Linux, OS X, or Windows on processors with SSE2, SSE41, or AVX2. Source code is available from https://github.com/jeffdaily/parasail
under the Battelle BSD-style license.

Conclusions

Applications that require optimal alignment scores could benefit from the improved performance. For the first time, SIMD global, semi-global, and local alignments are available in a stand-alone C library.
Development of a Quantitative PCR Assay for Detection of Human Insulin-Like Growth Factor Receptor and Insulin Receptor Isoforms
Authors: Flannery Clare A. , Rowzee Anne M. , Choe Gina H. , Saleh Farrah L. , Radford Caitlin C. , Taylor Hugh S. , Wood Teresa L.
Published: February 2016

The biological activity of insulin and the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) ligands, IGF-I and IGF-II, is based in part on the relative abundance and distribution of their target receptors: the insulin receptor (IR) splice variants A (IR-A) and B (IR-B) and IGF 1 receptor (IGF-1R). However, the relative quantity of all three receptors in human tissues has never been measured together on the same scale. Due to the high homology between insulin receptor (IR)-A and IR-B proteins and lack of antibodies that discern the two IR splice variants, their mRNA sequence is the most reliable means of distinguishing between the receptors. Hence, highly specific primers for IR-A, IR-B, and IGF-1R mRNA were designed to accurately detect all three receptors by quantitative RT-PCR and enable direct quantification of relative receptor expression levels. A standard concentration curve of cDNA from each receptor was performed. Assay specificity was tested using competition assays and postamplification analysis by gel electrophoresis and cloning. Forward and reverse primer concentrations were optimized to ensure equal efficiencies across primer pairs. This assay enables a specific molecular signature of IGF/insulin signaling receptors to be assayed in different tissues, cell types, or cancers.
Trapped Ion Chain Thermometry and Mass Spectrometry through Imaging
Authors: Rajagopal Vaishnavi , Marler Joan P. , Kokish Mark G. , Odom Brian C.
Published: February 2016

We demonstrate a spatial-imaging thermometry technique for ions in a one-dimensional Coulomb crystal by relating their imaged spatial extent along the linear radiofrequency ion trap axis to normal modes of vibration of coupled oscillators in a harmonic potential. We also use the thermal spatial spread of “bright” ions in the case of a two-species mixed chain to measure the center-of-mass resonance frequency of the entire chain and infer the molecular composition of the co-trapped “dark” ions. These non-destructive techniques create new possibilities for better understanding of sympathetic cooling in mixed-ion chains, improving few-ion mass spectrometry, and trapped-ion thermometry without requiring a scan of Doppler cooling parameters.
Angioinvasive rhinocerebral mucormycosis with complete unilateral thrombosis of internal carotid artery—case report and review of literature
Authors: Patil Aruna , Mohanty Himansu Shekhar , Kumar Sharath , Nandikoor Shrivalli , Meganathan Prabhu
Published: February 2016

Angioinvasive rhinocerebral mucormycosis is an acute fulminant infection caused by fungi of the order Mucorales that targets uncontrolled diabetics and other immunosupressed individuals. Early imaging features of angioinvasiveness include the presence of thrombosed vessels, especially in the orbital regions and the “black turbinate” sign representing devitalized paranasal sinus mucosa. Intracranial extension carries a grave prognosis, with death reported in 90% of cases. This case report highlights the early and key imaging features of angioinvasive rhinocerebral mucormycosis and a rare complication of complete internal carotid artery thrombosis.
Introduction: 2015 Franz Edelman Award for Achievement in Operations Research and the Management Sciences
Authors: Milne R. John , Trick Michael
Published: February 2016

This special issue of Interfaces is devoted to the finalists of the 44th annual competition for the Franz Edelman Award for Achievement in Operations Research and the Management Sciences, the profession’s prestigious award for the practice of operations research and business analytics. As in previous years, the six finalists this year cover a wide range of industries and functions.
Improving Undergraduate Student Performance on the Littlefield Simulation
Authors: Lojo Maureen P.
Published: February 2016

This paper reports the results of an experiment to improve the performance of undergraduate business students at a large public university on the widely used team-based Littlefield management simulation. Results show that structured pre- and post-simulation team assignments significantly improved performance as measured by the percentage of teams with ending cash balances higher than the “Do Nothing” team that serves as a benchmark. Furthermore, the combination of an individual quiz administered before the simulation, and the structured team assignments resulted in the largest and most statistically significant improvement over the standard unstructured post-simulation assignment alone.
Lower Bounds for Bruss’ Odds Problem with Multiple Stoppings
Authors: Matsui Tomomi , Ano Katsunori
Published: February 2016

This paper addresses Bruss’ odds problem with multiple stopping chances. A decision maker sequentially observes a sequence of independent 0/1 (failure/success) random variables to correctly predict the last success with multiple stopping chances. First, we give a nontrivial lower bound of the probability of win (obtaining the last success) for the problem with m-stoppings. Next, we show that the asymptotic value for each classical secretary problem with multiple stoppings attains our lower bound. Finally, we prove a conjecture on the classical secretary problem, which gives a connection between the probability of win and the threshold values of the optimal stopping strategy.
Convexity and Solutions of Stochastic Multidimensional 0-1 Knapsack Problems with Probabilistic Constraints
Authors: Yoda Kunikazu , Prékopa András
Published: February 2016

In the multidimensional 0-1 knapsack problem, we are given a set of items, each with a value and multiple attributes, and we want to select a subset in such a way that the total value is maximized while the total quantity of each attribute satisfies a capacity constraint. In this paper, we assume that quantities of the item attributes are independent random variables such that those of the same attribute across different items follow the same type of probability distribution, not necessarily with the same parameters. A joint probabilistic constraint is imposed on the capacity constraints, and the objective function is the same as that of the underlying deterministic problem. We prove that the problem is convex, under some condition on the parameters, for special continuous and discrete distributions: gamma, normal, Poisson, and binomial, in which the latter two discrete distribution functions are extended to log-concave continuous distribution functions. We present computational experiments to demonstrate the tractability of our approach.
Joint Mixability
Authors: Wang Bin , Wang Ruodu
Published: February 2016

Many optimization problems in probabilistic combinatorics and mass transportation impose fixed marginal constraints. A natural and open question in this field is to determine all possible distributions of the sum of random variables with given marginal distributions; the notion of joint mixability is introduced to address this question. A tuple of univariate distributions is said to be jointly mixable if there exist random variables, with respective distributions, such that their sum is a constant. We obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the joint mixability of some classes of distributions, including uniform distributions, distributions with monotone densities, distributions with unimodal-symmetric densities, and elliptical distributions with the same characteristic generator. Joint mixability is directly connected to many open questions on the optimization of convex functions and probabilistic inequalities with marginal constraints. The results obtained in this paper can be applied to find extreme scenarios on risk aggregation under model uncertainty at the level of dependence.
Competitive Targeted Advertising Over Networks
Authors: Bimpikis Kostas , Ozdaglar Asuman , Yildiz Ercan
Published: February 2016

Recent advances in information technology have allowed firms to gather vast amounts of data regarding consumers’ preferences and the structure and intensity of their social interactions. This paper examines a game-theoretic model of competition between firms that can target their marketing budgets to individuals embedded in a social network. We provide a sharp characterization of the optimal targeted advertising strategies and highlight their dependence on the underlying social network structure. Furthermore, we provide conditions under which it is optimal for the firms to asymmetrically target a subset of the individuals and establish a lower bound on the ratio of their payoffs in these asymmetric equilibria. Finally, we find that at equilibrium firms invest inefficiently high in targeted advertising and the extent of the inefficiency is increasing in the centralities of the agents they target. Taken together, these findings shed light on the effect of the network structure on the outcome of marketing competition between the firms.
How to Share “A Really Good Secret”: Managing Sharing/Secrecy Tensions Around Scientific Knowledge Disclosure
Authors: Nelson Andrew J.
Published: February 2016

The diffusion of scientific knowledge is critical for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. Yet scientists face a fundamental dilemma when it comes to sharing such knowledge: sharing can simultaneously advance and challenge both academic and commercial interests. Although several studies explore the different reasons that scientists may or may not share, along with their overall propensity to do so, we have much less insight into how researchers who confront sharing/secrecy tensions attempt to manage them. In turn, our understanding of the ways in which scientists enable cumulative innovation through sharing, even as they attend to their private interests, remains limited. Based on qualitative analysis of 46 interviews and 58 oral histories with researchers in biotechnology and digital audio, I identify 4 tactics that researchers use to manage sharing/secrecy tensions—leveraging trust, strategic withholding, delaying, and patenting—and I analyze how the use of these tactics is tied to particular sharing practices, organizational environments (e.g., universities versus firms), and scientific fields. I then theorize how these tactics address different dimensions of sharing/secrecy tensions, working together as part of an integrated repertoire. Finally, I tie my findings to broader considerations around sharing, including managerial and policy initiatives aimed at promoting cumulative innovation.
Intermediate Facilities in Freight Transportation Planning: A Survey
Authors: Guastaroba G. , Speranza M. G. , Vigo D.
Published: February 2016

Consolidation of freight and merging operations are essential for transportation companies to reduce costs and improve the level of service provided to customers. Such operations take place in intermediate facilities or terminals located between the origins and the destinations of freight. This survey reviews the main contributions from the operations research literature on freight transportation planning problems where the presence of intermediate facilities has a strong impact on the cost of the system and on how goods are delivered. In particular, we focus on the tactical planning issues arising in this context. We have identified three classes of problems with intermediate facilities: vehicle routing problems, transshipment problems, and service network design problems. For each class of problems we provide an overview of the main problem variants, survey the methods used for their solution, and indicate open research directions.
Optimal Time-Varying Pricing for Toll Roads Under Multiple Objectives: A Simulation-Based Optimization Approach
Authors: He Xiang , Chen Xiqun (Michael) , Xiong Chenfeng , Zhu Zheng , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2016

The determination of the pricing for tolled facilities always involves consideration of multiple objectives, e.g., efficiency, safety, pollution, reliability, and economy. Simulations are widely used to evaluate the performance of transportation systems as to the various objectives in response to different travel demand management policies. However, transportation simulation is usually associated with high computation costs and non-closed-form objective functions. This paper builds a simulation based optimization framework, and uses surrogate models to approximate the true simulation function. A significant amount of computation time can be saved with this method. To solve real world application problems, we develop infill strategies for multiobjective and constrained optimization problems. Using DynusT as the simulator, we optimize the toll rates for a five-segment toll road in Maryland, and successfully update the Pareto front based on initial samples for the multiobjective optimization problem. The method works even more efficiently for the constrained optimization problem. By adjusting the toll rates for the five segments, the network-wide average travel time can be reduced by 20% compared to the currently implemented toll scheme: A total of 22,250 hours can be saved in travel time for all network users in the three-hour morning peak period. Also, the toll revenue is increased by 50% compared to the baseline case.
Cytokine-release kinetics of platelet-rich plasma according to various activation protocols
Authors: Roh Y. H. , Kim W. , Park K. U. , Oh J. H.
Published: February 2016

Objectives

This study was conducted to evaluate the cytokine-release kinetics of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) according to different activation protocols.

Methods

Two manual preparation procedures (single-spin (SS) at 900 g for five minutes; double-spin (DS) at 900 g for five minutes and then 1500 g for 15 minutes) were performed for each of 14 healthy subjects. Both preparations were tested for platelet activation by one of three activation protocols: no activation, activation with calcium (Ca) only, or calcium with a low dose (50 IU per 1 ml PRP) of thrombin. Each preparation was divided into four aliquots and incubated for one hour, 24 hours, 72 hours, and seven days. The cytokine-release kinetics were evaluated by assessing PDGF, TGF, VEGF, FGF, IL-1, and MMP-9 concentrations with bead-based sandwich immunoassay.

Results

The concentration of cytokine released from PRP varied over time and was influenced by various activation protocols. Ca-only activation had a significant effect on the DS PRPs (where the VEGF, FGF, and IL-1 concentrations were sustained) while Ca/thrombin activation had effects on both SS and DS PRPs (where the PDGF and VEGF concentrations were sustained and the TGF and FGF concentrations were short). The IL-1 content showed a significant increase with Ca-only or Ca/thrombin activation while these activations did not increase the MMP-9 concentration.

Conclusion

The SS and DS methods differed in their effect on cytokine release, and this effect varied among the cytokines analysed. In addition, low dose of thrombin/calcium activation increased the overall cytokine release of the PRP preparations over seven days, relative to that with a calcium-only supplement or non-activation. Cite this article: Professor J. H. Oh. Cytokine-release kinetics of platelet-rich plasma according to various activation protocols. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:37–45. doi: 10.1302/2046-3758.52.2000540
Mitigation of mercury contamination through the acceleration of vegetation succession
Authors: EKYASTUTI WIWIK , FARIDAH ENY , SUMARDI SUMARDI , SETIADI YADI
Published: February 2016

Ekyastuti W, Faridah E, Sumardi, Setiadi Y. 2016. Mitigation of mercury contamination through the acceleration of vegetation succession. Biodiversitas 17: 84-89. The success of the restoration of the tailings ex-gold mining through the succession isÂ highly dependent on the ability of plants to grow and adapt to the troubled land. Restoration through natural succession takes a very longÂ time. Therefore, human intervention is required to accelerate the succession. The purpose of this research was to improve theÂ effectiveness of mitigation of mercury contamination through the acceleration of vegetation succession. This research has been carriedÂ out in a greenhouse using an experiment with a completely randomized design. There are 8 treatment consists of four indigenous species (Dillenia excelsa, Melastoma affine, Cinnamomum porrectum and Casuarina junghuhniana)Â grown alone (one species) and collective (more than one species) in the tailing media with a mercury content of 20 ppm. The results showed that the planting collectively have a mutually supportive interaction, so that increased the plant growth. In addition, collective planting two or four different species of plants, and the D. excelsa itself could decrease the concentration of mercury in the tailing. The acceleration of vegetation succession through the right choice of plants species and planting collectively, capable to increasing the potential of mitigation of mercury contamination in the tailings.
On double stage minimax-shrinkage estimator for generalized Rayleigh model
Authors: Salman Abbas Najim , Ameen Maymona
Published: February 2016

This paper is concerned with minimax shrinkage estimator using double stage shrinkage technique for lowering the mean squared error, intended for estimate the shape parameter (a) of Generalized Rayleigh distribution in a region (R) around available prior knowledge (a0) about the actual value (a) as initial estimate in case when the scale parameter (l) is known .

In situation where the experimentations are time consuming or very costly, a double stage procedure can be used to reduce the expected sample size needed to obtain the estimator.

The proposed estimator is shown to have smaller mean squared error for certain choice of the shrinkage weight factor y(×) and suitable region R.

Expressions for Bias, Mean squared error (MSE), Expected sample size [E (n/a, R)], Expected sample size proportion [E(n/a,R)/n], probability for avoiding the second sample and percentage of overall sample saved  for the proposed estimator are derived.

Numerical results and conclusions for the expressions mentioned above were displayed when the consider estimator are testimator of level of significanceD.

Comparisons with the minimax estimator and with the most recent studies were made to shown the effectiveness of the proposed estimator.
Attitudes and practices of health science students regarding blood donation
Authors: Batiha Abdul-Monim , ALBashtawy Mohammed
Published: February 2016

Background: Blood is fundamental to saving lives and is considered to be the force that sustains our bodies.

Objective: To assess the attitudes and practices of health science students regarding blood donation.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was employed to assess the attitudes and practices of health science students regarding blood donation. 453 students (56.7% male) from the four health faculties (Pharmacy, Genetic engineering, Nursing, and Hospital administration) were surveyed between May to July, 2013. Means, percentages, distribution and standard deviation were measured. Furthermore, a t-test was applied to evaluate the change among the means.

Results: Male students showed more positive attitude scores regarding blood donation (Mean, 3.91) than female students (Mean, 3.87).Only 66.0% had tested their blood group and a minority (11.3%) had donated blood during their life. Furthermore, a few of them (3.9%) experienced discomfort after donating blood, and the majority of them donated blood voluntarily (60.8%).

Conclusions: The outcomes of the current research revealed that the attitudes and practices of the health science students concerning blood donation needed to be enhanced. Therapeutic communication between healthcare professionals and donors should be improved.
The Future of Price: Communicative Infrastructures and the Financialization of Indian Tea
Authors: Besky Sarah
Published: February 2016

For more than 150 years, most tea grown on plantations in northeast India has been sold in open-outcry auctions in Kolkata. In this essay, I describe how, in 2009, the Tea Board of India, the government regulator of the tea trade, began to convert auctioning from a face-to-face outcry process to a face-to-computer digital one. The Tea Board hoped that with the implementation of digital technologies, trade would soon revolve around the buying and selling of futures contracts, not individual lots of tea. Despite these efforts, the tea industry has thus far resisted all attempts at financialization. That so prominent a commodity as tea has yet to be financialized provides a unique opportunity to examine the how of financialization—the governmental and technical steps that precede futures and other kinds of derivatives markets. Futures markets rely on a standardized notion of price and of the material things being priced. The story of Indian tea’s resistance to financialization shows how such standardization requires not just a disentangling of commodities at the level of productive infrastructure (that is, the separation of individual trader and thing being traded) but also a reworking of the communicative infrastructure of trading. In this essay, I analyze this reworking by examining the effort to reform how tea is priced at auction. Specifically, I describe a transition in tea valuation from socially embedded price stories to standardized price scenarios.
Autosomal dominant transmission of signal transduction and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) mutation (Thr385Met) and extended lifespan
Authors: Wessell Kathryn Ruda , Tcheurekdjian Haig , Hostoffer Robert
Published: February 2016

Introduction: Heterozygous mutations in signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) have been associated with selective deficiencies to mycobacterial or fungal infections. Recent reports revealed that patients found to carry de novo heterozygous mutations in STAT1 encoding specific amino acid substitutions can go on to develop progressive combined immunodeficiency, distinct from the limited susceptibilities to infection previously reported for heterozygous STAT1 mutations.

Objectives: We present a case of a mother and her son with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and T-cell dysfunction, both of whom lived longer than projected life expectancy with a heterozygous STAT1 mutation. The son lived to the age of 20 years and the mother to the age of 32 years.

Methods: The son's blood sequencing of STAT1 was performed on a pure T-cell lineage at The Hospital for Sick Children and the Canadian Center for Primary Immunodeficiency, Toronto, Ontario.

Results: STAT1 analysis revealed a heterozygous DNA binding domain mutation at Thr385Met. The patient proceeded to develop fulminant progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy that ultimately led to his death. The patient's mother, although never confirmed to have STAT1 mutation with formal blood sequencing, had multiple comorbidities including progressive lymphopenia, hypogammaglobulinemia, recurrent Pseudomonas pneumonias with associated bronchiectasis, end-stage kidney disease requiring hemodialysis, and ultimately death due to multiple end organ failure associated sepsis.

Conclusion: This is the first autosomal dominant transmission of the STAT1 DNA binding domain Thr385Met mutation with an extended lifespan.

Statement of Novelty: Previous patients found to have heterozygous mutations of STAT1 that were associated with progressive combined immunodeficiency, arose de novo in each case. Presumed autosomal dominant transmission of a heterozygous STAT1 DNA binding domain Thr385Met mutation has not been reported.
Capturing Context-Sensitive Information Usage in Choice Models via Mixtures of Information Archetypes
Authors: Swait Joffre , Popa Monica , Wang Luming
Published: February 2016

The authors offer a new conceptualization and operational model of consumer choice that allows context-sensitive information usage and preference heterogeneity to be separately and simultaneously captured, thus transforming the axiom of full information use into a testable hypothesis. A key contribution of the proposed framework is the integration of two previously disjointed and often antagonistic research paradigms: (1) the economic rationality perspective, which assumes stable preferences and full information usage, and (2) the psychological bounded-rationality perspective, which allows context-sensitive preferences and information selectivity. The authors demonstrate that the two paradigms can and do coexist in the same decision-making space, even at the level of individual consumer choices. The proposed information archetype mixture model is tested in four studies that span different product categories and levels of task complexity. The findings have ramifications for choice modeling theory and implementation, beyond the disciplinary boundaries of marketing to applied economics and choice-focused social sciences.
A “Wide” Variety: Effects of Horizontal versus Vertical Display on Assortment Processing, Perceived Variety, and Choice
Authors: Deng Xiaoyan , Kahn Barbara E. , Unnava H. Rao , Lee Hyojin
Published: February 2016

The authors investigate how horizontal versus vertical displays of alternatives affect assortment processing, perceived variety, and subsequent choice. Horizontal (vs. vertical) displays are easier to process due to a match between the human binocular vision field (which is horizontal in direction) and the dominant direction of eye movements required for processing horizontal displays. It is demonstrated that this processing fluency allows people to browse information more efficiently, which increases perceived assortment variety and ultimately leads to more variety being chosen, and if the number of options chosen is allowed to vary, it leads to more options chosen. It is shown that because people see more variety in a horizontal (vs. vertical) display, they process a horizontal assortment more extensively. When more variety is positive, they find the choice task easier and have a higher level of satisfaction and confidence about their choices. When more variety is not necessarily positive, for example, in a choice of a single most-preferred option, these effects disappear. Two field studies, an eye-tracking study, and two lab studies support these conclusions.
Choosing Variety for Joint Consumption
Authors: Etkin Jordan
Published: February 2016

Consumers often make choices for joint consumption with committed relationship partners, and these choices may include more or less variety. When planning a weekend for oneself and one's spouse, for example, a person could choose more varied activities (e.g., going out to dinner, to a movie, and to a concert) or less varied activities (e.g., seeing several different movies). What might affect how much variety people choose? Five experiments demonstrate that how much variety consumers prefer for joint consumption in committed relationships depends on their relationship time perspective (i.e., the perceived time ahead in the relationship). When consumers perceive more (vs. less) time ahead in a committed relationship, they prefer more variety for joint consumption with their partners. This increased preference for variety is driven by a shift in how much excitement is valued within the relationship and is unique to choices for joint consumption with the specific relationship partner. The findings demonstrate that variety preferences depend not just on personal or situational factors but also on aspects of consumers’ social relationships.
The Effect of Stress on Consumer Saving and Spending
Authors: Durante Kristina M. , Laran Juliano
Published: February 2016

In examining how stress influences consumer saving and spending, the authors propose that consumers who experience a stressful situation allocate their resources strategically to gain control of their environment. A series of studies shows that this strategic allocation of resources occurs in two ways. Consumers experiencing stress may show increased saving behavior, which assures them that monetary resources will be available when needed. Alternatively, consumers experiencing stress may show increased spending behavior, directed specifically toward products that the consumer perceives to be necessities and that allow for control in an otherwise uncontrollable environment. This conceptualization and the related findings can inform assessments of when stress will lead to beneficial or impulsive consumer behaviors.
Kinetic Modelling of Drug Release from Pentoxifylline Matrix Tablets based on Hydrophilic, Lipophilic and Inert Polymers
Authors: Mircia Eleonora , Vlase Laurian , Hancu Gabriel , Budău Monica , Soare Ruxandra
Published: February 2016

Pentoxifylline is a xanthine derivative used in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease, which because of its pharmacokinetic and pharmacologic profile is an ideal candidate for the development of extended release formulations. The aim of this study is to present a kinetic analysis of the pentoxifylline release from different extended release tablets formulations, using mechanistic and empirical kinetic models. A number of 28 formulations were prepared and analysed; the analysed formulations differed in the nature of the matrix forming polymers (hydrophilic, lipophilic, inert) and in their concentrations. Measurements were conducted in comparison with the reference product Trental 400 mg (Aventis Pharma). The conditions for the dissolution study were according to official regulations of USP 36: apparatus no. 2, dissolution medium water, volume of dissolution medium is 1,000 mL, rotation speed is 50 rpm, spectrophotometric assay at 274 nm. Six mathematical models, five mechanistic (0 orders, 1st-order release, Higuchi, Hopfenberg, Hixson-Crowell) and one empirical (Peppas), were fitted to pentoxifylline dissolution profile from each pharmaceutical formulation. The representative model describing the kinetics of pentoxifylline release was the 1st-order release, and its characteristic parameters were calculated and analysed.
Graham Little-Lassueur Syndrome with Hypertrophic Lichen Planus in a Patient with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Badea Mihail Alexandru , Buicu Florin , Ţilea Anton Mihai , Badea Iudita Maria , Chiotoroiu Andreea Luciana , Mureșan Vasile Adrian , Morariu Silviu Horia
Published: February 2016

Graham Little-Lassueur Syndrome (GLLS) is considered a form of lichen planopilaris which associates follicular lichen planus, cicatricial alopecia of the scalp and noncicatricial alopecia of the axillary and/or pubic regions. We present the case of a 47 years old female patient, known for 5 years with chronic hepatitis C and a poor therapeutic control of the disease due to Interferon intolerance. She presented to our clinic for the occurrence on the shins of some well-defined, intensely pruritic erythematous plaques, covered with thick scales, with a verrucous appearance, accompanied by excoriations. The skin biopsy reveal hypertrophic lichen planus on the shins and lichen planopilaris on the scalp. The patient was treated with systemic antihystamines, topical corticosteroids and salicylic acid under occlusion, emollients, phototherapy UVB narrow band 4 sessions/week for 3 weeks, cryotherapy. From our knowledge this is the first case of GLLS associated with chronic viral hepatis C.
Mass Casualty Incidents and Disaster Participation in Real versus Simulated Events in Romania
Authors: Stănescu Adrian , Boeriu Cristian , Copotoiu Sanda-Maria
Published: February 2016

Background: The current study outlines some of the main particularities of both real and simulated mass casualty incidents (MCI) and disasters in Romania as reported by medical and paramedical participating personnel. Methods: A non-profit organization in Romania trained 1250 doctors, nurses and paramedics for proper MCI interventions through a dedicated programme for the last part of the year 2013. Half a year later, an email with a unique link to an online questionnaire was sent to each participant to assess their opinion over the participation in real or already simulated MCI or disasters. The questionnaire consisted of 25 specific topics, out of which only a fraction were considered for the current study. Results: Out of all participants, 145 doctors, 184 nurses and 115 paramedics provided valid answers, totaling 444 responders. Most participants were satisfied with the information about the location and type of the incident they would respond to. The amplitude of a given event is generally well anticipated under simulation conditions as compared to real events, where the amplitude tends to be higher rather than lower than expected (p=0.0082). About three quarters of participants under real or simulated events repeated or demanded repeating the information trafficked through mobile radios, almost a quarter misinterpreted the information, and almost a half reported delayed operations due to miscommunication. Conclusions: Simulations are a proper method of communication evaluation for mass casualty incidents and disasters, which can also stress the common communication issues encountered during a real MCI unfolding.
Combined Myocardial Infarction in a Young Patient with Anomalous Coronary Artery Anatomy: A Case Report
Authors: Hadadi László , Lakatos Éva Katalin , Țăruși Mariana , Dobreanu Dan
Published: February 2016

Introduction: combined myocardial infarction (MI) is defined as the simultaneous ischemic injury of two different myocardial territories, raising the possibility of multiple culprit lesions. The anomalous origin of a coronary artery could represent an important challenge during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Case presentation: A 46 year old, smoker Caucasian male presented to a territorial hospital four hours after the onset of severe angina. Consecutive electrocardiograms showed complete atrioventricular block and inferior ST segment elevation (STE), later PQ prolongation with right bundle branch block plus STE in leads V4-V6. After administration of thrombolytic treatment, the patient was transferred to the regional PCI center. Emergent coronary angiography revealed acute occlusion of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and a thrombus containing, severe stenosis of the anomalously originated right coronary artery (RCA). Rescue PCI with stent implantation in the LAD and RCA was performed nine hours after pain onset. At the 1 year follow-up visit the patient had no angina or heart failure symptoms. Conclusion: this is the first report of a combined MI caused by acute, sequentially occurring thrombotic occlusion of two coronary arteries, one of them with anomalous origin, in a patient treated by rescue PCI following partially successful thrombolysis.
Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinomas: a 25 Years Retrospective, Institutional Study of 255 Cases
Authors: Zahan Ancuța Elena , Nechifor Boilă Adela , Pașcanu Ionela , Voidăzan Septimiu , Cătană Ramona , Fișus Andreea , Borda Angela
Published: February 2016

Background: Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) defines a group of papillary thyroid carcinomas, incidentally discovered, measuring 1 cm or less. The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence and the pathological characteristics of PTMCs in our institution in the last 25 years, with special emphasis on the prognostic factors related to PTMCs. Material and methods: We performed a retrospective, cohort study on 255 PTMCs, registered in the Department of Pathology, Tîrgu-Mureş Emergency County Hospital between 1990 and 2014. Results: A significant increase in the incidence of PTMCs was observed in the 2004-2014 period, compared to 1990-2003 (7.6%, 229 PTMCs/3005 thyroid specimens vs. 1.2%, 23 PTMCs/1885 thyroid specimens). Conventional PTMCs accounted for most of PTMC cases (n=123 cases, 48.2%), followed by the follicular variant of PTC (n=117 cases, 45.9%). The increasing incidence of PTMCs was associated with a significant increase in the routine number of blocks sampled per case over the study period (R2 =0.72, p < 0.001). By means of the univariate and multivariate analysis, three risk factors were predictive for extrathyroidal extension in PTMCs: multifocality (Odds ratio [OR] 4.97, p-0.002), tumor size ≥ 5mm (OR 8.97, p-0.008) and lymph node involvement (OR 17.66 p<0.005). Conclusion: The incidence of PTMCs has revealed a significant increasing trend in our institution over the last 25 years. Multifocality, lymph node involvement and tumor size ≥ 5mm were found to be risk factors for extrathyroidal extension. These prognostic factors must be evaluated and clearly mentioned in the pathological report, to help a correct estimation of biological potential of the lesion and an appropriate postoperative management.
Distinct Morphological Features Predictive for Aggressiveness of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: a Study of 72 Cases and 80 Tumor Foci
Authors: Nechifor-Boilă Adela , Zahan Ancuţa Elena , Căpraru Oana , Cătană Ramona , Fișus Andreea , Berger Nicole
Published: February 2016

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to investigate the importance of some distinctive morphological parameters in predicting the extrathyroidal extension, as marker of aggressiveness, in a series of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) cases. Material and methods: All consecutive PTMC cases, sized ≥ 5mm, registered at the Department of Pathology, Tîrgu-Mureș Emergency County Hospital from January 2002 to December 2013 were re-evaluated. The following histological features were noted: the multifocality, the extrathyroidal extension, the histologic variant, the tumor’s border (well circumscribed versus infiltrative), the PTC nuclear features (well developed versus subtle), the tumor associated stromal reaction (fibrosis/desmoplasia/sclerosis versus none of these changes), the presence of “plump pink” cells, psammoma bodies, intratumoral lymphocytic infiltrate, cystic change, back-to-back arrangement, intratumoral multinucleated giant cells and lymph node involvement. Results: Our study included 72 PTMC cases, summing up to a total of 80 PTMC foci. We have shown that extrathyroidal extension is significantly associated with the presence of “plump pink”cells (p=0.0019), well developed nuclear features of PTC (p=0.018) and tumor associated stromal reaction (fibrosis/dezmoplazia/sclerosis) (p<0.0001). Other parameters were more prevalent among PTMC foci with extrathyroidal extension, but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: Our results pointed out the importance of a distinct set of morphological microscopical parameters, predictive for extrathyroidal extension in PTMC cases (“plump pink” cells, well developed PTC nuclear features, tumor associated stromal reaction, infiltrative tumor borders and conventional PTC histology). All these parameters are important to be mentioned in the histopathological reports, as they might be associated with a more aggressive biological behaviour.
Increased Cortisol Levels in Depression: A Comparative Study Evaluating the Correlation of Hypercortisolemia with Prosocial Coping Mechanisms
Authors: Moica Theodor , Gabos Grecu Iosif , Buicu Gabriela Elena , Ferencz Melinda , Gabos Grecu Marieta , Sălcudean Andreea , Popa Cosmin Octavian
Published: February 2016

Objective: The aim of this paper was to evaluate if depressed patients have an increased level of morning serum cortisol compared to healthy persons and to assess the relation between high levels of cortisol and prosocial coping mechanisms, in the context of Recurrent Major Depressive Disorder. Methods: Morning serum cortisol level was measured in 15 depressed patients hospitalized in First Clinic of Psychiatry Tirgu Mures and in 15 healthy controls. We have analyzed 3 behavioral coping strategies with The Strategic Approach of Coping Scale (SACS): social joining (SJ), seeking social support (SSS) and cautious action (CA). Results: 30 participants were included, the mean value of the cortisol for females was Mcort_female= 16.38 μg/dl and for males Mcort_male= 16.31 μg/dl. Independent sample t test showed that the cortisol level in depressed group was higher than the cortisol level in the control group: t = 2.394, p < 0.05 (0.024). In the MDD group the Spearman correlation between the level of serum cortisol and prosocial coping strategies was: rcortisol-SJ= -0.519; rcortisol-SSS= -0.107; rcortisol-CA= -0.382. Conclusions: Although the studied sample patient was small, we can conclude that the patients with Recurrent Major Depressive Disorder have an increased level of morning serum cortisol compared to healthy persons. In these patients there is an inverse correlation between the increased levels of morning cortisol and the frequency of use of the effective prosocial coping strategies, particularly the social joining type.
Intersphincteric Resection for Low Rectal Cancer – Case Report
Authors: Russu Cristian , Molnar Călin , Copotoiu Sanda Maria , Sărăcuț Claudiu , Gherghinescu Mircea , Molnar Varlam Claudiu , Copotoiu Constantin
Published: February 2016

Introduction: Surgical treatment for low rectal cancer represents a challenge: to perform a radical resection and to preserve the sphincter’s function. We report a case of intersphincteric resection in a combined multimodality treatment for low rectal cancer, with good oncologic and functional outcome. Case presentation: We report a case of a 73 years old woman admitted in April 2014 in surgery, for low rectal cancer. The diagnostic was established by colonoscopy and malignancy confirmed by biopsy. Complete imaging was done using computed tomography and magnetic resonance to establish the exact stage of the disease. The interdisciplinary individualized treatment began with radiotherapy (total dose of 50 Gy, administered in 25 fractions) followed by surgery after eight weeks. We performed intersphincteric rectal resection by a modified Schiessel technique. There were no postoperative complications and the oncologic and functional results were very good at one year follow up. Conclusions: Intersphincteric resection, in this selected case of low rectal cancer, represented an efficient surgical treatment, with good functional results and quality of life for the patient. A multidisciplinary team is an invaluable means of assessing and further managing the appropriate, tailored to the case, treatment in the aim of achieving best results.