bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THEORIZING BALLISTICS: ETHICS, EMOTIONS, AND WEAPONS SCIENTISTS
Authors: BOURKE JOANNA
Published: December 2017

What is violence? This article explores conceptions of violence from the perspective of scientists engaged in weapons research. Ballistics scientists are routinely excluded from the “violent” label on grounds of class, status, education, and emotional comportment. The article analyzes the science of ballistics through the lenses of ethics and emotions. How do scientists justify experiments in ballistics, or the science of designing weapons and other technologies aimed at destroying environments and inflicting wounds (often fatal) and other forms of injury on people and nonhuman animals? In stark contrast to those who analyze weapons development as an objective science and who impart violent agency to autonomous technologies, I situate wound ballistics as a branch of applied moral philosophy. Its practice always involves an “ought.” Although the central job of ballistics scientists is the “effective production of wounds,” this is not regarded as violent, except by their victims, of course. In part, this lacuna is due to an ideological relationship forged between “violence” and particular emotional states. It is also part of a political project defining “the human.”
Female pattern hair loss: a pilot study investigating combination therapy with low‐dose oral minoxidil and spironolactone
Authors: Sinclair Rodney D.
Published: December 2017

Background

Minoxidil and spironolactone are oral antihypertensives known to stimulate hair growth.

Objective

To report on a case series of women with pattern hair loss (PHL) treated with once daily minoxidil 0.25 mg and spironolactone 25 mg.

Methods

Women newly diagnosed with a Sinclair stage 2–5 PHL were scored for hair shedding and hair density before and after 12 months of treatment with oral minoxidil 0.25 mg and spironolactone 25 mg.

Results

A total of 100 women were included in this observational pilot study. Mean age was 48.44 years (range 18–80). Mean hair loss severity at baseline was Sinclair 2.79 (range 2–5). Mean hair shedding score at baseline was 4.82. Mean duration of diagnosis was 6.5 years (range 0.5–30). Mean reduction in hair loss severity score was 0.85 at 6 months and 1.3 at 12 months. Mean reduction in hair shedding score was 2.3 at 6 months and 2.6 at 12 months. Mean change in blood pressure was −4.52 mmHg systolic and −6.48 mmHg diastolic. Side effects were seen in eight women but were generally mild. No patients developed hyperkalemia or any other blood test abnormality. Six of these women continued treatment, and two women who developed urticaria discontinued treatment.

Limitations

Prospective, uncontrolled, open‐label observational study.

Discussion

Once daily capsules containing minoxidil 0.25 mg and spironolactone 25 mg appear to be safe and effective in the treatment of FPHL. Placebo‐controlled studies to investigate this further are warranted.
Temporal changes in glycaemic thresholds for treatment intensification in type 2 diabetes in an urban Australian setting: the Fremantle Diabetes Study
Authors: Davis Timothy M. E. , Chubb Stephen A. P. , Curtis Bradley H. , Barraclough Helen , Davis Wendy A.
Published: December 2017

Background

Pharmacotherapy and supportive care for diabetes in Australia are improving, with potential beneficial effects on therapeutic procrastination.

Aim

To determine whether glycaemic thresholds for therapeutic intensification in type 2 diabetes changed over the 15 years between phases of the community‐based Fremantle Diabetes Study (FDS).

Methods

We studied 531 Phase 1 participants (mean age 62.4 years, 54.2% males, median diabetes duration 3.0 years) with valid data from baseline assessment and five subsequent annual reviews between 1993 and 2001 and 930 Phase 2 participants (mean age 65.3 years, 53.8% males, median diabetes duration 8.0 years) with valid data from baseline and two subsequent biennial reviews between 2008 and 2015. The main outcome measure was HbA1c at assessments before and after change in blood glucose‐lowering therapy (average 6 months in Phase 1, 12 months in Phase 2).

Results

Ninety‐seven participants in Phase 1 and 84 in Phase 2 progressed from diet‐based management to oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA) and 45 and 85 participants, respectively, progressed from diet/OHA to insulin. The median HbA1c was 7.5% (58 mmol/mol) and 6.9% (52 mmol/mol) before OHA initiation in Phases 1 and 2, respectively, and 9.1% (76 mmol/mol) and 7.8% (62 mmol/mol), respectively, before insulin initiation. There were median HbA1c falls of 0.3% (3 mmol/mol) and 1.5% (16 mmol/mol) after OHA and insulin initiation in Phase 1, but no statistically significant changes in Phase 2.

Conclusions

HbA1c thresholds triggering treatment intensification fell between FDS phases, suggesting a more proactive approach to management of glycaemia over time.
On individual‐specific prediction of hidden inbreeding depression load
Authors: Casellas J.
Published: December 2017

Inbreeding depression is caused by increased homozygosity in the genome and merges two genetic mechanisms, a higher impact from recessive mutations and the waste of overdominance contributions. It is of major concern for the conservation of endangered populations of plants and animals, as major abnormalities are more frequent in inbred families than in outcrosses. Nevertheless, we lack appropriate analytical methods to estimate the hidden inbreeding depression load (IDL) in the genome of each individual. Here, a new mixed linear model approach has been developed to account for the inbreeding depression‐related background of each individual in the pedigree. Within this context, inbred descendants contributed relevant information to predict the IDL contained in the genome of a given ancestor; moreover, known relationships spread these predictions to the remaining individuals in the pedigree, even if not contributing inbred offspring. Results obtained from the analysis of weaning weight in theMARETrabbit population demonstrated that the genetic background of inbreeding depression distributed heterogeneously across individuals and inherited generation by generation. Moreover, this approach was clearly preferred in terms of model fit and complexity when compared with classical approaches to inbreeding depression. This methodology must be viewed as a new tool for a better understanding of inbreeding in domestic and wild populations.
Enzooty of non‐Hodgkin's malignant lymphoma of Papio hamadryas in Sukhumi monkey colony. Clinical and morphological signs of pre‐lymphoma
Authors: Yakovleva Lelita A. , Lapin Boris A. , Agumava Aslan A.
Published: December 2017

Inoculation of hamadryas baboons with blood of leukemia ill people‐induced malignant non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma in experimental animals for a very considerable latency period. At close contact of inoculated baboons with healthy non‐inoculated animals, the lymphoma spread between them. The epidemiological analysis, postmortem examination, histological analysis, tissue culturing, and PCR were used for the diagnostics of lymphoma and pre‐lymphoma, purification, identification of STLV‐1, and HVP viruses. Characteristic clinical and morphological signs designated by us as pre‐lymphoma often precede the lymphoma development. In some cases, pre‐lymphoma does not develop in lymphoma because animals die from various diseases and do not reach the point of the lymphoma development. The horizontal transmission of lymphoma arising with the participation of T‐lymphotropic retrovirus STLV‐1 is shown.
The science behind skin care: Cleansers
Authors: Draelos Zoe Diana
Published: December 2017

Two of the most important skin care categories with profound dermatologic implications are cleansers and moisturizers. Cleansers are composed of alkaline soaps or the less barrier‐damaging synthetic detergents, known as syndets. The lower skin irritation and dryness found with syndets are related to their reduced tendency to cause protein denaturation due to the charge density of protein‐bound micelle‐like surfactant aggregates. Many cleansing formulations are available for purchase to meet hygiene needs varying by sex, age, ethnicity, occupation, environment, personal preferences, and the presence or absence of skin disease. This discussion covers the science of skin cleansing.
An Erwinia amylovora yjeK mutant exhibits reduced virulence, increased chemical sensitivity and numerous environmentally dependent proteomic alterations
Authors: Klee Sara M. , Mostafa Islam , Chen Sixue , Dufresne Craig , Lehman brian L. , Sinn Judith P. , Peter Kari A. , McNellis Timothy W.
Published: December 2017

The Gram‐negative bacterium Erwinia amylovora causes fire blight, an economically important disease of apples and pears. Elongation factor P (EF‐P) is a highly conserved protein that stimulates the formation of the first peptide bond of certain proteins and facilitates the translation of certain proteins, including those with polyproline motifs. YjeK and YjeA are two enzymes involved in the essential post‐translational β‐lysylation of EF‐P at a conserved lysine residue, K34. EF‐P, YjeA and YjeK have been shown to be essential for the full virulence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella species and Agrobacterium tumefaciens, with efp, yjeA and yjeK mutants having highly similar phenotypes. Here, we identified an E. amylovora yjeK::Tn5 transposon mutant with decreased virulence in apple fruit and trees. The yjeK::Tn5 mutant also showed pleiotropic phenotypes, including reduced growth in rich medium, lower extracellular polysaccharide production, reduced swimming motility and increased chemical sensitivity compared with the wild‐type, whilst maintaining wild‐type level growth in minimal medium. All yjeK::Tn5 mutant phenotypes were complemented in trans with a plasmid bearing a wild‐type copy of yjeK. Comprehensive, quantitative proteomics analyses revealed numerous, environmentally dependent changes in the prevalence of a wide range of proteins, in higher abundance and lower abundance, in yjeK::Tn5 compared with the wild‐type, and many of these alterations could be linked to yjeK::Tn5 mutant phenotypes. The environmental dependence of the yjeK::Tn5 mutant proteomic alterations suggests that YjeK could be required for aspects of the environmentally dependent regulation of protein translation. YjeK activity may be critical to overcoming stress, including the challenging host environment faced by invading pathogenic bacteria.
Histatins, wound healing, and cell migration
Authors: Torres P , Castro M , Reyes M , Torres VA
Published: December 2017

Wounds in the oral mucosa heal faster and more efficiently than those in the skin, although the mechanisms underlying these differences are not completely clear. In the last 10 years, a group of salivary peptides, the histatins, has gained attention on behalf of their ability to improve several phases of the wound‐healing process. In addition to their roles as anti‐microbial agents and in enamel maintenance, histatins elicit other biological effects, namely by promoting the migration of different cell types contained in the oral mucosa and in non‐oral tissues. Histatins, and specifically histatin‐1, promote cell adhesion and migration in oral keratinocytes, gingival and dermal fibroblasts, non‐oral epithelial cells, and endothelial cells. This is particularly relevant, as histatin‐1 promotes the re‐epithelialization phase and the angiogenic responses by increasing epithelial and endothelial cell migration. Although the molecular mechanisms associated with histatin‐dependent cell migration remain poorly understood, recent studies have pointed to the control of signaling endosomes and the balance of small GTPases. This review aimed to update the literature on the effects of histatins in cell migration, with a focus on wound healing. We will also discuss the consequences that this increasing field will have in disease and therapy design.
Lichen planus pigmentosus inversus in children: Case report and updated review of the literature
Authors: Nurmohamed Sabrina , Hardin Jori , Haber Richard M.
Published: December 2017

Lichen planus pigmentosus inversus (LPPI) is a rare variant of lichen planus characterized by slate grey to dark black‐brown macules, papules, or patches occurring in the skin folds. We present a case of LPPI in an 11‐year‐old girl, the second‐youngest case and only the third pediatric case. This article also reviews the differential diagnosis and treatment of LPPI.
Trauma, Emotions, and Memory in World Politics: The Case of the European Union's Foreign Policy in the Middle East Conflict
Authors: Pace Michelle , Bilgic Ali
Published: December 2017

This article focuses on the impact of emotions on the European Union (EU)'s international identity and agency in the context of the memory of trauma. Emotions are understood as performances through which an actor expresses itself to others while constructing its identity, creating its agency, and potentially affecting the social order. It is argued that the memory of trauma is translated into EU foreign policy practice through emotional performances of EU representatives. Empirically, we explore this impact in relation to the EU's engagement in the Israel‐Palestinian prolonged conflict that has many underlying emotions linked with past traumatic experiences. By doing so, we aim to instigate a discussion between the emotions literature in International Relations and the European Union studies literature to nuance understanding of the politics of emotions that increasingly constrain what kind of a global actor the EU actually is or can become.
Gauging resource exploitation by juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in restoring estuarine habitat
Authors: Davis Melanie J. , Ellings Christopher S. , Woo Isa , Hodgson Sayre , Larsen Kimberly , Nakai Glynnis
Published: December 2017

In the context of delta restoration and its impact on salmonid rearing, success is best evaluated based on whether out‐migrating juvenile salmon can access and benefit from suitable estuarine habitat. Here, we integrated 3 years of post‐restoration monitoring data including habitat availability, invertebrate prey biomass, and juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) physiological condition to determine whether individuals profited from the addition of 364 ha of delta habitat in South Puget Sound, Washington, United States. Productivity in the restored mudflat was comparable to reference sites 3 years after dike removal, surpassing a mean total of 6 million kJ energy from invertebrate prey. This resulted from the development of a complex network of tidal channels and a resurgence in dipteran biomass that was unique to the restoration area. Consequently, a notable shift in invertebrate consumption occurred between 2010 and 2011, whereby individuals switched from eating primarily amphipods to dipteran flies; however, dietary similarity to the surrounding habitat did not change from year to year, suggesting that this shift was a result of a change in the surrounding prey communities. Growth rates did not differ between restored and reference sites, but catch weight was positively correlated with prey biomass, where greater prey productivity appeared to offset potential density‐dependent effects. These results demonstrate how the realized function of restoring estuarine habitat is functionally dependent. High prey productivity in areas with greater connectivity may support healthy juvenile salmon that are more likely to reach the critical size class for offshore survival.
Reduced salivary flow rate and high levels of oxidative stress in whole saliva of children with Down syndrome
Authors: Domingues Natália Bertolo , Mariusso Matheus Racy , Tanaka Marcia Hiromi , Scarel‐Caminaga Raquel Mantuaneli , Mayer Marcia Pinto Alves , Brighenti Fernanda Lourenção , Zuanon Ângela Cristina Cilense , Ibuki Flávia Kazue , Nogueira Fernando Neves , Giro Elisa Maria Aparecida
Published: December 2017

Aim

To investigate salivary parameters between children with Down Syndrome (DS) and without DS.

Materials and Methods

Stimulated whole saliva was collected from 18 children with DS and 23 without DS. Salivary flow rate, pH, and salivary buffering capacity were determined. Cariogenic microorganisms were quantified by culture, and periodontopathogens by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The antioxidant profile was quantified spectrophotometrically, while malondialdehyde (MDA) was quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Data were analyzed by Mann‐Whitney test and Spearman correlation (α = 0.05).

Results

Salivary flow rate was significantly lower in DS than in controls (p < 0.0001). Significant higher difference was observed for total protein dosage (p < 0.0001), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) (p = 0.0002), and MDA (p < 0.001) in DS group.

Conclusions

Reduced salivary flow rate might be an important factor in oral diseases development. High salivary levels of SOD and MDA show the significant influence of the oxidative stress and the early‐onset periodontal disease in DS people.
6600 years of earthquake record in the Julian Alps (Lake Bohinj, Slovenia)
Authors: Rapuc William , Sabatier Pierre , Andrič Maja , Crouzet Christian , Arnaud Fabien , Chapron Emmanuel , Šmuc Andrej , Develle Anne‐Lise , Wilhelm Bruno , Demory François , Reyss Jean‐Louis , Régnier Edouard , Daut Gerhard , Von Grafenstein Ulrich
Published: December 2017

Sequences of lake sediments often form long and continuous records that may be sensitive recorders of seismic shaking. A multi‐proxy analysis of Lake Bohinj sediments associated with a well‐constrained chronology was conducted to reconstruct Holocene seismic activity in the Julian Alps (Slovenia). A seismic reflection survey and sedimentological analyses identified 29 homogenite‐type deposits related to mass‐wasting deposits. The most recent homogenites can be linked to historical regional earthquakes (i.e. 1348 ad, 1511 adand 1690 ad) with strong epicentral intensity [greater than ‘damaging’ (VIII) on the Medvedev–Sponheuer–Karnik scale]. The correlation between the historical earthquake data set and the homogenites identified in a core isolated from local stream inputs, allows interpretation of all similar deposits as earthquake related. This work extends the earthquake chronicle of the last 6600 years in this area with a total of 29 events recorded. The early Holocene sedimentary record is disturbed by a seismic event (6617 ± 94 cal yr bp) that reworked previously deposited sediment and led to a thick sediment deposit identified in the seismic survey. The period between 3500 cal yr bpand 2000 cal yr bpis characterized by a major destabilization in the watershed by human activities that led to increases in erosion and sedimentation rates. This change increased the lake's sensitivity to recording an earthquake (earthquake‐sensitivity threshold index) with the occurrence of 72 turbidite‐type deposits over this period. The high turbidite frequency identified could be the consequence of this change in lake earthquake sensitivity and thus these turbidites could be triggered by earthquake shaking, as other origins are discarded. This study illustrates why it is not acceptable to propose a return period for seismic activity recorded in lake sediment if the sedimentation rate varies significantly.
Molecular phylogeny of bark and ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) based on 18 molecular markers
Authors: PISTONE DARIO , GOHLI JOSTEIN , JORDAL BJARTE H.
Published: December 2017

The phylogeny of the large weevil subfamily Scolytinae has been difficult to resolve based on a limited number of genetic markers. With more than 6000 nominal species in the subfamily, the general lack of resolution at deeper nodes indicates that large sequence volumes are needed to solve this problem. We have therefore assembled a large molecular dataset consisting of more than 10 kb of nucleotides from 18 gene fragments, for 182 species. Nucleotide and amino acid translated data were analysed using Bayesian and parsimony‐based approaches, which gave largely congruent results. Compared with previous analyses, we obtained greater resolution for some of the deeper nodes, and detected many unexpected relationships that were strongly supported by our data. The tribe Scolytini was recovered as the earliest divergent lineage in Scolytinae, sometimes placed together with the hexacoline genus Microborus. Among the 26 currently recognized tribes, 15 were monophyletic, whereas the remaining tribes were largely paraphyletic. The majority of species in the tribe Hypoborini were recovered as the sister lineage to a large group containing the species‐rich tribe Dryocoetini, which includes the recently radiated ambrosia beetles in Xyleborini, and Ipini, which includes another recent group of ambrosia beetles in Premnobiina. Cryphalini, Hylesinini and Hylurgini were strikingly polyphyletic tribes, each consisting of several independent lineages. Subgroups were to a large degree defined by geographical affinities, showing a clear distinction between the northern and southern hemispheres. The affiliation of the inbreeding genus Hypothenemus was revealed with strong support as the sister group to the Malagasy and East African species of the genus Cosmoderes. Cryptocarenus was previously assumed to be the sister lineage of Hypothenemus, but was here found to be part of Corthylini, near Araptus. These and many other findings document the need for a thorough revision of the current classification of genera and tribes, including a systematic re‐evaluation of morphological characters.
A novel peer feedback programme of family‐centred rounds
Authors: Bhansali Priti , Goldman Ellen
Published: December 2017

Background

Family‐centred rounds (FCRs) are becoming standard practice in in‐patient paediatrics. Few faculty development programmes to train doctors in how to lead FCRs have been described in the literature, yet recent studies of peer feedback of in‐patient rounds in internal medicine suggest benefits to teaching practices. Peer feedback may be useful as a faculty development method for FCRs. The study objective was to describe the experience of paediatric hospitalists participating in a peer feedback programme based on direct observation of FCRs.

Methods

This was a qualitative study of 13 paediatric hospitalists at an academic centre, who participated in individual semi‐structured interviews about their experience with the programme of peer feedback of FCRs. Interviews were transcribed and the data were analysed by coding statements of interest. Like content was categorised into over‐arching themes.

Results

The resultant themes included: (1) comfort is key for participation; (2) initial trepidation fades; (3) seniority has an effect; and (4) peer feedback of FCRs has value. Several specific elements of feedback were provided to improve teaching behaviours.

Recent studies of peer feedback of in‐patient rounds in internal medicine suggest benefits to teaching practices

Discussion

This faculty development programme of peer feedback based on direct observation of FCRs was endorsed by participants at our institution. Our findings serve to inform other programmes interested in peer feedback or in faculty development opportunities for FCRs.
Management of chronic myeloid leukemia in the setting of pregnancy: when is leukocytapheresis appropriate? A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Staley Elizabeth M. , Simmons Sierra C. , Feldman Alexander Z. , Lorenz Robin G. , Marques Marisa B. , Williams Lance A. , Zheng X. Long , Pham Huy P.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a common hematologic malignancy; however, its occurrence during pregnancy is unusual due to its low prevalence in females of childbearing age. There are conflicting reports of how to best manage CML in pregnancy, particularly in the setting of leukocytosis.

Hemapheresis

A 30‐year‐old female was diagnosed with CML at 18 weeks' estimated gestational age. On initial presentation she reported fatigue, night sweats, and early satiety, and was found to have a white blood cell (WBC) count of 69.3 × 109/L and platelet count of 366 × 109/L. Her disease was managed during pregnancy using interferon‐α alone despite persistent leukocytosis.

CONCLUSION

CML may be effectively managed during pregnancy, even in the setting of leukocytosis, without the application of leukocytapheresis. Management relies not only upon the coordination of drug therapy and fetal monitoring, but requires close communication between multiple medical disciplines. Leukocytapheresis has been safely performed during pregnancy and may be a suitable adjunct management strategy in pregnant patients diagnosed with CML with specific clinical presentations, such as hyperleukocytosis (WBC count > 150 × 109/L) and/or symptomatic leukostasis.
The effects of subconjunctival bupivacaine, lidocaine, and mepivacaine on corneal sensitivity in healthy horses
Authors: Jinks Maggie R. , Fontenot Robin L. , Wills Robert W. , Betbeze Caroline M.
Published: December 2017

Objective

To compare the efficacy and duration of effect of three local anesthetics on corneal sensitivity when administered subconjunctivally in horses.

Animals studied

Eight healthy adult horses.

Procedure

A randomized, masked, crossover study design was used, with a two‐week washout period between trials. The subconjunctival space of the randomly selected eye was injected with 0.2 mLs of bupivacaine (0.5%), lidocaine (2%), mepivacaine (2%), or saline. All horses received each medication once. The contralateral eye served as a control. The corneal touch threshold (CTT) was measured in both eyes with a Cochet–Bonnet esthesiometer prior to sedation with xylazine, after sedation, and at 10‐min intervals after subconjunctival injection until corneal sensitivity returned to baseline. The total time of decreased CTT and the maximum decrease in CTT were compared for each medication using a general linear mixed model (P < 0.05).

Results

Total time of decreased CTT was 105.0 min for bupivacaine, 103.8 min for lidocaine, 138.8 min for mepivacaine, and 7.5 min for saline. All local anesthetics decreased CTT longer than saline (P < 0.001) and mepivacaine decreased CTT longer than lidocaine (P = 0.04). The mean minimum CTT was 1.67 cm for bupivacaine, 1.42 cm for lidocaine, and 0.73 cm for mepivacaine, which were all significantly less (P < 0.001) than saline (4.73 cm). No evidence of corneal toxicity was noted with any treatment.

Conclusion

Subconjunctival injections of lidocaine, bupivacaine, and mepivacaine effectively and safely reduce corneal sensitivity in eyes of healthy horses for 1.5–2 h, and may be useful for providing perioperative analgesia for equine corneal procedures.
Costos logísticos y metodologías para el costeo en cadenas de suministro: una revisión de la literatura
Authors: Orjuela-Castro Javier Arturo , Suárez-Camelo Norberto , Chinchilla-Ospina Yamit Israel
Published: December 2017

Este artículo presenta una revisión de la literatura sobre las metodologías para el costeo en las cadenas de suministro (CS), con énfasis en costos logísticos. A partir de esbozar una perspectiva de análisis, evalúa las diferentes metodologías para medir el desempeño de la CS y la logística. Así mismo, establece en qué eslabón se aplica, si a toda la CS o a la empresa. Luego de determinar una taxonomía, expone de manera detallada los costos y procesos aplicados por los diferentes autores, también examina las
diferencias fundamentales entre las metodologías. Se encuentra
la necesidad de desarrollar una metodología propia para determinar los costos de la logística de medios y modos en la CS.
Valor de uso de un activo o unidad generadora de efectivo bajo incertidumbre: el flujo de efectivo esperado mediante metodología borrosa
Authors: Castiblanco-Ruiz Fabián Alberto
Published: December 2017

En el estudio en prospectiva de las organizaciones se hace necesaria la consideración y tratamiento de la incertidumbre y subjetividad propia de los fenómenos económicos y financieros. En el presente artículo se busca
establecer los procedimientos y aportes del uso de una metodología basada en la teoría de los subconjuntos borrosos que permite, en particular, el tratamiento de un tipo de incertidumbre específica en la estimación del valor de uso de un activo o unidad generado de efectivo.
Para tal fin, se acude al uso de tres elementos fundamentales: el establecimiento de una tipología sobre la existencia de incertidumbre, las herramientas propias de los subconjuntos borrosos y los lineamientos dados por la Norma Internacional de Contabilidad 36. Se establecen las posibles relaciones entre los conceptos abordados y se destacan los
aportes y ventajas de esta relación.
El daño genético. Bases para su conceptualización jurídica
Authors: Gutiérrez Prieto Hernando
Published: December 2017

Este artículo constituye un primer producto parcial inscrito en el proyecto de investigación “Análisis de las Nuevas Tendencias en el Derecho de Daños Contemporáneo” y contiene las primeras discusiones sobre el concepto, tipologías y significación jurídica de la categoría “daño genético”.

Como objetivo general de esta primera etapa en la ejecución del proyecto de investigación se busca identificar, analizar y valorar el modo como se ha venido conceptualizando la expresión “daño genético” (y otras que pueden considerarse como equivalentes a ella) y determinar los problemas principales que han de abordarse para establecer su significación y alcance jurídicos.

Su conclusión principal es que la denominación “daño genético” no es unívoca y admite una pluralidad de formas que requieren tratamiento jurídico diferencial, exigiendo, además, la revisión de categorías jurídicas importantes.
Los pactos de socios en el derecho colombiano
Authors: Camargo Agudelo Magda Liliana
Published: December 2017

Este artículo busca analizar el régimen de los pactos parasocietarios contenido en el artículo 70 de la Ley 222 de 1995 y en el artículo 24 de la Ley 1258 de 2008, con el objetivo de determinar su alcance y de esta forma, comprender de forma general la regulación de estos pactos en el Derecho comercial colombiano y la manera como estas normas se relacionan con las reglas generales en materia de obligaciones, contratos y sociedades, de tal modo que se busca sostener la posibilidad de celebrar pactos de socios en todos los tipos societarios y no solamente en la sociedad anónima y por acciones simplificada. También se busca identificar los principales aspectos objeto de debate para lo cual el trabajo se basa no solamente en un análisis normativo, sino también doctrinal, jurisprudencial e incluye la referencia a las interpretaciones que ha realizado la Superintendencia de Sociedades tanto en conceptos como en decisiones judiciales relacionadas con pactos societarios. 
Compensating for evanescent modes and estimating characteristic impedance in waveguide acoustic impedance measurements
Authors: Nørgaard Kren Rahbek , Fernandez-Grande Efren , Laugesen Søren
Published: December 2017

The ear-canal acoustic impedance and reflectance are useful for assessing conductive hearing disorders and calibrating stimulus levels in situ. However, such probe-based measurements are affected by errors due to the presence of evanescent modes and incorrect estimates or assumptions regarding characteristic impedance. This paper proposes a method to compensate for evanescent modes in measurements of acoustic impedance, reflectance, and sound pressure in waveguides, as well as estimating the characteristic impedance immediately in front of the probe. This is achieved by adjusting the characteristic impedance and subtracting an acoustic inertance from the measured impedance such that the non-causality in the reflectance is minimized in the frequency domain using the Hilbert transform. The method is thus capable of estimating plane-wave quantities of the sought-for parameters by supplying only an arbitrary initial value for the characteristic impedance. From a comparison with a simulated waveguide, it is shown that this method can accurately estimate these quantities in a waveguide that is uniform at the position of the probe. Finally, it is demonstrated how evanescent modes, characteristic impedance, and the proposed methodology can affect the measured acoustic impedance and reflectance of an occluded-ear simulator.
Paper of note in
Science Translational Medicine
9
(419)
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: December 2017

This week’s article describes a way to potentially reduce neurodegeneration in patients with Huntington’s disease.
Importance of an alternative approach to measuring quality in a volume-to-value world: a case study of diabetes care
Authors: Coombs Letoynia Jenee , Burston Betty , Liu Darren
Published: December 2017

Background

To develop a statistical tool that allows practitioners and/or their practice managers to easily select the relevant range in which volume and value are maximised.

Methods

Data for the study were based on 55 primary care practices that participated in the Colorado Improving Performance in Practice programme in 2014. We used two composite variables including the volume of processes of care variables listed in Diabetes Practice Guidelines and value (quality) as measured by changes in the intermediate outcomes. We assessed volume/value trade-offs using a multilevel model with a time-varying covariate partitioned into a between-practice and within-practice effect.

Results

The study revealed a strong linear relationship between volume and value (P<0.0001). Specifically, practices with an above-average volume of care as measured by their process of care scores also had above-average quality outcomes (expected value 57; average volume 49.48) as quantified by their intermediate outcome scores. Additionally, in those months when practices provided a volume of care that exceeded their average process of care score, further improvements occurred in quality as measured by intermediate outcome scores (P<0.0001).

Conclusion

Such findings suggest an inherent linkage between volume of care and quality. This statistical approach, if provided as an app containing an easy-to-use statistical calculator, will allow practice managers and clinicians to systematically identify volume/quality trade-offs, thereby reducing undertreatment and/or overtreatment among patients with chronicities.
Surgical correction of four cases of hydrometra in ewes
Authors: Brabant Olivia , Laurence Michael
Published: December 2017

Four nulliparous, pet, merino ewes from the same property were evaluated at The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University, Western Australia, over a one‐year period. The ewes presented with a history of chronic serosanguinous vaginal discharge. Age ranged from 5 to 11 years. Medical treatment with cloprostenol (Juramate, Jurox) and oxytocin (Syntocin, Ilium) failed in two ewes. A decision to surgically manage the cases was made. Midline laparotomy and surgical ovariohysterectomy resulted in permanent resolution of clinical signs. The first uterus and ovaries were submitted for histopathological examination and hydrometra was confirmed. Hydrometra is a known cause of infertility in sheep however more frequently noted as an incidental finding on abattoir specimens. It is an uncommon histopathological diagnosis. This case report expands the differentials for vaginal discharge in ewes, provides details of surgical correction of hydrometra and highlights the increased likelihood of unusual clinical presentations in older livestock kept as pets.
Electric dipole transitions between low-lying levels in doubly ionized krypton, xenon, and radon
Authors: Eser Selda , Özdemir Leyla
Published: December 2017

Using the general-purpose relativistic atomic structure package (GRASP) based on a fully relativistic multiconfiguration Dirac–Fock (MCDF) method, the transition parameters, such as transition rates (probabilities), oscillator strengths, and line strengths for the electric dipole transitions between low-lying levels are evaluated for doubly ionized krypton, xenon, and radon. Breit interactions for relativistic effects and quantum electrodynamical (QED) contributions besides valence and valence–core correlation effects are taken into account in calculations. We compare the results obtained with the available data in the literature and discuss them, when possible.
Ontological states and dynamics of discrete (pre-) quantum systems
Authors: Elze Hans-Thomas
Published: December 2017

The notion of ontological states is introduced here with reference to the Cellular Automaton Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics (QM) proposed by ’t Hooft. A class of discrete deterministic “Hamiltonian” Cellular Automata (CA) is defined that has been shown to bear many features in common with continuum quantum mechanical models, however, deformed by the presence of a finite discreteness scale [Formula: see text], such that for [Formula: see text], the usual properties result e.g. concerning linearity, dispersion relations, multipartite systems, and Superposition Principle. We argue that within this class of models, only very primitive realizations of ontological states and their dynamics can exist, since the equations of motion tend to produce superposition states that are not ontological. The most interesting, if not the only way out seems to involve interacting multipartite systems composed of two-state “Ising spins”, which evolve by a unitary transfer matrix. Thus, quantum like and ontological models appear side by side here, but distinguished by second-order and first-order dynamics, respectively.
Pedestrian Group-Crossing Behavior Modeling and Simulation Based on Multidimensional Dirty Faces Game
Authors: Ye Shunqiang , Wang Lu , Cheong Kang Hao , Xie Nenggang
Published: December 2017

The conflict between pedestrians and vehicles plays a significant role in influencing the efficiency of intersections. In turn, the effectiveness of intersections greatly affects the entire network. Statistical data indicates that up to 70% of people move in groups (such as friends, couples, or families walking together). The pedestrian group-crossing behavior, as well as an analysis of the dynamics between groups of pedestrians and vehicles at unsignalized intersections, deserves a thorough study. In this paper, a model based on the multidimensional dirty faces game is proposed to analyze the crossing behavior of pedestrians and vehicles as “rational people.” Computer simulations were performed to investigate the effect of the group size on crossing behavior and conflict risks. The relationship between heterogeneity of waiting time and walking speed is also investigated. These findings can be used to advance understanding on the “Chinese style road crossing” phenomenon and elucidate the dynamics involved.
A Bayesian Network Approach to Causation Analysis of Road Accidents Using Netica
Authors: Zou Xin , Yue Wen Long
Published: December 2017

Based on an overall consideration of factors affecting road safety evaluations, the Bayesian network theory based on probability risk analysis was applied to the causation analysis of road accidents. By taking Adelaide Central Business District (CBD) in South Australia as a case, the Bayesian network structure was established by integrating K2 algorithm with experts’ knowledge, and Expectation-Maximization algorithm that could process missing data was adopted to conduct the parameter learning in Netica, thereby establishing the Bayesian network model for the causation analysis of road accidents. Then Netica was used to carry out posterior probability reasoning, the most probable explanation, and inferential analysis. The results showed that the Bayesian network model could effectively explore the complex logical relation in road accidents and express the uncertain relation among related variables. The model not only can quantitatively predict the probability of an accident in certain road traffic condition but also can find the key reasons and the most unfavorable state combination which leads to the occurrence of an accident. The results of the study can provide theoretical support for urban road management authorities to thoroughly analyse the induction factors of road accidents and then establish basis in improving the safety performance of the urban road traffic system.
Sensitivity, Specificity, and Limitations of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Diagnosis of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy
Authors: Huang Yi-Ming , Hsieh Ming-Hung , Li An-Fei , Chen Shih-Jen
Published: December 2017

Purpose. To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in differentiating polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods. Fundus color photographs, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography (step 1) and OCTA (step 2) of 50 eyes that had PCV or AMD were presented to two ophthalmologists. The final diagnoses of PCV were masked. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated and compared to the 2-step approach (before and after OCTA) in detecting PCV. The limitations were also evaluated. Results. Of the 50 eyes, 31 were PCV and 19 were non-PCV. The sensitivity increased from 69.5% to 90% after OCTA; however, there was no significant improvement in specificity after OCTA. 70.9% of the eyes with PCV had clear or obvious branching vascular nets (BVNs) in OCTA with high sensitivity (97.5%) after OCTA. Contrarily, 29.1% had insignificant BVNs with a low sensitivity (72.5%) after OCTA. 27% of the occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) cases were overdiagnosed as PCV when OCTA was applied. Conclusions. OCTA based on clear BVNs at the choroidal level increased sensitivity of diagnosis of PCV by 20%. However, the false-positive rate also increased in occult CNV. Several limitations for a correct diagnosis of PCV were noted.
Performance Evaluation of Commercial Dengue Diagnostic Tests for Early Detection of Dengue in Clinical Samples
Authors: Mat Jusoh Tuan Nur Akmalina , Shueb Rafidah Hanim
Published: December 2017

The shattering rise in dengue virus infections globally has created a need for an accurate and validated rapid diagnostic test for this virus. Rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) diagnostic detection are useful tools for diagnosis of early dengue infection. We prospectively evaluated the diagnostic performance of nonstructural 1 (NS1) RDT and real-time RT-PCR diagnostic kits in 86 patient serum samples. Thirty-six samples were positive for dengue NS1 antigen while the remaining 50 were negative when tested with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Commercially available RDTs for NS1 detection, RTK ProDetect™, and SD Bioline showed high sensitivity of 94% and 89%, respectively, compared with ELISA. GenoAmp® Trioplex Real-Time RT-PCR and RealStar® Dengue RT-PCR tests presented a comparable kappa agreement with 0.722. The result obtained from GenoAmp® Real-Time RT-PCR Dengue test showed that 14 samples harbored dengue virus type 1 (DENV-1), 8 samples harbored DENV-2, 2 samples harbored DENV-3, and 1 sample harbored DENV-4. 1 sample had a double infection with DENV-1 and DENV-2. The NS1 RDTs and real-time RT-PCR tests were found to be a useful diagnostic for early and rapid diagnosis of acute dengue and an excellent surveillance tool in our battle against dengue.
Intra-Abdominal Hydatid Cyst: Sociodemographics, Clinical Profiles, and Outcomes of Patients Operated on at a Tertiary Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Engida , Kassa Temesgen , Bekele Mahteme , Tsehay Ayelign
Published: December 2017

Background. Hydatid cyst is caused by the tapewormEchinococcus granulosus. The abdomen, specifically the liver, is the most common site affected.Objective. Determine the presentation patterns, types of surgical management, and outcomes of patients operated for intra-abdominal hydatid cyst (IAHC).Methodology. A retrospective descriptive study of patients admitted and operated for IAHC from September 1, 2011, to August 31, 2015.Results. Forty-two patients whose age ranged from 10 to 65 (mean of 37 years) were operated on. Females comprised 27 (64.3%) of the patients. The commonest presenting complaint was abdominal pain (41, 97.6%). Abdominal mass was documented in 23 (54.7%) cases. Abdominal ultrasound (AUS) and CT were the main imaging studies done on 38 (90.5%) and 24 (57.1%) patients, respectively. Cysts measuring more than 10 cm in diameter were the most common finding in both studies. Liver was the primary site involved, 30 (71.4%) cases, the right lobe being the main side, 73%. Thirty-eight (90.5%) patients underwent deroofing, evacuation, marsupialization, and omentoplasty (DEMO). There was no perioperative death, but 4 (9.5%) of the patients had post-op complications.Conclusion. Abdominal pain was the most common presenting complaint. AUS and CT remain the preferred imaging. DEMO was the most common surgery.
The Effect of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation on a Child with Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Zhao Huijun , Shi Yichao , Luo Xi , Peng Lihua , Yang Yunsheng , Zou Liping
Published: December 2017

Tourette syndrome is a neuropsychiatric disorder with onset in childhood. New therapies are needed to effectively manage and treat this condition. Gut microbiota can affect central physiology and function via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Here, we report a case in which fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is used to treat a child with Tourette syndrome, whose symptoms ameliorated dramatically in the following eight weeks.
Genetic Variants in CSMD1 Gene Are Associated with Cognitive Performance in Normal Elderly Population
Authors: Stepanov Vadim , Marusin Andrey , Vagaitseva Kseniya , Bocharova Anna , Makeeva Oksana
Published: December 2017

Recently, genetic markers rs10503253 and rs2616984 in the CUB and Sushi multiple domains-1 (CSMD1) gene have been reported to be associated with schizophrenia and cognitive functions in genome-wide association studies. We examined the associations of the above SNPs with cognitive performance evaluated by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tool in a cohort of the normal elderly from the Russian population. Significant association of rs2616984 genotypes with the MoCA scores was found using nonparametric analysis. No association of rs10503253 with MoCA scores was observed using both parametric and nonparametric statistics. Significant combined effect of two-locus CSMD1 genotypes on MoCA scores was demonstrated by median test. Allele “A” and genotype “AA” of rs2616984 were significantly associated with the lower MoCA scores in comparison of 1st and 4th quartiles of MoCA total score distribution. The results suggest that genetic variants in CSMD1 gene are likely a part of genetic component of cognitive performance in the elderly.
Impaired Oxidative Status Is Strongly Associated with Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Brunelli E. , La Russa D. , Pellegrino D.
Published: December 2017

The main target of primary prevention is the identification of cardiovascular risk factors aimed at reducing of the adverse impact of modifiable factors, such as lifestyle and pharmacological treatments. In humans, an alteration of the oxidative status has been associated with several pathologies, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, the prognostic relevance of circulating oxidative stress biomarkers remains poorly understood. Our study explored, in a healthy population (n = 322), the relationship between oxidative status and cardiovascular risk factors. Here, we were successful in demonstrating that plasmatic oxidative status is significantly associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors. We revealed a significant depletion in the efficacy of total plasma antioxidant barrier in high cardiovascular risk categories, and we confirmed an age‐related alteration of oxidative status. The efficacy of total plasma antioxidant barrier is significantly depleted in relation to metabolic disorders. Interestingly, the cholesterol imbalance is the main factor in depleting the efficacy of total plasma antioxidant barrier. The oxidative status is also influenced by hypertension, and a slight increase in systolic blood pressure determines a highly significant effect. We showed that the first detectable event of a redox disturbance is the repairing intervention of the antioxidant barrier that is thus decreased as overutilized.