bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trickle-Down Ethnic Politics: Drunk and Absent in the Kenya Police Force (1957–1970)
Authors: Vanden Eynde Oliver , Kuhn Patrick M. , Moradi Alexander
Published: July 2018

How does ethnic politics affect the state’s ability to provide policing services? Using a panel of administrative personnel data on the full careers of 6,784 police officers, we show how the rise of ethnic politics around Kenya’s independence influenced policemen’s behavior. We  find a significant deterioration in discipline after Kenya’s first multiparty election for those police officers of ethnic groups associated with the ruling party. These effects are driven by a behavioral change among these policemen. We find no evidence of favoritism within the police. Instead, our results are consistent with co-ethnic officers experiencing an emboldenment effect. Our findings highlight that the state’s security apparatus, at its most granular level, is not insulated from ethnic politics. (JEL D72, J15, K42, O15, O17)
The Role of Information in Disability Insurance Application: An Analysis of the Social Security Statement Phase-In
Authors: Armour Philip
Published: July 2018

This paper exploits a natural experiment in information provision on US Disability Insurance (DI) applications: the Social Security statement. Although the effect of the statement on DI application was negligible in the general health and retirement study population, among those previously reporting a work limitation, biennial DI application rates approximately doubled. This effect was driven by previously uninformed individuals. Additional analyses show these were new applicants and were no less likely to be accepted onto DI, accounting for a substantial fraction of the rise in DI rolls from 1994 to 2004 and indicating the importance of informational frictions in disability policymaking. (JEL D83, G22, H55, J14, J28)
Multimarket Contact in the Hospital Industry
Authors: Schmitt Matt
Published: July 2018

Hospitals in the United States increasingly belong to multihospital systems that operate in numerous geographic markets. A large literature in management and economics suggests that competition between firms may be softened as a result of multimarket contact—i.e., firms competing with one another in multiple markets simultaneously. Exploiting plausibly exogenous variation in multimarket contact generated by out-of-market consolidation, I find that increases in multimarket contact over the 2000–2010 period led to higher hospital prices. These results suggest that continued hospital consolidation may produce higher prices even if that consolidation only minimally affects within-market concentration. (JEL G34, G38, I11, I18, K21, L41)
Can Online Off-the-Shelf Lessons Improve Student Outcomes? Evidence from a Field Experiment
Authors: Jackson Kirabo , Makarin Alexey
Published: July 2018

Many websites now warehouse instructional materials designed to be taught by teachers in a traditional classroom. What are the potential benefits of the new resources? We analyze an experiment in which we randomly give middle school math teachers access to existing high-quality, off-the-shelf lessons, and in some cases, support to promote their use. Teachers receiving access alone increased students’ math achievement by a marginally significant 0.06 of a standard deviation. Teachers who received access and support increased students’ math achievement by 0.09 of a standard deviation. Weaker teachers experience larger gains, suggesting that these lessons substitute for teacher skill or efforts. The online materials are more scalable and cost effective than most policies aimed at improving teacher quality, suggesting that, if search costs can be overcome, there is a real benefit to making high-quality instructional materials available to teachers on the Internet. (JEL C93, I21, J24, J45)
Does 3DMR provide equivalent information as 3DCT for the pre-operative evaluation of adult Hip pain conditions of femoroacetabular impingement and Hip dysplasia?
Authors: Yan Kevin , Xi Yin , Sasiponganan Chayanit , Zerr Joseph , Wells Joel E , Chhabra Avneesh
Published: July 2018

Objective:

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and hip dysplasia (HD) are frequently evaluated by isotropic CT (3DCT) for preoperative planning at the expense of radiation. The aim was to determine if isotropic MRI (3DMR) imaging can provide similar quantitative and qualitative morphological information as 3DCT.

Methods:

25 consecutive patients with a final diagnosis of FAI or HD were retrospectively selected from December 2016-December 2017. Two readers (R1, R2) performed quantitative angular measurements on 3DCT and 3DMR, blinded to the diagnosis and each other's measurements. 3DMR and 3DCT of the hips were qualitatively and independently evaluated by a radiologist (R3), surgeon (R4), and fellow (R5). Interobserver and intermodality comparisons were performed.

Results:

The ICC was good to excellent for all measurements between R1 and R2 (ICC:0.60-0.98) and the majority of intermodality measurements for R1 and R2. Average inter-reader and inter-modality PABAK showed good to excellent agreement for qualitative reads. On CT, all alpha angles (AA) were significantly lower in dysplasia patients than in cam patients (p < 0.05). All lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) were significantly lower in dysplasia than in cam patients (p < 0.05). On MR, AA at 12, 1, and 2 o'clock, and LCEA at center were significantly lower in dysplasia patients than in cam patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

3DMR offers similar qualitative and quantitative analysis as 3DCT in adult painful hip conditions.

Advances in knowledge:

3DMR has good potential to replace 3DCT and serve as a one-stop modality for bone and soft tissue characterizations in the pre-operative evaluation of FAI and HD.
Determination of the shear wave velocities by the method microtremor on EuroseisTest
Authors: ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΙΔΗΣ Π. , ΡΟΥΜΕΛΙΩΤΗ Ζ. , ΡΑΠΤΑΚΗΣ Δ. , ΠΙΤΙΛΑΚΗΣ Κ.
Published: July 2018

The knowledge of the underground structure is a very important parameter for site effects and the estimation of spatial variation of ground motion. In the present study the S-wave model is determined by recordings of ambient noise at a circular array. The method that is used is Spatial Autocorrelation Coefficient (S.P.A.C.)(Aki, 1957, 1965). Since it is the first time that the specific method is being applied in Greece is provided a detailed and critical description of the method. The S.P.A.C. method is based on the assumption that microtremor is a stationary random function. In case microtremor is stationary in time and space, then the spatial autocorrelation coefficient is calculated, from which phase velocities of surface waves are estimated and S-wave velocities are inverted. The S.P.A.C. method is applied to S5 position of EuroseisTest where the underground structure is well determined from other geophysical methods while it is considered as a suitable place for the validation of the method. The validation indicates that the S-wave velocity structure determined by recordings of ambient noise at circular arrays is a useful tool for site characterization.
A direct solution for dielectric and geometric parameters of lossy two - layered media - applications in environmental geology
Authors: ΜΕΡΤΖΑΝΙΔΗΣ Ι. Κ. , ΤΣΟΚΑΣ Γ. Ν. , ΣΑΧΑΛΟΣ Ι. Ν.
Published: July 2018

It is well known that reflectometry offers a simple tool for determining dielectric properties of materials. For homogeneous materials the procedure is simple and only a single measurement of the reflection coefficient is enough. If the material is inhomogeneous or stratified, indirect procedures for calculating the dielectric properties are required. A direct method for determining the characteristics of a lossy two-layered medium is presented. The technique is based on the study of the frequency response of the complex reflection coefficient of a plane wave incident at the interface between the stratified media and the air (Mertzanides et al., 2000, Mertzanides et al., 2001). The input impedance Zin, at the interface between air and the dielectric surface, can be found from R by (Wait, 1985): …..Our method offers the possibility of direct calculation of the two layer parameters from two single measurements of the reflection coefficient, avoiding the use of any iterative procedure. In summary, the inversion procedure will make the following steps:• Measurements of the reflection coefficient R versus frequency.• Calculation of the Zin=A+jB from Eq. (1).• Derivation of two extreme values of Real(Zin) in two sequential angular frequencies ωΐ and ω2.• Calculation of tanôj from Eq. (2).• Calculation of ε from Eq. (3) and 1 from Eq. (4).• Calculation of ε2 and tanô2 from Eqs. (5) and (6).The range of applications includes problems in engineering and environmental geology. More specific, the method offers a useful analytical tool for interpreting remote sensing data, concerning identification of pollution in oceans caused by plankton or petroleum, inspection the use of fertilizers in cultivation areas, determination of soil moisture etc. Furthermore, it can be applied in cases like shallow stratigraphy and water table mapping, detection of organic and inorganic contaminants in underground water, checking the distortion of walls, the asphalt of roads and in archaeological prospection. where ε and tan δ, are the dielectric constant and tangential losses of ilh layer, 1, is the depth of the upper
Downhole seismic logging for detailed P-S waves velocity determination
Authors: KAMBOURIS P. J. , ALEXOPOULOS J. D. , PAPADOPOULOS T. D.
Published: July 2018

Downhole seismic velocity logging has been used in detailed geotechnical surveys for engineering applications. Determination of dynamic elastic constants from acoustic velocity measurements is often a challenging procedure in case of highly variable unconsolidated overburden. Accuracy of Ρ - S cross-hole velocity measurements is greatly enhanced with the methodologies described. Severe ambiguities, primarily in direct shear wave arrivals picking are diminished, as a result of obtaining redundant data sets. Errors in the determination of zero time inherent to the electronic circuitry or following the use of drill bit or the SPT cone as seismic sources have been decreased by using the standard steel plate and the loaded shear wave plank as alternatives. Extensive AGC and frequency filtering is applied in order to increase the accuracy of the later arrivals. The picked times, corresponding to the overlapping data sets, are processed according to a method, which finally assigns a velocity value to each depth point.
The (December 28th, 1891) January 9th, 1892 Larissa (Central Greece) earthquake
Authors: KOYΣKOYNA Β.
Published: July 2018

During the period 1941-1980 Thessalia (Eastern Central Greece) experienced a series of strong earthquakes, which caused damage to a large number of localities and to all its major towns. It is therefore characterized an area of moderate-to-high seismicity. In fact, low-to-moderate seismic activity was also observed in the 19th century, and there are a few sources reporting earthquakes in the area even in the centuries before. In the present study a damaging earthquake in the late 19th century is analyzed, in an effort to build up a detailed picture of the event and its supporting data set and to estimate its parameters with recent techniques. The 1892 shock damaged Larissa, situated in central Thessalia, caused minor damage to a few surrounding towns and was felt up to Thessaloniki to the north. The supporting datasets quoting the earthquake are evaluated according to their sources. Two sources reporting the earthquake, not quoted in the existing studies, were also located. In general, the earthquake effects are described in detail in two studies: one contemporary seismological compilation and one seismological compilation 60 years later, both based on contemporary press reports. The analysis is based on the original sources, contemporary to the earthquake. The macroseismic intensities were assessed using the EMS-98 scale and the focal parameters (magnitude, epicentral coordinates, epicentral intensity) were calculated using the Gasperini et al (1997,1999) method. This method allows for the calculation of earthquake parameters even for a limited number of macroseismic intensities, as in this case. The equivalent moment magnitude of the earthquake and the oriented "box", representing the surface projection of the seismogenic fault, were computed through empirical relations. The equivalent moment magnitude was calculated Mw=5.0, using two different empirical relations and the "boxer" technique, which takes into account all the available macroseismic data. The epicentral intensity of the earthquake was assessed to be I0=6-7 at Larisa and the epicentre was located at a close distance (8 km NE of the town). This location has also been proposed by Galanopoulos (1946), based on the assumption that the 1892 event originated from the same source as the 1941 Larisa earthquake. The calculated length of the associated fault was too small to be correlated with existing main tectonic features
Deformation in Nisyros volcano (Greece) using differential radar interferometry
Authors: PARCHARIDIS I. S. , LAGIOS E.
Published: July 2018

Nisyros Volcano located at the southeastern Aegean Sea (Greece) has recently shown (1996-97) a high seismic activity, associated with a significant deformation has determined by DGPS measurements. The determination of the overall deformation of the island was also attempted by Differential Radar Interferometry (DInSAR). The DInSAR analysis has been applied using the ERS-2 satellite data, covering the period 1996-1999. The removal of the interferometric phase related to the topography has been done using an external high resolution DEM. Two areas of the island show a good coherence, the southwestern and the eastern part. Almost two interferometric fringes were respectively recognized and evaluated. These two zones coincide with the main tectonic fractures of the island. The time separation and resolution, which consist important factors, for the extraction of the effective information and the quality of the finally produced differential interferogram, seem however that influence very slight its accuracy. The deformation outlined by the interferogram is compatible with the existing differential GPS observations.
Structural and neotectonic features of the periadratic depression (Albania) detected by seismic interpretation
Authors: SKRAMI JANI
Published: July 2018

The Periadriatic Depression includes the western Lowland of Albania from Vlora to Ulqini. The Periadriatic basin, formed after the main folding and thrusting of Ionian zone, is filled with molasses deposits. The molasse formation building this Depression is made up by Middle Miocene up to Pliocene sediments. The Periadriatic Depression extends on its eastern and southern bordes over folded and thrusted structures of the Ionian and Kruja Zones. The folding and thrusting of Periadriatic Depression is finally due to the Early Pleistocene compressional phase that is evidenced by some important structural unconformities. The Periadriatic Depression is built by some linear relatively narrow anticlines, superimposed over thrust or backthrust faults, and wide synclines. The Mio-Pliocene anticlinal folds generally do not outcrop with all their tectonic elements (flanks,periclines). The positive structures of western coastal part are well expressed on the relief; so, the anticlines here build hills while the synclines are buried under Holocene plains between them. The structural and neotectonic features are evidenced in the seismic lines
Predictors of quality of life of older persons in rural Uganda: A cross sectional study
Authors: Maniragaba Fred , Kwagala Betty , Bizimungu Emmanuel , Ojiambo Wandera Stephen , Ntozi James
Published: July 2018

Background: Little is known about the quality of life of older persons (OPs) in Uganda in particular, and Africa in general. This study examined factors associated with quality of life of older persons in rural Uganda.

Method: We performed a cross-sectional survey of 912 older persons from the four regions of Uganda. Data were analyzed at univariate, bivariate and multivariate level where ordinal logistic regression was applied.

Results: Older persons in northern (OR=0.39; p=0.002) and western (OR=0.33; p<0.001) regions had poor quality of life relative to those in central region. Those who were HIV positive had poor quality of life (OR=0.45; p=0.031) compared to those who were HIV negative. In contrast, living in permanent houses predicted good quality of life (OR=2.04; p=<0.001). Older persons whose household assets were controlled by their spouses were associated with good quality of life (OR=2.06; p=0.040) relative to those whose assets were controlled by their children.

Conclusion: Interventions mitigating the HIV and AIDS related Quality of life should target older persons. The government of Uganda should consider improving housing conditions for older persons in rural areas.
A set of novel CRISPR-based integrative vectors for Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Daniels Peter W , Mukherjee Anuradha , Goldman Alastair SH , Hu Bin
Published: July 2018

Integrating a desired DNA sequence into the yeast genomes is a widely-used genetic manipulation in the budding yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae. The conventional integration method is to use an integrative plasmid such as pRS or YIplac series as the target DNA carrier. The nature of this method risks multiple integrations of the target DNA and the potential loss of integrated DNA during cell proliferation. In this study, we developed a novel yeast integration strategy based on the widely used CRISPR-Cas9 system and created a set of plasmids for this purpose. In this system, a plasmid bearing Cas9 and gRNA expression cassettes will induce a double-strand break (DSB) inside a biosynthesis gene such as Met15 or Lys2. Repair of the DSB will be mediated by another plasmid bearing upstream and downstream sequences of the DSB and an integration sequence in between. As a result of this repair the sequence is integrated into genome by replacing the biosynthesis gene, the disruption of which leads to a new auxotrophic genotype. The newly-generated auxotroph can serve as a traceable marker for the integration. In this study, we demonstrated that a DNA fragment up to 6.3 kb can be efficiently integrated into the Met15 or Lys2 locus using this system. This novel integration strategy can be applied to various yeasts, including natural yeast isolated from wild environments or different yeast species such asCandida albicans.
Probing Plasmodium falciparum sexual commitment at the single-cell level
Authors: Brancucci Nicolas M.B. , De Niz Mariana , Straub Timothy J. , Ravel Deepali , Sollelis Lauriane , Birren Bruce W. , Voss Till S. , Neafsey Daniel E. , Marti Matthias
Published: July 2018

Background: Malaria parasites go through major transitions during their complex life cycle, yet the underlying differentiation pathways remain obscure. Here we apply single cell transcriptomics to unravel the program inducing sexual differentiation in Plasmodium falciparum. Parasites have to make this essential life-cycle decision in preparation for human-to-mosquito transmission.

Methods: By combining transcriptional profiling with quantitative imaging and genetics, we defined a transcriptional signature in sexually committed cells.

Results: We found this transcriptional signature to be distinct from general changes in parasite metabolism that can be observed in response to commitment-inducing conditions.

Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study provides a template to capture transcriptional diversity in parasite populations containing complex mixtures of different life-cycle stages and developmental programs, with important implications for our understanding of parasite biology and the ongoing malaria elimination campaign.
Beyond Heavy-Traffic Regimes: Universal Bounds and Controls for the Single-Server Queue
Authors: Huang Junfei , Gurvich Itai
Published: July 2018

Central-limit (Brownian) approximations are widely used for the performance analysis and optimization of queueing networks because of their tractability relative to the original queueing models. The stationary distributions of the approximations are used as proxies for those of the queues. The convergence of suitably scaled and centered processes provides mathematical support for the use of these Brownian models. As with the central limit theorem, to establish convergence, one must impose assumptions directly on the primitives or indirectly on the parameters of a related optimization problem. These assumptions reflect an interpretation of the underlying parameters—a classification into so-called heavy-traffic regimes that specify a scaling relationship between the utilization and the arrival rate. Here, it matters whether a utilization of 90% in a queue with an arrival rate of λ = 100 is read as [Formula: see text] or as ρ(λ) ≡ 0.9, because different interpretations lead to different limits and, in turn, to different approximations. However, from a heuristic point of view, there is an immediate Brownian (i.e., normal) analogue of the queueing model that is derived directly from the primitives and requires no scaling interpretation of the parameters. In this model, the drift is that of the original queue, and the noise term is replaced by a Brownian motion with the same variance. This is intuitive and appealing as a tool, but it lacks mathematical justification. In this paper, we prove that for the fundamental M/GI/1 + GI queue, this direct intuitive approach works: the Brownian model is accurate uniformly over a family of patience distributions and universally in the heavy-traffic regime. The validity of this approach extends to dynamic control in that the solution of the directly derived diffusion control problem is universally accurate. To build mathematical support for the accuracy of this model, we introduce a framework built around “queue families” that allows us to treat various patience distributions simultaneously, and it uncovers the role of a concentration property of the queue.

The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.2017.1715 .
A process evaluation of the first year of Leading Change, Adding Value
Authors: Zubairu Kate , Lievesley Kate , Silverio Sergio A. , McCann Stacey , Fillingham Jill , Kaehne Axel , Sandars John , Carey Lynda , Aitkenhead Susan , Brown Jeremy
Published: July 2018

Background:

Leading Change, Adding Value (LCAV) is a national framework to support transformational change across health and social care.

Design:

a qualitative approach of semi-structured interviews was used to capture information on how LCAV has been disseminated in its early stages from the perspective of key stakeholders and partners. This also included looking at how it might be embedded into everyday practice.

Methods:

data collection took place over a 3-month period between January and March 2017. Twenty semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with key LCAV partners and stakeholders from across health and social care. Perceptions were sought as to how LCAV has been, and may be, used by frontline staff following initial dissemination and any potential barriers and enablers to taking the framework forward.

Results:

a thematic framework analysis of data identified a three-theme paradigm to evaluate LCAV: past—where has this come from? Present—where is it now? Future—where is this going?.

Conclusion:

a programme of dissemination events and examples of good practice in the form of case studies have been valuable tools to engage nursing, midwifery and care staff across health and social care. Continuing to establish networks of frontline staff engaging with LCAV and supporting each other will help facilitate best practice sharing, and multi-professional and cross-boundary working.
Global perspectives on patient safety: the annual Minnesota report
Authors: Tingle John
Published: July 2018

John Tingle, Associate Professor (Teaching and Scholarship), Nottingham Trent University, discuss the latest annual public report on adverse health events from the Minnesota Department of Health in the USA
The importance of hydration in horses
Authors: Mitchell Briony
Published: July 2018

Briony Mitchell MSc RNutr. of Practical Equine Nutrition uncovers the facts
Boredom in the horse; is it the cause of stable vices?
Authors: Watson Rebecca
Published: July 2018

Rebecca Watson MSc RVN Discusses modern management methods and, how they may impact the health and well-being of our horses
‘One does one’s best’: performing deservingness in income support case records
Authors: Fernqvist Stina
Published: July 2018

Drawing on theory and previous research on categorisation processes in social work practice, this article discusses how parents are portrayed in Swedish social services records on eviction risk and focuses on how these individuals are constructed as clients with regards to notions of financial propriety. The data consist of 37 income support case records, and the analysis of these texts suggests that (dis)ability and economic hardship often constitute two unconnected narratives in these data and that performative features of financial propriety and deservingness are often accentuated in these processes. It is argued that financial difficulties are primarily linked to the client’s perceived general inability to handle money, even in cases where the client’s cognitive difficulties could be relevant in order to understand the financial situation. On a practical level, this may make it difficult for the client to get proper and proactive support in relation to financial problems.
POTENSI VEGETASI DAN DAYA DUKUNG UNTUK HABITAT GAJAH SUMATERA (Elephas maximus sumatranus) DI AREAL PERKEBUNAN SAWIT DAN HUTAN PRODUKSI KECAMATAN SUNGAI MENANG, KABUPATEN OGAN KOMERING ILIR
Authors: Setiasih Garsetiasih , Rianti Anita , Takandjandji Mariana
Published: July 2018

Forest land converted into palm oil plantations have caused habitat fragmentation of elephant and land degradation. These lead to land use conflict between human and elephant. The conflict often caused the elephant killed and destructed agricultural land. The study was aimed to estimate potential use and carrying capacity of elephant habitat. Data collection of undergrowth vegetation were analyzed using twelve square plots of 1 x 1m, the distance between the plot of 50 m, tree vegetation of seedlings size 1 x 1 m, saplings 5 x 5 m, and trees 20 x 20 m, the distance between the plot of 200 m and of 1000 m lenght. Vegetation used as elephants feed were observed using purposive sampling and systematically procedure. The analysis showed that biomass of plants producing elephant fodder in Tambang Besi were of Cyperus rotundus (3600.26 kg/ha), Cynodon dactylon (346.74 kg/ha), Melaleuca leucadendron (255.21 kg/ha), and Melastoma malabatricum (156.40 kg/ha). While, the highest biomass in Tebing Penigasan plot is Cyperus rotundus (3575 kg/ha), and in Barak Gajah Plot is Isachne globusa (4013.33 kg/ha). The carrying capacity of elephants habitat of Tambang Besi, Tebing Penigasan, and Barak Gajah plots are 0.78, 0.29, and 0.41 individual/ha/day, respectively.
AKTIVITAS ANTIBIOFILM BAKTERI Escherichia coli OLEH BAKTERIOFAG SECARA IN VITRO
Authors: Triana Evi
Published: July 2018

Several Escherichia coli strains are pathogenic. Excessive and noncompliant use of antibiotics and disinfectants may cause bacteria to build resistance mechanisms. Forming biofilms cause eradicatation more difficult. An effective cleaning action required antibiofilm and antimicrobial agents that have different mechanisms with antibiotics and disinfectants. Bacteriophages are potential candidates because they meet these requirements. Bacteriophages produce specific polysaccharide lyase enzymes capable of degrading biofilm extracellular polymeric matrix. Study was aimed to determine concentrations of specific bacteriophage showing Escherichia coli antibiofilm activity was conducted. The results of this study showed that the most effective concentrations bacteriophage EC RTH 04 to prevent, inhibit, and degrade Escherichia coli EC 3 biofilms were 106, 102, dan 102 respectively.
Cathodic modification of stainless steels with ruthenium: a review of recent advances in making the cheaper option cheaper
Authors: Moyo Fortunate , van der Merwe Josias W. , Wamwangi Daniel , Mgwebi Yonela A.
Published: July 2018

Corrosion resistance of stainless steels is significantly compromised in oxygen-deficient environments, leading to limited service life as well as unsatisfactory performance of the structures made of these alloys. Cathodic modification with ruthenium has been demonstrated to remarkably improve the corrosion resistance of stainless steels in reducing acidic media, even in the presence of an abrasive suspension. Although ruthenium is several times cheaper than other platinum group metals (PGMs), alloying with ruthenium remains prohibitively more expensive than alloying with conventional, although less effective, metals. A number of strategies have been explored to reduce the amount of ruthenium required to cathodically modify stainless steels in a bid to make this cheaper option much cheaper and thus increase the cost-benefits of using these alloys. Some of the strategies include partially substituting ruthenium with cheaper metals, as well as introducing the PGM as a surface alloy.
Cortical and meningeal pathology in progressive multiple sclerosis: a new therapeutic target?
Authors: Silva Berenice Anabel , Ferrari Carina Cintia
Published: July 2018

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease that involves an intricate interaction between the central nervous system and the immune system. Nevertheless, its etiology is still unknown. MS exhibits different clinical courses: recurrent episodes with remission periods (‘relapsing-remitting’) that can evolve to a ‘secondary progressive’ form or persistent progression from the onset of the disease (‘primary progressive’). The discovery of an effective treatment and cure has been hampered due to the pathological and clinical heterogeneity of the disease. Historically, MS has been considered as a disease exclusively of white matter. However, patients with progressive forms of MS present with cortical lesions associated with meningeal inflammation along with physical and cognitive disabilities. The pathogenesis of the cortical lesions has not yet been fully described. Animal models that represent both the cortical and meningeal pathologies will be critical in addressing MS pathogenesis as well as the design of specific treatments. In this review, we will address the state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives and the development of strategies to discover new therapeutic approaches, especially for the progressive forms.
Lotman, Leibniz, and the semiospheric monad: Lost pages from the archives
Authors: Restaneo Pietro
Published: July 2018

Throughout his life, Jurij Lotman lived at the crossroad between different worlds, ages, and cultures. The many authors, cultures, and ideas that shaped his thought and influenced his theories are scattered at either side of countless geographical, political, and cultural borders, beginning with the one that separates “Russian culture” from “European culture,” porous and ambiguous as any boundary.

The task of reconstructing how Lotman’s ideas came to being, how they shifted their meaning as their context shifted, is more and more a crucial task not only for the historian. Many Lotmanian concepts, first and foremost that of semiosphere, are acquiring major relevance not only for semiotics itself and its branches, such as the rising political semiotics, but also for many neighboring disciplines, such as cultural studies and political sciences. Therefore, gaining a better understanding of the meaning of Lotman’s ideas could be of value also for the applied semiotician or the political analyst.

The present paper is the result of research started in the Lotman Archives in Tallin, Estonia. Through an analysis of archival material, it aims at reconstructing the origins and meaning of the most political tropes of Lotman’s theories, especially what I will call his theory of the political subject. In the first part, I will argue that, in order to understand this political aspect of Lotman, it is necessary to take into consideration the intellectual debates inside which the author started his intellectual journey in 1930s–1940s Soviet Russia, and how he sought answers to those debates in the works of G. W. Leibniz.

In the final part of the paper, I will try to show how this reconstruction of Lotman’s history could contribute to the contemporary debate in semiotics and other connected disciplines.
Epidural Anesthesia for Caesarean Section in a Patient with Risk of Malignant Hyperthermia
Authors: Vukotic Aleksandra , Vukotic Milovan
Published: July 2018

Malignant hyperthermia is a hypermetabolic disorder of skeletal muscle that occurs in genetically susceptible individuals after exposure to anesthetic. Basic disorder is an increase of calcium ions inside the skeletal muscle, increasing metabolism and reducing cell energy supplies leading to development of acidosis, cell membrane destruction and cell death. Due to the increased metabolism occurs hypercarbia and strong stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system (tachycardia, hypertension, ventricular arrhythmia, tachypnea dropped for the neuromuscular blockade). Sweating, cyanosis, muscle rigidity and hyperthermia are also present.

This work presents the case of a female patient aged 32 who was heterozygous for the mutation RYR1 gene and therefore has an increased risk of malignant hyperthermia. Per anamnesis we got data that patient’s brother suffers from central core disease (myopathy). Patient has no muscle disease, 41st week of pregnancy and was admitted to the hospital for childbirth. Vaginal delivery in epidural analgesia was planned. Epidural catheter is placed in the space L3 - L4, through which she received 0.25% levobupivacaine 10 ml. Due to adverse obstetric findings cesarean section underwent after two hours. Given the increased risk of malignant hyperthermia, the safest type of anesthesia for cesarean is epidural anesthesia. Over the epidural catheter has received 0.5% levobupivacaine 18 ml. Anesthesia machine was verified, hoses were replaced with new ones, CO2 absorber system was replaced, and whole system is flushed with pure oxygen, before surgery started. During the operation the patient had stable vital parameters that are monitored. She got a male child Apgar score of 9/10 and saw her child at birth. After the operation was transferred to the intensive care unit where we monitored the vital parameters, laboratory analysis, the amount and color of urine. Since all parameters were satisfactory, following day she was transferred to the ward, and she was discharged with a child on the fourth day after the surgery.
The Surgical Management of Gardner Syndrome Manifestation in the Maxillofacial Region: A Case Report
Authors: Loncarevic Slobodan , Brajkovic Denis , Popovic Milica , Gardasevic Milka , Sekulic Miona , Matejic Suzana
Published: July 2018

Apstrakt

Gardner syndrome is a rare autosomal-dominant genetic disorder, considered a variant of familial adenomatous polyposis. It is characterized by intestinal polyposis and various bone and soft-tissue tumors, including osteomas, epidermal and dermal cysts, lipomas and fibromas. Intestinal polyps have high potential to become malignant, and the screening of intestinal lesions is mandatory. Maxillofacial manifestations, such as jaw osteomas, odontomas, dental abnormalities and soft tissue tumors frequently precede the intestinal manifestations. Thus, maxillofacial surgeons and dental practitioners may have important role in early detection of Gardner syndrome. In this case report we present a 22 year old male patient who was reffered to maxillofacial surgeon due to osteoma of the mandible. After obtaining clinical and radiological examinations, as well as data from family history, Gardner syndrome was suspected, which was later confirmed after gastroenterological examination.
Oxidative Stress Parameters after Abdominal Hysterectomy and Their Relationships with Quality of Recovery
Authors: Jovanovic Danijela , Milovanovic Dragan R. , Jeremic Nevena , Nikolic Tamara , Stojic Isidora , Jakovljevic Vladimir , Vukovic Natalija
Published: July 2018

Study aimed to investigate relationship between oxidative stress markers and postoperative recovery in woman after abdominal hysterectomy, as well as to test the hypothesis that different analgesics differently influence redox status.

The quality of recovery was evaluated with a QoR-40 questionnaire in fifty-one patients who underwent abdominal hysterectomy, preoperatively and on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd postoperative days (POD1,2,3). Blood samples were collected at baseline (T0), 3 (T1), 24 (T2), 48 (T3) and 72 (T4) hours after surgery. Oxidative stress markers concentrations (TBARS, NO2
−, H2O2, O2
− ) as well as antioxidative enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GSH) were analyzed.

QoR-40 total score significantly declined on POD1 and POD2 and returned to baseline levels on POD3 (p<0.001). H2O2 levels significantly decreased from T0 to T3 and then, increased at T4 (p=0,011). Changes of TBARS and H2O2 from T0 to T3 showed significant and negative correlation (r=−0.303, p=0.046). There was no significant correlation between QoR-40 total score and any parameter of oxidative stress response (p>0.05). Changes in TBARS levels from T0 to T3 were statistically significant between the study subgroups primarily due to increase of the concentrations in patients receiving paracetamol (p=0.031). Patients age, duration of surgery and cigarette smoking status showed significant influcences on and association with some oxidative stress response markers (TBARS, O2
−, CAT) (p<0.05).

Women who underwent hysterectomy had significant changes of H2O2 and TBARS activity however, those changes were not associated with changes of QoR-40 total scores during recovery.
Measurement of skin conductance responses to evaluate procedural pain in the perioperative setting
Authors: Svalebjørg Morten , Storm Hanne , Olsen Roy Bjørkholt , Bugge Jan Frederik
Published: July 2018

Background and aims

The subjective nature of pain makes objective, quantitative measurements challenging. The current gold standard for evaluating pain is patient self-reporting using the numeric rating scale (NRS) or Visual Analog Scale. Skin conductance responses per second (SCR) measured in the palmar region reflect the emotional part of the autonomous nervous system. SCR ≥0.20 have been shown to indicate moderate or severe pain in the postoperative setting. We examined whether SCR can detect procedure-related pain before major surgery.

Methods

In 20 patients being prepared for major surgery SCR was recorded before and during arterial cannulation, after induction of anaesthesia, and on the first postoperative day. Self-reported pain was evaluated using NRS. NRS >3 was considered to represent moderate or severe pain.

Results

NRS was 0 [0–0] before arterial cannulation, increasing to 5 [3–6] during arterial cannulation (p<0.05). Before arterial cannulation SCR was 0.27 [0.20–0.27], increasing to 0.33 [0.30–0.37] during arterial cannulation (p<0.01). On the first postoperative day both SCR and reported pain indicated no more than mild pain, SCR 0.13 [0.00–0.20] and NRS 2.0 [0.5–2.0]. The sensitivity of SCR to indicate moderate or severe pain (NRS >3) was 0.93 (0.68–1.0) and specificity was 0.33 (0.25–0.35) when the cut-off established in the postoperative setting (SCR ≥0.20) was used on all data.

Conclusions

SCR increased during arterial cannulation. Before major surgery the SCR was above the threshold demonstrated to indicate pain in the postoperative setting, even without painful stimuli and no reported pain. Using the threshold established for postoperative pain, SCR cannot reliably discriminate between pain and other stressors before major surgery.

Implications

Before major surgery, the diagnosis of moderate or severe pain should not be made based on SCR ≥0.20.
Intenzitet turizma u vodećim hrvatskim turističkim gradovima i općinama
Authors: Vojnović Nikola
Published: July 2018

U radu se analizira intenzitet turizma u vodećim hrvatskim turističkim gradovima i općinama. Odabrano je dvadeset pet gradova i općina prema kriteriju da su u 2016. godini ostvarili više od milijun ukupnih noćenja turista. Prema prostornom rasporedu, deset je takvih gradova i općina u Istri, šest na Kvarneru, osam u Dalmaciji, a jedna u Središnjoj Hrvatskoj. Vodeći gradovi i općine 2016. godine u svojoj su ponudi imali 48 % turističkih postelja u komercijalnim smještajnim objektima, a zajedno su ostvarili 57 % ukupnih turističkih dolazaka i 54 % ukupnih noćenja Republike Hrvatske. U analizi intenziteta turizma upotrebljavani su sljedeći pokazatelji: ukupan broj turističkih postelja, ukupan broj dolazaka turista, ukupan broj noćenja turista, procjena broja stanovnika općina i gradova na kraju 2016. godine prema podacima Državnog zavoda za statistiku te površine općina i gradova prema podacima Državne geodetske uprave. Navedeni podaci upotrebljavani su za izračun stopa turističkog intenziteta (TIR), stopa turističke penetracije prema ukupnom broju noćenja turista (TPR), stopa turističke gustoće prema ukupnom broju dolazaka i noćenja turista (TDR) i koeficijenata turističke funkcionalnosti (CTF). Rezultati analize proistekli iz bodovanja svake pojedine stope pokazali su da najveći intenzitet turizma među vodećim gradovima i općinama Republike Hrvatske imaju općine Funtana i Tar-Vabriga na zapadnoj obali Istre te Općina Medulin na krajnjem jugu Istre. Najmanji intenzitet turizma prema bodovanju stopa imaju veliki gradovi Zagreb, Šibenik i Zadar. Terensko istraživanje i intervju s predstavnicom Turističke zajednice općine Funtana pokazali su da utvrđeni intenzitet turizma nije ugrozio održivost općine, da jača lokalno gospodarstvo potičući zapošljavanje, stimulira očuvanje tradicije te da nema konfliktnih odnosa turista i domaćeg stanovništva.
MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Approach to the management of children and adolescents with Gender Dysphoria
Authors: Martinerie L , Condat A , Bargiacchi A , Bremont-Weill C , de Vries M C , Hannema S E
Published: July 2018

Over the past 20 years, the care for transgender adolescents has developed throughout many countries following the ‘Dutch Approach’ initiated in the 90s in pioneer countries as the Netherlands, United States and Canada, with increasing numbers of children and adolescents seeking care in transgender clinics. This medical approach has considerable positive impacts on the psychological outcomes of these adolescents, and several studies have been recently published underlining the relative safety of such treatments. This paper reviews the current standards of care for transgender children and adolescents with particular emphasis on disparities among countries and short-to-medium-term outcomes. Finally, it highlights ethical considerations regarding categorization of gender dysphoria, timing of treatment initiation, infertility and how to deal with the long-term consequences.
Comorbidities in patients with non-functioning pituitary adenoma: influence of long-term growth hormone replacement
Authors: Hammarstrand Casper , Ragnarsson Oskar , Bengtsson Olivia , Bryngelsson Ing-Liss , Johannsson Gudmundur , Olsson Daniel S
Published: July 2018

Background

Patients with hypopituitarism have an increased mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate comorbidities including cerebral infarction, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and malignant tumors in patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) with and without growth hormone replacement therapy (GHRT).

Methods

Observational cohort study in patients with NFPA within the western region of Sweden. Subjects were identified through the National Patient Registry and followed between 1987 and 2014. Patient records were reviewed and standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) with 95% CIs for comorbidities were calculated.

Results

In total, 426 patients were included, 206 with GHRT and 219 without. Median (range) follow-up time for patients with and without GHRT was 12.2 (0–24) and 8.2 (0–27) years, respectively. Mean ± s.d. BMI was 28.5 ± 4.5 and 26.5 ± 4.4 for patients with and without GHRT, respectively (P < 0.001). Incidence of cerebral infarction was increased (SIR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.03–1.84; P = 0.032), with no difference between patients with and without GHRT. SIR for T2DM in patients not receiving GHRT was increased (1.65; 1.06–2.46; P = 0.018), whereas the incidence in patients receiving GHRT was not (0.99; 0.55–1.63; P = 0.99). The incidence of malignant tumors was not increased, either in patients with or without GHRT.

Conclusion

The incidence of cerebral infarction is increased in patients with NFPA irrespective of GHRT. Patients without GHRT had an increased risk of T2DM, whereas patients with GHRT had a normal incidence of T2DM, despite having higher BMI. Incidence of malignant tumors was not increased. Thus, long-term GHRT seems to be safe regarding risk of comorbidities.
Axonal Mitochondria Modulate Neuropeptide Secretion Through the Hypoxic Stress Response in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zhao Tongtong , Hao Yingsong , Kaplan Joshua M
Published: July 2018

Neurons are highly dependent on mitochondrial function, and mitochondrial damage has been implicated in many neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Here we show that axonal mitochondria are necessary for neuropeptide secretion in Caenorhabditis elegans and that oxidative phosphorylation, but not mitochondrial calcium uptake, is required for secretion. Oxidative phosphorylation produces cellular ATP, reactive oxygen species, and consumes oxygen. Disrupting any of these functions could inhibit neuropeptide secretion. We show that blocking mitochondria transport into axons or decreasing mitochondrial function inhibits neuropeptide secretion through activation of the hypoxia inducible factor HIF-1. Our results suggest that axonal mitochondria modulate neuropeptide secretion by regulating transcriptional responses induced by metabolic stress.
Transgenerational Effects of Extended Dauer Diapause on Starvation Survival and Gene Expression Plasticity in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Webster Amy K , Jordan James M , Hibshman Jonathan D , Chitrakar Rojin , Baugh L Ryan
Published: July 2018

Organisms respond to environmental conditions by altering gene expression; however, it is unclear if organisms retain epigenetic memory of their ancestors’ environmental conditions. Webster et al. assessed the descendants of two genetically identical...

Phenotypic plasticity is facilitated by epigenetic regulation, and remnants of such regulation may persist after plasticity-inducing cues are gone. However, the relationship between plasticity and transgenerational epigenetic memory is not understood. Dauer diapause in Caenorhabditis elegans provides an opportunity to determine how a plastic response to the early-life environment affects traits later in life and in subsequent generations. We report that, after extended diapause, postdauer worms initially exhibit reduced reproductive success and greater interindividual variation. In contrast, F3 progeny of postdauers display increased starvation resistance and lifespan, revealing potentially adaptive transgenerational effects. Transgenerational effects are dependent on the duration of diapause, indicating an effect of extended starvation. In agreement, RNA-seq demonstrates a transgenerational effect on nutrient-responsive genes. Further, postdauer F3 progeny exhibit reduced gene expression plasticity, suggesting a trade-off between plasticity and epigenetic memory. This work reveals complex effects of nutrient stress over different time scales in an animal that evolved to thrive in feast and famine.
Repertorio Americano: un aporte temprano a la gestión del conocimiento
Authors: Montero Bustabad Pedro
Published: July 2018

Se analiza cómo la revista Repertorio Americano, con base en las actividades propias de la gestión del conocimiento definidas por Thomas Davenport, realizó una gestión del conocimiento en Latinoamérica. Ya a finales del siglo XX, la Biblioteca Electrónica Scriptorium de la Universidad Nacional es su heredera  y facilita su revitalización al digitalizarla.