bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Valor para o Cliente e Valor do Cliente: Conceitos e Implicações para o Processo de Marketing
Authors: Toledo Geraldo Luciano , Moretti Sérgio Luiz do Amaral
Published: July 2016

O construto valor tem figurado com ênfase crescente na literatura pertinente à administração estratégica e competitiva e no marketing estratégico. A despeito disso, observam-se algumas inconsistências semânticas e falta de uniformidade no emprego do termo, principalmente quando associado a algum aposto qualificativo. Outras questões recorrentes incluem a ausência de um esquema integrador dos conceitos e os respectivos significados e conteúdos que o construto envolve, e de uma conexão com processos gerenciais a eles atrelados, no âmbito do posicionamento competitivo e do marketing estratégico. Nesse contexto, o artigo tem por objetivo discutir os conceitos de valor - para o cliente e do cliente para a empresa -, propondo uma visão integrada e um esquema teórico que reflitam as interdependências e as inter-relações entre os conteúdos pertinentes ao termo. São analisados ainda os desdobramentos relacionados à gestão dos processos estratégicos e táticos de marketing, questões normalmente não abordadas de forma integrada na literatura. Buscou-se, como resultado, contribuir nos domínios acadêmico e gerencial, mediante a discussão da amplitude e ambivalência do conceito de valor, realçando-se suas implicações na gestão estratégica de marketing.
Clevea pusilla (Steph.) Rubasinghe & D.G. Long (Cleveaceae; Marchantiophyta) a rare species from the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: K.M. Deepa , C.N. Manju
Published: July 2016

Clevea pusilla a rare liverwort of Cleveaceae is reported from the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu after more than 50 years with its detailed taxonomy and photographs.
On asymmetric causal relationships in Petropolitics
Authors: Balan Feyza
Published: July 2016

The aim of this paper is to examine whether the First Law of Petropolitics
denominated by Friedman in 2006 is valid for OPEC countries. To do this, this
paper analyses the relationship between political risk and oil supply by
applying the asymmetric panel causality test suggested by Hatemi-J (2011) to
these countries for the period 1984-2014. The results show that the First Law
of Petropolitics is valid for Angola, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar,
Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, given that positive oil supply shocks
significantly lead to negative political stability shocks, and negative oil
supply shocks significantly lead to positive shocks in political stability.
Exchange rate regimes and external financial stability
Authors: Stoica Ovidiu , Ihnatov Iulian
Published: July 2016

Financial stability within the framework of the global financial crisis has
become a common topic for researchers and practitioners. In order to analyse
the impact of exchange rate regimes on financial stability we use both the de
jure and de facto exchange rate classifications. We apply the model to a
1999-2010 annual data sample for 135 countries and territories, grouped by
the level of economic development. Our second focus is the investigation of
the effects of the exchange rate regimes in three economic integration areas
(member countries of the European Union 27, the Southern Common Market, and
the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) on financial stability. Our
results generally support the central banks? concerns that the flexibility of
exchange rate regimes should be reduced in order to sustain financial
stability; however, the findings are not robust when using alternative regime
classifications.
The post-acquisition performance of acquired companies: Evidence from the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Savovic Sladjana
Published: July 2016

This paper explores the post-acquisition performance of acquired companies in
the Republic of Serbia, and whether company size is a factor of
postacquisition performance. The data were collected from 91 managers in 10
acquired companies in Serbia. The acquiring companies came from Germany,
Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway, Greece, and Serbia. The results
of the analysis show that 70% of managers believed that there had been
improvement in post-acquisition performance. The improvement in performance
was achieved for the most part by cost reduction. The results of this study
indicate that there are statistically significant differences between large,
medium, and small companies. Large companies had the best improvement in
financial performance, and medium companies were the best regarding
improvement of non-financial performance.
Price discrimination, entry, and switching costs in network competition
Authors: Trifunovic Dejan , Mitrovic Djordje
Published: July 2016

This paper reviews theoretical models of network competition in
telecommunications. We will discuss two alternative approaches. The first
approach assumes Hoteling?s horizontal differentiation and the second
approach is based on switching costs. We will first analyse spatial
competition with linear prices and continue with price discrimination between
on-net and off-net calls. Price discrimination can also be used to deter
entry to the market. We will also deal with the regulator?s optimal choice of
access price, which should be designed to induce entry of new firms.
Furthermore, pricing of roaming services and the switching cost approach to
network competition will be considered. Finally, we will illustrate the
theoretical results with data from the Serbian mobile and fixed telephony
market.
Foreign exchange transaction exposure of enterprises in Serbia
Authors: Bogicevic Jasmina , Dmitrovic-Saponja Ljiljana , Pantelic Marija
Published: July 2016

Enterprises involved in international business face transaction exposure to
foreign exchange risk. This type of exposure occurs when an enterprise
trades, borrows, or l?nds in foreign currency. Transaction exposure has a
direct effect on an enterprise?s financial position and profitability. It is
one of the three forms of exposure to exchange rate fluctuations, the other
two being translation exposure and operating exposure. The aim of this paper
is to assess the transaction exposure of enterprises in Serbia operating
internationally. In addition to identifying and measuring transaction
exposure, this paper explores the practical importance that enterprises in
Serbia attach to management of this type of foreign exchange risk. We do not
find significant differences between domestic and foreign enterprises in
their choice of the type of foreign exchange risk exposure to manage.
Although transaction exposure is the most managed type of foreign exchange
risk, research has shown that, compared to foreign businesses, Serbian
enterprises do not use sufficient protective measures to minimize the
negative impact of this type of exposure on their cash flows and
profitability. We expected that there would be a statistically significant
dependence between the volume of enterprises? foreign currency transactions
and the level of applied transaction exposure management practices. However,
the results of our research, based on a sample of enterprises in Serbia
operating internationally, show that transaction exposure management
practices can be influenced by factors other than the level of an
enterprise?s foreign currency transactions, such as the enterprise?s country
of origin.
Reconstruction of lateral attic wall in acquired cholesteatoma
Authors: Erdoglija Milan , Milojevic Milanko , Grgurevic Ugljesa , Sotirovic Jelena , Milanovic Nada , Cerovic Snezana , Jovic Milena , Baletic Nenad
Published: July 2016

Background/Aim. Attic cholesteatoma is an epithelial cystic pseudotumor which arises in the top compartment of the middle ear. Surgery is the only therapeutic treatment for attic cholesteatoma. The aim of this study was to analyze the surgical and audiological results in tympanoplasties that use a logical application of several techniques for the management of attic cholesteatoma. Our hypothesis was that the tympanoplasty technique with cartilage/bone reconstruction of the achieve better outcome than the tympanoplasty technique with only temporal fascia reconstruction of the lateral attic wall. Methods. This retrospective clinical study included 80 patients, aged 16?65 years, with attic cholesteatoma undergoing canal ?wall up? tympanoplasty with lateral attic wall reconstruction, under general anesthesia in the Eear, Nose and Throat Clinic, Military Medical Academy in Belgrade between 2006 and 2010. The patients were divided into two groups according to the type of lateral attic wall reconstruction: the group I of 60 patients with cartilage/bone plus temporalis fascia lateral attic wall reconstruction and the group II of 20 patients with only temporal fascia lateral attic wall reconstruction. Postoperative follow-up examinations were done at least 5 years after the surgery. The ?2 test was used to compare postoperative sequelae for two groups of operated patients with lateral attic wall reconstruction. The independent and paired samples t-test of air conduction and air-bone gap were used to compare the results of preoperative and postoperative hearing tests. Results. The differences between hearing measurements of the two groups according to preoperative and postoperative auditory thresholds of the air conduction and the air-bone gap were considered no statistically significant. The difference between the two groups recarding to recurrent attic retraction pocket appearance and recurrence of cholesteatoma was considered statistically significant and the results were much better in the group I of the operated patients with cartilage/ bone lateral attic wall reconstruction. Conclusion. ?Wall up? tympanoplasty for attic cholesteatoma with lateral attic wall reconstruction leads to good anatomical and audiological results. A significant hearing improvement was obtained in both the types of lateral attic wall reconstructions in this study. Reconstruction with cartilage or mastoid cortex bone showed favorably long-term functional and anatomical results compared to primary tympanoplasty using only temporal fascia for lateral attic wall reconstruction in cases of attic cholesteatoma.
Unruptured retroperitoneal pregnancy implanted in the left broad ligament: A case report
Authors: Kutlesic Ranko , Lukic Bojan , Kutlesic Marija , Popovic Jasmina , Stefanovic Milan , Vukomanovic Predrag , Lilic Goran
Published: July 2016

Introduction. Retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy is extremely rare, but potentially fatal condition due to possible massive hemorrhage, representing a great challenge to clinicians. Case report. We presented early retroperitoneal pregnancy in a patient with previous caesarean section, diagnosed at the sixth gestational week, located in the left broad ligament, primary treated by laparoscopy, which had to be converted to laparotomy due to massive intraoperative bleeding from the implantation site. Conclusion. High index of suspicion, combined with carefully interpreted clinical and ultrasound findings are crucial for the timely diagnosis of retroperitoneal pregnancy, before the occurrence of severe bleeding. The rising, even plateau of serum ?-human chorionic gonadotropin (?-HCG) levels without identification of uterine or ectopic (tubal) pregnancy should cause suspicion on ectopic pregnancy in unusual location.
DNA Damage and the Activation of the p53 Pathway Mediate Alterations in Metabolic and Secretory Functions of Adipocytes
Authors: Vergoni Bastien , Cornejo Pierre-Jean , Gilleron Jérôme , Djedaini Mansour , Ceppo Franck , Jacquel Arnaud , Bouget Gwennaelle , Ginet Clémence , Gonzalez Teresa , Maillet Julie , Dhennin Véronique , Verbanck Marie , Auberger Patrick , Froguel Philippe , Tanti Jean-François , Cormont Mireille
Published: July 2016

Activation of the p53 pathway in adipose tissue contributes to insulin resistance associated with obesity. However, the mechanisms of p53 activation and the effect on adipocyte functions are still elusive. Here we found a higher level of DNA oxidation and a reduction in telomere length in adipose tissue of mice fed a high-fat diet and an increase in DNA damage and activation of the p53 pathway in adipocytes. Interestingly, hallmarks of chronic DNA damage are visible at the onset of obesity. Furthermore, injection of lean mice with doxorubicin, a DNA damage-inducing drug, increased the expression of chemokines in adipose tissue and promoted its infiltration by proinflammatory macrophages and neutrophils together with adipocyte insulin resistance. In vitro, DNA damage in adipocytes increased the expression of chemokines and triggered the production of chemotactic factors for macrophages and neutrophils. Insulin signaling and effect on glucose uptake and Glut4 translocation were decreased, and lipolysis was increased. These events were prevented by p53 inhibition, whereas its activation by nutlin-3 reproduced the DNA damage-induced adverse effects. This study reveals that DNA damage in obese adipocytes could trigger p53-dependent signals involved in alteration of adipocyte metabolism and secretory function leading to adipose tissue inflammation, adipocyte dysfunction, and insulin resistance.
Seroprevalence of porcine cysticercosis and influence of some associated risk factors in Northwestern Romania
Authors: Oleleu Ana-Maria , Gherman Călin Mircea , Blaga Radu , Györke Adriana , Cozma Vasile
Published: July 2016

Cysticercosis is a zoonotic disease that may have a significant impact on the public health. The aim of the current study was to assess the seroprevalence of porcine cysticercosis in Northwestern Romania and the influence of several risk factors such as age, sex and season. The study included 1,288 pigs originating from 7 different counties and was conducted between May 2014 and May 2015. All pigs were reared in the traditional backyard pig system. Of these, 226 were young and 1,062 were adult pigs, 188 were males and 1,100 females. Serum samples were collected. The apDia Cysticercosis Antigen ELISA (apDia, Belgium) commercial kit was used to identify the viable cysticerci of Taenia sp. Out of the 1,288 serum samples, 83 were seropositive (seroprevalence: 6.4%). The risk factors’ analysis showed that age (3.1% juveniles vs 7.1% adults [P < 0.03]) and season (9.3% fall vs 11.8% winter [P <0.00001]; 3.4% spring vs 1.2% summer [P <0.00001]) had a significant influence on the seropositivity, while sex had no significant influence (3.7% males vs 6.9% females, P = 0.1). Considering the genus specificity of ELISA commercial kit, the serology should be correlated with the post mortem examination in order to confirm the disease and have a Cysticercus cellulosae specific prevalence.
Effect of dietary supplementation with selenium-enriched yeast or sodium selenite on ruminal enzyme activities and blood chemistry in sheep
Authors: Faixová Zita , Piešová Elena , Maková Zuzana , Čobanová Klaudia , Faix Štefan
Published: July 2016

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding a diet supplemented with different forms of selenium on the rumen fluid, blood and serum enzyme activity and osmotic fragility of red blood cells in sheep. The experiment was carried out on 18 sheep of the Valashka breed at the age of 18 months, divided into 3 groups. The first group was given basal diet (BD) with a Se content of 0.17 mg/kg of dry matter (DM). The second group received BD supplemented with 0.4 mg Se/kg of (DM) in the form of sodium selenite. The third group received BD supplemented with 0.4 mg Se/kg of (DM) in the form of Se-yeast extract. Duration of the trial was 12 weeks. Selenium concentration in blood and total rumen fluid were elevated in both supplemented groups with the highest values in Se-yeast-treated sheep. Blood glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was significantly increased, regardless of the source of selenium. Osmotic resistance of red blood cells was not affected by selenium supplementation. The results indicate that feeding a diet supplemented with selenium from Se-yeast or selenite improved selenium status in blood and total rumen fluid. Selenium from sodium selenite was as effective as selenium from Se-yeast in the availability of selenium for the blood GPx activity. The effect of selenium supplementation on the ruminal enzyme activity depends on the selenium form; GGT and GDH were significantly higher in the Se-yeast supplement group, AST and ALP were significantly higher in the selenite supplement group.
Sexual well-being of older men and women
Authors: Santos-Iglesias Pablo , Byers E. Sandra , Moglia Ronald
Published: July 2016

Most older adults experience sexual desire and engage in sexual activity, however, our knowledge about the sexual well-being (SWB) of older adults is still scarce. The present study aimed to examine the SWB of older adults as well as differences in their SWB based on gender and relationship status. The final sample consisted of 297 adults (149 men and 148 women) who ranged in age from 65 to 75 years; 63% (n=188) were currently in a romantic relationship. Participants were recruited using the crowdsourcing platform Amazon's M-Turk. Participants completed a background questionnaire, as well as measures of sexual behaviours (frequency of genital and non-genital activity and masturbation alone), sexual affect and cognitions (sexual esteem, attitudes, and satisfaction), sexual motivation (sexual interest), and sexual functioning. Our participants reported overall positive SWB; specifically, positive sexual self-esteem and attitudes toward sex as well as high sexual satisfaction and interest. Furthermore, participants who were in a relationship engaged in frequent genital and non-genital sexual activity. About two-thirds of the participants in a current relationship had experienced at least one sexual difficulty in the last three months, but only one-quarter were distressed about it. Although some gender and relationship status differences emerged, in general both the men and women and participants who were and were not in a relationship reported positive SWB. These results are discussed in terms of the ways in which they extend our knowledge on the SWB of older adults and challenge popular myths about sexuality in later life.
For new mothers, the relationship matters: Relationship characteristics and postpartum sexuality
Authors: Cappell Jaclyn , MacDonald Tara K. , Pukall Caroline F.
Published: July 2016

Postpartum sexuality has traditionally been studied using a biomedical framework, which focuses on how the physical and biological changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth affect the resumption of pain-free intercourse. The current study sought to use a more inclusive and contextual approach by investigating how relationship characteristics are related to postpartum sexual desire and predict the resumption of a variety of sexual activities. A total of 188 new mothers who were within one year postpartum completed an online study. The Sexual Desire Inventory was used to measure solitary and dyadic sexual desire. Relationship satisfaction was measured using the Relationship Assessment Scale and perception of partner's sexual desire was measured using three modified questions from the Sexual Desire Inventory. New mothers were also asked to report when they resumed a variety of sexual activities in the postpartum period. Relationship satisfaction and perceptions of partner's desire were negatively correlated with solitary sexual desire, and relationship satisfaction was positively correlated with dyadic sexual desire. Birth-related factors were not related to postpartum sexual desire. New mothers' perception of their partner's desire predicted the resumption of most sexual activities in the postpartum (i.e., manual stimulation of new mother's and partner's genitals, oral stimulation of partner's genitals, penile-vaginal intercourse). Relationship satisfaction predicted the resumption of oral stimulation of the new mother's genitals. The results of this study support the incorporation of contextual factors, such as relationship characteristics, and the inclusion of non-penetrative sexual activities in the study of postpartum sexuality.
Impact of Geogrid on Cross-Anisotropy and Permanent Deformation of Unbound Granular Materials
Authors: Gu Fan , Zhang Yuqing , Luo Xue , Luo Rong , Lytton Robert L.
Published: July 2016

This study evaluated the benefits of geogrid reinforcement on unbound granular materials (UGMs) in terms of cross-anisotropy and stress-dependent permanent deformation by using repeated-load triaxial (RLT) tests. One type of crushed granite material and three types of geogrid were selected for the RLT tests. The influence of the aperture type, the sheet stiffness, and the location of the geogrid was quantified in terms of the increase of resilient modulus and the reduction of permanent deformation of the UGMs. The RLT test results indicated that the geogrid reinforced both the vertical and horizontal resilient moduli of the UGM but did not affect its anisotropic ratio. The geogrid with triangular apertures and high sheet stiffness placed in the middle of a UGM specimen provided the most benefits in reinforcing the cross-anisotropic resilient modulus and reducing the permanent deformation. To characterize the stress-dependent permanent deformation of geogrid-reinforced UGMs, a mechanistic–empirical rutting model was proposed by incorporating a softening stress term and a hardening stress term into the Tseng–Lytton model. A new permanent deformation test protocol was developed to determine the model coefficients and to examine the model’s prediction accuracy. The comparison of the model-predicted permanent strain curves with those measured in laboratory tests confirmed that the developed rutting model accurately captured the stress dependences of the permanent deformation for the geogrid-reinforced UGM. The determined rutting model coefficients can be used to predict the permanent deformation of UGMs at any stress level and number of load repetitions.
Emergency Exit Guidance for U.S. Highway Tunnels
Authors: Higgins Laura , Rozyckie Stephen , Miles Jeffrey D. , Carlson Paul
Published: July 2016

This research project focused on determining effective messages for encouraging drivers to leave their vehicles and evacuate a tunnel on foot, determining sign and marking formats that most effectively lead people to emergency tunnel exits, and determining the most visible sign and marking materials and technologies for use in highway tunnel environments. Focus groups were conducted to explore potential evacuation messages and delivery methods. Next, a simulated tunnel environment was used to test driver responses to emergency messages and visibility and comprehension of selected emergency exit signs and markings, including the running man symbol prescribed in the ISO 7010 guidelines. The study results highlighted the importance of providing information and instructions to drivers in the event that their vehicles are trapped by an in-tunnel incident. Results also indicated that the running man symbol was correctly or partially understood to indicate an exit by a majority of participants and that a directional sign with the symbol, the word “EXIT,” a directional arrow, and the distance in feet was correctly understood by virtually all participants. Flashing and strobing pathway lighting and audio beacons that indicate the position of exit doors were also favored by test participants. Visibility distances of tested internally illuminated signs were somewhat longer than those of tested photoluminescent signs; visibility for all sign technologies dropped sharply when viewed through smoke.
Integrated Optimization Model for Shelter Allocation and Evacuation Routing with Consideration of Reliability
Authors: Wang Weiping , Yang Saini , Hu Fuyu , He Shuai , Shi Xianwu , Meng Yongchang , Shi Mimi
Published: July 2016

Efficient evacuation routing and allocation of evacuees to safe shelters can effectively reduce casualties and property losses caused by storm surge disasters. A biobjective model is proposed to tackle shelter allocation and emergency routing problems while simultaneously considering network reliability. The proposed model maximizes the total reliability of routes connecting residential communities and shelters and those connecting shelters. A nondominated sorting genetic algorithm is developed to solve this biobjective model with a specially designed chromosome structure, initialization process, and genetic operators. The mathematical model is validated with a case study using storm surge scenario simulation data and real-world community and infrastructure data from Pingyang County, China. The case study illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed model and its potential application in real-world disaster risk reduction.
The Specter of Communism
Authors: Nygaard Bertel
Published: July 2016

The modern concept communism emerged in the French public sphere in 1840
and rapidly gained currency in other European countries as well. Though primarily
used as a term of derision, its radicalization of already-established
senses of accelerating change and worldly futurity secured its incorporation
in complex unities of utopian hopes and dystopian fears all over the political
spectrum of the time. The Danish public sphere of the 1840s reveals three
basic modes of using communism, each linked in its peculiar way to new
uses of the concept democracy: conservative equations of democratic political
equality (particularly, universal male suffrage) and communist attacks on
private property in favor of a community of goods; leftist democratic denials
of such equations and the emergence of anticommunist democratic positions;
and, between the two extremes, liberal distinctions between their own
moderate conception of democracy and the false, “communist” democracy
of the left .
Radiographic feasibility study of cortical bone trajectory and traditional pedicle screw dual trajectories
Authors: Mullin Jeffrey P. , Perlmutter Breanna , Schmidt Eric , Benzel Edward , Steinmetz Michael P.
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVE

In 2009, Santoni and colleagues described a novel technique of posterior instrumentation; the cortical bone trajectory (CBT) was described as a caudocephalad and medial-to-lateral trajectory. Reported indications for CBT fixation include patients with osteoporosis, single-level degenerative disease, or adjacent-segment disease (ASD). In cases of revision surgery, it is technically possible and beneficial to place a traditional pedicle screw and a CBT screw at the same spinal level and side. It remains unclear as to the feasibility of placing both a traditional and a CBT screw at all levels of the lumbar spine and with varying trajectories of the preexisting traditional pedicle screws. Therefore, the authors conducted a study to radiographically assess the feasibility of using CBT and traditional pedicle screws at the same level in a large patient population.

METHODS

Using a 3D Spine Navigation WorkStation, the authors assessed 47 lumbar spine CT scans. These images were obtained from 2 disparate groups of patients: those who had previously undergone traditional pedicle instrumentation (prior surgery group) and those who had not (no prior surgery group). The authors virtually placed traditional pedicle and CBT screws at each lumbar level bilaterally. It was then determined if the dual trajectories were feasible, as defined by the presence or absence of a collision of the screw trajectories based on 3D imaging.

RESULTS

Overall, the authors evaluated 47 patients and were able to successfully plan dual trajectories in 50% of the pedicles. The no prior surgery group, compared with the prior surgery group, had a significantly greater success rate for dual trajectories. This difference was most significant in the lower lumbar levels (L3–5) where the prior instrumented group had success rates lower than 40% compared with the no prior surgery group's success rate, which was greater than 70%. There was a significant difference between each lumbar level in the lower spine.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant difference in the feasibility of planning CBT screws in patients who have undergone prior pedicle instrumentation compared with placing CBT and traditional pedicle screws simultaneously, but dual trajectory pedicle screws are a feasible option for posterior lumbar spinal instrumentation, especially as a de novo option in osteoporotic patients or in patients with ASD who underwent previous pedicle instrumentation. Ultimately, the practical clinical utility and biomechanical effects on the spine and instrumentation construct would require additional study.
An orphan disease: IgG4-related spinal pachymeningitis: report of 2 cases
Authors: Radotra Bishan D. , Aggarwal Ashish , Kapoor Ankur , Singla Navneet , Chatterjee Debajyoti
Published: July 2016

IgG4-related disease is relatively new disease entity and a rare one, and our knowledge of this entity continues to evolve. It was first described in the pancreas and since then has been described in virtually every organ. Spinal involvement resulting in pachymeningitis is rare, and there are only 8 reported cases of the same to date, with the cervicothoracic spine being the most commonly affected region.

The authors describe 2 cases in which the patients presented with spinal compression resulting in myeloradiculopathy (Case 1) and radiculopathy (Case 2). Imaging of spine in both cases revealed an ill-defined contrast-enhancing lesion at the lumbar level. Preoperatively, a diagnosis of spinal tumor was made, but intraoperatively no spinal tumor was found. The diagnosis was established histopathologically.

The disease has no particular defining features clinically or radiologically and can mimic common spinal tumors. It is important to accurately diagnose this rare entity because of its multisystem involvement and progressive course. Strict treatment guidelines have yet to be formulated. Although histologically this disease can mimic other inflammatory conditions, the presence of storiform fibrosis and an increased number of IgG4-positive plasma cells can help in clarifying the diagnosis.
Imaging of spontaneous intraventricular rupture of a septum pellucidum colloid cyst: case report
Authors: Westwick Harrison J. , Obaid Sami , Morin-Roy Florence , Champagne Pierre-Olivier , Bouthillier Alain
Published: July 2016

Intraventricular rupture of a colloid cyst is a rare phenomenon and has been proposed as a mechanism for sudden death in patients with colloid cysts. Imaging of a colloid cyst during rupture has been described in only one other instance. The authors report a highly unusual case of a 53-year-old man who presented with acute onset headaches and imaging findings of hydrocephalus caused by a colloid cyst originating from the septum pellucidum and superior surface of the roof of the third ventricle. Interestingly, the colloid cyst revealed imaging signs of intraventricular rupture characterized by a tail-like drainage of cystic contents into the occipital horn of the lateral ventricle. The patient was surgically treated with a craniotomy and transcallosal approach to the colloid cyst, where it was noted that the cyst wall was spontaneously open. This rare case highlights unique imaging findings of a rare event in an infrequent pathology confirmed with intraoperative microscopy. The authors further document the process of cyst rupture and speculate on its pathomechanisms.
Subdural fluid collection and hydrocephalus following cervical schwannoma resection: hydrocephalus resolution after spinal pseudomeningocele repair: case report
Authors: Benedetto Nicola , Cagnazzo Federico , Gambacciani Carlo , Perrini Paolo
Published: July 2016

The authors report the case of a 31-year-old man who developed neck pain and headache 2 months after the uncomplicated resection of a cervical schwannoma. MR imaging revealed infratentorial subdural fluid collections and obstructive hydrocephalus associated with cervical pseudomeningocele. The clinical symptoms, subdural fluid collections, and ventricular dilation resolved after surgical correction of the pseudomeningocele. This report emphasizes that hydrocephalus may be related to disorders of cerebrospinal fluid flow dynamics induced by cervical pseudomeningocele. In these rare cases, both the hydrocephalus and the symptoms are resolved by the simple correction of the pseudomeningocele.
Endogenous Corticosterone Elevations Five Hours Prior to Ovulation do not Influence Offspring Sex Ratios in Zebra Finches
Authors: Gam A.E. , Navara K.J.
Published: July 2016

Previous research suggests that environmental and social factors can drive female birds to bias offspring sex ratios. The underlying mechanisms controlling these adjustments remain unclear. Results from experimental and correlative research suggest that maternal corticosterone plays an important role in this process. Since females are the heterogametic sex in birds, corticosterone may potentially bias offspring sex ratios during meiotic segregation, through non-random segregation of sex chromosomes. In a previous study, we showed that pharmacological elevations of corticosterone near the time of meiotic segregation exerted an effect on offspring sex ratio, causing female Zebra Finches ( Taeniopygia guttata) to produce significantly more males. Here, we aimed to determine whether endogenous elevations in the physiological range have similar effects on offspring sex. First we examined offspring sex ratio in relation to baseline corticosterone levels to determine if natural variation in circulating corticosterone near the time of meiotic segregation is related to offspring sex ratio. Next, we used a 5-minute bag handling protocol to induce corticosterone elevations 5 hours prior to ovulation. Maternal baseline corticosterone levels did not correlate with average clutch sex ratios. In addition, the sex ratios produced by females exposed to handling stress did not differ from sex ratios produced by unmanipulated females. Together these results suggest that physiological levels of endogenous corticosterone, both baseline and acutely elevated near the time of sex determination may not be involved in the adjustment of primary sex ratios in Zebra Finches.
Gaseous Phase and Electrochemical Hydrogen Storage Properties of Ti50Zr1Ni44X5 (X = Ni, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, or Cu) for Nickel Metal Hydride Battery Applications
Authors: Nei Jean , Young Kwo-Hsiung
Published: July 2016

Structural, gaseous phase hydrogen storage, and electrochemical properties of a series of the Ti50Zr1Ni44X5 (X = Ni, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, or Cu) metal hydride alloys were studied. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the multi-phase nature of all alloys, which were composed of a stoichiometric TiNi matrix, a hyperstoichiometric TiNi minor phase, and a Ti2Ni secondary phase. Improvement in synergetic effects between the main TiNi and secondary Ti2Ni phases, determined by the amount of distorted lattice region in TiNi near Ti2Ni, was accomplished by the substitution of an element with a higher work function, which consequently causes a dramatic increase in gaseous phase hydrogen storage capacity compared to the Ti50Zr1Ni49 base alloy. Capacity performance is further enhanced in the electrochemical environment, especially in the cases of the Ti50Zr1Ni49 base alloy and Ti50Zr1Ni44Co5 alloy. Although the TiNi-based alloys in the current study show poorer high-rate performances compared to the commonly used AB5, AB2, and A2B7 alloys, they have adequate capacity performances and also excel in terms of cost and cycle stability. Among the alloys investigated, the Ti50Zr1Ni44Fe5 alloy demonstrated the best balance among capacity (394 mAh·g−1), high-rate performance, activation, and cycle stability and is recommended for follow-up full-cell testing and as the base composition for future formula optimization. A review of previous research works regarding the TiNi metal hydride alloys is also included.
Mushroom Cosmetics: The Present and Future
Authors: Wu Yuanzheng , Choi Moon-Hee , Li Jishun , Yang Hetong , Shin Hyun-Jae
Published: July 2016

Mushrooms have been valued as a traditional source of natural bioactive compounds for centuries and have recently been exploited for potential components in the cosmetics industry. Numerous mushrooms and their ingredients have been known to be beneficial to the skin and hair. The representative ingredients are as follows: phenolics, polyphenolics, terpenoids, selenium, polysaccharides, vitamins, and volatile organic compounds. These compounds show excellent antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects, which make them ideal candidates for cosmetics products. This review provides some perspectives of mushrooms (and/or extracts) and their ingredients presently used, or patented to be used, in both cosmeceuticals for topical administration and nutricosmetics for oral administration. With the small percentage of mushrooms presently identified and utilized, more mushroom species will be discovered, verified, and cultivated in the future, boosting the development of relevant industry. Combining with progress in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and systems pharmacology, mushrooms can find their way into cosmetics with multiple approaches.
Magnetic-Sphere-Based Phononic Crystals
Authors: Leduc Damien , Morvan Bruno , Tinel Alain , Sainidou Rebecca , Rembert Pascal
Published: July 2016

Periodic arrays in one, two, and three dimensions, made of magnetic spheres embedded in a fluid matrix, are considered in this study and utilized as phononic structures. The propagation of acoustic waves through these structures is analyzed experimentally, in low- and high-frequency region, via laser vibrometry, as well as standard underwater acoustic measurements. A first comparison to theoretical calculations obtained through multiple-scattering techniques and multipole models reveals a distinct behavior depending on the immersion fluid and/or frequency regime. Our results show that the elastodynamic response of these systems can be, under conditions, simply described by classical elastic theory without taking directly (ab initio) into account the magnetic character of the spherical particles. The structures considered above could offer several possibilities including facility of construction and use in filtering applications, but they are also of interest from a theoretical point of view, as a means to investigate the validity of several approximate theoretical descriptions.
Ponderosa Pine Forest Restoration Treatment Longevity: Implications of Regeneration on Fire Hazard
Authors: Tinkham Wade , Hoffman Chad , Ex Seth , Battaglia Michael , Saralecos Jarred
Published: July 2016

Restoration of pine forests has become a priority for managers who are beginning to embrace ideas of highly heterogeneous forest structures that potentially encourages high levels of regeneration. This study utilizes stem-mapped stands to assess how simulated regeneration timing and magnitude influence longevity of reduced fire behavior by linking growth and yield model outputs to a crown fire prediction model. Treatment longevity was assessed as return time to within 10% of pre-treatment predicted wind speeds for the onset of passive (Torching) and active (Crowning) crown fire behavior. Treatment longevity in terms of Torching and Crowning was reduced 5 years for every 550 and 150 seedlings ha−1, respectively. Introducing regeneration as a single pulse further reduced Torching treatment longevity 10 years compared to other regeneration distributions. Crowning treatment longevity increased at higher site indices, where a 6 m increase in site index increased longevity 4.5 year. This result was contrary to expectations that canopy openings after treatments would close faster on higher productivity sites. Additionally, Torching longevity was influenced by the rate of crown recession, were reducing the recession rate decreased longevity in areas with higher site indices. These dependencies highlight a need for research exploring stand development in heterogeneous sites.
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Is a Well Established Mediating Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality—Should Patients with Elevated Levels Be Supplemented with Citrulline?
Authors: McCarty Mark
Published: July 2016

The arginine metabolite asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a competitive inhibitor and uncoupler of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), an enzyme that acts in multifarious ways to promote cardiovascular health. This phenomenon likely explains, at least in part, why elevated ADMA has been established as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, ventricular hypertrophy, and cardiovascular mortality. Fortunately, the suppressive impact of ADMA on eNOS activity can be offset by increasing intracellular arginine levels with supplemental citrulline. Although the long-term impact of supplemental citrulline on cardiovascular health in patients with elevated ADMA has not yet been studied, shorter-term clinical studies of citrulline administration demonstrate effects suggestive of increased NO synthesis, such as reductions in blood pressure and arterial stiffness, improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation, increased erection hardness, and increased ejection fractions in patients with heart failure. Supplemental citrulline could be a practical option for primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular events and mortality, as it is inexpensive, has a mild flavor, and is well tolerated in doses (3–6 g daily) that can influence eNOS activity. Large and long-term clinical trials, targeting patients at high risk for cardiovascular events in whom ADMA is elevated, are needed to evaluate citrulline’s potential for aiding cardiovascular health.
Comparative Analysis of the Chloroplast Genomic Information of Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook with Sibling Species from the Genera Cryptomeria D. Don, Taiwania Hayata, and Calocedrus Kurz
Authors: Zheng Weiwei , Chen Jinhui , Hao Zhaodong , Shi Jisen
Published: July 2016

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) is an important coniferous tree species for timber production, which accounts for ~40% of log supply from plantations in southern China. Chloroplast genetic engineering is an exciting field to engineer several valuable tree traits. In this study, we revisited the published complete Chinese fir (NC_021437) and four other coniferous species chloroplast genome sequence in Taxodiaceae. Comparison of their chloroplast genomes revealed three unique inversions found in the downstream of the gene clusters and evolutionary divergence were found, although overall the chloroplast genomic structure of the Cupressaceae linage was conserved. We also investigated the phylogenetic position of Chinese fir among conifers by examining gene functions, selection forces, substitution rates, and the full chloroplast genome sequence. Consistent with previous molecular systematics analysis, the results provided a well-supported phylogeny framework for the Cupressaceae that strongly confirms the “basal” position of Cunninghamia lanceolata. The structure of the Cunninghamia lanceolata chloroplast genome showed a partial lack of one IR copy, rearrangements clearly occurred and slight evolutionary divergence appeared among the cp genome of C. lanceolata, Taiwania cryptomerioides, Taiwania flousiana, Calocedrus formosana and Cryptomeria japonica. The information from sequence divergence and length variation of genes could be further considered for bioengineering research.
Liver Fat Measured by MR Spectroscopy: Estimate of Imprecision and Relationship with Serum Glycerol, Caeruloplasmin and Non-Esterified Fatty Acids
Authors: France Michael , Kwok See , Soran Handrean , Williams Steve , Ho Jan , Adam Safwaan , Canoy Dexter , Liu Yifen , Durrington Paul
Published: July 2016

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive method for quantitative estimation of liver fat. Knowledge of its imprecision, which comprises biological variability and measurement error, is required to design therapeutic trials with measurement of change. The role of adipocyte lipolysis in ectopic fat accumulation remains unclear. We examined the relationship between liver fat content and indices of lipolysis, and determine whether lipolysis reflects insulin resistance or metabolic liver disease. Imprecision of measurement of liver fat was estimated from duplicate measurements by MRS at one month intervals. Patients provided fasting blood samples and we examined the correlation of liver fat with indices of insulin resistance, lipolysis and metabolic liver disease using Kendall Tau statistics. The coefficient of variation of liver fat content was 14.8%. Liver fat was positively related to serum insulin (T = 0.48, p = 0.042), homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-B% (T = −0.48, p = 0.042), and body mass index (BMI) (T = 0.59, p = 0.012); and inversely related to HOMA-S% (T = −0.48, p = 0.042), serum glycerol (T = −0.59, p = 0.014), and serum caeruloplasmin (T = 0.055, p = 0.047). Our estimate of total variability in liver fat content (14.8%) is nearly twice that of the reported procedural variability (8.5%). We found that liver fat content was significantly inversely related to serum glycerol but not to non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), suggesting progressive suppression of lipolysis. Reduction of caeruloplasmin with increasing liver fat may be a consequence or a cause of hepatic steatosis.
miR-494-3p Induces Cellular Senescence and Enhances Radiosensitivity in Human Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Weng Jui-Hung , Yu Cheng-Chia , Lee Yueh-Chun , Lin Cheng-Wei , Chang Wen-Wei , Kuo Yu-Liang
Published: July 2016

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy of head and neck. Although radiotherapy is used for OSCC treatment, the occurrence of radioresistant cancer cells limits its efficiency. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs with lengths of 18–25 base pairs and known to be involved in carcinogenesis. We previously demonstrated that by targeting B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 homolog (Bmi1), miR-494-3p functions as a putative tumor suppressor miRNA in OSCC. In this study, we further discovered that miR-494-3p could enhance the radiosensitivity of SAS OSCC cells and induce cellular senescence. The overexpression of miR-494-3p in SAS cells increased the population of senescence-associated β-galactosidase positive cells, the expression of p16INK4a and retinoblastoma 1 (RB1), as well as downregulated Bmi1. The knockdown of Bmi1 by lentiviral-mediated delivery of specific short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) also enhanced the radiosensitivity of SAS cells and the activation of the senescence pathway. Furthermore, the inverse correlation between Bmi1 and miR-494-3p expression was observed among OSCC tissues. Results suggest that miR-494-3p could increase the radiosensitivity of OSCC cells through the induction of cellular senescence caused by the downregulation of Bmi1.
Correction: Kolkiran, A.; Agarwal, G.S. Amplitude Noise Reduction in a Nano-Mechanical Oscillator. Math. Comput. Appl. 2011, 16(1), 290–300
Authors: Kolkiran Aziz , Agarwal Girish
Published: July 2016

The authors would like to remove Girish S. Agarwal from the author list of the paper [1]. Aziz Kolkiran will therefore serve as the single author.[...]