bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Governing Health Care Through Free Choice: Neoliberal Reforms in Denmark and the United States
Authors: Larsen Lars Thorup , Stone Deborah
Published: July 2015

We compare free choice reforms in Denmark and the United States to understand what ideas and political forces could generate such similar policy reforms in radically different political contexts. We analyze the two cases using our own interpretation of neoliberalism as having “two faces.” The first face seeks to expand private markets and shrink the public sector; the second face seeks to strengthen the public sector's capacity to govern through incentives and competition. First, we show why these two most-different cases offer a useful comparison to understand similar policy tools. Second, we develop our theoretical framework of the two faces of neoliberalism. Third, we examine Denmark's introduction of a free choice of hospitals in 2002, a policy that for the first time allowed some patients to receive care either in a public hospital outside their local area or in a private hospital. Fourth, we examine the introduction of free choice among private managed care plans into the US Medicare program in 1997. We show how policy makers in both countries used neoliberal reform as a mechanism to make their public health care sectors governable. Fifth, on the basis of our analysis, we draw five lessons about neoliberal policy reforms.
The Remarkable Staying Power of “Death Panels”
Authors: Frankford David M.
Published: July 2015

Sarah Palin's phrase “death panels” derailed proposed provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to pay physicians for end-of-life discussions with patients, a policy designed to make dying more humane, something all Americans desire. Even now, “death panels” has truth-value for approximately half of Americans and is used to paint ACA components as threatening to “pull the plug on Grandma.” How can this be? To some, the death panels claim is simply a lie, an improvised explosive device hurled against any ACA provision. To others, the phrase's power stems from the public's lack of a common vocabulary to discuss end-of-life care. “Death panels,” however, taps into many Americans' fear of government involvement, that government's purchasing end-of-life discussions as commodities necessitates accountability and cost control. Standardization and reduction of humanity follows, something Americans already experience routinely in their health care system. Expert jargon, compelling among experts themselves, doesn't evoke people's images of chats with Marcus Welby. The jargon is unintelligible, off-putting. When that jargon enters the nonjargonized world, it mixes with common fears, extant experience of dehumanization and reduction, and awareness that someone's plug is getting pulled all the time. “Death panels” cannot be dismissed as delusional, but neither can it help fulfill Americans' aspirations for a humane last voyage.
LIN28: roles and regulation in development and beyond
Authors: Tsialikas Jennifer , Romer-Seibert Jennifer
Published: July 2015

LIN28 is an RNA-binding protein that is best known for its roles in promoting pluripotency via regulation of the microRNA let-7. However, recent studies have uncovered new roles for LIN28 and have revealed how it functions, suggesting that it is more than just a regulator of miRNA biogenesis. Together, these findings imply a new paradigm for LIN28 – as a gatekeeper molecule that regulates the transition between pluripotency and committed cell lineages, in both let-7-dependent and let-7-independent manners. Here, we provide an overview of LIN28 function in development and disease.
Crisis, convivencia multicultural y «efectos de barrio». El caso de dos barrios de Valencia
Authors: Torres Pérez Francisco , Moncusí Ferré Albert , Esteban Fernando Osvaldo
Published: July 2015

La inserción urbana de los inmigrantes se desestabiliza y se pone a prueba con la crisis y las políticas aplicadas. Si bien en Valencia se mantiene una convivencia tranquila, la situación de los servicios públicos aumenta la competencia por recursos escasos entre vecinos de diferentes orígenes. Este texto presenta, en el marco de la ciudad de Valencia, un análisis comparativo de dos barrios receptores de inmigrantes que presentan fuertes contrastes. Por un lado, Russafa un barrio céntrico popular y en proceso de gentrification; por otro, Els Orriols, un barrio periférico obrero. Aún con muchos rasgos comunes, la intensidad del recelo hacia el inmigrante varía de un barrio a otro en función de su ambiente social y de su marco socio-urbano.
Enhanced production of nitric oxide may contribute to the induction of detrusor underactivity in sucrose fed rats
Authors: B. Boone Timothy , Munoz Alvaro
Published: July 2015

Objective: In a previous study we showed that sucrose feeding creates cystometric properties resembling detrusor underactivity (DU) associated with enhanced production of nitric oxide (NO) in rats. Our present objective was to evaluate the possible role of P2X-purinergic and cholinergic receptors as molecular mechanisms underlying DU-like conditions associated with enhanced production of NO and altered contractile properties in rat bladder strips. Materials and methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats had ad-libitum access to 5% sucrose in water for two to four weeks. Isometric detrusor contractions were characterized in response to electrical field stimulation, the cholinergic agonist carbachol, the P2X agonist alpha, beta-methylene-ATP or KCl-induced depolarization. ATP and NO release rates were determined from bladder strips after stimulation of cholinergic or P2X-type purinergic receptors.Results: Electrical field stimulations generated stronger contractile responses in the strips from sucrose fed animals, while KCl induced similar contractions. The release of ATP after cholinergic or purinergic stimulation was similar in control or sucrose fed bladder strips. Nonetheless, NO production was significantly higher when pharmacologically triggered with either cholinergic or purinergic stimulation in the bladder strips from rats drinking sucrose for four weeks. The contractile responses to carbachol or abMe-ATP were also significantly reduced in this group.Conclusions: Detrusor contractions in these underactive-like conditions are gradual, and may be generated by excessive NO production that is mediated by individual activation of cholinergic or purinergic receptors, with higher effects by the latest. Our results suggest that nitric oxide production and not impaired contractile mechanisms are involved in this rat model of detrusor underactivity.
Atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome in a patient with adenosine deaminase deficiency
Authors: Pham-Huy Anne , Kim Vy Hong-Diep , Nizalik Elizabeth , Weiler Gabrielle , Vethamuthu Jennifer , Grunebaum Eyal
Published: July 2015

Inherited defects in the ubiquitous adenosine deaminase (ADA) enzyme disrupt the function of the immune system as well as many other organs and tissues. Some patients may also suffer from kidney damage. Here we report on an ADA-deficient patient who was treated with ADA replacement therapy from infancy and at 6 years of age developed acute kidney failure, thrombocytopenia, and severe anemia. A kidney biopsy demonstrated mesangiolysis and occlusion of kidney loops by erythrocytes and platelet aggregates, which is consistent with hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). There was no evidence of exposure to Shiga toxins, nor were any complement abnormalities detected. The kidney function improved following hemodialysis. Our report demonstrates the increased susceptibility of ADA-deficient patients to develop HUS and expands the nonimmune abnormalities associated with ADA deficiency. This further emphasizes the vigilance required when caring for such patients.

Statement of novelty: Here we provide the first detailed clinical and histological characterization of hemolytic-uremic syndrome developing in an ADA-deficient patient.
Eocene flora and trace fossils from the Hruby Regiel section in the Tatra Mountains (Poland): Taxonomic revision of the Wiktor Kuźniar fossil plant collection
Authors: Worobiec Grzegorz , Jach Renata , Machaniec Elżbieta , Uchman Alfred , Worobiec Elżbieta
Published: July 2015

Latest Eocene plant macrofossils and trace fossils collected a century ago by Wiktor Kuźniar are revised and their stratigraphical and palaeoecological meaning is re-considered. They derive from marine limestones and marls cropping out on the northern slope of the Hruby Regiel mountain in the Western Tatra Mountains. Leaves belonging to the families Fagaceae and Lauraceae and fruits of the palm Nypa are recognized. The co-occurrence of the planktonic foraminifer taxa Chiloguembelina cf. gracillima and Globigerinatheca cf. index and fruits of Nypa suggests a latest Eocene age of the fossil flora. The plant assemblage is typical of paratropical or subtropical evergreen forests in a warm and humid subtropical climate, recent counterparts of which occur in southeast Asia. The presence of Nypa is characteristic of mangroves. The good state of preservation of the leaves suggests coastline proximity during sedimentation of the plant-bearing deposits.
The Influence of Study Specialization on the Moral Reasoning in University Students
Authors: Lajčiaková Petra
Published: July 2015

Significant importance has been attributed to moral judgment with regard to the moral and complex personal development of an individual. The study is focused on the moral thinking of university students, being interested in whether or not and to what extent does the university students´ specialization of study affect their moral judgment. A total of 180 students participated in the survey, half of them with technical specialization and the other half with humane disciplines. The Moral Judgment Test was used as a research tool for measuring their moral reasoning. The results showed a significant relation between the students´ moral reasoning and study specialization. Students with humane study specialization showed a much higher level of moral reasoning, referring to an input in the discussion on the method of developing university students´ moral competences.
Gender Differences in Attachment Styles Using Slovak Version of the Experiences in Close Relationships – Revised (ECR-R)
Authors: Rozvadský Gugová Gabriela , Heretik Anton
Published: July 2015

There is a vast amount of literature on similarities and differences of women and men experiencing (close) relationships and using different strategies for coping with daily stress and significant life events. Western folk psychology expects women to be generally more anxious and men to be more avoidant when solving close-relationship conflicts and experiences in long term relationships. We used the Experiences in Close Relationships - Revised (ECR-R) questionnaire that is based on the Attachment-style theory distinguishing four distinct attachment styles - secure, anxious/ambivalent, disoriented/disorganized and avoidant.
Barometer of Inclusive Education – Concept, Methodology and Preliminary Results in Selected European Countries
Authors: Schädler Johannes , Dorrance Carmen
Published: July 2015

This paper presents concept, methodology and preliminary results of a European research project on inclusive education of persons with disabilities. The project pathways to inclusion (p2i) is funded by the EU Commission and coordinated by the European umbrella organization European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD). To get an overview on legal situations, practice and progression related to inclusive education a ‘barometer assessment’ instrument was developed and applied in 10 EU countries. The barometer criteria are deducted from Art. 24 of UN CRPD, the methodology follow the idea of the Open Method of Coordination and is explained as an information based rating. Selected results of the assessment are presented. The barometer instrument has proven as an effective tool for data analysis and assessment.
The Effect of Foreign Language Competences and Student Mobilities on Graduates’ Employability in the European Labour Market
Authors: Kozelová Dagmar , Frančáková Helena , Felixová Irena , Pietriková Miriam
Published: July 2015

Foreign language competences belong to the employers’ essential requirements set for workforce. The enhancement of acquired competences and the acquisition of new ones form a part of higher education. In the paper employability of the graduates of the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences in the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra on the European labour market has been analysed. The graduates completed their study in the years 2007-2011. A questionnaire was used to survey 300 graduates by the 30th June 2011, out of which 103 responded. The Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences prepares professionals in the fields of biotechnology, food technology, applied biology, hygiene and food safety. Input data have been evaluated by the methods of analysis, synthesis and comparison. In relation to the mathematical-statistical methods used, the input data have been classified according to the qualitative and statistical characteristics and evaluated by the association tables and graphs. We have come to the conclusion that foreign language competences are actively used by 43% of the respondents in different sectors of national economy, and the dominant foreign language is English. Within half a year after graduation 74% of respondents who had taken part in student mobilities, and 48% of respondents who did not participate in them, found jobs on the labour market. The time of getting the first job is influenced not only by knowledge, working skills and other competencies but also by current job vacancies.
Technical Education Support in Pre-Primary Education by Interactive Teaching Systems
Authors: Brečka Peter , Bitterová Miriam
Published: July 2015

The paper deals with the possibility of interactive whiteboard (IWB) implementation to the technical education support in the frames of pre-primary education. It also presents some types of IWB, deals with problems associated with this issue and introduces teachers’ competencies needed for the work with them. The final part points out the results of the research realized in this field in the USA and in Slovakia.
Comparison of a new medicinal plant extract and triamcinolone acetonide in treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Unur M. , Ofluoglu D. , Koray M. , Mumcu G. , Onal A.E. , Tanyeri H.
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new medicinal plant extract (Ankaferd Blood Stopper®, ABS) on the healing process of aphthous ulcers. A total of 50 patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) who have had currently a single oral ulcer in the mouth were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided in 2 groups: ABS group and Kenacort group (triamcinolone acetonid). Data were collected by questionnaire regarding age, gender, RAS history including the number of ulcer episodes in 1 month, the number of ulcers in each episode, mean healing time of previous ulcers and the mean disease duration. Ulcer size, ulcer related pain, evaluated by VAS and effectiveness index (EI), was noted in each clinical examination. In the present study, no significant differences were seen in demographic and RAS related data between the 2 groups. In ABS and Kenacort group, the mean ulcer size and VAS scores were statistically reduced at day 3 and day 7 compared to baseline values, yet no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in these time points. The effects of ABS in RAS treatment were found similar to that of Kenacort-A orabase cream in this study. Since our study is a preliminary one, additional studies with larger number of subjects, investigating the antibacterial and immunologic effect of this unique medicinal product will help to understand the treatment mechanism of ABS and evaluate clinical benefits and any possible adverse effects of the application of ABS spray.
Ridge splitting technique for horizontal augmentation and immediate implant placement
Authors: Papathanasiou Ioannis , Georgios Vasilakos , Baltiras Sotirios , Zouloumis Lampros
Published: July 2015

Insufficient width of the alveolar ridge often prevents ideal implant placement. Guided bone regeneration, bone grafting, alveolar ridge splitting and combinations of these techniques are used for the lateral augmentation of the alveolar ridge. Ridge splitting is a minimally invasive technique indicated for alveolar ridges with adequate height, which enables immediate implant placement and eliminates morbidity and overall treatment time. The classical approach of the technique involves splitting the alveolar ridge into 2 parts with use of ostetomes and chisels. Modifications of this technique include the use of rotating instrument, screw spreaders, horizontal spreaders and ultrasonic device. The purpose of this article is to thoroughly describe all the different approaches in ridge splitting technique. 2 interesting clinical cases of narrow alveolar ridges treated with ridge splitting and immediate implant placement are also presented.
Oral pseudolymphoma: A report of 2 cases
Authors: Fisekcioglu Erdogan , Ozbayrak Semih , Erseven Gulcin , Olgac Vakur
Published: July 2015

Objectives: The aim of this study was to present 2 infrequent cases pseudolymphoma in the oral cavity, to discuss their locations and to emphasize the importance of differential diagnosis for the prognosis. Methods: Excisional biopsies were performed in a 34 year-old women complaining for erythematous lesion in the oral floor and in a 44 year-old man who had a bluish lesion and erythema in the oral floor. Both specimens were investigated routinely and CD3, CD20, CD45, CD23, CD5 and FVIII markers. Immunohistochemical staining methods was applied and investigation was performed under light microscope. After the investigation, the cases were diagnosed as pseudolymphomas. Results: Pseudolymphoma may show clinical and histologic resemblance to lymphoma, so that differantiation with lymphoma can be very difficult. Conclusion: Pseudolymphomas have a tendency to malign differantiation; these differences must be evaluated clinically.
Diagnostic and clinical significance of Crohn’s disease-specific pancreatic anti-GP2 and anti-CUZD1 antibodies
Authors: Pavlidis Polychronis , Komorowski Lars , Teegen Bianca , Liaskos Christos , Koutsoumpas Andreas L. , Smyk Daniel S. , Perricone Carlo , Mytilinaiou Maria G. , Stocker Winfried , Forbes Alastair , Bogdanos Dimitrios P.
Published: July 2015

Pancreatic autoantibodies (PAB) targeting GP2 and CUZD1 are Crohn’s disease (CrD)-markers. The clinical significance of anti-GP2 antibodies has been assessed, but that of anti-CUZD1 remains elusive. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical utility of anti-CUZD1/anti-GP2 by novel cell-based indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assays in CrD.

A total of 212 CrD and 249 UC patients followed up at a London IBD centre were investigated to simultaneously detect PABs, anti-GP2 and anti-CUZD1 by IIF using primate pancreatic tissue, and HEK293 over-expressing CUZD1 or GP2.

Overall, 88 (41.5%) CrDs compared to 26 (10.4%) UCs (p<0.001) tested positive for IgA and/or IgG anti-GP2 and/or anti-CUZD1 antibodies, while ASCA were found in 67.5% CrDs versus 19.2% UCs (p<0.0001); ASCA and/or PAB (anti-GP2 or anti-CUZD1) were detected in 76% CrD versus 34% UC patients. IgG anti-GP2 antibodies were less prevalent in L2 phenotype (p=0.002) and more prevalent in patients with stricturing disease (p=0.0418), even when a higher cut-off (≥1000 RU) was used (p=0.0396). Also, anti-GP2 IgG positive CrD patients had younger age of disease onset. IgA and/or IgG ASCA and anti-GP2 IgG antibody positive CrDs had younger onset of disease (p<0.0001), were more likely to have both ileal and colonic disease (p<0.0001) and had more stricturing (p<0.0001) than seronegative patients. Clinical correlates were not found for anti-CUZD1 positivity.

PAB testing increases ASCA’s serological sensitivity for CrD. Anti-GP2 detection, in isolation or in combination with ASCA, stratify CrD patients who phenotypically are characterised by a much younger onset of disease, extensive and stricturing behaviour.
Hyperuricemia as risk factor for coronary heart disease incidence and mortality in the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Braga Federica , Pasqualetti Sara , Ferraro Simona , Panteghini Mauro
Published: July 2015

Previous meta-analyses reported no significant or weak association between hyperuricemia (HU) and coronary heart disease (CHD). We updated the literature search, systematically reviewing retrieved papers. The peer-reviewed literature published from 1965 to December 2014 was searched using Medline and Embase. We included prospective cohort studies involving adults (sample size ≥100) with no cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a follow-up of at least 1 year. Studies were excluded if they considered as outcome the CVD incidence/mortality without separately reporting data on CHD, did not adjusted for major confounders and if the 95% confidence interval (CI) for risk ratio (RR) was not available. Relative risk or hazard ratio estimates, with the corresponding CIs, were obtained. For CHD incidence 12 populations were included (457,915 subjects [53.7% males]). For CHD mortality seven populations were included (237,433 subjects [66.3% males]). The overall combined RR were 1.206 (CI 1.066–1.364, p=0.003) for CHD incidence and 1.209 (CI 1.003–1.457, p=0.047) for CHD mortality, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed a marginal (incidence) and not significant (mortality) association between HU and CHD in men, but an increased risk for CHD incidence and mortality in hyperuricemic women (RR 1.446, CI 1.323–1.581, p<0.0001, and RR 1.830, CI 1.066–3.139, p=0.028, respectively). The risk markedly increases for urate concentrations >7.0 mg/dL. HU appears to increase the risk of CHD events in the general population, mainly in adult women. This finding requires, however, further investigation.
Freeze-drying synthesis and characterisation of Na composites of ZnO, TiO2 and ZnTiO3 semiconductor oxides
Authors: Lokesh Budigi , Madhusudhana Rao Nasina , Kaleemulla Shaik , Sivakumar Amaravadi
Published: July 2015

The freeze-drying method of metal oxides synthesis has a number of advantages such as high homogeneity, varying porous structures, morphologies and uniform particle size distribution, etc. Because of these advantages, the binary metal oxides ZnO, TiO
Local Turbulent Energy Dissipation Rate in a Vessel Agitated by a Rushton Turbine
Authors: Šulc Radek , Pešava Vít , Ditl Pavel
Published: July 2015

The scaling of turbulence characteristics such as turbulent fluctuation velocity, turbulent kinetic energy and turbulent energy dissipation rate was investigated in a mechanically agitated vessel 300 mm in inner diameter stirred by a Rushton turbine at high Reynolds numbers in the range 50 000 < Re < 100 000. The hydrodynamics and flow field was measured using 2-D TR PIV. The convective velocity formulas proposed by Antonia et al. (1980) and Van Doorn (1981) were tested. The turbulent energy dissipation rate estimated independently in both radial and axial directions using the one-dimensional approach was not found to be the same in each direction. Using the proposed correction, the values in both directions were found to be close to each other. The relation ε/(N3·D2) ∞ const. was not conclusively confirmed.
A Mathematical Model of Membrane Gas Separation with Energy Transfer by Molecules of Gas Flowing in a Channel to Molecules Penetrating this Channel from the Adjacent Channel
Authors: Szwast Maciej , Szwast Zbigniew
Published: July 2015

The paper presents the mathematical modelling of selected isothermal separation processes of gaseous mixtures, taking place in plants using membranes, in particular nonporous polymer membranes. The modelling concerns membrane modules consisting of two channels - the feeding and the permeate channels. Different shapes of the channels cross-section were taken into account. Consideration was given to co-current and counter-current flows, for feeding and permeate streams, respectively, flowing together with the inert gas receiving permeate. In the proposed mathematical model it was considered that pressure of gas changes along the length of flow channels was the result of both - the drop of pressure connected with flow resistance, and energy transfer by molecules of gas flowing in a given channel to molecules which penetrate this channel from the adjacent channel. The literature on membrane technology takes into account only the drop of pressure connected with flow resistance. Consideration given to energy transfer by molecules of gas flowing in a given channel to molecules which penetrate this channel from the adjacent channel constitute the essential novelty in the current study. The paper also presents results of calculations obtained by means of a computer program which used equations of the derived model. Physicochemical data concerning separation of the CO2/CH4 mixture with He as the sweep gas and data concerning properties of the membrane made of PDMS were assumed for calculations.
Influence of Steam Reforming Catalyst Geometry on the Performance of Tubular Reformer – Simulation Calculations
Authors: Franczyk Ewelina , Gołębiowski Andrzej , Borowiecki Tadeusz , Kowalik Paweł , Wróbel Waldemar
Published: July 2015

A proper selection of steam reforming catalyst geometry has a direct effect on the efficiency and economy of hydrogen production from natural gas and is a very important technological and engineering issue in terms of process optimisation. This paper determines the influence of widely used seven-hole grain diameter (ranging from 11 to 21 mm), h/d (height/diameter) ratio of catalyst grain and Sh/St (hole surface/total cylinder surface in cross-section) ratio (ranging from 0.13 to 0.37) on the gas load of catalyst bed, gas flow resistance, maximum wall temperature and the risk of catalyst coking. Calculations were based on the one-dimensional pseudo-homogeneous model of a steam reforming tubular reactor, with catalyst parameters derived from our investigations. The process analysis shows that it is advantageous, along the whole reformer tube length, to apply catalyst forms of h/d = 1 ratio, relatively large dimensions, possibly high bed porosity and Sh/St ≈ 0.30-0.37 ratio. It enables a considerable process intensification and the processing of more natural gas at the same flow resistance, despite lower bed activity, without catalyst coking risk. Alternatively, plant pressure drop can be reduced maintaining the same gas load, which translates directly into diminishing the operating costs as a result of lowering power consumption for gas compression.
Changes in Biomarkers of Exposure and Subjective Effects When Smokers Switch to Dual Use of Cigarettes and Either Snus or a Dissolvable Tobacco Product: A Summary of Three Clinical Studies
Authors: Round Elaine K. , Campbell Leanne R. , Stiles Mitchell F. , Dixon Michael , Borgerding Michael F.
Published: July 2015

A series of ambulatory clinical studies were conducted to evaluate changes in biomarkers of tobacco exposure and subjective product ratings when adult smokers switched to dual use of cigarettes with Camel Strips (Strips), Camel Sticks (Sticks), or Camel (SNUS). In all studies, subjects smoked ad libitum for one week (baseline). In incremental stages over three subsequent weeks, subjects were instructed to reduce cigarettes per day (CPD) by at least 75% and include use of one type of smokeless tobacco product (STP). Product use data was recorded by subjects daily, questionnaires were administered and smoked cigarette filters and used snus pouches were collected weekly, and 24-hour urine samples were collected at baseline and the end of dual use for measurement of biomarkers of tobacco exposure. In total, 100 subjects were enrolled, and 88 completed the studies. At the end of dual use, mean CPD reductions of approximately 60% were reported in all studies. Median levels of biomarkers of 4-(methylnitrosamino)- 1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and acrolein either did not statistically significantly change or showed statistically significant decreases in all studies. Serum and urinary nicotine biomarkers did not significantly change. Twentyfive additional biomarkers were measured only in the SNUS study. Of those, 18 biomarkers statistically significantly decreased 12.4-35.7%. No statistically significant increases in biomarker levels were observed in any of the studies. Decreases in some biomarkers confirmed that smoking reductions occurred but were less than the reported CPD reductions. Mouth-level exposure estimates suggest subjects did not significantly alter their puffing behavior to compensate for decreased CPD. Acceptability ratings of cigarettes decreased significantly during dual use, while ratings of Strips and SNUS increased, suggesting that the change in use behavior affected subjects’ perceptions of the products. Results from these studies suggest that smokers who switch to dual use with either dissolvable tobacco or snus will likely not increase tobacco constituent exposure and may reduce exposure to some tobacco toxicants, especially those associated with combustion.
Effect of Pore Structure of Cigarette Paper on the Yield of Carbon Monoxide in Mainstream Smoke During Cigarette Burning
Authors: Wei Luo , Donghong Yin , Duo Ding , Zeliang Chen , Pingjun Wang , Kejun Zhong , Jianxin Ren
Published: July 2015

Two cigarette papers with the same basis weight and permeability but different pore structures were prepared. The effect of the pore structure after pyrolysis on CO yield in mainstream smoke was investigated by heating the papers to 250 °C. Diffusivity, permeability, pore size distribution, and pore volume of the cigarette papers before and after heating were also measured. The pore structures of the completely pyrolyzed cigarette paper in the burning cone and the incompletely pyrolyzed area near the char line were elucidated. CO yield in mainstream and sidestream smoke and the temperature distribution of the burning cone were evaluated. Diffusivity and permeability of the cigarette papers after heating were significantly higher than of the control sample after heating. The volume of pores in the cigarette paper with a size of 0.1-8.0 μm was increased, which decreased CO content in mainstream smoke. An increase in the amount of micropores facilitates CO diffusion from mainstream to sidestream smoke.
The action of a compact Lie group on nilpotent Lie algebras of type {{n,2}}
Authors: Falcone Giovanni , Figula Ágota
Published: July 2015

We classify finite-dimensional real nilpotent Lie algebras with 2-dimensional central commutator ideals admitting a Lie group of automorphisms isomorphic to

SO
2

⁢

(
ℝ
)

${{\mathrm{SO}}_{2}(\mathbb{R})}$

. This is the first step to extend the class of nilpotent Lie algebras

𝔥

${{\mathfrak{h}}}$

of type

{
n
,
2
}

${\{n,2\}}$

to solvable Lie algebras in which

𝔥

${{\mathfrak{h}}}$

has codimension one.
Correlation and Path Analysis in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Gjorgjieva Biljana , Karov Ilija , Mitrev Sasa , Ruzdik Natalija Markova , Kostadinovska Emilija , Kovacevik Biljana
Published: July 2015

This study was carried out to determine the correlation between agronomic traits and seed yield of sunflower hybrids and also to determine the direct and indirect effects of analyzed traits on seed yield. The primary task in sunflower breeding programs is to increase the seed yield, as well as create new hybrids with high potential for seed and oil yield. The experiment was set up according to randomized block design during two growing seasons (2013 and 2014), on research area of the Faculty of Agriculture, “Goce Delchev” University – Shtip, in Ovche Pole locality, Republic of Macedonia. As an experimental material 20 sunflower hybrids were used. 1,000 seed weight, seed length and width, oil content, oleic acid content and seed yield were analyzed. 1,000 seed weight showed positive and significant correlation with seed width, seed length and seed yield. On the other hand, negative and significant correlation was obtained between 1,000 seed weight and oil content. 1,000 seed weight expressed the highest positive direct effect on seed yield. The results obtained from correlation and path analysis showed that the efficiency in the selection of seed yield in sunflower hybrids should increased through the selection of 1,000 seed weight.
The role of Bni5 in the regulation of septin higher-order structure formation
Authors: Patasi Csilla , Godočíková Jana , Michlíková Soňa , Nie Yan , Káčeriková Radka , Kválová Katarína , Raunser Stefan , Farkašovský Marian
Published: July 2015

Septins are a family of conserved cytoskeletal proteins playing an essential role in cytokinesis and in many other cellular processes in fungi and animals. In budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, septins form filaments and higher-order structures at the mother-bud neck depending on the particular stage of the cell cycle. Septin structures at the division plane serve as a scaffold to recruit the proteins required for particular cellular processes. The formation and localization of septin structures at particular stages of the cell cycle also determine functionality of these proteins. Many different proteins participate in regulating septin assembly. Despite recent developments, we are only beginning to understand how specific protein-protein interactions lead to changes in the polymerization of septin filaments or assembly of higher-order structures. Here, using fluorescence and electron microscopy, we found that Bni5 crosslinks septin filaments into networks by bridging pairs or multiple filaments, forming structures that resemble railways. Furthermore, Bni5 appears to be a substrate of the Elm1 protein kinase in vitro. Moreover, Elm1 induces in the presence of Bni5 disassembly of long septin filaments, suggesting that these proteins may participate in the hourglass to double ring transition. This work gives new insight into the regulatory role of Bni5 in the structural changes of septins.
Halo Formation in Binary Fe-Nb Off-eutectic Alloys
Authors: Li K.W. , Wang X.B. , Li S.M. , Wang W.X. , Chen S.P. , Gong D.Q. , Cui J.L.
Published: July 2015

In the Fe-Fe
Class, Status, and Education: The Influence of Parental Resources on IEO in Europe, 1893-1987
Authors: Meraviglia Cinzia , Buis Maarten L.
Published: July 2015

There is a long tradition of studying the influence of parental background on educational attainment of the offspring. Recently the emphasis in this tradition has shifted to the question of what parental background is. In particular, what contributes to social background, for example parental occupational status, parental occupational class, and/or parental education? Moreover, who contributes to parental background, the mother, the father, or both? In this article we asked the question whether these different components of parental background are stable across time and across countries, or are some components more important in some countries or periods than in other countries or periods. We were able to reject the hypothesis that the contributions of the different components were constant across 29 European countries. In most of these countries we were also able to reject that these contributions were constant over time.
Method of Assessing the Number of Technicians in Service of Manufacturing System
Authors: Usubamatov R. , Bhuvenesh R.
Published: July 2015

Productivity rate of manufacturing systems depends on technology, reliability of machinery, management, etc. The main attribute of machine’s reliability, which is availability plays important role for determination of the number of technicians that support the workability of the multi-stations the manufacturing system. The random downtimes of the productive machines have probabilistic nature. Failures of machines can coincide that lead to increasing downtimes and decreasing output of machinery. Practically, a technician conducts repairs of failures for one machine, but at the same time other failed machines can be in downtime until the failed machine in servicing. This situation leads to increase idle time of machines and hence a manufacturing system. How many machines should be in service by one technician is typical problem for industries. The proposed paper is represented the mathematical method with probabilistic approach for determining the number of technicians for servicing the manufacturing systems with minimum downtimes.
Adipokines in umbilical cord blood from children born large for gestational age
Authors: Lausten-Thomsen Ulrik , Christiansen Michael , Hedley Paula Louise , Holm Jens-Christian , Schmiegelow Kjeld
Published: July 2015

The etiology of childhood obesity and the associated morbidity is multifactorial. Recently, data suggesting a prenatal programming towards later childhood obesity and metabolic deregulation through the intrauterine environment has emerged. This study explored the concentrations of adipokines and their mutual relationship at birth in children born to non-diabetic mothers.

Adiponectin, leptin and sOB-R were measured using ELISA-based commercial kits in umbilical cord blood from 60 neonates (30 born large for gestational age [LGA] and 30 born appropriate for gestational age [AGA]). Children exposed to maternal diabetes, chronic disease and preeclampsia were excluded.

The LGA group exhibited significantly elevated concentrations of leptin (p<0.001) and of free leptin index (p<0.001) and decreased sOB-R concentrations (p=0.005) when compared to the AGA group, which persisted in multiple regression analysis after taking the gestational age into account (p=0.048, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Only a trend towards a difference in adiponectin was demonstrated (p=0.057) regardless of adjustment (p=0.150). However, the leptin/adiponectin ratio was elevated in the LGA group (p=0.008), regardless of adjustment (p=0.039).

The data indicate a disturbance of adipokines in macrosomic newborns and that the mutual ratios between adipokines may provide a more sensitive marker of metabolic disturbance than any isolated adipokine.
Current and future perspective of newborn screening: an Indian scenario
Authors: Kaur Gurjit , Thakur Kiran , Kataria Sandeep , Singh Teg Rabab , Chavan Bir Singh , Kaur Gurpreet , Atwal Rajiv
Published: July 2015

Newborn screening comprises a paramount public health program seeking timely detection, diagnosis, and intervention for genetic disorders that may otherwise produce serious clinical consequences. Today newborn screening is part of the health care system of developed countries, whereas in India, newborn screening is still in the toddler stage.

We searched PubMed with the keywords newborn screening for metabolic disorders, newborn screening in India, and congenital disorder in neonates, and selected publications that seem appropriate.

In India, in spite of the high birth rate and high frequency of metabolic disorders, newborn screening programs are not part of the health care system. At Union Territory, Chandigarh in 2007, newborn screening was initiated and is currently ongoing for three disorders, that is, congenital hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Prevalence of these disorders is found to be 1:1400 for congenital hypothyroidism, 1:6334 for congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and 1:80 for G6PD deficiency.

Mandatory newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism should be implemented in India, and other disorders can be added in the screening panel on the basis of region-wise prevalence. The objective of this review is to provide insight toward present scenario of newborn screening in India along with recommendations to combat the hurdles in the pathway of mandatory newborn screening.
Carnitine insufficiency in children with inborn errors of metabolism: prevalence and treatment efficacy
Authors: Mamedov Ilgar , Zolkina Irina , Nikolaeva Ekaterina , Glagovsky Pavel , Sukhorukov Vladimir
Published: July 2015

Carnitine is necessary for the transfer of long-chain fatty acids from the cytosol into mitochondria for subsequent β-oxidation. A carnitine deficiency results in impaired energy production from fatty acids.

We reviewed the plasma level of total carnitine, free carnitine, and acylcarnitines in 1270 children with psychomotor retardation, low growth, and weight parameters. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was applied. Low free carnitine level in plasma was used as a marker of carnitine deficiency.

A total of 102 (8%) children had free carnitine level <19 μmol/L (norm 19–60 μmol/L). As a result of the subsequent investigation, hereditary diseases were diagnosed in 76 (¾) children and out of that 19 had very low free carnitine plasma level (<10 μmol/L). Fanconi syndrome, fat oxidation defects, primary systemic carnitine deficiency, mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, and Noonan syndrome were revealed in these 19 children.

Efficacy of levocarnitine treatment in children with very low free carnitine level differs according to pathogenesis of diseases. The highest efficacy was observed in primary systemic carnitine deficiency.
Is intrauterine surgery justified? Report from the working group on ultrasound in obstetrics of the World Association of Perinatal Medicine (WAPM)
Authors: Moreira de Sá Renato Augusto , Nassar de Carvalho Paulo Roberto , Kurjak Asim , Adra Abdallah , Dayyabu Aliyu Labaran , Ebrashy Alaa , Pooh Ritsuko , Sen Cihat , Wataganara Tuangsit , Stanojevic Milan
Published: July 2015

Fetal surgery involves a large number of heterogeneous interventions that vary from simple and settled procedures to very sophisticated or still-in-development approaches. The overarching goal of fetal interventions is clear: to improve the health of children by intervening before birth to correct or treat prenatally diagnosed abnormalities. This article provides an overview of fetal interventions, ethical approaches in fetal surgery, and benefits obtained from antenatal surgeries.
Limb abnormality in a neotropical scansorial marsupial, Gracilinanus agilis (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae)
Authors: Mendonça André Faria , Bocchiglieri Adriana , Vieira Marcus V.
Published: July 2015

In this study, we describe a limb abnormality, possibly ectrodactyly, in a male adult gracile mouse opossum (
Null arguments in transitional trilingual grammars: Field observations from Misionero German
Authors: Putnam Michael T. , Lipski John
Published: July 2015

In this field note we discuss findings from pilot research on a variety of heritage German spoken in the Northeastern Province of Misiones of Argentina. Based on sociolinguistic field interviews with 25 consultants possessing varying degrees of proficiency in the language, we show that this variant of heritage German does in fact occasionally display instances of both null subjects (e.g.
Perspective in signed discourse: the privileged status of the signer’s locus and gaze
Authors: Engberg-Pedersen Elisabeth
Published: July 2015

In gesture studies character viewpoint and observer viewpoint (McNeill 1992) characterize co-speech gestures depending on whether the gesturer’s hand and body imitate a referent’s hand and body or the hand represents a referent in its entirety. In sign languages, handling handshapes and entity handshapes are used in depicting predicates. Narratives in Danish Sign Language (DTS) elicited to make signers describe an event from either the agent’s or the patient’s perspective demonstrate that discourse perspective is expressed by which referent, the agent or the patient, the signers represent at their own locus. This is reflected in the orientation and movement direction of the manual articulator, not by the type of representation in the articulator. Signers may also imitate the gaze direction of the referent represented at their locus or have eye contact with the addressees. When they represent a referent by their own locus and simultaneously have eye contact with the addressee, the construction mixes referent perspective and narrator perspective. This description accords with an understanding of linguistic perspective as grounded in bodily perspective within a physical scene (Sweetser 2012) and relates the deictic and attitudinal means for expressing perspective in sign languages to the way perspective is expressed in spoken languages.
The parallel development of the form and meaning of two-handed gestures and linguistic information packaging within a clause in narrative
Authors: Sekine Kazuki , Kita Sotaro
Published: July 2015

We examined how two-handed gestures and speech with equivalent contents that are used in narrative develop during childhood. The participants were 40 native speakers of English consisting of four different age groups: 3-, 5-, 9-year-olds, and adults. A set of 10 video clips depicting motion events were used to elicit speech and gesture. There are two findings. First, two types of two-handed gestures showed different developmental changes: those with a single-handed stroke with a simultaneous hold increased with age, while those with a two handed-stroke decreased with age. Second, representational gesture and speech developed in parallel at the discourse level. More specifically, the ways in which information is packaged in a gesture and in a clause are similar for a given age group; that is, gesture and speech develop hand-in-hand.
Dynamic CT angiography for cyberknife radiosurgery planning of intracranial arteriovenous malformations: a technical/ feasibility report
Authors: Haridass Anoop , Maclean Jillian , Chakraborty Santanu , Sinclair John , Szanto Janos , Iancu Daniela , Malone Shawn
Published: July 2015

Background. Successful radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) requires accurate nidus delineation in the 3D treatment planning system (TPS). The catheter biplane digital subtraction angiogram (DSA) has traditionally been the gold standard for evaluation of the AVM nidus, but its 2D nature limits its value for contouring and it cannot be imported into the Cyberknife TPS. We describe a technique for acquisition and integration of 3D dynamic CT angiograms (dCTA) into the Cyberknife TPS for intracranial AVMs and review the feasibility of using this technique in the first patient cohort.

Patients and methods. Dynamic continuous whole brain CT images were acquired in a Toshiba 320 volume CT scanner with data reconstruction every 0.5 sec. This multi-time-point acquisition enabled us to choose the CT dataset with the clearest nidus without significant enhancement of surrounding blood vessels. This was imported to the Cyberknife TPS and co-registered with planning CT and T2 MRI (2D DSA adjacent for reference). The feasibility of using dCTA was evaluated in the first thirteen patients with outcome evaluation from patient records.

Results. dCTA data was accurately co-registered in the Cyberknife TPS and appeared to assist in nidus contouring for all patients. Imaging modalities were complementary. 85% of patients had complete (6/13) or continuing partial nidus obliteration (5/13) at 37 months median follow-up.

Conclusions. dCTA is a promising imaging technique that can be successfully imported into the Cyberknife TPS and appears to assist in radiosurgery nidus definition. Further study to validate its role is warranted.