bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential of hybrid V/P SPECT–low-dose CT in lung diagnostics
Authors: Bajc Marika
Published: February 2014

Ventilation/perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (V/P SPECT), is the scintigraphic technique of choice for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) and other conditions that affect lung function. In the study of ventilation, hydrophobic radioaerosol Technegas shows advantages over radiolabelled liquid aerosols because of its more even distribution and better peripheral penetration; this is very important in patients with COPD. Macro-aggregated human albumin is the imaging agent for perfusion scintigraphy. V/P SPECT is recommended as a one-day protocol and the whole study is conducted in 20 minutes under a gamma camera. An optimal combination of nuclide activities for ventilation and perfusion, general purpose collimators and a 64×64 imaging matrix yields an adequate sensitivity and ensures that radiation doses are kept very low. It is important that the patient remains in an unchanged supine position to allow reconstructed images of matching ventilation and perfusion slices in all projections as well as in rotating volume images. Probabilistic interpretation applied earlier for planar technique is replaced by a holistic interpretation strategy. This has resulted in a decrease in the number of nondiagnostic findings to less than 3%. To reduce costs and radiation exposure, pre-imaging assessment of clinical probability is recommended. PE is diagnosed when there is more than one subsegment showing a ventilation/perfusion mismatch conforming to an anatomic vascular lung unit. Apart from PE, other pathologies should be identified and reported,e.g. COPD, heart failure and pneumonia.

Comparison of V/P SPECT with multidetector CT (MDCT) showed higher sensitivity for V/P SPECT, similar specificity and a similar number of nondiagnostic findings. The advantage of V/P SPECT is a 25-times lower absorbed radiation dose to the female breast and its applicability to all patients. The advantage of MDCT is its wider availability.

Hybrid SPECT/CT imaging is a novel technique primarily developed to improve sensitivity and specificity of oncological diseases and it is not recommended as the primary tool for PE diagnosis in all patients with suspected PE. The application of SPECT/CT may be relevant in the case of COPD patients where small tumours may be identified as part of the diagnosis; in addition, it may help in the classification of COPD degree.

Aims

To increase awareness of the importance of optimal V/P SPECT and familiarity with the procedure.

To explain the value of the new holistic, as opposed to probabilistic, interpretation in the diagnosis of PE.

To show how the quantification of ventilation/perfusion defects can be used to define patient-specific treatments.

To understand the role of V/P SPECT scintigraphy in other cardiopulmonary diseases, in addition to PE.

To outline the pros and cons of angio-CT and V/P SPECT in the diagnosis of PE.

To introduce the role of V/P SPECT and low-dose CT hybrid system in patients with suspected PE.
Pulse oximetry in low-resource settings
Authors: Herbert Lara J. , Wilson Iain H.
Published: February 2014

Educational aims

To increase awareness about the issues of making pulse oximetry available in low-resource settings

To increase awareness of the World Health Organization Surgical Safety checklist and how this has triggered the concept of Global Oximetry.

To discuss the relevance of increasing availability of pulse oximetry to areas other than operating theatres (such as medical wards) in hospitals in low-resource settings.

Pulse oximetry is used to detect hypoxaemia. It is widely used in both the pre-hospital and hospital settings in developed countries and has become a basic standard of care. There are substantial differences in healthcare between developed and developing countries and it has been recorded that surgery is associated with a much higher number of complications and deaths occurring in resource-limited settings. To address this issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the Safe Surgery Saves Lives Programme in 2007. With this programme, the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist was launched. Included in this checklist is the step to ensure that a pulse oximeter is on the patient and functioning. WHO now has the Global Pulse Oximetry Project, an initiative to promote the use of pulse oximeters in every operating room in the world. The Lifebox project is a charity that aims to help the supply of pulse oximeters at low cost to anaesthesia providers in low-resource settings.

Increasing availability of pulse oximetry in low-resource settings is relevant to all physicians because hypoxaemia is a common complication of many illnesses, particularly pneumonia. Pneumonia impacts developing countries disproportionately, and accounts for over 2 million deaths a year worldwide. Hypoxaemia is a recognised risk factor for death, correlates with disease severity and is difficult to detect clinically until cyanosis is present. Oximetry plays an essential role in early detection of hypoxaemia and in guiding oxygen therapy, which is often a scarce resource.
Complicated pneumonia in children
Authors: Pabary Rishi , Balfour-Lynn Ian M.
Published: February 2014

Educational aims

To understand the pathogenesis of complicated community-acquired pneumonia in children

To gain an understanding into the management of common complications of community-acquired pneumonia in children

Community-acquired pneumonia is a common paediatric infection and, even with the introduction of pneumococcal andHaemophilusvaccinations, most children will experience at least one episode before adult life. Most cases are self-limiting but a small number of children will develop sequelae and require hospitalisation. This review focuses on the presentation and management of complications of community-acquired pneumonia in children.
Clinical audit to enhance safe practice of skilled birth attendants for the fetus with nuchal cord: evidence from a refugee and migrant cohort
Authors: Parr Megan , Dabu Colley Paw , Wai Nan San , Say Paw Si , Ner Ma , Tun Nay Win , Min Aye , Gilder Mary Ellen , Nosten François H , McGready Rose
Published: February 2014

Background

Current evidence for optimal management of fetal nuchal cord detected after the head has birthed supports techniques that avoid ligation of the umbilical cord circulation. Routine audit found frequent unsafe management of nuchal cord by skilled birth attendants (SBAs) in migrant and refugee birth centres on the Thai-Burmese border.

Method

The audit cycle was used to enhance safe practice by SBA for the fetus with nuchal cord. In the three birth centres the action phase of the audit cycle was initially carried out by the doctor responsible for the site. Six months later a registered midwife, present six days per week for three months in one birth facility, encouraged SBAs to facilitate birth with an intact umbilical circulation for nuchal cord. Rates of cord ligation before birth were recorded over a 24 month period (1-July-2011 to 30-June-2013) and in-depth interviews and a knowledge survey of the SBAs took place three months after the registered midwife departure.

Results

The proportion of births with nuchal cord ligation declined significantly over the four six monthly quarters from 15.9% (178/1123) before the action phase of the audit cycle; to 11.1% (107/966) during the action phase of the audit cycle with the doctors; to 2.4% (28/1182) with the registered midwife; to 0.9% (9/999) from three to nine months after the departure of the registered midwife, (p < 0.001, linear trend). Significant improvements in safe practice were observed at all three SMRU birth facilities. Knowledge of fetal nuchal cord amongst SBAs was sub-optimal and associated with fear and worry despite improved practice. The support of a registered midwife increased confidence of SBAs.

Conclusion

The audit cycle and registered midwife interprofessional learning for SBAs led to a significant improvement in safe practice for the fetus with nuchal cord. The authors would encourage this type of learning in organizations with birth facilities on the Thai-Burmese border and in other similar resource limited settings with SBAs.
MiR-378 is an independent prognostic factor and inhibits cell growth and invasion in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Guang-jun , Zhou He , Xiao Hua-xu , Li Yu , Zhou Tong
Published: February 2014

Background

MicroRNAs(miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that participate in a variety of biologic processes, and dysregulation of miRNA is always associated with cancer development and progression. Aberrant expression of miR-378 has been found in some types of cancer. However, effects and potential mechanisms of miR-378 in colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been explored.

Methods

Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to evaluate miR-378 levels in CRC cell lines and 84 pairs of CRC cancer and normal adjacent mucosa. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional regression analyses were utilized to determine the association of miR-378 expression with survival of patients. MTT and invasion assays were used to determine the role of miR-378 in regulation of CRC cancer cell growth and invasion, respectively. Tumor growth was assessed by subcutaneous inoculation of cells into BALB/c nude mice. Luciferase assay was performed to assess miR-378 binding to vimentin gene.

Results

In this study, we confirmed that miR-378 significantly down-regulated in CRC cancer tissues and cell lines. Moreover, patients with low miR-378 expression had significantly poorer overall survival, and miR-378 expression was an independent prognostic factor in CRC. Over-expression of miR-378 inhibited SW620 cell growth and invasion, and resulted in down-regulation of vimentin expression. However, miR-378 knock-down promoted these processes and enhanced the expression of vimentin. In addition, we further identified vimentin as the functional downstream target of miR-378 by directly targeting the 3′-UTR of vimentin.

Conclusions

In conclusion, miR-378 may function as a tumor suppressor and plays an important role in inhibiting tumor growth and invasion. Our present results implicate the potential effects of miR-378 on prognosis and treatment of CRC cancer.
Measurement equivalence and feasibility of the EORTC QLQ-PR25: paper-and-pencil versus touch-screen administration
Authors: Chang Yu-Jun , Chang Chih-Hung , Peng Chiao-Ling , Wu Hsi-Chin , Lin Hsueh-Chun , Wang Jong-Yi , Li Tsai-Chung , Yeh Yi-Chun , Liang Wen-Miin
Published: February 2014

Objective

We assessed the measurement equivalence and feasibility of the paper-and-pencil and touch-screen modes of administration of the Taiwan Chinese version of the EORTC QLQ-PR25, a commonly used questionnaire to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with prostate cancer in Taiwan.

Methods

A cross-over design study was conducted in 99 prostate cancer patients at an urology outpatient clinic. Descriptive exact and global agreement percentages, intraclass correlation, and equivalence test based on minimal clinically important difference (MCID) approach were used to examine the equity of HRQOL scores between these two modes of administration. We also evaluated the feasibility of computerized assessment based on patients’ acceptability and preference. Additionally, we used Rasch rating scale model to assess differential item functioning (DIF) between the two modes of administration.

Results

The percentages of global agreement in all domains were greater than 85% in the EORTC QLQ-PR25. All results from equivalence tests were significant, except for Sexual functioning, indicating good equivalence. Only one item exhibited DIF between the two modes. Although nearly 80% of the study patients had no prior computer-use experience, the overall proportion of acceptance and preference for the touch-screen mode were quite high and there was no significant difference across age groups or between computer-use experience groups.

Conclusions

The study results showed that the data obtained from the modes of administration were equivalent. The touch-screen mode of administration can be a feasible and suitable alternative to the paper-and-pencil mode for assessment of patient-reported outcomes in patients with prostate cancer.
Production and identification of haploid dwarf male sterile wheat plants induced by corn inducer
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Ke , Lin Zhi-Shan , Du Li-Pu , Ma Hai-Li , Xiao Le-Le , Ye Xing-Guo
Published: February 2014

Background

Using the cross of wheat and maize is a very useful way to produce wheat haploid plants by chromosome elimination. Dwarf male sterile wheat (DMSW) and corn inducer are potential important germplasm for wheat breeding by recurrent selection and doubled haploid strategies. There is no report yet to achieve the haploid plants from DMSW induced by maize inbred line and especially the corn inducer.

Results

Haploid plants of DMSW were successfully obtained in this study induced by both maize pollens of inducer line and normal inbred line. The efficiencies for wheat embryos formation and plantlets production induced by the two corn lines had no significant difference. All the eleven haploid wheat plants derived from the male sterile material were identified by botanic appearance, cytology, cytogenetics, and molecular markers. They were all haploid based on their guard cell length of 42.78–42.90 μm compared with the diploid control of 71.52 μm, and their chromosome number of 21 compared with the diploid control of 42. In addition, according to anthers, plant height, and molecular markers, the haploid plants were divided into two types. Eight of them showed dwarf, having no anthers, and the special band ofRht10, and the other three plants displayed normal plant height, having anthers, and not containing the special band ofRht10, indicating that they were originated from theMS2/Rht10andms2/rht10female gametes, respectively.

Conclusions

MS2/Rht10haploid plants were successfully obtained in this study by using corn inducer and inbred line, and will be employed as candidate materials for the potential cloning ofMS2dominant male gene.
Plasma cells within granulomatous inflammation display signs pointing to autoreactivity and destruction in granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Mueller Antje , Brieske Christoph , Schinke Susanne , Csernok Elena , Gross Wolfgang L , Hasselbacher Katrin , Voswinkel Jan , Holl-Ulrich Konstanze
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Plasma cells residing in inflamed tissues produce antibodies in chronic inflammatory and systemic autoimmune diseases. This study examined if plasma cells, located within inflamed nasal tissue in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), express features potentially associated with the autoimmune and destructive character of this disease.

Methods

Ig gene mutation patterns of individual tissue-derived plasma cells from GPA (n = 5) were analyzed, by using laser-assisted microdissection followed by semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Signs of B-lymphocyte maturation (ectopic lymphoid structures, ELS) and survival (a proliferation-inducing ligand, APRIL; B-cell maturation antigen, BCMA; transmembrane-activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin interactor, TACI; receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand, RANKL) were examined in nasal tissues or serum, respectively, by using immunohistochemistry/fluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA.

Results

Plasma-cell derived Ig genes (light- and heavy-chain pairs, n = 4; heavy chains, n = 33) resembled mutation patterns seen in other autoimmune diseases, predominantly displaying selection against replacement mutations within the framework region of Ig genes (10 of 15), which is responsible for structural integrity. Ectopic lymphoid structures were similar between GPA and a disease control (that is, unspecific chronic rhinosinusitis. However, histomorphologic features distinguishing GPA from rhinosinusitis (that is, neutrophilic microabscess and granuloma) expressed considerable amounts of membrane-associated and secreted APRIL, respectively. The latter was co-localized with CD138 and found in close proximity to cells expressing IgG, TACI, and BCMA. Interestingly, plasma cells strongly expressed receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), apart from fibroblast-like cells.

Conclusions

Plasma cells within granulomatous inflammation appear to display features that might be required for autoreactivity and, possibly, RANKL-mediated destruction in GPA.
The relationship between DNA methylation, genetic and expression inter-individual variation in untransformed human fibroblasts
Authors: Wagner James R , Busche Stephan , Ge Bing , Kwan Tony , Pastinen Tomi , Blanchette Mathieu
Published: February 2014

Background

DNA methylation plays an essential role in the regulation of gene expression. While its presence near the transcription start site of a gene has been associated with reduced expression, the variation in methylation levels across individuals, its environmental or genetic causes, and its association with gene expression remain poorly understood.

Results

We report the joint analysis of sequence variants, gene expression and DNA methylation in primary fibroblast samples derived from a set of 62 unrelated individuals. Approximately 2% of the most variable CpG sites are mappable in cis to sequence variation, usually within 5 kb. Via eQTL analysis with microarray data combined with mapping of allelic expression regions, we obtained a set of 2,770 regions mappable in cis to sequence variation. In 9.5% of these expressed regions, an associated SNP was also a methylation QTL. Methylation and gene expression are often correlated without direct discernible involvement of sequence variation, but not always in the expected direction of negative for promoter CpGs and positive for gene-body CpGs. Population-level correlation between methylation and expression is strongest in a subset of developmentally significant genes, including all four HOX clusters. The presence and sign of this correlation are best predicted using specific chromatin marks rather than position of the CpG site with respect to the gene.

Conclusions

Our results indicate a wide variety of relationships between gene expression, DNA methylation and sequence variation in untransformed adult human fibroblasts, with considerable involvement of chromatin features and some discernible involvement of sequence variation.
The Red Menace Reconsidered: A Forgotten History of Communist Mobilization in Rio de Janeiro’s Favelas, 1945-1964
Authors: Fischer Brodwyn
Published: February 2014

This article focuses on the relationship between the political Left and Brazil’s urban poor by exploring the paradoxical role of Brazilian communists in the massive land struggles that mobilized Rio’s favelas against forced eviction in the mid-twentieth century. Without the communists’ organizational, legal, and political acumen, Rio’s iconic favelas might never have become a permanent and precious urban foothold for the migrant poor. Without the residents’ support, the Brazilian Communist Party might not have experienced electoral triumph in the late 1940s or maintained a strong political presence through the decades when it was declared illegal. And yet favela activists rarely acknowledge communist involvement in their struggles, and Communist activists and scholars grant such movements only a marginal, instrumental role in the Brazilian Communist movement. This dance of mutual forgetting reveals much about the subtle but persistent disjuncture between leftist ideology and grassroots political practice that characterized mid-twentieth-century Brazil. Analysts have long bemoaned and explored this disjuncture in the context of Brazil’s labor politics; this article argues that the gap between party doctrine and the massive, diffuse urban social movements of the mid-twentieth century was broader and more fateful still.
Mafalda: Middle Class, Everyday Life, and Politics in Argentina, 1964-1973
Authors: Cosse Isabella
Published: February 2014

In this article I reconstruct the history of Mafalda, the famous comic strip by the Argentine cartoonist Quino that was read, discussed, and viewed as an emblematic representation of Argentina’s middle class. With the aim of contributing to discussions on the interpretation of the middle class in Argentina and Latin America, I examine the emergence, circulation, and sociopolitical significance of the comic from its first strips in 1964 until Quino stopped producing new installments in 1973, making use of two conceptual and methodological approaches: a perspective situated at the intersection of the everyday and the political, as well as a consideration of humor as a way of exploring social identities. I argue first that Mafalda’s ironic and conceptual humor worked with the contradictions of the middle class as it faced social modernization, cultural and political radicalization, and a weakening democracy. Second, I suggest that the strip contributed to a representation of a heterogeneous middle class marked by ideological differences but nonetheless conceived as one. Third, I claim that such a representation lost its relevance with the political polarization and violence of the 1970s, as portraying a middle class—or a society—united despite differences was no longer feasible in that context. To illustrate this, the article closes by noting that, shortly after Mafalda was discontinued, state terrorism would brutally demonstrate just how little space there was in Argentina for the young, antiestablishment generation depicted in the strip.
miR-142-3pbalances proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal cells during lung development
Authors: Carraro Gianni , Shrestha Amit , Rostkovius Jana , Contreras Adriana , Chao Cho-Ming , El Agha Elie , MacKenzie Breanne , Dilai Salma , Guidolin Diego , Taketo Makoto Mark , Günther Andreas , Kumar Maya E. , Seeger Werner , De Langhe Stijn , Barreto Guillermo , Bellusci Saverio
Published: February 2014

The regulation of the balance between proliferation and differentiation in the mesenchymal compartment of the lung is largely uncharacterized, unlike its epithelial counterpart. In this study, we determined that miR-142-3p contributes to the proper proliferation of mesenchymal progenitors by controlling the level of WNT signaling. miR-142-3p can physically bind to adenomatous polyposis coli mRNA, functioning to regulate its expression level. In miR-142-3p loss-of-function experiments, proliferation of parabronchial smooth muscle cell progenitors is significantly impaired, leading to premature differentiation. Activation of WNT signaling in the mesenchyme, or Apc loss of function, can both rescue miR-142-3p knockdown. These findings show that in the embryonic lung mesenchyme, the microRNA machinery modulates the level of WNT signaling, adding an extra layer of control in the feedback loop between FGFR2C and β-catenin-mediated WNT signaling.
Selective Liquid–Liquid Extraction of Uranyl Species Using Task-specific Ionic Liquid, Betainium Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide
Authors: Sasaki Kotoe , Suzuki Tomoya , Mori Takahiro , Arai Tsuyoshi , Takao Koichiro , Ikeda Yasuhisa
Published: February 2014

Extraction behavior of U(VI) species from aqueous HNO3 solution to [Hbet][Tf2N] or [TMPA][Tf2N] phase (Hbet: betainium, TMPA: N,N,N-trimethyl-N-propylammonium, Tf2N: bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide) has been studied. It was found that the extractability (E) is 62% in the extraction from 0.01 M HNO3 to [Hbet][Tf2N] and decreases with an increase in [HNO3] and that the U(VI) species are not extracted into [TMPA][Tf2N] phase. These results suggest that the extraction of U(VI) species is due to the complex formation of UO22+ with the COO− group of deprotonated betaine (bet). Furthermore, other metal species such as Na(I) and Al(III) in 0.01 M HNO3 solution were found to be hardly extracted.
Rapid Synthesis of 62Zn-Labeled S-Glycosylated Porphyrin as Positron Emission Tomography Tracers for In Vivo PET Imaging
Authors: Tamura Masato , Matsui Hirofumi , Hirohara Shiho , Kakiuchi Kiyomi , Tanihara Masao , Takahashi Naruto , Nakai Kozi , Kanai Yasukazu , Watabe Hiroshi , Hatazawa Jun
Published: February 2014

Positron emission tomography (PET) with [18F]-FDG can display cancerous activity depending on glucose uptake. Consequently, different PET tracers with different metabolisms are needed for further indication. We have developed multifunctional PET agents by combining 62Zn2+ ion with laserphyrin® and bisglycosylated 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrins (H2Glccis-2 and H2Glctrans-2), which can be easily synthesized and have a half-life of 9 h. 62Zn-Labeled chemicals were successfully detected as PET signals in vivo and showed PDT-induced cell death by photoirradiation.
Motivation and Interest of Pupils with Musculoskeletal Pathologies to Adaptive Physical Training
Authors: �������  , Kozlova Mariya
Published: February 2014

Now in modern sports and pedagogical scientific literature it is paid more and more attention to problems of adaptive physical training development.

At the same time the organization of training and rehabilitations of children and pupils with disability is a low-studied problem. Important problem of

physical education is a motive formation to physical training and sport. This task solution is possible only at accounting of those leading requirements

which define person�s activity. In this paper a question related to dependence of physical abilities of children with health deviations from their motivation

level is raised. Technique introduction results have been shown: increase in lessons� game part, loading individualization, working with heterogeneous

groups, carrying out a more after-hour actions. Motivation increase recommendations for pupils of correctional educational institutions are made.
Change of Teacher�s Professional Activity Components in a New Information and Communication Educational Environment
Authors: �����������  , Abdurazakov Magomed , �����  , Aziev R.
Published: February 2014

Use of means related to information and communication technologies (ICT) in continuous education system promotes a training of future informatics

teacher owning skills of ICT means use in his professional activity, capable to make effective decisions in dynamically changing working conditions.

In connection with this it is possible to predict that in continuous education more and more important part will be assigned to self-training and selfeducation.

Furthermore, in continuous education system formation an important role is played by formation of corresponding information and communication

educational environment (ICEE). In this aspect the problem of future informatics teacher training to professional activity in the new ICEE is

considered in the paper.
Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union as an Instrument of Fiscal Policy Coordination in the European Union
Authors: Kotliński Kamil
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study is to assess the Treaty on Stability, Coordinationand Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union as an instrument fiscalpolicy coordination and identify some of the consequences that potentially carriesits use. All EU-members conduct independent fiscal policies, regardless of whetherthey are members of the euro zone or not. It is now known that one of the immediatecauses of the crisis in part the euro zone countries was permanent crossingfiscal convergence criteria as a result of an erroneous and irresponsible fiscalpolicy. Used so far forms of coordination of fiscal policies were too weak to preventthe destabilization of the Member States' public finances. The crisis has becomethe impetus for build deeper integration in the area of fiscal policy. Treaty onStability, Coordination and Management, called briefly Fiscal Compact or TSCG,is another instrument of fiscal policy coordination in the European Union. In largepart it is a repetition and a little evolution of the Stability and Growth Pact. Thisstudy indicated some disadvantages of the Fiscal Compact, what has the potentialto lead to its inefficiency. These are: reference to the structural balance, which isa relatively small transparency budgetary rule for the public opinion and becauseof the existence of several competing methods for its calculation; the Treaty providesfor the possibility of "extraordinary circumstances" and does not specify theterm balanced budget, which is a softening of fiscal discipline and opens opportunitiesfor political bargaining; financial penalties imposed on overdebt governmentswill not improve their situation. The Treaty on Stability, Management and Coordination does not constitute a breakthrough in the coordination of fiscal policiesin the European Union.
Macroeconomic Functions of the European Union Budget and the Multinational Financial Framework for 2014-2020
Authors: Wichowska Anna
Published: February 2014

This study aims to identify macroeconomic functions of the EuropeanUnion budget and an indication of the possibilities and extent of the impact of thebudget on the economy of the Community, as well as evaluating the functions performedon the background of Multiannual Financial Framework for 2014-2020.The budget of the European Union – despite many different opinions – can actsand actually performs close macro functions which are attributed to the modernnational budgets. In order to demonstrate the veracity of this claim there werereviewed literature on the economic functions of the national budget, and it wasreferenced to the regulations of the functioning of the general budget of the EuropeanUnion. This demonstrated the specificity and limitations of the impact of thisbudget on the economies of the Member States. Functions which are performed bythe European Union budget were analyzed against the Multiannual FinancialFramework for 2014-2020. The result of this study shows that the budget of theEuropean Union performs five of the traditional functions of the state budget:redistributive, allocative, stimulus, information and control, and fiscal. But it doesnot perform the stabilizing function. The specificity of the impact of the EU budgetshows the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2014-2020, which includesa particularly difficult period in the history of the Community – a period of recoveryfrom the financial and economic crisis, as well as discussions and seekinga compromise on the shape and the possible strengthening of European integration in support of the primary instrument of fiscal policy, which is the budget. Currentissues are therefore discussed in this paper, which are part of a Europe-wide debateon the future of the Community.
Economic Crisis in Croatia
Authors: Kubiszewska Katarzyna
Published: February 2014

Croatia is becoming the 28th member of the European Union on July1st, 2013. Croatia has gone a long way from a socialist republic to an independentcountry recognized as one of the economic tigers of the Western Balkans in thefirst decade of the 21st century.Croatia has been hit by the global crisis, which turned out to be a huge externalshock for the region of the Western Balkans. Although it does not enter theeconomy through the direct channels, as local banks have not been engaged intoxic assets trade, but indirect channels, like the decrease of FDI, which deepensforeign trade deficits, slow credit growth or decrease of remittance which lead toeconomic disturbances during the last phase of the European integration process.Small economies, like Croatia, are exposed much more to the effects of any disturbanceson the international scene. They are dependent on foreign trade and the inflow of FDI, while their demand and inflation rate are affected by the pace of changes in big economies.The article addresses the problem of economic development in the countrywhich needs to deal with a problem of the economic crisis infection and the EUintegration process. The article studies the economic situation in Croatia which is the consequence of a recovery plan undertaken by the Croatian government.
Exploring Foreign Direct Investment from Poland Using Grounded Theory Method
Authors: Götz Marta
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study, conducted as part of the project “Polish directinvestment in the mature markets of Western Europe”, was to propose a new concept,along the lines of a grounded theory, and emerging from the empirical data,seeking to explain the phenomenon of Polish investment abroad. Following methodologicalguidelines (GTM, or grounded theory method), including the steps ofsampling, sorting and coding data, resulted in an analytic scheme that may providea framework for the study of Polish FDI (foreign direct investment), particularly inthe Western Europe. The results indicate that foreign expansion is sometimes regardedas a guarantee of a firm’s continued existence in Poland and beyond.A certain syncretism, or dialectic nature, of Polish investment in the markets ofWestern Europe, which may reflect the specific nature of FDI and may serve asa practical measure of this “diversity,” was identified in the course of this work.The results should enrich the existing literature concerning the relatively weaklyconceptualized categories of Polish foreign investment and should contribute to thefurther development of research on this issue.
Examining the Impact of Ranking on Consumer Behavior and Search Engine Revenue
Authors: Ghose Anindya , Ipeirotis Panagiotis G. , Li Beibei
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we study the effects of three different kinds of search engine rankings on consumer behavior and search engine revenues: direct ranking effect, interaction effect between ranking and product ratings, and personalized ranking effect. We combine a hierarchical Bayesian model estimated on approximately one million online sessions from Travelocity, together with randomized experiments using a real-world hotel search engine application. Our archival data analysis and randomized experiments are consistent in demonstrating the following: (1) A consumer-utility-based ranking mechanism can lead to a significant increase in overall search engine revenue. (2) Significant interplay occurs between search engine ranking and product ratings. An inferior position on the search engine affects “higher-class” hotels more adversely. On the other hand, hotels with a lower customer rating are more likely to benefit from being placed on the top of the screen. These findings illustrate that product search engines could benefit from directly incorporating signals from social media into their ranking algorithms. (3) Our randomized experiments also reveal that an “active” personalized ranking system (wherein users can interact with and customize the ranking algorithm) leads to higher clicks but lower purchase propensities and lower search engine revenue compared with a “passive” personalized ranking system (wherein users cannot interact with the ranking algorithm). This result suggests that providing more information during the decision-making process may lead to fewer consumer purchases because of information overload. Therefore, product search engines should not adopt personalized ranking systems by default. Overall, our study unravels the economic impact of ranking and its interaction with social media on product search engines.

This paper was accepted by Lorin Hitt, information systems.
Integral Simplex Using Decomposition for the Set Partitioning Problem
Authors: Zaghrouti Abdelouahab , Soumis François , El Hallaoui Issmail
Published: February 2014

Since the 1970s, several authors have studied the structure of the set partitioning polytope and proposed adaptations of the simplex algorithm that find an optimal solution via a sequence of basic integer solutions. Balas and Padberg in 1972 proved the existence of such a sequence with nonincreasing costs, but degeneracy makes it difficult to find the terms of the sequence. This paper uses ideas from the improved primal simplex to deal efficiently with degeneracy and find subsequent terms in the sequence. When there is no entering variable that leads to a better integer solution, the algorithm referred to as the integral simplex using decomposition algorithm uses a subproblem to find a group of variables to enter into the basis in order to obtain such a solution. We improve the Balas and Padberg results by introducing a constructive method that finds this sequence by only using normal pivots on positive coefficients. We present results for large-scale problems (with up to 500,000 variables) for which optimal integer solutions are often obtained without any branching.
Cost Analysis of Premixed Multichamber Bags versus Compounded Parenteral Nutrition: Breakeven Point
Authors: Bozat Erkut , Korubuk Gamze , Onar Pelin , Abbasoglu Osman
Published: February 2014

Background

Industrially premixed multichamber bags or hospital-manufactured compounded products can be used for parenteral nutrition. The aim of this study was to compare the cost of these 2 approaches.

Materials and Methods

Costs of compounded parenteral nutrition bags in an university hospital were calculated. A total of 600 bags that were administered during 34 days between December 10, 2009 and February 17, 2010 were included in the analysis. For quality control, specific gravity evaluation of the filled bags was performed.

Results

It was calculated that the variable cost of a hospital compounded bag was $26.15. If we take the annual fixed costs into consideration, the production cost reaches $36.09 for each unit. It was estimated that the cost for the corresponding multichamber bag was $37.79. Taking the fixed and the variable costs into account, the breakeven point of the hospital compounded and the premixed multichamber bags was seen at 5,404 units per year. In specific gravity evaluation, it was observed that the mean and interval values were inside the upper and lower control margins.

Conclusion

In this analysis, usage of hospital-compounded parenteral nutrition bags showed a cost advantage in hospitals that treat more than 15 patients per day. In small volume hospitals, premixed multichamber bags may be more beneficial.
Effects of Etomidate on Adrenal Suppression: A Review of Intubated Septic Patients
Authors: Thompson Bastin Melissa L. , Baker Stephanie N. , Weant Kyle A.
Published: February 2014

Background

Etomidate is a commonly used sedative during rapid sequence intubation (RSI). Septic patients are at an increased risk of independently developing adrenal suppression, which has been associated with increased mortality in some studies. Since etomidate affects cortisol production, its use in septic patients is controversial. However, data are still lacking to prove that etomidate should be avoided in this patient population.

Objectives

The objective was to review patients diagnosed with sepsis who received etomidate during RSI. Our hypothesis is that patients who receive etomidate will experience clinically significant hypotension within the first 24 hours of intubation.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients intubated in the emergency department (ED) and medical/surgical floors at our institution from 2004 to 2010. Once patients with a diagnosis of sepsis were identified, it was determined whether the patients received etomidate or a different sedative during intubation. The primary endpoint was clinically significant hypotension: systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg or mean arterial pressure <60 mm Hg.

Results

One hundred fifty-seven patients, 110 etomidate and 47 non-etomidate, were included in the final analysis. Hypotension was seen in 79 (71.8%) patients who received etomidate and in 14 (29.8%) patients who received another sedative ( P ≤ .001). There were no statistically significant differences in secondary objectives.

Conclusion

Etomidate use for induction of anesthesia during RSI was associated with clinically significant hypotension when compared to other sedatives. The hypotension was transient and did not translate into statistically significant differences in the secondary clinical endpoints.
Approvals, Submission, and Important Labeling Changes for US Marketed Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Baker Danial E.
Published: February 2014

This monthly feature will help readers keep current on new drugs, new indications, dosage forms, and safety-related changes in labeling or use. Efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this information; however, if there are any questions, please let me know at danial.baker@wsu.edu .
Population Growth Characteristics of Incipient Colonies of the Eastern Subterranean Termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Janowiecki Mark A. , Jones Susan C. , Bryant Joshua L.
Published: February 2014

Growth of Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) incipient colonies during their first year was documented via a monthly destructive sampling census of 15 unique colonies, each headed by an inbred primary pair, for a total of 180 colonies. King and queen biomass greatly decreased during the first 2 months, coinciding with egg production and colony foundation, but their biomass remained relatively constant thereafter. Three cohorts of eggs were produced, with the greatest number of eggs (mean = 14.5) during the first month. Larvae were present at 1 month, and workers were first observed at 2 months. The survival rate of the initial brood was less than 100%, most likely due to cannibalism. A single soldier was first noted in some colonies at 6 months. Offspring biomass was equal to that of the reproductive pair at the 2-month census, double at 3 months, and quadruple at 11 months. One-year-old colonies ranged in size from 20 to 40 individuals, with an average of 28.9 individuals; total colony biomass was 39.8 mg. The growth rate of these R. flavipes colonies was much slower than was reported in other studies, but our observations are consistent with previous models and suggestions regarding colony growth.
Variation in the Transmission Near-Infrared Signal with Depth in Turbid Media
Authors: Kellichan Nicola , Nordon Alison , Matousek Pavel , Littlejohn David , McGeorge Gary
Published: February 2014

Transmission near-infrared (NIR) measurements of a 1 mm thick aspirin disk were made at different positions as it was moved through a stack of eight 0.5 mm thick disks of microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel). The magnitude of the first derivative of absorbance for the aspirin interlayer at 8934 cm−1 was lower when the disk was placed at the top or bottom of the stack of Avicel disks, with the largest signal observed when the aspirin was positioned at the central positions. The variation in signal with depth is consistent with that observed previously for transmission Raman spectrometry. In both cases, the trend observed can be attributed to lower photon density at the air-sample interface, relative to the center of the sample, owing to loss of photons to the air. This results in a reduction in the number of photons absorbed or Raman photons generated and subsequently detected when the interlayer occupies a near-surface position.
Determination of Antimony by Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Panarin Andrei Yu. , Khodasevich Inna A. , Gladkova Olga L. , Terekhov Sergei N.
Published: February 2014

A highly sensitive method for the detection and quantitative evaluation of antimony(III) using the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique is demonstrated. The method is based on the analysis of SERS spectra intensity of antimony bound to phenylfluorone (Sb-PhF). Phenylfluorone is widely used as an organic reagent for the spectrophotometric determination of some heavy metals. For the SERS experiment a Sb-PhF complex was adsorbed onto the silvered porous silicon substrate. The significant degradation of the SERS signal was observed during measurements in the air. The time evolution of SERS spectra at ambient and degassed conditions was investigated to find an optimal regime for SERS measurements. The limit of Sb detection in degassed samples was determined to be near 1 ng/mL, which is one order of magnitude less than that attainable by the photometric approach. The linear range of the method to Sb(III) was found to a mass concentration range of 1–10 ng/mL. This approach permits an absolute quantity of Sb(III) to be detected at the picogram level (∼50 pg). It is remarkable that a very small sample volume (50 μL) is required for SERS analysis. Moreover this technique offers high selectivity owing to the distinctive vibrational features for the metallorganic complex and to the resonance character of Raman spectra. The proposed SERS-based detection of Sb is a fast and highly sensitive method for use in environmental and industrial waste monitoring as well as for forensic science to determine gunshot residue. We expect that the approach reported herein can be further extended to develop new detection techniques for other heavy metals.
Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Detection of Ammonium Nitrate Samples Fabricated Using Drop-on-Demand Inkjet Technology
Authors: Farrell Mikella E. , Holthoff Ellen L. , Pellegrino Paul M.
Published: February 2014

The United States Army and the first responder community are increasingly focusing efforts on energetic materials detection and identification. Main hazards encountered in theater include homemade explosives and improvised explosive devices, in part fabricated from simple components like ammonium nitrate (AN). In order to accurately detect and identify these unknowns (energetic or benign), fielded detection systems must be accurately trained using well-understood universal testing substrates. These training substrates must contain target species at known concentrations and recognized polymorphic phases. Ammonium nitrate is an explosive precursor material that demonstrates several different polymorphic phases dependent upon how the material is deposited onto testing substrates. In this paper, known concentrations of AN were uniformly deposited onto commercially available surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates using a drop-on-demand inkjet printing system. The phase changes observed after the deposition of AN under several solvent conditions are investigated. Characteristics of the collected SERS spectra of AN are discussed, and it is demonstrated that an understanding of the exact nature of the AN samples deposited will result in an increased ability to accurately and reliably “train” hazard detection systems.
Interactions between the Antifungal Drug Myclobutanil and Gold and Silver Nanoparticles in Penicillium digitatum Investigated by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Cho Eun-Min , Singh Dheeraj K. , Ganbold Erdene-Ochir , Dembereldorj Uuriintuya , Jang Seok-Won , Kim Doseok , Choo Jaebum , Kim Sehun , Lee Cheol Min , Yang Sung Ik , Joo Sang-Woo
Published: February 2014

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of an antifungal reagent, myclobutanil (MCB), was performed on Au and Ag nanoparticles (NPs) to estimate the drug-release behaviors in fungal cells. A density functional theory (DFT) calculation was introduced to predict a favorable binding site of MCB to either the Ag or Au atom. Myclobutanil was presumed to bind more strongly to Au than to Ag in their most stable, optimized geometries of the N4 atom in its 1,2,4-triazole unit binding to the metal atom. Strong intensities were observed in the Ag SERS spectra only at acidic pH values, whereas the most prominent peaks in the Au SERS spectra of MCB matched quite well with those of 1,2,4-triazole regardless of pH conditions. The Raman spectral intensities of the MCB-assembled Ag and Au NPs decreased after treatment with either potato dextrose agar (PDA) or glutathione (GSH). Darkfield microscopy and confocal SERS were performed to analyze the MCB-assembled metal NPs inside Penicillium digitatum fungal cells. The results suggested that MCB was released from the metal NPs in the intracellular GSH in the fungi because we observed only fungal cell peaks.