bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community, transnationalism, and the Left-Right metaphor
Authors: White Jonathan
Published: March 2012

The imagery of Left and Right has been a common way to conceive democratic politics in modern Europe, and commentators have suggested it be extended to the European Union. This article examines the normative implications and plausibility of European politics being cast in these terms. It focuses on the challenges of rendering political division recognizable and acceptable at a transnational level, of evoking its continuities of structure, and of symbolizing the ties of political community. The article probes the Left–Right dichotomy’s potential in these regards, together with the conjunctural factors likely to raise or diminish its appeal.
Configuring a spectral power distribution for effective colour rendering
Authors: Xu H
Published: March 2012

Effective colour rendering can be said to occur when the colour appearances of differently coloured objects are significantly different from each other and occupy a large volume in colour space. A measure called the colour rendering capacity (CRC) is introduced to assess whether a given light source assists effective colour rendering. By calculating the CRC, a range of computer-simulated spectral power distributions are examined and two spectral band positions leading to exceptionally high CRC are identified. The gamut area index (GAI) is also calculated. A very significant correlation between GAI and CRC is observed, suggesting that the GAI could be equally useful in assessing the effectiveness of colour rendering.
Surface modification and smart functionalization of polyester-containing fabrics
Authors: Ibrahim NA , Eid BM , Youssef MA , Ameen HA , Salah AM
Published: March 2012

Antibacterial activities and UV-blocking properties of polyethylene terephthalate (polyester) containing fabrics are easily achieved by surface modification via alkaline hydrolysis, to generate surface carboxyl groups on polyester component, followed by treatment with certain basic dyes, metal salts, or antibiotic. The results showed that the improvement in antibacterial activities and anti-UV-B protection properties are governed by the type of substrate (polyester > polyester/viscose > polyester/cotton), the pretreatment history (alkali-treated > untreated), and type of basic dye (C.I. Basic Blue 9 > C.I. Basic Red 24). On the other hand, the extent of improvement in both the antibacterial efficacy against Gram-positive ( Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative ( Escherichia coli) bacteria and the UV-protection properties are governed by the nature of loaded metal ion and followed the decreasing orders (Zn > Cu) and (Cu > Zn), respectively. Additionally, the results proved that post-treatment of modified substrates with Doxymycin® antibiotic brings about a significant enhancement in antibacterial activity along with an improvement in the UV-blocking properties regardless of the used substrate. After 10 washing cycles, the imparted functional properties show some reduction. Possible reaction mechanisms have been given.
Therapeutic Regimen Options for Isolated Superior Mesenteric Artery Dissection
Authors: Zhang Xicheng , Sun Yuan , Chen Zhaolei , Li Xiaoqiang
Published: March 2012

Objective: To summarize the reproducible experience obtained during the treatment of superior mesenteric artery dissection (SMAD) and to investigate the therapeutic options for this condition. Methods: The clinical data from 10 patients with SMAD were retrospectively analyzed, including 6 patients receiving conservative therapy, 2 patients receiving endovascular stenting, 1 patient receiving dissecting aneurysm resection plus vascular prosthesis grafting, and 1 patient receiving thrombectomy plus intimectomy. Results: For the 6 patients subjected to the conservative therapy, the symptoms were thoroughly under control without relapse during the follow-up; for the 2 patients receiving endovascular stenting, the computed tomography (CT) examination performed during the follow-up demonstrated a patent true lumen and an occluded false lumen; for the patient with dissecting aneurysm resection plus vascular prosthesis grafting, a short dissection was observed at the distal end of the vascular prosthesis but without progression during the 14-month follow-up period; for the patient with thrombectomy plus intimectomy, postoperatively, the patient experienced diarrhea, body weight loss, and hypoproteinemia, and CT scanning demonstrated segmental SMA occlusions, which were not fully remitted by conservative therapy until the application of endovascular stenting 4 months later. Conclusions: The therapeutic regimen for isolated SMAD should be established based on the clinical symptoms of the patient and the hemodynamic status in SMA. The conservative therapy is mainly indicated for the asymptomatic patients or those with short-term symptoms, while the endovascular or surgical therapy should be recommended for those with persistent intestinal ischemia-related symptoms, rupture of artery, and/or obvious aneurysmal false lumen dilation at a high risk of rupture.
Bringing Back the System
Authors: Jetten Jolanda , Haslam S. Alexander , Barlow Fiona Kate
Published: March 2012

Why are conservatives happier than liberals? Napier and Jost (2008) argue that this is because conservative ideology has a palliative (system-justifying) function that protects conservatives’ (but not liberals’) happiness. We develop another rationale for this effect and argue that we need to examine how ideology (e.g., conservatism) is embedded in the social system and people’s own place within it. In a study ( N = 816), we find that conservatives are more satisfied with life than liberals and that conservatism is associated with higher socioeconomic status (SES). Taking SES as a starting point, we find that those with high SES have access to more group memberships and that this is associated with higher life satisfaction. We failed to replicate Napier and Jost’s finding that system-justifying ideology mediated the relationship between conservatism and life satisfaction. We conclude that conservatives may be happier than liberals because their high SES gives them access to more group memberships.
Efficacy of vorinostat in a murine model of polycythemia vera
Authors: Akada Hajime , Akada Saeko , Gajra Ajeet , Bair Alicia , Graziano Stephen , Hutchison Robert E. , Mohi Golam
Published: March 2012

The discovery of the JAK2V617F mutation in most patients with Ph-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms has led to the development of JAK2 kinase inhibitors. However, JAK2 inhibitor therapy has shown limited efficacy and dose-limiting hematopoietic toxicities in clinical trials. In the present study, we describe the effects of vorinostat, a small-molecule inhibitor of histone deacetylase, against cells expressing JAK2V617F and in an animal model of polycythemia vera (PV). We found that vorinostat markedly inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in cells expressing JAK2V617F. In addition, vorinostat significantly inhibited JAK2V617F-expressing mouse and human PV hematopoietic progenitors. Biochemical analyses revealed significant inhibition of phosphorylation of JAK2, Stat5, Stat3, Akt, and Erk1/2 in vorinostat-treated, JAK2V617F-expressing human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells. Expression of JAK2V617F and several other genes, including GATA1, KLF1, FOG1, SCL, C/EPBα, PU.1, and NF-E2, was significantly down-regulated, whereas the expression of SOCS1 and SOCS3 was up-regulated by vorinostat treatment. More importantly, we observed that vorinostat treatment normalized the peripheral blood counts and markedly reduced splenomegaly in Jak2V617F knock-in mice compared with placebo treatment. Vorinostat treatment also decreased the mutant allele burden in mice. Our results suggest that vorinostat may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of PV and other JAK2V617F-associated myeloproliferative neoplasms.
Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis: right track or red herring?
Authors: Ghia Paolo , Caligaris-Cappio Federico
Published: March 2012

Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL), a newly recognized entity found in approximately 3% of normal persons, precedes chronic lymphocytic leukemia. However, MBLs progress into overt malignancy only in a very minor portion of cases, thus raising the clinical concern of whether and how we can discriminate at diagnosis which rare cases will evolve into a fully fledged tumor. Understanding the molecular/biologic features underlying the risk of progression may significantly modify our strategies for correctly managing B-cell premalignant states. MBL cells bear the same chromosomal abnormalities of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Genome-wide sequencing and animal models indicate that genetic abnormalities disrupting the control of cell growth and survival cooperate with microenvironment-triggered events, mainly represented by antigen-mediated B-cell receptor and coreceptor stimulation, to trigger and fuel clonal expansion. The initial functional activation of survival/proliferation pathways may later become subsidized by autonomous genetic abnormalities (eg, a single mutation) affecting the same or parallel critical signaling pathway(s).
Cured meat consumption increases risk of readmission in COPD patients
Authors: de Batlle Jordi , Mendez Michelle , Romieu Isabelle , Balcells Eva , Benet Marta , Donaire-Gonzalez David , Ferrer Jaume J. , Orozco-Levi Mauricio , Antó Josep M. , Garcia-Aymerich Judith ,   the PAC-COPD Study Group
Published: March 2012

Recent studies have shown that a high dietary intake of cured meat increases the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) development. However, its potential effects on COPD evolution have not been tested. We aimed to assess the association between dietary intake of cured meat and risk of COPD readmission in COPD patients.

274 COPD patients were recruited during their first COPD admission between 2004 and 2006, provided information on dietary intake of cured meat during the previous 2 yrs, and were followed until December 31, 2007 (median follow-up 2.6 yrs). Associations between cured meat intake and COPD admissions were assessed using parametric regression survival–time models.

Mean±sdage was 68±8 yrs, 93% of patients were male, 42% were current smokers, mean post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)was 53±16% predicted, and median cured meat intake was 23 g·day−1. After adjusting for age, FEV1, and total caloric intake, high cured meat intake (more than median value) increased the risk of COPD readmission (adjusted HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.31–3.12; p=0.001).

High cured meat consumption increases the risk of COPD readmission in COPD patients. The assessment of the effectiveness of healthy diet advice should be considered in the future.
Evidence of unexpected oxidative stress in airways of adolescents born very pre-term
Authors: Filippone Marco , Bonetto Gea , Corradi Massimo , Frigo Anna Chiara , Baraldi Eugenio
Published: March 2012

Prematurity and its main respiratory complication, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), are potentially associated with lifelong respiratory morbidities and/or lung function abnormalities. The mechanisms behind these long-term respiratory problems are still unclear.

We assessed airway oxidative stress in adolescents born very pre-term (≤32 gestational weeks) by measuring 8-isoprostane concentration in exhaled breath condensate (EBC). In addition, the study protocol included spirometry and measurement of exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FeNO).

The study groups included 34 ex-pre-term adolescents with BPD, 18 ex-pre-term adolescents without BPD and 34 healthy controls born at term.

Regardless of a history of BPD, the ex-premature adolescents had higher EBC 8-isoprostane levels (median (interquartile range) BPD 9.5 (7.3–12.2) pg·mL−1; pre-term non-BPD 10 (8.1–16) pg·mL−1) than the controls (3.2 (1.9–6.5) pg·mL−1) (p<0.001). Forced expiratory volume in 1 s was lower in the BPD group (mean±sdZ-score -2.1±1.58) than in the pre-term non-BPD individuals (-1.13±1.15), who showed in turn significantly lower values than the controls (0.18±0.83; p<0.001).FeNOwas similar in the three groups (p=0.55).

Our data show that, after premature birth, evidence of oxidative stress in the airways may be detected into adolescence, suggesting that long-term respiratory abnormalities after pre-term birth may be associated with an ongoing airway disease and not just a stabilised structural lung damage.
Dose response of continuous positive airway pressure on nasal symptoms, obstruction and inflammationin vivoandin vitro
Authors: AlAhmari Mohammed D. , Sapsford Raymond J. , Wedzicha Jadwiga A. , Hurst John R.
Published: March 2012

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a common condition associated with cardiovascular risk. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment but is associated with nasal side-effects, which hinder compliance and may result from inflammation.

We investigated whether CPAP was pro-inflammatory to human subjectsin vivo, and to cultured bronchial epithelial cellsin vitro.In vivo, we further investigated whether induction of nasal inflammation was associated with the development of systemic inflammation, nasal symptoms and changes in nasal mucociliary clearance.

In vitro, CPAP resulted in cytokine release from cultured BEAS-2B cells in a time- and dose (pressure)-dependent manner.In vivo, CPAP resulted in dose-dependent upregulation of nasal inflammatory markers associated with the development of nasal symptoms, and reduced mucociliary clearance. CPAP also upregulated selected markers of systemic inflammation.

CPAP results in dose-dependent release of inflammatory cytokines from human epithelial cellsin vitroandin vivo.In vivoresponses were associated with systemic inflammation, reductions in nasal mucociliary function and the development of nasal symptoms. This emphasises the need for novel strategies to reduce nasal inflammation and therefore aid compliance.
Factors influencing the decline in lung density in a Danish lung cancer screening cohort
Authors: Shaker Saher B. , Dirksen Asger , Lo Pechin , Skovgaard Lene T. , de Bruijne Marleen , Pedersen Jesper H.
Published: March 2012

Lung cancer screening trials provide an opportunity to study the natural history of emphysema by using computed tomography (CT) lung density as a surrogate parameter.

In the Danish Lung Cancer Screening Trial, 2,052 participants were included. At screening rounds, smoking habits were recorded and spirometry was performed. CT lung density was measured as the volume-adjusted 15th percentile density (PD15). A mixed effects model was used with former smoking males with <30 pack-yrs and without airflow obstruction (AFO) at entry as a reference group.

At study entry, 893 (44%) participants had AFO. For the reference group, PD15 was 72.6 g·L−1with an annual decline of -0.33 g·L−1. Female sex and current smoking increased PD15 at baseline, 17.3 g·L−1(p<0.001) and 10 g·L−1(p<0.001), respectively; and both increased the annual decline in PD15 (female: -0.3 g·L−1; current smoking: -0.4 g·L−1). The presence and severity of AFO was a strong predictor of low PD15 at baseline (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) I: -1.4 g·L−1; GOLD II: -6.3 g·L−1; GOLD III: -17 g·L−1) and of increased annual decline in PD15 (GOLD I: -0.2 g·L−1; GOLD II: -0.5 g·L−1; GOLD III: -0.5 g·L−1).

Female sex, active smoking and the presence of AFO are associated with accelerated decline in lung density.
Anticancer property of Bryophyllum pinnata (Lam.) Oken. leaf on human cervical cancer cells
Authors: Mahata Sutapa , Maru Saurabh , Shukla Shirish , Pandey Arvind , Mugesh G , Das Bhudev C , Bharti Alok C
Published: March 2012

Background

Bryophyllum pinnata (B. pinnata) is a common medicinal plant used in traditional medicine of India and of other countries for curing various infections, bowel diseases, healing wounds and other ailments. However, its anticancer properties are poorly defined. In view of broad spectrum therapeutic potential of B. pinnata we designed a study to examine anti-cancer and anti-Human Papillomavirus (HPV) activities in its leaf extracts and tried to isolate its active principle.

Methods

A chloroform extract derived from a bulk of botanically well-characterized pulverized B. pinnata leaves was separated using column chromatography with step- gradient of petroleum ether and ethyl acetate. Fractions were characterized for phyto-chemical compounds by TLC, HPTLC and NMR and Biological activity of the fractions were examined by MTT-based cell viability assay, Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay, Northern blotting and assay of apoptosis related proteins by immunoblotting in human cervical cancer cells.

Results

Results showed presence of growth inhibitory activity in the crude leaf extracts with IC50 at 552 μg/ml which resolved to fraction F4 (Petroleum Ether: Ethyl Acetate:: 50:50) and showed IC50 at 91 μg/ml. Investigations of anti-viral activity of the extract and its fraction revealed a specific anti-HPV activity on cervical cancer cells as evidenced by downregulation of constitutively active AP1 specific DNA binding activity and suppression of oncogenic c-Fos and c-Jun expression which was accompanied by inhibition of HPV18 transcription. In addition to inhibiting growth, fraction F4 strongly induced apoptosis as evidenced by an increased expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax, suppression of the anti-apoptotic molecules Bcl-2, and activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of PARP-1. Phytochemical analysis of fraction F4 by HPTLC and NMR indicated presence of activity that resembled Bryophyllin A.

Conclusions

Our study therefore demonstrates presence of anticancer and anti-HPV an activity in B. pinnata leaves that can be further exploited as a potential anticancer, anti-HPV therapeutic for treatment of HPV infection and cervical cancer.
Species and tissue-specificity of prokinetic, laxative and spasmodic effects of Fumaria parviflora
Authors: Najeeb-ur-Rehman  , Mehmood Malik Hassan , Al-Rehaily Adnan J , Mothana Ramzi AA , Gilani Anwar H
Published: March 2012

Background

Fumaria parviflora Linn. (Fumariaceae), is a small branched annual herb found in many parts of the world including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. This study was designed to provide pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of Fumaria parviflora in gut motility disorders.

Methods

The in-vivo prokinetic and laxative assays were conducted in mice. Isolated intestinal preparations (ileum and jejunum) from different animal species (mouse, guinea-pig and rabbit) were separately suspended in tissue baths containing Tyrode's solution bubbled with carbogen and maintained at 37°C. The spasmogenic responses were recorded using isotonic transducers coupled with PowerLab data acquisition system.

Results

The aqueous-methanol extract of Fumaria parviflora (Fp.Cr), which tested positive for the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins and anthraquinones showed partially atropine-sensitive prokinetic and laxative activities in the in-vivo in mice at 30 and 100 mg/kg. In the in-vitro studies, Fp.Cr (0.01-1 mg/ml) caused a concentration-dependent atropine-sensitive stimulatory effect both in mouse tissues (jejunum and ileum), and rabbit jejunum but had no effect in rabbit ileum. In guinea-pig tissues (ileum and jejunum), the crude extract showed a concentration-dependent stimulatory effect with higher efficacy in ileum and the effect was partially blocked by atropine, indicating the involvement of more than one types of gut-stimulant components (atropine-sensitive and insensitive). This could be a plausible reason for the greater efficacy of Fp.Cr in gut preparations of guinea-pig than in rabbit or mouse.

Conclusions

This study shows the prokinetic, laxative and spasmodic effects of the plant extract partially mediated through cholinergic pathways with species and tissue-selectivity, and provides a sound rationale for the medicinal use of Fumaria parviflora in gut motility disorders such as, indigestion and constipation. This study also suggests using different species to know better picture of pharmacological profile of the test material.
The independent association between parathyroid hormone levels and hyperuricemia: a national population study
Authors: Hui Janet Y , Choi Jee Woong J , Mount David B , Zhu Yanyan , Zhang Yuqing , Choi Hyon K
Published: March 2012

Introduction

Increased frequencies of hyperuricemia and gout have been associated with primary hyperparathyroidism, and recent clinical trials of parathyroid hormone (PTH) have reported hyperuricemic adverse events. We evaluated the potential population impact of PTH on serum uric acid (SUA) levels by using a nationally representative sample of United States adults.

Methods

By using data from 8,316 participants aged 18 years and older in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003 to 2006, we examined the relation between serum PTH and SUA levels with weighted linear regression. Additionally, we examined the relation with hyperuricemia by using weighted logistic regression.

Results

SUA levels increased with increasing serum PTH concentration. After adjusting for age, sex, dietary factors, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and other potentially related biomarkers (calcium, phosphorus, alkaline-phosphatase, 25-hydroxyvitamin D), the SUA level differences from the bottom (referent) to top quintiles of serum PTH levels were 0, 8, 13, 14, and 19 μM (95% CI, 12 to 26; P for trend, < 0.001). These estimates were larger among renally impaired individuals (multivariate SUA difference between the extreme quintiles of PTH, 26 versus 15 μM among those with GFR ≥ 60 versus < 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, respectively) (P for interaction = 0.004). The odds of hyperuricemia by various definitions increased with increasing PTH levels as well (multivariate P values for trend, < 0.05).

Conclusions

These nationally representative data indicate that serum PTH levels are independently associated with serum uric acid levels and the frequency of hyperuricemia at the population level.
Effects of Leptin and Melanocortin Signaling Interactions on Pubertal Development and Reproduction
Authors: Israel Davelene D. , Sheffer-Babila Sharone , de Luca Carl , Jo Young-Hwan , Liu Shun Mei , Xia Qiu , Spergel Daniel J. , Dun Siok L. , Dun Nae J. , Chua Streamson C.
Published: March 2012

Leptin and melanocortin signaling control ingestive behavior, energy balance, and substrate utilization, but only leptin signaling defects cause hypothalamic hypogonadism and infertility. Although GnRH neurons do not express leptin receptors, leptin influences GnRH neuron activity via regulation of immediate downstream mediators including the neuropeptides neuropeptide Y and the melanocortin agonist and antagonist, α-MSH, agouti-related peptide, respectively. Here we show that modulation of melanocortin signaling in female db/db mice through ablation of agouti-related peptide, or heterozygosity of melanocortin 4 receptor, restores the timing of pubertal onset, fertility, and lactation. Additionally, melanocortin 4 receptor activation increases action potential firing and induces c-Fos expression in GnRH neurons, providing further evidence that melanocortin signaling influences GnRH neuron activity. These studies thus establish melanocortin signaling as an important component in the leptin-mediated regulation of GnRH neuron activity, initiation of puberty and fertility.
Insulin-Stimulated Glucose Uptake Occurs in Specialized Cells within the Cumulus Oocyte Complex
Authors: Purcell Scott H. , Chi Maggie M. , Moley Kelle H.
Published: March 2012

The oocyte exists within the mammalian follicle surrounded by somatic cumulus cells. These cumulus cells metabolize the majority of the glucose within the cumulus oocyte complex and provide energy substrates and intermediates such as pyruvate to the oocyte. The insulin receptor is present in cumulus cells and oocytes; however, it is unknown whether insulin-stimulated glucose uptake occurs in either cell type. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake is thought to be unique to adipocytes, skeletal and cardiac muscle, and the blastocyst. Here, we show for the first time that many of the components required for insulin signaling are present in both cumulus cells and oocytes. We performed a set of experiments on mouse cumulus cells and oocytes and human cumulus cells using the nonmetabolizable glucose analog 2-deoxy-d-glucose to measure basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. We show that insulin-stimulated glucose uptake occurs in both compact and expanded cumulus cells of mice, as well as in human cumulus cells. Oocytes, however, do not display insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in cumulus cells is mediated through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling as shown by inhibition of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and Akt phosphorylation with the specific phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, LY294002. To test the effect of systemic in vivo insulin resistance on insulin sensitivity in the cumulus cell, cumulus cells from high fat-fed, insulin-resistant mice and women with polycystic ovary syndrome were examined. Both sets of cells displayed blunted insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Our studies identify another tissue that, through a classical insulin-signaling pathway, demonstrates insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Moreover, these findings suggest insulin resistance occurs in these cells under conditions of systemic insulin resistance.
Music during interventional radiological procedures, effect on sedation, pain and anxiety: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kulkarni S , Johnson P C D , Kettles S , Kasthuri R S
Published: March 2012

Objective: To assess the effects of playing patient-selected music during interventional procedures on (1) the doses of sedation and analgesia and (2) anxiety levels.

Methods: Patients undergoing interventional radiological procedures were randomised to either the intervention (music) or the control (no music) group. Patients in the intervention group had music of their choice played via headphones during the procedure. The primary outcomes were reductions in the doses of drugs for sedation (midazolam) and analgesia (fentanyl). Anxiety levels were assessed both before and after the procedure using the validated State Anxiety Inventory. Mean pulse rate and average of mean blood pressures were also recorded before and during the procedures as surrogate indicators of anxiety levels.

Results: 100 patients were randomised in a 1:1 ratio. There were 58 males and 42 females, with a mean age of 58 years. Sedation was required in 21 (42%) patients in the music group compared with 30 (60%) patients in the control group (p=0.046). The mean [standard deviation (SD)] midazolam dose was 2.1 mg (2.3 mg) in the control group and 1.3 mg (2.2 mg) in the music group (p=0.027). The mean (SD) fentanyl dose was 29 mg (40 mg) in the control group and 18 mg (34 mg) in the music group (p=0.055). There was no significant effect of music on the change from baseline in anxiety levels (p=0.74), pulse rate (p=0.56) or blood pressure (p=0.34).

Conclusion: Sedation requirements are significantly reduced by playing self-selected music to the patient during interventional radiology procedures. By lowering sedation during interventional radiology, music makes the procedure safer. It also contributes favourably to the overall patient experience.
An ‘Open’ Method for 3D Modelling and Mapping in Underwater Archaeological Sites
Authors: Skarlatos D. , Demestiha S. , Kiparissi S.
Published: March 2012

Underwater photogrammetry is a difficult task by definition. When time limits are imposed on both acquisition and processing time, it becomes even more complicated. In addition when resources are limited and the main deliverable should be a complete 3D model, only a novel method may match the requirements. Under the aforementioned conditions, a new method using a combination of photogrammetry and computer vision techniques was utilised using open source software to face demands.
Colonia 3D Communication of Virtual 3D Reconstructions in Public Spaces
Authors: Trapp M. , Semmo A. , Pokorski R. , Herrmann C. D. , Döllner J. , Eichhorn M. , Heinzelmann M.
Published: March 2012

The communication of cultural heritage in public spaces such as museums or exhibitions, gain more and more importance during the last years. The possibilities of interactive 3D applications open a new degree of freedom beyond the mere presentation of static visualizations, such as pre-produced video or image data. A user is now able to directly interact with 3D virtual environments that enable the depiction and exploration of digital cultural heritage artifacts in real-time. However, such technology requires concepts and strategies for guiding a user throughout these scenarios, since varying levels of experiences within interactive media can be assumed. This paper presents a concept as well as implementation for communication of digital cultural heritage in public spaces, by example of the project Roman Cologne. It describes the results achieved by an interdisciplinary team of archaeologists, designers, and computer graphics engineers with the aim to virtually reconstruct an interactive high-detail 3D city model of Roman Cologne.
Information Transmission and the Bullwhip Effect: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Bray Robert L. , Mendelson Haim
Published: March 2012

The bullwhip effect is the amplification of demand variability along a supply chain: a company bullwhips if it purchases from suppliers more variably than it sells to customers. Such bullwhips (amplifications of demand variability) can lead to mismatches between demand and production and hence to lower supply chain efficiency. We investigate the bullwhip effect in a sample of 4,689 public U.S. companies over 1974–2008. Overall, about two-thirds of firms bullwhip. The sample's mean and median bullwhips, both significantly positive, respectively measure 15.8% and 6.7% of total demand variability. Put another way, the mean quarterly standard deviation of upstream orders exceeds that of demand by $20 million. We decompose the bullwhip by information transmission lead time. Estimating the bullwhip's information-lead-time components with a two-stage estimator, we find that demand signals firms observe with more than three-quarters' notice drive 30% of the bullwhip, and those firms observe with less than one-quarter's notice drive 51%. From 1974–1994 to 1995–2008, our sample's mean bullwhip dropped by a third.

This paper was accepted by Christian Terwiesch, operations management.
An Evidence-Based Incentive System for Medicare's End-Stage Renal Disease Program
Authors: Lee Donald K. K. , Zenios Stefanos A.
Published: March 2012

Recent legislations directed Medicare to revamp its decades-old system for reimbursing dialysis treatments, with focus on the risk adjustment of payments and on the transition toward a pay-for-compliance system. To design an optimal payment system that incorporates these features, we develop an empirical method to estimate the structural parameters of the principal–agent model underlying Medicare's dialysis payment system. We use the model and parameter estimates to answer the following questions: Can a pay-for-compliance system based only on the intermediate performance measures currently identified by Medicare achieve first-best? How should patient outcomes be risk adjusted, and what welfare gains can be achieved by doing so? Our main findings are as follows: (1) the current set of intermediate measures identified by Medicare are not comprehensive enough for use alone in a pay-for-compliance system; (2) paying for risk-adjusted downstream outcomes instead of raw downstream outcomes can lengthen the hospital-free life of admitted patients by two weeks per patient per year without increasing Medicare expenditures.

This paper was accepted by Christian Terwiesch, operations management.
Double Marginalization in Performance-Based Advertising: Implications and Solutions
Authors: Dellarocas Chrysanthos
Published: March 2012

An important current trend in advertising is the replacement of traditional pay-per-exposure (pay-per-impression) pricing models with performance-based mechanisms in which advertisers pay only for measurable actions by consumers. Such pay-per-action (PPA) mechanisms are becoming the predominant method of selling advertising on the Internet. Well-known examples include pay-per-click, pay-per-call, and pay-per-sale. This work highlights an important, and hitherto unrecognized, side effect of PPA advertising. I find that, if the prices of advertised goods are endogenously determined by advertisers to maximize profits net of advertising expenses, PPA mechanisms induce firms to distort the prices of their goods (usually upward) relative to prices that would maximize profits in settings where advertising is sold under pay-per-exposure methods. Upward price distortions reduce both consumer surplus and the joint publisher–advertiser profit, leading to a net reduction in social welfare. They persist in current auction-based PPA mechanisms, such as the ones used by Google, Yahoo!, and Microsoft. In the latter settings they also reduce publisher revenues relative to pay-per-exposure methods. I show that these phenomena constitute a form of double marginalization and discuss a number of enhancements to today's PPA mechanisms that restore equilibrium pricing of advertised goods to efficient levels, improving both consumer surplus as well as the publisher's expected profits.

This paper was accepted by Lorin Hitt, information systems.
Specialization and Variety in Repetitive Tasks: Evidence from a Japanese Bank
Authors: Staats Bradley R. , Gino Francesca
Published: March 2012

Sustaining operational productivity in the completion of repetitive tasks is critical to many organizations' success. Yet research points to two different work-design–related strategies for accomplishing this goal: specialization to capture the benefits of repetition and variety (i.e., working on different tasks) to keep workers motivated and provide them opportunities to learn. In this paper, we investigate how these two strategies may bring different productivity benefits over time. For our empirical analyses, we use two and a half years of transaction data from a Japanese bank's home loan application-processing line. We find that over the course of a single day, specialization, as compared to variety, is related to improved worker productivity. However, when we examine workers' experience across a number of days, we find that variety helps improve worker productivity. Additionally, we show that part of this benefit results from workers' cumulative experience with changeovers. Our results highlight the need for organizations to transform specialization and variety into mutually reinforcing strategies rather than treating them as mutually exclusive. Overall, our paper identifies new ways to improve operational performance through the effective allocation of work.

This paper was accepted by Christian Terwiesch, operations management.
An Examination of the Efficiency, Foreclosure, and Collusion Rationales for Vertical Takeovers
Authors: Shenoy Jaideep
Published: March 2012

We investigate the efficiency, foreclosure, and collusion rationales for vertical integration in a large sample of vertically related takeovers. The efficiency rationale, as discussed under the transaction cost economics and property rights theories, posits that vertical integration mitigates contractual inefficiencies between suppliers and customers (termed as holdup) and provides incentives to undertake relationship-specific investments. In contrast, the foreclosure and collusion rationales suggest that vertical integration is anticompetitive in nature. Specifically, the foreclosure argument suggests that vertical integration is used to raise costs of rival firms, and the collusion argument suggests that vertical integration facilitates coordination between the integrated firm and its rivals. To distinguish between the three hypotheses, we examine (1) the announcement period wealth effects to the merging firms, rival firms, and customer firms; and (2) the operating performance changes to the merging firms in vertical takeovers. We find that firms expand their vertical boundaries consistent with an efficiency enhancing rationale.

This paper was accepted by Brad Barber, finance.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Point-of-Care Fecal Calprotectin and Immunochemical Occult Blood Tests for Diagnosis of Organic Bowel Disease in Primary Care: The Cost-Effectiveness of a Decision Rule for Abdominal Complaints in Primary Care (CEDAR) Study
Authors: Kok Liselotte , Elias Sjoerd G , Witteman Ben J M , Goedhard Jelle G , Muris Jean W M , Moons Karel G M , de Wit Niek J
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND

Fecal biomarker tests that differentiate between organic bowel disease (OBD) and non-OBD in primary care patients with persistent lower-abdomen complaints could reduce the number of unnecessary referrals for endoscopy. We quantified the accuracy of fecal calprotectin and immunochemical occult blood (iFOBT) point-of-care (POC) tests and a calprotectin ELISA in primary care patients with suspected OBD.

METHODS

We performed biomarker tests on fecal samples from 386 patients with lower-abdomen complaints suggestive for OBD. Endoscopic and histological diagnosis served as reference.

RESULTS

OBD was diagnosed in 99 patients (prevalence 25.9%); 19 had adenocarcinoma, 53 adenoma, and 27 inflammatory bowel disease. Sensitivity for OBD was 0.64 (95% CI 0.54–0.72) for calprotectin POC, 0.56 (0.46–0.66) for iFOBT POC, and 0.74 (0.65–0.82) for calprotectin ELISA; specificities were 0.53 (0.48–0.59), 0.83 (0.78–0.87), and 0.47 (0.41–0.53), respectively. Negative predictive values (NPVs) were 0.81 (0.74–0.86), 0.85 (0.80–0.88), and 0.84 (0.78–0.89); positive predictive values (PPVs) varied from 0.32 (0.26–0.39) and 0.33 (0.27–0.39) (calprotectin tests) to 0.53 (0.44–0.63) (iFOBT POC). Combining the 2 POC tests improved sensitivity [0.79 (0.69–0.86)] and NPV [0.87 (0.81–0.91)] but lowered specificity [0.49 (0.44–0.55)] and PPV [0.35 (0.29–0.42)]. When adenomas ≤1 cm were considered non-OBD, the NPV of all tests improved to >0.90 [combined POC tests, 0.97 (0.93–0.99)].

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic accuracy of the tests alone or combined was insufficient when all adenomas were considered OBD. When only adenomas >1 cm were considered OBD, all tests could rule out OBD to a reasonable extent, particularly the combined POC tests. The tests were less useful for inclusion of OBD.
Determinação de amônia no ar utilizando um sensor piezelétrico de quartzo
Authors: Castro J.R.M. , Branco D.L. , Balbo V.R. , Oliveira M.F. , Andrade J.F.
Published: March 2012

Neste estudo, procurou-se desenvolver e avaliar filmes para a captação e quantificação de vapores de amônia no ar, através de um sensor piezelétrico de quartzo. Muitas substâncias e suas misturas, em diferentes proporções, foram investigadas como possíveis filmes captores. Em etapas seguintes, verificaram-se alguns parâmetros importantes como o efeito da vazão do poluente, da temperatura de trabalho e da massa da película, otimizando-se as condições experimentais para a montagem do método. Concluiu-se que o filme mais promissor, sob as condições ajustadas, seria uma mistura 2:1 (v/v) de solução comercial (A) de ácido glicólico (70 % m/m) em água, adicionada a tetrakis(hidroxietil)etilenodiamina - THEED (3:4 v/v), com uma solução saturada (B) de ácido tânico em acetona. Estudos de repetibilidade, do tempo de contacto (poluente-sensor) e de alguns possíveis interferentes completaram os trabalhos. As curvas analíticas resultantes mostraram faixas lineares na região de trabalho (2,0 a 11 ppm v ou 1,4 a 7,7 mg/m³ de NH3), para quatro diferentes tempos de exposição (0,5; 1; 2 e 3 min), com coeficientes de correlação (r) variando entre 0,9994 e 0,9980, e respectivas sensibilidades de 13,5 a 42,0 Hz / ppm v.
Efeito da complexação de metais aos antiinflamatórios na ação contra agentes oxidativos e radicais livres: ação do cetoprofeno
Authors: Manente Francine Alessandra , Mello Lucas Rosolen de Almeida , Khalil Omar Arafat Kdudsi , Carvalho Cláudio Teodoro de , Bannach Gilbert , Vellosa José Carlos Rebuglio
Published: March 2012

Os radicais livres são espécies altamente reativas geradas nos organismos vivos com a finalidade de proteção. Porém, em algumas circunstâncias, estes são responsáveis pela ocorrência ou o agravo de danos teciduais. Muitos antiinflamatórios apresentam ação direta sobre radicais livres e espécies reativas não radicalares, o que contribui para suas ações contra a inflamação. O cetoprofeno é um antiinflamatório não esteroidal que gera radicais livres ao sofrer fotoirradiação e tem com isso um efeito hemolítico importante. A complexação de metais a diferentes fármacos tem sido utilizada como estratégia para melhorar a ação farmacológica de diferentes moléculas e reduzir seus efeitos colaterais. Neste trabalho são apresentados resultados do estudo de ação do cetoprofeno e seus complexos de cério e cobre sobre radicais livres e sobre eritrócitos. Observou-se que o cério intensifica as propriedades scavenger do cetoprofeno sobre radicais livres enquanto o cobre intensifica as ações sobre oxidantes não radicalares. O cobre ainda reduziu o efeito hemolítico apresentado pelo cetoprofeno e mantido pelo seu derivado de cério.
Humic substances from sediments of Lobos Pond (Argentina). Isolation, characterization and limnological implications
Authors: Choconi Roberto G. , Ghini Alberto A. , Conzonno Victor H. , Cirelli Alicia Fernández
Published: March 2012

Humic substances (HS) were isolated from the sediments of Lobos Pond (Argentina) using mild conditions to preserve their native structure. The HS (humic and fulvic acids) were characterized by means of elemental analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. Also a by-product obtained during fulvic acids (FA) fractionation (an amorphous white solid residue) was analyzed. Results revealed possible interactions between FA and inorganic-organic substances that may have implications referring to bioavailability. Other limnological implications, such as autochtonous origin of HS linked with the hydrology, and change of pH during stormy weather that affects HS interactions, are discussed.
Integration of cooking and vacuum cooling of carrots in a same vessel
Authors: Rodrigues Luiz Gustavo Gonçalves , Cavalheiro Darlene , Schmidt Franciny Campos , Laurindo João Borges
Published: March 2012

Cooked vegetables are commonly used in the preparation of ready-to-eat foods. The integration of cooking and cooling of carrots and vacuum cooling in a single vessel is described in this paper. The combination of different methods of cooking and vacuum cooling was investigated. Integrated processes of cooking and vacuum cooling in a same vessel enabled obtaining cooked and cooled carrots at the final temperature of 10 ºC, which is adequate for preparing ready-to-eat foods safely. When cooking and cooling steps were performed with the samples immersed in boiling water, the effective weight loss was approximately 3.6%. When the cooking step was performed with the samples in boiling water or steamed, and the vacuum cooling was applied after draining the boiling water, water loss ranged between 15 and 20%, which caused changes in the product texture. This problem can be solved with rehydration using a small amount of sterile cold water. The instrumental textural properties of carrots samples rehydrated at both vacuum and atmospheric conditions were very similar. Therefore, the integrated process of cooking and vacuum cooling of carrots in a single vessel is a feasible alternative for processing such kind of foods.
Impacto da Estratégia Saúde da Família sobre indicadores de saúde bucal: análise em municípios do Nordeste brasileiro com mais de 100 mil habitantes
Authors: Pereira Carmen Regina dos Santos , Roncalli Angelo Giuseppe , Cangussu Maria Cristina Teixeira , Noro Luiz Roberto Augusto , Patrício Alberto Allan Rodrigues , Lima Kenio Costa
Published: March 2012

Este estudo objetivou verificar o impacto da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) sobre a saúde bucal na população do Nordeste do Brasil de 12 municípios com mais de 100 mil habitantes. Tomou-se, como referência, 20 setores censitários, 10 inseridos em áreas cobertas pela saúde bucal na ESF há, pelo menos, um ano, emparelhados com 10 setores de áreas não cobertas. A amostra foi de 59.221 indivíduos. Foram considerados três efeitos possíveis: negativo, positivo e ausência de efeito sobre os desfechos, com base na razão de prevalência ajustada pela regressão de Poisson. Com relação aos resultados encontrados, verificou-se que, tanto o "acesso a ações preventivas coletivas" quanto o "tratamento da dor de dente" apontam para um efeito positivo no modelo de prática da saúde bucal na ESF. Porém, os desfechos "cobertura de exodontia" e "tratamento restaurador" demonstraram efeito negativo ou sem efeito na maioria dos municípios pesquisados. Há indícios de que os resultados obtidos refletem os modelos de organização locais da saúde bucal na ESF.
Association between levels of physical activity and use of medication among older women
Authors: Silva Leonardo José da , Azevedo Mario Renato , Matsudo Sandra , Lopes Guiomar Silva
Published: March 2012

The aim of this study was to determine the association between levels of physical activity and usage of medication in older women. The level of physical activity was assessed using a pedometer. Use of medication was assessed through medical records supplied in reports kept by the Family Health Program, City Health Department, São Caetano do Sul, São Paulo State, Brazil. Regular use of pharmaceuticals, regardless of type of illness or treatment, was listed. Data analysis was performed using Poisson regression to estimate the prevalence ratio. The results of the study indicated that, amongst the 271 eligible women, 84.9% had been classified as active. Only 23.2% did not use any type of medication while 29.8% used three or more medications. The level of physical activity was inversely associated with the number of medications used, under both crude analysis and after adjustment. The study concluded that higher volumes of physical activity were significantly associated with lower usage of pharmaceuticals in women who are involved in a physical activity program.
Entre tensões e escolhas, um olhar sociológico sobre jovens na vida religiosa
Authors: Fernandes Sílvia Regina Alves
Published: March 2012

O artigo analisa a juventude contemporânea a partir do eixo religiosidade e adesão religiosa a institutos católicos. A primeira parte do texto apresenta dados secundários sobre o perfil dos jovens e demonstra que o trabalho e o estudo são demandas importantes para esse segmento. Os jovens brasileiros manifestam ainda crença na mudança social. Com base em dados de pesquisa quantitativa com jovens religiosos na Baixada Fluminense e dados primários sobre jovens que aderem ao Instituto Toca de Assis, no catolicismo, argumenta-se, na segunda parte do artigo, que estes últimos, a partir de seus ideários de pobreza e recusa ao conhecimento, podem representar contestação à situação do jovem na sociedade brasileira. Compara-se as diferentes formas de adesão a institutos religiosos e sugere-se que a Toca de Assis, a despeito do processo de institucionalização que atravessa, tem contestado a Vida Religiosa de institutos tradicionais e seus mecanismos de poder e se apresenta como um objeto empírico relevante para a análise das novas sensibilidades religiosas juvenis.