bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying patients at high risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia-associated thrombosis with a platelet activation assay using flow cytometry
Authors: Maeda Takuma , Nakagawa Katsura , Murata Kuniko , Kanaumi Yoshiaki , Seguchi Shu , Kawamura Shiori , Kodama Mayumi , Kawai Takeshi , Kakutani Isami , Ohnishi Yoshihiko , Kokame Koichi , Okazaki Hitoshi , Miyata Shigeki
Published: October 2016

To diagnose heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), detection of platelet-activating antibodies (HIT antibodies) is crucial. However, serum platelet activation profiles vary across patients and depend on test conditions. We evaluated the association between clinical outcomes and platelet-activating profiles assessed by a platelet microparticle assay (PMA), which detects activation of washed platelets induced by HIT antibodies, in 401 consecutive patients clinically suspected of having HIT. We made modifications to the assay, such as donor selection for washed platelets that increased sensitivity. Serum that activated platelets at a therapeutic (but not high) heparin concentration was defined as positive. Of these, serum that activated platelets within 30 minutes or in the absence of heparin was defined as strongly positive. The remaining samples were considered weakly positive. As a result, 97 % and 93 % of patients who tested strongly and weakly positive had clinical profiles consistent with HIT, respectively. The incidence of thromboembolic events (TEEs) after heparin exposure in patients who tested strongly positive, weakly positive, and negative was 61 %, 40 %, and 29 %, respectively. Among patients who did not experience a TEE on the day HIT was suspected, there was no significant difference in the cumulative incidence of subsequent TEEs between patients who tested strongly and weakly positive when argatroban was initiated on the same day (19.0 % vs 7.1 %, p=0.313), but there was a significant difference when argatroban therapy was delayed by one or more days (61.1 % vs 17.6 %, p=0.007). The modified PMA is effective in diagnosing HIT and identifying patients at high risk for HIT-associated TEEs.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Conditional External Cardiac Defibrillator for Resuscitation Within the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scanner Bore
Authors: Schmidt Ehud J. , Watkins Ronald D. , Zviman Menekhem M. , Guttman Michael A. , Wang Wei , Halperin Henry A.
Published: October 2016

Background—

Subjects undergoing cardiac arrest within a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner are currently removed from the bore and then from the MRI suite, before the delivery of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation, potentially increasing the risk of mortality. This precludes many higher-risk (acute ischemic and acute stroke) patients from undergoing MRI and MRI-guided intervention. An MRI-conditional cardiac defibrillator should enable scanning with defibrillation pads attached and the generator ON, enabling application of defibrillation within the seconds of MRI after a cardiac event. An MRI-conditional external defibrillator may improve patient acceptance for MRI procedures.

Methods and Results—

A commercial external defibrillator was rendered 1.5 Tesla MRI-conditional by the addition of novel radiofrequency filters between the generator and commercial disposable surface pads. The radiofrequency filters reduced emission into the MRI scanner and prevented cable/surface pad heating during imaging, while preserving all the defibrillator monitoring and delivery functions. Human volunteers were imaged using high specific absorption rate sequences to validate MRI image quality and lack of heating. Swine were electrically fibrillated (n=4) and thereafter defibrillated both outside and inside the MRI bore. MRI image quality was reduced by 0.8 or 1.6 dB, with the generator in monitoring mode and operating on battery or AC power, respectively. Commercial surface pads did not create artifacts deeper than 6 mm below the skin surface. Radiofrequency heating was within US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. Defibrillation was completely successful inside and outside the MRI bore.

Conclusions—

A prototype MRI-conditional defibrillation system successfully defibrillated in the MRI without degrading the image quality or increasing the time needed for defibrillation. It can increase patient acceptance for MRI procedures.
Community and functional diversity of bacteria associated with propagative and dispersal forms of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Wu Xiao-Qin , Xue Qi , Xiang Yang , Ding Xiao-Lei , Xu Xiao-Lu , Ye Jian-Ren
Published: October 2016

The pine wood nematode (PWN),Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the pathogen of pine wilt disease, has propagative and dispersal forms in its life cycle, which is associated with the insect vectorMonochamus alternatus. Pine wood nematode-associated bacteria could play important roles in pine wilt disease. In this study, the diversity and population dynamics of bacteria in propagative and dispersal stages of PWN were analysed using cultural and Biolog Eco™ methods coupled with high-throughput sequencing. The results revealed that culturableStenotrophomonasin PWN from diseased pine was not found fromM. alternatus. Bacteria in dispersal PWN carried byM. alternatusshowed the highest total carbon utilisation. The high-throughput analysis showed thatStenotrophomonas,AchromobacterandSphingobacteriumwere more abundant in propagative PWN than in dispersal PWN, whereasCitrobacter,Vibrioand Enterobacteriaceae were more abundant in dispersal PWN. The results showed that bacteria of PWN in different developmental forms differed. This change of bacteria might help PWN to adapt to the changing environment.
Nativistic Movements: Comparative and Causal
Authors: Young Frank W.
Published: October 2016

When nativism is defined as a social movement which aims to reinstate a past way of life, it is possible to identify cases of nativism ranging from the Taiping Rebellion to the present day Taliban. This ideal type is further defined for the Middle East countries by indicators such as the imposition of sharia law, the goal of theocratic governance, zero-sum conflicts with multiple enemies, and the aim of subverting secular states. A new explanation draws on a hypothesis that sociologists have explored in various forms over the last half century. It sees nativism as the reaction of weak states to existential threat, especially the “rights revolution” which is spreading around the world.
Hydnellum dianthifolium sp. nov. (Basidiomycota, Thelephorales), a new tooth-fungus from southern Europe with notes on H. concrescens and H. scrobiculatum
Authors: LOIZIDES MICHAEL , ALVARADO PABLO , ASSYOV BORIS , ARNOLDS EEF , MOREAU PIERRE-ARTHUR
Published: October 2016

The new species Hydnellum dianthifolium is described and illustrated from Pinus brutia forests in Cyprus and southern Italy. Evidence from ITS-based phylogenetic and morphological analyses, including scanning electron microscopy is provided, and the relevant literature is reviewed. The long-standing taxonomic problems associated with the closely affiliated taxa Hydnellum concrescens and H. scrobiculatum, both variously interpreted in the literature and as yet phylogenetically unresolved, are discussed.
On the Life Cycle of Individual Contrails and Contrail Cirrus
Authors: Schumann Ulrich , Heymsfield Andrew J.
Published: October 2016

The life cycle of individual (initially line shaped) contrails behind aircraft and of contrail cirrus (aged contrails mixed with other ice clouds) is described. The full contrail life cycle is covered, from ice formation for given water, heat, and particulate emissions; to changes in the jet, wake, and dispersion phases; through final sublimation or sedimentation. Contrail properties are deduced from various in situ, remote sensing, and model studies. Aerodynamically induced contrails and distrails are explained briefly. Contrails form both in clear air and inside cirrus. Young contrails consume most of the ambient ice supersaturation. Optical properties of contrails are age and humidity dependent. Contrail occurrence and radiative forcing depends on the ambient Earth–atmosphere conditions. Contrail cirrus seems to be optically thicker than assessed previously and may not only increase cirrus coverage but also thicken existing cirrus. Some observational constraints for contrail cirrus occurrence and radiative forcing are derived. Key parameters controlling contrail properties—besides aircraft and fuel properties, ambient pressure, temperature, and humidity—are the number of ice particles per flight distance surviving the wake vortex phase, the contrail depth, and particle sedimentation, wind shear, turbulence, and vertical motions controlling contrail dispersion. The climate impact of contrails depends among other things on the ratio of shortwave to longwave radiative forcing (RF) and on the efficacy with which contrail RF contributes to surface warming. Several open issues are identified, including renucleation from residuals of sublimated contrail ice particles.
Elevated serum DAND5 is associated with metastasis and predicts poor prognosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Miao Xiaofei , Zhang Ye , Sun Jialin , Cui Songkui , Meng Qingyang , Zhu Kuiyu , Hu Xingqian , Wang Tong
Published: October 2016

Background

The biologic and clinical significance of DAND5 remains unknown in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Objective

Herein, we investigated the function of DAND5 and evaluated its clinical significance in both serum and matched primary tumors in patients with CRC.

Methods

The role of DAND5 was explored in CRC cells and clinical significance of DAND5 was investigated in CRC patients (n  = 217) and healthy controls (n  = 63).

Results

Knockdown of DAND5 significantly decreased CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion partly associated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition phenotype. Serum DAND5 levels in CRC were significantly higher than in normal controls and accurately distinguished CRC from healthy subjects. High serum DAND5 levels were significantly correlated with tumor differentiation, large tumor size, advanced Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage, lymph node and liver metastasis, high carcinoembryonic antigen level, recurrence, poor overall and disease‐free survival. Serum DAND5 level, together with lymph node metastasis, were independent prognostic factors for CRC patients. High DAND5 protein expression in CRC tissues was increased according to TNM stage. A significant positive correlation existed between serum DAND5 levels and matched DAND5 expression in CRC tissues.

Conclusion

Our data provide novel evidence for the clinical significance of DAND5 as a potential biomarker for CRC prognosis.
Establishing human leukemia xenograft mouse models by implanting human bone marrow–like scaffold-based niches
Authors: Antonelli Antonella , Noort Willy A. , Jaques Jenny , de Boer Bauke , de Jong-Korlaar Regina , Brouwers-Vos Annet Z. , Lubbers-Aalders Linda , van Velzen Jeroen F. , Bloem Andries C. , Yuan Huipin , de Bruijn Joost D. , Ossenkoppele Gert J. , Martens Anton C. M. , Vellenga Edo , Groen Richard W. J. , Schuringa Jan Jacob
Published: October 2016

Key Points

Humanized niche xenograft mouse models were generated that enabled engraftment of patients’ leukemia cells covering all risk groups. Self-renewal was better maintained in the humanized niches as determined by serial transplantation and genome-wide transcriptome studies.
The prognostic value of multiparametric flow cytometry in AL amyloidosis at diagnosis and at the end of first-line treatment
Authors: Muchtar Eli , Jevremovic Dragan , Dispenzieri Angela , Dingli David , Buadi Francis K. , Lacy Martha Q. , Gonsalves Wilson , Hayman Suzanne R. , Kapoor Prashant , Leung Nelson , Russell Stephen , Lust John A. , Lin Yi , Go Ronald S. , Chakraborty Rajshekhar , Zeldenrust Steven , Kumar Shaji K. , Kyle Robert A. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Gertz Morie A.
Published: October 2016

Key Points

The monotypic and polytypic PC compartments assessed by MFC are prognostic in AL amyloidosis. MFC may play a role in the definition of hematologic response to treatment.
Extending digital PCR analysis by modelling quantification cycle data
Authors: Wilson Philip J. , Ellison Stephen L. R.
Published: October 2016

Background

Digital PCR (dPCR) is a technique for estimating the concentration of a target nucleic acid by loading a sample into a large number of partitions, amplifying the target and using a fluorescent marker to identify which partitions contain the target. The standard analysis uses only the proportion of partitions containing target to estimate the concentration and depends on the assumption that the initial distribution of molecules in partitions is Poisson. In this paper we describe a way to extend such analysis using the quantification cycle (Cq) data that may also be available, but rather than assuming the Poisson distribution the more general Conway-Maxwell-Poisson distribution is used instead.

Results

A software package for the open source language R has been created for performing the analysis. This was used to validate the method by analysing Cq data from dPCR experiments involving 3 types of DNA (attenuated, virulent and plasmid) at 3 concentrations. Results indicate some deviation from the Poisson distribution, which is strongest for the virulent DNA sample. Theoretical calculations indicate that the deviation from the Poisson distribution results in a bias of around 5 % for the analysed data if the standard analysis is used, but that it could be larger for higher concentrations. Compared to the estimates of subsequent efficiency, the estimates of 1st cycle efficiency are much lower for the virulent DNA, moderately lower for the attenuated DNA and close for the plasmid DNA. Further method validation using simulated data gave results closer to the true values and with lower standard deviations than the standard method, for concentrations up to approximately 2.5 copies/partition.

Conclusions

The Cq-based method is effective at estimating DNA concentration and is not seriously affected by data issues such as outliers and moderately non-linear trends. The data analysis suggests that the Poisson assumption of the standard approach does lead to a bias that is fairly small, though more research is needed. Estimates of the 1st cycle efficiency being lower than estimates of the subsequent efficiency may indicate samples that are mixtures of single-stranded and double-stranded DNA. The model can reduce or eliminate the resulting bias.
Essential role for the histone acetyltransferase KAT7 in T cell development, fitness, and survival
Authors: Newman Dane M , Voss Anne K , Thomas Tim , Allan Rhys S
Published: October 2016

Histone acetylation has an important role in gene regulation, DNA replication, and repair. Because these processes are central to the development of the immune system, we investigated the role of a previously unstudied histone acetyltransferase named KAT7 (also known as Myst2 or HBO1) in the regulation of thymopoiesis and observed a critical role in the regulation of conventional and innate-like T cell development. We found that KAT7-deficient thymocytes displayed normal, positive selection and development into mature single-positive αβ thymocytes; however, we observed few peripheral CD4+ or CD8+ T cells. The observed effects did not appear to arise from alterations to DNA replication, the TCR repertoire, or a block in thymocyte maturation and, more likely, was linked to survival defects related to gene deregulation because KAT7 deficiency led to an almost complete and specific loss of global histone-H3 lysine 14 acetylation (H3K14ac). Overall, we demonstrated a nonredundant role for KAT7 in the maintenance of H3K14ac, which is intimately linked with the ability to develop a normal immune system.
Galectin-3–null mice display defective neutrophil clearance during acute inflammation
Authors: Wright Rachael D , Souza Patricia R , Flak Magdalena B , Thedchanamoorthy Prasheetha , Norling Lucy V , Cooper Dianne
Published: October 2016

Galectin-3 has been associated with a plethora of proinflammatory functions because of its ability, among others, to promote neutrophil activation and because of the reduction in neutrophil recruitment in models of infection in Gal-3-null mice. Conversely, it has also been linked to resolution of inflammation through its actions as an opsonin and its ability to promote efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils. Using a self-resolving model of peritonitis, we have addressed the modulation and role of Gal-3 in acute inflammation. We have shown that Gal-3 expression is increased in neutrophils that travel to the inflamed peritoneum and that cellular localization of this lectin is modulated during the course of the inflammatory response. Furthermore, neutrophil recruitment to the inflamed peritoneum is increased in Gal-3–null mice during the course of the response, and that correlates with reduced numbers of monocytes/macrophages in the cavities of those mice, as well as reduced apoptosis and efferocytosis of Gal-3–null neutrophils. These data indicate a role for endogenous Gal-3 in neutrophil clearance during acute inflammation.
A Comparison Between the Conventional and the Laryngoscope-Assisted Lightwand Intubation Techniques in Patients With Cervical Immobilization: A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Kim Eugene , Kim Byung-Gun , Lim Young-Jin , Jeon Young-Tae , Hwang Jung-Won , Lee Seo-Yun , Park Hee-Pyoung
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND:

Positioning of a lightwand in the midline of the oral cavity can be challenging in patients with cervical immobilization. Direct laryngoscopy may permit the lightwand tip to more easily access the glottic opening. We tested our hypothesis that a laryngoscope-assisted lightwand technique allows more successful endotracheal intubation than does a conventional lightwand approach.

METHODS:

A total of 162 patients requiring cervical immobilization during intubation for cervical spine surgery were allocated randomly to 2 groups. The conventional lightwand technique (group C, n = 80) or the laryngoscope-assisted lightwand technique (group L, n = 82) was used for endotracheal intubation. In the group L, a Macintosh laryngoscope was inserted into the oral cavity, advanced until the epiglottis tip was visible, but not used to lift the epiglottis tip. The lightwand tip was placed below the epiglottis under direct view of the epiglottis tip. The primary outcome (the initial intubation success rate) and secondary outcomes (intubation time, hemodynamic changes, and postoperative airway complications) were evaluated.

RESULTS:

The initial intubation success rate was significantly lower (75% vs 89%; relative risk [95% confidence interval]: 1.2 [1.0–1.4]; P = .034) in group C than group L. The intubation time (22 ± 13 vs 24 ± 12 seconds; mean difference [98.33% confidence interval]: 2.4 [−2.3 to 7.2]; P = .217) did not differ between groups. Postoperative sore throat score, incidences of hypertension and tachycardia, postoperative oral mucosal bleeding, and hoarseness also did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Laryngoscope-assisted lightwand intubation did not increase intubation time, and it increased first attempt intubation rates compared with traditional lightwand intubation in patients requiring cervical immobilization for cervical spine surgery.
Functional antagonism of voltage-gated K+ channel α-subunits in the developing brain ventricular system
Authors: Shen Hongyuan , Bocksteins Elke , Kondrychyn Igor , Snyders Dirk , Korzh Vladimir
Published: October 2016

The brain ventricular system is essential for neurogenesis and brain homeostasis. Its neuroepithelial lining effects these functions, but the underlying molecular pathways remain to be understood. We found that the potassium channels expressed in neuroepithelial cells determine the formation of the ventricular system. The phenotype of a novel zebrafish mutant characterized by denudation of neuroepithelial lining of the ventricular system and hydrocephalus is mechanistically linked to Kcng4b, a homologue of the ‘silent’ voltage-gated potassium channel α-subunit Kv6.4. We demonstrated that Kcng4b modulates proliferation of cells lining the ventricular system and maintains their integrity. The gain of Kcng4b function reduces the size of brain ventricles. Electrophysiological studies suggest that Kcng4b mediates its effects via an antagonistic interaction with Kcnb1, the homologue of the electrically active delayed rectifier potassium channel subunit Kv2.1. Mutation of kcnb1 reduces the size of the ventricular system and its gain of function causes hydrocephalus, which is opposite to the function of Kcng4b. This demonstrates the dynamic interplay between potassium channel subunits in the neuroepithelium as a novel and crucial regulator of ventricular development in the vertebrate brain.
Cost analysis of cetuximab (Erbitux) plus radiotherapy (ERT) versus concomitant cisplatin plus radiotherapy (CRT) within an NHS oncology unit (single institution): a pilot study
Authors: Caroline Brammer , Sundus Yahya , Dawn Dawson , Carol Glaister , Susan Merrick
Published: October 2016

Objective:

The aim of this feasibility study is to define the resource effectiveness of cetuximab vs cisplatin given concomitantly with radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma within a National Health Service clinical oncology unit.

Methods:

20 patients with Stage 3 or 4 head and neck squamous cell cancers were randomized to receive either cetuximab with radiotherapy (ERT) or cisplatin with radiotherapy concurrent with external beam radiotherapy 70 Gy in 35 fractions on a 1 : 1 basis over a 12-month duration. The study compared the resource utilization of ERT vs cisplatin with radiotherapy taking into account drug costs, clinical management and the costs of managing treatment-related toxicity from first fraction of radiotherapy to 6 months after the completion of therapy. Outcome measures were quality of life (recorded at the entry, end of radiotherapy, 6 weeks post treatment and 6 months post treatment), admissions to hospital, delays to radiotherapy, locoregional control and survival.

Results:

Total drug costs including cost of nutritional supplements for patients treated with cetuximab were £7407.45 compared with £3959.07 for patients treated with cisplatin. Unscheduled admissions for toxicity management were significantly more common in the ERT arm. Healthcare personnel spent significantly more time delivering unscheduled outpatient care for patients receiving cisplatin than for those receiving cetuximab (p = 0.01). No significant difference in the quality of life was suggested at baseline, 6 weeks and 6 months. The mean time to removal of percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG) after completion of radiotherapy was 49.7 weeks in the cisplatin arm and 18.5 weeks in the cetuximab arm (p = 0.04). There was a statistically significant difference in patient-reported use of PEG between the cisplatin and cetuximab arms at 6 months following completion of treatment (p = 0.04). At 21 months, overall survival was 80% in the cisplatin arm vs 50% in the cetuximab (p = 0.332), with disease-free survival being 80% in the cisplatin arm vs 40% in the cetuximab (p = 0.097).

Conclusion:

Cetuximab is still more expensive in simple drug cost terms than cisplatin when delivered with radiotherapy taking into account costs of drugs for toxicity management and nutritional supplements but other resource implications such as inpatient admission, time spent delivering unscheduled care and cost of additional investigations to manage toxicity for patients treated with cisplatin significantly reduce differential. The study suggested significant differences in patient-reported PEG use at 6 months and in time to PEG removal in favour of the cetuximab arm.

Advances in knowledge:

There is paucity of randomized data on cost analysis for cisplatin vs cetuximab radiotherapy; this trial informs on the cost analysis between the two approaches.
Phylogeny of Lotus (Leguminosae: Loteae): Partial incongruence between nrITS, nrETS and plastid markers and biogeographic implications
Authors: Kramina Tatiana E. , Degtjareva Galina V. , Samigullin Tahir H. , Valiejo-Roman Carmen M. , Kirkbride, Jr. Joseph H. , Volis Sergei , Deng Tao , Sokoloff Dmitry D.
Published: October 2016

Lotus comprises ca. 130 species of herbs, semishrubs and shrubs native to the Old World, including important pasture crops and a model legume, L. japonicus. Earlier nrITS‐based phylogenies were incongruent with all taxonomic classifications of the genus. In particular, members of the former genus Dorycnium were unexpectedly placed near species of L. sect. Lotus. The primary goal of the present study is to explore whether the unexpected placement of members of sect. Lotus and the former genus Dorycnium in earlier phylogenetic studies resulted from (1) insufficient taxon sampling and/or (2) the use of only one DNA marker. The rooting of the Lotus phylogeny, its major clades and basic biogeographic patterns are also discussed. This is the first global phylogenetic study of Lotus that uses both plastid and nuclear markers. The nrITS region was analyzed in 155 ingroup specimens representing 98 species of Lotus. Sequences of nrITS, nrETS, psbA‐trnH spacer and rps16 intron were analyzed for 70 ingroup specimens representing 54 species. The placement of the segregate genera Dorycnium and Tetragonolobus in the synonymy of Lotus was confirmed. Analyses of plastid data strongly supported a basal split of Lotus into two clades, one comprising species of sect. Lotus plus those traditionally placed in Dorycnium and the other including the rest of the species. The former clade has a centre of species diversity in Europe and N Asia, and the latter in Macaronesia, Africa and S Asia. Only the "Southern" clade is resolved in analyses of nrITS and nrETS data. Trees inferred from plastid, nrITS and nrETS data shared the occurrence of several smaller clades corresponding to traditionally recognized infrageneric taxa or species groups as well as the occurrence of some well‐supported clades that differ from traditional taxonomic concepts. Several instances of incongruence were documented between nuclear and plastid markers and between the two nuclear markers, possibly resulting from reticulate evolution. The extant geographic patterns of Lotus are likely biased by at least one round of area fragmentation followed by expansion coupled with extensive speciation associated with the complex history of the Mediterranean biome.
Obstáculos e incentivos ao intraempreendedorismo em empresas inovadoras
Authors: Caldeira Adilson , Medeiros Junior Alberto De
Published: October 2016

Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de identificar quais fatores incentivam ou dificultam o comportamento intraempreendedor por parte dos integrantes de organizações empresariais inovadoras. Após a contextualização e declaração do problema de pesquisa, apresenta-se uma revisão teórica dos aspectos relevantes pertinentes ao tema. O texto prossegue com a descrição dos procedimentos metodológicos, a apresentação e discussão dos resultados da pesquisa e as considerações finais. A investigação, de caráter qualitativo exploratório, foi efetuada por meio de entrevistas com gestores de empresas reconhecidamente inovadoras e trouxe como principais resultados indícios de que o empreendedorismo é visto como um processo passível de ser estimulado via ações gerenciais voltadas a promover condições favoráveis à sua ocorrência. Possíveis obstáculos a esse comportamento seriam a acomodação e a falta de percepção das mudanças e seus desafios.
Uso del propranolol como modulador de la memoria y el aprendizaje en modelos animales
Authors: Psyrdellis Mariana , Justel Nadia Romina
Published: October 2016

El propranolol es un antagonista β-adrenérgico no selectivo de los receptores adrenérgicos β1y β2. El rol de este sistema de neurotransmisión sobre la memoria ha sido demostrado en diversas investigaciones, ya sea tanto en la fase de codificación, consolidación, evocación como reconsolidación. El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una revisión sobre los efectos de este β-bloqueante en diversos aprendizajes con paradigmas animales, entendiendo por medio de esto las implicaciones del sistema noradrenérgico en los procesos de memoria. El fármaco muestra resultados particulares dependiendo del momento de su aplicación y del diseño experimental empleado. En el trabajo se discuten los efectos de la droga sobre las distintas fases de la memoria en paradigmas animales con contenido espacial, estímulos gustativos y aversivos, con entrenamientos complejos y con aprendizajes de un solo ensayo
Control inhibitorio en perros domésticos:¿qué sabemos hasta ahora?
Authors: FAGNANI Jesica Paola , Barrera Gabriela , Bentosela Mariana
Published: October 2016

Este trabajo revisa el estado actual de la literatura sobre el control inhibitorio en perros domésticos (Canis familiaris). Para tal fin, previamente se pretende definir los dos paradigmas vigentes para evaluar el control inhibitorio, ejemplificarlos con algunas tareas que han sido utilizadas en perros, y finalmente revisar cuáles son los aportes y las áreas aún no estudiadas sobre la temática en estos animales. Se concluye que, a pesar de que el perro es un buen modelo de estudio, existen pocos trabajos que midan específicamente el fenómeno, y sus resultados aún no son lo suficientemente concluyentes. Esta revisión aportará de modo general al conocimiento de los procesos de control inhibitorio, y particularmente en perros domésticos. A nivel aplicado, estudiar este fenómeno es de utilidad para la mejora de las estrategias de aprendizaje y adiestramiento en las áreas de trabajo como búsqueda y rescate o terapia asistida, y en el valioso papel como mascotas, siendo por tanto de gran apoyo al bienestar humano
Principals Can and Should Make a Positive Difference for LGBTQ Students
Authors: Boyland Lori G. , Swensson Jeff , Ellis John G. , Coleman Lauren L. , Boyland Margaret I.
Published: October 2016

School principals should lead for social change, particularly in support of vulnerable or marginalized students. An important social justice issue in which principals must provide strong leadership, but may not be adequately prepared in university training, is creating positive and inclusive school environments for lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, and questioning (LGBTQ) students. Research reveals that LGBTQ students experience high rates of discrimination, bullying, and physical assault due to their sexual orientation or gender expression. This Application Brief describes how faculty members at a Midwest university developed curriculum and pedagogy for their principal preparation program with the goal of promoting the knowledge and skills that future school leaders need to provide effective leadership for protection, acceptance, and affirmation of LGBTQ students.
Teaching and Learning Leadership: Assessing Teams in Higher Education
Authors: Morgan Stacie , Manganaro Michelle
Published: October 2016

Leadership education and training are challenging, multidimensional undertakings that require a willingness to engage in deep personal growth as the most critical antecedent to learning. This article explores the strategic alignment of values, efficacy, and goals using two tools in practice, which are part of a current research design. The Values-Based Leadership Model & Competency Map [Figure 1] and The Values-Based Leadership Taxonomy [Figure 2] are innovative tools for practitioners in Higher Education that may be applied to other industries as well. The powerful and innovative tools are in practice and are part of a current 2016-2017 research aimed at tracking leadership learning at Norwich University which will benchmark data from 9 other graduate degree programs involving over 800 instructors, staff, and executive leadership positions.
Finding What Works: Leadership Competencies for the Changing Healthcare Environment
Authors: Herd Ann M. , Adams-Pope Brittany L. , Bowers Amanda , Sims Brittany
Published: October 2016

As the world of healthcare changes rapidly, healthcare leaders and managers must hone their leadership competencies in order to remain effective in their organizations. With changes such as the Affordable Care Act, increasing medical school costs, decreased graduation rates, and increased needs for care, how are current and future healthcare leaders adapting? In light of the large-scale changes in the healthcare field in recent years, the purpose of this study was to investigate which National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) competencies were referenced by exemplary healthcare leaders as most important for success in today’s changing healthcare environment. Interviews were conducted with 26 mid- and upper-level healthcare leaders identified by the C-level executives in their organizations as exemplary performers. Change leadership, self-development, talent development, and team leadership were the top four NCHL competencies most frequently referenced, with thematic analysis revealing additional underlying themes in the exemplary leaders’ dialogue.
Strategic Redesign of Urban Mail and Parcel Networks at La Poste
Authors: Winkenbach Matthias , Roset Alain , Spinler Stefan
Published: October 2016

We discuss our development of a decision model that allows La Poste, the French national postal operator, to assess the cost benefits of merging the urban mail and parcel delivery networks, which were run previously as separate entities. Our model, based on a mixed-integer linear program, derives the optimal network structure, including direct delivery, indirect delivery, or a hybrid structure, and provides an approximation of its routing cost. This approach allows us to model realistic large-scale problems. Based on data from the French city of Nantes, we find that merging the mail and parcel delivery networks yields cost benefits of approximately three percent, an amount that proves to be robust under various scenarios we tested. These findings corroborated La Poste management’s expectations of potential cost savings and led to management’s decision to create a new organizational structure in which local managers are responsible for the urban delivery of domestic mail and parcel.
Introduction: 2015 Daniel H. Wagner Prize for Excellence in Operations Research Practice
Authors: Butler C. Allen , Robinson Randall S.
Published: October 2016

Competition for the 2015 Daniel H. Wagner Prize for Excellence in Operations Research Practice provided the five finalist papers featured in this special issue of Interfaces. The prestigious Wagner Prize—awarded for achievement in implemented operations research, management science, and advanced analytics—emphasizes quality and originality of mathematical models and clarity of written and oral exposition. Researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, the University of São Paulo, and a major client organization—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—won the competition for their invention and successful laboratory testing of original methods that will guide the rapid development of better vaccines to protect against pandemic-causing viruses. The remaining finalist papers describe work to improve repair and maintenance of railroad locomotives, testing of new-model automotive vehicles, location of products on shelves in supermarket stores, and organization of a national postal service.
Book Reviews
Authors: Shen Wenjing
Published: October 2016

In Book Reviews, we review an extensive and diverse range of books. They cover theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems. In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. The editor will be pleased to receive an email from those willing to review a book, with an indication of specific areas of interest. If you are aware of a specific book that you would like to review, or that you think should be reviewed, please contact the editor. The following books are reviewed in this issue of Interfaces, 46(5), September–October 2016: An Economist in the Real World: The Art of Policymaking in India, Kaushik Basu; and Supply Chain Configuration: Concepts, Solutions, and Applications, Charu Chandra and Janis Grabis.
Indifference-Zone-Free Selection of the Best
Authors: Fan Weiwei , Hong L. Jeff , Nelson Barry L.
Published: October 2016

Many procedures have been proposed in the literature to select the simulated alternative with the best mean performance from a finite set of alternatives. Among these procedures, frequentist procedures are typically designed under either the subset-selection (SS) formulation or the indifference-zone (IZ) formulation. Both formulations may encounter problems when the goal is to select the unique best alternative for any configuration of the means. In particular, SS procedures may return a subset that contains more than one alternative, and IZ procedures hinge on the relationship between the chosen IZ parameter and the true mean differences that is unknown to decision makers a priori. In this paper, we propose a new formulation that guarantees to select the unique best alternative with a user-specified probability of correct selection (PCS), as long as the means of alternatives are unique, and we design a class of fully sequential procedures under this formulation. These procedures are parameterized by the PCS value only, and their continuation boundaries are determined based on the Law of the Iterated Logarithm. Furthermore, we show that users can add a stopping criterion to these procedures to convert them into IZ procedures, and we argue that these procedures have several advantages over existing IZ procedures. Lastly, we conduct an extensive numerical study to show the performance of our procedures and compare their performance to existing procedures.
DEVELOPING RELATIONS WITH CUSTOMERS: PRESENTATION OF DIFFERENT VIEWPOINTS
Authors: Piknová Alena
Published: October 2016

The theme of customer relations management is constantly being developed. The goal of this paper is to provide insight regarding customer relations from multiple viewpoints. This paper collates the recent information on the subject. Based on all entries, the most important factor for both the customer, and more so, the retailer, is customer satisfaction. The most important relates to the human being. The study examines research results of various authors and study identifies possible risks arising from the interaction of providing services and goods.
INDICATORS OF ENTERPRISE OPERATING ACTIVITIY AND LEVELS OF ITS ECONOMIC SECURITY
Authors: Ianioglo Alina
Published: October 2016

In the process of ensuring economic security of an enterprise, special attention should be paid to the economic security of production. This article describes the essence of indicators of operational activity: break-even point, financial safety margin, and operating leverage. The analysis of these indicators shows that there are four levels of economic security of production. Formulas for determining these levels are presented and justified. The proposed method can be applied in practice and helps in determining the reserves for increasing efficiency of production.
CREDIT INDEBTEDNESS AS CONVERGENCE CATALYST OF ECONOMIC REGENERATION IN THE VISEGRAD GROUP OF COUNTRIES
Authors: Hudec Martin
Published: October 2016

Financial institutions perform an important role as financial intermediaries in the financial market of the Visegrad group of four countries. These institutions ensure the smooth transfer and redistribution of funds from the various economic players with surplus savings to those who need freely obtainable funds through loans. This transfer and redistribution essentially accelerates the convergence of the four countries economics, through creating consumer debt closer to that of the developed and competitive western economies. The purpose of this paper is to research available statistics to evaluate and compare different aspects, conditions, and development of consumer credits in these four countries in terms of their progress with economic recovery, as a part of convergence after the crisis period, in Central Europe.
EDUCATION BY THEATRE PROJECT (2010 – 2014)
Authors: Inštitorisová Dagmar
Published: October 2016

This article summarizes the almost four-year duration of the Vzdelávanie divadlom (Educating through the Theatre) project from 2010 to 2014, which was funded through European structural funds and based at the Faculty of Arts, Constantine the Philosopher University, in Nitra. This project was managed by the author. As part of the project, 27 workshops were held on historical and contemporary poetics in theatre and their application. There were 45 works published (28 monographs, 15 manuals, and 2 electronic publications) and 8 lectures, 1 colloquium, 1 international conference, and 3 school theatre productions. Eleven Slovak theatre companies were hosted and two theatre festivals supported. This article highlights the main aims of the project and its impact at a nationwide level.
SEARCHING FOR WAYS OF IMPROVING TEENAGERS’ TOLERANCE: DETERMINATION BY MULTIETHNIC ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Voronchenko Tatiana , Vinogradova Nina
Published: October 2016

The coexistence of people of different cultures within a state, as a consequence of mass migration, has created an urgent need to identify ways to promote effective interethnic dialogue and harmonic social relationships. This study examines the problem exemplified in the multiethnic Transbaikal region of the Russian Federation, where more than one hundred nationalities cohabit. The paper illuminates the notion of tolerance, and interprets an array of sociological data to analyze the level of teenagers’ tolerance in a multiethnic environment. Methods of study include a research survey, correlation analysis, and a systematic approach to interpreting results. Modern education systems require institutions to be competent in providing conditions for the formation of tolerance as a quality in a teenager’s personality. The results of this research show that a multiethnic environment provides an effective context for a teenager to form and improve tolerance through interethnic dialogue, and that special pedagogical strategies in educational institutions could contribute to improving cultural awareness and peaceful coexistence.
PUBLIC FUNDING OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS IN LATIN AMERICA: HOW DO WE EVALUATE PROFITABILITY?
Authors: Beaumont Stephen John
Published: October 2016

For Latin American states, it is common practice to channel public funds to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to meet various social needs. However, the impact of this investment is not well understood. There is a need for a deeper knowledge of the issues, such as the components that are being financed and how CSOs use the resources. Also, a better understanding of the impact on the individual beneficiaries of the CSOs is necessary. These issues need resolving to move towards optimizing the use of State resources for the common benefit of society. The main hypothesis of this study is that, although the State generally invests a large amount of funding into CSOs, this funding is inefficiently distributed. A more efficient State funding for CSOs, in terms of positive social impact, would make these organizations more socially profitable.
INTEGRATION IN LATVIA: FLOWS AND EBBS IN NATIONAL AND EUROPEAN CONTEXT
Authors: Rozenvalds Juris
Published: October 2016

Russian-speaking communities in the member states of the European Union (EU), especially the Baltic States and Germany, have earned special attention, in recent years, as subjects of important integration policies, on one hand, and the main targets of Russia’s propagandist efforts, on the other. Because a significant part of Russian-speaking communities accepted these efforts, questions were raised concerning the effectiveness of previous integration policies to strengthen the national identity and invoke a feeling of political togetherness. Thus the factors fostering and triggering integration and the relations between civic and ethnocultural components of integration are of wide interest. This paper presents a case study of Latvia, as a country with the highest share of Russian-speaking citizens among the EU member states and a clear prevalence of ethnocultural components in its integration policies in recent years. The study examines the successes and failures of the integration policies of Latvia during the last twenty-five years, using mainly direct observations and sociological data collected during the last twenty years. The results show that language knowledge, citizenship status, and socioeconomic conditions play an important role in integration. In addition, these factors appear more effective with development of inclusive political practices and civil society structures, cooperative discourse, and facilitation of mutual trust between ethnolinguistic communities.
ABOUT SOME SOCIAL AND HEALTH PROBLEMS OF PERSONS, SEEKING INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION ON THE TERRITORY OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
Authors: Milcheva Hristina , Andonova Albena , Dimova Mariya
Published: October 2016

The influx of migrants to European countries, including the Republic of Bulgaria, is constantly increasing from regions experiencing military conflicts and countries that are economically undeveloped. At present, the Republic of Bulgaria is regarded by asylum seekers as a transit state on their route to the economically developed European countries. The people seeking asylum in the European Union have different sociocultural, ethnical, religious, and health cultures. These differences make their adaptation to their new environment difficult and the situation creates economic, social, and health problems for the accepting countries. The enforcement of uniform European standards and laws for social and health integration of migrants facilitates the process and protects the local people from infectious diseases and social-economic problems. The analysis of documents of the European Union, from international and Bulgarian organizations, shows policies have been developed to guarantee the rights of individuals, seeking protection. A major issue for the successful adaptation of migrants is their unwillingness to observe the laws and regulations of the countries where they settle.
A METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF ADAPTIVE E-LEARNING
Authors: Arnaudova Valia , Terzieva Todorka , Rahnev Asen
Published: October 2016

The purpose of adaptive e-Learning is to ensure effective teaching by providing an opportunity for students to connect with an environment that suits their needs, behavior, and knowledge. The reason adaptive e-Learning is important is that, for a learning process to be successful, it is necessary to consider teaching materials that address specific characteristics of the student, such as their particular goals, preferences, knowledge, and style of studying, to provide an appropriate teaching strategy.In this article we present a methodological approach for implementing the adaptive e-Learning in the course “Computer information systems in tourism”, offered to students in the program “Tourism” through the Smolyan affiliate of the Plovdiv University “Paisii Hilendarski”, using the Distributed Platform for e-Learning (DisPeL). The platform DisPeL enables a user to report on different aspects of the learning process, for example, the time each student takes to learn a specific topic from the curriculum, and the number of incorrect and correct answers from individuals as well as the entire group of students who were trained over a given period of time.