bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lymphovascular space invasion and cervical stromal invasion are independent risk factors for nodal metastasis in endometrioid endometrial cancer
Authors: Solmaz Ulas , Mat Emre , Dereli Murat , Turan Volkan , Gungorduk Kemal , Hasdemir Pinar , Tosun Gokhan , Dogan Askin , Ozdemir Aykut , Adiyeke Mehmet , Sanci Muzaffer
Published: February 2015

Aims

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential roles of pathological variables in the prediction of nodal metastasis in women with endometrioid endometrial cancer (EC).

Materials and Methods

Women who underwent surgery for endometrioid EC between 1995 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Those who underwent prior neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy and inadequate lymphadenectomy as well as those with nonendometrioid histology, synchronous cancers, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IV disease, gross uterine serosal and/or gross adnexal involvement were excluded. Lymph node dissemination was defined as occurring in the following circumstances: (i) when nodal metastasis with pelvic and/or para‐aortic (P/PA) lymph node dissection (LND) was performed or (ii) when there was recurrence in the P/PA lymph nodes after a negative LND or when LND was not performed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the pathological predictors of lymphatic dissemination.

Results

A total of 827 women with endometrioid EC were assessed; 516 (62.4%) of whom underwent P/PA LND and 205 (24.8%) underwent P LND. Sixty‐seven (13%) women in the P/PA LND group and 5 (2.4%) in the P LND group had positive lymph nodes. Multivariate analysis confirmed cervical stromal invasion (OR 4.04, 95% CI 2.02–8.07 (P < 0.001)) and lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) (OR 110.18, 95% CI 38.43–315.87 (P < 0.001)) as independent predictors of lymphatic dissemination.

Conclusion

Cervical stromal invasion and LVSI are highly associated with LN metastasis. These markers may serve as a surrogate for nodal metastasis.
Survival from breast, colon, lung, ovarian and rectal cancer by geographical remoteness in New South Wales, Australia, 2000–2008
Authors: Chen Tina Y.T. , Morrell Stephen , Thomson Wendy , Baker Deborah F. , Walton Richard , Aranda Sanchia , Currow David C.
Published: February 2015

Objective

This study aims to compare survival from breast, colon, lung, ovarian and rectal cancer by geographical remoteness in New South Wales (NSW).

Design

Retrospective population‐wide registry study.

Setting

NSW, Australia.

Participants

A total of 107 060 NSW residents, who were diagnosed with any of the five cancers between 01 January 2000 and 31 December 2008.

Main outcome measures

Kaplan–Meier survival curves and proportional hazards regression were used to compare survival by geographical remoteness of residence at diagnosis, controlling for gender, age and extent of disease at diagnosis. Remoteness was classified using standard definitions: major city, inner regional (InnReg), outer regional (OutReg) and remote (including very remote).

Results

Significant differences in survival (likelihood of death) were identified in all five cancers: breast (adjusted hazard ratio(HR) = 1.22 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.001–1.48) in regionalised and HR = 1.30 (1.02–1.64) in metastatic disease for OutReg areas); colon (HR = 1.14 (1.01–1.29) for OutReg areas in metastatic disease); lung (HR range = 1.08–1.35 (1.01–1.48) for most non‐metropolitan areas in all stages of disease excepting regionalised); ovarian (HR = 1.32 (1.06–1.65) for OutReg areas in metastatic disease, HR = 1.40 (1.04–1.90) for InnReg areas and HR = 1.68 (1.02–2.77) for OutReg areas in unknown stage of disease) and rectal (HR = 1.37 (1.05–1.78) for OutReg areas in localised and HR = 1.14 (1.002–1.30) for InnReg areas in regionalised disease). Where significant differences were found, major cities tended to show the best survival, whereas OutReg areas tended to show the worst. Although no definitive interpretation could be made regarding remote areas due to small patient numbers, their survival appeared relatively favourable.

Conclusions

Reasons that contribute to the differences observed and the disparate results between cancer types need to be further explored in order to facilitate targeted solutions in reducing survival inequality between NSW regions.
A web‐based peer‐assessment approach to improving junior high school students' performance, self‐efficacy and motivation in performing arts courses
Authors: Hsia Lu‐Ho , Huang Iwen , Hwang Gwo‐Jen
Published: February 2015

In this paper, a web‐based peer‐assessment approach is proposed for conducting performing arts activities. A peer‐assessment system was implemented and applied to a junior high school performing arts course to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. A total of 163 junior high students were assigned to an experimental group and a control group. The students in the experimental group learned with the web‐based peer‐assessment approach, whereas those in the control group learned with a web‐based streaming video‐supported environment. The experimental results showed that, in comparison with the web‐based streaming video‐supported learning approach, the web‐based peer assessment approach could significantly improve the students' performance, self‐efficacy and motivation in the performing arts course. In the meantime, it was found that the peer assessment ratings were highly correlated with the teachers' ratings in every performance item; moreover, the performance ratings were highly related to the students' self‐efficacy in evaluating peers' work and improving their own work based on peers' comments as well as their intrinsic motivation, showing the effectiveness of the performance scoring rubrics and the peer assessment approach. The satisfaction questionnaire results also revealed that the students who learned with the peer assessment approach were significantly more satisfied with the learning activity than those who learned with the web‐based learning approach.
Effects of concept map extraction and a test‐based diagnostic environment on learning achievement and learners' perceptions
Authors: Lin Yu‐Shih , Chang Yi‐Chun , Liew Keng‐Hou , Chu Chih‐Ping
Published: February 2015

Computerised testing and diagnostics are critical challenges within an e‐learning environment, where the learners can assess their learning performance through tests. However, a test result based on only a single score is insufficient information to provide a full picture of learning performance. In addition, because test results implicitly include information about the underlying subject concepts and their relationships to each other, this paper proposes a more effective method for analysing test results by providing a concept map (CM) to facilitate learners' understanding of their learning performance. An innovative approach, not explored in previous studies, is proposed to automatically construct a personalised CM. A CM‐smart extraction and explicit diagnosis (CM‐SEED) learning system has been developed to diagnose learning barriers and misconceptions and to supply relevant suggestions and guidance for remedial learning. This study examined 90 students from two classes at a university and assigned one class to be the experimental group and another class to be the control group. The results indicated that the students who used the CM‐SEED learning system had superior perceptions regarding their learning; furthermore, they accomplished superior learning achievement that displayed statistical significance. Consequently, the study concluded that CM extraction in a test‐based diagnostic environment can lead learners to enhanced learning performance.
Targeted inhibition of the deubiquitinating enzymes, USP14 and UCHL5, induces proteotoxic stress and apoptosis in Waldenström macroglobulinaemia tumour cells
Authors: Chitta Kasyapa , Paulus Aneel , Akhtar Sharoon , Blake Maja Kristin K. , Caulfield Thomas R. , Novak Anne J. , Ansell Stephen M. , Advani Pooja , Ailawadhi Sikander , Sher Taimur , Linder Stig , Chanan‐Khan Asher
Published: February 2015

Deubiquitinase enzymes (DUBs) of the proteasomal 19S regulatory particle are emerging as important therapeutic targets in several malignancies. Here we demonstrate that inhibition of two proteasome‐associated DUBs (USP14 and UCHL5) with the small molecule DUB inhibitor b‐AP15, results in apoptosis of human Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM) cell lines and primary patient‐derived WM tumour cells. Importantly, b‐AP15 produced proteotoxic stress and apoptosis in WM cells that have acquired resistance to the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. In silico modelling identified protein residues that were critical for the binding of b‐AP15 with USP14 or UCHL5 and proteasome enzyme activity assays confirmed that b‐AP15 does not affect the proteolytic capabilities of the 20S proteasome β‐subunits. In vitro toxicity from b‐AP15 appeared to result from a build‐up of ubiquitinated proteins and activation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response in WM cells, an effect that also disrupted the mitochondria. Focused transcriptome profiling of b‐AP15‐treated WM cells revealed modulation of several genes regulating cell stress and NF‐κB signalling, the latter whose protein translocation and downstream target activation was reduced by b‐AP15 in vitro. This is the first report to define the effects and underlying mechanisms associated with inhibition of USP14 and UCHL5 DUB activity in WM tumour cells.
The changing cultural and economic values of wind energy landscapes
Authors: Fast Stewart , Mabee Warren , Blair Jean
Published: February 2015

We combine a socio‐cultural and economic approach to investigate how wind turbines change the manner in which rural landscapes are valued. Interviews with residents of communities hosting wind projects on the shores of eastern Lake Ontario reveal two main impressions of landscape change: one is to see turbines as irrevocably industrializing and thereby ruining the peace and quiet of rural life and the second downplays visual concerns as negligible. Using photographs as visual aids we find that participants often perceive rural landscapes as devoid of human activity. This is one reason to suspect that cultural celebration of wind technology as part of a new middle landscape is unlikely. Furthermore, our analysis of property value reductions tentatively suggests more frequent than expected reductions for recreational properties and for properties within 2 km to 5 km of turbines but not within 1 km of turbines. We argue the consideration of landscape issues in wind energy approval processes in Ontario is overly narrow and will continue to act as a point of dispute in wind project development.

L'évolution des valeurs culturelles et économiques des paysages de l'énergie éolienne

À partir d'une approche socioculturelle et économique conjuguée, cette étude vise à évaluer dans quelle mesure les éoliennes font évoluer l'appréciation des paysages ruraux. Des entrevues menées auprès de résidents des communautés dans lesquelles les projets éoliens sont déployés sur la rive est du lac Ontario permettent de dresser deux visions de l'évolution du paysage. La première consiste à voir les turbines comme un élément industriel inéluctable qui trouble la paix et la tranquillité de la vie rurale tandis que la seconde minimise l'ampleur des impacts visuels en les qualifiant de négligeables. Le recours à des photographies montre à quel point les participants perçoivent généralement les paysages ruraux comme étant dépourvus d'activité humaine. Il est donc raisonnable de penser qu'il est improbable que la technologie éolienne fasse l'objet d'une appropriation culturelle inscrite dans l'émergence d'un « paysage intermédiaire ». Par ailleurs, une analyse portant sur la dépréciation des valeurs immobilières permet d'avancer, sous toute réserve, que la dépréciation est plus forte que prévu pour les propriétés de villégiature et les propriétés situées dans un rayon de 2 à 5 km des turbines, mais négligeable à moins de 1 km. Nous soutenons que les enjeux paysagers ne sont pas assez pris en compte dans les processus d'approbation des parcs éoliens en Ontario, ce qui occasionnera des litiges dans le développement des projets d'éoliennes.
Exploring the Social Integration of Sexual Minority Youth Across High School Contexts
Authors: Martin‐Storey Alexa , Cheadle Jacob E. , Skalamera Julie , Crosnoe Robert
Published: February 2015

Mental health disparities between sexual minority and other youth have been theorized to result in part from the effects of the stigmatization on social integration. Stochastic actor‐based modeling was applied to complete network data from two high schools in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Mage = 15 years, N = 2,533). Same‐sex attracted youth were socially marginalized in a smaller predominantly White school but not in a larger, more racially diverse school. For both schools, homophily was a critical network feature, and could represent social support for and social segregation of such youth. These findings emphasize the school context in studying the social lives of sexual minority youth and suggest that youth may be better off socially in larger and more diverse schools.
Darwin's hypotheses to explain colonization trends: evidence from a quasi‐natural experiment and a new conceptual model
Authors: Skóra Felipe , Abilhoa Vinícius , Padial André Andrian , Vitule Jean Ricardo Simões
Published: February 2015

Aim

We examined fish establishment trends in the aftermath of the connection of two Neotropical freshwater ecoregions. Darwin's conundrum was used to examine whether taxonomic and functional relatedness would explain establishment or whether the establishment of new populations was driven by ecological interactions (Darwin's naturalization hypothesis, DNH) or by shared environmental requirements (adaptation hypothesis, AH).

Location

Paraná River, south‐eastern South America.

Methods

Taxonomic relatedness was investigated using a one‐tailed Fisher exact test, considering all species and monophyletic groups. Functional traits were used to estimate niche dissimilarities among non‐native species and across the entire set of native species, generating distributions that were fitted to exponential or logarithmic curves, based on a new conceptual model.

Results

Of the 213 species from the Lower Paraná River that had the opportunity to reach the Upper Paraná River, 25% – 53 spp. – were successfully established. The ratios of unshared to shared genera for both successful and unsuccessful non‐native species were not different, but 7% of type I error probability for Characiformes and 8% for all species, would favour DNH. Our results indicate that both DNH and AH could explain successes but that DNH was more likely to explain failures in establishment.

Main conclusion

Darwin's naturalization hypothesis is more likely to explain the non‐native establishment in invasion processes. Both the DNH and AH explain successful colonization, but DNH provided the best explanation for failed non‐native establishments. Non‐native species that were functionally similar to native species (i.e. with similar traits) were more likely to fail, suggesting that biotic resistance was directly linked to ecological similarity. Biotic resistance could be the most important mechanism for explaining establishment or failure of non‐native species. The conceptual model proposed here can be used to predict which non‐native species are least likely to establish, based on the functional traits of species in the native community.
Against Permitted Exploitation in Developing World Research Agreements
Authors: Wenner Danielle M.
Published: February 2015

This paper examines the moral force of exploitation in developing world research agreements. Taking for granted that some clinical research which is conducted in the developing world but funded by developed world sponsors is exploitative, it asks whether a third party would be morally justified in enforcing limits on research agreements in order to ensure more fair and less exploitative outcomes. This question is particularly relevant when such exploitative transactions are entered into voluntarily by all relevant parties, and both research sponsors and host communities benefit from the resulting agreements. I show that defenders of the claim that exploitation ought to be permitted rely on a mischaracterization of certain forms of interference as unjustly paternalistic and two dubious empirical assumptions about the results of regulation. The view I put forward is that by evaluating a system of constraints on international research agreements, rather than individual transaction‐level interference, we can better assess the alternatives to permitting exploitative research agreements.
Colony foraging allocation is finely tuned to food distance and sweetness even close to a bee colony
Authors: León Adolfo , Arias‐Castro Carlos , Rodríguez‐Mendiola Martha A. , Meza‐Gordillo Rocío , Gutiérrez‐Miceli Federico A. , Nieh James C.
Published: February 2015

Social bee colonies can allocate their foraging resources over a large spatial scale, but how they allocate foraging on a small scale near the colony is unclear and can have implications for understanding colony decision‐making and the pollination services provided. Using a mass‐foraging stingless bee,Scaptotrigona pectoralis(DallaTorre) (Hymenoptera:Apidae:Meliponini), we show that colonies will forage near their nests and allocate their foraging labor on a very fine spatial scale at an array of food sources placed close to the colony. We counted the foragers that a colony allocated to each of nine feeders containing 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 M sucrose solution [31, 43, and 55% sucrose (wt/wt), respectively] at distances of 10, 15, and 20 m from the nest. A significantly greater number of foragers (2.6–5.3 fold greater) visited feeders placed 10 vs. 20 m away from the colony. Foraging allocation also corresponded to food quality. At the 10‐m feeders, 4.9‐fold more foragers visited 2.0 M as compared to 1.0 M sucrose feeders. Colony forager allocation thus responded to both differences in food distance and quality even when the travel cost was negligible compared to normal colony foraging distances (10 m vs. an estimated 800–1 710 m). For a nearby floral patch, this could result in unequal floral visitation and pollination.
Exceptionally Long MTBE Plumes of the Past Have Greatly Diminished
Authors: McDade James M. , Connor John A. , Paquette Shawn M. , Small Julia M.
Published: February 2015

Studies published in the late 1990s and early 2000s identified the presence of exceptionally long methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE) plumes (more than 600 m or 2000 feet) in groundwater and have been cited in technical literature as characteristic of MTBE plumes. However, the scientific literature is incomplete in regard to the subsequent behavior and fate of these MTBE plumes over the past decade. To address this gap, this issue paper compiles recent groundwater monitoring records for nine exceptional plumes that were identified in prior studies. These nine sites exhibited maximum historical MTBE groundwater plume lengths ranging from 820 m (2700 feet) to 3200 m (10,500 feet) in length, exceeding the lengths of 99% of MTBE plumes, as characterized in multiple surveys at underground storage tank sites across the United States. Groundwater monitoring data compiled in our review demonstrate that these MTBE plumes have decreased in length over the past decade, with five of the nine plumes exhibiting decreases of 75% or more compared to their historical maximum lengths. MTBE concentrations within these plumes have decreased by 93% to 100%, with two of the nine sites showing significant decreases (98% and 99%) such that the regulatory authority has subsequently designated the site as requiring no further action.
The Impact of Dynamic Environmental Flow Releases on Hydropower Production in the Zambezi River Basin
Authors: Nyatsanza F.F. , Graas S. , van der Zaag P.
Published: February 2015

Incorporation of environmental flow releases from reservoirs has proven to be challenging due to fear of losses to existing water uses. Moreover environmental flow requirements (EFR) have not often been operationalized. This study compares the possibility of implementing dynamic EFR based on natural flows lagged against an upstream unregulated gauging point with static EFR. It simulates different scenarios with a high flow release in the wet season and analyses its impacts on hydropower production. This method accounts fully for the natural variability of environmental flows, implying less pressure on existing water uses during relatively dry years. Joint operation of two cascading dams vs. individual operation for EFR was also explored. These approaches were tested for the Zambezi River basin in Southern Africa using a water resources model, WAFLEX. Historic data on reservoir water levels, releases and power generation of the hydropower schemes were synthesized. Combining these yielded a validated series of monthly flow data for a 28 year period (1982‐2010). The results show that Kariba and Cahora Bassa reservoirs face a reduction in power produced when they would annually release an environmental flow. However, the dynamic EFR method entails smaller hydropower losses. Joint environmental flow operations will reduce overall basin power production more than if Cahora Bassa alone would release an environmental flow. However, such joint operation would be more beneficial to the ecosystem.
Does Surgeon Subjective Nerve Sparing Score Predict Recovery Time of Erectile Function Following Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy?
Authors: Kang Sung Gu , Schatloff Oscar , Haidar Abdul Muhsin , Samavedi Srinivas , Palmer Kenneth J. , Cheon Jun , Patel Vipul R.
Published: February 2015

Introduction

During robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), the quality of nerve sparing (NS) was usually classified by laterality of NS (none, unilateral, and bilateral) or degree of NS (none, partial, and full). Recently, side-specific NS have been more frequently performed, but previous NS grading system might not reflect the differential NS in each side.

Aim

Herein, we assessed whether a subjective NS score (NSS) incorporating both degree of NS and NS laterality can predict the time to potency recovery following RARP.

Methods

Data were analyzed from 1,898 patients who had left and right neurovascular bundle sparing quality scores and at least one year of follow-up after RARP was performed between January 2008 and October 2011.

Main Outcome Measures

Cox proportional hazard method analyses were used to determine predictive factors for early recovery. Multivariate linear regression models were used to assess subjective NSS in an effort to predict time to potency recovery. Subjective NSSs were compared to a model based on the three grades according to laterality and degree.

Results

Time to potency recovery showed a statistically significant difference in favor of higher NSS by the Cox proportional hazard regression analysis (NSS 0 vs. NSS 5–6, 7–8, and 9–10; P < 0.01). The regression model indicated that the statistical significance of the subjective NSS covering the differential NS is not different from that of the conventional three-grade scales, while it has a higher R2. The regression equation with subjective NSS was as follows: Log (Time) = 5.163 − (0.035 × SHIM Score) + 0.028 Age − (0.101 × Subjective  NSS).

Conclusion

The subjective NSS can reflect NS degree for each side based on the visual cues. Regression model can be used to help inform the patient about the time to postoperative potency regain, which is an important patient concern following RARP.
NITRIC OXIDE‐ASSOCIATED PROTEIN1 (AtNOA1) is essential for salicylic acid‐induced root waving in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhao Xiang , Wang Jin , Yuan Jing , Wang Xi‐li , Zhao Qing‐ping , Kong Pei‐tao , Zhang Xiao
Published: February 2015

Root waving responses have been attributed to both environmental and genetics factors, but the potential inducers and transducers of root waving remain elusive. Thus, the identification of novel signal elements related to root waving is an intriguing field of research.

Genetic, physiological, cytological, live cell imaging, and pharmacological approaches provide strong evidence for the involvement of Arabidopsis thaliana NITRIC OXIDE‐ASSOCIATED PROTEIN1 (AtNOA1) in salicylic acid (SA)‐induced root waving.

SA specially induced root waving, with an overall decrease in root elongation in A. thaliana, and this SA‐induced response was disrupted in the Atnoa1 mutant, as well as in nonexpresser of pathogenesis‐related genes 1 (npr1), which is defective in SA‐mediated plant defense signal transduction, but not in npr3/4 single and double mutants. The expression assays revealed that the abundance of AtNOA1 was significantly increased by application of SA. Genetic and pharmacological analyses showed that SA‐induced root waving involved an AtNOA1‐dependent Ca2+ signal transduction pathway, and PIN‐FORMED2 (PIN2) ‐based polar auxin transport possibly plays a crucial role in this process.

Our work suggests that SA signaling through NPR1 and AtNOA1 is involved in the control of root waving, which provides new insights into the mechanisms that control root growth behavior on a hard agar surface.
Wittgenstein's Anti‐Platonist Argument
Authors: McNally Thomas
Published: February 2015

Many interpreters have noted that §§138–242 of Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations is dominated by an attack on a platonist or classical realist conception of rules and meaning. In this paper, I address the lack of clarity that still exists concerning the nature and strength of the arguments in those sections. I argue that Wittgenstein's attack is genuinely compelling if viewed as an intricate reductio ad absurdum argument that runs all the way through §§138–201. On my reading, the well‐known regress‐of‐interpretations argument is merely one stage in the overall reductio and is not sufficient on its own to generate the rule‐following paradox.
Susceptibility of Ureaplasma urealyticum to Methylene Blue‐Mediated Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy: An in vitro Study
Authors: Ye Tinglu , Chen Bancheng , Yu Bo , Zhong Qili , Huang Guoxin , Hu Xiaoping , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to detect the susceptibility of Ureaplasma urealyticum to methylene blue‐mediated photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT). Three U. urealyticum strains including the standard serotype 1 and 5, and a clinically collected strain were used in this study. Strains were first incubated in 96‐well culture plates in the presence of methylene blue with decreasing concentrations (from 1 to 0.015625 mg mL−1) for 20 or 60 min, and then submitted to irradiation with a light‐emitting diode laser with a power density of 100 mW cm−2 for 8, 17, 34 or 68 min. Regrowth of the strains was performed soon after irradiation. A significant inactivation effect was observed after PACT. Longer incubation time induced more extensive inactivation of U. urealyticum. No difference in response to PACT was observed between the two biovars of U. urealyticum. It was concluded that PACT had a significant inactivation effect on U. urealyticum, and it might be a promising alternative treatment for resistant U. urealyticum infections.
Gender Congruence and Work Effort in Manager–Employee Relationships
Authors: Marvel John D.
Published: February 2015

This article uses data on public school teachers and principals to examine whether teachers who share the gender of their principal work more overtime hours than teachers who do not. Findings show that gender congruence is associated with overtime hours for female teachers but not for male teachers. This result holds between schools and within schools: female teachers with female principals work more overtime hours than female teachers with male principals, and female teachers with female principals work more overtime hours than male teachers who work in the same school, for the same female principal. In light of multiple competing explanations for this finding, the author explores why gender congruence matters for female teachers but not for male teachers.

Practitioner Points

Female teachers with female principals work more overtime hours than female teachers with male principals.

Female teachers with female principals work more overtime hours than male teachers who work in the same schools, for the same female principals.

Gender congruence is not associated with overtime hours among male teachers.

Female teachers’ overtime hours are associated with female principals’ overtime hours, suggesting that female teachers emulate female principals’ work behavior.
Vertically Related Markets, Foreign Competition and Optimal Privatization Policy
Authors: Chang Winston W. , Ryu Han Eol
Published: February 2015

This paper examines the optimal privatization policy in vertically related markets in which an upstream public firm competes with a foreign private rival in supplying a produced input to the domestic and foreign downstream firms competing in the domestic market. It shows that if the upstream public firm's market share is sufficiently high, full nationalization is optimal and the resulting profit margin is positive. However, complete privatization is never optimal. Numerical simulations reveal both the diverse optimal privatization regimes and the patterns of optimal privatization levels with varying numbers of the domestic and foreign downstream firms.
Male infants with hypospadias and/or cryptorchidism show a lower 2D/4D digit ratio than normal boys
Authors: Abbo O , Ferdynus C , Kalfa N , Huiart L , Sauvat F , Harper L H
Published: February 2015

Background

In humans the ratio of the index finger to the ring finger is sexually dimorphic, with the mean ratio being larger in women than in men. It has been suggested that this difference is related to prenatal androgen exposure. This has been further demonstrated in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Normal development of the male external genitalia is linked to androgen-mediated events during gestation. We therefore wanted to determine if the 2D:4D digit ratio was normal in boys with cryptorchidism or hypospadias.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled all prepubertal patients seen in the outpatient clinic for cryptorchidism or hypospadias between September and December 2012. We then compared their 2D:4D digit ratio with two control groups made up of normal boys and normal girls. Interobserver and intraobserver variability was evaluated.

Results

We included 57 boys with hypospadias and/or cryptorchidism, 79 boys without genital abnormalities and 25 girls without genital abnormalities. The mean 2D:4D ratio for both hands was significantly different between the three groups, with the digit ratio for boys with genital anomalies being lower than for normal boys and normal girls (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

It appears that boys with genital abnormalities (cryptorchidism and/or hypospadias) have a lower 2D:4D digit ratio than boys without genital anomalies.
Delayed-onset postoperative endophthalmitis secondary toExophiala
Authors: Quintero-Estades Jose Alberto , Walter Scott , Valenzuela Felipe , Amescua Guillermo
Published: February 2015

Exophialais a genus of slow-growing, melanin-producing, saprophytic fungi most commonly found in soil, faeces and decaying plant matter. It is an unusual fungal pathogen capable of causing a variety of ophthalmic manifestations, including keratitis, scleritis and endophthalmitis. In this report, we present a rare case of delayed-onset postoperative endophthalmitis confined to the anterior segment, secondary toExophialaspecies. Previous reported cases of delayed-onset postoperative endophthalmitis have been treated medically, with suboptimal outcomes. Our experience supports the use of anterior segment surgery to clear the nidus of disease combined with intravitreal voriconazole to prevent recurrence of the infection.
Sudden onset hemiplegia at high altitude
Authors: Chandler Henry C , Mellor A
Published: February 2015

Travel to high altitude and the incumbent exposure to hypobaric hypoxia leads to a prothrombotic state. This may increase the likelihood of thromboembolic events, including stroke, in otherwise healthy individuals. While there have been sporadic anecdotal reports of ‘stroke-like’ syndromes at high altitude for over 100 years, there are surprisingly few detailed reports supported by imaging.

This report describes a case of posterior circulation infarct thought to be due to a paradoxical embolus through a patent foramen ovale. The relationship between high-altitude physiology, increased incidence of thromboembolism and the significance of patent foramen are discussed in the report.
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy in a dog imaged with CT
Authors: Hill Myfanwy , Scudder Christopher J , Glanemann Barbara , Drees Randi
Published: February 2015

A seven‐month‐old male neutered cross‐breed dog presented with non‐specific signs of lethargy, pyrexia and pain on manipulation of the limbs, which progressed over a period of 24 hours to a non‐ambulatory state with pain over multiple metaphyses. The patient underwent diagnostic imaging examinations, including radiography and CT, and arthrocentesis was performed, which demonstrated a sterile, neutrophilic infiltrate. On the basis of diagnostic tests, a diagnosis of hypertrophic osteodystrophy was made. The patient was managed initially with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory medication and adjunctive analgesia. The patient failed to respond to this protocol and hence was changed onto a tapering course of steroids initially at immunosuppressive levels to which he responded well. This case report provides the first description of hypertrophic osteodystrophy using CT and supports the use of arthrocentesis in the diagnostic plan for suspected cases of hypertrophic osteodystrophy in the dog.
Laparoscopic removal of a large abdominal foreign body granuloma using single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and extraction bag in a cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
Authors: Hartman Marthinus Jacobus , Kirberger Robert Murco , Tordiffe Adrian Stephen Wolferstan , Boy Sonja , Schoeman Johan Petrus
Published: February 2015

This case presents a thorn‐induced abdominal foreign body granuloma that was removed with single incision laparoscopic surgery and an extraction bag. An 11‐year‐old female cheetah presented for routine laparoscopic ovariectomy. Abdominal palpation detected a mid‐abdominal mass. Differential diagnoses were neoplasia and foreign body. Laparoscopic exploration of the peritoneal cavity revealed an omentalised mass, which was successfully removed with the aid of bipolar electrocoagulation. Microscopic investigation intraoperatively and postoperatively confirmed extensive foreign body‐induced granulomatous inflammation. The foreign body was well encapsulated by fibrous tissue with no adjacent stricture formation. The patient made a complete recovery, and this is the first case report of a thorn‐induced abdominal foreign body removed with minimally invasive surgery in a wild African carnivore.
Using physical and emotional parameters to assess donkey welfare in Botswana
Authors: Geiger Martha , Hovorka Alice J.
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Working donkeys in Maun, Botswana contribute to people's livelihoods substantially through the provision of transport, ploughing and income generating activities. However, working donkeys suffer from various welfare issues that were investigated in this study to provide preliminary insights on their health and well‐being.

Materials and methods

An assessment protocol involving direct observations of the donkeys was developed and operationalised to assess physical and emotional welfare. Physical welfare parameters such as body condition score, abnormal limbs, impeded gait, eye abnormalities, sore and scar locations, hoof and coat condition were recorded. Emotional welfare parameters such as eyes, tail movement, ear position, neck position, posture and vocalisation were recorded. In addition, donkey‐owner interactions were recorded and scored, as well as the donkey's response to environmental factors. A total cross‐section of 100 donkeys sub‐stratified by roles of riding, cart pulling and resting were randomly selected in eight villages and three urban wards and assessed during the period of May to August 2012.

Results

The findings reveals that the 100 adult working donkeys assessed were physically afflicted by poor BCSs of two (66 per cent), long and cracked hooves (50 per cent), sores on at least two locations on their body (53 per cent), scars on at least two locations on their body (86 per cent), and poor coat conditions (58 per cent). Emotionally, donkeys displayed unresponsiveness (35 per cent), avoidance (31 per cent), disinterest in hand sniffing (59 per cent), dull facial expression (33 per cent), tail stillness (89 per cent), neck stiffness and/or raised head (13 per cent) or head hanging low (32 per cent visibly withdrawn), and tense ears pointing back or to the side (69 per cent). By contrast, the remaining donkeys (31 per cent) exhibited a happy demeanour of curiosity, interest, alert facial expression, tail swishing, relaxed ears pointed to the side or forward and neck relaxed and/or level.

Conclusions

This study offers preliminary findings from an investigation into the welfare of working donkeys in Greater Maun, Botswana, and provides baseline research to inform future research and strategies to enhance donkey well‐being.
Calculating cumulative inefficiency using earned value management in construction projects
Authors: Lee Jae-Seob
Published: February 2015

Delay is one of the major factors in the cost overruns that affect construction projects. Furthermore, delay may cause a cumulative impact or ripple effect on productivity. Even though there are various methods proposed in previous researches that are considered applicable for analyzing the damages resulting from delay, there are some limitations to previous approaches. Notably, they do not consider the realistic production rates of activities over time. Moreover, they do not reflect the ripple effects on the performance of the work remaining, after the completion of delay events. This paper, therefore, proposes a method, which is referred to as the COME method (combination of measured mile analysis and earned value management (EVM) incorporating probable production rates) that can reasonably calculate the cumulative damages due to delay, considering the feasible rates of production over time, and the ripple effects on productivity. The COME method includes the ‘learning curve’, and the ‘earned value analysis’ as research methodologies. Earned value management was utilized, to demonstrate and calculate the effects of the cumulative loss of productivity on the remaining work, as well as on the impacted work due to delay. An example analysis showed that the COME method is a feasible choice for damages calculation, considering probable production rates over activity progress, and indirect impacts on performance changes, after the completion of delay events. It is noted, however, that the COME method relies on the use of a subjective or availability of an estimated production rate for the estimate to complete calculations.
Review of physics results from the Tevatron: QCD physics
Authors: Mesropian Christina , Bandurin Dmitry
Published: February 2015

We present a summary of results from studies of quantum chromodynamics at the Fermilab Tevatron collider by the CDF and the D0 experiments. These include Run II results for the time period up to the end of Summer 2014. A brief description of Run I results is also given. This review covers a wide spectrum of topics, and includes measurements with jet and vector boson final states in the hard (perturbative) energy regime, as well as studies of soft physics such as diffractive and elastic scatterings, underlying and minimum bias events, hadron fragmentation, and multiple parton interactions.
Experimental Thermal Analysis of Diesel Engine Piston and Cylinder Wall
Authors: Sharma Subodh Kumar , Saini P. K. , Samria N. K.
Published: February 2015

Knowledge of piston and cylinder wall temperature is necessary to estimate the thermal stresses at different points; this gives an idea to the designer to take care of weaker cross section area. Along with that, this temperature also allows the calculation of heat losses through piston and cylinder wall. The proposed methodology has been successfully applied to a water-cooled four-stroke direct-injection diesel engine and it allows the estimation of the piston and cylinder wall temperature. The methodology described here combines numerical simulations based on FEM models and experimental procedures based on the use of thermocouples. Purposes of this investigation are to measure the distortion in the piston, temperature, and radial thermal stresses after thermal loading. To check the validity of the heat transfer model, measure the temperature through direct measurement using thermocouple wire at several points on the piston and cylinder wall. In order to prevent thermocouple wire entanglement, a suitable pathway was designed. Appropriate averaged thermal boundary conditions such as heat transfer coefficients were set on different surfaces for FE model. The study includes the effects of the thermal conductivity of the material of piston, piston rings, and combustion chamber wall. Results show variation of temperature, stresses, and deformation at various points on the piston.
Hyperhemolysis Syndrome without Underlying Hematologic Disease
Authors: Eberly Lauren Anne , Osman Diaa , Collins Nathaniel Perryman
Published: February 2015

Introduction. Hyperhemolysis is characterized by a life-threatening hemolytic transfusion reaction, with hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) dropping markedly lower than before transfusion. This phenomenon, commonly described in sickle cell disease, is a rare occurrence in patients without hemoglobinopathies.Case Report. A 55-year-old male presented to the hospital after a motorcycle crash and received 10 units of cross-matched blood for active bleeding. The patient was blood group O, with a negative antibody screen. Ten days later, he represented complaining of dyspnea and was found to have a hematocrit of 12%. The direct antiglobulin test was positive for anti-immunoglobin G and complement. Indirect antiglobulin test was positive for anti-Jka alloantibodies. The presence of Jka antigen was revealed in one unit of previously transfused blood; patient’s RBCs were negative for the Jka antigen. Laboratory data demonstrated findings consistent with DHTR, as well as reticulopenia and elevated ferritin levels. He continued to show signs of active hemolysis, requiring a total of 4 subsequent units of pRBCs. Each transfusion precipitated a drop in Hb and Hct to levels lower than before transfusion; once transfusions were held, the patient slowly recovered.Discussion. Hyperhemolysis in the setting of a DHTR can occur in patients without hematologic disease.
The Exponential Cubic B-Spline Algorithm for Korteweg-de Vries Equation
Authors: Ersoy Ozlem , Dag Idris
Published: February 2015

The exponential cubic B-spline algorithm is presented to find the numerical solutions of the Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation. The problem is reduced to a system of algebraic equations, which is solved by using a variant of Thomas algorithm. Numerical experiments are carried out to demonstrate the efficiency of the suggested algorithm.
The Genetic Link between Parkinson’s Disease and the Kynurenine Pathway Is Still Missing
Authors: Török Nóra , Török Rita , Szolnoki Zoltán , Somogyvári Ferenc , Klivényi Péter , Vécsei László
Published: February 2015

Background. There is substantial evidence that the kynurenine pathway (KP) plays a role in the normal physiology of the brain and is involved in the pathology of neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease (PD).Objective. We set out to investigate the potential roles in PD of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from one of the key enzymes of the KP, kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO).Methods. 105 unrelated, clinically definitive PD patients and 131 healthy controls were enrolled to investigate the possible effects of the different alleles of KMO. Fluorescently labeled TaqMan probes were used for allele discrimination.Results. None of the four investigated SNPs proved to be associated with PD or influenced the age at onset of the disease.Conclusions. The genetic link between the KP and PD is still missing. The investigated SNPs presumably do not appear to influence the function of KMO and probably do not contain binding sites for regulatory proteins of relevance in PD. This is the first study to assess the genetic background behind the biochemical alterations of the kynurenine pathway in PD, directing the attention to this previously unexamined field.
Electrochemical Studies for Cation Recognition with Diazo-Coupled Calix[4]arenes
Authors: Kim Bongsu , Kim Tae Hyun
Published: February 2015

The electrochemical properties of diazophenylcalix[4]arenes bearingortho-carboxyl group (o-CAC) andortho-ester group (o-EAC), respectively, in the presence of various metal ions were investigated by voltammetry in CH3CN.o-CAC ando-EAC showed voltammetric changes toward divalent metal ions and no significant changes with monovalent alkali metal ions. However,o-CAC preferentially binds with alkaline earth and transition metal ions, whereas no significant changes in voltammetric signals are observed ino-EAC with alkaline earth metal ions.o-EAC only binds with other transition metal ions. This can be explained on metal ion complexation-induced release of proton from the azophenol to the quinone-hydrazone tautomer followed by internal complexation of the metal ion with aid of nitrogen atoms andortho-carbonyl groups in the diazophenylazocalix[4]arenes.
Potential Benefits of Berberine in the Management of Perimenopausal Syndrome
Authors: Caliceti Cristiana , Rizzo Paola , Cicero Arrigo Francesco Giuseppe
Published: February 2015

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in women after menopause and 56% of all causes of death in Western European countries. Nowadays, with increasing life span, women spend approximately one-third of their life-time in postmenopausal state; therefore, the development of new strategies to improve the prevention and treatment of menopause-associated pathologies is important topic in clinical practice. The studies to assess the safety of hormone replacement therapy in women with estrogen deficiency have not been conclusive due to the relative contraindications; therefore, hormone replacement therapy is prescribed only in selected cases and for a limited time. For this reason, today women are encouraged to use naturally available compounds to prevent or to attenuate menopausal symptoms and correlated pathologies, with fewer side effects. Among these compounds, berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid derived from plants of the generisBerberis, has been recognized as being capable of decreasing oxidative stress, LDL, triglycerides, and insulin resistance and of improving the mood. This review describes the cellular and clinical effects associated with the use of berberine, which suggest that this molecule could be an effective natural supplement to ensure a smooth peri- and postmenopausal transition.