bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subtalar arthroscopy and fluoroscopy in percutaneous fixation of intra-articular calcaneal fractures
Authors: Law Gin Way , Yeo Nicholas Eng Meng , Yeo William , Koo Kevin , Chong Keen Wai
Published: February 2017

Introduction:

Percutaneous fixation of intra-articular calcaneal fractures is traditionally assisted only by intraoperative fluoroscopy. Previous studies have demonstrated that the additional use of subtalar arthroscopy in anatomical reduction of the posterior calcaneal facet of the subtalar joint for less complex calcaneal fractures yielded positive results up to 2-year follow-up. This study aims to investigate long-term outcomes of these patients using similar evaluation parameters. We hypothesized that this novel technique with dual-imaging can provide sustainable, long-term benefits with good functional outcomes and significant restoration of the Bohler’s angle.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective study of 15 Sanders II, AO-OTA 83-C2 intra-articular calcaneal fractures in 14 patients who underwent subtalar arthroscopy and fluoroscopy guided percutaneous fracture fixation with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Outcome measures were assessed using the ankle and hindfoot NPRS, AOFAS ankle–hindfoot score, and SF-36 Physical Function subscale preoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 5–8 years postoperatively. The Bohler’s angle was measured preoperatively, immediately postoperatively and at 5–8 years postoperatively.

Results:

We report excellent functional outcomes in all scores as well as continued improvements in the majority of patients across all time points with minimal subsidence of the corrected Bohler’s angle over our study time frame.

Conclusion:

Subtalar arthroscopy with intraoperative fluoroscopy in anatomical reduction of the posterior calcaneal facet of the subtalar joint is most useful in Sanders type II, AO-OTA 83-C2 fractures with excellent functional outcomes and good preservation of the corrected Bohler’s angle on long-term follow-up.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Advanced Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial
Authors: Joshi Jubert Nayana , Rodríguez Luciano , Reverté-Vinaixa Maria Mercedes , Navarro Aurora
Published: February 2017

Background:

Intra-articular injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to treat symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (OA) have been successfully used in young patients and in the early stages of disease. No previous studies have analyzed outcomes of PRP injections during the late stages.

Hypothesis:

PRP reduces pain and leads to a more effective and lasting functional recovery than corticosteroid with local anesthetic.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 75 patients with symptomatic knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 to 4) were enrolled in this study between August 2013 and July 2014. Patients were randomized to treatment either with a single leukocyte-reduced PRP or corticosteroid intra-articular injection. The primary variable was visual analog scale assessment at 1 month. Secondary outcomes were the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Short Form–36 (SF-36) at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Patient satisfaction at final follow-up was assessed. Both groups were homogeneous and comparable in baseline characteristics.

Results:

All variables improved in both groups. Statistical differences between groups were not found for the majority of the outcome variables, although the magnitude of improvements tended to be greater in the PRP group. Quality-of-life differences between values at 3 and 6 months versus baseline increased significantly more in the study group ( P = .05 and .03, respectively), and so did general health perception differences at 6 months ( P = .018).

Conclusion:

A single PRP intra-articular injection is effective for relieving pain and improving activities of daily living and quality of life in late-stage knee OA. For patients with late-stage knee OA who are 67 years or older, 1 intra-articular injection of PRP has similar results to 1 shot of corticosteroid.
The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde complexity of the macrophage response in disease
Authors: Twum Danielle Y F , Burkard-Mandel Lauren , Abrams Scott I
Published: February 2017

Macrophages comprise a highly diverse cell population expressing a continuum of biologic activities dictated by exposure to a plethora of inflammatory cues. Moreover, in contrast to most other hematopoietic populations, macrophages can arise from multiple sites—namely, the bone marrow or yolk sac, adding to the complexity of macrophage biology during health and disease. Nonetheless, it is this very type of diversity that is indispensable for macrophages to respond effectively to pathologic insults. Most of the interest in macrophage biology has been devoted to bone marrow-derived populations, but it is now becoming clearer that tissue-resident populations, which arise from distinct hematopoietic compartments, serve critical roles in host defense, including protection against neoplastic disease. Depending on the inflammatory milieu, macrophages can behave as a “two-edged sword,” playing either host-protective (i.e., antitumor) or host-destructive (i.e., protumor) roles. Accordingly, we review herein the mechanisms that instruct macrophage functional diversity within their microenvironments, with special emphasis on transcriptional regulation, which is less understood. Given their polarizing positions in disease processes, we will also provide an overview of strategies that target macrophages or their effector mechanisms for therapeutic purposes.
Down-regulation of CD73 on B cells of patients with viremic HIV correlates with B cell activation and disease progression
Authors: Kim Eun-Seong , Ackermann Christin , Tóth Ilona , Dierks Patrick , Eberhard Johanna M , Wroblewski Raluca , Scherg Felix , Geyer Matthias , Schmidt Reinhold E , Beisel Claudia , Bockhorn Maximilian , Haag Friedrich , van Lunzen Jan , Schulze zur Wiesch Julian
Published: February 2017

Recently, alterations of the T cell expression of the ectonucleotidases, CD39 and CD73, during HIV infection have been described. Here, peripheral (n = 70) and lymph nodal B cells (n = 10) of patients with HIV at different stages of disease as well as uninfected individuals were analyzed via multicolor flow cytometry with regard to expression of CD39 and CD73 and differentiation, proliferation, and exhaustion status. Patients with chronic, untreated HIV showed a significantly decreased frequency of CD73-expressing B cells (P < 0.001) compared with healthy controls. Decreased frequencies of CD39+CD73+ B cells in patients with HIV correlated with low CD4+ counts (P < 0.0256) as well as increased proliferation and exhaustion status as determined by Ki-67 and programmed death-1 expression. Down-regulation of CD73 was observed in naive and memory B cells as determined by CD27 and CD21. Neither HIV elite controller patients nor antiretroviral therapy–treated patients had significantly lower CD39 and CD73 expression on B cells compared with healthy controls. Of importance, low CD73+ expression on B cells was associated with modulated in vitro B cell function. Further in vivo studies are warranted to evaluate the in vivo role of phenotypic loss of CD73 in B cell dysregulation in HIV.
Experimental Analysis of a Shake Table Test of Timber-Framed Structures with Stone and Earth Infill
Authors: Vieux-Champagne F. , Sieffert Y. , Grange S. , Nko'ol C. Belinga , Bertrand E. , Duccini J. C. , Faye C. , Daudeville L.
Published: February 2017

The seismic performance of timber-framed structures filled with stones and earth mortar has been analyzed by introducing the structural subscales (cell, wall, house) at which monotonic and cyclic loadings were considered. This article aims to present the dynamic behavior of a house as determined through shaking table tests. Based on this experimental multiscale analysis, this paper confirms that timbered masonry structures offer effective seismic resistance; moreover, such a comprehensive analysis helps enhance understanding of the seismic-resistant behavior of timber-framed structures with infill. This paper also aids ongoing development of a numerical tool intended to predict the seismic-resistant behavior of this type of structure.
Earthquake Demand Energy Attenuation Model for Liquefaction Potential Assessment
Authors: Baziar Mohammad H. , Rostami Hamid
Published: February 2017

This study introduces an attenuation model based on the strain energy approach for estimating earthquake demand energy (EDE) to evaluate soil liquefaction potential. A new method is presented to estimate the EDE at a free-field site when only one record of the ground surface acceleration is available. This method was generated after analyzing the earthquake data of 18 downhole arrays in California. The developed method was later employed for calculating the EDE values of 328 earthquake records worldwide. Results showed that several parameters affected the EDE amount, including earthquake magnitude, faulting mechanism, site-to-source distance, shear wave velocity, and peak ground acceleration (PGA). These parameters were categorized by three main functions including source, distance, and site effect functions. An attenuation model was incorporated as a result of these three functions. Finally, the demand energy of two liquefaction array sites—Port Island (PI) site in Japan and Wildlife Liquefaction Array (WLA) site in California—were predicted by the proposed attenuation model and compared to the calculated capacity energies of these sites with satisfactory results.
Cumulative Absolute Velocity as a Local Damage Indicator of Instrumented Structures
Authors: Muin Sifat , Mosalam Khalid M.
Published: February 2017

This paper addresses the critical issue of localized damage detection in structural health monitoring. It evaluates the application of cumulative absolute velocity (CAV) as a local damage indicator for analyzing the acceleration response of a shaking table test specimen as well as real instrumented buildings. A bridge column test specimen instrumented with 18 accelerometers is subjected to increasing six levels of shaking corresponding to different damage states. The CAV analysis of the horizontal response of the accelerometers identified the elevation where damage is located. The vertical CAV analysis not only identified the existence of damage but also located the damage with high precision. This method is subsequently applied to two instrumented buildings damaged during earthquakes. The results show that for the seven-story Van Nuys hotel, the CAV can correctly locate the damage that occurred during the 1994 Northridge earthquake. For the Imperial county services building, the CAV is also able to correctly identify the location of damage. Thus, the presented CAV method enables identifying the onset and location of damage to evaluate the structural integrity.
Determinants of Patient-Centered Financial Stress in Patients With Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: de Souza Jonas A. , Kung Sunny , O’Connor Jeremy , Yap Bonnie J.
Published: February 2017

Purpose:

To prospectively estimate patient-centered financial stress and its relationship with health care utilization in patients with head and neck cancer. This was a survey-based, longitudinal, prospective study of treatment-naïve patients with stage III, IVa, or IVb locally advanced head and neck cancer at a single-institution tertiary care hospital from May 2013 to November 2014. With 121 patients approached, 73 (60%) agreed to participate.

Methods:

Self-reported data were collected on demographics, income, wealth, cost-coping strategies, out-of-pocket costs, supportive medication compliance, and perceived social isolation. Health care utilization was measured by hospital admissions and outpatient appointments on a 6-month timeline. Logistic regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with use of cost-coping strategies. Covariates included all demographics, measures of income, wealth, out-of-pocket costs, indirect costs, and perceived social isolation.

Results:

Fifty-one patients (69%) relied on at least one coping strategy. On multivariable analysis, Medicaid patients were more likely than privately insured patients to use cost-coping strategies (odds ratio, 42.3; P = .0042). Decreased wealth ( P = .002) and higher total out-of-pocket costs ( P = .003) were independently associated with using cost-coping strategies. Patients with high perceived social isolation were also more likely to use cost-coping strategies (odds ratio, 11.5; P = .01). Patients with high perceived social isolation were more likely to report nonadherence to supportive medications (21.4 v 5.45 days over 6 months; P = .0278) and missed appointments (seven v three; P = .0077).

Conclusion:

A majority of patients used at least one cost-coping strategy during their treatment, highlighting the financial stress that patients experience. Perceived social isolation is an important social determinant of increased medication nonadherence, missed appointments, and use of cost-coping strategies. Interventions should be investigated in at-risk patients who may suffer from financial stress.
Preference for and learning of amino acids in larvalDrosophila
Authors: Kudow Nana , Miura Daisuke , Schleyer Michael , Toshima Naoko , Gerber Bertram , Tanimura Teiichi
Published: February 2017

Relative to other nutrients, less is known about how animals sense amino acids and how behaviour is organized accordingly. This is a significant gap in our knowledge, because amino acids are required for protein synthesis−and hence for life as we know it. Choosing larvae as a study case, we provide the first systematic analysis of both the preference behaviour for and the learning of all 20 canonical amino acids in Drosophila. We report that preference for individual amino acids differs according to the kind of amino acid, both in first-instar and in third-instar larvae. Our data suggest that this preference profile changes across larval instars, and that starvation during the third instar also alters this profile. Only aspartic acid turns out to be robustly attractive across all our experiments. The essentiality of amino acids does not appear to be a determinant of preference. Interestingly, although amino acids thus differ in their innate attractiveness, we find that all amino acids are equally rewarding. Similar discrepancies between innate attractiveness and reinforcing effect have previously been reported for other tastants, including sugars, bitter substances and salt. The present analyses will facilitate the ongoing search for the receptors, sensory neurons, and internal, homeostatic amino acid sensors in Drosophila.
Metabolic remodeling during the loss and acquisition of pluripotency
Authors: Mathieu Julie , Ruohola-Baker Hannele
Published: February 2017

Pluripotent cells from the early stages of embryonic development have the unlimited capacity to self-renew and undergo differentiation into all of the cell types of the adult organism. These properties are regulated by tightly controlled networks of gene expression, which in turn are governed by the availability of transcription factors and their interaction with the underlying epigenetic landscape. Recent data suggest that, perhaps unexpectedly, some key epigenetic marks, and thereby gene expression, are regulated by the levels of specific metabolites. Hence, cellular metabolism plays a vital role beyond simply the production of energy, and may be involved in the regulation of cell fate. In this Review, we discuss the metabolic changes that occur during the transitions between different pluripotent states both in vitro and in vivo, including during reprogramming to pluripotency and the onset of differentiation, and we discuss the extent to which distinct metabolites might regulate these transitions.
Cell division and cadherin-mediated adhesion regulate lens epithelial cell movement in zebrafish
Authors: Mochizuki Toshiaki , Luo Yi-Jyun , Tsai Hsieh-Fu , Hagiwara Akane , Masai Ichiro
Published: February 2017

In vertebrates, lens epithelial cells cover the anterior half of the lens fiber core. During development, lens epithelial cells proliferate, move posteriorly and differentiate into lens fiber cells after passing through the equator. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying lens epithelial cell movement, we conducted time-lapse imaging of zebrafish lens epithelium. Lens epithelial cells do not intermingle but maintain their relative positions during development. Cell division induces epithelial rearrangement, which subsequently promotes cell movement towards the equator. These data suggest that cell division is the major driving force for cell movement. In zebrafish, E-cadherin is expressed in lens epithelium, whereas N-cadherin is required for lens fiber growth. E-cadherin reduced lens epithelial cell movement, whereas N-cadherin enhanced it. Laser ablation experiments revealed that lens epithelium is governed by pulling tension, which is modulated by these cadherins. Thus, cell division and cadherin-mediated adhesion regulate lens epithelial cell movement via modulation of epithelial tension.
Auxin 2016: a burst of auxin in the warm south of China
Authors: Vernoux Teva , Robert Stéphanie
Published: February 2017

The luxurious vegetation at Sanya, the most southern location in China on the island of Hainan, provided a perfect environment for the ‘Auxin 2016’ meeting in October. As we review here, participants from all around the world discussed the latest advances in auxin transport, metabolism and signaling pathways, highlighting how auxin acts during plant development and in response to the environment in combination with other hormones. The meeting also provided a rich perspective on the evolution of the role of auxin, from algae to higher plants.
Respiratory rhythm generation: triple oscillator hypothesis
Authors: Anderson Tatiana M. , Ramirez Jan-Marino
Published: February 2017

Breathing is vital for survival but also interesting from the perspective of rhythm generation. This rhythmic behavior is generated within the brainstem and is thought to emerge through the interaction between independent oscillatory neuronal networks. In mammals, breathing is composed of three phases – inspiration, post-inspiration, and active expiration – and this article discusses the concept that each phase is generated by anatomically distinct rhythm-generating networks: the preBötzinger complex (preBötC), the post-inspiratory complex (PiCo), and the lateral parafacial nucleus (pFL), respectively. The preBötC was first discovered 25 years ago and was shown to be both necessary and sufficient for the generation of inspiration. More recently, networks have been described that are responsible for post-inspiration and active expiration. Here, we attempt to collate the current knowledge and hypotheses regarding how respiratory rhythms are generated, the role that inhibition plays, and the interactions between the medullary networks. Our considerations may have implications for rhythm generation in general.
Cytomegalovirus in pregnancy and the neonate
Authors: Emery Vincent C. , Lazzarotto Tiziana
Published: February 2017

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a leading cause of disability in children. Understanding the pathogenesis of infection from the mother via the placenta to the neonate is crucial if we are to produce new interventions and provide supportive mechanisms to improve the outcome of congenitally infected children. In recent years, some major goals have been achieved, including the diagnosis of primary maternal CMV infection in pregnant women by using the anti-CMV IgG avidity test and the diagnosis and prognosis of foetal CMV infection by using polymerase chain reaction real-time tests to detect and quantify the virus in amniotic fluid. This review summarises recent advances in our understanding and highlights where challenges remain, especially in vaccine development and anti-viral therapy of the pregnant woman and the neonate. Currently, no therapeutic options during pregnancy are available except those undergoing clinical trials, whereas valganciclovir treatment is recommended for congenitally infected neonates with moderately to severely symptomatic disease.
Surgical education and adult learning: Integrating theory into practice
Authors: Rashid Prem
Published: February 2017

Surgical education continues to evolve from the master-apprentice model. Newer methods of the process need to be used to manage the dual challenges of educating while providing safe surgical care. This requires integrating adult learning concepts into delivery of practical training and education in busy clinical environments. A narrative review aimed at outlining and integrating adult learning and surgical education theory was undertaken. Additionally, this information was used to relate the practical delivery of surgical training and education in day-to-day surgical practice. Concepts were sourced from reference material. Additional material was found using a PubMed search of the words: ‘surgical education theory’ and ‘adult learning theory medical’. This yielded 1351 abstracts, of which 43 articles with a focus on key concepts in adult education theory were used. Key papers were used to formulate structure and additional cross-referenced papers were included where appropriate. Current concepts within adult learning have a lot to offer when considering how to better deliver surgical education and training. Better integration of adult learning theory can be fruitful. Individual teaching surgical units need to rethink their paradigms and consider how each individual can contribute to the education experience. Up skilling courses for trainers can do much to improve the delivery of surgical education. Understanding adult learning concepts and integrating these into day-to-day teaching can be valuable.
ON THE INTERACTION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT BODIES AND JUDICIAL COMMUNITY
Authors: Степанов Олег , Stepanov Oleg
Published: February 2017

The article discusses the possible forms of interaction between law enforcement bodies and judicial community. There are also proposals for improvement of the qualification collegiums of judges, for increasing of the public confidence in the judicial branch of power in current conditions. The current law allows bringing judges to disciplinary responsibility for the imposition of clearly illegal judicial act, if the illegality is confirmed by the highest instance, and the conclusion about the apparent illegality is made by the qualification collegium of judges. This approach does not contradict the legal approach on the principle of non-involvement of the judge to the responsibility for rendering its judgment — the judge shall be brought to disciplinary responsibility not for the opinion expressed in the judicial act, but for actions that violate the requirements of the Law on the status of judges. The author suggests the new way for the composition of the qualification collegiums of judges of all levels, which implies to guarantee the objectivity and impartiality of their work by reducing of the proportion of judges in the collegium to 51% and to replace remaining 49% of members by the members of the public society (25%) appointed by representative bodies of the relevant level, and the remaining (24%) — by the independent prosecutors appointed by the President of Russia. According to the author, creation of such institution of “independent prosecutors” in Russia will provide more effective implementation of the principle of “three keys”, when the appointment of the members of the qualification collegiums of judges will be involved popularly elected President, Chairman of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, the Federation Council (the legislative assemblies of the constituent entities).
THE LEGAL NATURE OF THE QUALIFICATION EXAMINATION FOR OBTAINING THE STATUS OF UKRAINIAN LAWYER
Authors: Заборовский Виктор , Zaborovskiy Viktor
Published: February 2017

In this paper, the legal nature of the qualifying examination as a condition for obtaining the status of Ukrainian lawyer is analysed. The article reveals the theoretical approaches and norms both the Ukrainian legislation and the legislation of foreign countries (France, Germany), and regulatory issues of the lawyer qualification examination. The article questiones the usefulness of the qualification examination in accordance with the procedure which it has under the Ukrainian legislation currently, including working out the exam until the person obtains necessary internship. The article substantiates the position that the Ukrainian legislator should change their attitude towards the first (“introductory”) qualifying exam of the Bar (until the person obtains the necessary internship). It is pointed out that the purpose of this test is to check not only professional skills of the applicant to receive the status of the lawyer (but only to determin the level of his (her) general theoretical knowledge both in the field of law and bases of advocacy), but also its moral and ethical level (in particular, passing the psychological test). The article substantiates the position that the applicant for the status of Ukrainian lawyer shall also be the entrance and the second «prom» qualifying examination, but after obtaining the necessary internship. The paper notes that the purpose of such examination must be to test readiness of a person to practice law by him (herself).
Are text messaging services the new platform for communication with children and young people?
Authors: Dodd Cheryl Ann
Published: February 2017

As school nurses continually mould themselves to the needs of children and young people, Cheryl Ann Dodd offers a critical look at whether dipping their toe into the contemporary digital world is the way forward for school nursing.
Emotional abuse: Recognising the signs and supporting victims
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: February 2017

Emotional abuse can be difficult to identify but can have serious long-term consequences on the mental health and development of children. Stephanie Thornton provides some advice on supporting victims.
Analisis Nilai Impedansi Listrik pada Daging Ikan Nila yang Disimpan dalam Lemari Es
Authors: Putri Rizka Rahmatie Agusta , Sulistya Chomsin , Santoso Didik R
Published: February 2017

Electrical impedance value analysis on frozen tilapia flesh aims to analyze non-destructive method of electrical impedance to distinguish between fresh and frozen tilapia flesh. The measurements were carried out to measure electrical impedance fresh tilapia flesh and frozen tilapia flesh for 1-5 days at 10 Hz - 200 kHz frequency using needle electrode. The result shows that the impedance value characteristics of the fresh tilapia flesh is higher than frozen tilapia flesh. The longer strored in the freezer is directly reversed with the value of electrical impedance. The observation of electrical impedance on quality of tilapia flesh preferable observed at a frequency of 1 kHz - 100 kHz.
 
Distribution of Iron Sand in The Widarapayung Coast Area at Regency of Cilacap Based on Magnetic Anomaly Data
Authors: Allasimy Sehah , Raharjo Sukmaji Anom , Kurniawan Muhammad Andi
Published: February 2017

Interpretation on the magnetic anomalies data has been done in the Widarapayung coast area, District of Binangun, Regency of Cilacap to identify distribution of iron sand. The acquisition of magnetic intensity data in this area has been done in December 2015 and May 2016 using Proton Precession Magnetometer (PPM) with type of GSM-19T. The research area extends on the geographic positions of 109.2501°BT – 109.2702°E and 7.6781°LS – 7.6986°S. Magnetic anomalies data modeling is done with using Mag2DC for Windows software so obtained some subsurface anomalous objects model. The anomaly object model having a value of magnetic susceptibility of 0.0093cgs unit is interpreted as iron sand interspersed with silt, clay, sand, and gravel from the alluvium formation. This formation is lain at a depth of 1.709 to 11.966m and a length of 1576.7m. The iron sand contained in this formation is estimated prospects for exploitation. Based on the interpretation results, alluvium formation is also found at a depth of 1.140 to 30.769m, which expected be composed of silt, clay, sand, and gravel with a magnetic susceptibility value of 0.0051cgs unit. The content of iron sand in this 2nd alluvium formation is expected to be relatively small.
Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Assay of Leukocyte Acid α-Glucosidase for Post-Newborn Screening Evaluation of Pompe Disease
Authors: Lin Na , Huang Jingyu , Violante Sara , Orsini Joseph J , Caggana Michele , Hughes Erin E , Stevens Colleen , DiAntonio Lisa , Chieh Liao Hsuan , Hong Xinying , Ghomashchi Farideh , Babu Kumar Arun , Zhou Hui , Kornreich Ruth , Wasserstein Melissa , Gelb Michael H , Yu Chunli
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Pompe disease (PD) is the first lysosomal storage disorder to be added to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel for newborn screening. This condition has a broad phenotypic spectrum, ranging from an infantile form (IOPD), with severe morbidity and mortality in infancy, to a late-onset form (LOPD) with variable onset and progressive weakness and respiratory failure. Because the prognosis and treatment options are different for IOPD and LOPD, it is important to accurately determine an individual's phenotype. To date, no enzyme assay of acid α-glucosidase (GAA) has been described that can differentiate IOPD vs LOPD using blood samples.

METHODS

We incubated 10 μL leukocyte lysate and 25 μL GAA substrate and internal standard (IS) assay cocktail for 1 h. The reaction was purified by a liquid–liquid extraction. The extracts were evaporated and reconstituted in 200 μL methanol and analyzed by LC-MS/MS for GAA activity.

RESULTS

A 700-fold higher analytical range was observed with the LC-MS/MS assay compared to the fluorometric method. When GAA-null and GAA-containing fibroblast lysates were mixed, GAA activity could be measured accurately even in the range of 0%–1% of normal. The leukocyte GAA activity in IOPD (n = 4) and LOPD (n = 19) was 0.44–1.75 nmol · h−1 · mg−1 and 2.0–6.5 nmol · h−1 · mg−1, respectively, with no overlap. The GAA activity of pseudodeficiency patients ranged from 3.0–28.1 nmol · h−1 · mg−1, showing substantial but incomplete separation from the LOPD group.

CONCLUSIONS

This assay allows determination of low residual GAA activity in leukocytes. IOPD, LOPD, and pseudodeficiency patients can be partially differentiated by measuring GAA using blood samples.
Using Relative Orientation to Improve the Accuracy of Exterior Orientation Parameters of Low Cost POS
Authors: Yan Wenlin , Bastos Luísa , Madeira Sérgio , Magalhães Américo , Gonçalves José A.
Published: February 2017

A simple and inexpensive POS for application to light airborne platforms was developed, and a modified Kalman Filtering was designed to integrate GNSS/IMU/Image data, which uses the relative orientation information to improve the
accuracy of the exterior orientation parameters. The precise relative orientation of conjugate images was obtained using a SIFT/SFM matching algorithm. The relative exterior orientations were transformed from the camera frame to the navigation frame before they were
used as external update information of the Kalman Filter. Combining all the relative orientation information retrieved from images, the Kalman Filter can give an improved output for the exterior orientation parameters. Airborne result from the tests of one straight strip shows that the heading
accuracy of a GNSS/MEMS-IMU was improved from 0.26° to 0.10°, and the result from one closed strip shows that heading accuracy was improved from 1.11° to 0.85° and roll accuracy from 0.54° to 0.43°.
The effect of financial ratios and company size on dividend policy
Authors: Nerviana Riri
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this research is to find out whether there is an effect of financial ratios on dividend policy, which is proxied by Current Ratio (CR), Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), Total Asset Turnover (TATO), Return on Equity (ROE), Growth of Sales (GS), and Price Earning Ratio (PER), and the Company Size on the Dividend Policy of the company, which is proxied by Dividend Payout Ratio (DPR). The population of this study is manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2009 to 2013. This study uses purposive sampling method and its subject of 29 companies of the 145 companies that have been observed. The analytical techniques used in this research consist of descriptive statistics test, normality test, multiple linear regressions analysis, and hypothesis test comprising an analysis of the coefficient of determination (R2), model test research (statistical tests F), and a partial test (statistics test of t). The results indicate that only Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), Return on Equity (ROE), and Price Earnings Ratio (PER) that have significant effect on dividend policy.
The effect of good corporate governance on earnings management in companies that perform IPO
Authors: Pramithasari A.A. Putu Kendran , Yasa Gerianta Wirawan
Published: February 2017

Initial Public Offering (IPO) is one of the motivations of the occurrence of earnings management practices. Earnings management is done by a company to obtain a positive response from the market in order to increase the amount of funds. Good corporate go-vernance (GCG) is considered capable of minimizing the measures of earnings manage-ment because it has a goal to achieve a better and healthier company under the principles owned. This study aims to determine the effect of GCG on earnings management in companies that perform IPO. Samples are taken using purposive sampling method and are acquired as many as 31 companies, which are analyzed using multiple linear regres-sions. The result of this study indicates that management ownership, independent com-missioners, and audit committee have negative and significant relationship with earn-ings management, in which this result is consistent with the research hypothesis. Meanwhile, institutional ownership has positive and significant relationship with earn-ings management, in which this result is not consistent with the research hypothesis.
The characteristics of government internal auditor in supporting good governance (A case study in Dompu District Inspectorate)
Authors: Rahman Fauzi , Herwanti Rr. Titiek , M Rr. Sri Pancawati
Published: February 2017

Regulation of Ministry of State Apparatus Empowerment (Permenpan) Number PER/05/M.PAN/03/2008, on the auditing standards of APIP (Government Internal Auditor), regulates the characteristics of APIP. The adequate characteristics of APIP are expected to support the realization of good governance. However, many problems related to the characteristics of APIP of Dompu District Inspectorate still occur, con-sisting of its expertise, independence, and objectivity. All of these problems are sus-pected to have caused agency problems in local government. This research was con-ducted using phenomenological qualitative method with a case study approach. This study used participatory observation, in-depth interview, and documentation for anal-ysis. The research found as the following: 1) the existence of agency problem caused by the conflict of interests between local government and APIP; 2) the lack of APIPâ€™s mastery of accounting standards and; 3) the lack of APIPâ€™s knowledge of law, account-ing, engineering, public administration, agriculture, statistics, and state administra-tion. In addition, the problems of independence and objectivity are still often found in the characteristics of APIP of Dompu District Inspectorate when auditing. Overall, the inadequate characteristics of APIP have been unable to improve participation, accountability related to financial statement quality, rule of law, and transparency of Dompu District Government.
Bandagem individualizada de pré-molares
Authors: Bastos Marden
Published: February 2017

Existem muitos aparelhos ortodônticos que requerem bandas nos pré-molares, como os aparelhos de expansão rápida da maxila e alguns distalizadores...
Remote ischemic preconditioning triggers changes in autonomic nervous system activity: implications for cardioprotection
Authors: Abdul‐Ghani Safa , Fleishman Arnold N. , Khaliulin Igor , Meloni Marco , Angelini Gianni D. , Suleiman M‐Saadeh
Published: February 2017

Cardioprotective efficacy of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) remains controversial. Experimental studies investigating RIPC have largely monitored cardiovascular changes during index ischemia and reperfusion with little work investigating changes during RIPC application. This work aims to identify cardiovascular changes associated with autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity during RIPC and prior to index ischemia. RIPC was induced in anesthetized male C57/Bl6 mice by four cycles of 5 min of hindlimb ischemia using inflated cuff (200 mmHg) followed by 5 min reperfusion. Electrocardiography (ECG) and microcirculatory blood flow in both hindlimbs were recorded throughout RIPC protocol. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis was performed using ECG data. Hearts extracted at the end of RIPC protocol were used either for measurement of myocardial metabolites using high‐performance liquid chromatography or for Langendorff perfusion to monitor function and injury during 30 min index ischemia and 2 h reperfusion. Isolated‐perfused hearts from RIPC animals had significantly less infarct size after index ischemia and reperfusion (34 ± 5% vs. 59 ± 7%; mean ± SE P < 0.05). RIPC protocol was associated with increased heart rate measured both in ex vivo and in vivo. Frequency ratio of HRV spectra was altered in RIPC compared to control. RIPC was associated with a standard hyperemic response in the cuffed‐limb but there was a sustained reduction in blood flow in the uncuffed contralateral limb. RIPC hearts (prior to index ischemia) had significantly lower phosphorylation potential and energy charge compared to the control group. In conclusion, RIPC is associated with changes in ANS activity (heart rate, blood flow, HRV) and mild myocardial ischemic stress that would contribute to cardioprotection.
Evaluation of the agreement of tidal breathing parameters measured simultaneously using pneumotachography and structured light plethysmography
Authors: Motamedi‐Fakhr Shayan , Iles Richard , Barney Anna , de Boer Willem , Conlon Jenny , Khalid Amna , Wilson Rachel C.
Published: February 2017

Structured light plethysmography (SLP) is a noncontact, noninvasive, respiratory measurement technique, which uses a structured pattern of light and two cameras to track displacement of the thoraco–abdominal wall during tidal breathing. The primary objective of this study was to examine agreement between tidal breathing parameters measured simultaneously for 45 sec using pneumotachography and SLP in a group of 20 participants with a range of respiratory patterns (“primary cohort”). To examine repeatability of the agreement, an additional 21 healthy subjects (“repeatability cohort”) were measured twice during resting breathing and once during increased respiratory rate (RR). Breath‐by‐breath and averaged RR, inspiratory time (tI), expiratory time (tE), total breath time (tTot), tI/tE, tI/tTot, and IE50 (inspiratory to expiratory flow measured at 50% of tidal volume) were calculated. Bland–Altman plots were used to assess the agreement. In the primary cohort, breath‐by‐breath agreement for RR was ±1.44 breaths per minute (brpm). tI, tE, and tTot agreed to ±0.22, ±0.29, and ±0.32 sec, respectively, and tI/tE, tI/tTot, and IE50/IE50SLP to ±0.16, ±0.05, and ±0.55, respectively. When averaged, agreement for RR was ±0.19 brpm. tI, tE, and tTot were within ±0.16, ±0.16, and ±0.07 sec, respectively, and tI/tE, tI/tTot, and IE50 were within ±0.09, ±0.03, and ±0.25, respectively. A comparison of resting breathing demonstrated that breath‐by‐breath and averaged agreements for all seven parameters were repeatable (P > 0.05). With increased RR, agreement improved for tI, tE, and tTot (P ≤ 0.01), did not differ for tI/tE, tI/tTot, and IE50 (P > 0.05) and reduced for breath‐by‐breath (P < 0.05) but not averaged RR (P > 0.05).
The evolutionary origin and possible functional roles of FNIII domains in two Microbacterium aurum B8.A granular starch degrading enzymes, and in other carbohydrate acting enzymes
Authors: Valk Vincent , Kaaij Rachel M. van der , Dijkhuizen Lubbert
Published: February 2017

Fibronectin type III (FNIII) domains were first identified in the eukaryotic plasma protein fibronectin, where they act as structural spacers or enable protein-protein interactions. Recently we characterized two large and multi-domain amylases in Microbacterium aurum B8.A that both carry multiple FNIII and carbohydrate binding modules (CBMs). The role of (multiple) FNIII domains in such carbohydrate acting enzymes is currently unclear. Four hypothetical functions are considered here: a substrate surface disruption domain, a carbohydrate binding module, as a stable linker, or enabling protein-protein interactions. We performed a phylogenetic analysis of all FNIII domains identified in proteins listed in the CAZy database. These data clearly show that the FNIII domains in eukaryotic and archaeal CAZy proteins are of bacterial origin and also provides examples of interkingdom gene transfer from Bacteria to Archaea and Eucarya. FNIII domains occur in a wide variety of CAZy enzymes acting on many different substrates, suggesting that they have a non-specific role in these proteins. While CBM domains are mostly found at protein termini, FNIII domains are commonly located between other protein domains. FNIII domains in carbohydrate acting enzymes thus may function mainly as stable linkers to allow optimal positioning and/or flexibility of the catalytic domain and other domains, such as CBM.
Intraindividual variation of microRNA expression levels in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the associations of these levels with the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases
Authors: Otsu Hiroshi , Watanabe Mikio , Inoue Naoya , Masutani Ryota , Iwatani Yoshinori
Published: February 2017

Background:

microRNAs (miRNAs) circulate in the blood and negatively regulate the expression of mRNAs. Some miRNAs are associated with the development of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD); however, there are few reports on the association between miRNA expression and the pathogenesis of AITD or the physiological variations of circulating miRNAs, which are important to examine as biomarkers.

Methods:

We examined the circadian and day-to-day variations in the expression levels of 5 miRNAs (miR-125a, miR-146a, miR-155, let-7e and miR-106a) in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). We also analysed the expression levels of two of these miRNAs (miR-146a and miR-155) in 20 healthy controls, 60 Graves’ disease (GD) patients and 50 Hashimoto’s disease (HD) patients.

Results:

For each miRNA, we observed wide intraindividual variation [coefficient of variation value (CV): 70%–100%] compared to measurement error (CV: 20%–40%). In patients with AITD, HD, GD in remission and mild HD, the expression levels of miR-146a in PBMC were increased 296%, 328%, 348% and 464% above the levels in healthy controls, respectively (p=0.0443 and p=0.0273, p=0.0267 and p=0.0052, respectively). In severe HD, the expression level of miR-155 in plasma was increased to 347% of that in healthy controls (p=0.0256).

Conclusions:

The expression levels of miRNAs in plasma and PBMC showed wide intraindividual variation. In addition, miR-146a may be associated with the development of AITD.
Slices to sums of adjoint orbits, the Atiyah-Hitchin manifold, and Hilbert schemes of points
Authors: Bielawski Roger
Published: February 2017

We show that the regular Slodowy slice to the sum of two semisimple adjoint orbits of GL(n, ℂ) is isomorphic to the deformation of the D2-singularity if n = 2, the Dancer deformation of the double cover of the Atiyah-Hitchin manifold if n = 3, and to the Atiyah-Hitchin manifold itself if n = 4. For higher n, such slices to the sum of two orbits, each having only two distinct eigenvalues, are either empty or biholomorphic to open subsets of the Hilbert scheme of points on one of the above surfaces. In particular, these open subsets of Hilbert schemes of points carry complete hyperkähler metrics. In the case of the double cover of the Atiyah-Hitchin manifold this metric turns out to be the natural L2-metric on a hyperkähler submanifold of the monopole moduli space.
„Im Schema: ‚Caput mortuum‘“
Authors: Coomann Nicholas
Published: February 2017

In the preface of theDialectic of Enlightenment(1947), Adorno and Horkheimer mention the term “dialectical anthropology,” a concept they did not fully elaborate in this passage. To find out more about this quite unresearched term this essay examines two lesser-known papers written by Adorno in 1941:Notizen zur neuen Anthropologie(“notes on a new anthropology”) andProblem des neuen Menschentypus(“problem of a new type of human being”). In contrast to the philosophical anthropology in the tradition of Max Scheler, both documents discuss a specific notion of anthropology that focuses on the radical transformation of human nature in late capitalist society. In the light of this background, the author discusses why this theoretical draft was left unfinished and remained fragmented in Adorno’s œuvre.
Seasonal changes in avian communities living in an extensively used farmland of Western Poland
Authors: Kwieciński Zbigniew , Morelli Federico , Antczak Marcin , Hromada Martin , Szymański Paweł , Tobolka Marcin , Jankowiak Łukasz , Tryjanowski Piotr
Published: February 2017

To study the seasonal changes in avian communities, we collected data in an extensively used farmland in Western Poland during 2006-2013. Generalized additive mixed models were used in order to study the effects of seasonality and protected areas on the overall bird species richness. A similarity percentage analysis was also conducted in order to identify the species that contribute most strongly to dissimilarity among each bird according to the phenological season. Furthermore, the differences in bird communities were investigated applying the decomposition of the species richness in season, trend, and remainder components. Each season showed significant differences in bird species richness (seasonality effect). The effect of the protected areas was slightly positive on the overall species richness for all seasons. However, an overall negative trend was detected for the entire period of eight years. The bird community composition was different among seasons, showing differences in terms of dominant species. Greater differences were found between breeding and wintering seasons, in particular, the spatial pattern of sites with higher bird richness (hotspots) were different between breeding and wintering seasons. Our findings showed a negative trend in bird species richness verified in the Polish farmlands from 2006. This result mirrors the same negative trend already highlighted for Western Europe. The role of protected areas, even if slightly positive, was not enough to mitigate this decline process. Therefore, to effectively protect farmland birds, it is necessary to also consider inter-seasons variation, and for this, we suggest the use of medium-term temporal studies on bird communities’ trends.
Some Algebraic Properties of Polynomial Rings
Authors: Schwarzweller Christoph , Korniłowicz Artur , Rowinska-Schwarzweller Agnieszka
Published: February 2017

In this article we extend the algebraic theory of polynomial rings, formalized in Mizar [1], based on [2], [3]. After introducing constant and monic polynomials we present the canonical embedding of R into R[X] and deal with both unit and irreducible elements. We also define polynomial GCDs and show that for fields F and irreducible polynomials p the field F[X]/
 is isomorphic to the field of polynomials with degree smaller than the one of p.