bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Orbital Stability of Standing-Wave Solutions to a Coupled Non-Linear Klein-Gordon Equation
Authors: Garrisi Daniele
Published: March 2016

We show the existence of standing-wave solutions to a coupled non-linear Klein-Gordon equation. Our solutions are obtained as minimizers of the energy under a two-charges constraint. We prove that the ground state is stable and that standing-waves are orbitally stable under a non-degeneracy assumption.
Asymptotically Linear Problems and Antimaximum Principle for the Square Root of the Laplacian
Authors: Arcoya David , Colorado Eduardo , Leonori Tommaso
Published: March 2016

This work deals with bifurcation of positive solutions for some asymptotically linear problems, involving the square root of the Laplacian (−Δ)1/2. A simplified model problem is the following:

with Ω ⊂ ℝN a smooth bounded domain, N ≥ 2, λ > 0, m ∈ L∞ (Ω), m+ ≢ 0 and g is a continuous function which is super-linear at 0 and sub-linear at infinity. As a consequence of our bifurcation theory approach we prove some existence and multiplicity results. Finally, we also show an anti-maximum principle in the corresponding functional setting.
The Grand Sobolev Homeomorphisms and Their Measurability Properties
Authors: D’Onofrio Luigi , Sbordone Carlo , Schiattarella Roberta
Published: March 2016

We study the validity of the condition (N) of Lusin for homeomorphisms

under minimal assumptions on the integrability of Df. It turns out that the role of grand Sobolev spaces W1,n) and Wb
1,n) is crucial. A discussion of bi-Sobolev maps in the plane and their connections with degenerate elliptic PDEs is provided.
On a Class of Reversible Elliptic Systems
Authors: Rabinowitz Paul H.
Published: March 2016

For a semilinear elliptic system of PDE’s which is spatially reversible, we establish the existence of solutions in C2(ℝ2 × Tn−2, ℝm) that are heteroclinic in x2 between a pair of solutions in C2(ℝ × Tn−1, ℝm) that are each heteroclinic in x1. The proof uses minimization arguments.
Eigenvalue Problems for a Cooperative System with a Large Parameter
Authors: Daners Daniel
Published: March 2016

We consider the principal eigenvalue of a cooperative system of elliptic boundary value problems as a parameter tends to infinity. The main aim is to introduce a new approach to deal with the limit problem by focusing on the resolvent operator corresponding to the system rather than the eigenvalue problem itself. This allows the consistent use of elementary properties of bilinear forms and the semi-groups they induce. At the same time we weaken assumptions in related work.
Statistical Functional Equations and p-Harmonious Functions
Authors: Hartenstine David , Rudd Matthew
Published: March 2016

Motivated by the mean-value property characterizing harmonic functions and recently established asymptotic statistical formulas characterizing p-harmonic functions, we consider the Dirichlet problem for a functional equation involving a convex combination of the mean and median. We show that this problem has a continuous solution when it has both a subsolution and a supersolution. We demonstrate that solutions of these problems approximate p-harmonic functions and discuss connections with related results of Manfredi, Parviainen and Rossi.
Invariant Foliations Near Normally Hyperbolic Equilibria for Quasilinear Parabolic Problems
Authors: Prüss Jan , Wilke Mathias , Simonett Gieri
Published: March 2016

We consider quasilinear parabolic evolution equations in the situation where the set of equilibria forms a finite-dimensional C1-manifold which is normally hyperbolic. The existence of foliations of the stable and unstable manifolds is shown assuming merely C1-regularity of the underlying equation.
Existence and Stability of Solutions of General Semilinear Elliptic Equations with Measure Data
Authors: Véron Laurent
Published: March 2016

We study existence and stability for solutions of −Lu + g(x, u) = ω where L is a second order elliptic operator, g a Caratheodory function and ω a measure in Ω. We present a unified theory of the Dirichlet problem and the Poisson equation. We prove the stability of the problem with respect to weak convergence of the data.
On the Symmetry of Solutions to a k-Hessian Type Equation
Authors: Brandolini Barbara
Published: March 2016

In this note we prove that if u is a negative solution to a nonlinear elliptic equation involving a Hessian operator, and u is zero on the boundary of a ball, then u is radially symmetric and increasing along the radii.
Quasilinear Equations via Elliptic Regularization Method
Authors: Liu Jia-Quan , Liu Xiang-Qing , Wang Zhi-Qiang
Published: March 2016

In this paper we study a class of quasilinear problems, in particular we deal with multiple sign-changing solutions of quasilinear elliptic equations. We further develop an approach used in our earlier work by exploring elliptic regularization. The method works well in studying multiplicity and nodal property of solutions.
Synchronic and Asynchronic Descriptions of Irrigation Problems
Authors: Maddalena Francesco , Solimini Sergio
Published: March 2016

In this paper we complete our work started in [31], where the present paper was announced; in order to set a unified theory of the irrigation problem. The main result of the paper is the equivalence of the various formulations introduced so far as well as a new one introduced here. To this aim we introduce several geometric and analytical concepts which are essential for reaching our final goal even if they may deserve an intrinsic interest in themselves.
An Existence Theorem for Semi-linear Elliptic Systems
Authors: Zou Henghui
Published: March 2016

We study the following boundary value problem of semi-linear elliptic systems

Δu + f(x, u, ∇u) =0 in Ω,

u =0 on ∂Ω

where Ω ⊂ ℝn (n ≥ 2) is a connected and bounded smooth domain, and u and f are real vector-valued functions. Under appropriate conditions on the function f, we establish a general existence result for positive solutions. We continue our earlier works [15, 16, 17] and, in particular, remove a requirement of the cooperative structure on elliptic systems. As examples, we consider the stationary Klein-Gordon-Maxwell system and Maxwell- Schrodinger system, both lacking the cooperative structure..
Pseudorelativistic Hartree Equation with General Nonlinearity: Existence, Non-existence and Variational Identities
Authors: Mugnai Dimitri
Published: March 2016

We prove several existence and non existence results of solitary waves for a class of nonlinear pseudo-relativistic Hartree equations with general nonlinearities. We use variational methods and some new variational identities involving the half Laplacian.
Liouvillian First Integrals for Generalized Liénard Polynomial Differential Systems
Authors: Llibre Jaume , Valls Clàudia
Published: March 2016

We study the Liouvillian first integrals for the generalized Liénard polynomial differential systems of the form xʹ = y, yʹ = -g(x) - f(x)y, where g(x) and f(x) are arbitrary polynomials such that 2 ≤ deg g ≤ deg f.
A Modified Test Function Method for Damped Wave Equations
Authors: D’Abbicco Marcello , Lucente Sandra
Published: March 2016

In this paper we use a modified test function method to derive nonexistence results for the semilinear wave equation with time-dependent speed and damping. The obtained critical exponent is the same exponent of some recent results on global existence of small data solutions.
Global Existence Results for Near Triangular Nonlinear Parabolic Systems
Authors: Le Dung
Published: March 2016

We study the global existence and regularity of weak solutions to strongly coupled parabolic systems whose diffusion matrices are almost triangular.
Existence of Infinitely Many Solutions for Quasilinear Equations Perturbed from Symmetry
Authors: Liu Xiangqing , Zhao Fukun
Published: March 2016

We consider the existence of infinitely many solutions of a class of quasilinear problems, for which the corresponding functionals are non-symmetric
Anisotropic Variable Exponent (p(·), q(·))-Laplacian with Large Exponents
Authors: Pérez-Llanos Mayte
Published: March 2016

In this work we consider the following Dirichlet problem corresponding to the anisotropic (p(·), q(·))−Laplacian operator with variable exponents

and study the behaviour of the solutions as the exponents p(x, y), q(x, y) → ∞ uniformly in Ω ⊂ ℝN+K. We denote by

and similarly

the gradients of u with respect to the first N variables (x variables) and with respect to the last K variables (y variables), respectively. We consider sequences of exponents pn(x, y), qn(x, y) going to infinity uniformly in Ω and verifying suitable assumptions. We prove that un, the solutions with p(x, y) = pn(x, y) q(x, y) = qn(x, y), converge uniformly in Ω̅ to some nontrivial limit, u∞, as an → ∞. We determine the limit equation verified by u∞ as well as some properties of this limit. Finally, we focus on the case f = 0 (with nontrivial Dirichlet boundary conditions, u = g ≢ 0 on ∂Ω) and show uniqueness for the limit problem.
A Fuglede-Putnam theorem modulo the Hilbert-Schmidt class for almost normal operators with finite modulus of Hilbert-Schmidt quasi-triangularity
Authors: Lauric Vasile
Published: March 2016

We extend the Fuglede-Putnam theorem modulo the Hilbert-Schmidt class to almost normal operators with finite Hilbert-Schmidt modulus of quasi-triangularity.
No work and all play – the intersections between labour, fun and exploitation in online translation communities
Authors: Rogl Regina
Published: March 2016

Emerging internet technologies have revolutionized and invaded our private and professional lives in ways that are as yet hard to assess. These developments have also affected the field of translation. Professional translators’ workplaces and routines have changed profoundly and translation markets have been affected by increasing globalization. Furthermore, new forms of translation have emerged on the internet, including amateur translators’ communities which offer their time and efforts for a variety of different goals, not all of them exclusively charitable. Some are also commercial, others just for fun.

In this context, the present article demonstrates the ways in which recent developments related to the internet have started to call into question a series of long-established categories. Online phenomena have not only contributed to blurring the lines between the consumption and production of content; it has also become increasingly difficult to distinguish between amateurs and professionals or between work and leisure, and to differentiate between play and labour.

Drawing on examples from an ongoing research project on collaborative translation communities, this article illustrates how members of internet communities perceive, describe and construct their own translation activities. The paper then addresses the issue of how the internet paved the way for new forms of exploitation, which are also identifiable in the field of translation. By looking at the intersections between labour, fun and exploitation in internet translation communities, the paper aims to make a critical contribution to the debate on (ethical) questions that arise in relation to new online phenomena.
Estimating an NBA player’s impact on his team’s chances of winning
Authors: Deshpande Sameer K. , Jensen Shane T.
Published: March 2016

Traditional NBA player evaluation metrics are based on scoring differential or some pace-adjusted linear combination of box score statistics like points, rebounds, assists, etc. These measures treat performances with the outcome of the game still in question (e.g. tie score with five minutes left) in exactly the same way as they treat performances with the outcome virtually decided (e.g. when one team leads by 30 points with one minute left). Because they ignore the context in which players perform, these measures can result in misleading estimates of how players help their teams win. We instead use a win probability framework for evaluating the impact NBA players have on their teams’ chances of winning. We propose a Bayesian linear regression model to estimate an individual player’s impact, after controlling for the other players on the court. We introduce several posterior summaries to derive rank-orderings of players within their team and across the league. This allows us to identify highly paid players with low impact relative to their teammates, as well as players whose high impact is not captured by existing metrics.
Surrogatmarker der Insulinresistenz bei Studienteilnehmern mit metabolischem Syndrom – Daten der Berliner Altersstudie II
Authors: Buchmann Nikolaus , Norman Kristina , Demuth Ilja , Steinhagen-Thiessen Elisabeth
Published: March 2016

Hintergrund: Als metabolisches Syndrom (MetS) wird ein Symptomkomplex metabolischer Veränderungen bezeichnet, der eng mit Insulinresistenz (IR) assoziiert ist. Cutoff Werte für HOMA-IR, einem Surrogatparameter für IR, zur Identifikation von Probanden mit MetS sind nicht etabliert.

Methoden: Insgesamt lagen Querschnittsdaten von 446 Studienteilnehmern im jüngeren Lebensalter (53% Frauen, 28±3 Jahre alt) und 1271 im höheren Lebensalter (52% Frauen, 68±4 Jahre alt) ohne Diabetes vor. MetS wurde nach den IDF/AHA/NHLBI (International Diabetes Foundation/American Heart Association/National Health, Lung and Blood Institute) Kriterien von 2009 definiert. Mittels ROC-Analyse wurden Cutoff-Werte für HOMA-IR berechnet, oberhalb derer Probanden mit MetS mit höchster Sensitivität und Spezifität erkannt werden konnten. Zuletzt wurden binär logistische Regressionsmodelle berechnet.

Ergebnisse: Die Prävalenz von MetS betrug 6,7% bei den jungen und 28,3% bei den älteren Probanden. Cutoff-Werte für HOMA-IR, oberhalb derer MetS identifiziert werden konnte, waren HOMA-IR >1,88 (bei jungen Studienteilnehmern; Sensitivität 80%, Spezifität 85,3%, positiv prädiktiver Wert 80%, negativ prädiktiver Wert 15%) und HOMA-IR >1,98 (bei den älteren Studienteilnehmern; Sensitivität 73,6%, Spezifität 72,9%, positiv prädiktiver Wert 74%, negativ prädiktiver Wert 27%). Patienten oberhalb dieser Cutoff-Werte hatten im höchst adjustierten (Alter, BMI, Geschlecht, körperliche Aktivität und getrennt nach Altersgruppen) binären Regressionsmodell Odds von 5,7 (95% CI: 4,1–7,9) bei älteren und 22,2 (95% CI: 7,0–70,5) bei jüngeren Studienteilnehmern, MetS aufzuweisen.

Schlussfolgerungen: Cutoff-Werte für HOMA-IR sind im Klinikalltag nicht etabliert, könnten aber herangezogen werden, um Personen mit MetS zu identifizieren und gegebenenfalls frühzeitig eine Therapie einzuleiten, auch wenn aufgrund der negativen prädiktiven Werte eine Diagnostik des MetS durch HOMA-IR allein nicht erfolgen kann.
On Money, God, and Dogmatic Liberalism: A Reply to my Critics
Authors: Blake Michael
Published: March 2016

Darrel Moellendorf, David Owen, and Lea Ypi have offered some subtle and powerful criticisms of the view I defend in Debating Brain Drain. I here focus on two broad category of criticism. The first is that my use of metaphor is faulty. I try to demonstrate that the right to emigrate is similar in moral strength to the right to freely exercise one’s religion, and not morally akin to the (non-existent) right to be free from paying taxes. I defend the proposition that the taking of money from people is morally distinct from the taking of time; we have reason to regard the latter sort of taking as more difficult to justify. The second category of criticism focuses on the theoretical assumption of my view, and argues that the liberalism I endorse begs important questions: it might be at such a high level of abstraction that it cannot answer the most important questions of political ethics, or it might assume so much about the nature of liberalism that it is dogmatic and unpersuasive. I argue, in response, that a political theory need not answer all political questions in order to be of use, and that the insistence on liberal rights represents not dogma but valid moral concerns.
Long-term changes in the total development time of Copepoda species occurring in large numbers in the Southern Baltic Sea – numerical calculations
Authors: Figiela Mariusz , Musialik-Koszarowska Maja , Nowicki Artur , Lemieszek Anna , Kalarus Marcin , Druet Czesław
Published: March 2016

The study presents changes in the total development time of Copepoda species, i.e. Pseudocalanus sp., Temora longicornis and Acartia spp. occurring in large numbers in the Southern Baltic Sea. The following factors were taken into account: temperature, salinity and concentration of food. The presented research involved simulations with greenhouse gas emissions scenarios A1B and B1. The analysis was performed for naupliar and copepodid stages combined together, and the results present the total development time of organisms from the naupliar stage to the adult form. The calculations were carried out using numerical methods based on the experimental data available in the literature.
Instability of spring environmental conditions as a driver of biotic interactions and crustacean structuring in meteorite crater ponds (Morasko, Poland)
Authors: Świdnicki Kasper , Basińska Anna M. , Kuczyńska-Kippen Natalia
Published: March 2016

There are 150 meteorite craters worldwide, however, their aggregations are rarely noted. The nature reserve ‘Meteoryt Morasko’ in Poland with fishless meteorite ponds was analyzed as a unique ecosystem for biological analysis of invertebrate interactions. The aim of the study was to recognize the main environmental drivers of cladoceran and copepod community structure from among biotic (competitors and predators) and abiotic factors (i.e. oxygen and pH level) in the spring season.

The abundance of small cladocerans (Alonella excisaandChydorus sphaericus) was the highest at the end of the spring season, i.e. in June, while large species (Daphnia pulexandSimocephalus exspinosus) were most abundant in May. Both size groups of Cladocera were negatively affected by invertebrate predators (Chaoborus crystallinusand carnivorous copepods), which are known to play an important role in structuring cladoceran communities due to the fishless character of the studied ponds. No negative effect of those predators was found for Copepoda, however, nauplii density was reduced by competitors (Aedes communislarvae and ostracods).

The temporary character of the examined ponds, oxygen depletion and low pH of water in the shallowest pond resulted in the abundant occurrence of cladoceran males, whose high densities are usually observed in autumn.
Ecological preferences of freshwater Ulva flexuosa (Ulvales; Ulvophyceae): development of macroalgal mats in a Tulce fishpond (Wielkopolska Region, Poland)
Authors: Rybak Andrzej S.
Published: March 2016

Research on the diversity of thalli and mats built by freshwater Ulva flexuosa, as well as the impact of abiotic factors on the development and distribution of Ulva mats, was conducted from May to August 2013. The study describes the dynamics of “green tides” formation by U. flexuosa. The study assessed abiotic factors that may influence the colonization and the growth of Ulva populations in freshwater systems. The results are of major importance to the trade and industry sectors. In total, eleven environmental parameters were included in the analysis. The most important environmental parameters characterizing the Ulva sites are sodium chloride levels and conductivity. High values of pH inhibited the development of Ulva, leading to a lower percentage of mature thalli in the mats. The water depth was positively correlated with an increase in the density of thalli in the mats and the average thallus length. Significant differences were identified between the concentrations of nitrates under and outside the Ulva mats. Concentrations of nitrate under the Ulva thalli were always lower.
Simultaneous multi-element determination in different seed samples of Dodonaea viscosa hopseed using instrumental neutron activation analysis
Authors: El-Sweify Fatma H. , El-Amir Mahmoud A. , Mostafa Mohamed , Ramadan Hala E. , Rashad Ghada M.
Published: March 2016

Instrumental neutron activation analysis technique (INAA) was applied for nondestructive multi-element analysis of seed samples of the
plant Dodonaea viscosa hopseed. This plant is distributed all over Egypt, because of its suitable properties. The samples were
collected from some bushes grown at different sites in some governorates, in July of each year during the period from 2004 to 2011. The
determined elements are: Co, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hg, Ni, Rb, Sc, Se, Sr
and Zn, under the chosen irradiation and cooling times. The content of some elements has been compared with data obtained from
previous work on analysis of various kinds of seeds. The influence of some parameters on the determined elemental content is
discussed. Standard reference materials IAEA-155 and IAEA-V-10 were used to assure quality control, accuracy and precision of the
technique.
The Cathedral of Nature: Sullivan’s and Adler’s Auditorium Building and the Narrative Function of Architecture
Authors: Horstmannshoff Kai
Published: March 2016

This essay argues that the best way to discuss the ‘meaning’ of a building is to describe it as a peripatetic narrative. In order to discuss buildings as spatial stories, I will begin by defining narrative as a meaningful sequence of events, signs, lines, scenes, places, spaces, etc., in which each component assumes its meaning primarily through its relation to other parts of the sequence that precede and follow it. This definition of narrative allows me to think of a building as a proto-cinematic apparatus in which the architect carefully arranges a set of different scenes, impressions, objects, experiences, and views into meaningful sequences that unfold before and around the moving spectator passing along a set of possible itineraries. In describing these scenes and itineraries and setting them into relation to the building’s cultural context, we can begin to ‘read’ buildings as important cultural artifacts that play an active role in the institution of society and can be studied to gain insights into the communities for and by which they were built. These claims will be applied and tested in a discussion of Louis Sullivan’s and Dankmar Adler’s Auditorium Building in Chicago.
A tetranuclear copper (II) complex with pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylate ligands: synthesis, characterization and electrochemical properties
Authors: Demir Selçuk , Çepni Hamide Merve , Hołyńska Małgorzata , Kavanoz Muammer
Published: March 2016

A tetranuclear copper (II) complex with pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylate ligands (pdc3−), [Me2NH2]4[Cu4(pdc)4], was synthesized using solvothermal and metal oxidation routes and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared, thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis, and room-temperature magnetic measurements. The structure of the complex was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It comprises dimethylammonium cations and complex anions containing four Cu2+ cations. The crystal structure is stabilized by N–H···O hydrogen bonds. In addition, the electrochemical behavior was studied.
Structural Aspects of the Superionic Conduction Mechanism in Ag-GeSe3 Glasses
Authors: Stellhorn Jens R. , Hosokawa Shinya , Pilgrim Wolf-Christian , Kawakita Yokinobu , Kamimura Kenji , Kimura Koji , Blanc Nils , Boudet Nathalie
Published: March 2016

The local and intermediate-range atomic structure in the Ag ion
conducting glasses Ag
x
(GeSe3)1−x

with x = 0.15 and 0.50 has been investigated by Anomalous X-Ray
Scattering experiments at the K absorption edges of each constituent
element. This method can provide insight into the structural
properties enabling the effect of superionic conductivity for
compositions with x > 0.33 in the amorphous phase. The experimental
results were analyzed with Reverse Monte Carlo modeling, providing the
partial structure factors and the corresponding partial
pair-distribution functions. Evidence is found for a high level of
intermediate range order for low silver concentrations, whereas the
superionic conducting phase formed at high silver concentrations is
characterized by cluster-like configurations of Ag atoms on
a nanometer scale.
MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Alternative splicing: the new frontier in diabetes research
Authors: Juan-Mateu Jonàs , Villate Olatz , Eizirik Décio L
Published: March 2016

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which pancreatic β cells are killed by infiltrating immune cells and by cytokines released by these cells. This takes place in the context of a dysregulated dialogue between invading immune cells and target β cells, but the intracellular signals that decide β cell fate remain to be clarified. Alternative splicing (AS) is a complex post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism affecting gene expression. It regulates the inclusion/exclusion of exons into mature mRNAs, allowing individual genes to produce multiple protein isoforms that expand the proteome diversity. Functionally related transcript populations are co-ordinately spliced by master splicing factors, defining regulatory networks that allow cells to rapidly adapt their transcriptome in response to intra and extracellular cues. There is a growing interest in the role of AS in autoimmune diseases, but little is known regarding its role in T1D. In this review, we discuss recent findings suggesting that splicing events occurring in both immune and pancreatic β cells contribute to the pathogenesis of T1D. Splicing switches in T cells and in lymph node stromal cells are involved in the modulation of the immune response against β cells, while β cells exposed to pro-inflammatory cytokines activate complex splicing networks that modulate β cell viability, expression of neoantigens and susceptibility to immune-induced stress. Unveiling the role of AS in β cell functional loss and death will increase our understanding of T1D pathogenesis and may open new avenues for disease prevention and therapy.
Physical activity, sedentary behaviors and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a population-based cross-sectional study in Tianjin, China
Authors: Leng Junhong , Liu Gongshu , Zhang Cuiping , Xin Shijuan , Chen Fang , Li Baojuan , Tian Huiguang , Yu Zhijie , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Hu Gang , Yang Xilin
Published: March 2016

Objective

Physical activity in a nonpregnant state or before pregnancy reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and is also associated with reduced risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, it is uncertain whether physical activity during pregnancy reduces the risk of GDM.

Design and methods

Using an established universal screening system in Tianjin, China, we prospectively recruited 11 450 pregnant women within the 12th gestational week from 2010 to 2012. These women underwent a 50-g 1-h glucose challenge test (GCT) at 24–28 weeks of gestation and a 75-g 2-h oral glucose tolerance test if GCT glucose ≥7.8mmol/L. GDM was defined according to the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group’s criteria. Self-reported physical activity in the last month was collected at GCT time using a validated questionnaire.

Results

GDM developed in 7.3% (n=840) of the women. Women with GDM were less likely to be engaged in moderate-to-high physical activity during pregnancy than those without (79.8% vs 81.6%, P=0.191). Moderate-to-high physical activity during pregnancy was associated with decreased risk of GDM (multivariable odds ratio (OR): 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67–0.97). Sitting at home for 2–4h per day and >4h per day were associated with significantly increased risk of GDM (multivariable OR of sitting time for 2–4h vs <2h: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.18–2.15; OR of sitting time for >4h vs <2h: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.22–2.43).

Conclusions

Increased physical activity during pregnancy was associated with reduced GDM risk, whereas sedentary lifestyle was associated with increased GDM risk among Chinese pregnant women.
Thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology: prospective comparison between 18F-FDG-PET/CT, multiparametric neck ultrasonography, 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy and histology
Authors: Piccardo A , Puntoni M , Treglia G , Foppiani L , Bertagna F , Paparo F , Massollo M , Dib B , Paone G , Arlandini A , Catrambone U , Casazza S , Pastorino A , Cabria M , Giovanella L
Published: March 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the role of 18F-flurodeoxiglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) in predicting malignancy of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology.

Patients and methods

We analysed 87 patients who have been scheduled to undergo surgery for thyroid nodule with indeterminate cytology. All patients underwent 18F-FDG-PET/CT, multiparametric neck ultrasonography (MPUS), and 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile scintigraphy (99mTc-MIBI-scan). Histopathology was the standard of reference. We compared the sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), accuracy (AC), positive (PPV) and negative predictive (NPV) values of 18F-FDG-PET/CT with those of 99mTc-MIBI-scan and MPUS in detecting cancer. Univariate and multivariate analyses evaluated the association between each diagnostic tool and histopathology.

Results

On histopathology, 69 out of 87 nodules were found to be benign and 18 to be malignant. The SE, SP, AC, PPV and NPV of 18F-FDG-PET/CT were 94, 58, 66, 37 and 98% respectively. The SE, AC and NPV of 18F-FDG-PET/CT were significantly higher than those of MPUS and 99mTc-MIBI-scan. The association of both positive 18F-FDG-PET/CT and MPUS (FDG+/MPUS+) showed significantly lower SE (61% vs 94%) and NPV (88% vs 98%) than 18F-FDG-PET/CT alone, but significantly higher SP (77% vs 58%). On univariate analysis, 18F-FDG-PET/CT and the combination of FDG+/MPUS+ and of FDG+/MIBI− were all significantly associated with histopathology. On multivariate analysis, only FDG+/MIBI− was significantly associated with histopathology.

Conclusion

The AC of 18F-FDG-PET /CT in detecting thyroid malignancy is higher than that of 99mTc-MIBI-scan and MPUS. A negative 18F-FDG-PET/CT correctly predicts benign findings on histopathology. The association of FDG+/MPS+ is significantly more specific than 18F-FDG-PET/CT alone in identifying differentiated thyroid cancer. A positive 18F-FDG-PET/CT is significantly associated with malignancy when qualitative 99mTc-MIBI-scan is rated as negative.
Diabetes and risk of community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia: a population-based case–control study
Authors: Smit Jesper , Søgaard Mette , Schønheyder Henrik Carl , Nielsen Henrik , Frøslev Trine , Thomsen Reimar Wernich
Published: March 2016

Objective

Patients with diabetes may experience higher risk of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) than patients without diabetes due to decreased immunity or coexisting morbidities. We investigated the risk of community-acquired (CA) SAB in persons with and without diabetes.

Design

Using population-based medical databases, we conducted a case–control study of all adults with first-time CA-SAB and matched population controls in Northern Denmark, 2000 – 2011.

Methods

Based on conditional logistic regression, we computed odds ratios (ORs) of CA-SAB according to diabetes. We further assessed whether the risk of CA-SAB differed according to various diabetes-related characteristics (e.g. duration of diabetes, glycemic control, and presence of diabetes complications).

Results

We identified 2638 patients with incident CA-SAB, of whom 713 (27.0%) had diabetes, and 26 379 matched population controls (2495 or 9.5% with diabetes). Individuals with diabetes had a substantially increased risk of CA-SAB compared with population controls (adjusted OR = 2.8 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.5 – 3.1)). Duration of diabetes of ≥10 years and poor glycemic control conferred higher risk estimates, with an adjusted OR = 2.3 (95% CI: 1.9 – 2.7) for diabetes with Hba1c < 7% (< 53 mmol/mol) and an adjusted OR = 5.7 (95% CI: 4.2 – 7.7) for diabetes with Hba1c ≥9% (≥75 mmol/mol). The risk of CA-SAB was particularly high in patient with diabetes complications: adjusted OR = 5.5 (95% CI: 4.2 – 7.2) with presence of microvascular complications and OR = 7.0 (95% CI: 5.4 – 9.0) with combined macro- and microvascular complications.

Conclusions

Diabetes is associated with a substantially increased risk of CA-SAB, particularly in patients with diabetes of long duration, poor glycemic control, and diabetes complications.
Tracking the water fingerprints of Cocos Island: a stable isotope analysis of precipitation, surface water, and groundwater
Authors: Corrales José L. , Sánchez-Murillo Ricardo , Esquivel-Hernández Germain , Herrera Esteban , Boll Jan
Published: March 2016

The use of stable isotopes of water, both δ2H and δ18O has provided novel insights in hydrological studies, ecological applications, understanding climate variability, and reconstructing paleoclimate. However, information on the stable isotope composition of water in tropical marine island environments is normally scarce within the Central America Isthmus. Here, we present the first isotopic characterization of precipitation, surface water, and groundwater at Cocos Island, Costa Rica within the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean region. Our results show that the Cocos Island MWL can be described as: δ2H=8.39·δ18O+13.3; r2=0.98 (n=29). Dry season rainfall events ranged from -4.9 ‰ δ18O up to -2.4 ‰ δ18O with a mean d-excess of 13.2 ‰. By the beginning of May, the Intertropical Convergence Zone reaches Costa Rica resulting in a notable depletion in isotope ratios (up to -10.4 ‰ δ18O and -76.2 ‰ δ2H). During the wet season, δ18O composition averaged -6.1 ‰ δ18O and -38.5 ‰ δ2H with a mean d-excess of 9.9 ‰. HYSPLIT air mass back trajectories indicate a strong influence on the origin of precipitation of two main moisture transport mechanisms, the northeasterly (January-May) and southwesterly (May-November) trade winds. Small seasonal variations were observed in the isotopic composition of surface water throughout the year with mean values ranging from -3.9 ‰ δ18O (dry season, n=19) up to -4.8 ‰ δ18O (wet season, n=13). Groundwater samples exhibited a similar trend with more depleted composition during the wet season (-5.2 ‰ δ18O and -29.8 ‰ δ2H). Overall, the marine isotopic composition measured in meteoric water at Cocos Island serves to better delineate the isotopic contribution of Pacific moisture towards the Central America Isthmus. It also provides a valuable isotopic reference to discriminate from orographic distillation and Caribbean enriched rainfall inputs in continental studies.

 
Variations in the geostrophic circulation pattern and thermohaline structure in the Southeast Central American Pacific.
Authors: Brenes Carlos , Ballestero Daniel , Benavides Rosario , Salazar Juan Pablo , Murillo Gustavo
Published: March 2016

This study was conducted in the southeast region of the Central American Pacific, an area of great oceanographic importance due to the presence of various upwelling phenomena and the direct influence of the ENSO on its waters. Its main objective was to contribute to the knowledge of the main factors that modulate the regional dynamics. We describe the geostrophic circulation and thermohaline features along two transects obtained in October 2010 and March 2011, one from Costa Rica at (84°54’ W - 9°37’ N) to the SW of Cocos Island at (88°19’ W - 3°06’ N), and the second oriented zonally across the island from (88°14’ W - 5°33’ N) to (84°33’ W - 5°33’ N). Surface temperatures ranged from 27°C to 29°C and a near isothermal layer, with an average thickness of 40 m, was apparent above the thermocline centered at 60 m. Surface salinities were between 32 and 32.8, typical values of the Tropical Surface Water. In both years, Cocos Island was located in a region of low surface salinities (~32). The salty core of the Subtropical Subsurface Water (~35) was located at an average depth of 150m. In October the circulation between Cocos Island and the continent was dominated by the presence of the North Equatorial Countercurrent (NECC), with speeds above 40 cm s-1 in the upper 50 m of the water column. No flow to the northwest near the coast that could be associated with the Costa Rica Coastal Current (CRCC) in October was observed. The Cocos Island was located in the center of a 150 m deep, 100 km diameter anticyclonic eddy, with surface speeds of 10 cm s-1and 20 cm s-1. In March the study area was again dominated by an anticyclonic cell, with eastward flow between 50 cm s-1 and 60 cm s-1 located between 200 km north and 100 km south of the island. The southern end of this cell, with velocities between 10 cm s-1 and 50 cm s-1 to the northwest, was located 200 km south of Cocos Island. A flow to the NW near the edge of the continental shelf, consistent with the CRCC, was observed in May. Our study contributes to document the oceanography of the eastern end of the Equatorial Current System near the coast of Central America, where regional forcing modifies the zonal flow which prevails west of the study area.

 
Poblaciones de tiburones en las bahías Chatham y Wafer del Parque Nacional Isla del Coco, Costa Rica
Authors: Zanella Ilena , López-Garro Andrés , Martínez Frank , Golfín-Duarte Geiner , Morales Keylor
Published: March 2016

 At least fourteen species of sharks live in the Marine Protected Area of Isla del Coco National Park (ICNP), some are resident species such as the whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus); others are migratory and visit the National Park throughout the year, e.g. the scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini) and the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). Between March 2010 and August 2012 six expeditions out to the ICNP were carried, during this period 25 night trips (from 18:00 to 22:00 hr) for shark tagging were conducted in the Wafer and Chatham bays. During those trips, 185 sharks were analyzed: 81.1 % were whitetip reef sharks (T. obesus), 16.7 % were blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus), 1.1 % were blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) and 1.1% were silvertip sharks (Carcharhinus albimarginatus). The most common species in Bahía Chatham was T. obesus, while the most common one in Bahía Wafer was C. limbatus, which represented 80.9 % and 80.5 % of the total sharks caught, respectively. Regarding T. obesus, a sex ratio of 1.2 males per female was estimated (X2=0.09; p=0.17); in turn a sex ratio of 1.01 males per female was observed (X2=0.04; p=0.79) for C. limbatus. The average total length for T. obesus and C. limbatus was 103.66±13.91 cm and 76.58±14.56 cm respectively; suggesting that black tip sharks use those bays during immature stages. The results show an interspecific spatial segregation of the most common resident sharks at ICNP, apparently the clear waters and the coral cover of Chatham Bay are preferred by T. obesus; while the turbid waters of the Genio River mouth are preferred by C. limbatus
Anomalous coloration of a yellow tail damselfish Stegastes arcifrons (Actinopterygii: Pomacentridae) at Isla del Coco National Park, Costa Rica
Authors: Beita-Jiménez Andrés , Alvarado Juan José
Published: March 2016

Coloration patterns of reef fishes are an important trait for mediating intra and interspecific interactions, as well as for taxonomic identifications. Here we report a specimen of Stegastes arcifrons that presented a previously unobserved and anomalous color variation on a coral reef at Isla del Coco, Pacific Costa Rica. This color variation is known as xanthism and has been reported in some damselfishes, usually associated with genetic anomally.

 
La tercerización y el rendimiento financiero: muestra de empresas estadounidenses, 2000-2009
Authors: Ortiz Santos Pedro L. , Juma'h Ahmad H.
Published: March 2016

Este estudio evaluó la relación entre tercerización y el desempeño financiero de las empresas en Estados Unidos de Norte América (2000-2009). Con este fin, se calculó el efecto de tercerización en dos variables: la rentabilidad y la liquidez. En el primer caso se utilizó el margen operacional antes de interés e impuestos, el retorno sobre activos y el retorno sobre patrimonio; mientras que en el segundo caso, se empleó la razón rápida, la razón de deuda a total de activos y la razón de deuda a patrimonio neto. Se utilizaron los cambios porcentuales en los parámetros financieros en el año de anuncio de tercerización (t0) y el año subsiguiente (t1), los cuales resultaron no significativos (α = 0,05) para las empresas que tercerizan. También, no se encontró diferencias significativas (α = 0,05) en la rentabilidad y liquidez de las empresas con anuncios de tercerización y aquellas sin ellos.
Una Mirada a la competitividad del Sistema Bancario Nacional Costarricense a través del Indicador de Boone 2008-2013
Authors: Salas-Alvarado Andrés , Mora Jose C. , Agüero Rodríguez Oscar Emilio
Published: March 2016

En esta investigación se estima el grado de competitividad del sistema bancario costarricense para el periodo 2008-2013. Para esto se utiliza el indicador de Boone, una propuesta no estructural que surge de la nueva teoría de la organización industrial. El estudio se aborda a partir de dos estimaciones. Primero, el indicador de Boone individual para cada entidad bancaria y segundo, un indicador mensual para el sistema agregado. Para realizar las estimaciones se utiliza la metodología sugerida por Griffith, Boone y Harrison (2005). Se concluye que el mercado no es competitivo, que las entidades bancarias privadas son en promedio más competitivas que las estatales y que durante el periodo de crisis se presenció una disminución en el grado de competitividad del sistema bancario costarricense.
La marca med «Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud» en las dos ediciones del Diccionario del español actual: Tipología de los cambios
Authors: Cundín Santos Margarita , Olaeta Rubio Roberto
Published: March 2016

La publicación de la segunda edición del Diccionario del Español Actual (DEA) y el lapso de tiempo transcurrido entre una edición (1999) y la otra (2011) han sido la excusa idónea para estudiar el proceso de renovación léxica experimentado por nuestra lengua en los últimos años en el campo científico de la Medicina y las Ciencias de la salud, así como la tipología de los cambios en la práctica lexicográfica que se puede observar en este preciado diccionario. Las novedades no son únicamente de tipo cuantitativo, sino que obedecen a otras razones: se modifican las definiciones para conseguir mayor claridad o precisión, se consignan cambios en la marcación de las voces y se eliminan algunos artículos desusados en la actualidad o por consignarse en otro artículo lexicográfico.
“Piazzolización” y “Articipación” en la murga uruguaya actual
Authors: Chacón Solís Lilliana Alicia
Published: March 2016

Este artículo intenta acuñar dos términos (“piazzolización” y “articipación”) para la interpretación del significado simbólico de la murga en la sociedad uruguaya, entendiéndola como una práctica artística, popular, colectiva y en constante evolución. En cuanto a su carácter artístico, se parte de la propuesta teórica sobre las tres paradojas del arte (M. Zátonyi), demostrando que la murga exhibe al menos tres funciones: la renovación cosmogónica, la identificación y la introspección frente al espejo. En relación con lo popular, la murga se contrasta con un arte hegemónico al ser controlada por el pueblo y funcionar como espacio de cohesión social entre diferentes sectores culturales, además de su ligamen con lo ritual y lo sagrado. Referente a su carácter cambiante, se discute el cambio evolutivo de la murga en contraposición con otro tipo de cambio, el aculturativo, y se enumeran modificaciones y enriquecimientos en distintos planos de esta práctica artística, y la interacción entre los actores involucrados (“trovadores” y “juglares”). Finalmente, con respecto a su naturaleza colectiva, aunque se defiende el carácter participativo de las murgas, se eleva el cuestionamiento sobre su accesibilidad en igualdad de condiciones por todos los sectores sociales. 
Partitura para tiorba “Micropiezas para una tierra prometida homenaje al libro Fragmentos de la tierra prometida de Fernando Contreras Castro”
Authors: Solera Salas Mario
Published: March 2016

Las composiciones musicales para instrumento o grupo de instrumentos, se escriben siguiendo la estructura y sistema de signos de los lenguajes verbales, aun cuando el lenguaje musical no expresa ideas. Con el objetivo de dar significado a las composiciones, en algunas partituras instrumentales, se encuentran variadas formas de citar textos escritos del lenguaje verbal. Este recurso musical, se observa en el libro Fragmentos de la tierra prometida, de Fernando Contreras, texto que a su vez, da origen a la obra para tiorba, Micropiezas para una tierra prometida. 
Ideas estéticas de los plásticos de Mendoza(Argentina) en la década de 1930. El grupo de gente de Artes y Letras La peña
Authors: Cremaschi Verónica
Published: March 2016

El siguiente trabajo propone abordar las ideas estéticas de distintos artistas de la provincia de Mendoza que fueron fundadores y partícipes activos del grupo denominado “La Peña”. Fundamentalmente se ha intentado re-situar la obra plástica en su contexto de gestación, restituir los sentidos que la historia del arte formalista ha cercenado a muchas de las producciones locales al enfocar su estudio en su esfera eminentemente material. Es por ello que se profundiza en las visiones que tuvieron los artistas acerca de las problemáticas estéticas de su tiempo. 

Resulta interesante la relación que se estableció entre los productores locales y el mundo estético de la capital Argentina, percibido como un referente ineludible pero cuestionado por los pintores provinciales. Basándonos en documentos de la prensa local se propone revisar distintas ideas estéticas de artistas locales y explicitar la relación de las obras plásticas con las ideas que sustentaron su producción. 
Somatic Mutations Modulate Autoantibodies against Galactose-Deficient IgA1 in IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Huang Zhi Qiang , Raska Milan , Stewart Tyler J. , Reily Colin , King R. Glenn , Crossman David K. , Crowley Michael R. , Hargett Audra , Zhang Zhixin , Suzuki Hitoshi , Hall Stacy , Wyatt Robert J. , Julian Bruce A. , Renfrow Matthew B. , Gharavi Ali G. , Novak Jan
Published: March 2016

Autoantibodies against galactose-deficient IgA1 drive formation of pathogenic immune complexes in IgA nephropathy. IgG autoantibodies against galactose-deficient IgA1 in patients with IgA nephropathy have a specific amino-acid sequence, Y1CS3, in the complementarity-determining region 3 of the heavy chain variable region compared with a Y1CA3 sequence in similar isotype-matched IgG from healthy controls. We previously found that the S3 residue is critical for binding galactose-deficient IgA1. To determine whether this difference is due to a rare germline sequence, we amplified and sequenced the corresponding germline variable region genes from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of seven patients with IgA nephropathy and six healthy controls from whom we had cloned single-cell lines secreting monoclonal IgG specific for galactose-deficient IgA1. Sanger DNA sequencing revealed that complementarity-determining region 3 in the variable region of the germline genes encoded the Y1C(A/V)3 amino-acid sequence. Thus, the A/V>S substitution in the complementarity-determining region 3 of anti-galactose–deficient-IgA1 autoantibodies of the patients with IgA nephropathy is not a rare germline gene variant. Modeling analyses indicated that the S3 hydroxyl group spans the complementarity-determining region 3 loop stem, stabilizing the adjacent β-sheet and stem structure, important features for effective binding to galactose-deficient IgA1. Understanding processes leading to production of the autoantibodies may offer new approaches to treat IgA nephropathy.