bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytantriol and glyceryl monooleate cubic liquid crystalline phases as sustained-release oral drug delivery systems for poorly water soluble drugs I. Phase behaviour in physiologically-relevant media
Authors: Nguyen Tri-Hung , Hanley Tracey , Porter Christopher J H , Larson Ian , Boyd Ben J
Published: September 2015

Objectives

The potential utility of liquid crystalline lipid-based formulations in oral drug delivery is expected to depend critically on their structure formation and stability in gastrointestinal fluids. The phase behaviour of lipid-based liquid crystals formed by phytantriol and glyceryl monooleate, known to form a bicontinuous cubic phase in excess water, was therefore assessed in physiologically-relevant simulated gastrointestinal media.

Methods

Fixed composition phase studies, crossed polarised light microscopy (CPLM) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were used to determine the phase structures formed in phosphate-buffered saline, simulated gastric and intestinal fluids in the presence of model poorly water soluble drugs cinnarizine, diazepam and vitamin E acetate.

Key findings

The phase behaviour of phytantriol in phosphate-buffered saline was very similar to that in water. Increasing concentrations of bile components (bile salts and phospholipids) caused an increase in the lattice parameter of the cubic phase structure for both lipids. Incorporation of cinnarizine and diazepam did not influence the phase behaviour of the phytantriol- or glyceryl monooleate-based systems at physiological temperatures; however, an inverse hexagonal phase formed on incorporation of vitamin E acetate.

Conclusions

Phytantriol and glyceryl monooleate have the potential to form stable cubic phase liquid crystalline delivery systems in the gastrointestinal tract. In-vivo studies to assess their sustained-release behaviour are warranted.
Effects of insulin on CYP3A activity and nicardipine disposition in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Hasegawa Yoshitaka , Kishimoto Shuichi , Shibatani Naoki , Inotsume Nobuo , Takeuchi Yoshikazu , Fukushima Shoji
Published: September 2015

Objectives

The aim of the study was to clarify the effect of insulin treatment on drug metabolism and disposition.

Methods

We investigated the mRNA expression and activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A, which is involved in the metabolism of several drugs, by using a rat model of diabetes and insulin-treated diabetes. In addition, we investigated the mRNA expression of the nuclear receptors reported to regulate the transcription of CYP3A, pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR). We also assessed the disposition of nicardipine, which is mainly metabolised by CYP3A, using both rat models to evaluate the influence of insulin treatment on drug disposition.

Key findings

We noted that alterations in the serum bile acid concentration in both rat groups were related to the changes in CAR mRNA expression, CYP3A mRNA expression and CYP3A activity. Furthermore, although the enhanced CYP3A activity in the diabetic rat accelerated the elimination of nicardipine, insulin administration decreased the enhanced CYP3A activity in the diabetic group and delayed the elimination of nicardipine to the same level as that in the control group. However, the steady-state volume of distribution was increased in the insulin-treated diabetic group as compared to the control and diabetic groups. We further noted that although the CYP3A activity in the diabetic group returned to the same level as in that in the non-diabetic group by insulin treatment, other values, such as the distribution volume of nicardipine, did not show a similar return.

Conclusions

Based on our results, we suggest that alterations in the drug disposition in diabetes and insulin-treated diabetes should be taken into consideration in order to provide safe and effective drug therapy.
Enantioselective pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modelling of carvedilol in a NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester rat model of secondary hypertension
Authors: Di Verniero Carla Andrea , Bertera Facundo , Buontempo Fabián , Bernabeu Ezequiel , Chiappetta Diego , Mayer Marcos Alejandro , Bramuglia Guillermo Federico , Taira Carlos Alberto , Höcht Christian
Published: September 2015

Objectives

The role of vascular sympatholytic activity of carvedilol in its antihypertensive effect in NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) hypertensive rats was assessed by means of enantioselective pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) modelling.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: control rats received tap water to drink for 2 weeks while L-NAME rats received L-NAME solution to drink for 2 weeks. The effects of carvedilol (1 and 5 mg/kg i.v.) on blood pressure, heart rate and blood pressure variability were recorded. Enantioselective carvedilol plasma pharmacokinetics were studied by means of traditional blood sampling. The relationship between carvedilol concentrations and their hypotensive and bradycardic effects was established by means of PK-PD modelling. Vascular sympatholytic activity of carvedilol was assessed by the estimation of drug effects on low frequency blood pressure variability by means of spectral analysis.

Key findings

A dose-dependent increase in volume of distribution, as well as a greater volume of distribution and clearance of S-carvedilol as compared with the R-enantiomer was found in both experimental groups. Although the PK-PD properties of the S-carvedilol chronotropic effect were not altered in L-NAME rats, hypertensive rats showed greater potency and efficacy to the carvedilol hypotensive response. Greater potency of carvedilol for inhibition of sympathetic vascular activity was found in L-NAME rats.

Conclusions

Carvedilol showed enantioselective non-linear pharmacokinetic properties in both groups. An enhanced hypotensive activity of carvedilol was found in L-NAME hypertensive rats compared with control rats, which may be explained by the greater potency of carvedilol for sympathetic vascular tone inhibition.
Usefulness of serum cystatin C to determine the dose of vancomycin in critically ill patients
Authors: Suzuki Akio , Imanishi Yoshinori , Nakano Shiho , Niwa Takashi , Ohmori Tomofumi , Shirai Kunihiro , Yoshida Shozo , Furuta Nobuyuki , Takemura Masao , Ito Hiroyasu , Ieiri Ichiro , Seishima Mitsuru , Ogura Shinji , Itoh Yoshinori
Published: September 2015

Objectives

Serum creatinine (Scr) is not a reliable marker of renal function in critically ill patients because of an enhancement of protein catabolism, which makes it difficult to adjust the dosage of renally eliminated drugs such as antibiotics. This study aimed to investigate whether serum cystatin C (Scys-C) could be used as a reliable marker of renal function.

Methods

We investigated whether Scys-C was a reliable marker of renal function in 56 critically ill patients. Subsequently, the usefulness of Scys-C to determine the initial loading and the maintenance dose of vancomycin was examined in 18 patients. Crea- tinine clearance (Ccr) was assessed from Scr and creatinine in urine collected over 24 h (24-h Ccr).

Key findings

There was a good correlation between 24-h Ccr and 1/Scys-C (r2 = 0.616), whereas less marked correlation was observed between 24-h Ccr and 1/Scr (r2 = 0.221). On the other hand, vancomycin concentration was predicted from population pharmacokinetic parameters based on a two-compartment linear model. There were significant correlations between real trough concentrations of vancomycin and the values predicted from Scys-C using various equations (r2 = 0.416–0.488), while less pronounced relationships were observed between real concentrations and the values predicted from Scr (r2 = 0.134–0.187).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that Scys-C is a reliable marker reflecting renal function in critically ill patients and is applicable to determine the initial loading dose as well as the maintenance dose of vancomycin.
Effects of KATP openers on the QT prolongation induced by HERG-blocking drugs in guinea-pigs
Authors: Testai Lara , Cecchetti Violetta , Sabatini Stefano , Martelli Alma , Breschi Maria Cristina , Calderone Vincenzo
Published: September 2015

Objectives

This work evaluated the potential usefulness of pharmacological activation of cardiac ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) in the prevention of drug-induced QT prolongation in anaesthetised guinea-pigs. Prolongation of cardiac repolarisation and QT interval is an adverse effect of many drugs blocking HERG potassium channels. This alteration can be dangerously arrhythmogenic and has been associated with the development of a particular form of ventricular tachyarrhythmia known as torsade de pointes.

Methods

The well-known KATP openers aprikalim, cromakalim and pinacidil were used. Moreover, three benzothiazine derivatives, which have been reported as potent activators of KATP channels, were also used.

Key findings

Pharmacological activation of KATP channels caused a reduction of the QT prolongation, induced by astemizole, cisapride, quinidine and thioridazine. In contrast, the QT prolongation induced by haloperidol, sotalol and terfenadine, which are known to block HERG channels but also KATP channels, was not influenced by KATP activation. Glibenclamide and tolbutamide (non-selective blockers of KATP channels expressed both in sarcolemmal and in mitochondrial membranes) antagonised the effects of KATP openers, whereas 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (selective blocker of the mitochondrial KATP channels) failed to antagonise the effects of KATP openers, indicating that only the sarcolemmal KATP is involved in the cardioprotective activity.

Conclusions

The data suggest that pharmacological KATP activation might represent an option for treatment of patients exposed to QT-prolonging drugs.
Evaluation and Comparison of Collision-Induced Dissociation and Electron-Capture Dissociation for Top-Down Analysis of Intact Ribonuclease B
Authors: Wang Ze , Chen Xiangfeng , Deng Liulin , Li Wan , Wong Y.-L. Elaine , Chan T.-W. Dominic
Published: September 2015

It has been previously reported that the glycosylation site and protein-sequence information could be obtained for ribonuclease B by top-down electron-capture dissociation (ECD) and collision-induced dissociation (CID) mass spectrometry (MS). However, the sequence coverage of ribonuclease B was limited in a single activation, and the structural information on the glycan moiety was not probed successfully in previous experiments. Here, we demonstrate that ECD and CID techniques can be used together as an effective top-down method for the structural characterization of intact glycoprotein. Even without an elaborate pre- or post-ECD activation, a high sequence coverage (>90%) of ribonuclease B could be achieved with substantial amounts of structural information for the glycan moiety. By comparing our work with previous results, it is postulated that the disulfide bond reduction strategy might play a significant role in determining the efficiency of top-down MS.
Maximising the impact of TAs
Authors: Roberts Louisa
Published: September 2015

Charged with transforming the impact of her school's large team of teaching assistants, Louisa Roberts focused on enhancing CPD, revising appraisals, and clarifying their roles…
Unlock your the potential of your leadership team
Authors: McLean Colin
Published: September 2015

In a new series of leadership advice articles, Colin McLean speaks to three headteachers of outstanding schools who offer seven ways to unlock your leadership team's potential
Seven ideas to improve teachers' wellbeing
Authors: Moore Jenny
Published: September 2015

Jenny Moore suggests seven ways to address the teacher workload challenge and improve staff wellbeing during the year ahead
Unit 4. Wound bed preparation
Authors: Ousey Karen , McIntosh Caroline
Published: September 2015

Wound bed assessment and wound care are essential to facilitate the healing process. There are several debridement options available following a holistic assessment of the patient and the wound
Unit 4. Article 1 Hypoglycaemia in type 2 diabetes
Authors: MacArthur Clare
Published: September 2015

Hypoglycaemia is common, troublesome and hazardous for people with diabetes. Clare MacArthur argues that it needs to be seen as a side effect of treatment, rather than something to be expected as part of living with diabetes.
Precarious or Purposeful? Proactively Building Inclusive Special Education Service Delivery on Solid Ground
Authors: Giangreco Michael F. , Suter Jesse C.
Published: September 2015

The absence of unified and inclusive special education service delivery models represents a longstanding challenge to the education of students with the full range of disabilities in inclusive schools and classrooms. An exemplar model is offered for elementary schools within a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) framework. To establish its practicality and cost-neutrality, the development of the exemplar model was based on personnel utilization data from 69 schools. After building a case for the importance of proactively developing inclusive models of special education service delivery, this article describes: (a) the types and source of the data upon which the exemplar model is based, (b) a set of underlying assumptions, (c) school demographic parameters upon which the exemplar model is based, (d) a comparison of 13 key variables between their actual averages in sampled schools with their proposed status in the exemplar model, and (e) nine conceptual and programmatic shifts designed to accompany the structural changes presented in the exemplar model. The article concludes with implications for practice and future research. Overall, the exemplar model is offered as a starting point to spur discussion, creative problem solving, and action planning to explore model development suited to local contexts.
Embedded Instruction: An Evaluation of Evidence to Inform Inclusive Practice
Authors: Jimenez Bree A. , Kamei Ai
Published: September 2015

A systematic review of the literature was conducted for articles published between January, 1975 and January, 2013 to (a) examine the use of embedded instruction to teach students with intellectual disability (ID) at the lowest to middle range of the spectrum academic content in inclusive settings and (b) evaluate its use as an evidence-based instructional strategy for inclusion. A total of 11 studies were analyzed for research quality with all studies meeting the criteria for adequate or high quality (Horner et al., 2005; National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center, NSTTAC, 2010). Embedded instruction was found to be an evidence-based strategy to support academic learning of students with ID in inclusive settings. All 11 studies used systematic instruction to embed academic trials in various inclusive settings, grade levels, and across the curriculum, with constant time delay being the most prevalent strategy used in 10 of the studies. Furthermore, grade level, subject matter, when embedded trials occurred, and who provided instruction were analyzed. Suggestions for future research and implications for practice are discussed.
Sibling Advocacy: Perspectives About Advocacy FromSiblings of Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Burke Meghan M. , Arnold Catherine K. , Owen Aleksa L.
Published: September 2015

As individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live longer and begin to outlive their parents, siblings take on greater supportive roles including advocacy. Yet, little is known about the ways in which siblings advocate with and for their brothers and sisters with IDD as well as for broad, systemic changes. In this study, we conducted four focus groups (N = 18) with siblings of individuals with IDD. We found that siblings defined and engaged in case advocacy (i.e., advocacy on behalf of their brothers and sisters with IDD) and cause advocacy (i.e., advocacy for larger systemic changes). Regarding case advocacy, siblings were motivated to advocate to secure appropriate services for their brothers and sisters. For cause advocacy, siblings attempted to create sweeping changes for individuals with IDD by educating others and participating in collective advocacy methods. Regardless of the type of advocacy, all siblings felt they needed more information and peer support to effectively advocate. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed.
More Than Words: Examining Communicative Competence Through a Preschool-Age Child With Autism
Authors: DeThorne Laura S. , Hengst Julie A. , Valentino Hillary A. , Russell Stephanie A.
Published: September 2015

Using a social-ecological framework, this case study examined communicative competence through classroom interactions involving Aaron, a preschool-age child with autism who utilized an augmentative and alternative communication device (AAC). In addition to Aaron, participants included Aaron's father, the school director, classroom teachers, a paraprofessional, and 17 of Aaron's preschool classmates. The present analyses relied on ethnographic data collected by Russell and Valentino (2013)—specifically, five observations of classroom activities involving Aaron, one of which was video recorded, and six semistructured interviews of adult participants. Our extended analyses included a categorical analysis focused on communicative offers to and from Aaron as recorded in observational field notes and a new situated discourse analysis of the video-recorded small group activity. Together results revealed three key components of communicative competence: (a) presumed competence, (b) flexible multimodality, and (c) synchronized repetition. Implications focus on how to conceptualize and support communicative competence for children who use AAC from a social-ecological framework.
Subjective well-being as a predictor of peace attitudes in adolescents
Ergenlerde barışa yönelik tutumların yordayıcısı olarak öznel iyi oluş
Authors: Sarı Tuğba , Kermen Umut
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this study is to investigate attitudes towards peace with respect to subjective wellbeing and gender. The participants of the study were 240 students who were taking their high school education in Kocaeli. Two different inventories were applied to the students; Adolescent Subjective Wellbeing Inventory and Peace Attitudes Scale. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate if and to which degree subjective wellbeing predicts peace attitudes. To examine the relation between peace attitudes and gender, independent sample t-test was conducted. The results indicated that the peace attitudes of adolescents does not change according to gender (t238= -.153; p>.05). According to the Pearson correlation coefficients, there is positive relations ranged from .30 to .65 between peace attitudes and four subscales of subjective well-being (p<.001). The multiple regression analysis that was held to investigate the predictor role of subjective wellbeing on peace attitudes revealed that family relations satisfaction and positive feelings explains peace attitudes significantly (R2= .48 ; F reg= 53,468; p< .001).

 

Özet

Bu çalışmanın amacı, lise öğrencilerinin barışa yönelik tutumlarının öznel iyi oluş (aile ilişkilerinde doyum, önemli diğer kişilerle ilişkide doyum, yaşam doyumu, olumlu duygular) ve cinsiyet açısından incelenmesidir. Araştırma verileri, 2014-2015 Eğitim ve Öğretim Yılı'nda Kocaeli ilinde üç lisede eğitim gören 14-16 yaşları arasında 240 öğrenciden toplanmıştır. Araştırma verileri kişisel bilgi formu, ergen öznel iyi oluş ölçeği ve barışa yönelik tutumlar ölçeği ile toplanmıştır. Araştırmada veri analizinde cinsiyete göre barışa yönelik tutumların değişip değişmediğini test etmek için t-testi yönteminden yararlanılmıştır. Bulgulara göre, kız (X=16.297) ve erkek (X=16.356) öğrencilerin barışa yönelik tutumları arasında anlamlı bir fark bulunmamaktadır (t238=-.153; p>.05). Değişkenler arasındaki ilişki pearson korelasyon katsayısı ile incelendiğinde, barışa yönelik tutumlar ile öznel iyi oluşun dört alt boyutu arasındaki korelasyonların .30 ile .65 arasında değiştiği gözlenmiştir (p<.001). Öznel iyi oluşun barışa yönelik tutumlarını açıklayıp açıklamadığını incelemek için yapılan çoklu regresyon analizi sonuçlarına göre ise öznel iyi oluşun aile ilişkilerinde doyum ve olumlu duygular alt boyutlarının barışa yönelik tutumlar üzerinde açıklanan varyansa katkısının anlamlı olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. (R2= .48 ; F reg= 53,468; p< .001).
A geographical assessment of labour immigration in Turkey
Authors: Akay Ertürk Selma
Published: September 2015

Turkey has a unique geographical location, and serves as a bridge between East and West, and between Asia and Europe. While it has been a source country for labour migration, especially to Western Europe in the 1960s and 1970s, it has become a destination country, particularly for those from neighbouring countries in the 1990s. Immigrants from more distant countries were also attracted. Due to the end of the Cold War (the dissolution of the Soviet Union), economic problems resulting from regime change in the Eastern Bloc countries, China’s emergence as an economic power affecting the world economy, along with globalization, political problems and civil wars in the Middle East and Africa, a proportion of the people living in these geographical regions migrated to Turkey to find jobs. The aim of the present study is to investigate the quantitative changes concerning foreigners with work permits in Turkey and to research their origins. The study also presents some figures on distribution by gender and country of origin. To achieve this aim and investigate the present state of Turkey, statistical data concerning labour migration have been used. It is conclude that Turkey being considered as a country mostly sending labour emigrants has turned into a country receiving labour immigrants, not only from neighbouring countries but also from distant countries thanks to its unique geographical location and economic diversity.
The generalized hypergeometric function as the Meijer G-function
Authors: Kilbas Anatoly A. , Saxena Ram K. , Saigo Megumi , Trujillo Juan J.
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we use the representation of the generalized hypergeometric function

p

F
q

$\,_pF_q$

in terms of the known Meijer G-function to extend the range of parameters of such a special function so it be convergent. Also, we establish the corresponding series representation
for such an extension. In particular, we extend the hypergeometric functions

2

F
1

$\,_2F_1$

and

3

F
2

$\,_3F_2$

from

|
z
|
<
1

${|z|<1}$

to

|
z
|
>
1

${|z|>1}$

.
Moreover, we obtain asymptotic formulas to estimate the extended

p

F
q

$\,_pF_q$

at infinity.
Forecasting of random sequences and Prony decomposition of finance data
Authors: Nigmatullin Raoul R. , Tenreiro Machado José A.
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we propose an original method for forecasting data based on the Prony decomposition. We interpret the forecasting procedure as a possible prolongation of the fitting function that describes the known optimal trend in terms of the Prony decomposition. We give some arguments justifying the selection of the Prony method for obtaining the fitting function. This function should describe the segment of the random curve with high accuracy, that is supposed to be known and can be continued out from the fitting interval. Naturally, the boundaries of the sequential future interval are limited by the influence of future events that can change the tendencies “stretched out” from the known past, in general. This determination coincides with the definition of a forecasting procedure given by Chatfield. We establish the relationships between modes of the quasi-periodic Prony decomposition with the well-known Kondratiev or Elliot waves (K-, E-waves) that are known in economy for forecasting of long random time-series with trends. Our method adds new features to the conventional procedure and corrects the general conception of K(E)-waves for temporal cycles having different lengths. In fact, it helps us to find additional criteria for identifying the K-waves in the given random sequence analyzed. We propose two independent methods of forecasting: (a) from the segment that starts from the nearest past, and (b) from the curve that is remained as the self-similar curve to the initial one. In both cases we show that the results of such prolongation are similar to each other, which increases the reliability of the novel forecasting procedure. As an example we consider data associated with four basic fund markets.
Stabilization of Fast Pyrolysis Oil Derived from Wood through Esterification
Authors: Ghodke Praveen , Ganesh Anuradda , Mahajani Sanjay
Published: September 2015

In the present work, crude bio-oil obtained from vacuum pyrolysis ofbabulwood was stabilized by esterification with 1-butanol using the cation exchange resin, Amberlyst-15, as a solid acid catalyst. Ester formation reduces the pH, thereby increasing the shelf-life of the bio-oil. Since esterification is a reversible reaction, simultaneous separation of water during the course of the reaction helps to obtain high conversion. Azeotropic removal of water by reactive distillation was found to be effective in this work. Apart from reducing pH and improving shelf-life, this process also enabled water removal from crude bio-oil, and viscosity was reduced when the bio-oil was blended with alcohol. Amberlyst-15 was found to get deactivated after repeated use. Characterization of fresh and used catalyst by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurement and thermal analysis showed that the deposition of carbonaceous material on the catalyst is responsible for its deactivation. The condensation and oligomerization reactions of unstable compounds (e.g. furfural and its derivatives) are suspected to be the main reasons underlying catalyst deactivation.
The use of computer-delivered structured tasks in pragmatic instruction: An exploratory study
Authors: Sydorenko Tetyana
Published: September 2015

This study examines the effect of oral practice via computer-delivered structured tasks (CASTs) with native speaker (NS) models and open-ended tasks without NS input (i.e., learner-leaner role-plays) on pragmatic development of second language learners. While prior studies have indicated that structured tasks afford more opportunities for focus on form (FonF) than open-ended tasks (
Monitoring of Civil Engineering Structures using a State-of-the-art Image Assisted Total Station
Authors: Ehrhart Matthias , Lienhart Werner
Published: September 2015

Today, many civil engineering structures are permanently monitored to provide early warnings from structural failure. Many of the currently used measurement sensors have the drawback that access to the monitored structure is required. Furthermore, different types of instrumentation are needed to measure vibrations and displacements. We therefore propose the usage of an image assisted total station (IATS) for vibration- and displacement monitoring. Compared to previously reported approaches using IATS prototypes, our system is based on a commercially available standard IATS. In laboratory investigations, we show that the used IATS can measure displacements with a precision of 0.1 mgon. In a field experiment at a lifesize footbridge we compare the IATS measurements to currently used accelerometer and total station measurements.
InKoPoMoVer – Cooperative Positioning for Real-time User Assistance and Guidance at Multi-modal Public Transit Junctions
Authors: Retscher Guenther , Obex Franz
Published: September 2015

The study ‘Cooperative Positioning for Real-time User Assistance and Guidance at Multi-modal Public Transit Junctions’ (InKoPoMoVer) aims at a better understanding of passenger movement at multi-modal transit situations for providing improved passenger assistance and guidance. By using a novel Differential Wi-Fi (DWi-Fi) approach through intelligent Cooperative Positioning (CP), algorithms can be generated, which considerably increase the accuracy of person tracking, allowing for the derivation of movement patterns. Due to user support smoothly transit at the stations is enabled, thus the gap in current multimodal transport information systems where routing is not performed at the junction itself is closed. Addressing ethical and usability aspects will ensure user-friendly results. In this article, the concept of transit assistance is introduced followed by a comprehensive discussion of the suitable CP localization techniques and sensors as well as the implementation strategy.
Sensitivity of Population Size Estimation for Violating Parametric Assumptions in Log-linear Models
Authors: Gerritse Susanna C. , Heijden Peter G.M. van der , Bakker Bart F.M.
Published: September 2015

An important quality aspect of censuses is the degree of coverage of the population. When administrative registers are available undercoverage can be estimated via capture-recapture methodology. The standard approach uses the log-linear model that relies on the assumption that being in the first register is independent of being in the second register. In models using covariates, this assumption of independence is relaxed into independence conditional on covariates. In this article we describe, in a general setting, how sensitivity analyses can be carried out to assess the robustness of the population size estimate. We make use of log-linear Poisson regression using an offset, to simulate departure from the model. This approach can be extended to the case where we have covariates observed in both registers, and to a model with covariates observed in only one register. The robustness of the population size estimate is a function of implied coverage: as implied coverage is low the robustness is low. We conclude that it is important for researchers to investigate and report the estimated robustness of their population size estimate for quality reasons. Extensions are made to log-linear modeling in case of more than two registers and the multiplier method
Linkage of Census and Administrative Data to Quality Assure the 2011 Census for England and Wales
Authors: Blackwell Louisa , Charlesworth Andrew , Rogers Nicola Jane
Published: September 2015

The 2011 Census for England and Wales made extensive use of administrative data to quality assure the estimates. This included record linkage between census and administrative data. This article describes the role of record linkage in the quality-assurance process. It outlines the operational challenges that we faced and how we resolved them. Record linkage was confined to a sample within 58 carefully selected local authorities. We found characteristic patterns of under- and overcoverage in the National Health Service Patient Register, which we illustrate here with examples. Our findings may be useful in countries that, like England and Wales, do not have a comprehensive population register to draw on and that need to understand issues of coverage in their routinely collected administrative data and the use of these data to estimate populations.
Sensitivity of Mixed-Source Statistics to Classification Errors
Authors: Burger Joep , Delden Arnout van , Scholtus Sander
Published: September 2015

For policymakers and other users of official statistics, it is crucial to distinguish real differences underlying statistical outcomes from noise caused by various error sources in the statistical process. This has become more difficult as official statistics are increasingly based upon a mix of sources that typically do not involve probability sampling. In this article, we apply a resampling method to assess the sensitivity of mixed-source statistics to sourcespecific classification errors. Classification errors can be seen as coverage errors within a stratum. The method can be used to compare relative accuracies between strata and releases, it can assist in deciding how to optimally allocate resources in the statistical process, and it can be applied in evaluating potential estimators. A case study on short-term business statistics shows that bias occurs especially for those strata that deviate strongly from the mean value in other strata. It also suggests that shifting classification resources from small and mediumsized enterprises to large enterprises has virtually no net effect on accuracy, because the gain in precision is offset by the creation of bias. The resampling method can be extended to include other types of nonsampling error.
Phosphate homeostasis and genetic mutations of familial hypophosphatemic rickets
Authors: Razali Nurul Nadirah , Hwu Ting Tzer , Thilakavathy Karuppiah
Published: September 2015

Hypophosphatemic rickets (HR) is a syndrome of hypophosphatemia and rickets that resembles vitamin D deficiency, which is caused by malfunction of renal tubules in phosphate reabsorption. Phosphate is an essential mineral, which is important for bone and tooth structure. It is regulated by parathyroid hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and fibroblast-growth-factor 23 (FGF23). X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), autosomal dominant HR (ADHR), and autosomal recessive HR (ARHR) are examples of hereditary forms of HR, which are mainly caused by mutations in the phosphate regulating endopeptidase homolog, X-linked (
Lipomatous nevus and urethral caruncle mistaken for ambiguous genitalia in a female infant
Authors: Brasileiro Luciana Ferreira , Dias Pereira Luis Antonio Violin , Miranda Márcio Lopes , de Freitas Leandro Luiz Lopes , Marques-de-Faria Antonia Paula , Maciel-Guerra Andrea Trevas , Guerra-Junior Gil
Published: September 2015

We report the case of a 46,XX infant referred at 3 months of age for evaluation of ambiguous genitalia with no palpable gonads. The phallus was replaced by a homogeneous peduncular structure covered by skin, and a second peduncular structure covered by mucosa was located between the labia minora above the urethral meatus and the vaginal opening. There were no associated anomalies, and she had normal growth and neuromotor development. During surgery to remove these structures, a bifid clitoris was detected and cystoscopy and vaginoscopy revealed normal female urethra and vagina. The structure located on the phallic region was a superficial lipomatous nevus, and the other mass was a congenital urethral caruncle with ectopic migration/differentiation of colonic epithelium into ventral and anterior part of the urogenital sinus. Both genital lipomas and congenital caruncles of the female urethra are very rare and their etiology is unknown. There is no previous report of coincidence of these two rare findings in an otherwise healthy girl.
What is materialism? Testing two dominant perspectives on materialism in the marketing literature
Authors: Manchiraju Srikant , Krizan Zlatan
Published: September 2015

Materialism is defined as the importance an individual attaches to worldly possessions, which has been considered as an important construct in consumer behavior and marketing literature. There are two dominant perspectives on individual materialism in the marketing literature that focus on (1) personality traits or (2) individual personal values. However, several scholars have questioned the aforementioned materialism conceptualizations. Therefore, the present study directly compares the constructs of personality materialism and value materialism. Structural equation modeling was employed to address the following issues: (1) what are the key conceptual dimensions of materialism, (2) how much do they overlap, and (3) what is their discriminant validity in predicting outcomes linked to materialism. We suggest these two dominant perspectives on individual materialism are two distinct constructs, as they shared only 21 percent of common variance. Furthermore, we stress the multi-faceted nature of materialism, with an emphasis on future research directions related to materialism in marketing.
How Free Media Protects Energy Infrastructure?
Authors: Polivin Oleg
Published: September 2015

Modern warfare is often indirect: rebel groups are normally too weak to fight the state’s army in an open conflict, while the main problem of the government is to find the hideout of the rebels or identify their supporters. In this paper, I argue that if communication channels like free media are missing, rebel groups choose to attack the energy infrastructure. Empirical evidence reveals that countries with freer media experience less attacks against their energy infrastructure.
Catalytic esterification of bioglycerol to value-added products
Authors: Kong Pei San , Aroua Mohamed Kheireddine , Wan Daud Wan Mohd Ashri
Published: September 2015

The inevitably low value of bioglycerol has led to extensive investigations on glycerol conversion to value-added chemicals. This review focuses on the industrially important catalytic esterification of glycerol with oleic acid attributable to its high commercial value. Conventionally, the catalytic esterification of long-chain fatty acids with glycerol is operated at extreme operating conditions (homogeneous acid catalyst, high temperature, and intensive vacuum system). Because of these, rational design of reliable solid acid catalysts for water-sensitive esterification process is needed in order to enhance existing process condition. Up until now, the recent development of efficient and environmentally benign catalysts for esterification of glycerol with oleic acid has not been captured in any review. Therefore, the current literatures of catalytic esterification of glycerol with oleic acid and their affecting parameters are primarily discussed in this review. This review has shown that the hydrophobicity surface of catalysts is vital to boost up the reaction activity of polar glycerol and immiscible phase behavior of reactants. In addition, the concluding remarks for catalyst selectivity of glycerol monooleate, dioleate, and trioleate synthesis are presented. The paper also highlights the research gaps and future direction of this important research field.
CXCL12/CXCR4 axis: an emerging neuromodulator in pathological pain
Authors: Luo Xin , Wang Xiaomin , Xia Zhengyuan , Chung Sookja Kim , Cheung Chi Wai
Published: September 2015

The roles of chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 12 (CXCL12) and its receptor chemokine C-X-C motif receptor 4 (CXCR4) reveal this chemokine axis as an emerging neuromodulator in the nervous system. In the peripheral and central nervous systems, both CXCL12 and CXCR4 are expressed in various kinds of nociceptive structures, and CXCL12/CXCR4 axis possesses pronociceptive property. Recent studies have demonstrated its critical roles in the development and maintenance of pathological pain, and both neuronal and glial mechanisms are involved in this CXCL12/CXCR4 axis-mediated pain processing. In this review, we summarize the recent development of the roles and mechanisms of CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in the pathogenesis of chronic pain by sciatic nerve injury, human immunodeficiency virus-associated sensory neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, spinal cord injury, bone cancer, opioid tolerance, or opioid-induced hyperalgesia. The potential targeting of CXCL12/CXCR4 axis as an effective and broad-spectrum pharmacological approach for chronic pain therapy was also discussed.
Non-Pollen Palynomorphs Characteristic for the Dystrophic Stage of Humic Lakes in the Wigry National Park, Ne Poland
Authors: Fiłoc Magdalena , Kupryjanowicz Mirosława
Published: September 2015

The numerous dystrophic (humic) lakes are a very important feature of Wigry National Park, NE Poland. As the most recent palaeoecological data indicate, at the beginning of its development (in the Late Glacial and Early and Middle Holocene) these water bodies functioned as harmonious lakes, and their transformation into dystrophic lakes and the stabilization of the trophic state took place at the beginning of the Subboreal. Palynological analysis of sediments from two such lakes (Lake Ślepe and Lake Suchar II), with special emphasis on non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs), was aimed at a detailed biological characterization of dystrophic lakes during their long-lasting existence. The obtained results allowed for the designation of organisms characteristic for dystrophic lakes, of which representatives appeared with the decreasing pH of the water and the formation of Sphagnum peat around lakes. These organisms were divided into four groups: algae, fungi, testate amoebas, and animals. Their representatives appear invarious developmental stages of dystrophic lakes.
How Does May’s Law Work in Multi-dimensional Competition? Intra-party Opinion Structure in Catalonia
Authors: Baras Montserrat , Barberà Oscar , Barrio Astrid , Rodríguez-Teruel Juan
Published: September 2015

This article explores how multi-dimensional competition party systems shape the intraparty opinion structure in political parties. The aim is to extend and test May’s law of ideological curvilinear disparity to multi-dimensional settings. The data are based on the case of Catalonia, a party system characterized by the relevant presence of non-state wide parties, where political competition is based on two main dimensions: the left right axis and the subjective national identity one. The paper shows that while the Catalan parties do fit with May’s law in the left-right axis, this is not the case in the national identity one. In addition, it further illustrates how the interaction between both axes affects party competition and internal opinion differences between leaders, activists and voters. The results attest the complexity of the intraparty opinion structures in multidimensional competition systems.
Neuromuscular Adaptations to Unilateral vs. Bilateral Strength Training in Women
Authors: Botton Cíntia E. , Radaelli Regis , Wilhelm Eurico N. , Rech Anderson , Brown Lee E. , Pinto Ronei S.
Published: September 2015

Botton, CE, Radaelli, R, Wilhelm, EN, Rech, A, Brown, LE, and Pinto, RS. Neuromuscular adaptations to unilateral vs. bilateral strength training in women. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 1924–1932, 2016—Considering the bilateral deficit, the sum of forces produced by each limb in a unilateral condition is generally greater than that produced by them in a bilateral condition. Therefore, it can be speculated that performing unilateral strength exercises may allow greater training workloads and subsequently greater neuromuscular adaptations when compared with bilateral training. Hence, the purpose of this study was to compare neuromuscular adaptations with unilateral vs. bilateral training in the knee extensor muscles. Forty-three recreationally active young women were allocated to a control, unilateral (UG) or bilateral (BG) training group, which performed 2 times strength training sessions a week for 12 weeks. Knee extension one repetition maximum (1RM), maximal isometric strength, muscle electrical activity, and muscle thickness were obtained before and after the study period. Muscle strength was measured in unilateral (right + left) and bilateral tests. Both UG and BG increased similarly their unilateral 1RM (33.3 ± 14.3% vs. 24.6 ± 11.9%, respectively), bilateral 1RM (20.3 ± 6.8% vs. 28.5 ± 12.3%, respectively), and isometric strength (14.7 ± 11.3% vs. 13.1 ± 12.5%, respectively). The UG demonstrated greater unilateral isometric strength increase than the BG (21.4 ± 10.5% vs. 10.3 ± 11.1%, respectively) and only the UG increased muscle electrical activity. Muscle thickness increased similarly for both training groups. Neither group exhibited pretesting 1RM bilateral deficit values, but at post-testing, UG showed a significant bilateral deficit (−6.5 ± 7.8%) whereas BG showed a significant bilateral facilitation (5.9 ± 9.0%). Thus, performing unilateral or bilateral exercises was not a decisive factor for improving morphological adaptations and bilateral muscle strength in untrained women. Unilateral training, however, potentiate unilateral specific strength gains.
Single-Edge Notched Disk Fracture Test for Asphalt Concrete
Authors: Hakimzadeh Salman
Published: September 2015

Asphalt concrete is commonly used as the surface layer in many pavement structures. One of the most important characteristics of asphalt concrete is its cracking resistance. At present, the conventional engineering material parameters such as tensile strength and dynamic modulus are the parameters used in the process of flexible pavement designs. In order to improve the design process, development and use of mechanistic-based design methods are necessary. These methods require characteristics that accounts for fracture resistance of asphalt concrete materials such as fracture energy. Thus, the use of a fracture mechanics approach and the development of valid fracture tests which are able to extract fundamental fracture properties of asphalt concrete are crucial. The goals of this research were to first introduce and evaluate a new and more practical fracture test, called single-edge notched disk (SEND) test, that can be easily used to characterize fracture properties of asphalt concrete, and second, to describe testing and analysis technique used in this investigation. As compared to other available fracture tests, the SEND test had several advantages, including capability of using field specimens, easy specimen preparation and test procedure, simple load configuration and test fixtures, big fractured surface area, and capability to induce cracks to propagate across the pavement thickness. Since the SEND test combined materials’ visoelastic deformation with fracture, it was able to simulate real life failure in pavements more accurately as compared to other existing fracture tests. The scope of this study was on laboratory and field compacted, dense graded asphalt mixture specimens. The results of the study clearly showed the ability of the SEND test to characterize fracture properties of various types of asphalt concrete mixtures at different testing temperatures, loading rates, and air void levels.
The different autophagic roads by which phagosomes travel to lysosomes
Authors: Münz Christian
Published: September 2015

Autophagy delivers cytoplasmic constituents, like damaged mitochondria, to lysosomes. Recently, it was noted that the same molecular machinery also regulates phagosome delivery for degradation. In this issue of The EMBO Journal, Brooks and colleagues demonstrate that KIM‐1/TIM‐1 receptor‐mediated phagocytosis in epithelial cells does not seem to cause modification of the phagosomal membrane itself by the autophagic machinery, but engulfment of phagosomes by autophagosomes for delivery to lysosomes and MHC restricted antigen presentation. This study suggests that the autophagic machinery can regulate phagocytosis via two pathways, modification of phagosomes during LC3‐associated phagocytosis (LAP) and macroautophagy of phagosomes.
Device closure of secundum atrial septal defect’s and the risk of cardiac erosion
Authors: Thomson J. D. R. , Qureshi S. A.
Published: September 2015

Cardiac erosion related to transcatheter atrial septal defect closure devices is of increasing concern. Erosion is reported to have occurred with most of currently available occluder devices. Perhaps due to the very large number of implants worldwide, the Amplatzer (St Jude) occluder is associated with the majority of cardiac erosion events reported in the literature. Best current estimates of the incidence of erosion with the St Jude device are between one and three cases per 1000 implants. Most events occur early after implantation and it is rare, although not unheard of, for events to occur after a year following device insertion. It is important that those involved with closure programmes are vigilant for the problem, because device-related erosion is associated with a significant mortality risk. Despite considerable debate, the risk factors (either patient or device) for erosion remain unclear and require further investigation. Currently available data sets have focussed largely on erosion cohorts and are unable to place these cases in appropriate context with non-erosion closure cases. What is certain is that programmes implanting these devices must take care to implant appropriately sized devices and have in place plans to ensure that patients are both well informed and can access help and advice in the event of developing symptoms.