bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison between B·R·A·H·M·S PCT direct, a new sensitive point-of-care testing device for rapid quantification of procalcitonin in emergency department patients and established reference methods – a prospective multinational trial
Authors: Kutz Alexander , Hausfater Pierre , Oppert Michael , Alan Murat , Grolimund Eva , Gast Claire , Alonso Christine , Wissmann Christoph , Kuehn Christian , Bernard Maguy , Huber Andreas , Mueller Beat , Schuetz Philipp
Published: October 2015

Procalcitonin (PCT) is increasingly being used for the diagnostic and prognostic work up of patients with suspected infections in the emergency department (ED). Recently, B·R·A·H·M·S PCT direct, the first high sensitive point-of-care test (POCT), has been developed for fast PCT measurement on capillary or venous blood samples.

This is a prospective, international comparison study conducted in three European EDs. Consecutive patients with suspicion of bacterial infection were included. Duplicate determination of PCT was performed in capillary (fingertip) and venous whole blood (EDTA), and compared to the reference method. The diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by correlation and concordance analyses.

Three hundred and three patients were included over a 6-month period (60.4% male, median age 65.2 years). The correlation between capillary or venous whole blood and the reference method was excellent: r

This study found a high diagnostic accuracy and a faster time to result of B·R·A·H·M·S PCT direct in the ED setting, allowing shortening time to therapy and a more wide-spread use of PCT.
Useful measures and models for analytical quality management in medical laboratories
Authors: Westgard James O.
Published: October 2015

The 2014 Milan Conference “Defining analytical performance goals 15 years after the Stockholm Conference” initiated a new discussion of issues concerning goals for precision, trueness or bias, total analytical error (TAE), and measurement uncertainty (MU). Goal-setting models are critical for analytical quality management, along with error models, quality-assessment models, quality-planning models, as well as comprehensive models for quality management systems. There are also critical underlying issues, such as an emphasis on MU to the possible exclusion of TAE and a corresponding preference for separate precision and bias goals instead of a combined total error goal. This opinion recommends careful consideration of the differences in the concepts of accuracy and traceability and the appropriateness of different measures, particularly TAE as a measure of accuracy and MU as a measure of traceability. TAE is essential to manage quality within a medical laboratory and MU and trueness are essential to achieve comparability of results across laboratories. With this perspective, laboratory scientists can better understand the many measures and models needed for analytical quality management and assess their usefulness for practical applications in medical laboratories.
Birth season predicts the values of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in adulthood
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Salvagno Gian Luca , Montagnana Martina , Danese Elisa , Guidi Gian Cesare
Published: October 2015

Recent evidence suggests that red blood cell distribution width (RDW), a simple measure of anisocytosis, may predict the risk of adverse clinical outcomes in both the general population and in patients with severe pathologies. Since it was also shown that the birth season influences the lifetime disease risk, this study was aimed to investigate whether an association may exist between adult RDW values and birth season.

The study population consisted in healthy Caucasian blood donors aged 18 or older, undergoing routine laboratory testing before regular blood donation.

Overall, 6122 healthy blood donors were included in this study (median age 41 years; 1807 women and 4315 men). Age, sex, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) but not hemoglobin and hematocrit were found to be independent predictors of RDW. When the study population was classified according to birth season, a significant difference was found for RDW values, but not for age, sex, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV and MCH. Subjects born in spring exhibited RDW values generally higher compared to those born in other seasons, reaching statistical significance when compared to those born in summer and winter. In particular, subjects born in spring had a 33% (p=0.014) higher probability of displaying increased RDW values in adulthood compared to those with summer birth.

Despite additional studies that are needed to confirm these original findings, the evidence that a significant link exists between birth season and adult anisocytosis provides a plausible explanation for the association between birth season and lifetime disease risk.
Anthocyanins profile, total phenolics and antioxidant activity of two Romanian red grape varieties: Feteascǎ neagrǎ and Bǎbeascǎ neagrǎ (Vitis vinifera)
Authors: Constantin Oana Emilia , Skrt Mihaela , Poklar Ulrih Natasa , Râpeanu Gabriela
Published: October 2015

The phenolic composition of Fetească neagră and Băbească neagră grapes from Dealul Bujorului vineyard (south-east Romania) was studied using the spectrophotometric and high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) methods. The results revealed significant differences between these cultivars. Total anthocyanins ranged from 0.22-5.98 mg g
Towards the development of highly active copper catalysts for atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) and polymerization (ATRP)‡
Authors: Pintauer Tomislav
Published: October 2015

Fundamentals of copper catalyzed atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) and mechanistically similar polymerization (ATRP) were discussed. Special emphasis was placed on structural characterization and electrochemical properties of copper complexes. Recent advances in the development of highly active copper complexes for both processes were also reviewed. It was found that electron-donating groups (methoxy and methyl in the 4 and 3,5 positions, respectively) of the pyridine rings in tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPMA) ligand, significantly increase the catalytic activity in copper mediated ATRA/ATRP.
Structural, Thermodynamic, Elastic, and Electronic Properties of α-SnS at High Pressure from First-Principles Investigations
Authors: Liu Chun Mei , Xu Chao , Duan Man Yi
Published: October 2015

SnS has potential technical applications, but many of its properties are still not well studied. In this work, the structural, thermodynamic, elastic, and electronic properties of α-SnS have been investigated by the plane wave pseudo-potential density functional theory with the framework of generalised gradient approximation. The calculated pressure-dependent lattice parameters agree well with the available experimental data. Our thermodynamic properties of α-SnS, including heat capacity C

P
, entropy S, and Gibbs free energy relation of –(G

T
–H
0) curves, show similar growth trends as the experimental data. At T=298.15 K, our C

P
=52.31 J/mol·K, S=78.93 J/mol·K, and –(G

T
–H
0)=12.03 J/mol all agree very well with experimental data C

P
=48.77 J/mol·K and 49.25 J/mol·K, S=76.78 J/mol·K, and –(G

T
–H
0)=12.38 J/mol. The elastic constants, together with other elastic properties, are also computed. The anisotropy analyses indicate obvious elastic anisotropy for α-SnS along different symmetry planes and axes. Moreover, calculations demonstrate that α-SnS is an indirect gap semiconductor, and it transforms to semimetal with pressure increasing up to 10.2 GPa. Combined with the density of states, the characters of the band structure have been analysed in detail.
Synthesis of androstanopyridine and pyrimidine compounds as novel activators of the tumor suppressor protein p53
Authors: Hussein Mohamed M.M. , Amr Abd El-Galil E. , Abdalla Mohamed M. , Al-Omar Mohamed A. , Safwat Hany M. , Elgamal Mohamed H.
Published: October 2015

A series of androstane derivatives 2–16 were synthesized from 3β-hydroxyandrostan-17-one derivatives (1a–e). Compounds (1a,b) were treated with ethyl cyanoacetate, cyanoacetamide, or malononitrile and gave the corresponding derivatives 2–7, respectively. Additionally, compounds (1a–e) were condensed with cyanothioacetamide, urea, or guanidine hydrochloride afforded the corresponding derivatives 8–12, which then by Moffat oxidation gave the oxidized derivatives 9, 11 and 13, respectively. Finally, compound (1) condensed with acetyl acetone or ethyl acetoacetate gave cyclohexene derivatives (14a–c) and (15a,b), respectively. Compound 15 was oxidized with a Moffat oxidizing agent and afforded the corresponding oxidized compound 16. The newly synthesized compounds activated the tumor suppressor p53 in cancer cells through inhibition of the p53-specific ubiquitin E3 ligase HDM2.
Solid state Ka-band pulse oscillator with frequency electronic switching
Authors: Dvornichenko V. P. , Karushkin N. F. , Malyshko V. V. , Orekhovskii V. A.
Published: October 2015

Transmitting devices for small radars in the millimeter wavelength range with high resolution on range and noise immunity. The work presents the results of research and development of compact pulse oscillators with digital frequency switching from pulse to pulse. The oscillator consists of a frequency synthesizer and a synchronized amplifier on the IMPATT diode. Reference oscillator of synthesizer is synchronized by crystal oscillator with digital PLL system and contains a frequency multiplier and an amplifier operating in pulse mode. Small-sized frequency synthesizer of 8 mm wave lengths provides an output power of ~1.2 W per pulse with a frequency stability of no worse than 2•10–6. Radiation frequency is controlled by three-digit binary code in OOL levels. Synchronized amplifier made on IMPATT diodes provides microwave power up to 20 W in oscillator output with microwave pulse duration of 100—300 ns in an operating band. The oscillator can be used as a driving source for the synchronization of semiconductor and electro-vacuum devices of pulsed mode, and also as a transmitting device for small-sized radar of millimeter wave range.
Express method for contactless measurement of parameters of thermoelectric materials
Authors: Ashcheulov A. A. , Buchkovskii I. A. , Romanyuk I. S.
Published: October 2015

The paper presents an original method for contactless express measurement of parameters of thermoelectric materials.
The presence of a combination of AC and DC magnetic fields in the gap of the oscillating circuit, where the monitored sample of the thermoelectric material is located, leads — due to Ampère force — to delamination of geometric regions of the occurrence of half-cycles of Foucault current. This in turn causes the appearance of additional heat losses in the oscillating circuit caused by Peltier effect.
Computer modeling of these processes with the use of the software package ComsolFenlab 3.3 allowed determining the nature and magnitude of the electric currents in oscillating circuit, the range of operating frequencies, and the ratio of amplitudes of the variable and fixed components of the magnetic field. These components eventually cause a certain temperature difference along the controlled sample, which difference is proportional to the thermoelectric figure of merit Z of the material.
The basic expressions are obtained for determining the value of the Seebeck coefficient a, thermal conductivity χ, electrical conductivity σ and thermoelectric figure of merit Z.
A description is given to the design of the device for contactless express measurement of parameters of thermoelectric materials based on Bi—Te—Se—Sb solid solutions. Its distinctive feature is the ability to determine the symmetric and asymmetric components of the electric conductivity of the material values. The actual error in parameter measurement in this case is 2%.
Using Mechanical Turk to Assess the Effects of Age and Spatial Proximity on Inattentional Blindness
Authors: Stothart Cary R. , Boot Walter R. , Simons Daniel J.
Published: October 2015

Few studies have used online data collection to study cognitive aging. We used a large (N = 515) online sample to replicate the findings that inattentional blindness increases with age and with the distance of the unexpected object from the focus of attention. Critically, we assessed whether distance moderates the relationship between age and noticing. We replicated both age and distance effects, but found no age by distance interaction. These findings disconfirm a plausible explanation for age differences in noticing (restricted field of view), while for the first time highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of using Mechanical Turk for the study of cognitive aging.
Food, Donors, and Dependency Syndrome(s) in South Sudan
Authors: Kaler Amy , Parkins John R
Published: October 2015

This article investigates the deployment of dependency as a keyword in discussions of food security in South Sudan, on the basis of interviews and observations carried out in December 2012. Our initial intent was to estimate challenges to rural food security as the country emerged from decades of violent conflict. However, the notion of a “culture of dependency” arose persistently from our data, alongside more conventional information about food. We contextualize this discursive deployment of dependency within ongoing scholarly debates about the existence of “dependency syndromes” in humanitarian relief operations in central Africa and within academic discussions of the power of buzzwords and keywords in development discourse, with particular reference to Swidler and Watkins's 2009 article “‘Teach a Man to Fish’: The Doctrine of Sustainability and Its Effects on Three Strata of Malawian Society.” We argue that dependency in the South Sudanese context incorporates four facets: the near-total economic dependency of South Sudan on oil revenues; the social-structural dependency of rural communities on international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) for basic foodstuffs; a so-called “culture of dependency” that our informants claimed had taken root in rural areas, so that local people had lost old habits of autonomy and self-reliance; and the reliance of INGOs on the populations they serve. We do not empirically validate these “dependencies” but treat them as discursive constructs with potentially major implications for rural development.
Recombinant human thyrotropin preparation for adjuvant radioiodine treatment in children and adolescents with differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Handkiewicz-Junak Daria , Gawlik Tomasz , Rozkosz Jozef , Puch Zbigniew , Michalik Barbara , Gubala Elżbieta , Krajewska Jolanta , Kluczewska Aneta , Jarzab Barbara
Published: October 2015

Aim

Although recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) is widely used in treating differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), almost all clinical investigation has been in adults. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate outcomes of adjuvant, rhTSH-aided radioiodine treatment in children/adolescents with DTC and to compare them to131I therapy duringl-thyroxin withdrawal (THW).

Methods

Patients with the diagnosis of DTC who were ≤18 years of age and had no signs of persistent disease at the time of131I treatment were included; 48 patients were treated after rhTSH (rhTSH group) and 82 after THW group. The median time of follow-up after therapy was 67 months and was longer in the THW group (99 vs 43 months,P<0.05).

Results

On the day of131I administration, all but one patient had TSH levels above 25 μIU/ml. Peak TSH concentration was significantly higher in the rhTSH group (152 μIU/ml vs 91 μIU/ml). Similarly, the thyroglobulin concentration was higher in the rhTSH group (9.7 ng/ml vs 1.8 ng/ml). No side effects requiring medical intervention were recorded after rhTSH administration. The evaluation of disease outcomes during TSH stimulation (6–18 months after131I treatment) revealed equal rates of thyroid ablation (71%) in both groups. During subsequent follow-up, five patients showed recurrence (P>0.05).

Conclusions

In children/adolescents, rhTSH-aided adjuvant radioiodine treatment is associated with rates of remnant ablation and short-term recurrence similar to THW. As this preparation has several advantages over THW, rhTSH may become the preferred method of TSH stimulation once studies of long-term outcomes show non-inferiority to THW in this age group.
Hepatic lipase deficiency produces glucose intolerance, inflammation and hepatic steatosis
Authors: Andrés-Blasco Irene , Herrero-Cervera Andrea , Vinué Ángela , Martínez-Hervás Sergio , Piqueras Laura , Sanz María Jesús , Burks Deborah Jane , González-Navarro Herminia
Published: October 2015

Metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus constitute a major problem to global health, and their incidence is increasing at an alarming rate. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which affects up to 90% of obese people and nearly 70% of the overweight, is commonly associated with MetS characteristics such as obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia. In the present study, we demonstrate that hepatic lipase (HL)-inactivation in mice fed with a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet produced dyslipidemia including hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and increased non-esterified fatty acid levels. These changes were accompanied by glucose intolerance, pancreatic and hepatic inflammation and steatosis. In addition, compared with WT mice, HL−/− mice exhibited enhanced circulating MCP1 levels, monocytosis and higher percentage of CD4+Th17+ cells. Consistent with increased inflammation, livers from HL−/− mice had augmented activation of the stress SAPK/JNK- and p38-pathways compared with the activation levels of the kinases in livers from WT mice. Analysis of HL−/− and WT mice fed regular chow diet showed dyslipidemia and glucose intolerance in HL−/− mice without any other changes in inflammation or hepatic steatosis. Altogether, these results indicate that dyslipidemia induced by HL-deficiency in combination with a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet promotes hepatic steatosis and inflammation in mice which are, at least in part, mediated by the activation of the stress SAPK/JNK- and p38-pathways. Future studies are warranted to asses the viability of therapeutic strategies based on the modulation of these kinases to reduce hepatic steatosis associated to lipase dysfunction.
Early adolescent Depo-Provera exposure increases stillbirths in adult sooty mangabeys
Authors: Cappelletti Maurand , Ethun Kelly , Meeker Tracy , Von Scherr Gretchen , Wallen Kim
Published: October 2015

The 3-month injectable contraceptive medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA; Depo-Provera) is a synthetic progestin that protects against pregnancy by suppressing ovulation. Studies have focused on the resumption of ovulation after MPA-treatment cessation but neglected potential long-term effects of MPA exposure on future successful reproduction. MPA is frequently administered to adolescent girls; however, long-term fertility effects of adolescent MPA exposure have not been explored. We investigated fertility after extended MPA exposure in a species of old world primate, the sooty mangabey (Cercocebus atys). Female sooty mangabeys (n=31) received chronic MPA-treatment for 4–8 years. At MPA-treatment onset, subjects were either parous adults (n=14) or nulliparous adolescents (n=17), with adolescent-treated subjects being further divided into those who had reached first ovulation (n=10) and those who had not (n=7). After MPA-treatment cessation, adolescent-treated females had a significantly higher incidence of stillbirth than did age-matched and parity-matched controls, whereas adult-treated females did not differ from their matched controls. Females placed on MPA-treatment prior to first ovulation had a significantly higher incidence of stillbirth post-treatment than did females placed on MPA-treatment after first ovulation. Diabetic females had an increased incidence of stillbirth as compared to nondiabetic females; however, when controlling for diabetes, MPA exposure prior to first ovulation was still a significant positive predictor of stillbirth. These findings suggest that the post-treatment fertility effects of chronic MPA exposure vary with the developmental timing of treatment onset and raise concern about the use of MPA as a contraceptive for adolescent girls.
A Solution to the Problems? Regulation 1/2003 and the modernization of competition procedure
Authors: Montag Frank , Rosenfeld Andreas
Published: October 2015

On 16th December 2002 the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No. 1/2003 on the implementation of rules on competition laid down in Articles 81 and 82 of the Treaty. This Regulation will not only replace the 40-year-old Regulation 17/ 62 but constitutes a radical reform of EC competition law enforcement. The purpose of this article is to analyse the basic principles of the new Regulation and the implications for current and future competition proceedings.
Anwendung der Kartellverfahrensordnung (EG) Nr. 1/2003 durch nationale Gerichte
Authors: Hirsch Günter
Published: October 2015

Das europäische Kartellrecht erfahrt zum 1. Mai 2004 einen tiefgreifenden Systemwechsel. Damit soll die Kommission, die gegenwärtig weitgehend das Durchsetzungsmonopol für das EG-Wettbewerbsrecht hat, entlastet werden, um sich starker auf die Wettbewerbspolitik und die Bekämpfung der Hard-core-Kartelle konzentrieren zu können. Dies soll insbesondere durch die unmittelbare Anwendbarkeit des Art. 81 Abs. 3 EGV, durch eine Dezentralisierung der Kartellanwendung und durch eine Ausdehnung des Anwendungsbereichs von Art. 81 EGV erreicht werden. Diese Änderungen schlagen unmittelbar auf die einzelstaatlichen Gerichte durch, die eine wesentliche Aufgabe bei der Anwendung der gemeinschaftlichen Wettbewerbsregeln erfüllen. Sie müssen sich auf eine neue Rechtslage mit einer Fülle oftener Fragen bei dem anzuwendenden materiellen Recht und im Verfahren einstellen.
Clinical Impact of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program on Pediatric Hospitalist Practice, a 5-Year Retrospective Analysis
Authors: McCulloh Russell J. , Queen Mary Ann , Lee Brian , Yu Diana , Stach Leslie , Goldman Jennifer , Myers Angela , Pate Brian , Newland Jason G.
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Hospitalists increasingly serve as the primary physicians for children hospitalized with infections. Consequently, hospitalists frequently interact with institutional antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). Understanding how these services interact can inform ongoing practice improvement efforts. The objectives of this study were to identify factors associated with ASP recommendations among hospitalist-managed children, and to determine the association of ASP interventions with clinical outcomes for hospitalist-managed patients.

METHODS:

We retrospectively analyzed ASP reviews of hospitalist patients from a children’s hospital from March 2008 to June 2013. Clinical factors associated with an ASP recommendation were determined. Length of stay and 30-day readmission were compared between cases of agreement and disagreement with ASP recommendations.

RESULTS:

The ASP reviewed 2163 hospitalist patients, resulting in 350 recommendations (16.2% of reviews). Hospitalists agreed with ASP recommendations in 86.9% of cases. The odds of an ASP recommendation decreased during the study period. Ceftriaxone was the most common antibiotic associated with a recommendation (154/350, 44.0%); community-acquired pneumonia was the most common diagnosis (105/350, 30.0%). Antibiotic discontinuation was the most often recommendation; hospitalists most often disagreed with consulting infectious diseases. Disagreement with ASP recommendations was associated with a decreased length of stay of 15.4 (95% confidence interval –33.2 to 1.1) hours but not 30-day readmission prevalence.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pediatric hospitalists and ASPs can form an effective collaboration that improves antibiotic use while providing safe care. Better characterization of the areas of disagreement between hospitalists and ASPs is needed. Future studies are needed to identify ASP strategies that will be beneficial in other hospitalist settings.
A Brief Inpatient Intervention Using a Short Video to Promote Reduction of Child Tobacco Smoke Exposure
Authors: Walley Susan Chu , Chime Chioma , Powell Jamie , Walker Karlene , Burczyk-Brown Jennifer , Funkhouser Ellen
Published: October 2015

OBJECTIVES:

Tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) increases the risk for respiratory-related disease and hospitalizations. The hypothesis of this study was that a brief intervention (which included a motivational video) provided to parents and caregivers during their child’s hospitalization would be associated with improved knowledge and behavior changes that may reduce the child’s TSE.

METHODS:

Parents and caregivers of children hospitalized for respiratory illnesses with TSE were recruited between June and December 2012. They completed a questionnaire to determine baseline knowledge regarding the health effects of smoke exposure. The intervention included a motivational video, written smoking cessation materials, and referral to the state quitline. The questionnaire was repeated after the intervention; telephone follow-up at 1 and 3 months included knowledge questions and assessed behavior changes. Paired t tests were used to compare preintervention and postintervention knowledge scores.

RESULTS:

A total of 167 parents/caregivers were enrolled. The mean preintervention knowledge score was high at 5.4 of 6, which improved for 60 parents/caregivers (36%, P < .001) after the intervention and was sustained at follow-up. Follow-up was obtained from 123 (74%) parents/caregivers, and 90% reported behavior changes to reduce TSE. There was a 13% reported quit rate among the 99 parents/caregivers who smoked (95% confidence interval: 7–21). Other behavior changes reported included initiating home and vehicle smoking bans, discussing reduction of the child’s smoke exposure, and showing the video to others. Improvement in knowledge after this brief intervention was associated with reported initiation of home and vehicle smoking bans (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS:

Parents and caregivers of smoke-exposed children hospitalized for respiratory illnesses had high baseline knowledge of the effects of TSE. A brief intervention that included a motivational video was associated with reported behavior changes in parents/caretakers that decreased second- and third-hand smoke. Improvement of knowledge was associated with institution of home and vehicle smoking bans.
Role of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in the Management of Neonatal Heart Failure
Authors: Sahni Mitali , Asrani Priyanka , Jain Sunil K.
Published: October 2015

Heart failure (HF) is common in the neonatal and pediatric populations. Despite advances in the management of HF, this disease carries significant mortality, morbidity, and socioeconomic burden. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is a therapeutic target in the treatment of HF. In adults, significant advances have been made in the management of HF by targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. Only angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have been used in the pediatric population with HF. In this review, we provide an in-depth update on the pathophysiology of HF and discuss the potential future uses of newer and novel pharmacologic interventions in the management of HF in pediatric patients.
Complex Fetal Care: Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence
Authors: Seske Laura M. , Ward Laura P.
Published: October 2015

Twin anemia polycythemia sequence is a rare condition in monochorionic twin pregnancies that has only recently been described. It can occur spontaneously or as a result of fetoscopic laser surgery for twin to twin transfusion syndrome. The size of the placental connections and the flow of blood between tiny anastomoses allow for chronic changes in the hemodynamic states of each fetus. The chronic nature of the pathophysiology leads to reticulocytosis in the donor twin and limits the fluid-level discrepancies between amniotic sacs, which differentiates it from twin to twin transfusion syndrome, which is thought to be an acute process. Several in utero procedures have been described to treat this condition; however, because of the rarity of the condition, data are limited. Postnatal treatment includes packed red blood cell transfusion for the donor twin and partial exchange transfusion for the recipient twin, along with standard medical neonatal care. Long-term outcomes data are limited; however, one study revealed normal neurodevelopment in a small cohort of patients.
Early Screening of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Recommendations for Practice and Research
Authors: Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Bauman Margaret L. , Fein Deborah , Pierce Karen , Buie Timothy , Davis Patricia A. , Newschaffer Craig , Robins Diana L. , Wetherby Amy , Choueiri Roula , Kasari Connie , Stone Wendy L. , Yirmiya Nurit , Estes Annette , Hansen Robin L. , McPartland James C. , Natowicz Marvin R. , Carter Alice , Granpeesheh Doreen , Mailloux Zoe , Smith Roley Susanne , Wagner Sheldon
Published: October 2015

This article reviews current evidence for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening based on peer-reviewed articles published to December 2013. Screening provides a standardized process to ensure that children are systematically monitored for early signs of ASD to promote earlier diagnosis. The current review indicates that screening in children aged 18 to 24 months can assist in early detection, consistent with current American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations. We identify ASD-specific and broadband screening tools that have been ev-aluated in large community samples which show particular promise in terms of accurate classification and clinical utility. We also suggest strategies to help overcome challenges to implementing ASD screening in community practice, as well as priorities for future research.
Eco-innovation and its development in Baltic states
Authors: Melece Ligita
Published: October 2015

The purpose of presented study is to find out main issues of development of eco-innovation in the Baltic States and to outline the main directions for further research, where the tasks of study are: to clarify the concept and definition of eco-innovation; and to estimate the current situation regarding eco innovation’s development in the Baltic States. The research methods used, depending on the task: literature review, descriptive and inferential statistics, comparative method, as well as content analysis and systematization. European eco-innovation index (countries’ performance) shows that in general the Baltic States are lagging behind both other EU Member States and Baltic Sea Region countries. Although Estonia is the leader among Baltic States, Lithuania shows faster growth but Latvia lags behind.
Removal of Organic Phase in Alumina Parts by Thermal Treatment
Authors: Coronel-Hernández José J. , Arellano-Badillo Víctor M. , Santos-Cruz José , Mayén-Hernández Sandra A. , Quintanar-Hernández Rocío
Published: October 2015

In this work it was conducted a pre heat treatment of a number of samples of alumina with organic binder in order to remove most of the organic phase. The treatment showed no effect on the physical properties of test specimens; green bodies remained stable during sintering process. Preheating at 100 °C for 4 h followed by heating at 300 °C for 4 h were the most favorable conditions to avoid formation of defects in the sintered pieces.
Building of Protective Coating Against Corrosion by Flame Spraying of Mechanofused Composite Particles
Authors: Molina-Díaz A. , Delgado-Venegas J. , Juárez-López F. , Velázquez-García G. , Cuenca-Álvarez R.
Published: October 2015

A protective coating was built and assessed in order to reduce the degradation of metallic substrates caused by corrosion damage. Hence, a set of coatings with different configurations, in terms of layer arrangement, was produced by flame-spraying of composite powder (AISI 316L stainless steel coated with an α-alumina layer) onto an AISI 1018 steel substrate. In order to ensure a homogeneous dispersion of phases, a correlation was established between the operating parameters of thermal spraying (roughness and surface temperature of substrate, spraying distance, passing speed) and the splat formation. Then, corrosion damage caused in the coated samples by exposure to a salt spray was monitored through weight measurements and observations with optical and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that corrosion still remains in all cases; however, it proceeds at lower rates for coatings made with composite particles plus an α-alumina layer. The weight loss due to corrosion damage was reduced in approximately 94% as compared with the substrate without protection. Coating adhesion was also improved by an increased substrate roughness, with no need for an intermediate layer.
Influence of Boron on the Precipitation Kinetics in Advanced Ultra-High Strength Steels
Authors: Altamirano G. , Mejía I. , Hernández-Expósito A. , Cabrera J.M.
Published: October 2015

In the present work, the stress relaxation method was employed to determine the influence of B addition on the kinetics of strain-induced precipitation and its interaction with the static austenite recrystallization. For this purpose, the behavior of two low carbon advanced ultra-high strength steels was analyzed during stress relaxation tests at different temperatures and constant pre-strain rate. The precipitation start (Ps) and finish (Pf) times were determined from the relaxation curves and then the corresponding precipitation-time-temperature diagrams were constructed for each steel. Transmission Electron Microscopy was used to determine the chemical nature and evolution of precipitation. In general, the results show that the addition of B retards the austenite recrystallization, tends to accelerate the precipitation kinetics of carbonitrides and leads to a finer and denser distribution of precipitates. These results are discussed in terms of the driving force for the nucleation of precipitation, which in turn is controlled by the degree of supersaturation of microalloying element and as a function of B segregation and B-vacancy complexes to dislocations and grain boundaries.
Boron Effect on the Softening Parameter (Ω) of Advanced Ultra-High Strength Steels (A-UHSS) under Uniaxial Hot-Compression Conditions
Authors: García-Mora E. , Mejía I. , Cabrera J.M.
Published: October 2015

Advanced ultra-high strength steels (A-UHSS) are revolutionizing both the steel and automotive industries, therefore it is imperative to study their hot plastic deformation behavior and modeling. The flow characteristics of all hot forming processes consist basically of two competitive phenomena: strain hardening and softening due to dynamic mechanisms (recovery and/or recrystallization). In this research work, the softening parameter was determined in a low carbon A-UHSS microalloyed steel with different amounts of boron (0, 14 and 214 ppm). Experimental stress–strain data of uniaxial hot-compression tests at different temperatures (950, 1000, 1050 and 1100 °C) and strain rates (10–3, 10–2 and 10–1 s–1) were used. The stress–strain relationships as a function of temperature and strain rate were described on the basis of the Estrin, Mecking, and Bergström model. The experimental values of the softening parameter Ω were adjusted using the least-squares method. In general, the results reveal that the softening parameter increases with increasing boron content.
The Divine Flood: Ibrahim Niasse and the Roots of Twentieth-Century Sufi Revival. by Rüdiger Seesemann
Authors: Ziad Waleed
Published: October 2015

The Divine Flood: Ibrahim Niasse and the Roots of Twentieth-Century Sufi Revival. by Rüdiger Seesemann. Oxford University Press, 2011. 352 pp., Hb. $78.00. ISBN-13: 9780195384321.
THE DIDJERIDU AND THE OVERDUB
Authors: Neuenfeldt Karl
Published: October 2015

This article investigates how aural 'images' of aboriginality are technologised and transposed across cultures, with special regard to the didjeridu. In doing this, the study involves consideration of both the traditional background of the didjeridu and its use and the central role of technology in contemporary music. This in turn involves study of producers and performers of didjeridu music working in nontraditional Aboriginal music and their relation to both 'authentic' Australian culture and the "universal pop aesthetic" identified by Simon Frith (1989). This article draws on a range of academic sources, representations and interviews, all of which contribute to an holistic overview of the technologisation and transposition of an aural image of Aboriginality betwixt soundscapes and "humanscapes" (Agar, 1986).
CULTURE, CUSTOM AND COLLABORATION
Authors: Nicol Lisa
Published: October 2015

In recent year~ there has also been an increasing tendency for remixed music tracks, particularly those produced by prominent and/or 'breaking' acts, to be accompanied by a different, or at least reconstructed, version of the original video. Since there are clear economic reasons behind record companies and artists going for such remixes, little comment is passed on the practice (unless it is by consumers confused as to which actual version they wish to purchase at their local record store). One particular case of remixing has however.been singled out for sustained critical address, that of the Aboriginal band Yothu Yindi and the two versions of their single Treaty (see Hayward, 1992 and Mitchell, 1992). As the following article will argue, the criticisms of this particular example highlight the extent to which Aboriginal acts are subject to a degree of scrutiny not accorded to mainstream Western musicians and, like many other black and non-Anglo-Celtic artists, plagued by accusations of their 'selling-out' their own cultures and being contaminated by the values of the market and Western culture in general.
Sakha language and education in a social, cultural and political context
Authors: Ventsel Aimar , Struchkova Natal’ia
Published: October 2015

This paper analyses the language situation in the Republic of Sakha, Russian Far East. Due economic, social and political processes, Sakha language occupies at least two niches in the society – as a language of disadvataged low social strata and as a language for the national elite. The paper demonstrates that one language can have several social positions simultaneously in an envirounment where multiple social, economic and political factors determe the social and cultural identity of its speakers. The role of education and access to the good quality schools is in the Republic of Sakha more crucial in creating a social status of the speakers and their language than official national language policy. Our paper is critical to sociolinguistic theories of “killer languages”, language utility, code switching and other theories that see a language group as homogenous body acting as a unit. The Sakha case demonstrates that in reality language speakers do not form a coherent group and the status of their language can vary according to the social position of the speakers. The paper also shows that processes we call “elitarisation” and “lumpenisation” of the language are intermingled and that people can move from one language strata into another using various strategies. As a result we conclude that in multilingual environment, education system is important as an institution that affects people’s life paths via networks they are able to establish in school or social groups they study with.
MANEJO DE DESASTRES E PROTEÇÃO FINANCEIRA À INUNDAÇÃO NO VALE DO AÇU/RN
Authors: Costa Juliana Rayssa , Silva Fernando Moreira , Silveira Adalfran Hebert de Melo , Filgueira Hamilcar José Almeida
Published: October 2015

Os municípios de Açu, Ipanguaçu, Alto do Rodrigues, Pendências e Carnaubais foram inundados diversas vezes, causado impactos econômicos, sociais e ambientais. Em virtude de tal situação se fez necessário realizar pesquisas para avaliar a vulnerabilidade e o risco existente à inundação nestas áreas. Contudo, este artigo tem como objetivo expor o manejo de desastres e governabilidade e proteção financeira no que concerne a inundação em municípios do Vale do Açu/RN por meio de Indicadores de Manejo de Desastres e de Governabilidade e Proteção Financeira. Como metodologia utilizou-se indicadores elaborados por Cardona et al. (2005) por meio de questionários estruturados aos gestores municipais relativo à gestão institucional do ano de 2009. Os resultados mostram que os municípios que melhor maneja (IMD) e protege financeiramente (IPF) o risco à inundação respectivamente são: Açu (IMD e IPF qualificado como razoável), Ipanguaçu (IMD classificado como razoável e IPF – péssimo) e os demais municípios tanto o IMD como IPF foram ponderados como péssimos, devido ausência de algumas ações e recursos, como criação de fundo de investimentos sociais permanentes para o apoio de comunidades vulneráveis, com foco nos extratos socioeconômicos mais pobres e programas regulares de microcrédito, além de atividades do gênero, orientadas à redução da vulnerabilidade humana.
RECURSOS DIDÁTICOS PARA O ENSINO DE BOTÂNICA: UMA AVALIAÇÃO DAS PRODUÇÕES DE ESTUDANTES EM UNIVERSIDADE SERGIPANA
Authors: Amarante Matos Gilda Maria , Maknamara Marlécio , Amarante Matos Elaine Cristine , Nascimento Prata Ana Paula
Published: October 2015

Os recursos didáticos são considerados elementos importantes no trabalho dos conteúdos de Botânica. Este trabalho objetivou testar e avaliar os diferentes recursos didáticos e atividades práticas elaboradas pelos licenciandos do Curso de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Sergipe que enfatizaram o Ensino de Botânica em suas monografias. Os recursos foram aplicados em uma escola pública aracajuana e avaliados por meio de questionário e ficha própria. O caráter diferente e criativo destas aulas facilitou a assimilação e compreensão dos conceitos propostos e contribuiu para o reforço, ilustração e construção do conhecimento do aluno de maneira mais dinâmica e significativa. Conclui-se que os recursos aplicados e avaliados contribuíram para a aprendizagem significativa, pois o contato com os materiais expostos durante as atividades possibilitou aos alunos perceberem as plantas no cotidiano, sua importância e diversidade.
ESTUDO DO COMPORTAMENTO TÉRMICO DA ROCHA FONOLITO
Authors: Dos Santos Teixeira Aline Maria , Garrido Francisco Manoel dos Santos , Medeiros Marta Eloisa , Sampaio João Alves
Published: October 2015

A mineralogia é um dos principais fatores na definição de rochas para aplicação na agricultura. A rocha fonolito, do município de Poços de Caldas – MG, possui um teor de K2O de 8,7% (m/m) e seu principal constituinte é o feldspato potássico. Estudos realizados com essa rocha in natura revelaram que o teor máximo de K liberado foi de cerca de 1% do K total, com a solução de Mehlich 1. Atualmente, rochas puras ou em misturas, após tratamentos químicos e/ou térmicos são estudadas com o intuito de aumentar a disponibilidade do K contido na rocha quando aplicada ao solo. Neste trabalho foi investigado o comportamento térmico da rocha fonolito, com o propósito de identificar as fases mineralógicas formadas com o aumento da temperatura. A rocha foi calcinada a 300; 600; 900; 1.000; 1.100 e 1.200oC e analisada pelas técnicas de DRX, IV e MEV/EDS. A análise dos resultados revelou que em 600oC ocorre a transformação da analcima em leucita. Nos ensaios de calcinação a 1.200oC, foi obtido produto amorfo, confirmando a perda total da estrutura cristalina do mineral. As fases cristalinas obtidas, segundo a literatura, devem favorecer a disponibilidade do potássio como nutriente para as plantas.
ANÁLISE DE DESEMPENHO DE TRANSFORMADAS WAVELET PARA REMOÇÃO DE RUÍDOS PRESENTES EM SINAIS PROVENIENTES DE EQUIPAMENTOS DE MEDIÇÃO DOAS
Authors: De Araújo Boanerges Victor Soares , Campos Antonio Luiz P. S.
Published: October 2015

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo comparativo entre o desempenho de diversas wavelets distintas aplicadas à remoção de ruído de sinais típicos encontrados na Espectroscopia de Absorção Óptica Diferencial (DOAS). Os testes realizados utilizaram a transformada wavelet discreta (DWT) e níveis de ruído distintos para contaminar os sinais base, em busca das wavelets mais apropriadas para tratá-los. Como critério de desempenho, utilizou-se a energia da diferença entre o sinal de origem e o sinal filtrado.
USO E OCUPAÇÃO DO SOLO URBANO: UMA ANÁLISE DOS IMPACTOS AMBIENTAIS NAS ÁREAS DE DUNAS NO BAIRRO DE FELIPE CAMARÃO/NATAL-RN
Authors: Silva Paula Juliana
Published: October 2015

Este trabalho visa analisar os principais impactos ambientais gerados pelo uso e ocupação das áreas de dunas na zona administrativa Oeste da cidade, destacando o bairro de Felipe Camarão, o que se torna uma questão de interesse, principalmente, para a população e para o gestor público municipal. A degradação da área ocorre na medida em que o uso do solo, sem o devido planejamento, acelera os processos de dinâmica natural e estes, por sua vez, passam a serem agentes causadores, muitas vezes, de riscos naturais para a própria população. Diante disso, pode-se perceber que as áreas de dunas no bairro vêm sofrendo constantemente pelo uso determinados de varias ações, tais como: construção de casas; retirada de vegetação para abertura de vias; depósito de resíduos sólidos; retirada de área para a construção e outros. Isso, consequentemente, tem provocados alguns impactos ambientais, como: cortes e aterros de grandes extensões causando compactação e erosão do solo. A metodologia utilizada se pautou em um levantamento bibliográfico, visitas in loco sendo acompanhada de registros fotográficos, além de entrevistas informais aos diversos agentes sociais envolvidos.
EL ESPÍRITU EMPRENDEDOR: CONDICIONANTES PARA LA INNOVACIÓN
Authors: Leite Emanuel , Bezerra Correia Ericê , Sánchez-Fernández María Dolores , Leite Emmanuelle
Published: October 2015

El propósito de esta investigación es estudiar el fenómeno de los condicionantes de la relación de la innovación y el desarrollo del espíritu emprendedor. Uno de los pilares básicos del desarrollo del espíritu emprendedor es la educación, fuente innovadora inagotable de mejora e innovación. La economía del siglo XXI está orientada al aprendizaje. La promoción del emprendedorismo envuelve un cambio cultural basado en la premisa de que las personas pueden mejorar su calidad de vida y de otros, tomando para sí mismos la tarea de dirigir y definir su propio destino y construyendo los suyos propios. No se trata simplemente de producir más con menos costes, lo que se pretende, principalmente, es fomentar el proceso innovador de la manera más inteligente posible. En este contexto, las universidades adquieren una importancia vital. Ante esto, el espacio ibero-americano debe ser el escenario de colaboraciones para acciones conjuntas de la capacidad de generación de conocimiento ya existente, constituye la dimensión crucial de cualquier esfuerzo de desarrollo en países como Brasil.Hoy en día la participación de la microempresa es clave para el desarrollo de cualquier economía. Así como la actitud emprendedora se contempla como la puerta de entrada para la creación de empresas.