bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflections on macroeconometric modeling
Authors: Fair Ray C.
Published: December 2014

I have been doing research in macroeconomics since the late 1960s, almost 50 years. In this paper I pause and take stock. The paper is part personal reflections on macroeconometric modeling, part a road map of the techniques of macroeconometric modeling, and part comments on what I think I have learned about how the macroeconomy works from my research in this area. Section 1 contrasts the methodology of the Cowles Commission approach with that of DSGE modeling. Section 2 presents the general model that I am using; Section 3 discusses theory; and Section 4 discusses estimation and solution. Section 5 then discusses various results from the estimation; Section 6 discusses various properties of the model; and Section 7 uses the model to analyze various economic events. Wealth effects play a large role in the analysis of past events.
The Reception of the Grimms in Nineteenth- Century France
Authors: Duggan Anne E.
Published: December 2014

This study proposes to fill a gap in Grimm and folklore studies by staking out the landscape of the reception of the Brothers Grimm in nineteenthcentury France. While E. T. A. Hoffmann’s tales received high literary acclaim, those by the Grimms seemed to make little impact on French literature of the period. However, among the French scholarly community, the Grimms were celebrated for their erudition, their integrity, and served as models for many scholars, from the historian Jules Michelet, who corresponded with Jacob Grimm in 1829, to the folklorist Emmanuel Cosquin, whose Contes populaires lorrains (1876) were inspired by the Grimms’ Kinder- und Hausmärchen. Through an analysis of prefaces to French tale collections and to translations of Grimm tales, this essay looks at the impact the reception of the Grimms had on French conceptions of regionalist folklore and on the classical French fairy-tale tradition.
Erfolgsmessung von Enterprise Social Software: Wer? Was? Wie?
Authors: Herzog Christian , Richter Alexander , Steinhüser Melanie , Hoppe Uwe , Koch Michael
Published: December 2014

Zusammfassung

Während Enterprise Social Software (ESS) zunehmend zum Einsatz kommt, stellt die Evaluierung ihres Nutzens immer noch eine Herausforderung für die meisten Unternehmen dar. Um ein besseres Verständnis für existierende Probleme zu entwickeln und Lösungsansätze zu finden, werden im vorliegenden Beitrag Barrieren der ESS-Erfolgsmessung auf Basis von 26 Experten-Interviews untersucht. Es werden 16 Barrieren identifiziert und in die Kategorien (1) Ressourcen und Verantwortlichkeit, (2) Ziele und Zieldefinition sowie (3) Vorgehen und Datenmaterial eingeordnet. Dabei zeigt sich, dass im Kontext von ESS insbesondere fehlende oder ungenaue Ziele die Erfolgsmessung erschweren und, dass der Erhebung von Nutzungsdaten eine höhere Bedeutung zukommt. Die anschließende Diskussion soll helfen, Potenziale zur Überwindung der Barrieren zu erkennen.
Collaborative elaboration of early innovation ideas
Authors: Kipp Philipp , Bittner Eva Alice Christiane , Bretschneider Ulrich , Leimeister Jan Marco
Published: December 2014

Web-based innovation platforms (WBIP) are common tools for the integration of customers and other external stakeholders into the product and service innovation processes of companies. WBIP of many large companies are very successful in generating many ideas. This leads to WBIP operators drowning in lots of possibly creative and high potential ideas, which are difficult to screen. Therefore, this paper suggests a collaboration process allowing customers to participate collaboratively in the elaboration of self-selected ideas. The collaboration process has been developed following the collaboration process design approach and was designed to be implemented on WBIP.
Gestaltung von Mitfahrsystemen für ältere Erwachsene / Designing ridesharing interaction for older adults
Authors: Meurer Johanna , Stein Martin , Wulf Volker , Rohde Markus
Published: December 2014

Die Gestaltung alternativer Mobilitätsformen für ältere Menschen ist aus wirtschaftlichen, ökologischen und sozialen Gründen eine drängende gesellschaftliche Frage. Mitfahrsysteme, unterstützt durch mobile Anwendungen, können eine vielversprechende Ergänzung zum ÖPNV und Individualverkehr bieten. Allerdings mangelt es derzeit noch an Erfahrung inwiefern Mitfahrkonzepte und -systeme die spezifischen Bedarfe der älteren Bevölkerung berücksichtigen. Um zur Klärung dieser Frage einen Beitrag zu leisten, wurde eine ethnographisch- orientierte Interviewstudie zur Untersuchung der Mitfahrpraktiken von Senioren durchgeführt. Die Studie zeigt Potentiale und Herausforderungen bei alltäglichen Mitfahrten auf und identifiziert Kooperationsstrategien, die anschließend zu Gestaltungsideen für Mitfahrsysteme älterer Nutzer weiter entwickelt werden.
Diabetes mellitus tipo 1 y condición periodontal
Authors: Castaño Jonathan , Ortega Alexander , Ortega Jonathan , Palacios Julián Mauricio , Contreras Adolfo
Published: December 2014

Resumen. Introducción: la diabetes tipo 1 (DM1) afecta el metabolismo de glucosa, lípidos y proteínas e incrementa el riesgo de enfermedad periodontal. El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar las características periodontales en pacientes con diagnóstico de DM1. Materiales y métodos: se estudiaron 35 pacientes con diabetes tipo 1, a quienes se les realizó un examen periodontal completo; se tomaron los valores de hemoglobina glicosilada (HbA1C) y de glicemia en ayunas; los datos se analizaron de forma descriptiva y comparativa contra los parámetros clínicos periodontales y el diagnóstico periodontal. Resultados: la prevalencia de periodontitis crónica fue de 74,3% y de gingivitis, de 25,7%. El valor promedio de hemoglobina glicosilada (HbA1C) de los pacientes diagnosticados con gingivitis fue de 9,15, mientras que en pacientes con periodontitis fue de 8,375, sin alcanzar significancia estadística. La pérdida de inserción clínica periodontal en promedio fue de 3,15 mm, mientras que la media del número de dientes perdidos fue 6,91 para toda la población. Los pacientes con periodontitis presentaron mayor pérdida de inserción clínica y profundidad de bolsa. Conclusiones: los pacientes con DM1 tuvieron periodontitis o gingivitis, ratificando su susceptibilidad de sufrir periodontitis y deben mantener un cuidadoso control gingival y periodontal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.16925/od.v10i18.716
Análisis de los incidentes de trauma dentoalveolar atendidos en el servicio de urgencias de una institución docente asistencial de Medellín (Colombia) 2007-2012
Authors: Pérez Amaya Eliana María , Ruiz Correa Lilibeth , Peláez Jiménez Leidy Daiana , Salazar Garzón Natalia , Orozco Arcila Steven , Arcila Orozco
Published: December 2014

Introducción: el trauma dental es considerado una urgencia odontológica y su frecuencia es alta principalmente en población joven. El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar los incidentes de trauma dentoalveolar que consultan al servicio de urgencias  de una clínica universitaria de Medellín (Colombia), entre los años 2007 y 2012. Métodos: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Se revisaron 7.555 historias clínicas, de las cuales 549 constituyeron la muestra definitiva porque cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión y  exclusión. Resultados: de todas las causas de consulta en el servicio de urgencias, el trauma dentoalveolar tuvo una frecuencia de 7,3%;  el sexo femenino fue el que más consultó (53,2%). La población entre 11 y 20 años fue la más afectada (18,4%). Los accidentes por  caídas y por actividades deportivas fueron el 15,1% y el 6,7% de las causas, respectivamente. Conclusión: el trauma dentoalveolar es un  evento común en la consulta odontológica de urgencias.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.16925/od.v10i18.718
Caracterización de los estadios de maduración esquelética y la maduración sexual en niños entre 8-13 años
Authors: Gómez Aurora del Carmen , Zapata–Noreña Óscar Arturo
Published: December 2014

Introducción: el objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar las características de los estadios de maduración sexual y esquelética en un grupo de niños de Medellín. Métodos: estudio descriptivo longitudinal prospectivo. Se observaron 33 pacientes, 18 hombresy 15 mujeres, entre los 8 y 13 años; sanos, evaluados con parámetros de maduración esquelética, según Hägg y Taranger; de maduración sexual, según Tanner, y medidas antropométricas de talla y peso. Se realizaron mediciones cada seis meses durante treinta meses. Resultados: se encontraron asociaciones estadísticamente significativas entre la maduración esquelética y la sexual, con la edad, el peso  la talla; dimorfismo sexual con respecto a la edad de iniciación de la pubertad. Los incrementos de talla y peso del periodo inmediatamente anterior al inicio de la pubertad fueron iguales o mayores a los registrados en algunas etapas del periodo puberal evaluado. Conclusiones: el desarrollo esquelético, representado por los incrementos en talla y peso en el periodo prepuberal, es semejante a los del periodo puberal evaluado. Estas observaciones sustentan la pertinencia de instaurar la terapia ortopédica en un periodo anterior al puberal. Sin embargo, dadas las características de la muestra, se recomienda validar estos resultados con una muestra más representativaDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.16925/od.v10i18.719
Efecto de las soluciones pigmentantes en el color de dientes tratados con ortodoncia fija: un estudio in vitro
Authors: Acosta-Valderrama Alba Lucía , Figueroa-Cadena Hilda , Rivillas-Sánchez Mónica Cecilia , Delgado-Perdomo Linda , Ruiz-Gómez Adiela
Published: December 2014

Introducción: esta investigación pertenece a la línea de investigación  “Terapéuticas y biomecánicas en ortodoncia y ortopedia” realizada en el 2013 por el grupo ODONTOPOSTGRADOSUCC de la Facultad de Odontología, sede Bogotá. El objetivo fue evaluar las  alteraciones del color dental con tres bebidas oscuras, en dientes tratados con ortodoncia fija. Métodos: estudio experimental in-vitro,  con 48 premolares humanos, aleatorizados en tres grupos de 16 dientes. Después de la cementación y descementación de brackets,  los dientes fueron sumergidos durante 10 días a 37°C, en Coca-cola®, vino tinto y café. El color fue medido antes de la cementación  de brackets (T1) y después de la exposición a las sustancias (T2), con un espectrofotómetro (Vita Easyshade®). La diferencia en color  (ΔΕ) fue calculada entre T1 y T2. Se aplicó la prueba t pareada y Bonferroni para determinar el significado de las diferencias en los  parámetros L, C, h (p < 0,05). Resultados: se encontró una diferencia significativa en L, C, h (p = 0,05); los cambios de color fueron  significativos: entre 79,8 (Coca-cola®) y 7,5 (café) unidades ΔΕ. Conclusiones: los dientes presentaron cambios en el color del esmalte  grabado al someterse a bebidas oscuras, presentando mayor diferencia con Coca-cola® y menor con café.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.16925/od.v10i18.721
Comparación in vitro de la capacidad de remoción del barrillo dentinario con rc-prep (Premier), glyde (Dentsply), kelfar (Eufar), durante la limpieza y conformación de los conductos radicales
Authors: Callejas-Ospina Andrés , García-Salazar Claudia , Monsalve-Tabares Jennifer , Tamayo-Zapata Felipe , Castaño-Echeverri Julián David , Pérez-Guisao Medardo Antonio
Published: December 2014

Introducción: en la terapia endodóntica, los agentes quelantes aparecen como productos auxiliares durante el proceso de  conformación de los conductos radiculares como lubricantes y coadyuvantes en la remoción del barro dentinario. El objetivo de este  estudio fue comparar la efectividad de tres agentes quelantes RC-Prep, Glyde, Kelfar, para la remoción del barrillo dentinario en 40 pre molares unirradiculares sanos. Métodos: se decoronaron 40 muestras de dientes unirradiculares para posteriormente realizar la limpieza y conformación de cada conducto radicular y se dividieron en cuatro grupos. El grupo 1 estuvo compuesto por dientes preparados  con RC-Prep; el grupo 2 con Glyde; el grupo 3 se preparó con Kelfar y el grupo 4 fue el de control. Fueron irrigados entre lima y lima  con 2 ml de hipoclorito de sodio al 5,25%. Luego se secaron con puntas de papel y se cortaron longitudinalmente para ser evaluados  por microscopio electrónico de barrido. Resultados: no hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa, excepto en el tercio apical de los  dientes tratados con Glyde. Conclusiones: Glyde mostró mejor comportamiento respecto al RC-Prep y Kelfar. Aunque no existió dif rencia estadísticamente significativa, es importante utilizar un agente quelante líquido para mejorar la limpieza de barrillo dentinario.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.16925/od.v10i18.722
Aplicaciones y ventajas estéticas de la reducción interproximal de esmalte
Authors: Meneses Bedoya Dora Liliana , Botero Mariaca Paola
Published: December 2014

Resumen. Durante los últimos años, el porcentaje de adultos que busca tratamiento ortodóncico ha ido en aumento. Con estos pa- cientes las demandas estéticas y las condiciones orales complican el tratamiento. El enfoque multidisciplinario con miras a realizar  tratamientos más conservadores que eviten sacrificar dientes sanos es una de las metas en estos pacientes. La utilización de métodos  como el desgaste dentario interproximal es una alternativa preventiva y terapéutica que, realizada con cuidado y conocimiento, no  causa daño a los dientes y tejidos periodontales, facilita la corrección del apiñamiento y mejora las formas dentales y triángulos negros.  Además, brinda resultados más estables, funcionales y estéticos para los pacientes.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.16925/od.v10i18.723
Bruxism Is Unlikely to Cause Damage to the Periodontium: Findings From a Systematic Literature Assessment
Authors: Manfredini Daniele , Ahlberg Jari , Mura Rossano , Lobbezoo Frank
Published: December 2014

Background: This paper systematically reviews the MEDLINE and SCOPUS literature to answer the following question: Is there any evidence that bruxism may cause periodontal damage per se?

Methods: Clinical studies on humans, assessing the potential relationship between bruxism and periodontal lesions (i.e., decreased attachment level, bone loss, tooth mobility/migration, altered periodontal perception) were eligible. Methodologic shortcomings were identified by the adoption of the Critical Appraisal Skills Program quality assessment, mainly concerning the internal validity of findings according to an unspecific bruxism diagnosis.

Results: The six included articles covered a high variability of topics, without multiple papers on the same argument. Findings showed that the only effect of bruxism on periodontal structures was an increase in periodontal sensation, whereas a relationship with periodontal lesions was absent. Based on the analysis of Hill criteria, the validity of causation conclusions was limited, mainly owing to the absence of a longitudinal evaluation of the temporal relationship and dose‐response effects between bruxism and periodontal lesions.

Conclusions: Despite the scarce quantity and quality of the literature that prevents sound conclusions on the causal link between bruxism and the periodontal problems assessed in this review, it seems reasonable to suggest that bruxism cannot cause periodontal damage per se. It is also important to emphasize, however, that because of methodologic problems, particularly regarding sleep bruxism assessment, more high‐quality studies (e.g., randomized controlled trials) are needed to further clarify this issue.
Semaphorin3a Promotes Advanced Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Aggarwal Pardeep K. , Veron Delma , Thomas David B. , Siegel Dionicio , Moeckel Gilbert , Kashgarian Michael , Tufro Alda
Published: December 2014

The onset of diabetic nephropathy (DN) is highlighted by glomerular filtration barrier abnormalities. Identifying pathogenic factors and targetable pathways driving DN is crucial to developing novel therapies and improving the disease outcome. Semaphorin3a (sema3a) is a guidance protein secreted by podocytes. Excess sema3a disrupts the glomerular filtration barrier. Here, using immunohistochemistry, we show increased podocyte SEMA3A in renal biopsies from patients with advanced DN. Using inducible, podocyte-specific Sema3a gain-of-function (Sema3a+) mice made diabetic with streptozotocin, we demonstrate that sema3a is pathogenic in DN. Diabetic Sema3a+ mice develop massive proteinuria, renal insufficiency, and extensive nodular glomerulosclerosis, mimicking advanced DN in humans. In diabetic mice, Sema3a+ exacerbates laminin and collagen IV accumulation in Kimmelstiel-Wilson-like glomerular nodules and causes diffuse podocyte foot process effacement and F-actin collapse via nephrin, αvβ3 integrin, and MICAL1 interactions with plexinA1. MICAL1 knockdown and sema3a inhibition render podocytes not susceptible to sema3a-induced shape changes, indicating that MICAL1 mediates sema3a-induced podocyte F-actin collapse. Moreover, sema3a binding inhibition or podocyte-specific plexinA1 deletion markedly ameliorates albuminuria and abrogates renal insufficiency and the diabetic nodular glomerulosclerosis phenotype of diabetic Sema3a+ mice. Collectively, these findings indicate that excess sema3a promotes severe diabetic nephropathy and identifies novel potential therapeutic targets for DN.
PKA Enhances the Acute Insulin Response Leading to the Restoration of Glucose Control
Authors: Kaihara Kelly A. , Dickson Lorna M. , Ellenbroek Johanne H. , Orr Caitlin M.D. , Layden Brian T. , Wicksteed Barton
Published: December 2014

Diabetes arises from insufficient insulin secretion and failure of the β-cell mass to persist and expand. These deficits can be treated with ligands to Gs-coupled G-protein-coupled receptors that raise β-cell cAMP. Here we studied the therapeutic potential of β-cell cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activity in restoring glucose control using β-caPKA mice. PKA activity enhanced the acute insulin response (AIR) to glucose, which is a primary determinant of the efficacy of glucose clearance. Enhanced AIR improved peripheral insulin action, leading to more rapid muscle glucose uptake. In the setting of pre-established glucose intolerance caused by diet-induced insulin resistance or streptozotocin-mediated β-cell mass depletion, PKA activation enhanced β-cell secretory function to restore glucose control, primarily through augmentation of the AIR. Enhanced AIR and improved glucose control were maintained through 16 weeks of a high-fat diet and aging to 1 year. Importantly, improved glucose tolerance did not increase the risk for hypoglycemia, nor did it rely upon hyperinsulinemia or β-cell hyperplasia, although PKA activity was protective for β-cell mass. These data highlight that improving β-cell function through the activation of PKA has a large and underappreciated capacity to restore glucose control with minimal risk for adverse side effects.
Protein Ingestion Induces Muscle Insulin Resistance Independent of Leucine-Mediated mTOR Activation
Authors: Smith Gordon I. , Yoshino Jun , Stromsdorfer Kelly L. , Klein Seth J. , Magkos Faidon , Reeds Dominic N. , Klein Samuel , Mittendorfer Bettina
Published: December 2014

Increased plasma branched-chain amino acid concentrations are associated with insulin resistance, and intravenous amino acid infusion blunts insulin-mediated glucose disposal. We tested the hypothesis that protein ingestion impairs insulin-mediated glucose disposal by leucine-mediated mTOR signaling, which can inhibit AKT. We measured glucose disposal and muscle p-mTORSer2448, p-AKTSer473, and p-AKTThr308 in 22 women during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp procedure with and without concomitant ingestion of whey protein (0.6 g/kg fat-free mass; n = 11) or leucine that matched the amount given with whey protein (n = 11). Both whey protein and leucine ingestion raised plasma leucine concentration by approximately twofold and muscle p-mTORSer2448 by ∼30% above the values observed in the control (no amino acid ingestion) studies; p-AKTSer473 and p-AKTThr308 were not affected by whey protein or leucine ingestion. Whey protein ingestion decreased insulin-mediated glucose disposal (median 38.8 [quartiles 30.8, 61.8] vs. 51.9 [41.0, 77.3] µmol glucose/µU insulin · mL−1 · min−1; P < 0.01), whereas ingestion of leucine did not (52.3 [43.3, 65.4] vs. 52.3 [43.9, 73.2]). These results indicate that 1) protein ingestion causes insulin resistance and could be an important regulator of postprandial glucose homeostasis and 2) the insulin-desensitizing effect of protein ingestion is not due to inhibition of AKT by leucine-mediated mTOR signaling.
Is Sequential Estimation a Suitable Second Best for Estimation of Hybrid Choice Models?
Authors: Bahamonde-Birke Francisco , de Dios Ortúzar Juan
Published: December 2014

The simultaneous estimation method has overtaken the sequential approach as the preferred estimation method for hybrid discrete choice models. Notwithstanding, the computational cost of the simultaneous estimation can be prohibitive when models become more involved, and in such cases sequential estimation can still be a potent option. In previous work a theoretical analysis was conducted that led to the identification of a major bias affecting the sequential estimation method, and a correction term was proposed for the bias induced on the estimated parameters by the variability associated with the latent variables. However, no attempt was made to quantify that induced variability. In this study, an attempt was made to determine the nature of the variability induced through the latent variables as well as the viability of relying on the sequential estimation method as an alternative (second-best) estimation tool for cases in which the complexity of the specification makes relying on simultaneous estimation unfeasible. Results show that the sequential method behaves in an acceptable way (the bias can be avoided through the correction) when the variability associated with the latent variables is low in comparison with the error term of the discrete choice model. However, when this variability is considerable the bias correction becomes an intricate matter and appropriate results cannot be guaranteed.
Spatial Transferability of Tour-Based Time-of-Day Choice Models
Authors: Sikder Sujan , Augustin Bertho , Pinjari Abdul Rawoof , Eluru Naveen
Published: December 2014

An empirical assessment of the transferability of tour-based time-of-day (TOD) choice models across different counties in the San Francisco Bay Area of California is presented. Transferability was assessed with two approaches: (a) an application-based approach that tests the transferability of a model as a whole and (b) an estimation-based approach that allows the analyst to test which specific parameters in the model are transferable. Also tested was the hypothesis that pooling data from multiple geographic contexts helps in developing models with better transferability than those estimated from a single context. The estimation-based approach yielded encouraging results in favor of transferability of the TOD choice model, with a majority of parameter estimates in a pooled model found to be transferable. Pooling data from multiple geographic contexts appears to help in developing better transferable models with better transferability. However, attention is needed in selecting the geographic contexts from which to pool data. The pooled data should exhibit the same demographic characteristics and travel level-of-service conditions as in the application context.
Practical Solutions for Sampling Alternatives in Large-Scale Models
Authors: Daly Andrew , Hess Stephane , Dekker Thijs
Published: December 2014

Many large-scale real-world transport applications have choice sets that are so large as to make model estimation and application computationally impractical. The ability to estimate models on subsets of the alternatives is thus of great appeal, and correction approaches have existed since the late 1970s for the simple multinomial logit (MNL) model. However, many of these models in practice rely on nested logit specifications, for example, in the context of the joint choice of mode and destination. Recent research has put forward solutions for such generalized extreme value (GEV) structures, but these structures remain difficult to apply in practice. This paper puts forward a simplification of the GEV method for use in computationally efficient implementations of nested logit. The good performance of this approach is illustrated with simulated data, and additional insights into sampling error are also provided with different sampling strategies for MNL.
Intracranial desmoplastic small round cell tumor presenting as a suprasellar mass
Authors: Thondam Sravan K. , Plessis Daniel du , Cuthbertson Daniel J. , Das Kumar S. V. , Javadpour Mohsen , MacFarlane Ian A. , Leggate James , Haylock Brian , Daousi Christina
Published: December 2014

Desmoplastic small round cell tumors (DSRCTs) are rare, aggressive neoplasms that typically arise from abdominal and pelvic peritoneum in young adults. Other primary sites are uncommon, and an intracranial origin is exceptionally rare. Here the authors report the first case of a DSRCT presenting as a primary suprasellar tumor causing panhypopituitarism and severe bitemporal hemianopia in a young man. Macroscopic debulking of the tumor was undertaken, and histology revealed features of DSRCT. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of Ewing's sarcoma–Wilms tumor 1 (EWS-WT1) gene rearrangement specific to DSRCT. Postoperative whole-body imaging showed no primary malignancy elsewhere. The tumor recurred 4 months after surgery, and this was followed by cervical and mediastinal lymph node metastases. The patient died 20 months after initial presentation of rapidly progressive disease. DSRCTs should be included in the differential diagnosis of an unusual suprasellar mass in young adults. Early diagnosis is essential, and once the tumor is identified histologically, gross-total resection and radical postoperative treatment involving radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and close surveillance are required because of the lesion's potential for rapidly progressive malignancy.
Quality of life following surgery for large and giant vestibular schwannomas: a prospective study
Authors: Turel Mazda K. , Thakar Sumit , Rajshekhar Vedantam
Published: December 2014

OBJECT

Prospective studies of quality of life (QOL) are infrequently performed in patients undergoing surgery for vestibular schwannoma (VS). The authors designed this to study to investigate health-related QOL (HR-QOL) in patients with large and giant VSs before and after surgery.

METHODS

Between January 2009 and December 2012, HR-QOL was measured prospectively before and after surgery, using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), in 100 patients who underwent surgery for unilateral large or giant VS (tumor size ≥ 3 cm). The Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) was also used to evaluate the effect of surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients were included in the study (65 men and 35 women). Their mean age (± SD) was 44.2 ± 11.5 years. The preoperative QOL was decreased in all SF-36 domains. A 1-year follow-up evaluation was conducted for all patients (mean 13.5 ± 5.3 months after surgery). The results showed an improvement in HR-QOL compared with preoperative status in all cases, with 63%–85% of patients showing a minimum clinically important difference (MCID) in various domains. A second follow-up evaluation was performed in 51 cases (mean time after surgery, 29.0 ± 8.3 months) and showed sustained improvement in SF-36 scores. In some domains there was further improvement beyond the first follow-up. On the GBI, 87% of patients reported improvement, 1% felt no change, and 12% of patients reported deterioration.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients harboring large or giant VSs score lower on all the QOL domains compared with the normative population. More than 60% showed a clinically significant improvement in HR-QOL 1 year after surgery, a result that was sustained at subsequent follow-up.
Quality of life outcomes after revision lumbar discectomy
Authors: Lubelski Daniel , Senol Nilgun , Silverstein Michael P. , Alvin Matthew D. , Benzel Edward C. , Mroz Thomas E. , Schlenk Richard
Published: December 2014

OBJECT

The authors investigated quality of life (QOL) outcomes after primary versus revision discectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed for all patients who had undergone a primary or revision discectomy at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Spine Health from January 2008 through December 2011. Among patients in the revision cohort, they identified those who needed a second revision discectomy. Patient QOL measures were recorded before and after surgery. These measures included responses to the EQ-5D health questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire–9, Pain and Disability Questionnaire, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Cohorts were compared by using independent-sample t-tests and Fisher exact tests for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to adjust for confounding.

RESULTS

A total of 196 patients were identified (116 who underwent primary discectomy and 80 who underwent revision discectomy); average follow-up time was 150 days. There were no preoperative QOL differences between groups. Postoperatively, both groups improved significantly in all QOL measures. For QALYs, the primary cohort improved by 0.25 points (p < 0.001) and the revision cohort improved by 0.18 points (p < 0.001). QALYs improved for significantly more patients in the primary than in the revision cohort (76% vs 59%, respectively; p = 0.02), and improvement exceeded the minimum clinically important difference for more patients in the primary cohort (62% vs 45%, respectively; p = 0.03). Of the 80 patients who underwent revision discectomy, yet another recurrent herniation (third herniation) occurred in 14 (17.5%). Of these, 4 patients (28.6%) chose to undergo a second revision discectomy and the other 10 (71.4%) underwent conservative management. For those who underwent a second revision discectomy, QOL worsened according to all questionnaire scores.

CONCLUSIONS

QOL, pain and disability, and psychosocial outcomes improved after primary and revision discectomy, but the improvement diminished after revision discectomy.
Rabbit Feces as Feed for Ruminants and as an Energy Source
Authors: Peiretti Pier , Tassone Sonia , Gai Francesco , Gasco Laura , Masoero Giorgio
Published: December 2014

There are prospects for using novel feeds from various sources to provide ruminants with alternative sources of protein and energy such as by-products, and animal wastes. Rabbit feces are a concentrated source of fiber and could have commercial potential both as input biomass in anaerobic processes for biogas production, as well as a fibrous source for ruminal degradation. The aims of this work were to assess the potential as ruminant feeding and as biogas production of rabbit feces, in comparison with 12 crops. The chemical composition and the potential and experimental in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) of 148 feces samples were determined by using chemical methods, Daisy system digestibility and/or NIRS predictions. The average biomethane potential (BMP) was 286 ± 10 lCH4/kg SV with −4% vs. the crops average. Milk forage unit (milk FU), IVTD and NDFD of feces were 0.54 ± 0.06 milk FU/kg DM, 74% ± 3% and 50% ± 5%, respectively, with comparisons of −19%, −11% and −24% vs. the crops average. Reconstruction of the potential values based on the chemical constituents but using the crop partial least square model well agreed with the NIRS calibrations and cross-validation. In a global NIRS calibration of the feces and crops the relative predicted deviation for IVTD, NDFD and milk FU were 3.1, 2.9 and 2.6, respectively, and only 1.5 for BMP. Running the Daisy system for rabbit feces in rumen fluid gave some inconsistencies, weakened the functional relationships, and appeared not to be correlated with the potential values of IVTD and NDFD. Nevertheless, the energetic potential of feces appears to be similar to some conventional crops at different degrees of maturity. Thus we conclude that rabbit feces has potential value as a ruminant feed and for biogas production.
An Entropy-Based Damage Characterization
Authors: Amiri Mehdi , Modarres Mohammad
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a scientific basis for the description of the causes of damage within an irreversible thermodynamic framework and the effects of damage as observable variables that signify degradation of structural integrity. The approach relies on the fundamentals of irreversible thermodynamics and specifically the notion of entropy generation as a measure of degradation and damage. We first review the state-of-the-art advances in entropic treatment of damage followed by a discussion on generalization of the entropic concept to damage characterization that may offers a better definition of damage metric commonly used for structural integrity assessment. In general, this approach provides the opportunity to described reliability and risk of structures in terms of fundamental science concepts. Over the years, many studies have focused on materials damage assessment by determining physics-based cause and affect relationships, the goal of this paper is to put this work in perspective and encourage future work of materials damage based on the entropy concept.
Success at the Summer Olympics: How Much Do Economic Factors Explain?
Authors: Trivedi Pravin , Zimmer David
Published: December 2014

Many econometric analyses have attempted to model medal winnings as dependent on per capita GDP and population size. This approach ignores the size and composition of the team of athletes, especially the role of female participation and the role of sports culture, and also provides an inadequate explanation of the variability between the outcomes of countries with similar features. This paper proposes a model that offers two substantive advancements, both of which shed light on previously hidden aspects of Olympic success. First, we propose a selection model that treats the process of fielding any winner and the subsequent level of total winnings as two separate, but related, processes. Second, our model takes a more structural angle, in that we view GDP and population size as inputs into the “production” of athletes. After that production process, those athletes then compete to win medals. We use country-level panel data for the seven Summer Olympiads from 1988 to 2012. The size and composition of the country’s Olympic team are shown to be highly significant factors, as is also the past performance, which generates a persistence effect.
Enrichment of Logging Gaps with a High Conservation Value Species (Pericopsis elata) in a Central African Moist Forest
Authors: Ouédraogo Dakis-Yaoba , Fayolle Adeline , Daïnou Kasso , Demaret Charles , Bourland Nils , Lagoute Paul , Doucet Jean-Louis
Published: December 2014

In central Africa, most of the timber species require high light at the seedling stage for survival and growth. Forest managers face a regeneration shortage of these light-demanding timber species. To achieve long-term sustainability, there is a need for enrichment methods combining low cost and high species performance. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of Pericopsis elata seedlings in enriched logging gaps in Cameroon. Over five years; the survival and size of each seedling was monitored in 27 logging gaps that were either left without maintenance or cleared. Gaps were relatively small with an average total area of 155 m2. We found that planted seedlings of P. elata performed well in logging gaps. Even without any maintenance 61% of the planted seedlings survived after five years with an average annual diameter increment of 0.28 cm. P. elata appeared to be a good candidate species for enrichment in logging gaps. We demonstrated that the seedlings of P. elata tolerated a wide range of soil conditions but that their performance was strongly influenced by light availability (gap clearance), suggesting potentially improved performance of P. elata in high light environments such as in plantation or larger gaps.
Electrospun Zeolite/Cellulose Acetate Fibers for Ion Exchange of Pb2+
Authors: Tran Daniel , Marti Anne , Balkus Kenneth
Published: December 2014

The ion exchange capability of electrospun cellulose acetate (CA) fibers containing zeolite A nanoparticles is reported. Solid and porous CA fibers were used to make a zeolite-embedded filter paper, which was then used to ion exchange Na+ with Cu2+ and Pb2+. The composite Linde Type A (LTA) zeolite CA fibers exchanged 0.39 mmol/g more Pb2+ than LTA nanoparticles in the solid CA fibers. These fibers could provide a simple and effective method for heavy metal ion removal in water.
Seafood and Water Management
Authors: Van Ruth Saskia , Brouwer Erwin , Koot Alex , Wijtten Michiel
Published: December 2014

Seafood is an important food source for many. Consumers should be entitled to an informed choice, and there is growing concern about correct composition labeling of seafood. Due to its high price, it has been shown to be vulnerable to adulteration. In the present study, we focus on moisture levels in seafood. Moisture and crude protein contents of chilled and frozen cod, pangasius, salmon, shrimp and tilapia purchased from various retail outlets in the Netherlands were examined by reference methods and the values of which were compared with the reported data from other studies in literature. Significant differences in proximate composition were determined for different species and between chilled and frozen products of the same species. Pangasius products showed the highest moisture contents in general (86.3 g/100 g), and shrimp products revealed the largest differences between chilled and frozen products. Comparison with literature values and good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards exposed that, generally, chilled pangasius, frozen pangasius and frozen shrimp products presented considerably higher moisture and lower crude protein/nitrogen contents than those found in other studies. From the GMP standards, extraneous water was estimated on average at 26 g/100 g chilled pangasius product, and 25 and 34 g/100 g product for frozen shrimp and pangasius products, respectively.
Effect of a Brief Heat Exposure on Blood Pressure and Physical Performance of Older Women Living in the Community—A Pilot-Study
Authors: Stotz Anja , Rapp Kilian , Oksa Juha , Skelton Dawn , Beyer Nina , Klenk Jochen , Becker Clemens , Lindemann Ulrich
Published: December 2014

Global climate change is affecting health and mortality, particularly in vulnerable populations. High ambient temperatures decrease blood pressure (BP) in young and middle aged adults and may lead to orthostatic hypotension, increasing the risk of falls in older adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a test protocol to investigate BP response and aerobic capacity of older adults in a hot indoor environment. BP response and aerobic capacity were assessed in 26 community-dwelling older women (median age 75.5 years) at a room temperature of either 20 °C or 30 °C. The protocol was well tolerated by all participants. In the 30 °C condition systolic and diastolic BP (median difference 10 and 8 mmHg, respectively) and distance walked in 6 min (median difference 29.3 m) were lower than in the 20 °C condition (all p < 0.01). Systolic BP decreased after standing up from a lying position in the 30 °C (17.4 mmHg) and 20 °C (14.2 mmHg) condition (both p < 0.001). In conclusion, the protocol is feasible in this cohort and should be repeated in older adults with poor physical performance and impaired cardio-vascular response mechanisms. Furthermore, aerobic capacity was reduced after exposure to hot environmental temperatures, which should be considered when recommending exercise to older people during the summer months.
Intrinsic Tryptophan Fluorescence in the Detection and Analysis of Proteins: A Focus on Förster Resonance Energy Transfer Techniques
Authors: Ghisaidoobe Amar , Chung Sang
Published: December 2014

F resonance energy transfer (FRET) occurs when the distance between a donor fluorophore and an acceptor is within 10 nm, and its application often necessitates fluorescent labeling of biological targets. However, covalent modification of biomolecules can inadvertently give rise to conformational and/or functional changes. This review describes the application of intrinsic protein fluorescence, predominantly derived from tryptophan (λEX ∼ 280 nm, λEM ∼ 350 nm) , in protein-related research and mainly focuses on label-free FRET techniques. In terms of wavelength and intensity, tryptophan fluorescence is strongly influenced by its (or the proteinlocal environment, which, in addition to fluorescence quenching, has been applied to study protein conformational changes. Intrinsic F resonance energy transfer (iFRET), a recently developed technique, utilizes the intrinsic fluorescence of tryptophan in conjunction with target-specific fluorescent probes as FRET donors and acceptors, respectively, for real time detection of native proteins.
The Emerging Nexus of Active DNA Demethylation and Mitochondrial Oxidative Metabolism in Post-Mitotic Neurons
Authors: Meng Huan , Chen Guiquan , Gao Hui-Ming , Song Xiaoyu , Shi Yun , Cao Liu
Published: December 2014

The variable patterns of DNA methylation in mammals have been linked to a number of physiological processes, including normal embryonic development and disease pathogenesis. Active removal of DNA methylation, which potentially regulates neuronal gene expression both globally and gene specifically, has been recently implicated in neuronal plasticity, learning and memory processes. Model pathways of active DNA demethylation involve ten-eleven translocation (TET) methylcytosine dioxygenases that are dependent on oxidative metabolites. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidizing agents generate oxidative modifications of DNA bases that can be removed by base excision repair proteins. These potentially link the two processes of active DNA demethylation and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in post-mitotic neurons. We review the current biochemical understanding of the DNA demethylation process and discuss its potential interaction with oxidative metabolism. We then summarise the emerging roles of both processes and their interaction in neural plasticity and memory formation and the pathophysiology of neurodegeneration. Finally, possible therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases are proposed, including reprogramming therapy by global DNA demethylation and mitohormesis therapy for locus-specific DNA demethylation in post-mitotic neurons.
Opportunities and Limitations of Modelling Alzheimer’s Disease with Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Ovchinnikov Dmitry , Wolvetang Ernst
Published: December 2014

Reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has opened the way for patient-specific disease modelling. Following their differentiation into neuronal cell types, iPSC have enabled the investigation of human neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). While human iPSCs certainly provide great opportunities to repeatedly interrogate specific human brain cell types of individuals with familial and sporadic forms of the disease, the complex aetiology and timescale over which AD develops in humans poses particular challenges to iPSC-based AD models. Here, we discuss the current state-of-play in the context of these and other iPSC model-related challenges and elaborate on likely future developments in this field of research.
Towards Long-Term Multi-Hop WSN Deployments for Environmental Monitoring: An Experimental Network Evaluation
Authors: Navarro Miguel , Davis Tyler , Villalba German , Li Yimei , Zhong Xiaoyang , Erratt Newlyn , Liang Xu , Liang Yao
Published: December 2014

This paper explores the network performance and costs associated with the deployment, labor, and maintenance of a long-term outdoor multi-hop wireless sensor network (WSN) located at the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania (ASWP), which has been in operation for more than four years for environmental data collection. The WSN performance is studied over selected time periods during the network deployment time, based on two different TinyOS-based WSN routing protocols: commercial XMesh and the open-source Collection Tree Protocol (CTP). Empirical results show that the network performance is improved with CTP (i.e., 79% packet reception rate, 96% packet success rate and 0.2% duplicate packets), versus using XMesh (i.e., 36% packet reception rate and 46% packet success rate, with 3%–4% duplicate packets). The deployment cost of the 52-node, 253-sensor WSN is $31,500 with an additional $600 per month in labor and maintenance resulting in a cost of $184 m−2·y−1 of sensed area. Network maintenance during the first four years of operation was performed on average every 12 days, costing approximately $187 for each field visit.
Antiprotozoal Activity of (E)-Cinnamic N-Acylhydrazone Derivatives
Authors: Carvalho Samir , Kaiser Marcel , Brun Reto , Silva Edson , Fraga Carlos
Published: December 2014

A series of 14 (E)-cinnamic N-acylhydrazone derivatives, designed through molecular hybridization between the (E)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-3-(4-bromophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one and (E)-3-hydroxy-N'-((2-hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl)methylene)-7-methoxy-2-naphthohydrazide, were tested for in vitro antiparasitic activity upon axenic amastigote forms of Leishmania donovani and bloodstream forms of Trypamosoma brucei rhodesiense. The derivative (2E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrophenyl)-N'-[(1E)-phenylmethylene]acrylohydrazide showed moderate antileishmanial activity (IC50 = 6.27 µM) when compared to miltefosine, the reference drug (IC50 = 0.348 µM). However, the elected compound showed an excellent selectivity index; in one case it was not cytotoxic against mammalian L-6 cells. The most active antitrypanosomal compound, the derivative (E)-N'-(3,4-dihydroxybenzylidene)cinnamohydrazide (IC50 = 1.93 µM), was cytotoxic against mammalian L-6 cells.
A Hybrid Positioning Strategy for Vehicles in a Tunnel Based on RFID and In-Vehicle Sensors
Authors: Song Xiang , Li Xu , Tang Wencheng , Zhang Weigong , Li Bin
Published: December 2014

Many intelligent transportation system applications require accurate, reliable, and continuous vehicle positioning. How to achieve such positioning performance in extended GPS-denied environments such as tunnels is the main challenge for land vehicles. This paper proposes a hybrid multi-sensor fusion strategy for vehicle positioning in tunnels. First, the preliminary positioning algorithm is developed. The Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is introduced to achieve preliminary positioning in the tunnel. The received signal strength (RSS) is used as an indicator to calculate the distances between the RFID tags and reader, and then a Least Mean Square (LMS) federated filter is designed to provide the preliminary position information for subsequent global fusion. Further, to improve the positioning performance in the tunnel, an interactive multiple model (IMM)-based global fusion algorithm is developed to fuse the data from preliminary positioning results and low-cost in-vehicle sensors, such as electronic compasses and wheel speed sensors. In the actual implementation of IMM, the strong tracking extended Kalman filter (STEKF) algorithm is designed to replace the conventional extended Kalman filter (EKF) to achieve model individual filtering. Finally, the proposed strategy is evaluated through experiments. The results validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed strategy.