bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SURGICAL TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH DISLOCATION OF HEAD OF THE ARM AND ROTATIONAL CONTRACTURE OF THE FOREARM WITH BIRTH PALSY OF THE UPPER EXTREMITY
Authors: Ovsyankin Nikolai Alexandrovich , Naumochkina Natalia Anatolievna
Published: March 2015

Introduction. The obstetrical upper limb paralysis and its sequelae are an actual problem of pediatric orthopedics and traumatology. Relevance of the problem is due to high incidence of this disease and increase of child disability. Purpose. To present the method of treating patients with a dislocated radius head and forearm rotation contracture in birth paralysis of the upper extremity. ^Materials and Methods. This article presents the clinical material on the survey in the Institute and the surgical treatment of 12 patients aged from three to 15 years with the pathology of the elbow and forearm, developed after the obstetrical upper limb paralysis. Results. We present the clinical picture, diagnostic methods, indications to surgical treatment, as well as new and effective methods of performing the proximal radioulnar joint arthrodesis in young children with obstetrical paralysis of the upper extremity. The use of surgical methods of treatment in such patients has improved the function of the arm and self-care in 95 per cent of cases, reduced their disability and increased their choice for occupation activities.
OPTIMIZATION OF RESULTS AND TREATMENT TIMING OF DEEP DERMAL BURNS IN CHILDREN
Authors: Afonichev Konstantin Aleksandrovich , Filippova Olga Vasilievna , Tsvetaev Evgeniy Viktorovich
Published: March 2015

Untreated deep dermal burns in children are the cause of long-term treatment and severe cicatricial deformities, resulting in poor cosmetic results and greatly impairing functional outcome. The problem of optimizing the results and timing of treatment of deep burns in children in recent years has become particularly urgent. We observed 1853 children with III-A degree burns. Some of the children's burns healed spontaneously, which led to the development of scar deformities during the first six months after injury. Risk factors for their development, depending on the patient's age and location of the lesion, are pointed out. Other children underwent early tangential excision of eschar. The analysis of the treatment results showed that the use of early surgery in children with deep dermal burns can reduce treatment time, as well as significantly to improve the cosmetic and functional outcomes of trauma.
A RARE CASE OF CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES OF THE MAXILLOFACIAL REGION
Authors: Stepanova Yulia Vladimirovna , Tsyplakova Margarita Sergeevna
Published: March 2015

This article describes a rare case of congenital abnormality: a median facial cleft in combination with congenital complete bilateral cleft lip and palate. An integrated approach to the treatment of children with severe pathology of the maxillofacial area provides a good aesthetic and functional result. Surgical treatment in combination with orthodontic treatment, massage, myogymnastics, dynamic observation of the child contributes to the normal development of the maxillofacial area in a child with a rare congenital facial cleft.
MODERN CONCEPTS OF CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT METHODS OF CLUBFOOT
Authors: Klychkova Irina Yurievna , Lapkin Yuri Alexeevich , Konyukhov Mikhail Pavlovich , Stepanova Yulia Aleksandrovna , Kenis Vladimir Markovich
Published: March 2015

Conservative treatment of congenital clubfoot is generally accepted standard in the world orthopedic practice. There are many techniques that basically include functional methods and techniques of passive correction of the deformity. We analyzed 10 years of experience in the treatment of primary clubfoot according to three techniques - Zatsepin’s method, author’s method and Ponseti method. The evaluation of treatment results in the short and long terms was carried out. Analysis of long-term results showed a statistically significant advantage of Pontseti method over the other used techniques.
mHealth in the Wild: Using Novel Data to Examine the Reach, Use, and Impact of PTSD Coach
Authors: Owen Jason E , Jaworski Beth K , Kuhn Eric , Makin-Byrd Kerry N , Ramsey Kelly M , Hoffman Julia E
Published: March 2015

Background

A majority of Americans (58%) now use smartphones, making it possible for mobile mental health apps to reach large numbers of those who are living with untreated, or under-treated, mental health symptoms. Although early trials suggest positive effects for mobile health (mHealth) interventions, little is known about the potential public health impact of mobile mental health apps.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to characterize reach, use, and impact of “PTSD Coach”, a free, broadly disseminated mental health app for managing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.

Methods

Using a mixed-methods approach, aggregate mobile analytics data from 153,834 downloads of PTSD Coach were analyzed in conjunction with 156 user reviews.

Results

Over 60% of users engaged with PTSD Coach on multiple occasions (mean=6.3 sessions). User reviews reflected gratitude for the availability of the app and being able to use the app specifically during moments of need. PTSD Coach users reported relatively high levels of trauma symptoms (mean PTSD Checklist Score=57.2, SD=15.7). For users who chose to use a symptom management tool, distress declined significantly for both first-time users (mean=1.6 points, SD=2.6 on the 10-point distress thermometer) and return-visit users (mean=2.0, SD=2.3). Analysis of app session data identified common points of attrition, with only 80% of first-time users reaching the app’s home screen and 37% accessing one of the app’s primary content areas.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that PTSD Coach has achieved substantial and sustained reach in the population, is being used as intended, and has been favorably received. PTSD Coach is a unique platform for the delivery of mobile mental health education and treatment, and continuing evaluation and improvement of the app could further strengthen its public health impact.
Diabetes Limits Stem Cell Mobilization Following G-CSF but Not Plerixafor
Authors: Fadini Gian Paolo , Fiala Mark , Cappellari Roberta , Danna Marianna , Park Soo , Poncina Nicol , Menegazzo Lisa , Albiero Mattia , DiPersio John , Stockerl-Goldstein Keith , Avogaro Angelo
Published: March 2015

Previous studies suggest that diabetes impairs hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilization in response to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). In this study, we tested whether the CXCR4 antagonist plerixafor, differently from G-CSF, is effective in mobilizing HSCs in patients with diabetes. In a prospective study, individuals with and without diabetes (n = 10/group) were administered plerixafor to compare CD34+ HSC mobilization; plerixafor was equally able to mobilize CD34+ HSCs in the two groups, whereas in historical data, G-CSF was less effective in patients with diabetes. In a retrospective autologous transplantation study conducted on 706 patients, diabetes was associated with poorer mobilization in patients who received G-CSF with/without chemotherapy, whereas it was not in patients who received G-CSF plus plerixafor. Similarly in an allogeneic transplantation study (n = 335), diabetes was associated with poorer mobilization in patients who received G-CSF. Patients with diabetes who received G-CSF without plerixafor had a lower probability of reaching >50/μL CD34+ HSCs, independent from confounding variables. In conclusion, diabetes negatively impacted HSC mobilization after G-CSF with or without chemotherapy but had no effect on mobilization induced by G-CSF with plerixafor. This finding has major implications for the care of patients with diabetes undergoing stem cell mobilization and transplantation and for the vascular regenerative potential of bone marrow stem cells.
Unsteady natural convection in micropolar nanofluids
Authors: Rup Kazimierz , Nering Konrad
Published: March 2015

This paper presents the analysis of momentum, angular momentum and heat transfer during unsteady natural convection in micropolar nanofluids. Selected nanofluids treated as single phase fluids contain small particles with diameter size 10-38.4 nm. In particular three water-based nanofluids were analyzed. Volume fraction of these solutions was 6%. The first of the analyzed nanofluids contained TiO2 nanoparticles, the second one contained Al2O3 nanoparticles, and the third one the Cu nanoparticles.
Rainfall parameters affect canopy storage capacity under controlled conditions
Authors: Klamerus-Iwan Anna
Published: March 2015

The subject of this research was the interception of precipitation, which is defined as the amount of water that can be retained by the entire surface of a tree. The aim was to measure the rate of interception under laboratory conditions in order to determine influential factors. To eliminate water absorption that would occur in living trees, we employed models of deciduous and coniferous trees enabling us to examine the effect of precipitation characteristics and the surface area individually. A sprinkler system that automatically recorded the amounts of water retained on the models was set up in the laboratory. Precipitation was simulated using 5 different intensities with 3 different raindrop sizes.

Interception rates were affected by both, the intensity of the precipitation and raindrop size. The time required to reach maximum crown filling with water was variable and depended on plant surface parameters as well as simulated precipitation. The maximum water capacity of crowns was not a constant value even within one tree model, but changed depending on precipitation characteristics
The effects of frost conditions on forest management based on the example of the July 1996 period at Hala Izerska in the Izera Mountains
Authors: Urban Grzegorz
Published: March 2015

This paper presents the characteristics of a frost episode that occurred July, 20-23, 1996 in the centre of the Izera Mountains and its effects on forest management. Source data consisted of air temperature measurements originating from the author’s own and archival databases of the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW), Voivodeship Inspectorate of Environmental Protection (WIOŚ), University of Wrocław (UWr) and the Bureau of Forest Management and Geodesy in Brzeg (BULiGL). The intensity, time of occurrence and effects of this particular episode were extreme. The estimated probability of frost in the centre of the mountain dale Hala Izerska in July at a temperature of -5.5°C two meters above ground level is 2.4%. Therefore, it can be stated that such a sharp decline of Tmin in the middle of the growing season can occur in this area once every 40-50 years. Strong, nocturnal decreases of Tmin below 0°C during the growing season occur in the Izera Mountains almost every year, causing significant damage to silviculture. The interior of the Izera Mountains, represented by mountain dale Hala Izerska, is one of the coldest or even the coldest site in Poland in terms of absolute minimums of air temperature during the growing season.

In the mountain areas, knowledge of the impact of climate, such as thermal factors, on tree stands enables silviculture work to be optimised, ultimately allowing funding to be rationalised. The distinct climatic conditions of mountain basins and valleys, slopes and plateaus located at similar altitudes need to be considered.
Comparing methods of energy expenditure estimation using forestry as an example
Authors: Grzywiński Witold , Mederski Piotr S. , Bembenek Mariusz
Published: March 2015

In this paper the values of energy expenditure obtained with estimative methods (tables of energy expenditure, Lehmann’s method) were compared to the data obtained with a method based on pulmonary ventilation measurements. Thereby, the usefulness of estimative methods for determining energy expenditure on work stations in forestry was tested.

We compared energy expenditures for 30 forestry workstations within which 59 different activities were distinguished. For each activity the energy expenditure was determined utilizing the three following methods: pulmonary ventilation measurement, tables of energy expenditure and Lehmann’s method.

The percentage error in energy expenditure for particular activities determined with tables ranged from -44.47% to 42.31%. The highest representation of error value (52.8%) varied between -19.9% and 5.0%. The error in energy expenditure estimation determined with Lehmann’s method is characterised by a smaller variability ranging from -31.35% to 34.13%. The highest density of error values was found in the range from -4.9% to 10.0%, which comprises 44.1% of the results. To conclude, the use of tables resulted in an underestimation of the energy expenditure value for 64.1% of activities, whereas the use of Lehmann’s method resulted in an underestimation in 49.1% of the cases.
Power and Patronage across the North Channel: Hugh de Lacy, St Andrews and the Anglo-Scottish Crisis of 1209
Authors: Brown Daniel J. F.
Published: March 2015

The connections between the medieval kingdom of Scots and Irish earldom of Ulster have remained elusive. One of the most intriguing points of contact occurred in 1205×10, when the first earl of Ulster, Hugh II de Lacy (d. 1242), granted churches within his Irish lordship to the cathedral priory of St Andrews. Exploring de Lacy's links to the bishop of St Andrews, William Malveisin, and the constable of Scotland, Alan of Galloway, this article suggests that the gift to St Andrews was part of the earl's bid to secure King William the Lion, as an ally in the North Channel region. The king of Scots is connected to de Lacy's attempts to undermine King John of England, involving partners in France and northern England. It is further argued that the revelation of de Lacy's patronage of St Andrews contributed directly to the Anglo-Scottish crisis of 1209 and the humiliating terms imposed on the Scots by the treaty of Norham in the same year. What is superficially an ordinary grant of ecclesiastical benefices is on closer inspection found to be charged with political meaning, leading ultimately to Hugh de Lacy's expulsion from the earldom of Ulster by the army of King John.
Towards Understanding the Decomposition/Isomerism Channels of Stratospheric Bromine Species: Ab Initio and Quantum Topology Study
Authors: Aziz Saadullah , Alyoubi Abdulrahman , Elroby Shaaban , Osman Osman , Hilal Rifaat
Published: March 2015

The present study aims at a fundamental understanding of bonding characteristics of the C–Br and O–Br bonds. The target molecular systems are the isomeric CH3OBr/BrCH2OH system and their decomposition products. Calculations of geometries and frequencies at different density functional theory (DFT) and Hartree–Fock/Møller–Plesset (HF/MP2) levels have been performed. Results have been assessed and evaluated against those obtained at the coupled cluster single-double (Triplet) (CCSD(T)) level of theory. The characteristics of the C–Br and O–Br bonds have been identified via analysis of the electrostatic potential, natural bond orbital (NBO), and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM). Analysis of the electrostatic potential (ESP) maps enabled the quantitative characterization of the Br σ-holes. Its magnitude seems very sensitive to the environment and the charge accumulated in the adjacent centers. Some quantum topological parameters, namely Ñ2ρ, ellipticity at bond critical points and the Laplacian bond order, were computed and discussed. The potential energy function for internal rotation has been computed and Fourier transformed to characterize the conformational preferences and origin of the barriers. NBO energetic components for rotation about the C–Br and O–Br bonds as a function of torsion angle have been computed and displayed.
Hepatitis A Virus Genotype Distribution during a Decade of Universal Vaccination of Preadolescents
Authors: D’Andrea Lucía , Pérez-Rodríguez Francisco , De Castellarnau Montserrat , Manzanares Sandra , Lite Josep , Guix Susana , Bosch Albert , Pintó Rosa
Published: March 2015

A universal vaccination program among preadolescents was implemented in Catalonia, Spain, during the period of 1999–2013 and its effectiveness has been clearly demonstrated by an overall significant attack rate reduction. However, reductions were not constant over time, and increases were again observed in 2002–2009 due to the occurrence of huge outbreaks. In the following years, in the absence of large outbreaks, the attack rate decreased again to very low levels. However, an increase of symptomatic cases in the <5 age group has recently been observed. This is an unexpected observation since children younger than 6 are mostly asymptomatic. Such a long vaccination campaign offers the opportunity to analyze not only the effectiveness of vaccination, but also the influence of the circulating genotypes on the incidence of hepatitis A among the different age groups. This study has revealed the emergence of genotype IC during a foodborne outbreak, the short-lived circulation of vaccine-escape variants isolated during an outbreak among the men-having-sex-with-men group, and the association of genotype IIIA with the increase of symptomatic cases among the very young. From a public health perspective, two conclusions may be drawn: vaccination is better at an early age, and the vaccination schedule must be complete and include all recommended vaccine doses.
Atrophic Vaginitis in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Difficult Survivorship Issue
Authors: Lester Joanne , Pahouja Gaurav , Andersen Barbara , Lustberg Maryam
Published: March 2015

Management of breast cancer includes systematic therapies including chemotherapy and endocrine therapy can lead to a variety of symptoms that can impair the quality of life of many breast cancer survivors. Atrophic vaginitis, caused by decreased levels of circulating estrogen to urinary and vaginal receptors, is commonly experienced by this group. Chemotherapy induced ovarian failure and endocrine therapies including aromatase inhibitors and selective estrogen receptor modulators can trigger the onset of atrophic vaginitis or exacerbate existing symptoms. Symptoms of atrophic vaginitis include vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and irritation of genital skin, pruritus, burning, vaginal discharge, and soreness. The diagnosis of atrophic vaginitis is confirmed through patient-reported symptoms and gynecological examination of external structures, introitus, and vaginal mucosa. Lifestyle modifications can be helpful but are usually insufficient to significantly improve symptoms. Non-hormonal vaginal therapies may provide additional relief by increasing vaginal moisture and fluid. Systemic estrogen therapy is contraindicated in breast cancer survivors. Continued investigations of various treatments for atrophic vaginitis are necessary. Local estrogen-based therapies, DHEA, testosterone, and pH-balanced gels continue to be evaluated in ongoing studies. Definitive results are needed pertaining to the safety of topical estrogens in breast cancer survivors.
The Effect of Cholesterol on the Long-Range Network of Interactions Established among Sea Anemone Sticholysin II Residues at the Water-Membrane Interface
Authors: García-Linares Sara , Alm Ida , Maula Terhi , Gavilanes José , Slotte Johan , Martínez-del-Pozo Álvaro
Published: March 2015

Actinoporins are α-pore forming proteins with therapeutic potential, produced by sea anemones. Sticholysin II (StnII) from Stichodactyla helianthus is one of its most extensively characterized members. These proteins remain stably folded in water, but upon interaction with lipid bilayers, they oligomerize to form a pore. This event is triggered by the presence of sphingomyelin (SM), but cholesterol (Chol) facilitates pore formation. Membrane attachment and pore formation require changes involving long-distance rearrangements of residues located at the protein-membrane interface. The influence of Chol on membrane recognition, oligomerization, and/or pore formation is now studied using StnII variants, which are characterized in terms of their ability to interact with model membranes in the presence or absence of Chol. The results obtained frame Chol not only as an important partner for SM for functional membrane recognition but also as a molecule which significantly reduces the structural requirements for the mentioned conformational rearrangements to occur. However, given that the DOPC:SM:Chol vesicles employed display phase coexistence and have domain boundaries, the observed effects could be also due to the presence of these different phases on the membrane. In addition, it is also shown that the Arg51 guanidinium group is strictly required for membrane recognition, independently of the presence of Chol.
Adjusting Lidar-Derived Digital Terrain Models in Coastal Marshes Based on Estimated Aboveground Biomass Density
Authors: Medeiros Stephen , Hagen Scott , Weishampel John , Angelo James
Published: March 2015

Digital elevation models (DEMs) derived from airborne lidar are traditionally unreliable in coastal salt marshes due to the inability of the laser to penetrate the dense grasses and reach the underlying soil. To that end, we present a novel processing methodology that uses ASTER Band 2 (visible red), an interferometric SAR (IfSAR) digital surface model, and lidar-derived canopy height to classify biomass density using both a three- class scheme (high, medium and low) and a two-class scheme (high and low). Elevation adjustments associated with these classes using both median and quartile approaches were applied to adjust lidar-derived elevation values closer to true bare earth elevation. The performance of the method was tested on 229 elevation points in the lower Apalachicola River Marsh. The two-class quartile-based adjusted DEM produced the best results, reducing the RMS error in elevation from 0.65 m to 0.40 m, a 38% improvement. The raw mean errors for the lidar DEM and the adjusted DEM were 0.61 ± 0.24 m and 0.32 ± 0.24 m, respectively, thereby reducing the high bias by approximately 49%.
Network Challenges for Cyber Physical Systems with Tiny Wireless Devices: A Case Study on Reliable Pipeline Condition Monitoring
Authors: Ali Salman , Qaisar Saad , Saeed Husnain , Khan Muhammad , Naeem Muhammad , Anpalagan Alagan
Published: March 2015

The synergy of computational and physical network components leading to the Internet of Things, Data and Services has been made feasible by the use of Cyber Physical Systems (CPSs). CPS engineering promises to impact system condition monitoring for a diverse range of fields from healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation to aerospace and warfare. CPS for environment monitoring applications completely transforms human-to-human, human-to-machine and machine-to-machine interactions with the use of Internet Cloud. A recent trend is to gain assistance from mergers between virtual networking and physical actuation to reliably perform all conventional and complex sensing and communication tasks. Oil and gas pipeline monitoring provides a novel example of the benefits of CPS, providing a reliable remote monitoring platform to leverage environment, strategic and economic benefits. In this paper, we evaluate the applications and technical requirements for seamlessly integrating CPS with sensor network plane from a reliability perspective and review the strategies for communicating information between remote monitoring sites and the widely deployed sensor nodes. Related challenges and issues in network architecture design and relevant protocols are also provided with classification. This is supported by a case study on implementing reliable monitoring of oil and gas pipeline installations. Network parameters like node-discovery, node-mobility, data security, link connectivity, data aggregation, information knowledge discovery and quality of service provisioning have been reviewed.
Soil Degradation in India: Challenges and Potential Solutions
Authors: Bhattacharyya Ranjan , Ghosh Birendra , Mishra Prasanta , Mandal Biswapati , Rao Cherukumalli , Sarkar Dibyendu , Das Krishnendu , Anil Kokkuvayil , Lalitha Manickam , Hati Kuntal , Franzluebbers Alan
Published: March 2015

Soil degradation in India is estimated to be occurring on 147 million hectares (Mha) of land, including 94 Mha from water erosion, 16 Mha from acidification, 14 Mha from flooding, 9 Mha from wind erosion, 6 Mha from salinity, and 7 Mha from a combination of factors. This is extremely serious because India supports 18% of the world’s human population and 15% of the world’s livestock population, but has only 2.4% of the world’s land area. Despite its low proportional land area, India ranks second worldwide in farm output. Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries account for 17% of the gross domestic product and employs about 50% of the total workforce of the country. Causes of soil degradation are both natural and human-induced. Natural causes include earthquakes, tsunamis, droughts, avalanches, landslides, volcanic eruptions, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires. Human-induced soil degradation results from land clearing and deforestation, inappropriate agricultural practices, improper management of industrial effluents and wastes, over-grazing, careless management of forests, surface mining, urban sprawl, and commercial/industrial development. Inappropriate agricultural practices include excessive tillage and use of heavy machinery, excessive and unbalanced use of inorganic fertilizers, poor irrigation and water management techniques, pesticide overuse, inadequate crop residue and/or organic carbon inputs, and poor crop cycle planning. Some underlying social causes of soil degradation in India are land shortage, decline in per capita land availability, economic pressure on land, land tenancy, poverty, and population increase. In this review of land degradation in India, we summarize (1) the main causes of soil degradation in different agro-climatic regions; (2) research results documenting both soil degradation and soil health improvement in various agricultural systems; and (3) potential solutions to improve soil health in different regions using a variety of conservation agricultural approaches.
Vers un monde nouveau : Des vérités qui dérangent pour l’administration publique de l’anglosphère
Authors: Pollitt Christopher
Published: March 2015

Sur la scène internationale, la gestion publique s’est développée au cours des trente dernières années comme un domaine essentiellement dominé par le monde anglo-saxon (« l’Anglosphère »). Il y a aujourd’hui des raisons de croire que cette époque touche à sa fin. Trois raisons principales expliquent cela. Premièrement, la domination des idées et des pratiques anglo-saxonnes n’a jamais été aussi totale qu’on a parfois pu le penser. Deuxièmement, l’efficacité des réformes anglo-saxonnes s’avère problématique. Des études récentes indiquent que seule une faible part de ces réformes témoignent d’un réel succès. Troisièmement, d’autres régions du monde gagnent peu à peu en influence et en assurance sur les plans économique et politique et, dans certains cas, elles ont également de longues traditions administratives propres. Loin d’être une source de consternation, cette ouverture est l’occasion de lancer des débats certes difficiles, mais potentiellement très enrichissants, qui devront s’étendre à différentes cultures et différentes traditions administratives.
A 15-Year-Old Girl with Fever and Abdominal Pain
Authors: Diaz Molly , DeZure Chandani Patel , Cordova Jonathan , Lo Andrea , Azzam Ruba
Published: March 2015

We present a case of a previously healthy 15-year-old girl with fever, right lower quadrant pain, and hip pain. Her history was notable for a recent laparoscopic appendectomy that was complicated by the development of intraabdominal abscesses. She reported normal bowel movements and good appetite on a regular diet, although she did endorse a recent 5-kg weight loss. Further investigation and examination revealed a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease with recurrent psoas muscle abscess as the etiology of her pain and fevers. Psoas abscess is a rare complication of Crohn’s disease, and vague presenting symptoms may complicate its diagnosis. This case demonstrates the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis when treating a child presenting with abdominal pain and fever.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2015;44(3):e49–e52.]
An Athletic Adolescent Girl with Proteinuria and Hypertension
Authors: Dante Siddhartha , Glunz Catherine
Published: March 2015

An 18-year-old athletic adolescent presents with hypertension found during a routine screening. Her prior history includes familial hyperlipidemia. Hypertension in the adolescent is classified based on percentiles for age, sex, and height. The most common secondary cause of hypertension in the pediatric and adolescent patient is renal disease. This patient was found to have nephrotic syndrome and because of her age, a renal biopsy was required to make the diagnosis and to direct subsequent treatment plans. She was diagnosed with C3 glomerulopathy, which is the result of dysregulation and uncontrolled activation of the alternative complement pathway; new therapies are emerging for this disease. In this case, we review the diagnosis and initial assessment of hypertension in the pediatric patient, and the causes of nephrotic syndrome with a focus on C3 glomerulopathy.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2015;44(3):e58–e61.]
A 15-Year-Old Boy with Abdominal Pain, Growth Retardation, and Anemia Secondary to
Helicobacter pylori–
associated Peptic Ulcer
Authors: Andrianov Melissa , Rivera Edgardo , Azzam Ruba
Published: March 2015

A 15-year-old boy with abdominal pain, growth retardation, and symptomatic anemia requiring blood transfusion was seen by a gastroenterologist and found to have a large ulcerated, fungating, and actively bleeding mass in his stomach. Initially, the patient was screened for
Helicobacter pylori
and found to be negative, so there was concern for malignancy after multiple endoscopic procedures. The patient did not respond to initial ulcer treatment and immediately prior to scheduled partial gastrectomy, additional tissue sections from the initial biopsy were stained for
H. pylori
and rare positive staining organisms were found. The test was positive, and the patient was started empirically on treatment to which he responded and ultimately recovered fully. Gastrectomy was not performed, and following treatment, the ulcer, anemia, and poor growth resolved.

[Pediatr Ann
. 2015;44(3):e67–e70.]
Sowing the Seeds for Ethical Business Leadership through Business Education
Authors: de Burgh-Woodman Hélène , Saha Amitav , Somasundram Kimera , Torrisi Angela
Published: March 2015

In an era that has seen events involving ethical misconduct by prominent business leaders, there is renewed attention around the issue of how and where business leaders acquire their ethical orientation. In this chapter, the authors argue that business education is an influential foundation upon which an ethical orientation is developed and offers an opportunity to be a primary focus for responding to the pressing need for strong ethical leadership in business. The chapter extends existing research in business ethics to present the novel possibility of situating ethics alongside technical competencies since this will assist in the training of business leaders who are needed equipped or armed with their skills, including those soft skills, to meet contemporary business challenges.
Value-Oriented Specification of Service Systems
Authors: Pombinho João , Aveiro David , Tribolet José
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we analyze relevant state of the art in the areas of Service Science, Business Modeling and Enterprise Engineering in specifying service systems. The main shortcoming identified essentially resides in the lack of capability to model the purpose and value of a given service system in a structured way to guide current and future development efforts. In order to address these issues, our research focuses on modeling enterprises as service systems along three perspectives, namely: construction, function and contribution to differentiate and integrate their teleological and ontological models. With the proposed approach, we are able to clearly specify how each component of an enterprise system provides a service – thus value – to other components of the same system or of the environment along different, possibly intertwining and overlapped value chains.
Corruption, Economic Development, and Insecurity in Colombia
Authors: Poveda Alexander Cotte
Published: March 2015

This research evaluates the connection between corruption, economic development, and insecurity in several Colombian departments. This chapter explores the dynamics of these variables using two empirical techniques: the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the Dynamic Panel Data Model (DPDM). DEA is performed to evaluate social performance in terms of corruption, economic development, and insecurity in Colombian departments with a higher level and risk of corruption and insecurity. Dynamic panel data analysis is performed to define the variables that affect corruption, insecurity, and economic development. The DEA model provides evidence that corruption and insecurity have different trends where economic development, natural resources, and political instability are key factors. The dynamic panel data model applied shows that Colombian departments with a higher level and risk of corruption and insecurity have lower economic growth, development, and social conditions, but higher levels of mineral resources and illegal drug activity, as well as the presence of irregular armed groups.
Integrating Ethics into Management
Authors: Tukel Irem , Celikdemir Deniz Zaptcioglu
Published: March 2015

Ethics is the science of morals dealing with human morality revealed in the human character and conduct. In general, ethics shows a corporation how to behave properly in all their businesses and operations. In business, ethical behavior means feeling responsible, being honest and confident towards your clients, employees, and stakeholders. On the other hand, when a company does not respect ethical criteria and fails to improve them, this will disrupt its integrity and unity and lead to internal or external conflicts. The rules of behavior are set by the government and society in the public area whereas the rules of behavior are set by employers in the workplace. The corporate world has always had some rules, norms, and standards in doing business. In this chapter, the authors show the impact of ethics in the field of management.
Research of Strategic Global Development Trends and Competitiveness in the World Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Kesic Dragan
Published: March 2015

In this chapter, the authors analyze strategic global development trends and competitiveness in the world pharmaceutical industry. They find some most significant characteristics of the world pharmaceutical industry, which greatly influence the global development in this “high-tech” industrial sector. The global pharmaceutical industry has been consolidating over the past 30 years. According to the research, the main strategic reasons for the intensive consolidation processes in the world pharmaceutical industry include the following: lack of new products to drive sales growth, huge investments needed for R&D activities to develop new products, fast globalization processes of the global economy, global marketing and sales activities that need large investments, and changed structure of competitors created by M&A strategies and consolidation processes. The concentration process, which is still going on, has created many new phramaceutical players; however, some previously well-known pharmaceutical firms have disappeared from the global marketplace.
Foreign Land Acquisitions, Corruption, and Sustainable Livelihood in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Conable James E.
Published: March 2015

This chapter investigates the link between foreign land acquisitions and corruption and its implications for sustainable livelihoods in two countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Mozambique and Tanzania. The leading question is, Does foreign land acquisition provide support for sustainable livelihoods or threaten it and why? The findings reveal that foreign land acquisition provides the prospect to build the capacity necessary for the development of Mozambique and Tanzania, but the local communities that host biofuel industries are being exploited and their livelihoods threatened due their marginalization in the land transactions. At a glance, it appears as if land deals are transparent, communities, governments, and foreign investors reach a negotiated settlement that benefits all sides, but land deals are being facilitated by power dynamics, corruption, community cohesion, and promises without fulfillment. Therefore, given local communities equal opportunity to influence land deals will create the environment necessary for cooperation, fulfillment of promises, national development, and improve livelihood opportunities.
Ethics in Higher Education
Authors: Nair Suja R.
Published: March 2015

Institutions of higher education have a major role to play in preparing the younger generation for a propitious future. Apart from imparting quality education, they need to instill high ethical values and practices amongst the student fraternity. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the various facets of education and the role of ethics in the field of higher education. An attempt has been made to emphasize and highlight the perspective on the importance of ethics in higher education through a review of literature. A small primary study was also conducted involving the faculty of a few universities in India as respondents. The respondents were administered a questionnaire on “Ethics in Higher Education” to gauge a link between the theory and practice.
Primary causality: In defence of the metaphysical rationality of faith in God as Creator
Authors: Scott Callum D.
Published: March 2015

Support has been lent to contemporary �New Atheism� from physicalist interpretations of �hard� science. From this perspective, any system of knowledge that does not rely solely upon empirical method is deemed meaningless in comparison to observationally-grounded empirical science. Consequently, as a non-empirically-based approach, faith positions are included in the critique offered by physicalists. The impetus for this article, then, is to establish physicalism as a reductionist epistemology that is partially comprised of � seemingly inconspicuously embedded � metaphysical assumptions. With metaphysics apparent in �hard� science, it is argued from a Thomist perspective that metaphysical themes of primary causality must be realistically considered to account for being. As a logical outcome, the proposal is made that metaphysical primary causality directs to the reasonable suggestion that God creates.�Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article specifically challenges the currently trendy �New Atheist� school of thought, resting upon the counter-argument offered that �hard� science cannot ultimately account for the emergence or continued existence of being. Utilising Aquinas, the research calls for a re-embracement of unified, as opposed to limited, systems of knowledge.
Associations between Physical Activity and Metabolic Syndrome: Comparison between Self-Report and Accelerometry
Authors: Tucker Jared M. , Welk Gregory J. , Beyler Nicholas K. , Kim Youngwon
Published: March 2015

Purpose.

To assess the relationship between self-reported and objectively measured physical activity (PA) and metabolic syndrome and its risk factors in U.S. adults.

Design.

A cross-sectional design was used for this study.

Setting.

The study was set among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults.

Subjects.

Adults, ages 20 years and older, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2006 (n = 5580) participated in the study.

Measures.

PA measures included minutes per week of moderate plus vigorous PA estimated by self-report (MVPAsr), total 7-day accelerometry (MVPAa), and accelerometer-based MVPA performed in 10-minute bouts (MVPAb). Risk factors for metabolic syndrome included blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and waist circumference.

Analysis.

Odds ratios (ORs) for having metabolic syndrome were calculated for men and women who met the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans compared to those who did not.

Results.

Women who did not meet the PA guidelines had significantly greater odds of having metabolic syndrome according to MVPAsr (OR = 2.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.65–2.94), MVPAa (OR = 4.40; 95% CI= 2.65–7.31), and MVPAb (OR= 2.91; 95% CI= 1.42–5.96). Men had significantly higher odds of having metabolic syndrome according to MVPAa (OR = 2.57; 95% CI= 1.91–3.45) and MVPAb (OR = 2.83; 95% CI = 1.55–5.17), but not MVPAsr. These ORs remained significant after adjusting for all potential confounders except body mass index, after which only MVPAsr in women and MVPAb in men remained significant.

Conclusion.

Individuals who do not meet the PA guidelines exhibited greater odds of having metabolic syndrome. This relationship tended to be stronger for objective PA measures than for self-report.
Usage and Understanding of Serving Size Information on Food Labels in the United States
Authors: Zhang Yuanting , Kantor Mark A. , Juan WenYen
Published: March 2015

Purpose.

To investigate consumer understanding and usage of serving size (SS) information on Nutrition Facts (NF) labels.

Design.

We analyzed three data sources: (1) U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Health and Diet Survey (HDS) 1994 (n = 1945), 1995 (n = 1001), and 2008 (n = 2584); (2) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2006 and 2007–2008 (n = 10,750); and (3) 2011 FDA Nutrition Facts Label Experimental Study (NFLES) (n = 9493). Data from FDA are cross-sectional and we focused on usage and meaning of SS.

Setting.

United States.

Subjects.

Adults (18+ years).

Measures.

Both HDS and NHANES addressed how often participants used SS information and HDS also asked how SS is determined. Both NHANES and NFLES contained similar questions on the meaning of SS but NFLES also included an open-ended response option.

Analysis.

We included both quantitative and qualitative measures. Questions were analyzed by demographic variables and body mass index with frequencies, cross-tabulations, and χ2 statistics reported.

Results.

HDS showed that the percentage of consumers who used SS information often or sometimes increased from 54% in 1994 to 64% in 2008. NHANES and NFLES data indicated that a majority of respondents had misinterpreted the meaning of SS. Women and obese individuals were more likely to use SS often or sometimes, but were also more likely to misinterpret the meaning of SS. A small subsample of NFLES participants expressed a distrust of the SS information.

Conclusion.

There is a widespread misunderstanding about SS, suggesting the need for clearer NF labels or enhanced education efforts.
Sovereign Credit Ratings and the Transnationalization of Finance – Evidence from a Gravity Model of Portfolio Investment
Authors: Körner Finn Marten , Trautwein Hans-Michael
Published: March 2015

It is a matter of debate in how far credit ratings contribute to allocative efficiency or to excessive volatility of asset prices and cross-border capital flows. Yet it is generally taken for granted that ratings play a significant role in the transnationalization of financial relations. This paper tests that hypothesis with data on sovereign credit ratings and foreign portfolio investment. A rating-related gravity model of finance is derived from the choicetheoretical framework of Okawa and van Wincoop (Gravity in International Finance, 2012) and estimated in three stages. At the first stage, the authors find that the introduction and evolution of sovereign ratings since the 1970s has affected inward portfolio investment in host countries. At the second stage, they examine to which extent sovereign ratings help to predict the degree of investors’ home bias, and whether they can account for the divergent dynamics before and after the global financial crisis. At the third stage, the authors look at the explanatory content of ratings for the determination of the size of bilateral portfolio investment. Evidence for a significant role of sovereign ratings is found at all three stages.
Atmospheric isoprene ozonolysis: impacts of stabilized Criegee intermediate reactions with SO2, H2O and dimethyl sulfide
Authors: Newland M. J. , Rickard A. R. , Vereecken L. , Muñoz A. , Ródenas M. , Bloss W. J.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Isoprene is the dominant global biogenic volatile organic compound (VOC) emission. Reactions of isoprene with ozone are known to form stabilised Criegee intermediates (SCIs), which have recently been shown to be potentially important oxidants for SO2 and NO2 in the atmosphere; however the significance of this chemistry for SO2 processing (affecting sulfate aerosol) and NO2 processing (affecting NOx levels) depends critically upon the fate of the SCI with respect to reaction with water and decomposition. Here, we have investigated the removal of SO2 in the presence of isoprene and ozone, as a function of humidity, under atmospheric boundary layer conditions. The SO2 removal displays a clear dependence on relative humidity, confirming a significant reaction for isoprene derived SCI with H2O. Under excess SO2 conditions, the total isoprene ozonolysis SCI yield was calculated to be 0.56 (±0.03). The observed SO2 removal kinetics are consistent with a relative rate constant, k(SCI + H2O)/k(SCI + SO2), of 5.4 (±0.8) × 10−5 for isoprene derived SCI. The relative rate constant for k(SCI decomposition)/k(SCI + SO2) is 8.4 (±5.0) × 1010 cm−3. Uncertainties are ±2σ and represent combined systematic and precision components. These kinetic parameters are based on the simplification that a single SCI species is formed in isoprene ozonolysis, an approximation which describes the results well across the full range of experimental conditions. Our data indicate that isoprene-derived SCIs are unlikely to make a substantial contribution to gas-phase SO2 oxidation in the troposphere. We also present results from an analogous set of experiments, which show a clear dependence of SO2 removal in the isoprene-ozone system as a function of dimethyl sulfide concentration. We propose that this behaviour arises from a rapid reaction between isoprene-derived SCI and DMS; the observed SO2 removal kinetics are consistent with a relative rate constant, k(SCI + DMS)/k(SCI + SO2), of 4.1 (±2.2). This result suggests that SCIs may contribute to the oxidation of DMS in the atmosphere and that this process could therefore influence new particle formation in regions impacted by emissions of unsaturated hydrocarbons and DMS.