bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spinal Morphine but not Ziconotide or Gabapentin Analgesia is Affected by Alternative Splicing of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel Cav2.2 Pre-mRNA
Authors: Jiang Yu-Qiu , Andrade Arturo , Lipscombe Diane
Published: December 2013

Presynaptic voltage-gated calcium Cav2.2 channels play a privileged role in spinal level sensitization following peripheral nerve injury. Direct and indirect inhibitors of Cav2.2 channel activity in spinal dorsal horn are analgesic in chronic pain states. Cav2.2 channels represent a family of splice isoforms that are expressed in different combinations according to cell-type. A pair of mutually exclusive exons in the Cav2.2 encoding Cacna1b gene, e37a and e37b, differentially influence morphine analgesia. In mice that lack exon e37a, which is enriched in nociceptors, the analgesic efficacy of intrathecal morphine against noxious thermal stimuli is reduced. Here we ask if sequences unique to e37a influence: the development of abnormal thermal and mechanical sensitivity associated with peripheral nerve injury; and the actions of two other classes of analgesics that owe part or all of their efficacy to Cav2.2 channel inhibition. We find that: i) the analgesic efficacy of morphine, but not ziconotide or gabapentin, is reduced in mice lacking e37a, ii) the induction and maintenance of behaviors associated with sensitization that accompany peripheral nerve injury, do not require e37a-specific sequence, iii) intrathecal morphine, but not ziconotide or gabapentin analgesia to thermal stimuli is significantly lower in wild-type mice after peripheral nerve injury, iv) the analgesic efficacy of ziconotide and gabapentin to mechanical stimuli is reduced following nerve injury, and iv) intrathecal morphine analgesia to thermal stimuli in mice lacking e37a is not further reduced by peripheral nerve injury. Our findings show that the analgesic action of morphine, but not ziconotide or gabapentin, to thermal stimuli is linked to which Cacna1b exon, e37a or e37b, is selected during alternative pre-mRNA splicing.
Prevalence of African swine fever virus in apparently healthy domestic pigs in Uganda
Authors: Atuhaire David Kalenzi , Afayoa Mathias , Ochwo Sylvester , Mwesigwa Savannah , Mwiine Frank Norbert , Okuni Julius Boniface , Olaho-Mukani William , Ojok Lonzy
Published: December 2013

Background

African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious viral disease which can cause up to 100% mortality among domestic pigs leading to serious socio-economic impact on people’s livelihoods. ASF is endemic in Uganda and there is paucity of information on the epidemiology of the disease. The major aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and prevalence of African swine fever virus (ASFV) in apparently healthy slaughter pigs at Wambizi slaughterhouse in Kampala city, Uganda. We also estimated the presence of ASFV antibodies and circulating viral antigens in pigs from selected districts of Uganda during targeted surveillance. We analysed 540 and 181 blood samples collected from slaughter pigs and pigs from targeted surveillance districts respectively.

Results

The prevalence of ASFV in slaughter pigs was 52.96% (95% CI, 48.75-57.14) and 11.5% (95% CI, 9.06-14.45) by ELISA and PCR respectively. In surveillance districts, the proportion of ASFV positive pigs was 53.59% (95% CI, 46.33-60.71) and 0.55% (95% CI, 0.1-3.06) by ELISA and PCR respectively.

Conclusion

The study has found out a high seroprevalence of ASFV antibodies in apparently healthy slaughter pigs and also a high proportion of ASFV antibody seropositive pigs in surveyed districts in Uganda indicating exposure to ASFV. However, there was a lower prevalence of ASFV infection implying that there could be low virulent strains of ASFV circulating in domestic pigs in Uganda which requires further investigation.
Systems biology approach to stage-wise characterization of epigenetic genes in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Pradhan Meeta P , Desai Akshay , Palakal Mathew J
Published: December 2013

Background

Epigenetics refers to the reversible functional modifications of the genome that do not correlate to changes in the DNA sequence. The aim of this study is to understand DNA methylation patterns across different stages of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Results

Our study identified 72, 93 and 170 significant DNA methylated genes in Stages I, II and III respectively. A set of common 34 significant DNA methylated genes located in the promoter section of the true CpG islands were found across stages, and these were:HOXgenes,FOXG1,GRIK3,HAND2,PRKCB, etc. Of the total significant DNA methylated genes, 65 correlated with transcription function. The epigenetic analysis identified the following novel genes across all stages:PTGDR,TLX3,and POU4F2. The stage-wise analysis observed the appearance ofNEUROG1gene in Stage I and its re-appearance in Stage III. The analysis showed similar epigenetic pattern across Stage I and Stage III. Pathway analysis revealed important signaling and metabolic pathways of LUAD to correlate with epigenetics. Epigenetic subnetwork analysis identified a set of seven conserved genes across all stages:UBC,KRAS,PIK3CA,PIK3R3,RAF1,BRAF,and RAP1A. A detailed literature analysis elucidated epigenetic genes likeFOXG1,HLA-G,and NKX6-2to be known as prognostic targets.

Conclusion

Integrating epigenetic information for genes with expression data can be useful for comprehending in-depth disease mechanism and for the ultimate goal of better target identification.
A pilot study to prevent a thin endometrium in patients undergoing clomiphene citrate treatment
Authors: Takasaki Akihisa , Tamura Hiroshi , Taketani Toshiaki , Shimamura Katsunori , Morioka Hitoshi , Sugino Norihiro
Published: December 2013

Abstracts

Background

Clomiphene citrate (CC) is most commonly used as a first-line treatment of infertility. However, a disturbance of endometrial growth by the adverse effects of the CC has been recognized. Since a thin endometrium is recognized as a critical factor of implantation failure, preventing CC-induced thinning of the endometrium is important. This study was undertaken to investigate whether the modified CC treatments are useful to prevent a thin endometrium in patients undergoing CC treatments.

Methods

This study is a prospective, randomized controlled study. The study was performed at the Saiseikai Shimonoseki General Hospital during a 4-month period (May 2012 to September 2012). Sixty-six infertile women who had a thin endometrium (< 8 mm) during the standard CC treatment (50 mg/day on days 5–9 of the menstrual cycle) were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into three groups: 22 patients were given 25 mg/day CC on days 5–9 (half-dose group), 22 patients were given 50 mg/day CC on days 1–5 (early administration group) and 22 patients received a standard CC treatment again (control group). Endometrial thickness at the induction of ovulation was assessed by ultrasonography. The primary endpoint of this study was an endometrial thickness.

Results

Half dose administration and early administration improved the endometrial thickness (≥ 8 mm) in 14 patients (70%) and in 19 patients (90%) respectively, while only 3 patients (15%) improved in endometrial thickness in the control group. The mean endometrial thickness was also significantly higher in the half dose group (8.6 ± 1.5 mm) and early administration group (9.4 ± 1.5 mm) compared to the control group (6.7 ± 1.8 mm). No side effect was observed in this study.

Conclusions

The modified treatment with a half-dose or early administration of CC significantly increased endometrial thickness in patients with a history of thin endometrium caused by the standard CC regimen. The modified CC treatments in this study can be beneficial for patients with a thin endometrium as a result of standard CC treatment.

Trial registration

Clinical Trial Registration Number: UMIN000007959.
Application of a score system to evaluate the risk of malnutrition in a multiple hospital setting
Authors: Spagnuolo Maria Immacolata , Liguoro Ilaria , Chiatto Fabrizia , Mambretti Daniela , Guarino Alfredo
Published: December 2013

Background

An increased but unpredictable risk of malnutrition is associated with hospitalization, especially in children with chronic diseases. We investigated the applicability of Screening Tool for Risk of Impaired Nutritional Status and Growth (STRONGkids), an instrument proposed to estimate the risk of malnutrition in hospitalized children. We also evaluated the role of age and co-morbidities as risk for malnutrition.

Methods

The STRONGkids consists of 4 items providing a score that classifies a patient in low, moderate, high risk for malnutrition. A prospective observational multi-centre study was performed in 12 Italian hospitals. Children 1–18 years consecutively admitted and otherwise unselected were enrolled. Their STRONGkids score was obtained and compared with the actual nutritional status expressed as BMI and Height for Age SD-score.

Results

Of 144 children (75 males, mean age 6.5 ± 4.5 years), 52 (36%) had an underlying chronic disease. According to STRONGkids, 46 (32%) children were at low risk, 76 (53%) at moderate risk and 22 (15%) at high risk for malnutrition. The latter had significantly lower Height for Age values (mean SD value -1.07 ± 2.08; p = 0.008) and BMI values (mean SD-values -0.79 ± 2.09; p = 0.0021) in comparison to other groups. However, only 29 children were actually malnourished.

Conclusions

The STRONGkids is easy to administer. It is highly sensitive but not specific. It may be used as a very preliminary screening tool to be integrated with other clinical data in order to reliably predict the risk of malnutrition.
Collagenase-3 (MMP-13) deficiency protects C57BL/6 mice from antibody-induced arthritis
Authors: Singh Anjana , Rajasekaran Narendiran , Hartenstein Bettina , Szabowski Sibylle , Gajda Mieczyslaw , Angel Peter , Bräuer Rolf , Illges Harald
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important in tissue remodelling. Here we investigate the role of collagenase-3 (MMP-13) in antibody-induced arthritis.

Methods

For this study we employed the K/BxN serum-induced arthritis model. Arthritis was induced in C57BL/6 wild type (WT) and MMP-13-deficient (MMP-13
–/–
) mice by intraperitoneal injection of 200 μl of K/BxN serum. Arthritis was assessed by measuring the ankle swelling. During the course of the experiments, mice were sacrificed every second day for histological examination of the ankle joints. Ankle sections were evaluated histologically for infiltration of inflammatory cells, pannus tissue formation and bone/cartilage destruction. Semi-quantitative PCR was used to determine MMP-13 expression levels in ankle joints of untreated and K/BxN serum-injected mice.

Results

This study shows that MMP-13 is a regulator of inflammation. We observed increased expression of MMP-13 in ankle joints of WT mice during K/BxN serum-induced arthritis and both K/BxN serum-treated WT and MMP-13
–/–
mice developed progressive arthritis with a similar onset. However, MMP-13
–/–
mice showed significantly reduced disease over the whole arthritic period. Ankle joints of WT mice showed severe joint destruction with extensive inflammation and erosion of cartilage and bone. In contrast, MMP-13
–/–
mice displayed significantly decreased severity of arthritis (50% to 60%) as analyzed by clinical and histological scoring methods.

Conclusions

MMP-13 deficiency acts to suppress the local inflammatory responses. Therefore, MMP-13 has a role in the pathogenesis of arthritis, suggesting MMP-13 is a potential therapeutic target.
Inhibition of the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha with etanercept provides protection against lethal H1N1 influenza infection in mice
Authors: Shi Xunlong , Zhou Wei , Huang Hai , Zhu Hongguang , Zhou Pei , Zhu Haiyan , Ju Dianwen
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Factors implicated in influenza-mediated morbidity and mortality include robust cytokine production (cytokine storm), excessive inflammatory infiltrates, and virus-induced tissue destruction. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is an important pro-inflammatory cytokine present during influenza infection, but it is unclear whether direct inhibition of TNF-α can elicit protection against influenza infection.

Methods

In this study, the commercially available TNF-α inhibitor etanercept was used to inhibit TNF-α induced by lethal A/FM/1/47 (H1N1) influenza virus infection of mice. The effects of TNF-α inhibition on mouse survival, pathologic changes, immune cell infiltration, inflammatory cytokine secretion, Toll-like receptor expression, and activation of the NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) signaling pathway were evaluated.

Results

The intranasal delivery of etanercept provided significant protection against mortality (30% of mice survived up to 14 days after infection) in mice treated with etanercept. In contrast, no survivors were found beyond 6 days in mice treated with saline after lethal challenge with H1N1 influenza virus. It was observed that etanercept significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration (for example, macrophages and neutrophils), inflammatory cytokine secretion (for example, interleukin-6, TNF-α, and interferon gamma), and expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR-3, TLR-4, and TLR-7). Etanercept also downregulated and inhibited the cascade proteins of the NF-κB signaling pathway (for example, MyD88, TRIF, NF-κB, and p65), as well as enhanced host control of virus replication.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that etanercept, by blocking TNF-α, can significantly downregulate excessive inflammatory immune responses and provide protection against lethal influenza infection, making its use a novel strategy for controlling severe influenza-induced viral pneumonia.
Proteomic risk markers for coronary heart disease and stroke: validation and mediation of randomized trial hormone therapy effects on these diseases
Authors: Prentice Ross L , Zhao Shanshan , Johnson Melissa , Aragaki Aaron , Hsia Judith , Jackson Rebecca D , Rossouw Jacques E , Manson JoAnn E , Hanash Samir M
Published: December 2013

Background

We previously reported mass spectrometry-based proteomic discovery research to identify novel plasma proteins related to the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, and to identify proteins with concentrations affected by the use of postmenopausal hormone therapy. Here we report CHD and stroke risk validation studies for highly ranked proteins, and consider the extent to which protein concentration changes relate to disease risk or provide an explanation for hormone therapy effects on these outcomes.

Methods

Five proteins potentially associated with CHD (beta-2 microglobulin (B2M), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1 (ORM1), thrombospondin-1(THBS1), complement factor D pre-protein (CFD), and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1)) and five potentially associated with stroke (B2M, IGFBP2, IGFBP4, IGFBP6, and hemopexin (HPX)) had high discovery phase significance level ranking and an available ELISA assay, and were included in case-control validation studies within the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) hormone therapy trials. Protein concentrations, at baseline and 1 year following randomization, were assessed for 358 CHD cases and 362 stroke cases, along with corresponding disease-free controls. Disease association, and mediation of estrogen-alone and estrogen plus progestin effects on CHD and stroke risk, were assessed using logistic regression.

Results

B2M, THBS1, and CFD were confirmed (P <0.05) as novel CHD risk markers, and B2M, IGFBP2, and IGFBP4 were confirmed as novel stroke disease risk markers, while the assay for HPX proved to be unreliable. The change from baseline to 1 year in B2M was associated (P <0.05) with subsequent stroke risk, and trended similarly with subsequent CHD risk. Change from baseline to 1 year in IGFBP1 was also associated with CHD risk, and this change provided evidence of hormone therapy effect mediation.

Conclusions

Plasma B2M is confirmed to be an informative risk marker for both CHD and stroke. The B2M increase experienced by women during the first year of hormone therapy trial participation conveys cardiovascular disease risk. The increase in IGFBP1 similarly conveys CHD risk, and the magnitude of the IGFBP1 increase following hormone therapy may be a mediator of hormone therapy effects. Plasma THBS1 and CFD are confirmed as CHD risk markers, and plasma IGFBP4 and IGFBP2 are confirmed as stroke risk markers.

Clinical trials registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00000611
Mass Spectrometric Detection of Alkanes Using NO+ Chemical Ionization in Proton-transfer-reaction Plus Switchable Reagent Ion Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Inomata Satoshi , Tanimoto Hiroshi , Yamada Hiroyuki
Published: December 2013

The detection properties of alkanes by proton-transfer-reaction plus switchable reagent ion mass spectrometry (PTR + SRI-MS) were investigated. Alkanes (RH) were commonly detected as R+ by PTR + SRI-MS using NO+ as the reagent ion, and detection sensitivities were comparable to those of aromatics observed by H3O+ ionization. It can be concluded that sensitive online measurement of multiple alkanes is possible by PTR + SRI-MS using NO+ as the reagent ion.
N-Aminomethylation vs. C-Aminomethylation of Indole and Pyrrole with an N,O-Acetal Controlled by the Hardness of a Counter Ion of an Iminium Compound
Authors: Sakai Norio , Okano Hidetoshi , Shimamura Kazuyori , Konakahara Takeo
Published: December 2013

Under relatively strong Lewis acidic conditions (a softer counter ion) using TMSOTf and TMSI, the aminomethylation of indole or pyrrole with a typical N,O-acetal preferentially produced the kinetically favored N-aminomethylated indole or pyrrole derivative. Use of a relatively weak Lewis acid (a harder counter ion), such as TMSCl and TMSBr, preferentially produced the thermodynamically favored C-aminomethylated indole and pyrrole derivative.
Risk Sharing and Transactions Costs: Evidence from Kenya's Mobile Money Revolution
Authors: Jack William , Suri Tavneet
Published: December 2013

We explore the impact of reduced transaction costs on risk sharing by estimating the effects of a mobile money innovation on consumption. In our panel sample, adoption of the innovation increased from 43 to 70 percent. We find that, while shocks reduce consumption by 7 percent for nonusers, the consumption of user households is unaffected. The mechanisms underlying these consumption effects are increases in remittances received and the diversity of senders. We report robustness checks supporting these results and use the four-fold expansion of the mobile money agent network as a source of exogenous variation in access to the innovation. (JEL E42, G22, O16, O17, Z13)
Term Premia and Inflation Uncertainty: Empirical Evidence from an International Panel Dataset: Comment
Authors: Bauer Michael D. , Rudebusch Glenn D. , Wu Jing Cynthia
Published: December 2013

Term premia implied by maximum likelihood estimates of affine term structure models are misleading because of small-sample bias. We show that accounting for this bias alters the conclusions about the trend, cycle, and macroeconomic determinants of the term premia estimated in Wright (2011). His term premium estimates are essentially acyclical, and often just parallel the secular trend in longterm interest rates. In contrast, bias-corrected term premia show pronounced countercyclical behavior, consistent with theoretical and empirical arguments about movements in risk premia. (JEL E31, E43, E52, G12, H63)
Term Premia and Inflation Uncertainty: Empirical Evidence from an International Panel Dataset: Reply
Authors: Wright Jonathan H.
Published: December 2013

Bauer, Rudebusch, and Wu (2014) advocate the use of bias-corrected estimates in their comment on Wright (2011). Econometric estimation of a macro-finance VAR provides quite imprecise estimates of future short-term interest rates. Nonetheless, comparison with survey responses indicates that the proposed bias-corrected point estimates are less plausible than their maximum-likelihood counterparts. (JEL E31, E43, E52, G12, H63)
Aligned Delegation
Authors: Frankel Alexander
Published: December 2013

A principal delegates multiple decisions to an agent, who has private information relevant to each decision. The principal is uncertain about the agent's preferences. I solve for max-min optimal mechanisms—those which maximize the principal's payoff against the worst case agent preference types. These mechanisms are characterized by a property I call “aligned delegation”: all agent types play identically, as if they shared the principal's preferences. Max-min optimal mechanisms may take the simple forms of ranking mechanisms, budgets, or sequential quotas. (JEL D44, D83, J16)
Immigration and the Diffusion of Technology: The Huguenot Diaspora in Prussia
Authors: Hornung Erik
Published: December 2013

This paper analyzes long-term effects of skilled-worker immigration on productivity for the Huguenot migration to Prussia. In 1685, religiously persecuted French Huguenots settled in Brandenburg-Prussia and compensated for population losses due to plagues during the Thirty Years’ War. We combine Huguenot immigration lists from 1700 with Prussian firm-level data on the value of inputs and outputs in 1802 in a unique database to analyze the effects of skilled immigration to places with underused economic potential. Exploiting this settlement pattern in an instrumental-variable approach, we find substantial long-term effects of Huguenot settlement on the productivity of textile manufactories. (JEL J24, J61, L67, N33, N63, O33, O47)
Quantifying the Contribution of Search to Wage Inequality
Authors: Tjaden Volker , Wellschmied Felix
Published: December 2013

We empirically establish that one-third of job transitions leads to wage losses. Using a quantitative on-the-job search model, we find that 60 percent of them are movements down the job ladder. Accounting for them, our baseline calibration matches the large residual wage inequality in US data while attributing only 13.7 percent of overall wage inequality to the presence of search frictions in the labor market. We can trace the difference between ours and previous much higher estimates to our explicit modeling of nonvalue improving job-to-job transitions. (JEL J24, J31, J64)
Neurocognitive endophenotypes in CGG KI and Fmr1 KO mouse models of Fragile X-Associated disorders: an analysis of the state of the field
Authors: Hunsaker Michael R.
Published: December 2013

It has become increasingly important that the field of behavioral genetics identifies not only the gross behavioral phenotypes associated with a given mutation, but also the behavioral endophenotypes that scale with the dosage of the particular mutation being studied. Over the past few years, studies evaluating the effects of the polymorphic CGG trinucleotide repeat on theFMR1gene underlying Fragile X-Associated Disorders have reported preliminary evidence for a behavioral endophenotype in human Fragile X Premutation carrier populations as well as the CGG knock-in (KI) mouse model. More recently, the behavioral experiments used to test the CGG KI mouse model have been extended to theFmr1knock-out (KO) mouse model. When combined, these data provide compelling evidence for a clear neurocognitive endophenotype in the mouse models of Fragile X-Associated Disorders such that behavioral deficits scale predictably with genetic dosage. Similarly, it appears that the CGG KI mouse effectively models the histopathology in Fragile X-Associated Disorders across CGG repeats well into the full mutation range, resulting in a reliable histopathological endophenotype. These endophenotypes may influence future research directions into treatment strategies for not only Fragile X Syndrome, but also the Fragile X Premutation and Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS).
Language Game as a Component of Language World Picture
Authors: Ефремова  , Efremova Ekaterina
Published: December 2013

The language game as a component of language world picture is considered in this paper. The spoken language’s significant change is arising in last decades, and because of it the language world picture is changing. One of the ways to change the language reality is the language game. The author specifies the definitions of language game, world picture and language world picture.
Research on Theoretical and Methodological Basis of Cross-Cultural Communication
Authors: Чертовских  , Chertovskikh Olga
Published: December 2013

The theoretical and methodological basis of cross-cultural communication in the modern world has been considered and investigated in this paper. The need of cross-cultural communication concept introduction in educational process on English has been revealed. Purposes and problems related to studying of cross-cultural communication in the modern globalized

society have been defined.

Cross-cultural communication (CCC) is the process of intercourse between

representatives of different peoples, e.g. different languages and cultures.

This kind of intercourse exactly can be called as cross-cultural dialogue.

The main objective of such dialogue is forming a bilingual personality. CCC assumes equal cultural interaction of representatives of various linguo-culture communities, taking into account their distinctive character and originality that results in need of universal identification on the basis of foreign-language and own cultures comparison.

In the course of analysis related to theoretical and methodological papers devoted to the problem of cross-cultural communication the main components of CCC course have been revealed.

The conducted research has confirmed the need of studying not only foreign languages, but also cultures of other people, their customs, traditions, standards of behavior. It is defined by that now the process of cultures consolidation has captured various spheres of all countries’ public life.
About Dialogical Interactions’ Intentionality Problem within Teaching and Educational Process at the Higher School
Authors: Зыбина  , Zybina Natalia
Published: December 2013

A need related to organization of dialogical interactions within educational

process at the higher school for achievement of personhood of students

as subjects of social and professional communication has been shown in

this paper. Intentionality concept provisions are considered as methodological justification of dialogue organization within teaching and educational

process. The attention to consideration of intensions influence to students’

communicative competence development and increase of pedagogical

communications efficiency has been paid. Some approaches related to

organization of dialogical interactions in the teaching and educational process, directed on formation of intentional communications and promoting

development of students’ communicative competence have been considered.
Specific Features of Symbolist Metaphor Communicative Function
Authors: Сергеев  , Sergeev Oleg
Published: December 2013

An overview related to opuses of Feodor Sologub, a symbolist writer, who is

very popular in Russia as well as over the world, is made in this paper. The

paper’s main task is a study of Christmas story specificity. Two histories of

two personages as parallel narrative structures are considered. A close-up

view of fable features related to Sologub´s prose are shown. In this story

reflections about Christmas miracle are combined with analysis related to

sincere and spiritual orders of central personages. The methodological connection between symbolism and classicism is established in this paper. This

feature of Russian symbolism is noted for the first time in literary criticism.

In the center of paper author’s attention is an originality of a symbolist meta-

phor which is considered not only as tracks but also as a communication

element between heroes of the story.
Problems of protection of participants in labor relations
Authors: Мазин  , Mazin Alyeksandr
Published: December 2013

All economic entities require protection. The problem of insufficient protection

of Russian employees and employers is particularly relevant. The employee is

protected from dismissal and bullying, first of all, by his/her usefulness to the

employer and competitiveness on the labour market. The security of the

employee is enhanced by such components of his human capital as education,

skill, work experience, reputation, potential of mobility, etc.

Formal institutions called to protect employees in Russia are not sufficiently

effective. Informal institutions (traditions, customs, habits), being deeply

authoritarian, suppose a high degree of personal dependence of the employee.

As a result, in the new private sector, especially in small business, the majority

of employees have almost no rights. The people working in the public sector

enjoy greater social protection, but less security against poverty. Particularly

poorly protected on the labour market are older people and disabled persons.

The employer also requires protection against bad workmen who can cheat him

at hiring and during work, abuse position, steal, blackmail, sell important

information to competitors. The risks of investing in the improvement of

employees’ professional skills is great. This article lists the factors allowing to

reduce the risk of good workers being enticed away by competitors. Some

conclusions are confirmed by the results of the sociological research conducted

by the author in 2003, 2010 and 2011.

The main reason for vulnerability of the subjects of labour relations, in addition

to their possible lack of competitiveness, lies in the shortcomings of the

institutional environment which governs these relations.
Analysis of the business climate in the modern Pakistan
Authors: Уэйт  , Waite Jason , Палей  , Pahl Kurt , Хеберт  , Hebert Celeste , Мехтабдин  , Mehtabdin Khalid , Кочиэн  , Kochian Andrew
Published: December 2013

The business climate which the organization faces is investigated, considering

possibility of business in modern Pakistan. The study includes risks and

opportunities found from both an economic, political, and cultural perspective.

Doing business in Pakistan has become a risky endeavour because of

environmental factors, which are due to the geopolitical situation around the

region. What we have discovered through our SWOT analysis is that Pakistan’s

business sector has many threats and opportunities, and the hostility in the

region is perhaps the greatest threat to both the country and its ability to

conduct business in a stable way. The hostile environment, coupled with

strained ties with America and other nations, such as India, will make business

in Pakistan a difficult ordeal. If Pakistan wants to create growth opportunities in

the business sector, it has to cease the support of terrorists, make peace with

India, and enhance their political standing as a democratic state to create

opportunities for entrepreneurs. Education has to be given the utmost priority in

order to create these entrepreneurs for the business sector.
Current approaches to the assessment of management in the organization
Authors: Кальянов  , Kalyanov Aleksandr , Лунёва  , Luneva Anna
Published: December 2013

It is proved that the economic activities of any organization is carried out in

a social environment, so managers, entrepreneurs need to evaluate the

usefulness of their actions, not only from the point of view of common sense,

and morality. In the modern organization management position undoubtedly

plays a crucial role in making decisions that have to be combined as commercial

(business) standards of conduct and ethics.
Evaluation Of Methods For Optimizing A Resource-Constrained Project. Part 2
Authors: �������  , Tsarkov Igor
Published: December 2013

Developing this subject, the author evaluates efficiency of various straight-through priority rules, used in constructive heuristic methods meant for reducing completion periods of projects with constrained renewable resources. Special attention is given to the so-called hybrid algorithms and dependence between efficiency of priority rules and network capacity. Efficiency of rules is analyzed based on sets of 480 PSPLIB projects: J30, J60, J90.
Adoption of Time-Saving Construction Methods and Emergence of Project Management in the USSR
Authors: �������  , Nechaeva Irina
Published: December 2013

Historical analysis of how time-saving construction methods have been adopted in the USSR starting from 1930-s is given. Major principles of time-saving construction and construction flow theory are considered. The presented material enables readers to capture specifics of project management emergence in Russia.
Change management: factors aff ecting the project success
Authors: ����������  , Bagrationi Konstantin
Published: December 2013

Interrelated factors that influence the success of a project are discussed as exemplified by business case-studies. Among other factors special attention is given to the specific works� quality control; contextual competences and trust-based relationships between managers and employees; team�s line-up against specifics of the organization undertaking changes. Importance of timely adapting to changes in the external environment is emphasized, and also of considering non-obvious purposes of resistance to changes, particularly such, as low-level incorporativity of social groups within organizations.
PRINCIPLES OF FORMATION OF THE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF GEOMETRICAL GRAPHICS PREPARATION
Authors: ���������  , Guznenkov Vladimir , ������  , Yakunin V.
Published: December 2013

Adoption of the federal state educational standards of higher education

of the third generation of implementing competence paradigm in education

is the basis for creating a new system of geometric-graphic preparation.

The formation of a geometric-graphic preparation. Geometric-graphic training

is defined as a basis for the study of general engineering and specialized disciplines.

Scientific knowledge of the theory of geometric modeling regulates

the organization and development of the full range of technical disciplines.

Considering the cycle of general engineering education from the standpoint

of integrity, it is necessary to determine the principles of geometric-graphic

knowledge as providing a basis for the development of the theoretical foundations

of general engineering and specialized disciplines. Pedagogical

principles - basic ideas, the observance of which helps to best achieve their

educational goals. Describes the general pedagogical principles of holistic

educational process: scientific, fundamental, linking theory with practice, systematic,

regularity and consistency, professional orientation, accessibility and

visibility. The implementation of these principles in their interaction reflects

the dialectics of the real process of geometric-graphic training objectives,

content, forms, and training tools. Compliance with these general pedagogical

principles for holistic educational process should improve the quality of

education even with reduced training hours for engineering disciplines.
DEGITAL RESOURCES IN TEACHING PRACTICE OF DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS� RESEARCH POTENTIAL
Authors: ���������  , Makotrova Galina
Published: December 2013

In this article the use of electronic resources in compliance with the didactic goals of developing research potential in high school students is represented. The implementation of these goals is aimed at achieving subjectivity and subjectness which represent the integral process of developing the personality in students. The idea of subjectivity is implemented when electronic resources enable the student to plan his or her own development in education connected with an informed choice and coordination of different offers of educational services to build his or her own educational programme. The idea of subjectness means that using the digital resources and technologies, the student acquires experience of intellectual self-organization which enables him or her to achieve a higher degree of proactiveness and independence. The research potential can be evaluated with the help of digital tools as follows: referring to the past � as a general resource of natural and acquired research aptitude which ensures their further development; referring to the present � as research aptitude which is in demand in definite cultural and creative circumstances; referring to the future as �proximal development zone�, as research aptitude which, for a number of reasons, has not been used and is expected to be developed in future in the course of cognitive activity. The author presents pedagogical characteristics of digital tools which are used to estimate the dynamics of the development of personal research aptitude from the point of view of culture genesis, as well as the manifestations of the emotional and cognitive components of cognitive activity and to ensure comprehension by high school students of their self-development in the process of gaining new knowledge.
First Record of Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) (Diptera, Calliphoridae) in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Ribeiro Antonia de Castro , Cardoso Debora , Lessa Cláudia Soares dos Santos , Moya-Borja Gonzalo Efrain , Aguiar Valéria Magalhães
Published: December 2013

The present note reports the first record of Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) in Southeastern Brazil, in the municipality of Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro. The collecting was conducted with Diptera traps using fresh fish as bait.

Primeiro Registro de Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) (Diptera, Calliphoridae) no Sudeste do Brasil

Resumo. A presente nota relata o primeiro registro da espécie Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart), no Sudeste do Brasil, no Município de Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro. As coletas foram realizadas com auxílio de armadilhas para dípteros e a isca utilizada foi peixe fresco.
Ecological Roles of Coleoptera Associated with Carcasses in Caatinga
Authors: Santos Wellington Emanuel dos , Alves Ana Claudia Firmino , Farias Rodrigo Cesar Azevedo Pereira , Creão-Duarte Antonio José
Published: December 2013

The ecological roles of Coleoptera fauna associated with pig carcasses exposed in a Caatinga area were examined. Tray, pitfall and modified Shannon traps were settled together to collect these insects during two seasons (dry and rainy). 4,851 beetles were collected, belonging to 19 families and 88 species. The most abundant ecological category was predator/parasite (72.7%), followed by omnivorous (15.1%), necrophagous (10.9%) and incidental (1.3%). Future researches on the biology of predator/parasite species are required to understand their possible forensic utility for postmortem interval estimate.

Papel Ecológico de Coleoptera Associados a Carcaças em Área de Caatinga

Resumo. O papel ecológico da coleopterofauna associada a carcaças de porcos em uma área de Caatinga foi examinado. Para captura desses insetos foram utilizadas armadilhas do tipo bandeja, pitfall e Shannon modificada, durante duas estações (seca e chuvosa). 4.851 coleópteros foram coletados, pertencentes a 19 famílias e 88 espécies. A categoria ecológica mais abundante foi predador/parasita (72,7%), seguida por onívoro (15,1%), necrófago (10,9%) e incidental (1,3%). Futuros estudos sobre biologia das espécies predadoras/parasitas são necessários para se determinar sua possível utilidade forense na estimativa do intervalo pós-morte.
Capões como Ilhas para Artrópodes no Pantanal
Authors: Aranda Rodrigo
Published: December 2013

A configuração do habitat é um dos fatores que pode influenciar a distribuição dos organismos. O pantanal por apresentar mosaico natural de formações se enquadra para testar tais afirmações. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar se a distância e o tamanho de capões afetam a composição da comunidade de artrópodes testando a hipótese de que quanto maior e mais próximo o capão da mata ciliar, maior sua diversidade. Foram amostradas seis parcelas de 30 cm² em nove capões onde a serrapilheira e o solo foram coletados, acondicionados em sacos plásticos e posteriormente triados. Houve relação entre a composição da comunidade de artrópodes em relação à distância e o tamanho indicando que o pulso de inundação do último ano afetou de forma significativa a comunidade de artrópodes de solo em capões. O acompanhamento dos processos de recolonização dos capões é sugerido.

Capons as Island for Arthropods in Pantanal

Abstract. The configuration of habitat is one of the factors that influence the distribution of organisms. The Pantanal by presenting mosaic natural formations fit to test such claims. The present study aimed to evaluate the distance and size of riparian capons affect the community composition of arthropods tested the hypothesis that the higher and closer to the capon of riparian vegetation, the greater its diversity. We sampled six plots of 30 cm² in nine capons where the leaf-litter and soil were collected, placed in plastic bags and later sorted. There was a relationship between the composition of arthropod community in relation to distance and size indicating that the flood pulse of the last year significantly affected the community of soil arthropods in geldings. The monitoring of the processes of recolonization of the capons is suggested.
Identificação e Catalogação de Borboletas (Lepidoptera: Hesperioidea e Papilionoidea) da Coleção Entomológica da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande
Authors: Dos Santos de Carvalho Ana Paula , Silva Gottschalk Marco , Barros de Morais Ana Beatriz
Published: December 2013

Apesar de o Rio Grande do Sul ser considerado um dos estados mais bem inventariados em relação a borboletas, ainda existem lacunas sobre o conhecimento da distribuição de suas espécies. Uma dessas lacunas se encontra na região do extremo sul do estado, onde a maioria dos inventários não especifica a localidade exata da coleta dos exemplares. Nesse sentido, foram identificadas e catalogadas as espécies de borboletas depositadas na Coleção Entomológica da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG. Os 146 exemplares de borboletas depositados na Coleção Entomológica da FURG estão distribuídos em 36 espécies pertencentes às famílias Hesperiidae, Papilionidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae e Nymphalidae. Nymphalidae foi a família mais rica e que apresentou o maior número de indivíduos, enquanto Lycaenidae apresentou a menor riqueza e menor número de exemplares. As espécies mais representadas na Coleção foram Heraclides thoas brasiliensis (Rothschild & Jordan), Agraulis vanillae maculosa (Stichel) e Danaus erippus (Cramer).

Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Hesperioidea and Papilionoidea) Identification and Cataloging from the Entomological Collection of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande

Abstract. Although Rio Grande do Sul State is considered one of the best inventoried States in relation to the butterflies, there are still gaps in the knowledge of their species distribution. One of these gaps is in the southern extreme of the State, where the majority of the inventories does not specify the exact location where the specimens were collected. Thus, the species of the butterflies deposited in the Entomological Collection of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG were identified and cataloged. The 146 butterfly specimens deposited in the Entomological Collection are distributed in 36 species belonging to the families Hesperiidae, Papilionidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae and Nymphalidae. Nymphalidae was the richest family and had the highest number of individuals, while Lycaenidae had the lowest richness and number of specimens. The most representative species in the Collection were Heraclides thoas brasiliensis (Rothschild & Jordan), Agraulis vanillae maculosa (Stichel) and Danaus erippus (Cramer).
More Police — Less Crime? The Relationship between Police Levels and Residential Burglary in Sweden
Authors: Lindström Peter
Published: December 2013

The number of police officers is generally a matter of great public and political concern. In the 2006 Swedish national election campaign, the opposition coalition promised that, if they were elected, they would increase police manpower by 15% by the year 2010. The coalition parties won and formed the new government; the promised increase in police numbers was subsequently achieved. The research question examined in this article is quite straightforward: would such an increase in the number of police officers have any impact on crime, in particular residential burglary? Police and crime data have been collected for the period 2001–12 from a random sample of 145 municipalities. Using a dynamic panel data analysis, a negative and statistically significant association between police levels and residential burglary is found. A 10% increase in police rate produces roughly a 2% decrease in burglary, controlling for the burglary rate in previous years and in adjacent municipalities, and also various social, economic and demographic characteristics. The results are in line with previous research findings, mainly from the US. In 2015, the Swedish police will be merged into a single national agency, the largest police reform in 50 years. The overall findings are discussed in relation to this reform.
A Novel Biometric System Based Hand Vein Recognition
Authors: Boukhris Trabelsi Randa , Damak Masmoudi Alima , Sellami Masmoudi Dorra
Published: December 2013

As a reliable and universal biometric characteristic, hand vein identification has attracted many interested researchers. The hand vein identification system exhibits several excellent advantages in the biometric domain because it meets the increasing demand of accuracy and robustness. In this paper, we propose a new biometric recognition system based on hand vein features. The detection and extraction of the region of interest is based on Voronoi Decomposition. Furthermore, contrast enhancement is based on the Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) technique. Starting with the basic Gaussian Matched Filter (GMF) and its variant, we propose a new technique called the Improved Gaussian Matched Filter method (IMPGMF) surmounting the false detection of hand vessels with the traditional GMF. Feature points are then detected based on ending and bifurcation structures in the image map obtained with the proposed IMPGMF method and taken as signature for our biometric system. Then, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) are used for the classification step. In the validation step, we used a 1500 hand vein image from the BOSPHORUS database. The Error Equal Rate is 0.01 % and the Area Under curve of the corresponding system is approximately 0.98, demonstrating a very high security level.
Does Pulmonary Artery Venting Decrease the Incidence of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation after Conventional Aortocoronary Bypass Surgery?
Authors: Gürer Onur , Haberal Ismail , Ozsoy Deniz , Cetin Gürkan
Published: December 2013

Objectives: In this study, we tested the hypothesis that
pulmonary artery venting would decrease the incidence of
atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery.
Methods: This prospective study included 301 patients
who underwent complete myocardial revascularization with
cardiopulmonary bypass in our department during a 2-year
period. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups:
group I included 151 patients who underwent aortic root
venting and group II included 150 patients who underwent
pulmonary arterial venting for decompression of the left
heart. Pre-, peri-, and postoperative risk factors for atrial
fibrillation were assessed in both groups.
Results: The mean age was similar in the 2 groups. The
mean number of anastomoses was significantly higher in
group I (2.8 ± 0.8) than in group II (2.4 ± 0.8) (P = 0.001).
The mean cross-clamp time was 42.7 ± 17.4 minutes in group
I and 54.1 ± 23.8 minutes in group II (P = 0.001). The mean
cardiopulmonary bypass time was 66.4 ± 46.1 minutes in
group I and 77.4 ± 28.6 minutes in group II (P = 0.08). The
incidence of atrial fibrillation was 14.5% (n = 21) in group I
and 6.5% (n = 10) in group II (P = 0.02). Multivariate regression
analysis showed that pulmonary artery venting decreased
the postoperative incidence of atrial fibrillation by 17.6%.
Conclusions: Pulmonary arterial venting may be used as
an alternative to aortic root venting during on-pump coronary
bypass surgery, especially in patients at high risk of postoperative
atrial fibrillation.