bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles assisted by the intracellular protein extract of Pycnoporus sanguineus and its catalysis in degradation of 4-nitroaniline
Authors: Shi Chaohong , Zhu Nengwu , Cao Yanlan , Wu Pingxiao
Published: March 2015

The development of green procedure for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has gained great interest in the field of nanotechnology. Biological synthetic routes are considered to be environmentally benign and cost-effective. In the present study, the feasibility of AuNPs’ synthesis via intracellular protein extract (IPE) of Pycnoporus sanguineus was explored. The characteristics of generated particles of formation, crystalline nature, and morphology and dimension were analyzed by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. UV-vis spectra exhibited strong absorption peaks in 520 to 560 nm, indicating the formation of AuNPs. XRD analysis revealed that the formed AuNPs were purely crystalline in nature. TEM observation showed that AuNPs with various shapes including spherical, pseudo-spherical, triangular, truncated triangular, pentagonal, and hexagonal, ranging from several to several hundred nanometers, were synthesized under different conditions. The average size of AuNPs decreased from 61.47 to 29.30 nm as the IPE addition increased from 10 to 80 mL. When the initial gold ion concentration changed from 0.5 to 2.0 mM, the average size rose from 25.88 to 51.99 nm. As in the case of solution pH, the average size was 84.29 nm with solution pH of 2.0, which diminished to 6.07 nm with solution pH of 12.0. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis implied that the functional groups including hydroxyl, amine, and carboxyl were involved in the reduction of gold ions and stabilization of AuNPs. The catalysis results showed that 0.019 mg of AuNPs with average size of 6.07 nm could catalyze the complete degradation of 12.5 μmol of 4-nitroaniline within 6 min and the degradation rate increased drastically with the addition of AuNPs. All the results suggested that the IPE of P. sanguineus could be potentially applied for the eco-friendly synthesis of AuNPs.
Disputing Lamarckian epigenetic inheritance in mammals
Authors: Whitelaw Emma
Published: March 2015

A recent study finds that changes to transcription and DNA methylation resulting from in utero exposure to environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals are not inherited across generations.
Defective structural RNA processing in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Spurlock Charles F , Tossberg John T , Guo Yan , Sriram Subramaniam , Crooke Philip S , Aune Thomas M
Published: March 2015

Background

Surveillance of integrity of the basic elements of the cell including DNA, RNA, and proteins is a critical element of cellular physiology. Mechanisms of surveillance of DNA and protein integrity are well understood. Surveillance of structural RNAs making up the vast majority of RNA in a cell is less well understood. Here, we sought to explore integrity of processing of structural RNAs in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and other inflammatory diseases.

Results

We employed mononuclear cells obtained from subjects with RRMS and cell lines. We used quantitative-PCR and whole genome RNA sequencing to define defects in structural RNA surveillance and siRNAs to deplete target proteins. We report profound defects in surveillance of structural RNAs in RRMS exemplified by elevated levels of poly(A) + Y1-RNA, poly(A) + 18S rRNA and 28S rRNAs, elevated levels of misprocessed 18S and 28S rRNAs and levels of the U-class of small nuclear RNAs. Multiple sclerosis is also associated with genome-wide defects in mRNA splicing. Ro60 and La proteins, which exist in ribonucleoprotein particles and play different roles in quality control of structural RNAs, are also deficient in RRMS. In cell lines, silencing of the genes encoding Ro60 and La proteins gives rise to these same defects in surveillance of structural RNAs.

Conclusions

Our results establish that profound defects in structural RNA surveillance exist in RRMS and establish a causal link between Ro60 and La proteins and integrity of structural RNAs.
Insulin initiation: bringing objectivity to choice
Authors: Kalra Sanjay , Gupta Yashdeep
Published: March 2015

The choice of initial insulin is often dictated by subjective criteria: the “severity” of diabetes, the ability of the person with diabetes to self inject, at specific times of the day, and the physician’s personal experience. No objective criteria have been evolved by any expert body so far to help guide clinicians make an appropriate, and accurate, choice of initiating insulin. Neither have large studies been able to shed light on the preferred type of insulin regime for a particular individual.

This communication suggests various objective parameters which may be used to inform this decision.
Archaeological and archaeometric study of the glass finds from the ancient harbour of Classe (Ravenna- Italy): new evidence
Authors: Maltoni Sarah , Chinni Tania , Vandini Mariangela , Cirelli Enrico , Silvestri Alberta , Molin Gianmario
Published: March 2015

Introduction

The present study focuses on Late-Roman/Early Medieval glass found in the productive area within the ancient harbour of Classe near Ravenna, one of the most important trade centres between the 5th and 8th centuries AD of the Northern Adriatic area. Aims of the study were the identification of the main glass compositions and their contextualisation in Late-Antique groups; the identification of provenance of raw glass, and, consequently, of commercial routes; the extent, if any, of recycling glass cullet, as an alternative to the import of fresh raw glass; the identification of possible connections between archaeological typology and glass chemical composition.

Results

32 glassworking wastes and 25 drinking vessel fragments for a total amount of 57 fragments were devoted to chemical analysis in XRF and EPMA. All the analysed fragments are silica-soda lime glasses, produced with natron as a flux, and are compositionally similar to Late-Antique groups HIMT, Série 3.2 and Levantine1. Raw glass chunks, glassworking wastes and objects of comparable compositions are identified into HIMT and Série 3.2 groups, while the Levantine 1 group includes only objects and glassworking wastes. Systematic comparisons between Classe and Aquileia, the two most important Late-Antique archaeological sites of North-Eastern Italy, were also carried out, and the same compositional groups were identified, although Série 3.2 in the Classe assemblage is more represented. Sr and Nd isotopic analysis confirmed that the composition of the three glasses derive from coastal sands of the Syro-Palestinian and Egyptian shore, with a slight shift in comparison to the published data. Little evidence of recycling was identified in the assemblage.

Conclusions

In the 5th century, a secondary glass workshop devoted to the shaping of glass vessels starting from raw glass chunks and, possibly, glass cullet, was active in the area of the harbour.

Raw glass of HIMT and Série 3.2 was imported from the Levant and Egypt. Comparisons between Classe and Aquileia show that during the Late Antiquity these sites seem to be supplied of raw glass by the same trade routes. In addition, some connections between types and chemical compositions were highlighted.
Poisson noise removal from high-resolution STEM images based on periodic block matching
Authors: Mevenkamp Niklas , Binev Peter , Dahmen Wolfgang , Voyles Paul M , Yankovich Andrew B , Berkels Benjamin
Published: March 2015

Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) provides sub-ångstrom, atomic resolution images of crystalline structures. However, in many applications, the ability to extract information such as atom positions, from such electron micrographs, is severely obstructed by low signal-to-noise ratios of the acquired images resulting from necessary limitations to the electron dose. We present a denoising strategy tailored to the special features of atomic-resolution electron micrographs of crystals limited by Poisson noise based on the block-matching and 3D-filtering (BM3D) algorithm by Dabov et al. We also present an economized block-matching strategy that exploits the periodic structure of the observed crystals. On simulated single-shot STEM images of inorganic materials, with incident electron doses below 4 C/cm 2, our new method achieves precisions of 7 to 15 pm and an increase in peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of 15 to 20 dB compared to noisy images and 2 to 4 dB compared to images denoised with the original BM3D.
Building Damage Assessment Using High-Resolution Satellite SAR Images of the 2010 Haiti Earthquake
Authors: Miura Hiroyuki , Midorikawa Saburoh , Matsuoka Masashi
Published: March 2015

Damage to individual buildings in an urban area of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, from the 2010 Haiti earthquake was assessed by means of high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) intensity images and ancillary building footprints. A comparison of pre- and post-event images and a building damage inventory showed that backscattering intensity between images was more significantly changed in collapsed buildings than in less damaged buildings. The linear discriminant function, based on the difference and correlation coefficient of the images was developed to detect collapsed buildings. The result showed that almost 75% of the buildings were correctly detected by discriminant analysis. An accuracy assessment revealed the difficulty of detecting small and congested buildings because the number of image pixels was too small and the buildings were obscured by neighboring buildings and other features in the images.
Predictive Equations to Quantify the Impact of Spectral Matching on Ground Motion Characteristics
Authors: Carlson Clinton , Zekkos Dimitrios , Athanasopoulos-Zekkos Adda
Published: March 2015

Spectral matching, the process of modifying a seed acceleration time history in intensity and frequency content until its acceleration response spectrum matches a target spectrum, is used extensively in practice. Predictive equations that quantify the impact of spectral matching on the peak ground velocity, peak ground displacement, Arias intensity, and cumulative absolute velocity of a scaled seed time history have been developed and validated on the basis of thousands of matched motions, three different earthquake scenarios, and numerous target spectra. It is found that spectral mismatch is the most critical factor affecting the changes in ground motion characteristics. The technique used for modification (e.g., time domain or frequency domain) is in many cases not critical. Based on the results, recommendations in order to minimize the impact of matching on the ground motion characteristics are provided.
p53 enables metabolic fitness and self-renewal of nephron progenitor cells
Authors: Li Yuwen , Liu Jiao , Li Wencheng , Brown Aaron , Baddoo Melody , Li Marilyn , Carroll Thomas , Oxburgh Leif , Feng Yumei , Saifudeen Zubaida
Published: March 2015

Contrary to its classic role in restraining cell proliferation, we demonstrate here a divergent function of p53 in the maintenance of self-renewal of the nephron progenitor pool in the embryonic mouse kidney. Nephron endowment is regulated by progenitor availability and differentiation potential. Conditional deletion of p53 in nephron progenitor cells (Six2Cre+;p53fl/fl) induces progressive depletion of Cited1+/Six2+ self-renewing progenitors and loss of cap mesenchyme (CM) integrity. The Six2(p53-null) CM is disorganized, with interspersed stromal cells and an absence of a distinct CM-epithelia and CM-stroma interface. Impaired cell adhesion and epithelialization are indicated by decreased E-cadherin and NCAM expression and by ineffective differentiation in response to Wnt induction. The Six2Cre+;p53fl/fl cap has 30% fewer Six2(GFP+) cells. Apoptotic index is unchanged, whereas proliferation index is significantly reduced in accordance with cell cycle analysis showing disproportionately fewer Six2Cre+;p53fl/fl cells in the S and G2/M phases compared with Six2Cre+;p53+/+ cells. Mutant kidneys are hypoplastic with fewer generations of nascent nephrons. A significant increase in mean arterial pressure is observed in early adulthood in both germline and conditional Six2(p53-null) mice, linking p53-mediated defects in kidney development to hypertension. RNA-Seq analyses of FACS-isolated wild-type and Six2(GFP+) CM cells revealed that the top downregulated genes in Six2Cre+;p53fl/fl CM belong to glucose metabolism and adhesion and/or migration pathways. Mutant cells exhibit a ∼50% decrease in ATP levels and a 30% decrease in levels of reactive oxygen species, indicating energy metabolism dysfunction. In summary, our data indicate a novel role for p53 in enabling the metabolic fitness and self-renewal of nephron progenitors.
Positional information and reaction-diffusion: two big ideas in developmental biology combine
Authors: Green Jeremy B. A. , Sharpe James
Published: March 2015

One of the most fundamental questions in biology is that of biological pattern: how do the structures and shapes of organisms arise? Undoubtedly, the two most influential ideas in this area are those of Alan Turing's ‘reaction-diffusion’ and Lewis Wolpert's ‘positional information’. Much has been written about these two concepts but some confusion still remains, in particular about the relationship between them. Here, we address this relationship and propose a scheme of three distinct ways in which these two ideas work together to shape biological form.
Genome-wide characterisation of Foxa1 binding sites reveals several mechanisms for regulating neuronal differentiation in midbrain dopamine cells
Authors: Metzakopian Emmanouil , Bouhali Kamal , Alvarez-Saavedra Matías , Whitsett Jeffrey A. , Picketts David J. , Ang Siew-Lan
Published: March 2015

Midbrain dopamine neuronal progenitors develop into heterogeneous subgroups of neurons, such as substantia nigra pars compacta, ventral tegmental area and retrorubal field, that regulate motor control, motivated and addictive behaviours. The development of midbrain dopamine neurons has been extensively studied, and these studies indicate that complex cross-regulatory interactions between extrinsic and intrinsic molecules regulate a precise temporal and spatial programme of neurogenesis in midbrain dopamine progenitors. To elucidate direct molecular interactions between multiple regulatory factors during neuronal differentiation in mice, we characterised genome-wide binding sites of the forkhead/winged helix transcription factor Foxa1, which functions redundantly with Foxa2 to regulate the differentiation of mDA neurons. Interestingly, our studies identified a rostral brain floor plate Neurog2 enhancer that requires direct input from Otx2, Foxa1, Foxa2 and an E-box transcription factor for its transcriptional activity. Furthermore, the chromatin remodelling factor Smarca1 was shown to function downstream of Foxa1 and Foxa2 to regulate differentiation from immature to mature midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Our genome-wide Foxa1-bound cis-regulatory sequences from ChIP-Seq and Foxa1/2 candidate target genes from RNA-Seq analyses of embryonic midbrain dopamine cells also provide an excellent resource for probing mechanistic insights into gene regulatory networks involved in the differentiation of midbrain dopamine neurons.
Promoção da Saúde na Escola: história e perspectivas
Authors: Graciano Andréa Monteiro de Castro , Cardoso Natália Mendes Matos , Mattos Flávio Freitas , Gomes Viviane Elisângela , Borges-Oliveira Ana Cristina
Published: March 2015

Introdução: A promoção da saúde nas escolas envolve a educação em saúde, a criação de entornos saudáveis e a provisão de serviços de saúde. Este estudo objetivou realizar uma revisão crítica da literatura sobre a promoção da saúde nas escolas. Metodologia: Os critérios prévios de inclusão foram: artigos que relacionavam saúde escolar e promoção da saúde, sem limite temporal de publicação. Foram realizadas buscas eletrônicas nas principais bases de dados, entre janeiro e março de 2014. Foram utilizadas as seguintes palavras-chave e conjunto de palavras: promoção da saúde, saúde escolar, health promotion e school health [termo MeSH e termo palavra]. Também foram pesquisados estudos que preencheram os critérios de inclusão originados da lista de referências dos artigos selecionados. Revisão de literatura / Discussão: A saúde escolar avançou em sintonia com o conhecimento técnico-científico e com o desenvolvimento sócio-político, superando, de forma gradativa, o paradigma biomédico para a concepção da iniciativa das Escolas Promotoras de Saúde. No Brasil, foi instituído um novo programa para a saúde do escolar denominado Programa Saúde na Escola (PSE). O PSE se identifica como uma estratégia para a integração e articulação permanente entre as políticas e ações de educação e saúde. Considerações finais: Uma escola promotora de saúde caracteriza-se como uma escola que busca um estilo de vida, aprendizagem e trabalho que favoreça o desenvolvimento da saúde.
One year of interdisciplinary therapy decreases predictors and prevalence of sleep-breathing disorder in obese adolescents.
Authors: Corgosinho Flávia Campos , Dâmaso Ana Raimunda , Tufik Sergio , De Piano Aline , Sanches Priscila de Lima , Campos Raquel Munhoz da Silveira , Silva Patrícia Leão , Carnier June , Tock Lian , Andersen Monica Levy , Moreira Gustavo Antônio , Pradella-Hallinan Marcia , Oyama Lila Missae , De Mello Marco Túlio
Published: March 2015

Obesity is considered a chronic sub-inflammatory disease, being a risk factor for many diseases such as Sleep-Breathing Disorder (SBD). Although, the interaction between obesity and sleep has been explored lately, not much is known in the adolescent population. Thus the aims of this study were threefold: first, to determine the prevalence of SBD in a sample of Brazilians’ obese adolescents; second, to assess the effect of weight loss therapy on sleep, metabolic and inflammatory parameters; third, to compare sex-differences between the adolescents. A total of 55 obese adolescents were submitted to one year of interdisciplinary weight loss therapy. Sleep, anthropometric, metabolic and inflammatory profiles were evaluated at baseline and after one year of therapy. At the beginning of the treatment, 21.9% of the obese adolescents presented SBD, whereas only 8.9% did so after intervention. The weight loss therapy was able to improve significantly the metabolic, inflammatory markers, and sleep pattern in both genders. Negative correlation was found between leptin and REM sleep, but only in boys. Positive correlations were found between body fat (kg) with respiratory events (r=0.48) and the respiratory disturbance index (r=0.49). Boys presented significant higher prevalence of sleep-breathing disorders. Our results support the importance of an early intervention as a strategy to prevent and control obesity and its comorbities, showing a decrease in SBD, visceral adiposity and other parameters.
Primeiro registro de Lutzomyia (Psychodopigus) ayrozai (Barreto & Coutinho, 1940) (Díptera: Psychodidae: Flebotominae) no Estado do Ceará.
Authors: Cavalcante Robson da Costa , Do Nascimento Francisco Costa , Furtado Francisco Hélio Sampaio , Rolim Benedito Neilson , Cunha Jane Cris de Lima , Gomes Vivian da Silva , Da Silva Otamires Alves , Oliveira Maria Fátima Ferreira de
Published: March 2015

Introdução: Os flebotomíneos têm grande importância epidemiológica em virtude de algumas espécies serem incriminadas na transmissão de agentes causais das leishmanioses, bartoneloses e arboviroses. O reconhecimento da fauna microrregional desses agentes, de seus hábitos e potencial vetor é indispensável para a formulação de propostas de controle da transmissão dessas patologias. Durante o período de agosto de 2010 a julho de 2011 foi realizado um estudo sobre a composição da fauna desses vetores em Guaramiranga, município situado na região da serra no maciço de Baturité. As capturas foram realizadas em ambientes domiciliar (dentro de quarto), peridomiciliar (abrigo de animais) e silvestre (área de mata, caverna; base e na copa das árvores), utilizando-se armadilhas luminosas do tipo CDC. No período de12 meses, foram capturados 6.402 espécimes de ﬂebotomíneos, dos quais, 3.165 machos (49,44%) e 3.237 fêmeas (50,56%), distribuídos em 17 espécies pertencentes ao gênero Lutzomyia e uma espécie pertencente ao gênero Brumptomyia. Conclusão: Os resultados encontrados evidenciaram uma fauna ﬂebotomínea diversiﬁcada e abundante. Destaca-se o primeiro registro de Lutzomyia ayrozai no Estado do Ceará.
Evaluation of repellents efficacy against Anopheles gambiae s.s.; an anthropophilic malaria vector
Authors: Katunzi Gerald , Munga Stephen , Nkwengulila Gamba , Kweka Eliningaya , Matias Jonathan R , Godfrey Gilbert M
Published: March 2015

Reduction of human-vector contact is of epidemiological importance in malaria control. Repellents can be used to complement the existing intervention tools against malaria vectors. Thus, evaluation of efficacy of additional mosquito repellents and /or attractants is of great significance for personal protection tools against malaria vectors. This study evaluated the repellence efficacy of menthol-propylene-glycol-carbonate (MR08) and Lemon grass (LG) against Anopheles gambiae. Experiments were performed in a room which was 7.8 meters by 3.9 meters in dimension. Three experimental set ups were performed, i) comparison of 10 hours worn sock and unworn sock;  ii) comparison of  10 hours worn sock treated with MR08 against worn sock alone, and iii) comparison of  10 hours worn sock treated with LG against worn sock alone. CDC miniature light traps were used to evaluate the recovery of released mosquitoes using both repellents and attractants. After initial trials, a concentration of 500 ppm was selected for all repellents. Among 1800 mosquitoes released into the experimental room, 1230 were recovered by CDC light traps while the remaining 570 were found within the experimental room. Among those collected by light traps, 1185 were collected by traps with worn sock alone. A worn sock treated with either MR08 or Lemon grass significantly repelled An.gambiae compared to worn sock alone. The findings of this study demonstrate that MR08 and lemon grass have inhibition efficiency against mosquito stings but further field evaluations are required for observed findings against wild populations of An.gambiae at lower Moshi using slow release method.
Part II: an evaluation of an integrated systems approach using diffusion-weighted, image-guided, exoscopic-assisted, transulcal radial corridors
Authors: Kassam Amin B. , Labib Mohamed A. , Bafaquh Mohammed , Ghinda Diana , Fukui Melanie B. , Nguyen Thanh , Corsten Martin
Published: March 2015

Background: Subcortical injury resulting from the surgical access and management of lesions in the sensorimotor area is associated with a high degree of cognitive and functional morbidity.

Methods: We used a systems approach integrating the six core competencies of the 6 Pillar approach: 1) image interpretation and trajectory planning; 2) dynamic navigation; 3) radial transulcal access and cannulation; 4) exoscopic high-definition optics; 5) resection with automated nonthermal mechanical instrumentation; and 6) regenerative medicine. We describe the application of the 6 Pillar approach to 13 consecutive patients with lesions in the sensorimotor area.

Results: Eight females and five males with lesions in the sensorimotor area were treated using the 6 Pillar approach. There were eight tumors, one abscess, and four primary intracranial hemorrhages. Fifteen procedures were performed. Postoperatively, seven patients improved neurologically (three tumors, one abscess, and three ICHs), five remained unchanged, and one patient died. There was no worsening of pre-existing deficits.

Conclusion: The integration of the 6 Pillar approach provides a safe and effective parafascicular minimally invasive corridor to subcortical lesions involving the sensorimotor area. Future studies will be needed to determine long-term efficacy, durability, and degree of resection within each category.
Are there anamnestic risk factors for iron deficiency in pregnancy? Results from a feasibility study
Authors: Kirschner Wolf , Dudenhausen Joachim W. , Henrich Wolfgang
Published: March 2015

The conditions of iron deficiency are highly incident in pregnancy with elevated risks for preterm birth and low birth weight. In our recent study, we found 6% of participants having anemia, whereas between 39% and 47% showed iron deficiency without anemia. In many countries in prenatal care solely hemoglobin (Hb) measurement is applied. For the gynecologists till date there is no indication to determine other markers (e.g., serum-ferritin). As iron deficiency results from an imbalance between intake and loss of iron, our aim was to find out if the risk of iron deficiency conditions can be estimated by a diet history protocol as well as questionnaires to find about iron loss. We found that the risk of having iron deficiency in upper gestational week (>=21) increased by a factor of five. Thus, additional diagnostics should be done in this group by now. Using the questionnaire as a screening instrument, we further estimated the probability of disease in terms of a positive likelihood ratio (LR+). The positive LR for the group below 21
Bound States of Spinless Particles in a Short-Range Potential
Authors: Hassanabadi Hassan , de Castro Antonio Soares
Published: March 2015

With a general mixing of vector and scalar couplings in a two-dimensional world, a short-range potential is used to explore certain features of the bound states of a spinless particle. Bound-state solutions are found in terms of the Gauss hypergeometric series when the potential parameters obey a certain constraint relation limiting the dosage of a vector coupling. The appearance of the Schiff–Snyder–Weinberg effect for a strong vector coupling and a short-range potential as well as its suppression by the addition of a scalar coupling is discussed.
Case Report of GNAS Epigenetic Defect Revealed by a Congenital Hypothyroidism
Authors: Romanet Pauline , Osei Lindsay , Netchine Irène , Pertuit Morgane , Enjalbert Alain , Reynaud Rachel , Barlier Anne
Published: March 2015

Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is a group of disorders characterized by end-organ resistance to the parathyroid hormone (PTH). PHP type 1A includes multihormone resistance syndrome, Albright’s hereditary osteodystrophy, and obesity and is caused by mutations in GNAS exon 1 through 13. PHP type 1B (PHP1B), caused by epigenetic changes in the GNAS locus, was initially described as an isolated resistance to PTH. Epigenetic changes in GNAS have also been reported in patients who display mild Albright’s hereditary osteodystrophy or mild thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) resistance without mutation of GNAS. Here we report a case of PHP caused by epigenetic changes in GNAS in a patient with congenital hypothyroidism. The patient was referred for a positive newborn screening for hypothyroidism (TSH 50 mIU/L). She exhibited severe clinical features of congenital hypothyroidism. The thyroid was in place, and etiologic explorations were negative. TSH was normalized under L-thyroxin, and the symptoms disappeared, except for a macroglossia. In childhood, PHP was suspected in addition to elevated PTH, obesity, brachydactyly, and a rounded face. Sequencing, methylation analysis, and large deletion research were performed in GNAS. No genetic mutations were found. Methylation analysis revealed a broad epigenetic defect without deletion in GNAS consistent with sporadic PHP1B. The multilocus methylation analysis were negative. This finding expands the known onsets of PHP1B and emphasizes the need for a new PHP classification system. This case report has important consequences for the etiologic diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism because it adds a new cause of the disease.
Pediatric Palliative Care and Inpatient Hospital Costs: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Smith Andrew G. , Andrews Seth , Bratton Susan L. , Sheetz Joan , Feudtner Chris , Zhong Wenjun , Maloney Christopher G.
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND:

Pediatric palliative care (PPC) improves the quality of life for children with life-limiting conditions, but the cost of care associated with PPC has not been quantified. This study examined the association between inpatient cost and receipt of PPC among high-cost inpatients.

METHODS:

The 10% most costly inpatients treated at a children’s hospital in 2010 were studied, and factors associated with receipt of PPC were determined. Among patients dying during 2010, we compared 2010 inpatient costs between PPC recipients and nonrecipients. Inpatient costs during the 2-year follow up period between PPC recipients and nonrecipients were also compared. Patients were analyzed in 2 groups: those who died and those who survived the 2-year follow-up.

RESULTS:

Of 902 patients, 86 (10%) received PPC. Technology dependence, older age, multiple chronic conditions, PICU admission, and death in 2010 were independently associated with receipt of PPC. PPC recipients had increased inpatient costs compared with nonrecipients during 2010. Among patients who died during the 2-year follow-up, PPC recipients had significantly lower inpatient costs. Among survivors, PPC recipients had greater inpatient costs. When controlling for patient complexity, differences in inpatient costs were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS:

The relationship of PPC to inpatient costs is complex. PPC seems to lower costs among patients approaching death. Patients selectively referred to PPC who survive most often do so with chronic serious illnesses that predispose them to remain lifelong high-resource utilizers.
New Pediatricians: First Jobs and Future Workplace Goals
Authors: Freed Gary L. , McGuinness Gail A. , Moran Lauren M. , Spera Laura , Althouse Linda A.
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Concern is often expressed about the satisfaction of new physicians and the potential match of their workplace goals with available positions. We studied the interface of desired professional activities with actual initial positions.

METHODS:

Survey study of all general pediatricians taking the 2012 General Pediatrics Certifying Examination.

RESULTS:

Of the 5210 who sat for the General Pediatrics Certifying Examination, 5163 (>99%) completed the survey. Of the total respondents, 45% self- identified as general pediatricians (N = 2327). Of those who completed training <2 years ago (N = 1365), most were currently engaged in clinical care (87%; N = 1190). The most important factor, cited most frequently by both men and women, in the choice of their first job was lifestyle and spousal or family considerations. Most (83%; N = 977) reported that the allocation of time for specific duties in their current position was consistent with their goals, with no differences between men and women. Most had no desire for inpatient activity.

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite concerns about young general pediatricians being able to find positions that meet their career goals, most were in jobs that approximated their desired allocation of professional time and focus of clinical work.
Congenital Left Paraduodenal Hernia Causing Chronic Abdominal Pain and Abdominal Catastrophe
Authors: Shi Yan , Felsted Amy E. , Masand Prakash M. , Mothner Brent A. , Nuchtern Jed G. , Rodriguez J. Ruben , Vasudevan Sanjeev A.
Published: March 2015

Paraduodenal hernias are the most common type of congenital internal hernia. Because of its overall rare incidence, this entity is often overlooked during initial assessment of the patient. Lack of specific diagnostic criteria also makes diagnosis exceedingly difficult, and the resulting diagnostic delays can lead to tragic outcomes for patients. Despite these perceived barriers to timely diagnosis, there may be specific radiographic findings that, when combined with the appropriate constellation of clinical symptoms, would aid in diagnosis. This patient first presented at 8 years of age with vague symptoms of postprandial emesis, chronic abdominal pain, nausea, and syncope. Over the span of 6 years he was evaluated 2 to 3 times a year with similar complaints, all of which quickly resolved spontaneously. He underwent multiple laboratory, imaging, and endoscopic studies, which were nondiagnostic. It was not until he developed signs of a high-grade obstruction and extremis that he was found to have a large left paraduodenal hernia that had volvulized around the superior mesenteric axis. This resulted in the loss of the entire superior mesenteric axis distribution of the small and large intestine and necrosis of the duodenum. In cases of chronic intermittent obstruction without clear etiology, careful attention and consideration should be given to the constellation of symptoms, imaging studies, and potential use of diagnostic laparoscopy. Increased vigilance by primary care and consulting physicians is necessary to detect this rare but readily correctable condition.
Órdenes locales y conflicto armado. Una metodología comparada
Authors: García Clara Inés , Guzmán Álvaro , Aramburo Clara Inés , Rodríguez Alba Nubia , Domínguez Juan Camilo
Published: March 2015

Hemos adelantado una investigación que se pregunta por cómo se reconfiguran los órdenes locales en los territorios de mayor confrontación armada en Colombia y por las posibles razones subyacentes a tal reconfiguración, entre 1991 y 2010. Este artículo presenta los marcos conceptuales y metodológicos construidos específicamente para realizar dicha investigación bajo los parámetros de una metodología comparativa. Presentamos entonces el problema y el enfoque de la investigación, la tipología propuesta para la comparación de los órdenes locales en medio del conflicto y el procedimiento utilizado para obtener posibles explicaciones acerca de las trayectorias locales en el marco de la tipología. Finalmente, se muestra los resultados comparados obtenidos a partir de esta metodología y las perspectivas que esta experiencia deja abierta para futuras investigaciones.
Acerca de la relación entre territorio, memoria y resistencia. Una reflexión conceptual derivada de la experiencia campesina en el Sumapaz
Authors: Silva Prada Diego Fernando
Published: March 2015

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo desplegar una significación profunda de los conceptos de territorio, memoria y resistencia en su dimensión relacional, a partir de la experiencia investigativa realizada en la región del Sumapaz. Se empieza por desarrollar la idea de territorio desde la contraposición del significado entre una acepción euclideana y formal del espacio y la concepción que la Geografía crítica ha explicitado en los últimos treinta años desde lo subjetivo, lo comunitario y lo político. Lo anterior llevará a mostrar la recurrencia de la organización campesina sumapaceña de este segundo significado del espacio como territorio construido socialmente. En un tercer momento se mostrará el ejercicio de memoria colectiva como un momento necesario para la consolidación de la resistencia campesina estudiada y para la reproducción histórica de la territorialidad.
Goles son amores… Un acercamiento al Programa Goles en Paz. De la seguridad a la integralidad (un vacío)
Authors: Gómez Eslava Germán Eliécer
Published: March 2015

Hace aproximadamente doce años se creó el programa “jugando limpio todos ganamos” que pretendía impulsar procesos de convivencia entre los crecientes grupos de barristas asistentes al Estadio Nemesio Camacho el Campín, con el fin de mitigar las situaciones de violencias generadas por estos grupos. Actualmente, el programa “Goles en Paz” se ha posicionado, como un programa con capacidad para minimizar tales hechos en el Estadio. No obstante, el fenómeno de las Barras se ha extendido a las localidades de Bogotá generando dinámicas de apropiación territoriales por parte de estos grupos que en ocasiones desembocan en violencia. Por lo anterior, el programa presenta un marcado énfasis desde el enfoque de la seguridad, lo que deja de lado componentes claves para dimensionar el fenómeno de las Barras, tales como la Juventud y la Crisis del sistema de valores, que pueden aportar desde otra perspectiva para su intervención. Este texto presentara fragmentos de la sistematización realizada en el año 2012 del programa Goles en Paz, en sus 12 años, con el fin de ilustrar al lector acerca del fenómeno de las Barras desde esta experiencia de programa institucional.
Entre valores cosmopolitas e intereses estratégicos: discursos liberales y realistas de la política de seguridad internacional de Canadá durante la posguerra fría
Authors: Rodríguez M. Federmán
Published: March 2015

El propósito del artículo consiste en explicar los discursos liberales y realistas que han sustentado la Política de Seguridad Internacional de Canadá (PSIC) durante la posguerra fría. En especial, se ofrecen evidencias orientadas a demostrar que los gobiernos canadienses se debaten inevitablemente entre valores cosmopolitas e intereses estratégicos, al formular sus respectivas políticas de seguridad internacional. Luego de considerar, en el seno de la literatura sobre la PSIC, cómo se han estudiado las orientaciones liberales y realistas de esta política, se explican los discursos liberales y realistas específicos que han configurado las políticas de seguridad internacional de los gobiernos de Jean Chrétien (1993-2003), Paul Martin (2003-2006) y Stephen Harper (2006). Como una consideración final, se pretende dilucidar el modo progresivo en el que los distintos gobiernos canadienses han venido adoptando los intereses y valores cosmopolitas de Estados Unidos en materia de seguridad internacional.
PACIFICACIÓN Y VIOLENCIA. EJES PARA UNA COMPARACIÓN COLOMBIA - BRASIL
Authors: Monroy Álvarez Silvia
Published: March 2015

A partir de la noción de "pacificación" como vehículo de comparación de dinámicas en Colombia y Brasil, observo algunos mecanismos del Estado como productor de peligros que estimulan la informalidad y la ilegalidad. Comparo, concretamente, la "pacificación de Urabá", en Colombia, y la "pacificación" por medio de las Unidades de Policía Pacificadora (UPPs) en Río de Janeiro. Algunos de los mecanismos a los que hago referencia en este artículo, que vislumbra una agenda de investigación para desarrollos futuros, son: la excepcionalidad como mecanismo que permite la activación del valor seguridad y su englobado, la inseguridad; la no diferenciación territorio/población vinculada a ciertas nociones de territorio y soberanía, y la privatización de la cara proveedora del Estado mediante prácticas de militarización.
INCENTIVOS PERVERSOS Y OPORTUNISMO ESTRATÉGICO: DINÁMICAS CRIMINALES DEL PROCESO DE JUSTICIA Y PAZ
Authors: Coronado Neira Juliana
Published: March 2015

El presente artículo realiza un análisis de la primera política pública que pretendió generar un marco normativo en materia de Justicia Transicional en el país: la ley 975 de 2005. Su propósito es analizar el comportamiento de actores principalmente influenciados por la misma (desmovilizados de las Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia-AUC), bajo las restricciones e incentivos creados por la ley. Se sugiere que dado este marco, se generaron incentivos perversos que terminaron llevando a nuevas dinámicas criminales basadas en el oportunismo estratégico, con consecuencias sociales desfavorables e incluso contrarias al propósito mismo de la ley, alejando a la sociedad colombiana de la posibilidad de un adecuado desarrollo de un proceso de Justicia Transicional.
LOS AUTOS DE SEGUIMIENTO DE LA CORTE CONSTITUCIONAL ¿LA CONSTITUCIÓN DE UN IMAGINARIO SIMBÓLICO DE JUSTICIA POR PARTE DE LA CORTE?
Authors: García Lozano Luisa Fernanda
Published: March 2015

El presente artículo pretende responder a la pregunta ¿Son los autos de seguimiento de la Corte Constitucional en el caso de Curvaradó y Jiguamiandó un imaginario simbólico?, para contestar a la pregunta el estudio se delimitó temporalmente hasta el año 2010, y se utilizó la metodología de Gilbert Durand y la sistematización de los autos. De esta forma, se comprobó como las sentencias que declaran estado de cosas inconstitucionales constituyen un símbolo social y la ineficacia de dichos autos les convierten en simbólicos, carentes de aplicabilidad para que estas comunidades retornen a sus tierras y superen la crisis humanitaria.
Enhancing time resolution by stabilized inverse filter and Q estimated on instantaneous spectra
Authors: Montes Luis Alfredo , Corrales Álvaro , Cabrera Francisco
Published: March 2015

Physical phenomena, such as attenuation of high frequency components and velocity dispersion, deteriorate seismic images. To enhance seismic resolution, Q filtering is usually applied, where the accurate estimation of Q is the core of this approach. The Matching Pursuit (MP) approach is an instantaneous spectral analysis method that overcomes windowing problems caused by decomposing a seismic trace, providing a frequency spectrum for each time sample of the trace. By changing variables, the spectra is transformed into a new domain where Q is accurately measured. This value is input to a stable inverse Q filter, which solely compensates for the amplitude without distorting the phase, and as a result, an improved time-resolution image is obtained. MP, windowed Fourier (WF), and Gabor transforms (GT) were tested on synthetic seismograms providing Q values that indicated the best performance of MP. Applied to a migrated offshore Colombian seismic line, the entire procedure coded in Matlab compensated for the energy losses and increased the S/N ratio. The trace-by-trace approach guarantees the reliability of the improvement in the continuity of seismic events and is applicable to pre-stack data as well.

 

Resumen

Los fenómenos físicos de atenuación de los componentes de alta frecuencia y dispersión por velocidad de fase deterioran la imagen sísmica. Para incrementar la resolución sísmica usualmente se aplican filtros Q inversos, por lo que la estimación precisa del factor de calidad Q es el problema central de este método. El “Matching Pursuit” (MP) es un método de análisis espectral instantáneo que supera los problemas generados al usar ventanas para descomponer una traza, generando un espectro de frecuencia por cada muestra de la traza. Mediante un cambio de variables el espectro se transforma a un nuevo dominio donde se estima Q con precisión. Éste valor se alimenta a un filtro Q inverso estabilizado, el cual compensa solamente la amplitud sin distorsionar la fase obteniendo como resultado se logra una imagen con mejor resolución. Los métodos de MP, transformada de Fourier con ventanas y transformada de Gabor se ensayaron con datos sintéticos suministrando valores de Q que señalaban el mejor desempeño de MP. El proceso completo fue codificado en Matlab y aplicado a una sección marina Colombiana migrada, compensando la perdida de energía e incrementando la relación señal/ruido. El enfoque de traza por traza garantiza la confianza en el realce de la continuidad de los eventos sísmicos, siendo aplicable a datos pre-apilados. 

 
Estimating shear wave velocity using acceleration data in Antakya (Turkey)
Authors: Buyuksarac Aydın , Over Semir , Genes Mehmet Cemal , Bikce Murat , Kacin Selcuk , Bektas Ozcan
Published: March 2015

This manuscript presents a site response analysis and an estimation of S-wave velocity that are dependent on acceleration data. First, existing data, such as density, seismic wave velocity, and soil cross-sections, are obtained from previous seismic microzonation studies and used to prepare input data for a suite of MATLAB routines, which are referred to as SUA software. Acceleration data are obtained from four free-field strong-motion stations of the SERAMAR project, which was conducted between 2006 and 2009 in conjunction with a Turkish-German joint research project, and inputted into the software as basic data. The results include a 1D velocity cross-section versus depth and an amplification model of the site. Three different depth levels can be determined for the ranges of 0-5 m, 5-15 m and 15-25 m. The seismic velocities vary between 380 and 470 m s-1 for the first 5 m; 320 and 480 m s-1 for 5-15 m; and 470 and 750 m s-1 for 15-25 m. These results are comparable with the amplification values from the microtremor data from previous studies. The 1D velocity models are appropriate for the soil conditions.

Resumen

Este trabajo presenta el análisis a una respuesta de sitio y una estimación de la velocidad de la onda de corte que son dependientes de la información de aceleración. Los datos adicionales como la densidad, la velocidad de onda sísmica y los cortes transversales de suelo, se obtuvieron de estudios previos de microzonificación sísmica y se utilizaron para preparar el registro de datos en una plataforma de rutinas MATLAB, que se refieren al software SUA. Los datos de información de la aceleración se tomaron de cuatro estaciones de monitoreo de movimientos fuertes a campo abierto del proyecto SERAMAR, que se realizó entre 2006 y 2009 en una investigación conjunta turco-alemana, y se ingresaron en el programa como la información básica. Los resultados incluyen una sección cruzada de velocidad 1D versus profundidad y el modelo amplificado del sitio. Se pudieron determinar tres niveles diferentes a partir de los rangos de 0-5 m, 5-15 m y 15-25 m. Las velocidades sísmicas pueden variar entre 380 y 470 m s-1 para los primeros 5 metros; 320 y 480 m s-1 para el rango 5-15 m, y 450 y 750 m s-1 para el rango 15-25 m. Estos resultados son comparables con los valores de amplificación del perfil Microtemor de estudios previos. Los modelos de velocidad 1D son apropiados para las condiciones del suelo.