bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Assessment Of Collective Irrigation In Water Users’ Associations Of Calabria (Southern Italy)
Authors: Zema Demetrio Antonio , Nicotra Angelo , Tamburino Vincenzo , Zimbone Santo Marcello
Published: April 2015

In order to identify the weakness factors of the collective irrigation service, the system operation and financial performance of seven Water Users' Associations (WUAs) in Calabria was quantitatively evaluated by a limited set of indicators and compared by common benchmarking techniques.

In relation to the surveyed system operation indicators, the investigation highlighted a satisfactory fulfilment of crop water demand, but a very low efficiency in exploiting the available irrigation water in all the investigated WUAs. Concerning the financial aspects of the irrigation service, the results indicated a very low degree of financial self‐sufficiency of the WUAs, a high variability of management, operation and maintenance costs and personnel requirements referred to the irrigated area unit and a very wide range of average water price per hectare.

The application of principal component analysis provided three derivative indicators, measuring the operative and economic performance of the WUAs. The clustering algorithms and calculation of the quality index showed respectively similarities among the irrigation service performance of the investigated WUAs and allowed the ranking of these collective agencies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of slope and branch structure on the locomotion of a specialized arboreal colubrid snake (Boiga irregularis)
Authors: Jayne Bruce C. , Byrnes Greg
Published: April 2015

The surfaces in arboreal habitats have variable diameters, slopes, and branching structure that pose functional challenges for animal locomotion. Nevertheless, many lineages of snakes have independently evolved arboreality. We tested the effects of arboreal habitat structure on the locomotion of a highly arboreal species, the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis), moving on seven diameters (0.6–21 cm) of cylinders oriented at three slopes (0°, 45°, 90°) and with or without pegs. Intermediate diameters of horizontal cylinders maximized speed, and some of the large‐diameter cylinders without pegs were impassable when they were inclined. With increased slope the snakes were slower, and they changed from using lateral undulation with sliding contact and balancing to concertina locomotion with periodic static gripping. The presence of pegs increased the speeds of the brown tree snakes and resulted in them only using lateral undulation. Surface diameter, slope, and the occurrence of pegs also had widespread significant effects on the kinematics of the brown tree snakes. Overall, compared to anatomically less specialized corn snakes, brown tree snakes use more lateral undulation, are usually much faster, and are able to move on a wider variety of surfaces. Unlike some of the trade‐offs found previously between two less specialized species of snakes with different stoutness when they used modes of arboreal locomotion that involved either balancing or gripping, the slender‐bodied brown tree snakes excel at both. Hence, this species may not only be a “jack of all trades” but also a master of many. J. Exp. Zool. 323A: 309–321, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Guanine‐based structural coloration as an indicator of oxidative stress in a cichlid fish
Authors: Cahn Matthew D. , Brown Alexandria C. , Clotfelter Ethan D.
Published: April 2015

Vertebrate pigmentation is known to be influenced by oxidative stress, but few studies have tested the hypothesis that structural coloration can be similarly affected. We tested whether fish iridophores, which produce structural color using guanine stacks, might be affected by the prooxidant–antioxidant balance of the animal. Specifically, we hypothesized that convict cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) metabolize guanine present in iridophores to uric acid, an antioxidant, in response to oxidative damage. We used Hunter's contrast gloss and high performance liquid chromatography to determine whether dietary guanine supplementation allows fish to maintain their structural coloration despite oxidative stress induced via ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) radiation. We found that dietary guanine was associated with greater skin gloss, and that exposure to UV‐B light reduced glossiness. UV‐B exposure did not increase oxidative damage (acrolein) or total antioxidant capacity in the skin or liver. Our experiment did not detect effects of dietary guanine or UV‐B light on uric acid, but uric acid was positively related to antioxidant capacity. Our results support the hypothesis that structural color in fish may be altered by environmental stressors such as exposure to UV light, and highlight the need for future studies to consider the role of iridophores in condition‐dependent visual signaling. J. Exp. Zool. 323A: 359–367, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Defining and Measuring Poverty and Inequality Post‐2015
Authors: Lang Valentin F. , Lingnau Hildegard
Published: April 2015

The post‐2015 development agenda requires improved concepts to define and measure different forms of poverty and inequality. Building on the experiences made with the Millennium Development Goals, this paper gives an overview of several possible approaches by discussing their strengths and weaknesses. National, international, relative and multidimensional concepts are considered. Arguing that the discussions on the post‐2015 agenda offer an opportunity to introduce new global measurements of progress that complement gross domestic product‐based approaches, the authors make the case for a simple yet comprehensive index as a headline indicator that could help to better inform poverty and inequality reduction policies in the post‐2015 world. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Income Poverty, MDG1 and the Post‐2015 Agenda: Goals and Targets that Work
Authors: Melamed Claire
Published: April 2015

This paper reviews the evidence on income and consumption poverty trends since the 1990s at the level of first countries and then individuals and considers how well the current Millennium Development Goals offer the right incentives and monitoring framework to reflect the trajectories and drivers of progress. It then discusses different proposals for the post‐2015 agenda in the light of recent trends and current thinking. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accuracy of 3D dual echo steady state (DESS) MR arthrography to quantify acetabular cartilage thickness
Authors: Abraham Christine L. , Bangerter Neal K. , McGavin Lance S. , Peters Christopher L. , Drew Alex J. , Hanrahan Christopher J. , Anderson Andrew E.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

To deploy and quantify the accuracy of 3D dual echo steady state (DESS) MR arthrography with hip traction to image acetabular cartilage. Clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences used to image hip cartilage often have reduced out‐of‐plane resolution and may lack adequate signal‐to‐noise to image cartilage.

Materials and Methods

Saline was injected into four cadaver hips placed under traction. 3D DESS MRI scans were obtained before and after cores of cartilage were harvested from the acetabulum; the two MRIs were spatially aligned to reference core positions. The thickness of cartilage cores was measured under microscopy to serve as the reference standard. 3D reconstructions of cartilage and subchondral bone were generated using automatic and semiautomatic image segmentation. Cartilage thickness estimated from the 3D reconstructions was compared to physical measurements using Bland–Altman plots.

Results

As revealed by the automatic segmentation mask, saline imbibed the joint space throughout the articulating surface, with the exception of the posteroinferior region in two hips. Locations where air bubbles were introduced and regions of suspected low density bone disrupted an otherwise smooth automatic segmentation mask. Automatic and semiautomatic segmentation yielded a bias ± repeatability coefficient (95% limits of agreement) of 0.10 ± 0.51 mm (−0.41 to 0.61 mm) and 0.06 ± 0.43 mm (−0.37 to 0.49 mm), respectively.

Conclusion

Cartilage thickness can be estimated to within ∼0.5 mm of the physical value with 95% confidence using 3D reconstructions of 3D DESS MR arthrography images. Manual correction of the automatic segmentation mask may improve reconstruction accuracy. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1329–1338.
Who made the world's largest green tide in China?—an integrated study on the initiation and early development of the green tide in Yellow Sea
Authors: Wang Zongling , Xiao Jie , Fan Shiliang , Li Yan , Liu Xiangqing , Liu Dongyan
Published: April 2015

To discover the original source and clarify development of the world's largest transregional green tides in the Yellow Sea, an integrated investigation covering the Subei Shoal coastal waters and the adjacent regions was carried out during March to June of 2012. The results showed that macroalgal wastes from the connecting ropes of Porphyra aquaculture rafts contributed significantly to the original biomass of free‐floating green algae. Approximately 6500 t of Ulva prolifera were released into the coastal waters from mid‐April to late‐May when farmers were cleaning aquaculture facilities. Among the total biomass disposed, about 62.3% floated up to the sea surface, which turned into the original floating patches. The floating U. prolifera, with a high growth rate of 26.3% per day, dominated in the floating algal patches rapidly, moved northward under the hydrodynamic action, and formed a massive free‐floating green tide near the south of Shandong peninsula in early June. The optimal sea temperature and sufficient nutrients in the Yellow Sea facilitated the formation of the green tide. No other source contributing substantially to the initial floating biomass was detected in the survey except those from the connecting ropes of rafts. Based on our field data, we concluded that the green tide in Yellow Sea is a transregional disaster stimulated directly by the unhygienic husbandry and maintenance practices of coastal aquaculture.
Global weak solutions to a class of non‐Newtonian compressible fluids
Authors: Feireisl E. , Liao X. , Málek J.
Published: April 2015

We consider a class of compressible fluids with nonlinear constitutive equations that guarantee that the divergence of the velocity field remains bounded. We study mathematical properties of unsteady three‐dimensional flows of such fluids in bounded domains. In particular, we show the long‐time and large‐data existence result of weak solutions with strictly positive density. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sodium MRI of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Petracca Maria , Fleysher Lazar , Oesingmann Niels , Inglese Matilde
Published: April 2015

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of non‐traumatic disability in young adults. The mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and disease progression are poorly understood, in part as a result of the lack of non‐invasive methods to measure and monitor neurodegeneration in vivo. Sodium MRI is a topic of increasing interest in MS research as it allows the metabolic characterization of brain tissue in vivo, and integration with the structural information provided by 1H MRI, helping in the exploration of pathogenetic mechanisms and possibly offering insights into disease progression and monitoring of treatment outcomes. We present an up‐to‐date review of the sodium MRI application in MS organized into four main sections: (i) biological and pathogenetic role of sodium; (ii) brief overview of sodium imaging techniques; (iii) results of sodium MRI application in clinical studies; and (iv) future perspectives. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety testing and operational procedures for self‐developed radiofrequency coils
Authors: Hoffmann Jens , Henning Anke , Giapitzakis Ioannis A. , Scheffler Klaus , Shajan G. , Pohmann Rolf , Avdievich Nikolai I.
Published: April 2015

The development of novel radiofrequency (RF) coils for human ultrahigh‐field (≥7 T), non‐proton and body applications is an active field of research in many MR groups. Any RF coil must meet the strict requirements for safe application on humans with respect to mechanical and electrical safety, as well as the specific absorption rate (SAR) limits. For this purpose, regulations such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard for medical electrical equipment, vendor‐suggested test specifications for third party coils and custom‐developed test procedures exist. However, for higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths in ultrahigh‐field MR, the RF fields may become extremely inhomogeneous in biological tissue and the risk of localized areas with elevated power deposition increases, which is usually not considered by existing safety testing and operational procedures. In addition, important aspects, such as risk analysis and comprehensive electrical performance and safety tests, are often neglected. In this article, we describe the guidelines used in our institution for electrical and mechanical safety tests, SAR simulation and verification, risk analysis and operational procedures, including coil documentation, user training and regular quality assurance testing, which help to recognize and eliminate safety issues during coil design and operation. Although the procedure is generally applicable to all field strengths, specific requirements with regard to SAR‐related safety and electrical performance at ultrahigh‐field are considered. The protocol describes an internal procedure and does not reflect consensus among a large number of research groups, but rather aims to stimulate further discussion related to minimum coil safety standards. Furthermore, it may help other research groups to establish their own procedures. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The significance of communities of practice: Norwegian nursing students' experience of clinical placement in Bangladesh
Authors: Jørgensen Wanja , Hadders Hans
Published: April 2015

Aim

The purpose of this study was to gain understanding of Norwegian students' experience of learning in clinical placement in Bangladesh without formal one‐to‐one supervision, by a personal mentor in the ward.

Design

Using focus group interviews with bachelor nursing students we explored the significance of ‘communities of practice’ in nursing practicum abroad, socialization and knowledge transfer.

Method

Seven third year bachelor nursing students enrolled in a clinical placement programme in Bangladesh participated in focus group interviews prior to their departure to Bangladesh, during their stay in Bangladesh and after their return to Norway.

Results

The Students’ marginality and ‘peripheral participation’ triggered insight and reflection. The challenging but advantageous position of the peripheral students was heightened further due to the lack of one‐to‐one supervision in the clinic. Their previous experience with problem based learning and group learning was an asset that made them more resilient and helped them to cope.
A Dynamic Maintenance Planning Framework Based on Fuzzy TOPSIS and FMEA: Application in an International Food Company
Authors: Selim Hasan , Yunusoglu Mualla Gonca , Yılmaz Balaman Şebnem
Published: April 2015

A maintenance planning framework is developed in this study to reduce and stabilize the maintenance costs of the manufacturing companies. The framework is based on fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution(TOPSIS) and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) techniques and supports maintenance planning decisions in a dynamic way. The proposed framework is general and can easily be adapted to a host of manufacturing environments in a variety of sectors. To determine the maintenance priorities of the machines, fuzzy TOPSIS technique is employed. In this regard, ‘risk priority number’ obtained by FMEA and ‘current technology’, ‘substitutability’, ‘capacity utilization’, and ‘contribution to profit’ are used as the criteria. Performance of the resulting maintenance plan is monitored, and maintenance priorities of the machines are updated by the framework. To confirm the viability of the proposed framework, a real‐world implementation in an international food company is presented. The results of the application reveal that the proposed maintenance planning framework can effectively and efficiently be used in practice. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Balancing the Subjective and Objective Weights for Correlated Multiresponse Optimization
Authors: Zhang Liuyang , Ma Yizhong , Ouyang Linhan , Liu Jian
Published: April 2015

Desirability function approach is very popular for multiresponse optimization problems. However, the approach ignores the correlations among multiple responses and does not consider how to reasonably determine the relative weights of multiple responses. In this paper, an integrative desirability function approach is proposed to simultaneously consider the correlations among the responses and the weight determination method. For the proposed approach, the root mean square error performance is regarded as a new response, and then the seemingly unrelated regression estimation is utilized to fit the models. Through balancing the subjective and objective information, the proposed approach can be used to make more reasonable decisions for correlated multiresponse optimization. Two examples are employed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BASE: an assistant tool to precisely simulate energy consumption and reliability of energy‐efficient storage systems
Authors: Wei Hsin‐Wen , Chen Tseng‐Yi , Hsu Tsan‐sheng
Published: April 2015

The concept of green storage in cluster computing has recently attracted enormous interest among researchers. Consequently, several energy‐efficient solutions, such as multi‐speed disks and disk spin down methods, have been proposed to conserve power in storage systems and improve disk access. Some researchers have assessed their proposed solutions via simulations, while others have used real‐world experiments. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages. Simulations can more swiftly assess the benefits of energy‐efficient solutions, but various measurement errors can arise from procedural shortcomings. For instance, many power simulation tools fail to consider how heat increases the power overhead of disk operations. Some researchers claim that their modeling methods reduce the measurement error to 5% in the single disk model. However, the demand for large‐scale storage systems is growing rapidly. Traditional power measurement using a single disk model is unsuited to such systems because of their complex storage architecture and the unpredictability of numerous disks. Consequently, a number of studies have conducted real machine experiments to assess the performance of their solutions in terms of power conservation, but such experiments are time consuming. To address this problem, this study proposes an efficient simulation tool called Benchmark Analysis Software for Energy‐efficient Solution (BASE), which can accurately estimate disks' power consumption in large‐scale storage systems. We evaluate the performance of BASE on real‐world traces of Academia Sinica (Taiwan) and Florida International University. BASE incorporates an analytical method for assessing the reliability of energy‐efficient solutions. The analytical results demonstrate that the measurement error of BASE is 2.5% lower than that achieved in real‐world experiments involving energy‐estimation experiments. Moreover, the results of simulations to assess solution reliability are identical to those obtained through real‐world experiments. Copyright © 2015 Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prehospital and Emergency Care: Updates from the Disease Control Priorities, Version 3
Authors: Hsia Renee Y. , Thind Amardeep , Zakariah Ahmed , Hicks Eduardo Romero , Mock Charles
Published: April 2015

Background

It is increasingly understood that emergency care systems can be cost‐effective in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). The development of such systems, however, is still a work in progress. This article updates previous work in providing the most recent estimates of the burden of disease sensitive to emergency care, the current state of knowledge on the feasibility of emergency care, effect on outcomes, and cost‐effectiveness in LMICs, and future directions for research, policy, and implementation.

Methods

We calculated the potential impact of prehospital and emergency care systems using updated and revised data based on the global burden of disease study. We then assessed the state of current knowledge and potential future directions for research and policy by conducting a review of the literature on current systems in LMICs.

Results

According to these newest updates, 24 million deaths related to emergency medical conditions occur in LMICs annually, accounting for an estimated 932 million years of life lost. Evidence shows that multiple emergency care models can function in different local settings, depending on resources and urbanicity. Emergency care can significantly improve mortality rates from emergent conditions and be highly cost‐effective. Further research is needed on implementation of emergency care systems as they become a necessary reality in developing nations worldwide.

Conclusions

Emergency care implementation in LMICs presents both challenges and opportunities. Investment in evidence‐based emergency care, research on implementation, and system coordination in LMICs could lead to a more cost‐ and outcome‐effective emergency care system than exists in advanced economies.
Engineering biological systems toward a sustainable bioeconomy
Authors: Lopes Mateus Schreiner Garcez
Published: April 2015

The nature of our major global risks calls for sustainable innovations to decouple economic growth from greenhouse gases emission. The development of sustainable technologies has been negatively impacted by several factors including sugar production costs, production scale, economic crises, hydraulic fracking development and the market inability to capture externality costs. However, advances in engineering of biological systems allow bridging the gap between exponential growth of knowledge about biology and the creation of sustainable value chains for a broad range of economic sectors. Additionally, industrial symbiosis of different biobased technologies can increase competitiveness and sustainability, leading to the development of eco-industrial parks. Reliable policies for carbon pricing and revenue reinvestments in disruptive technologies and in the deployment of eco-industrial parks could boost the welfare while addressing our major global risks toward the transition from a fossil to a biobased economy.
Perceptions of Private Market Landlords Who Rent to Tenants of a Housing First Program
Authors: Aubry Tim , Cherner Rebecca , Ecker John , Jetté Jonathan , Rae Jennifer , Yamin Stephanie , Sylvestre John , Bourque Jimmy , McWilliams Nancy
Published: April 2015

The rental of housing units by landlords to participants in Housing First (HF) programs is critical to the success of these programs. Therefore, it is important to understand the experiences of landlords with having these individuals as tenants. The paper presents findings of qualitative interviews with 23 landlords who rented to tenants from a HF program located in a small city and adjoining rural area in eastern Canada and in which approximately 75 % of tenants had been housed for at least six consecutive months at 2 years in the program. Findings showed that landlords are motivated to rent to HF tenants for financial and pro‐social reasons. They reported holding a range of positive, neutral, and negative perceptions of these tenants. They identified problems encountered with some HF tenants that included disruptive visitors, conflict with other tenants, constant presence in their apartments, and poor upkeep of units. On the other hand, landlords perceived HF tenants as being mostly good tenants who are similar to their other tenants. Implications for practice in the context of HF programs are discussed.
Disclosure Experiences of Sexual Minority College Student Victims of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Sylaska Kateryna M. , Edwards Katie M.
Published: April 2015

Although research on disclosure following intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization is burgeoning, sexual minority young adults’ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, etc.; LGBQ+) experiences have not received equal attention. The current study employed the minority stress framework to examine disclosure experiences of LGBQ+ college students across the United States reporting physical IPV victimization within their current relationship (n = 77). Participants completed measures assessing minority stress and IPV disclosure, and answered open‐ended questions regarding the most and least helpful persons/responses to disclosure or reasons for non‐disclosure. Results indicated that approximately one‐third (35 %) of victims disclosed to at least one person, with friends being the most common recipients. Thematic analyses indicated that talking or listening to the victim was considered the most helpful response and not understanding the situation least helpful. Reasons for non‐disclosure centered on themes of the victims’ perception that the IPV was not a big deal. Quantitative findings regarding physical IPV disclosure indicated that non‐disclosers experienced greater minority stress than disclosers. The current study suggests the presence of differences between sexual minority (i.e., LGBQ +persons) and non‐sexual minority persons, as well as between LGBQ+ young adults/college students and older adults and presents a theoretical structure (i.e., minority stress framework) through which these differences may be understood.
Complexities of Genetic Counseling for ALS: A Case of Two Siblings with Discordant Genetic Test Results
Authors: Mandich Paola , Mantero Vittorio , Verdiani Simonetta , Gotta Fabio , Caponnetto Claudia , Bellone Emilia , Ferrandes Giovanna , Origone Paola
Published: April 2015

Rapid advances in the genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have dramatically changed the approach of clinicians and researchers to the motor neuron diseases. We report two siblings in whom the genetic study provided conflicting results, hence raising a number of issues which deserve to be considered by clinicians involved in genetic testing for ALS. The first patient died within 2 years of ALS onset, while her brother still manages to walk unaided, 7 years into onset. Genetic analyses, performed on the first patient as part of a research protocol, and as clinical genetic testing on the brother, provided different results. Results for Patient 1 were negative for all investigated genes, thus suggesting that her disease may be a phenocopy, while her brother carried an autosomal dominant TARDBP mutation (p.A382T). A multidisciplinary approach may help patients and clinicians face the emerging dilemmas in such a complex field. Sharing and updating of advances, not to mention uncertainties inherent to current knowledge, with patients and families may prove to be an effective way to support them and to make them aware of the present limits of our knowledge and of the blurred border between research and clinical practice.
Scientific collaboration dynamics in a national scientific system
Authors: Ferligoj Anuška , Kronegger Luka , Mali Franc , Snijders Tom A. B. , Doreian Patrick
Published: April 2015

This paper examines the collaboration structures and dynamics of the co-authorship network of all Slovenian researchers. Its goal is to identify the key factors driving collaboration and the main differences in collaboration behavior across scientific fields and disciplines. Two approaches to modelling network dynamics are combined in this paper: the small-world model and the mechanism of preferential attachment, also known as the process of cumulative advantage. Stochastic-actor-based modelling of co-authorship network dynamics uses data for the complete longitudinal co-authorship networks for the entire Slovenian scientific community from 1996 to 2010. We confirmed the presence of clustering in all fields and disciplines. Preferential attachment is far more complex than a single global mechanism. There were two clear distinctions regarding collaboration within scientific fields and disciplines. One was that some fields had an internal national saturation inhibiting further collaboration. The second concerned the differential impact of collaboration with scientists from abroad on domestic collaboration. In the natural, technical, medical, and biotechnical sciences, this promotes collaboration within the Slovenian scientific community while in the social sciences and humanities this inhibits internal collaboration.
An object-based approach for semi-automated landslide change detection and attribution of changes to landslide classes in northern Taiwan
Authors: Hölbling Daniel , Friedl Barbara , Eisank Clemens
Published: April 2015

Earth observation (EO) data are very useful for the detection of landslides after triggering events, especially if they occur in remote and hardly accessible terrain. To fully exploit the potential of the wide range of existing remote sensing data, innovative and reliable landslide (change) detection methods are needed. Recently, object-based image analysis (OBIA) has been employed for EO-based landslide (change) mapping. The proposed object-based approach has been tested for a sub-area of the Baichi catchment in northern Taiwan. The focus is on the mapping of landslides and debris flows/sediment transport areas caused by the Typhoons Aere in 2004 and Matsa in 2005. For both events, pre- and post-disaster optical satellite images (SPOT-5 with 2.5 m spatial resolution) were analysed. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) with 5 m spatial resolution and its derived products, i.e., slope and curvature, were additionally integrated in the analysis to support the semi-automated object-based landslide mapping. Changes were identified by comparing the normalised values of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI) of segmentation-derived image objects between pre- and post-event images and attributed to landslide classes.
Revisión de la literatura sobre gestión de la calidad: caso de las revistas publicadas en Hispanoamérica y España
Authors: Ruiz-Torres Alex J. , Ayala-Cruz Jorge , Alomoto Nelson , Acero-Chavez Jose L.
Published: April 2015

El propósito de este estudio es presentar una revisión de las investigaciones sobre gestión de la calidad publicadas en revistas hispanoamericanas y españolas entre 2005 y 2013. El estudio considera artículos redactados en español o inglés con un enfoque fundamentalmente gerencial. La clasificación posterior de cada artículo se fundamentó en 3 elementos: la metodología del estudio, el tipo de aplicación/ sector de negocios en la que se enfocó el estudio, y temas específicos abordados en el artículo. El análisis demuestra un gran interés en investigaciones sobre normativas internacionales e implementaciones de sistemas de calidad, mientras que temas relacionados con sistemas de calidad basados en metodologías Seis Sigma han recibido poca atención. El estudio concluye con una examinación sobre futuras áreas de investigación de alto potencial que no han generado suficiente discusión.
The protests in Zhanaozen and the Kazakh oil sector: Conflicting interests in a rentier state
Authors: Satpayev Dossym , Umbetaliyeva Тolganay
Published: April 2015

The article analyzes the impact of the oil and gas industry on the socio-political stability in Kazakhstan. The first part will look at the role of the industry for the development of the country with a special focus on the political risks that might result from the orientation towards raw material production. The relationship between business and politics will be examined as well as the management model of the energy sector and the impact of corruption on social and political stability. The second part of the article will focus on the population's attitude towards public protests and aims to explain why the willingness to participate in protests has been rising. A case study on the protests of oil industry workers in the city of Zhanaozen in December 2011 will be presented in order to better understand the causes of the protests, the demands of the protesters and the relationship between state and society. The article concludes with a summary of results and an outlook for the development of the oil and gas industry and socio-political stability in Kazakhstan.
Alcohol dependence and physical comorbidity: Increased prevalence but reduced relevance of individual comorbidities for hospital-based mortality during a 12.5-year observation period in general hospital admissions in urban North-West England
Authors: Schoepf D. , Heun R.
Published: April 2015

Purpose:

Alcohol dependence (AD) is associated with an increase in physical comorbidities. The effects of these diseases on general hospital-based mortality are unclear. Consequently, we conducted a mortality study in which we investigated if the burden of physical comorbidities and their relevance on general hospital-based mortality differs between individuals with and without AD during a 12.5-year observation period in general hospital admissions.

Methods:

During 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2012, 23,371 individuals with AD were admitted at least once to seven General Manchester Hospitals. Their physical comorbidities with a prevalence ≥ 1% were compared to those of 233,710 randomly selected hospital controls, group-matched for age and gender (regardless of primary admission diagnosis or specialized treatments). Physical comorbidities that increased the risk of hospital-based mortality (but not outside of the hospital) during the observation period were identified using multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results:

Hospital-based mortality rates were 20.4% in the AD sample and 8.3% in the control sample. Individuals with AD compared to controls had a higher burden of physical comorbidities, i.e. alcoholic liver and pancreatic diseases, diseases of the conducting airways, neurological and circulatory diseases, diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract, renal diseases, cellulitis, iron deficiency anemia, fracture neck of femur, and peripheral vascular disease. In contrast, coronary heart related diseases, risk factors of cardiovascular disease, diverticular disease and cataracts were less frequent in individuals with AD than in controls. Thirty-two individual physical comorbidities contributed to the prediction of hospital-based mortality in univariate analyses in the AD sample; alcoholic liver disease (33.7%), hypertension (16.9%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (14.1%), and pneumonia (13.3%) were the most frequent diagnoses in deceased individuals with AD. Multiple forward logistic regression analysis, accounting for possible associations of diseases, identified twenty-three physical comorbidities contributing to hospital-based mortality in individuals with AD. However, all these comorbidities had an equal or even lower impact on hospital-based mortality than in the comparison sample.

Conclusion:

The excess of in-hospital deaths in general hospitals in individuals with AD is due to an increase of multiple physical comorbidities, even though individual diseases have an equal or even reduced impact on general hospital-based mortality in individuals with AD compared to controls.
Dimerization model of the C‐terminal RNA Recognition Motif of HuR
Authors: Díaz-Quintana Antonio , García-Mauriño Sofía M. , Díaz-Moreno Irene
Published: April 2015

Human antigen R (HuR) is a ubiquitous 32kDa protein comprising three RNA Recognition Motifs (RRMs), whose main function is to bind Adenylate and uridylate Rich Elements (AREs) in 3′ UnTranslated Regions (UTRs) of mRNAs. In addition to binding RNA molecules, the third domain (RRM3) is involved in HuR oligomerization and apoptotic signaling. The RRM3 monomer is able to dimerize, with its self‐binding affinity being dependent on ionic strength. Here we provide a deeper structural insight into the nature of the encounter complexes leading to the formation of RRM3 dimers by using Brownian Dynamics and Molecular Dynamics. Our computational data show that the initial unspecific encounter follows a downhill pathway until reaching an optimum conformation stabilized by hydrophobic interactions.
LeNRT2.3 functions in nitrate acquisition and long‐distance transport in tomato
Authors: Fu Yanlei , Yi Hongying , Bao Juan , Gong Jiming
Published: April 2015

Nitrogen plays an important role in plant growth and development. Nitrate transporters have been extensively studied in Arabidopsis, but in tomato they have not been functionally characterized. In this study, we report the functions of LeNRT2.3 in nitrate transport in tomato. Our results show that LeNRT2.3 is induced by nitrate, and mainly localizes to the plasma membranes of rhizodermal and pericycle cells in roots. Further analysis in Xenopus oocytes showed that LeNRT2.3 mediates low‐affinity nitrate transport. 35S:LeNRT2.3 increased nitrate uptake in root and transport from root to shoot. More interestingly, 35S:LeNRT2.3 showed high biomass and fruit weight. Taken together, these results suggest that LeNRT2.3 plays a double role in nitrate uptake and long‐distance transport in tomato.
Functional and structural insights into the piRNA factor Maelstrom
Authors: Sato Kaoru , Siomi Mikiko C.
Published: April 2015

PIWI‐interacting RNA (piRNA) is a germline‐specific class of small non‐coding RNAs that repress transposons in the gonads. Mael, which comprises a high mobility group box and a MAEL domain, is one of the key players in piRNA‐mediated transposon silencing. However, the mechanism whereby Mael is involved in this pathway remains unknown. Recent biochemical and structural studies, along with bioinformatic analyses of Mael‐associating RNAs in vivo, have shed light on the functional aspects of Mael in the piRNA pathway. We summarize the current understanding of Mael functions in the piRNA pathway, particularly in Drosophila and in mice.
Photochemical chromophore isomerization in histidine kinase rhodopsin HKR1
Authors: Luck Meike , Bruun Sara , Keidel Anke , Hegemann Peter , Hildebrandt Peter
Published: April 2015

Histidine kinase rhodopsin 1 is a photoreceptor in green algae functioning as a UV‐light sensor. It switches between a UV‐absorbing state (Rh‐UV) and a blue‐absorbing state (Rh‐Bl) with a protonated retinal Schiff base (RSB) cofactor in a mixture of 13‐trans,15‐anti and 13‐cis,15‐syn isomers. The present spectroscopic study now shows that cofactor‐protein assembly stabilizes the protonated 13‐trans,15‐anti RSB isomer. Formation of the active photoswitch requires the photoinduced conversion to Rh‐UV. The transitions between the Rh‐Bl isomers and the deprotonated 13‐cis,15‐anti and 13‐trans,15‐syn isomers of Rh‐UV proceed via multiple photoisomerizations of one or simultaneously two double bonds.
The oxidative pentose phosphate pathway in the haloarchaeon Haloferax volcanii involves a novel type of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase – The archaeal Zwischenferment
Authors: Pickl Andreas , Schönheit Peter
Published: April 2015

The oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (OPPP), catalyzing the oxidation of glucose‐6‐phosphate to ribulose‐5‐phosphate is ubiquitous in eukarya and bacteria but has not yet been reported in archaea. In haloarchaea a putative 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH) is annotated, whereas a gene coding for glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (Glc6PDH) could not be identified. Here we report the purification and characterization of a novel type of Glc6PDH in Haloferax volcanii that is not related to bacterial and eukaryal Glc6PDHs and the encoding gene is designated as azf (archaeal zwischenferment). Further, recombinant H. volcanii 6PGDH was characterized. Deletion mutant analyses indicate that both, Glc6PDH and 6PGDH, are functionally involved in pentose phosphate formation in vivo. This is the first report on the operation of the OPPP in the domain of archaea.
ABCC6 deficiency is associated with activation of BMP signaling in liver and kidney
Authors: Blazquez-Medela Ana M. , Guihard Pierre J. , Yao Jiayi , Jumabay Medet , Lusis Aldons J. , Boström Kristina I. , Yao Yucheng
Published: April 2015

Mutations in ABCC6 (ATP‐binding cassette, subfamily C, member 6), an orphan transporter expressed in the liver, are the cause of pseudoxanthoma elasticum. Since ABCC6 was reported to affect matrix Gla protein (MGP), an inhibitor of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), we studied BMP signaling and expression in various tissues of mice with and without functional ABCC. Enhanced BMP signaling was found in all examined tissues in the absence of ABCC6. Despite this, the expression of particular BMP proteins varied widely between tissues. Interestingly, the expression of most BMP proteins in the liver moved in the opposite direction to the same BMP proteins in kidneys in response to ABCC6 alterations. Thus, ABCC6 deficiency stimulates BMP signaling by acting on the expression of multiple BMPs.
Predisposing factors associated with stillbirth in Tanzania
Authors: Kidanto Hussein , Msemo Georgina , Mmbando Donan , Rusibamayila Neema , Ersdal Hege , Perlman Jeffrey
Published: April 2015

Objective

To determine whether specific medical conditions and/or fetal compromise during labor are associated with fresh stillbirth (FSB), and whether absent fetal heart rate (FHR) before delivery can increase risk of FSB.

Methods

An observational cohort study was conducted at three university referral hospitals in Tanzania between January and September 2013. Maternal, labor, and neonatal characteristics were recorded for all deliveries. FSB was defined as an Apgar score of 0 at 1 and 5 minutes, with intact skin and suspected death during labor or delivery.

Results

Among 15 305 deliveries, there were 499 stillbirths (243 FSBs and 256 macerated stillbirths). Stillbirth was significantly more likely than a live birth after maternal transfer (odds ratio [OR] 3.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.73–3.92; P < 0.001) and when FHR was absent (OR 996.29; 95% CI 632.19–1570.09; P < 0.001). Risk of stillbirth increased with uterine rupture (OR 138.62; 95% CI 60.73–316.44), placental abruption (OR 40.96; 95% CI 28.97–57.91), cord prolapse (OR 13.49; 95% CI 6.97–26.11), and prematurity (OR 6.87; 95% CI 4.71–10.03; P < 0.001 for all).

Conclusion

In low‐resource settings, FSB may be prevented by using a combined strategy of clinical risk identification, early detection of abnormal FHR, and expedited delivery.
Fetal and neonatal outcomes after term and preterm delivery following betamethasone administration
Authors: Braun Thorsten , Sloboda Deborah M. , Tutschek Boris , Harder Thomas , Challis John R.G. , Dudenhausen Joachim W. , Plagemann Andreas , Henrich Wolfgang
Published: April 2015

Objective

To determine the effects of betamethasone on fetal growth and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed of deliveries that occurred at Charité University Hospital Berlin, Germany, between January 1996 and December 2008. The betamethasone group included women with preterm labor and symptomatic contractions, cervical insufficiency, preterm premature rupture of membranes, or vaginal bleeding. Women in the control group were matched for gestational age at time of delivery and had not received betamethasone. Fetal growth changes and neonatal anthropometry were compared.

Results

Among 1799 newborns in the betamethasone group and 42 240 in the control group, betamethasone was associated with significantly lower birth weight (154 g lower on average) after adjusting for confounders (e.g. hypertension, smoking, and maternal weight), sex, and gestational age at delivery (P < 0.05). The higher the dose, the greater the difference in mean birth weight versus controls in births before 34+ 0 weeks (≤ 16 mg − 444 g; 24 mg − 523 g; > 24 mg − 811 g), without a detectable improvement in neonatal morbidity or mortality. There was a dose‐dependent decline in expected fetal weight gain as estimated by serial ultrasonography examinations 6–8 weeks after betamethasone administration (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Betamethasone exposure reduces fetal weight gain in a dose‐dependent manner without improving neonatal morbidity or mortality.
Bridging user and provider perspectives: Family planning access and utilization in rural Mozambique
Authors: Agadjanian Victor , Hayford Sarah R. , Luz Luciana , Yao Jing
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To examine how the contraceptive behavior of women in rural southern Mozambique is shaped by their individual and household characteristics; community characteristics; access to family planning services; and characteristics of health facilities.

Methods

Quantitative and qualitative data were collected mostly between January 20 and December 15, 2011, in rural areas of four districts in Gaza Province, Mozambique. The data included: a retrospective household‐based survey of women of reproductive age (the analytical sample consisted of 1554 non‐pregnant women in marital union); qualitative interviews with a subsample of surveyed women; a survey of communities where the women resided (n = 56); and a survey of all health facilities in the study area (n = 56). Binomial and multinomial logistic models were fitted to predict current use of modern contraceptive methods. Statistical analyses were complemented by insights from qualitative data.

Results

Positive associations were detected between contraceptive use and education, household wealth, and perceived HIV infection status. Distance to the clinic was negatively associated with contraceptive use. These effects were additive, with some varying by type of contraceptive method. Examination of qualitative data highlighted frequent cognitive dissonance between service providers and users.

Conclusion

A simultaneous consideration of user‐level and provider‐level perspectives on contraceptive use improves our understanding of contraceptive dynamics and can usefully inform policy.
Florbetapir PET, FDG PET, and MRI in Down syndrome individuals with and without Alzheimer's dementia
Authors: Sabbagh Marwan N. , Chen Kewei , Rogers Joseph , Fleisher Adam S. , Liebsack Carolyn , Bandy Dan , Belden Christine , Protas Hillary , Thiyyagura Pradeep , Liu Xiaofen , Roontiva Auttawut , Luo Ji , Jacobson Sandra , Malek‐Ahmadi Michael , Powell Jessica , Reiman Eric M.
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Down syndrome (DS) is associated with amyloid b (Ab) deposition.

Methods

We characterized imaging measurements of regional fibrillar Ab burden, cerebral metabolic rate for glucose (rCMRgl), gray matter volumes (rGMVs), and age associations in 5 DS with dementia (DS/AD1), 12 DS without dementia (DS/AD2), and 9 normal controls (NCs).

Results

There were significant group differences in mean standard uptake value ratios (SUVRs) for florbetapir with DS/AD1 having the highest, followed by DS/AD2, followed by NC. For [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, posterior cingulate rCMRgl in DS/AD1 was significantly reduced compared with DS/AD2 and NC. For volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (vMRI), hippocampal volumes were significantly reduced for the DS/AD1 compared with DS/AD2 and NC. Age‐related SUVR increases and rCMRgl reductions were greater in DS participants than in NCs.

Discussion

DS is associated with fibrillar Ab, rCMRgl, and rGMV alterations in the dementia stage and before the presence of clinical decline. This study provides a foundation for the studies needed to inform treatment and prevention in DS.