bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Competition on Product Decisions: Movie Choices of Exhibitors
Authors: Orhun A. Yeşim , Venkataraman Sriram , Chintagunta Pradeep K.
Published: July 2015

We empirically study the impact of the entry of a new theater on two important product decisions that incumbents in the movie exhibition industry face: (1) whether to invest in screening movies that are expected to be popular, and (2) when to adopt new releases. For theaters, both of these decisions feature a cost-demand trade-off inherent in quality decisions: Although screening popular and recent movies brings more patrons to the theater, distributors take a higher share of the revenue for such movies. The impact of competitive entry on the incumbent’s quality decisions is ambiguous, as it may simultaneously increase the competitive pressure to invest more in these dimensions of quality and also change the demand conditions that incumbents face. We find that incumbent theaters do not increase the provision of popular and recent movies in response to rival entry. To identify the role of competitive incentives, we study the differential impact of entry based on whether the entrant belongs to the same parent firm as the incumbent theaters. This comparison reveals that competitive incentives push incumbents to screen movies with high expected success more frequently and to adopt movies sooner. The product responses we document have important implications for the revenue impact of entry and the conclusions that researchers can draw from this impact. Ignoring the provision of these quality dimensions suggests cannibalization to exceed business stealing, a conclusion that is reversed when we account for endogenous product responses. We also show that our findings on popularity and recency cannot be explained by concomitant changes in theaters’ other product decisions, such as the variety of movies screened.
On the Effectiveness of Patenting Strategies in Innovation Races
Authors: Mihm Jürgen , Sting Fabian J. , Wang Tan
Published: July 2015

Which, if any, of a firm’s inventions should it patent? Should it patent at all? Many companies engaged in an innovation race seek a patenting strategy that balances protection of their intellectual property against the knowledge spillovers resulting from disclosure requirements. Not much is known about factors that determine the patenting strategy best able to resolve this trade-off. Although scholars in various management, economics, and engineering disciplines have researched patents and patenting regimes, little work has addressed the normative issues that pertain to forming an appropriate firm-level patenting strategy. We develop an inventory of real-life patenting strategies and integrate them into a coherent framework. Our simulation model characterizes the optimal patenting choices for different environmental and firm-level contingencies while capturing the dynamics between competing firms. We identify the firm’s research and development strategy as the most salient determinant of its optimal patenting strategy. Our research contributes to establishing a contingency theory of patenting strategies.

This paper was accepted by David Hsu, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Relaxations of Approximate Linear Programs for the Real Option Management of Commodity Storage
Authors: Nadarajah Selvaprabu , Margot François , Secomandi Nicola
Published: July 2015

The real option management of commodity conversion assets gives rise to intractable Markov decision processes (MDPs), in part because of the use of high-dimensional models of commodity forward curve evolution, as commonly done in practice. Focusing on commodity storage, we identify a deficiency of approximate linear programming (ALP), which we address by developing a novel approach to derive relaxations of approximate linear programs. We apply our approach to obtain a class of tractable ALP relaxations, also subsuming an existing method. We provide theoretical support for the use of these ALP relaxations rather than their associated approximate linear programs. Applied to existing natural gas storage instances, our ALP relaxations significantly outperform their corresponding approximate linear programs. Our best ALP relaxation is both near optimal and competitive with, albeit slower than, state-of-the-art methods for computing heuristic policies and lower bounds on the value of commodity storage, but is more directly applicable for dual (upper) bound estimation than these methods. Our approach is potentially relevant for the approximate solution of MDPs that arise in the real option management of other commodity conversion assets, as well as the valuation of real and financial options that depend on forward curve dynamics.

This paper was accepted by Dimitris Bertsimas, optimization.
Pathophysiological aspects of the pancreas function in rats with monosodium glutamate-induced obesity
Authors: Leschenko Ivan , Shevchuk Victor , Savcheniuk Oleksandr , Falalyeyeva Tetyana , Beregova Tetyana
Published: July 2015

Our study demonstrates that neonatal treatment with monosodium glutamate (MSG) leads to the development of visceral obesity in adult rats. In rats’ pancreas of both sexes massive edema and inflammation were found, which are characteristic of acute pancreatitis. Marked intralobular and perivascular lipomatosis was also found. There was also marked leukocyte infiltration in rats with MSG-induced obesity. Morphometric analysis confirmed pathological changes in pancreatic tissue. The level of blood amylase, lipase and pancreatic amylase was increased by 92% (p<0.001), 312% (p<0.001) and 162% (p<0.001). So, neonatal treatment with MSG leads to the development of pancreatitis in adulthood of rats. We concluded that the development of pancreatitis in rats with MSG-induced obesity is the result of increase of synthetic and secretory processes in pancreatic cells.
Arginase/nitric oxide synthase regulatory mechanism of cells under the action of trigger factors that cause reactive arthritis
Authors: Melnyk Oksana , Kornijchuk Olena , Vorobets Zinovy , Tymkiv Mariya , Zakalskyy Andriy
Published: July 2015

On the basis of the research it can be argued that the determination of the enzymatic activity of arginase and NO-synthase of peripheral blood lymphocytes gives a qualitative informative assessment on the functioning of the immune cells, as changes in the activity of arginase reflect the NO metabolism. In the research, the optimal conditions of arginase reaction were determined and some of kinetic parameters of arginase were established. The significant growth of arginase activity (3.3 times) and iNO-synthase activity (3.8 times) in peripheral blood lymphocytes in patients with reactive arthritis compared with practically healthy donors was shown.
Effect of combinational arginase and canavanine treatment on normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro
Authors: Chen Oleh , Kavalets Bohdanna , Barska Marina , Lyniv Lilianna , Vovk Olena , Sybirna Natalia , Stasyk Oleh ,   Department of Cell Signaling, Institute of Cell Biology of NAS of Ukraine, Lviv, Ukraine
Published: July 2015

Recombinant human arginase (rhARG)-based therapy to restrict arginine availability for malignant cells is a promising strategy to treat some cancers, including those of hematological origin. In the present study, we evaluated the action of combined rhARG treatment with canavanine (Cav) on proliferative potential and functional state of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in vitro. We demonstrated that Cav in 0.1 mM concentration alone had no significant effect on proliferation and functional activity of normal activated PBL. Combined rhARG and Cav treatment inhibited proliferation and slightly promoted apoptosis in activated PBL but did not affect resting cells. However, the action of both drugs affected the ability of T cells for antigen activation. These results are important for further translational research on arginine-deprivation therapy.
Sialylation status of leukocyte cell-surface glycoconjugates in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and after treatment with agmatine
Authors: Ferents Iryna , Brodyak Iryna , Lyuta Maryana , Klymyshyn Natalia , Burda Volodymyra , Sybirna Natalia
Published: July 2015

Development of experimental diabetes mellitus in rats was accompanied by increase of desialylation of carbohydrate determinants of leukocyte membrane glycoproteins. A decreased level of both α (2,3)- and α(2,6)-linked sialic acid residues and uncovering the penultimate galactose residues was shown. Our findings shown increase in sialation (in particular α(2,3) sialation) of oligosaccharide sequences of leukocytes membrane glycoconjugates after treatment diabetic rats with agmatine. Detected changes in configuration of leukocyte membrane components in diabetic animals after agmatine administration indicate the positively effects of this polyamine due to its hypoglycemic effect.
The interferon production and 2',5'-oligoadenylate-synthetase activity in rat spleen lymphocytes at hypoacidity evoked by omeprazole injectionand at administration of multiprobiotic "SYMBITER"
Authors: Kompanets Irina , Korotkiy Alexander , Karpovets Taras , Ostapchenko Ludmila , Pilipenko Sergiy , Yankovskiy Dmitriy ,   Institute of Biology"
Published: July 2015

The IFN production by rat spleen lymphocytes was shown to increase by 2.5 times in comparison to control against a background of hypoacidity evoked by 28-days of OM treatment (14 mg/kg). The activity of IFN-induced enzyme 2',5'-OAS declined by 16 % in these cells. The simultaneous administration of multiprobiotic SYM and OM resulted in IFN titer increase in comparison to hypoacidic animals. The 2',5'-OAS activity in spleenocytes didn’t change. SYM displayed interferonogenic properties via gastric microflora normalization and suppressing inflammation.
Adult patients treated at the Department of Jaw Orthopaedics, Medical University of Lublin
Authors: Smyl-Golianek Monika , Rahnama Mansur , Dunin-Wilczyńska Izabella , Krochmalska Ewa
Published: July 2015

The aim of the present study was to make an overview of the age, sex and malocclusion of adult patients admitted to the Department of Jaw Orthopaedics, Medical University of Lublin in the years 1995-2009. In the 15 years under study, the orthodontic treatment was started by 8892 patients, including 642 patients above 18 years of age, which constituted 7.2% of the total number of patients treated during that period. The most numerous group was the group of 20-24 year-old subjects, whereas the least numerous was that including 35 year-olds. Women undertook orthodontic treatment decidedly more often - 69.8% of patients. In the years 1995-2009 adults from the Lublin region made up a small percentage of orthodontic patients treated in the Department of Jaw Orthopaedics (only 7.22%). Young adults (average age 22.9 years) prevail in the group of adult patients who decided on treatment. Women decide to start orthodontic treatment more frequently than men (69.8%). The main reason why both men and women decided on orthodontic treatment was dental abnormalities (52.5%).
Serous microcystic adenoma of the pancreas
Authors: Szumiło Justyna , Paśnik Iwona , Swatek Jarosław , Matuszek Mariusz , Rudzki Sławomir
Published: July 2015

A new case of serous microcystic adenoma in a 75-year-old man is presented. The tumor sized 55x45x55 mm was located in the body and the tail of the pancreas. It was well-circumscribed and spongy on cross-section, with eccentrically located fibrous scar. At microscopic examination, the lesion was composed of many small cystic spaces lined by one layer of flat or cuboidal cells occasionally with clear cytoplasm. A few papillary structures protruding to the lumina of cysts were also seen. Regardless benign nature of the tumor, the patient has died at early postoperative period due to unrelated conditions.
The influence of selected demographic and socioeconomic factors on patient’s decision-making about the treatment of missing teeth using the implants
Authors: Szymańska Jolanta , Koszuta Agnieszka
Published: July 2015

The research aimed at assessment of the influence of selected demographic and socioeconomic factors on patient's decision-making about the treatment of missing teeth using the implants. The survey was conducted among 464 patients of both sexes aged 20- 74 years, treated with dental implants at the Non-Public Healthcare Centre “Dental” in Tomaszów Mazowiecki. The patients answered the questions included in an anonymous questionnaire. The questions concerned age, sex, marital status, place of residence, education, occupational status and material status. Most patients taking the decision about dental treatment using the implants were persons aged 40-60 years. Slightly more often men made decisions on supplementing missing teeth using the implants. The results of the survey indicate that financial resources are an important factor influencing a patient's decision on the selection of implant prosthetic treatment, while other analyzed factors have less impact on this decision.
Adverse events (AE) costs assessed in Poland based on existing Drug Programs – methodology of the project
Authors: Szkultecka-Dębek Monika , Drozd Mariola , Wiśniewska Nina , Drozd Kazimierz
Published: July 2015

The Drug Programs, Pharmaceutical Care and Pharmaceutical Law section (DPPCPL) within Polish Pharmacoeconomical Society decided to perform a research on the impact of the adverse events treatment costs incurred by National Health Fund (NHF) and by the public payer. The aim of the project is to develop a list of costs associated to different disease areas of adverse events treatment. The project consists of different phases. Firstly, a review of the drug programs financed by NHF will allow identifying the drugs used in the programs in Poland. It will be followed by a review of the SPCs of the identified drugs regarding the AEs occurrence. For the most common AEs treatment, Polish clinical guidelines will be searched. Additionally expert opinion on treatment patterns in Poland will be collected using an excel tool allowing for further costs calculations. Costs to identified resources used will be allocated using NHF and public payer perspective. The final report will describe the identified adverse events based on the list of drugs used in the Drug Programs in Poland, the results of clinical guidelines search, treatment patterns and related costs. The project will address an important issue related to the costs generated within the Drug Programs, being helpful for further calculations in pharmaco-economic analysis.
Assessment of dentin reaction after Biodentine application
Authors: CHAŁAS RENATA , MIELKO EWELINA , BACHANEK TERESA , ZUBRZYCKA-WRÓBEL JOANNA , NOWAK JAKUB , KUCZUMOW ANDRZEJ
Published: July 2015

Recently it has been shown that very deep lesions, extending through the enamel into the dentin, can still be remineralized when brought into contact with a mineralizing agent. Biodentine is a calcium silicate based dentin substitute recommended to use in dentistry for direct and indirect pulp capping, perforations, apexification and retrograde root filling. The aim of the study was to examine the reaction between Biodentine and dentin comparing chemical composition of both of them in microspectral analysis. The human molars dentinal samples with Biodentine were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron probe microanalyser (EDS) with image observation function. Aditionally Raman microscope was used to identify Biodentine/denine interface. The results showed that Biodentine released some of its components into dentin specimens and caused the uptake of Ca and Si in the adjacent dentine. The formation of an interfacial layer at the Biodentine/dentin border was identified as a “Transition Zone”. On the basis of performed experiment it can be concluded that Biodentine is an active dental material and microanalytic methods used in the study are suitable to investigate it. The obtained outcomes can open up possibilities for a non-operative approach to deep caries cavities.
A comparison of vitamin C content determination by chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods according to standard PN-A-04019:1998
Authors: MAZUREK ARTUR , WŁODARCZYK-STASIAK MARZENA
Published: July 2015

Vitamin C performs many important functions in the human organism. Besides, it is used in the therapy and prevention of many diseases, which is why the methods applied to determine it should ensure the correct results. The present paper compares the results of vitamin C determination by means of the spectrophotometric method in agreement with the binding standard PN-A-04019:1998 and the proposed method of the reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with spectrophotometric detection. The comparison was made using the method of calculating the proportion of mean results and the uncertainty of its determination. The analysis of a sample of the certified reference material BCR-43 was conducted. It was shown that because the content of dehydroascorbic acid was not considered, the result obtained by the standardized spectrophotometric method differs in a s ta tis ti cally significant way from the certified value, as opposed to the result obtained by the chromatographic method. Results of determining vitamin C content in blackcurrant, apple and grapefruit juices by means of the two methods indicate statistically significant differences. Compatible results were obtained only for orange juice. This is caused by insufficient selectivity of the spectrophotometric method of vitamin C determination. The suggested chromatographic method is more selective than the spectrophotometric method and it enables to consider the content of dehydroascorbic acid. That is why it should be recommended for routine determinations of vitamin C content.
Analgesic effects of deltorphin analogues EW1 and EW2 in tail-immersion test in mice
Authors: GIBUŁA-BRUZDA EWA , MARSZAŁEK MARTA , KOTLIŃSKA JOLANTA H. , WITKOWSKA EWA
Published: July 2015

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether EW1 and EW2, the newly synthesized analogues of deltorphin, a highly potent mu- (MOP) and delta-opioid receptors (DOP) ligand, induce antinociceptive effects in the tail-immersion test after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration. Our study indicates that these peptides, administered at the dose of 20 nmol, exert stronger or comparable antinociceptive effects as those exerted by morphine (13 nmol). A more detailed study indicated that β-funaltrexamine (β-FNA) – a MOP antagonist - very strongly and, to the lower extent than naltrindole (NTI), a DOP antagonist, inhibited the antinociceptive effects of peptides, observed in the tail-immersion test. Nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI), a kappa-opioid receptor (KOP) antagonist, did not influence that effect. Those data indicated an involvement of both types of opioid receptors, MOP and DOP, in the antinociceptive effects of the peptides with a dominant role of MOP.
The influence of the eutectic mixtures: salicylic acid – menthol and benzocaine – menthol on physical properties of the creams with fluconazole
Authors: ZUŃ MARIA , WOJCIECHOWSKA KATARZYNA , DWORNICKA DOROTA , POLESZAK EWA
Published: July 2015

Fluconazole is used in treatment of the surface mycoses of the skin. Menthol, salicylic acid and benzocaine are the components of many preparations for topical use. When mixed they form the eutectic mixtures. The purpose of our research was to prepare the antifungal creams with fluconazole containing eutectic mixture: menthol-salicylic acid or menthol-benzocaine and to compare and estimate the influence of these mixtures on physical properties of these preparations. At the beginning, the creams were subjected to physical tests such as spreadability, slip and tenacity. Further, the rheological properties were evaluated. The fluconazole creams with eutectic mixtures had better physical properties. The rheological studies, based on Ostwald de Waele model, showed the pseudoplastic character of flowing at 32ºC and the correlation between the rheological parameters and the composition of the creams. Moreover, all the preparations had thixotropic properties.
Ultrastructural and morphohistochemical study of the influence of benzalkonium chloride on human corneal limbal epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: Bieliński Paweł , RAKOWSKA EWA , WYSZYŃSKA ANNA , JASIELSKA MONIKA , MACKIEWICZ JERZY , WALOCHA JERZY A.
Published: July 2015

Within the corneal limbal epithelium there exist limbal stem cells (LSC) which under suitable conditions can regenerate their population or differentiate into corneal epithelial cells. However, upon limbal damage, the cells differentiate irreversibly and do not self-renew. One of the causes of the damage of progenitor cells and their niche is a long-term use of eye drops containing preservatives. While the side effects are related to the antimicrobial activity of such eye drops, damage to cellular and cytoplasmic membranes as well as enzymatic reactions can concurrently cause disorders of normal ocular surface tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects of the preservative used in eye drops - benzalkonium chloride (BAK) - on human corneal limbal epithelial cells in vitro, and to define the mechanisms of acute limbal cell damage caused by the action of BAK. Ten corneoscleras rims, which were not qualified for transplantation by the Eye Tissue Bank, were obtained from 5 deceased donors aged 39 to 43 years. The tissue fragments (explants) containing corneal limbal epithelial cells were immediately after the explantation subjected to the action of the experimental substance being benzalkonium chloride (BAK) in concentrations of 0.005% and 0.01%. The qualitative analysis of microscopic images of the corneal limbus specimens was performed on tissue sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin using the immunohistochemical method for vimentin and with the use of a transmission electron microscope. The structure of the area of corneal limbus, as well as the morphological characteristics and the ultrastructure of the very limbal cells were evaluated with careful attention to the basal epithelial cells of the limbus. The BAK-treated groups of explants in sections stained by H & E featured characteristics of severe structural disorders of the corneal limbus area. Depletion of the epithelial cells was visible and involved both superficial and deep layers. Immunohistochemical staining for vimentin did not show the expression of this protein. This might have been connected with the damage to the cytoskeleton of limbal epithelial cells and large depletion of cells reaching down to the basement membrane. The images obtained with electron microscopy demonstrate serious defects of cell ultrastructure and, indirectly, abnormal cellular metabolism, including water and electrolyte balance and energy metabolism.This experiment confirmed the significant adverse effect of benzalkonium chloride on the limbal epithelial cells and the possibility of their damage.
Using digital technology creatively in projects
Authors: Craven Sophie
Published: July 2015

In this article Sophie Craven investigates some of the ways in which schools can incorporate digital technology in funding bids to increase their chances of success.
Marketing practices and the reconfiguration of public action
Authors: Barnett Clive , Mahony Nick
Published: July 2015

Market segmentation methodologies are increasingly used in public policy, arts and culture management and third sector campaigning. Rather than presume that this is an index of creeping neoliberalisation, we track the shared and contested understandings of the public benefits of using segmentation methods. Segmentation methods are used to generate stable images of individual and group attitudes and motivations, and these images are used to inform strategies that seek to either change these dispositions or to mobilise them in new directions. Different segments of the population are identified as bearing particular responsibilities for public action on different issues.
Coercion, consent and the struggle for social media
Authors: Healey Kevin
Published: July 2015

Looking beyond celebrants and sceptics of social media, Kevin Healey taps the potential that exists to develop social media platforms, ethical codes and regulatory policies that support democratic values and institutions. This requires rejecting the capitalist ideology that drives debates about consumer privacy, industry regulation, and national security. He puts forward a commons-based approach to argue that democratic media must have elements independent from both state and corporate institutions. This framework views media in terms of public goods. Today, governments may have to subsidize networks that have become necessary. Expanding ‘the digital commons’ also requires universal principles that enable corporations, governments, activists, journalists and the public to assess changes in digital media. Pursuing the metaphor of social media as a coffeehouse requires a collective ­struggle. Social media ethics cannot be reduced to personal conduct, but must question the technologies, legal frameworks and organizational structures that constitute the networked environment within which citizens pursue their personal, social and political goals in order to achieve a mature social media environment that is both ethically responsive and economically sustainable.
Asking (new) media questions: Thinking beyond the Twitter revolution
Authors: Brunner Elizabeth
Published: July 2015

This article argues for a turn to more post-structuralist approaches to new media studies. By reviewing the existing literature on the role of new media in social movements, I contend that binaristic frames are still constraining new media studies. After elaborating upon the scholarship dealing with the use of Twitter in social movements like the Arab Spring, I examine how a turn to more post-structuralist approaches can aid in understanding new media within a complex system. Although the post-structuralist turn in communication is largely responsible for opening up the space that new media studies now inhabit, post-structuralism is largely abandoned upon entering this terrain. This piece calls for a return to post-structuralist methods to trace the role of new media across platforms using scholars such as Gilles Deleuze, Felix Guattari and Bruno Latour.
Illuminated architecture: The influence of manuscripts on the Palatine Chapel
Authors: Grillo Michael
Published: July 2015

While Mediaeval manuscripts have long been acknowledged as a means of conveying architectural designs across Europe, their role as active intermediaries shaping the symbolic language of spaces merits much closer attention. The design of the Palatine Chapel in Aachen clearly draws from San Vitale in Ravenna, but the chapel’s use of columns within the span of its upper-most arches stands out as a rather startling combination. This article argues that these distinctive features that encode a unique imperial programme specific to the needs of the Carolingians could only have suggested themselves through the intermediation of abstracted architectural frameworks in Eusebean Tables and Evangelist Portraits in illuminated manuscripts.
Desigualdades sociais em saúde: o exemplo da obesidade infantil
Authors: Nogueira Helena , Lourenço Ana , Gama Augusta , Mourão Isabel , Marques Vitor Rosado , Padez Cristina
Published: July 2015

O aumento da prevalência de obesidade tem sido explicado por mecanismos ambientais obesogénicos, possivelmente associados ao estatuto socioeconómico: indivíduos de baixo estatuto socioeconómico são mais propensos a viver em áreas desfavorecidas, onde escasseiam os recursos e as oportunidades que poderiam propiciar e apoiar uma vida saudável. Esta associação constitui a ideia central dos modelos de “amplificação da privação”, uma versão particular dos modelos de “injustiça ambiental”. Neste estudo observam-se 1885 crianças em idade escolar residentes no distrito de Coimbra. Utilizando modelos logísticos ordenados, analisam-se as associações entre o seu índice de massa corporal, a sua atividade desportiva, o ambiente construído e social dos seus locais de residência – avaliado pela perceção dos pais – com o seu estatuto socioeconómico. Os resultados mostram que crianças de menor estatuto socioeconómico são mais propensas a ser obesas e têm menor probabilidade de participar em atividades desportivas extracurriculares do que as de elevado estatuto socioeconómico. Revelam, ainda, que estas crianças têm menor probabilidade de viver numa área cujo ambiente construído seja percecionado de forma positiva pelos seus pais. Estes resultados evidenciam um gradiente socioeconómico no acesso a recursos e facilidades materiais locais, que se sobrepõe ao estatuto socioeconómico individual, originando clusters de fatores prejudicais à saúde, concluindo-se pela existência (e relevância) de um modelo ambiental de amplificação da privação que penaliza as crianças mais vulneráveis.
Determinantes comportamentais e obesidade entre adolescentes: tendências e variações em território Europeu
Authors: Lourenço Ana , Nogueira Helena
Published: July 2015

Este estudo avalia a prevalência de excesso de peso e obesidade entre jovens em idade escolar residentes em território Europeu. Apresenta e compara ainda as estimativas de consumo de vegetais, fruta e refrigerantes; níveis de atividade física; tempo gasto a ver televisão e a jogar jogos de computador e de consola. Os resultados obtidos revelam que as prevalências de excesso de peso e obesidade são superiores no sul da Europa. Sugerem também que os adolescentes do norte da Europa relatam um consumo de fruta e vegetais mais frequente e um menor consumo de refrigerantes, reportando ainda um maior nível de atividade física, enquanto os adolescentes do sul da Europa referem com mais frequência assistir televisão e jogar videojogos duas ou mais horas por dia durante a semana.
Influência das condições climáticas na qualidade do vinho da sub-região vitivinícola de Castelo Rodrigo (1992-2012)
Authors: Maia Maria Manuela Lourenço , Nunes Adélia De Jesus Nobre
Published: July 2015

O presente trabalho pretende avaliar a influência das condições climáticas (em particular da temperatura e da precipitação) na qualidade dos mostos produzidos na sub-região de Castelo Rodrigo, no período de 1992 a 2012. Para o efeito, além da análise de correlações entre a temperatura (média, mínima e máxima) e a precipitação total, no período correspondente ao ciclo vegetativo da videira (1 de Abril a 30 de Setembro), foram definidos 3 índices climáticos vitícolas: Índice Heliotérmico, Índice de Frio Noturno e o Índice Branas, Bemon e Lavadoux (IBBL) Os resultados obtidos mostram que a qualidade dos mostos têm vindo a aumentar nestes últimos 20 anos, nesta sub-região vinícola, traduzida no incremento do grau dos mostos, de algumas das castas mais importantes na área. Este incremento na qualidade dos mostos relaciona-se, de modo positivo, com as temperaturas médias e máximas mensais e com o índice heliotérmico. Com uma correlação negativa destacam-se os quantitativos de precipitação registados no decurso do período vegetativo da videira. Com efeito, no decurso do período analisado, verificou-se uma tendência de incremento nas temperaturas máximas e médias e, por conseguinte, nos valores do índice heliotérmico. Com tendência negativa destacam-se os quantitativos de precipitação registados no período de 1 de Abril a 30 de Setembro. A conjugação destas tendências reverteu a favor do aumento da qualidade dos mostos e também da antecipação da data de colheita. Contudo, serão ainda abordados outros fatores que interferem na qualidade dos vinhos.
Clima... no Horizonte
Authors: Silva António Amílcar De Moura Alves da
Published: July 2015

Neste artigo, procura-se entender à luz do conceito de clima e da sua dimensão espacial e temporal, de que modo é que um geógrafo deve encarar a problemática em torno das chamadas “alterações climáticas” e projectar esse entendimento no contexto da estratégia do Horizonte 2020. Discute-se o conceito de clima e a necessidade do mesmo servir como referência para confrontar o cenário catastrofista que tem estado a ser transmitido e que serve de base aos critérios de atribuição de financiamento de mega-projectos ao abrigo daquela estratégia. São apresentados exemplos de evidências factuais que contrariam esse cenário negativo, tanto em Portugal, como a nível global.
PCR for detection of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes of coagulase positive staphylococcus aureus from clinical mastitis in Egypt
Authors: Abdeen E. Eman , Walid Mousa , Hussien Heba , Roshdy Saher
Published: July 2015

Coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequently bacterial pathogen causing clinical mastitis in cattle. In this work 120 milk samples were collected from cattle suffering from clinical mastitis. The result revealed that S. aureus was 35 isolates (29.16%) and other staphylococci were 13 isolates (10.84%). The application of PCR was effectively in detection of Coa. SpA, mecA and blaZ genes of S. aureus by amplification at a single amplicon at 630 bp, 226 bp, 310 bp and 173bp, respectively. These results concluded that the detection of Coa and SpA genes proposed as good method for typing of S. aureus isolates as well as detection of antibiotics resistance mecA and blaZ genes helping effective control of staphylococcal mastitis.
Laboratory Ginning and Blending Impacts on Cotton Fiber Micronaire Measurements
Authors: Rodgers James , Fortier Chanel , Delhom Chris , Cui Xiaoliang
Published: July 2015

For boll or small quantity seed cotton samples, fiber samples can be prepared by laboratory ginning methods, such as hand ginning (HG), laboratory-scale saw ginning (SG), and roller ginning (RG). Fiber blending is sometimes performed, which can impact fiber surface appearance. Interest was expressed on the impact of blending and laboratory ginning methods on Uster High Volume Instrument (HVI), Fibronaire, and near infrared (NIR) micronaire measurements. Blending impacts were slight but discernable by NIR only. Very good lint yield agreement was observed between the ginning methods (42–45%). Laboratory ginning impacts on the measured micronaire results were small, with between measurement method and between gin method agreements established. Thus, the use of any of the evaluated gin methods would yield acceptable and comparable micronaire results.
A Comparison of Three Rubber Dam Systems In Vivo – A Preliminary Study
Authors: Kapitán Martin , Suchánková Kleplová Tereza , Suchánek Jakub
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to compare the isolation systems OptraDam®Plus and OptiDam™ with the conventional rubber dam in terms of objective and subjective parameters. The isolation systems were applied during the dental treatment of the patients. The time of preparation, placement, presence and removal were measured and the quality of isolation was evaluated. The median time of rubber dam placement was 76 s (Q1 = 62 s; Q3 = 111.25 s). The application time of OptraDam®Plus was significantly longer compared to the other systems (P < 0.001). The median volume of fluid remaining in the isolated space after 5 minutes was 4.9 mL (Q1 = 4 mL; Q3 = 5 mL). The differences between the systems with regards to isolation quality were not statistically significant. The majority of the patients reported a higher level of comfort during the treatment with a rubber dam than without it. The attitude of patients was not affected by any of the observed factors. The ranking of the isolation systems according to the subjective evaluation by the patients was (from best to worst) OptiDam™, conventional rubber dam, OptraDam®plus. The results presented in this study could guide clinicians for choosing the most appropriate isolation system.
Increase of Intracellular BAFF in B Cells of Sjögren’s Patients Is Not Affected by Decrease of BAFFR
Authors: Krejsek Jan , Koláčková Martina , Lindrová Irena , Slezák Radovan , Andrýs Ctirad
Published: July 2015

The presence of a broad spectrum of autoantibodies in Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS) patients is the result of abnormal B-cell regulation that can be at least partially explained by abnormal BAFF/BAFFR regulation. The objective of this study was to determine both membrane and intracellular expression of BAFF/BAFFR in monocytes and B-cells in peripheral blood of 19 primary Sjögren’s syndrome patients and 20 healthy controls using flow cytometry. We also measured sBAFF in serum. Compared to healthy controls, both surface and intracellular expression of BAFF was significantly increased in monocytes and B-cells of SjS patients. Also serum sBAFF level was elevated. Expression of BAFFR on B-cells of SjS patients was surprisingly decreased, but there was no clear increase or decrease within monocytes. Our results indicate that activated monocytes communicate with B-cells via BAFF and BAFFR, so that B-cells are stimulated, but BAFF is also produced to stimulate cells in autocrine way. The decrease of BAFFR expression in SjS patients suggests that there is the mechanism that attempts to take over in order to balance the high level of BAFF.
GFP Loss-of-Function Mutations inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Fu Jason L , Kanno Tatsuo , Liang Shih-Chieh , Matzke Antonius J M , Matzke Marjori
Published: July 2015

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) and related fluorescent proteins are widely used in biological research to monitor gene expression and protein localization in living cells. The GFP chromophore is generated spontaneously in the presence of oxygen by a multi-step reaction involving cyclization of the internal tripeptide Ser65 (or Thr65)-Tyr66-Gly67, which is embedded in the center of an 11-stranded β-barrel structure. Random and site-specific mutagenesis has been used to optimize GFP fluorescence and create derivatives with novel properties. However, loss-of-function mutations that would aid in understanding GFP protein folding and chromophore formation have not been fully cataloged. Here we report a collection of ethyl methansulfonate–induced GFP loss-of-function mutations in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Mutations that alter residues important for chromophore maturation, such as Arg96 and Ser205, greatly reduce or extinguish fluorescence without dramatically altering GFP protein accumulation. By contrast, other loss-of-fluorescence mutations substantially diminish the amount of GFP protein, suggesting that they compromise protein stability. Many mutations in this category generate substitutions of highly conserved glycine residues, including the following: Gly67 in the chromogenic tripeptide; Gly31, Gly33, and Gly35 in the second β-strand; and Gly20, Gly91, and Gly127 in the lids of the β-barrel scaffold. Our genetic analysis supports conclusions from structural and biochemical studies and demonstrates a critical role for multiple, highly conserved glycine residues in GFP protein stability.
SWEEP: A Tool for Filtering High-Quality SNPs in Polyploid Crops
Authors: Clevenger Josh P , Ozias-Akins Peggy
Published: July 2015

High-throughput next-generation sequence-based genotyping and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection opens the door for emerging genomics-based breeding strategies such as genome-wide association analysis and genomic selection. In polyploids, SNP detection is confounded by a highly similar homeologous sequence where a polymorphism between subgenomes must be differentiated from a SNP. We have developed and implemented a novel tool called SWEEP: Sliding Window Extraction of Explicit Polymorphisms. SWEEP uses subgenome polymorphism haplotypes as contrast to identify true SNPs between genotypes. The tool is a single command script that calls a series of modules based on user-defined options and takes sorted/indexed bam files or vcf files as input. Filtering options are highly flexible and include filtering based on sequence depth, alternate allele ratio, and SNP quality on top of the SWEEP filtering procedure. Using real and simulated data we show that SWEEP outperforms current SNP filtering methods for polyploids. SWEEP can be used for high-quality SNP discovery in polyploid crops.
Enrichment of H3K9me2 on Unsynapsed Chromatin inCaenorhabditis elegansDoes Not Targetde NovoSites
Authors: Guo Yiqing , Yang Bing , Li Yini , Xu Xia , Maine Eleanor M
Published: July 2015

Many organisms alter the chromatin state of unsynapsed chromosomes during meiotic prophase, a phenomenon hypothesized to function in maintaining germline integrity. In Caenorhabditis elegans, histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) is detected by immunolabeling as enriched on unsynapsed meiotic chromosomes. Loss of the SET domain protein, MET-2, greatly reduces H3K9me2 abundance and results in germline mortality. Here, we used him-8 mutations to disable X chromosome synapsis and performed a combination of molecular assays to map the sites of H3K9me2 accumulation, evaluate H3K9me2 abundance in germline vs. whole animals, and evaluate the impact of H3K9me2 loss on the germline transcriptome. Our data indicate that H3K9me2 is elevated broadly across the X chromosome and at defined X chromosomal sites in him-8 adults compared with controls. H3K9me2 levels are also elevated to a lesser degree at sites on synapsed chromosomes in him-8 adults compared with controls. These results suggest that MET-2 activity is elevated in him-8 mutants generally as well as targeted preferentially to the unsynapsed X. Abundance of H3K9me2 and other histone H3 modifications is low in germline chromatin compared with whole animals, which may facilitate genome reprogramming during gametogenesis. Loss of H3K9me2 has a subtle impact on the him-8 germline transcriptome, suggesting H3K9me2 may not be a major regulator of developmental gene expression in C. elegans. We hypothesize H3K9me2 may have a structural function critical for germline immortality, and a greater abundance of these marks may be required when a chromosome does not synapse.
Whole-Exome Sequencing and Targeted Copy Number Analysis in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Authors: Marshall Christian R , Scherer Stephen W , Zariwala Maimoona A , Lau Lynette , Paton Tara A , Stockley Tracy , Jobling Rebekah K , Ray Peter N , Knowles Michael R ,   FORGE Canada Consortium, Hall David A , Dell Sharon D , Kim Raymond H
Published: July 2015

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an autosomal-recessive disorder resulting from loss of normal ciliary function. Symptoms include neonatal respiratory distress, chronic sinusitis, bronchiectasis, situs inversus, and infertility. Clinical features may be subtle and highly variable, making the diagnosis of PCD challenging. The diagnosis can be confirmed with ciliary ultrastructure analysis and/or molecular genetic testing of 32 PCD-associated genes. However, because of this genetic heterogeneity, comprehensive molecular genetic testing is not considered the standard of care, and the most efficient molecular approach has yet to be elucidated. Here, we propose a cost-effective and time-efficient molecular genetic algorithm to solve cases of PCD. We conducted targeted copy number variation (CNV) analysis and/or whole-exome sequencing on 20 families (22 patients) from a subset of 45 families (52 patients) with a clinical diagnosis of PCD who did not have a molecular genetic diagnosis after Sanger sequencing of 12 PCD-associated genes. This combined molecular genetic approach led to the identification of 4 of 20 (20%) families with clinically significant CNVs and 7 of 20 (35%) families with biallelic pathogenic mutations in recently identified PCD genes, resulting in an increased molecular genetic diagnostic rate of 55% (11/20). In patients with a clinical diagnosis of PCD, whole-exome sequencing followed by targeted CNV analysis results in an overall molecular genetic yield of 76% (34/45).
DIVERTÍCULO DE ZENKER Femenina 54 años
Authors: Rodríguez Mena Denisse , Ayi Wong José Alberto
Published: July 2015

El divertículo de Zenker es una entidad poco frecuente. Se presenta predominantemente en pacientes masculinos, y tiene como síntomas principales: disfagia, regurgitación alimentaria, halitosis, broncoaspiración y sepsis respiratorias. Su localización es por lo general del lado izquierdo del esófago y su tratamiento definitivo es quirúrgico. Se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina, joven, con sintomatología esofágica, quien se diagnostica con divertículo de Zenker, de localización posterior, a la cual se le realiza diverticulectomía con miomectomía como tratamiento quirúrgico, con resolución completa de los síntomas y excelente recuperación.
Hipertiroidismo y Psicosis en Pediatría: Reporte de Caso
Authors: Cavallo Aita Fred , Mendoza Alfaro Gustavo , Roldán Abellán Berny
Published: July 2015

La enfermedad de Graves es un desorden autoinmune que constituye la principal causa de hipertiroidismo en niños; usualmente se manifiesta con bocio difuso, signos de oftalmopatía bilateral y la alteración bioquímica en las pruebas de función tiroidea. En ocasiones, los síntomas iniciales se presentan con manifestaciones psiquiátricas, lo que llega a ser un reto en el diagnóstico diferencial, ya sea del trastorno tiroideo primario o un trastorno psiquiátrico. Debido a la poca frecuencia con que esta manifestación de la enfermedad de graves se presenta en pediatría se expone aquí el caso de hipertiroidismo y psicosis aguda en un paciente pediátrico.
Lacaziosis: Micosis cutánea profunda, reporte de un caso
Authors: Riggioni Víquez Silvia , Díaz Araya Silvia
Published: July 2015

La lacaziosis es una rara micosis cutánea y subcutánea, de evolución crónica, ocasionada por el hongo profundo Lacazia loboi. Ha sido descrita principalmente en regiones tropicales y subtropicales.Clínicamente se caracteriza por lesiones cutáneas de aspecto queloideano y progresión lenta. La enfermedad se presenta más frecuentemente en adultos varones que desempeñan actividades laborales en el campo. Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino de 68 años, agricultor, con una dermatosis crónica localizada en el miembro superior derecho, caracterizada por una neoformación compuesta por múltiples lesiones nodulares de aspecto queloideano con una lesión satélite proximal. El diagnóstico histopatológico fue compatible con una lacaziosis
Aspergilosis broncopulmonar alérgica
Authors: Ramírez Cisneros Benjamín , Sedó Mejía Giovanni
Published: July 2015

La Aspergilosis Broncopulmonar Alérgica es una entidad clínica que se presenta en pacientes asmáticos y portadores de fibrosis quística con transfondo atópico importante. Dicha enfermedad es producto de un fenómeno de inflamación pulmonar secundaria a una respuesta inmune compleja montada en un huésped colonizado por Aspergillus sp. La historia natural y estadios de la enfermedad son complejos y se definen clínicamente y según su respuesta a tratamiento. El diagnóstico se realiza basado en clínica, radiología y pruebas de laboratorio. El tratamiento se basa en corticoesteroides orales y antifúngicos como ahorradores de esteroides
An empirical study of lay comprehension of Chinese legal reference texts in Hong Kong
Authors: Yeung Matthew W. L. , Leung Janny H. C.
Published: July 2015

This socio-legal study empirically assesses the use of plain language in improving comprehension of legal reference texts by laypeople in Hong Kong, where common-law Chinese was newly engineered. Our study shows that native Chinese speakers have problems understanding the materials, but simple modifications of the texts can significantly improve their comprehension. The results suggest that the seeming incapability of expressing law in a language may not be related to the choice of code, but to how it is written. Based on the data, this study contributes to the improvement of legal communication by identifying features of common-law Chinese that make these materials difficult to understand, and proposes language-specific plain-language strategies that can improve comprehensibility.