bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloning, expression and biochemical characterization of the cholesterol oxidase CgChoA from Chryseobacterium gleum
Authors: Reiss Renate , Faccio Greta , Thöny-Meyer Linda , Richter Michael
Published: May 2014

Background

Cholesterol oxidases are important enzymes for applications such as the analysis of cholesterol in clinical samples, the synthesis of steroid derived drugs, and are considered as potential antibacterial drug targets.

Results

The genechoAencoding a cholesterol oxidase fromChryseobacterium gleumDSM 16776 was cloned into the pQE-30 expression vector and heterologously expressed inEscherichia coliJM109 co-transformed with pRARE2. The N-terminally His-tagged cholesterol oxidase (CgChoA) was assigned to be a monomer in solution by size exclusion chromatography, showed a temperature optimum of 35°C, and a pH optimum at 6.75 using 0.011 M MOPS buffer under the tested conditions. The purified protein showed a maximum activity of 15.5 U/mg. CgChoA showed a Michaelis-Menten like kinetic behavior only when the substrate was dissolved in water and taurocholate (apparentKm = 0.5 mM). In addition, the conversion of cholesterol by CgChoA was studiedviabiocatalytic batches at analytical scale, and cholest-4-en-3-one was confirmed as product by HPLC-MS.

Conclusion

CgChoA is a true cholesterol oxidase which activity ranges among the high performing described cholesterol oxidases from other organisms. Thus, the enzyme broadens the available toolbox of cholesterol oxidases for e.g. synthetic and biosensing applications.
Topographical control of cell-cell interaction in C6 glioma by nanodot arrays
Authors: Lee Chia-Hui , Cheng Ya-Wen , Huang G Steven
Published: May 2014

Nanotopography modulates the physiological behavior of cells and cell-cell interactions, but the manner of communication remains unclear. Cell networking (syncytium) of astroglia provides the optimal microenvironment for communication of the nervous system. C6 glioma cells were seeded on nanodot arrays with dot diameters ranging from 10 to 200 nm. Cell viability, morphology, cytoskeleton, and adhesion showed optimal cell growth on 50-nm nanodots if sufficient incubation was allowed. In particular, the astrocytic syncytium level maximized at 50 nm. The gap junction protein Cx43 showed size-dependent and time-dependent transport from the nucleus to the cell membrane. The transport efficiency was greatly enhanced by incubation on 50-nm nanodots. In summary, nanotopography is capable of modulating cell behavior and influencing the cell-cell interactions of astrocytes. By fine-tuning the nanoenvironment, it may be possible to regulate cell-cell communications and optimize the biocompatibility of neural implants.
Acid Mediates a Prolonged Antinociception via Substance P Signaling in Acid-Induced Chronic Widespread Pain
Authors: Chen Wei-Nan , Chen Chih-Cheng
Published: May 2014

Background:

Substance P is an important neuropeptide released from nociceptors to mediate pain signals. We recently revealed antinociceptive signaling by substance P in acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3)-expressing muscle nociceptors in a mouse model of acid-induced chronic widespread pain. However, methods to specifically trigger the substance P antinociception were still lacking.

Results:

Here we show that acid could induce antinociceptive signaling via substance P release in muscle. We prevented the intramuscular acid-induced hyperalgesia by pharmacological inhibition of ASIC3 and transient receptor potential V1 (TRPV1). The antinociceptive effect of non-ASIC3, non-TRPV1 acid signaling lasted for 2 days. The non-ASIC3, non-TRPV1 acid antinociception was largely abolished in mice lacking substance P. Moreover, pretreatment with substance P in muscle mimicked the acid antinociceptive effect and prevented the hyperalgesia induced by next-day acid injection.

Conclusions:

Acid could mediate a prolonged antinociceptive signaling via the release of substance P from muscle afferent neurons in a non-ASIC3, non-TRPV1 manner.
Direct comparison of site-specific and basin-scale denudation rate estimation by in situ cosmogenic nuclides: an example from the Abukuma Mountains, Japan
Authors: Nakamura Atsunori , Yokoyama Yusuke , Shiroya Kazuyo , Miyairi Yosuke , Matsuzaki Hiroyuki
Published: May 2014

Accurate determination of denudation rates is important in understanding Earth surface system dynamics. In situ produced cosmogenic nuclides, such as 10Be and 26Al, provide a valuable insight but are not entirely free from complications. In this study, denudation rates are determined for the Abukuma Mountains, Japan, using both site-specific and basin-scale methods. Considered with density measured in the field, distinct and systematic differences between the two methods are identified. Site-specific rates calculated from depth profiles of cosmogenic nuclides (10Be and 26Al) at topographic highs indicate a rate of 67 to 85 mm/kyr, whereas basin-scale averaged denudation rates derived from the concentration of cosmogenic nuclides in fluvial sediments show 114 to 180 mm/kyr. This is the first comparison of these two commonly used methods in the same region in Japan, where the entire study area is characterized by well-developed saprolite. These results indicate that differential denudation rates between topographic highs and valleys reflect increasing local topographic relief of the study area. Comparison between rates derived from depth profiles and those applicable to the entire basin is important for understanding landscape development.
Resequencing the susceptibility gene, ITGAM, identifies two functionally deleterious rare variants in systemic lupus erythematosus cases
Authors: Roberts Amy L , Thomas Ellen RA , Bhosle Shriram , Game Laurence , Obraztsova Olga , Aitman Timothy J , Vyse Timothy J , Rhodes Benjamin
Published: May 2014

Introduction

The majority of the genetic variance of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains unexplained by the common disease-common variant hypothesis. Rare variants, which are not detectable by genome-wide association studies because of their low frequencies, are predicted to explain part of this ”missing heritability.” However, recent studies identifying rare variants within known disease-susceptibility loci have failed to show genetic associations because of their extremely low frequencies, leading to the questioning of the contribution of rare variants to disease susceptibility. A common (minor allele frequency = 17.4% in cases) nonsynonymous coding variant rs1143679 (R77H) in ITGAM (CD11b), which forms half of the heterodimeric integrin receptor, complement receptor 3 (CR3), is robustly associated with SLE and has been shown to impair CR3-mediated phagocytosis.

Methods

We resequenced ITGAM in 73 SLE cases and identified two previously unidentified, case-specific nonsynonymous variants, F941V and G1145S. Both variants were genotyped in 2,107 and 949 additional SLE cases, respectively, to estimate their frequencies in a disease population. An in vitro model was used to assess the impact of F941V and G1145S, together with two nonsynonymous ITGAM polymorphisms, A858V (rs1143683) and M441T (rs11861251), on CR3-mediated phagocytosis. A paired two-tailed t test was used to compare the phagocytic capabilities of each variant with that of wild-type CR3.

Results

Both rare variants, F941V and G1145S, significantly impair CR3-mediated phagocytosis in an in vitro model (61% reduction, P = 0.006; 26% reduction, P = 0.0232). However, neither of the common variants, M441T and A858V, had an effect on phagocytosis. Neither rare variant was observed again in the genotyping of additional SLE cases, suggesting that their frequencies are extremely low.

Conclusions

Our results add further evidence to the functional importance of ITGAM in SLE pathogenesis through impaired phagocytosis. Additionally, this study provides a new example of the identification of rare variants in common-allele-associated loci, which, because of their extremely low frequencies, are not statistically associated. However, the demonstration of their functional effects adds support to their contribution to disease risk, and questions the current notion of dismissing the contribution of very rare variants on purely statistical analyses.
Is pentobarbital safe and efficacious in the treatment of super-refractory status epilepticus: a cohort study
Authors: Pugin Deborah , Foreman Brandon , De Marchis Gian Marco , Fernandez Andres , Schmidt J Michael , Czeisler Barry M , Mayer Stephan A , Agarwal Sachin , Lesch Christine , Lantigua Hector , Claassen Jan
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Seizures refractory to third-line therapy are also labeled super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE). These seizures are extremely difficult to control and associated with poor outcome. We aimed to characterize efficacy and side-effects of continuous infusions of pentobarbital (cIV-PTB) treating SRSE.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) reports for all adults with RSE treated with cIV-PTB between May 1997 and April 2010 at our institution. Patients with post-anoxic SE and those receiving cIV-PTB for reasons other than RSE were excluded. We collected baseline information, cEEG findings, side-effects and functional outcome at discharge and one year.

Results

Thirty one SRSE patients treated with cIV-PTB for RSE were identified. Mean age was 48 years old (interquartile range (IQR) 28,63), 26% (N = 8) had a history of epilepsy. Median SE duration was 6.5 days (IQR 4,11) and the mean duration of cIV-PTB was 6 days (IQR 3,14). 74% (N = 23) presented with convulsive SE. Underlying etiology was acute symptomatic seizures in 52% (N = 16; 12/16 with encephalitis), remote 30% (N = 10), and unknown 16% (N = 5). cIV-PTB controlled seizures in 90% (N = 28) of patients but seizures recurred in 48% (N = 15) while weaning cIV-PTB, despite the fact that suppression-burst was attained in 90% (N = 28) of patients and persisted >72 hours in 56% (N = 17). Weaning was successful after adding phenobarbital in 80% (12/15 of the patients with withdrawal seizures). Complications during or after cIV-PTB included pneumonia (32%, N = 10), hypotension requiring pressors (29%, N = 9), urinary tract infection (13%, N = 4), and one patient each with propylene glycol toxicity and cardiac arrest. One-third (35%, N = 11) had no identified new complication after starting cIV-PTB. At one year after discharge, 74% (N = 23) were dead or in a state of unresponsive wakefulness, 16% (N = 5) severely disabled, and 10% (N = 3) had no or minimal disability. Death or unresponsive wakefulness was associated with catastrophic etiology (p = 0.03), but none of the other collected variables.

Conclusions

cIV-PTB effectively aborts SRSE and complications are infrequent; outcome in this highly refractory cohort of patients with devastating underlying etiologies remains poor. Phenobarbital may be particularly helpful when weaning cIV-PTB.
Wave-equation migration velocity analysis for VTI models
Authors: Li Yunyue , Biondi Biondo , Clapp Robert , Nichols Dave
Published: May 2014

Anisotropic models are needed for wave simulation and inversion where a complex geologic environment exists. We extended the theory of wave equation migration velocity analysis to build vertical transverse isotropic models. Because of the ambiguity between depth and [Formula: see text] in the acoustic regime, we assumed [Formula: see text] can be accurately obtained from other sources of information, and inverted for the NMO slowness and the anellipticity parameter [Formula: see text]. We combined the differential semblance optimization objective function with the stacking power maximization to evaluate the focusing of the prestack image in the subsurface-offset domain. To regularize the multiparameter inversion, we built a framework to adapt the geologic and the rock physics information to guide the updates in NMO slowness and [Formula: see text]. This regularization step was crucial to stabilize the inversion and to produce geologically meaningful results. We tested the proposed approach on a synthetic data set and a 2D Gulf of Mexico data set starting with a fairly good initial anisotropic model. The inversion results revealed shallow anomalies collocated in NMO velocity and [Formula: see text] and improved the continuity and the resolution of the final stacked images.
SMAD1/5 Signaling in the Early Equine Placenta Regulates Trophoblast Differentiation and Chorionic Gonadotropin Secretion
Authors: Cabrera-Sharp Victoria , Read Jordan E. , Richardson Stephanie , Kowalski Alycia A. , Antczak Douglas F. , Cartwright Judith E. , Mukherjee Abir , de Mestre Amanda M.
Published: May 2014

TGFβ superfamily proteins, acting via SMAD (Sma- and Mad-related protein)2/3 pathways, regulate placental function; however, the role of SMAD1/5/8 pathway in the placenta is unknown. This study investigated the functional role of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)4 signaling through SMAD1/5 in terminal differentiation of primary chorionic gonadotropin (CG)-secreting trophoblast. Primary equine trophoblast cells or placental tissues were isolated from day 27–34 equine conceptuses. Detected by microarray, RT-PCR, and quantitative RT-PCR, equine chorionic girdle trophoblast showed increased gene expression of receptors that bind BMP4. BMP4 mRNA expression was 20- to 60-fold higher in placental tissues adjacent to the chorionic girdle compared with chorionic girdle itself, suggesting BMP4 acts primarily in a paracrine manner on the chorionic girdle. Stimulation of chorionic girdle-trophoblast cells with BMP4 resulted in a dose-dependent and developmental stage-dependent increase in total number and proportion of terminally differentiated binucleate cells. Furthermore, BMP4 treatment induced non-CG-secreting day 31 chorionic girdle trophoblast cells to secrete CG, confirming a specific functional response to BMP4 stimulation. Inhibition of SMAD2/3 signaling combined with BMP4 treatment further enhanced differentiation of trophoblast cells. Phospho-SMAD1/5, but not phospho-SMAD2, expression as determined by Western blotting was tightly regulated during chorionic girdle trophoblast differentiation in vivo, with peak expression of phospho-SMAD1/5 in vivo noted at day 31 corresponding to maximal differentiation response of trophoblast in vitro. Collectively, these experiments demonstrate the involvement of BMP4-dependent pathways in the regulation of equine trophoblast differentiation in vivo and primary trophoblast differentiation in vitro via activation of SMAD1/5 pathway, a previously unreported mechanism of TGFβ signaling in the mammalian placenta.
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Elastase Disrupts the Cortisol-Binding Activity of Corticosteroid-Binding Globulin
Authors: Simard Marc , Hill Lesley A. , Underhill Caroline M. , Keller Bernd O. , Villanueva Ivan , Hancock Robert E. W. , Hammond Geoffrey L.
Published: May 2014

The serine protease inhibitor (SERPIN) family member corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) is the main carrier of glucocorticoids in plasma. Human CBG mediates the targeted release of cortisol at sites of inflammation through cleavage of its reactive center loop (RCL) by neutrophil elastase. The RCLs of SERPIN family members are targeted by diverse endogenous and exogenous proteases, including several bacterial proteases. We tested different bacteria for their ability to secrete proteases that disrupt CBG cortisol-binding activity, and characterized the responsible protease and site of CBG cleavage. Serum CBG integrity was assessed by Western blotting and cortisol-binding capacity assay. Effects of time, pH, temperature, and protease inhibitors were tested. Proteolytically active proteins from bacterial media were purified by fast protein liquid chromatography, and the active protease and CBG cleavage sites were identified by mass spectrometry. Among the bacteria tested, medium from Pseudomonas aeruginosa actively disrupted the cortisol-binding activity of CBG. This proteolytic activity was inhibited by zinc chelators and occurred most efficiently at pH 7 and elevated physiological temperature (ie, 41°C). Mass spectrometric analysis of a semi-purified fraction of P. aeruginosa media identified the virulence factor LasB as the responsible protease, and this was confirmed by assaying media from LasB-deficient P. aeruginosa. This metalloprotease cleaves the CBG RCL at a major site, distinct from that targeted by neutrophil elastase. Our results suggest that humoral responses to P. aeruginosa infection are influenced by this pathogen's ability to secrete a protease that promotes the release of the anti-inflammatory steroid, cortisol, from its plasma transport protein.
Kinetics of Hydrogen Abstraction Reactions from Fluoromethanes and Fluoroethanes
Authors: Matsugi Akira , Shiina Hiroumi
Published: May 2014

Hydrogen abstraction reactions from hydrofluorocarbons are important reaction steps in both atmospheric and combustion chemistry. In this study, kinetics of the H-abstraction reactions from methane, ethane, fluoromethanes, and fluoroethanes by H, O, and OH radicals are investigated using the CBS-QB3//ωB97X-D quantum chemical method and transition state theory, and the site-specific reactivity of the fluoroalkanes systematically examined. The calculated rate constants for these reactions are found to accurately reproduce available experimental data for a wide temperature range, with only minor differences between experimental and theoretical barrier heights. Analysis of site-specific reactivity indicates that fluorine substitution at the β-carbon site of the fluoroalkanes systematically increases the barrier heights of H-abstraction, and the substitution effect at the α-carbon site can be interpreted by electron-withdrawing and steric effects. Fluorine substitution also decreases the pre-exponential factor for the H-abstraction reactions by O and OH radicals due to steric and electrostatic interactions between these radicals and the F atoms.
Adaptive Integration Method Based on Sub-Division Technique for Nearly Singular Integrals in Near-Field Acoustics Boundary Element Analysis
Authors: Qu Shen , Chen Haoran , Li Sheng
Published: May 2014

The aim of this paper is to present an efficient adaptive integration technique to perform near-field acoustics boundary element analysis, in which nearly singular integrals will be encountered as the source point in integral equation close to the boundary of acoustic domain. At this time the integrand varies sharply, so the conventional Gaussian quadrature becomes inefficient or even inaccurate. In this paper, an adaptive integration technique is proposed, which determines the required Gauss orders and the number of sub-elements according to the specified integration accuracy and the relative position from the source point in integral equation to the element under integration. By introducing the Jacobian of the sub-element, nearly singular integrals can be calculated numerically without the nodal values of sub-elements. Two numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed approach.
Transverse Vibration Characteristics and Stability of a Moving Membrane with Elastic Supports
Authors: Wu Jimei , Lei Wenjiao , Wu Qiumin , Wang Yan , Ma Li'e
Published: May 2014

The transverse vibration characteristics and stability of a moving membrane with several intermediate elastic supports are investigated considering the translating speed. The motion equations of the vibration system are derived according to the membrane vibration theory and the D'Alembert principle. The constraint of the middle printing roller to the membrane is used as the intermediate support which is replaced by the constraint force. And the vibration characteristic equation is established by using Laplace transformation method and the numerical calculation method. Finally, the relationships between the natural frequency of the moving membrane and the translating speed, tension, supporting position and rigidity modulus are analyzed respectively, and the critical speed when the membrane is in a stable state is obtained. The conclusions provide a theoretical basis and effective approaches for improving the work stability of the printing press.
Wind Speed Measurements in the Vicinity of a Tubular Mast: Influence of Data Selection Methods on Wind Speed Average Determination
Authors: Farrugia R. N. , Sant T.
Published: May 2014

Wind measurements form an intrinsic part of the site selection process leading up to wind project development. Anemometers mounted on wind monitoring structures are expected to capture information on the free wind stream. However, the impacts of the structure and other hardware required to secure the sensors may have a marked influence on the data being compiled. This paper examines wind flow behaviour in the vicinity of an 80 metre tubular wind mast located at Ahrax Point on the Mediterranean Island of Malta. Mast and ancillary equipment effects are identified and quantified for two intermediate monitoring heights where dual and opposite anemometers were installed. A number of wind speed filtering methodologies are analysed in order to assess the methods' capabilities in reducing mast structure interference while enabling a conservative assessment of a site's wind potential.
Maintenance Design and Optimization of Long Service Life Port Structures considering Crack Control Levels
Authors: Li K.F. , Yang L.H. , Li Q.W. , Wu P.
Published: May 2014

This paper investigates the maintenance design for reinforced concrete (RC) elements in a marine port with service life of 100 years. The dominant deterioration process is the chloride-induced corrosion of reinforcement steel bars in RC elements, and the durability limit state (DLS) is defined as the corrosion initiation. The impact of concrete crack on steel corrosion is described by the acceleration effect of the micro-damaged zones in concrete besides crack opening. Then the maintenance cost model is established considering both operation and user's costs. The Monte-Carlo simulation technique is used to evaluate the intervention times of maintenance operations. In particular, the influence of crack control width on maintenance costs is investigated. The results show that: (1) the necessary maintenance achieves always the optimized cost, and (2) the crack width of 0.3 mm is the turning point for flexural elements in terms of maintenance costs.
Mesoscale Simulation of Chloride Diffusion in Concrete Subjected to Flexural Loading
Authors: Wang L.C. , Wang J.Z.
Published: May 2014

In real structures, concrete is always cracked due to various mechanisms such as drying shrinkage, chemical attack, thermal gradients, freezing-thawing cycles, alkali-aggregate reaction and external loading. It has been realized that cracking can significantly accelerate the deterioration of reinforced concrete structure because it provides preferential flow channels and allows more chlorides to penetrate. This paper aims to illustrate the effect of external loading or cracking of concrete on the chloride diffusion rate by numerical simulation method. The lattice network model on mesoscopic composite structure of concrete is used to evaluate the diffusion properties of cracked concrete, while the Rigid Body Spring Model (RBSM) is adopted to quantify the parameters of cracking, such as the crack number and width. The chloride diffusion coefficient through a single crack is determined as 10000 mm2/h when crack width is larger than the critical value and 3000 mm2/h when smaller than this critical value. Different flexural loading levels are applied to the concrete beam samples in order to obtain different damage degree in concrete. By means of a series of calculations, it is indicated that loading can significantly increase the chloride diffusion rate and penetration depth in concrete. Comparison with available test data shows that the proposed model can to some extent reflect the loading effect on chloride diffusion, particularly under higher loading levels than those applied in the tests.
Numerical Modelling of Infilled Clay Brick Masonry under Blast Loading
Authors: Pandey A.K. , Bisht R.S.
Published: May 2014

Numerical modeling and simulation of clay brick masonry infilled in a reinforced concrete frame (RC frame) subjected to blast loading has been presented in this paper. The pressure loading generated in blast shock has been applied on the masonry and the reinforced concrete frame and time history analysis has been made using ABAQUS finite element software package. The slip and separation at the joints of RC frame and masonry occurring during blast loading due to large difference in their stiffness has been modeled using contact algorithm. The study of the infilled brick masonry has been carried out with elasto-plastic strain hardening model using Mohr-Coulomb yield and failure criterion and contact algorithm for modeling contact behaviour at the interface of masonry wall and RC frame. The non-linearity in RC beam/column has been modelled using concrete damaged plasticity model. The parameters for non-linear finite element modeling of masonry have been experimentally determined. In order to gain confidence in the analysis, the proposed constitutive models have been validated with available experimental results on infilled masonry walls. The parametric study has been made for surface blast of 100 kg TNT at a detonation distance 20, 30 and 40 m for 340 mm and 235 mm thick masonry walls with three grades of mortar infilled in a RC frame. The effect of variation of contact friction between mortar and RC elements on the behaviour of masonry walls has also been studied.
Does Social Proximity Enhance Business Partnerships? Theory and Evidence from Ethnicity's Role in U.S. Venture Capital
Authors: Hegde Deepak , Tumlinson Justin
Published: May 2014

We develop a formal model to understand the selection and influence effects of social proximity (homophily) between business partners. Consistent with the model's predictions, we find that U.S. venture capitalists (VCs) are more likely to select start-ups with coethnic executives for investment, particularly when the probability of the start-up's success appears low. Ethnic proximity between VCs and the start-ups they invest in is positively related to performance, measured by the probability of the companies' successful exit through acquisitions and initial public offerings (IPOs) and net income after IPO. Two-stage regression estimates suggest that these positive performance outcomes are largely due to influence, that is, superior communication and coordination between coethnic VCs and start-up executives after the investment. To the extent that VCs expect to work better with coethnic start-ups, they invest in coethnic ventures that are of lower observable quality than noncoethnic ventures.

This paper was accepted by Lee Fleming, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Appointment Scheduling with Limited Distributional Information
Authors: Mak Ho-Yin , Rong Ying , Zhang Jiawei
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we develop distribution-free models that solve the appointment sequencing and scheduling problem by assuming only moments information of job durations. We show that our min–max appointment scheduling models, which minimize the worst-case expected waiting and overtime costs out of all probability distributions with the given marginal moments, can be exactly formulated as tractable conic programs. These formulations are obtained by exploiting hidden convexity of the problem. In the special case where only the first two marginal moments are given, the problem can be reformulated as a second-order cone program. Based on the structural properties of this formulation, under a mild condition, we derive the optimal time allowances in closed form and prove that it is optimal to sequence jobs in increasing order of job duration variance. We also prove similar results regarding the optimal time allowances and sequence for the case where only means and supports of job durations are known.

This paper was accepted by Dimitris Bertsimas, optimization.
The Destination-Loader-Door Assignment Problem for Automated Package Sorting Centers
Authors: Jarrah Ahmad I. , Qi Xiangtong , Bard Jonathan F.
Published: May 2014

This paper presents a new model and solution procedure for a problem that arises in configuring package sorting centers that perform multiple automated sorts per day. For a given set of loading bays, the first objective is to assign destinations to consecutive doors so that the number of changes of destination-to-door assignments from one sort to the next is minimized. The second and third objectives are to minimize the number of loaders who work the doors and to evenly distribute the volume of packages assigned to each loader. A variety of constraints vastly complicates these assignments and leads to a mixed-integer programming (MIP) model, which we significantly strengthened with structurally derived cuts. A novel feature of the formulation is the use of pattern variables to represent the door assignments. Taking a multiobjective programming approach, solutions are obtained by solving a series of MIPs, each addressing one of the three objectives. The effectiveness of our approach is demonstrated using data provided by a well-known package carrier for 24 work centers in four facilities. An additional contribution is a complexity analysis of the destination-to-door and the loader-to-door assignment subproblems. Both are shown to be strongly NP-hard. We also examine special cases of the loader subproblem and develop polynomial-time algorithms for them.
Protocol for the United Kingdom Rotator Cuff Study (UKUFF)
Authors: Carr A. J. , Rees J. L. , Ramsay C. R. , Fitzpatrick R. , Gray A. , Moser J. , Dawson J. , Bruhn H. , Cooper C. D. , Beard D. J. , Campbell M. K.
Published: May 2014

This protocol describes a pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) to assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of arthroscopic and open surgery in the management of rotator cuff tears. This trial began in 2007 and was modified in 2010, with the removal of a non-operative arm due to high rates of early crossover to surgery.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:155–60.
Children’s drawing and telling of the multiple facets of the Greek financial crisis
Authors: Christopoulou Martha
Published: May 2014

This art-based case study illustrates how primary-age children engaged in a drawing-telling project in order to represent their understandings of the Greek financial crisis. Living in a country where, for the past five years, the topic of financial crisis has vastly permeated television and print media discourse, social networks discussions and adult talk, has raised considerable interest about how primary-age students understand, view and identify this crisis. The children who participated in the research were asked to communicate their understandings of the financial crisis and its effects on Greek society through verbal and visual texts. Descriptions of selected ‘drawing and telling’ accounts show how these children not only depicted but also manipulated concepts and issues interrelated with the financial crisis as they created and recreated images, texts, ideas and feelings. The findings illustrate these children’s understanding, worries and fears and suggest that art education can be a space for healing and recovery from the adversities caused by the financial crisis and a place for fostering resilience.
Reformation und politisch-gesellschaftliche Emanzipation
Authors: Oberdorfer Bernd
Published: May 2014

The relevance of the reformation for the development of modern liberty rights is much debated. Although the Protestant Reformers fought for the »Freedom of a Christian« against religious patronization, they were not tolerant in a modern sense of the term. However, the Reformation released long-term impulses which contributed to the origin and formation of a modern civil society, e. g. the respect for the autonomy of the individual over against the church, the passion for education, the emphasis on the »universal priesthood of all believers«, and the appreciation of civil professions. Long historical learning processes were necessary, though, until the Protestant churches acknowledged and adopted modern liberty rights, a participatory democracy and a pluralistic society as genuine forms of expression of a Protestant ethos.
Von der Integration zur gesellschaftlichen Inklusion von Menschen mit Behinderungen – realistisches Ziel oder Utopie?
Authors: Wienberg Günther
Published: May 2014

For approximately four decades now, the social dealings of Central Europe with persons who exhibit long lasting/permanent psychological disturbances, mental-, physical-, or multiple disabilities, have followed the paradigm of integration, which promises conditions of living which are »as normal as possible « and »in the immediate vicinity« of persons without disabilities. To date, this paradigm has not been completely implemented. Nevertheless, with the »Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities «, which is also in effect in Germany since 2009, a new paradigm was placed on the socio-political agenda. This contribution sketches the development, beginning after the Second World War, of the care system for persons with disabilities, describes the basis of the inclusion paradigm and names the connected societal challenges.
PREVALÊNCIA DE FATORES DE RISCO CARDIOVASCULAR EM FUNCIONÁRIOS DE UMA INSTITUIÇÃO DE ENSINO SUPERIOR.
Authors: BERTASSO-BORGES Maristela Sanches , PRATES Daniela Costa , SILVA Andreia Fernandes Marcondes Godoy , PEZZINI Ana Paula Fernandes
Published: May 2014

As doenças cardiovasculares tem sido a principal causa de morte no Brasil e a identificação dos fatores de risco cardiovascular é crucial para uma prevenção efetiva. Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a prevalência de fatores de risco cardiovascular em funcionários de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior de São José do Rio Preto. Foi feito um estudo transversal e descritivo realizado a partir de um questionário para identificação de fatores de risco cardiovascular, medidas antropométricas e de pressão arterial em funcionários. Avaliaram-se 127 funcionários, sendo 84 (66,14%) do sexo feminino. A faixa etária mais prevalente é a de 21 a 30 anos (37%). Hipertensão arterial foi identificada em 7,09% dos indivíduos e 17,32% estavam na faixa de pré-hipertensão. História familiar positiva foi relatada por 82,68% dos funcionários. Aproximadamente 50% da população relataram etilismo, com prevalência no sexo masculino (69,77%). A frequência de sedentarismo foi elevada no sexo feminino (73,81%) e 52,76% da população total encontram-se nas faixas de sobrepeso. Para o sexo feminino houve significância estatística para circunferência de cintura na análise por faixas etárias. Com base nos resultados pôde-se concluir que hipertensão, história familiar, etilismo, sobrepeso e sedentarismo são os principais fatores de risco cardiovascular nesta população de funcionários.
ANÁLISE DA FORMA DE DESCARTE DE MEDICAMENTOS POR USUÁRIOS DE UMA UNIDADE DE SAÚDE NO MUNICÍPIO DE PORTO ALEGRE/RS
Authors: IOB Gelson Antonio , CAMILLO Elineide Gomes dos Santos , PETRY Raquel Denise
Published: May 2014

Não há em nosso país uma normatização que regulamente o descarte de medicamentos domiciliares. Em vista disso, realizou-se um estudo quantitativo, contemporâneo, observacional, realizado por meio da aplicação de um questionário
estruturado objetivando analisar a forma mais comum de descarte de medicamentos por usuários da Unidade de Saúde Parque dos Maias (USPM) do Grupo Hospitalar Conceição (GHC), localizada no município de Porto Alegre/ RS. O estudo incluiu 238 moradores, com erro aceitável de 5% e um nível de confiança de 95%. Em relação à análise da população estudada observou-se que 97,9% relataram que possuem medicamentos em suas residências; 86,6% nunca receberam orientação de como descartar medicamentos; 60% descartam no meio ambiente os medicamentos vencidos encontrados nos domicílios. A investigação estatística realizada pelo teste de Qui-quadrado para as variáveis analisadas não apresentou associação estatisticamente significativa entre escolaridade e renda com boa parte das ações de descarte de medicamentos pesquisadas. Constatou-se que medidas efetivas deveriam ser melhor organizadas para diminuir e regulamentar a geração e o destino dos medicamentos impróprios para o consumo presentes nas residências, minimizando assim danos ao meio ambiente e a saúde pública.
INTERFERÊNCIAS EM EXAMES LABORATORIAIS: CRITÉRIO DIAGNÓSTICO PARA O DIABETES MELLITUS E PRINCIPAIS FÁRMACOS HIPOGLICEMIANTES
Authors: KANASHIRO Daniela Hisaye , GAMEIRO Flávia Domingues , COSTA JÚNIOR Válter Luiz da , SILVA Alexsandro Macedo , RIBEIRO NETO Luciane Maria , MATSUI Reiko Soraya , JANUÁRIO Sandro Jorge , SANTOS Paulo Caleb Júnior de Lima
Published: May 2014

O diabetes mellitus (DM) está entre as principais condições crônicas de saúde. O critério diagnóstico atual para o DM propõe os seguintes testes laboratoriais: glicose plasmática em jejum, hemoglobina glicada ou glicosilada, teste oral de tolerância à glicose, frutosamina, insulina, peptídeo C e glucagon. Estes exames laboratoriais podem apresentar interferências de medicamentos, sejam fisiológicas ou analíticas. Na literatura consultada foi possível identificar 30 fármacos ou grupo de fármacos que possuem evidências de interferir nos principais exames de diagnóstico da DM. Ressalta-se que praticamente na sua totalidade estes interferem nos níveis de glicemia, sendo que, 81,5% destes contribuem de forma a aumentar estes valores. Dentre estes fármacos encontram-se MIPs (medicamentos isentos de prescrição), como o paracetamol e o ácido acetilsalicílico, e anti-inflamatórios esteroidais, como a dexametasona e prednisolona, amplamente utilizados na terapêutica medicamentosa. Da mesma forma, os medicamentos empregados no tratamento de pacientes diabéticos incluído na RENAME como insulina NPH (protamina neutra Hagedorn), insulina humana regular, glibenclamida, gliclazida e cloridrato de metformina podem interferir em exames laboratoriais. O diagnóstico precoce e o tratamento adequado se fazem necessários a fim de prevenirem maiores danos aos portadores desta doença complexa sub diagnosticada. Neste contexto, as interferências medicamentosas são importantes achados nos exames laboratoriais que avaliam o DM e devem ser reconhecidas pelos profissionais de saúde envolvidos.
PERFIL DE RESISTÊNCIA DE ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNII A ANTIMICROBIANOS EM UM HOSPITAL UNIVERSITÁRIO DE CUIABÁ-MT
Authors: RICAS Rafaella Velazquez , MARQUES Thayanny Carmo , YAMAMOTO Ana Caroline Akeme
Published: May 2014

Acinetobacter baumannii vem assumindo importante papel nos processos infecciosos, e inúmeros são os relatos de surto de infecção hospitalar no mundo. O uso extensivo de terapia antimicrobiana em hospitais tem contribuído para a seleção e para o aumento no número de isolados de A. baumannii multirresistentes aos antimicrobianos, inclusive aos carbapenêmicos, dificultando o tratamento. Este estudo tem por objetivo levantar o perfil de susceptibilidade das cepas de A. baumannii isoladas de amostras clínicas de pacientes internados em um Hospital Universitário de Cuiabá -MT. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo retrospectivo. As bactérias foram isoladas em meios de cultura apropriados. A identificação e o teste de susceptibilidade aos antimicrobianos foram realizados por meio de provas bioquímicas e método qualitativo de Kirby Bauer e quantitativo Etest. Das 184 amostras avaliadas, 85,3% apresentaram multirresistência,
principalmente a cefalosporinas (3° e 4° geração), aminoglicosídeos e carbapenêmicos. No entanto, 100% das cepas foram sensíveis a polimixina B. A Unidade de Terapia Intensiva foi a mais acometida por A. baumannii, assim como aspirado traqueal foi o sítio de infecção mais prevalente por este patógeno.
ANÁLISE DE PRESCRIÇÕES DESTINADAS AO EMAGRECIMENTO EM FARMÁCIA MAGISTRAL ANTES E APÓS A VIGÊNCIA DA RDC Nº 52
Authors: JUMAH EID AHMAH LAILA Hanan , SIMÕES MENEZES Ana Paula , SILVA NUNES Marisa Fernanda da , NUNES HORTA Roberta , ZAGO Ana Carolina
Published: May 2014

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o perfil de prescrições destinadas ao emagrecimento em uma farmácia de manipulação no município de Pelotas – RS, antes e após a vigência da RDC nº 52/2011. Para isso, foram analisados todos os receituários de controle especial contendo medicamentos anorexígenos entre os meses de janeiro a dezembro de 2010 e 2012. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que o sexo feminino continua sendo o gênero que mais consome esses medicamentos tanto em 2010 quanto em 2012. No ano de 2010, os anorexígenos mais prescritos foram respectivamente anfepramona (68,7%), femproporex (26,2%), mazindol (2,7%) e sibutramina (2,4%), sendo os médicos da especialidade Clinica Geral aqueles que mais prescreveram em ambos os períodos avaliados.. Em 2012, foi observado um considerável aumento da prescrição de medicamento contendo o fármaco sibutramina. Entretanto, a vigência da RDC nº 52/2011 foi eficaz ao promover a redução da prescrição de anorexígenos e verifica-se a importância de Atos Regulatórios por parte das autoridades sanitárias, normatizando o uso racional de medicamentos.
Dyeing of Jute Fabric with Natural Dye Extracted from Annatto
Authors: Chattopadhyay S. N. , Pan N. C. , Roy A. K. , Khan A.
Published: May 2014

Greige jute fabric was scoured and bleached to produce white absorbent jute fabric dyeable with natural annatto dye extract. Extraction of natural dye and application to jute fabric is found to be optimal in alkaline medium. Mordants like myrobolan, pomegranate, and ferrous sulfate had their inherent color, whereas potash alum was colorless. Mordanting improved the color yield, compared to control fabric, when dyeing with natural annatto dye extract under alkaline conditions. Double mordanting using myrobolan and ferrous sulfate produced optimal color yield. In all cases, post-mordanting with chemical mordants resulted in higher color yield and fastness properties. Two-step dyeing following both direct and acid dyeing methods produced the best color yield and fastness properties.
The In Pari Delicto Defense for Auditors in Professional Negligence Cases: Imputation of Managers’ Unlawful Acts to the Client Firm
Authors: Blythe Stephen E.
Published: May 2014

The Enron scandal, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the 2008 financial crisis have resulted in new laws and regulations regarding auditor liability and an evolution of some of the old ones. One of the older laws is the in pari delicto defense: in a lawsuit brought by a corporation alleging that its auditor was negligent in failing to detect a manager’s fraud, the auditor may be able to use that defense if the manager’s fraud is imputable to the company. Since a bankruptcy trustee or a receiver steps into the shoes of the bankrupt company it represents, a similar defense (the Wagoner Rule) may also be applicable if a trustee or a receiver files a negligence lawsuit against the company’s auditor. However, in pari delicto is inapplicable when: (1) the wrongful acts of the manager are so adverse to the corporate client that the manager is deemed to have totally abandoned the corporation for its, or a third party’s, sole benefit (unless the manager is also the sole shareholder, or the company has incurred a short-term benefit because of the fraud); (2) the corporate client had at least one innocent manager or shareholder who could have prevented or stopped the fraud if he had known about it; (3) the auditor does not deal with the corporate client in good faith and engages in unlawful conduct; or (4) the plaintiffs are totally innocent shareholders (but in this case, the in pari delicto defense is still applicable with respect to culpable shareholders). The State of New York has been on the cutting edge in the evolution of the in pari delicto defense, and this defense is strongest there. Other states recognizing the defense include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and (in dicta) Delaware (only if the company has engaged in actual wrongdoing). Finally, these are examples of recent evolution of in pari delicto: (a) the Sarbanes-Oxley Act’s prohibition of management from interfering with or deceiving the auditor; such statutory violations of management could be used by the auditor at trial in proving the applicability of the in pari delicto defense and (b) the new constraints on off-balance sheet leases, expected to be released shortly by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, may decrease management’s ability to deceive the auditor in the first place.
An Analysis of Systemic Risk in the Insurance Sector – Evidence from Asia-Pacific Region
Authors: Kanno Masayasu
Published: May 2014

This study contributes to the assessment of systemic risk for the insurance sector. We conducted two types of model approaches and scrutinized each insurer’s marginal systemic risk contribution to the entire Asia-Pacific insurance sector during the global financial crisis and thereafter. We applied the hypothetical distress insurance premium as a systemic risk measure by considering the “policyholder protection scheme” of each country and then incorporating the dynamic conditional correlation as the time-dependent, heterogeneous correlation parameter in the premium. Ping An Insurance (Group) Co. of China was only group in the Asia-Pacific region to be selected as a Globally Systemically Important Insurer (G-SII) in July 2013. Ping An Insurance was ranked first based on the marginal contribution of each insurer during the global financial crisis, and thereafter it was also ranked first based on recent data; therefore, we validated the G-SII’s selection. We propose these model approaches to be used in a mutually complementary manner as selection approaches for G-SIIs and risk management tools for insurers.
Unter dem Druck der Versorgungskrisen
Authors: Jörg Christian
Published: May 2014

The article deals with the influence of the severe famines of the later Middle Ages on Christian-Jewish relations. It focuses on the rising costs and food shortages that haunted large parts of Europe in the 15th century, particularly during the grave famine of the 1430s. Because of the catastrophic effects of these shortages on a society in which large parts of the population had no or only little access to their own food supplies, measures had to be taken by royal courts or – in the case of the empire – by city councils. In such times of major crisis all economic means to influence the supply situation were used. This also included the contacts with Jewish merchants – especially in the Mediterranean world – and, of course, moneylenders – a rarely considered but highly interesting field of research, since the first half of the 15th century brought extreme and in a way »new« tendencies of exclusion such as the decisions of the schismatic pope Benedict XIII. (1415), which were partly put into effect on the Iberian peninsula, or the Council of Bale (1434).
Das Bild vom ›Kornjuden‹ als Antifigur zum frühneuzeitlichen Prinzip der ›guten narung‹ und der ›moral economy‹
Authors: Jütte Robert
Published: May 2014

Subsistence crises due to famine occurred frequently in early modern Europe. A poor harvest caused by rainy weather was often the trigger for such disaster. But people also looked for scapegoats who could be blamed for the shortage of grain. From the seventeenth century onwards the so-called »corn Jew« became a popular stereotype in diatribes which often had an anti-Jewish undertone. Concomitantly, a new type of anti-Semitic medal made its appearance. These were the so-called »Korn Jude« (Corn or Grain Jew) medals. Most of these medals were struck in Germany and were issued in various forms over a period of almost a century. Two artists seem to have turned the creation of such medals into a veritable hallmark: Christian Wermuth (1661–1739) and, a little later, Johann Christian Reich (1740–1814). This article discusses how the distribution and circulation of the »Korn Jude« medals coincided with periods of rising food prices and famine. It will be shown that these medals were designed to perpetuate the myth about the Jews’ responsibility for these hardships and to portray the Jew as a diabolic speculator, particularly in the grain market. They reflect, however, also older traditions of religious intolerance.