bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender Differences in Risk Factors for Single and Recurrent Falls Among the Community-Dwelling Elderly
Authors: O Yu Mei , El Fakiri Fatima
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study was to identify gender differences in risk factors of fall accidents among older people, and whether these factors differ between single and recurrent fallers. A total of 4,426 individuals aged ≥65 years from two large-scale health surveys provided data. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors and to determine the risk model for falling and recurrent falling in men and women separately. Three major risk factors for falling regardless of gender or fall history are fear of falling, limitations in activities of daily living (ADL), and age ≥75 years. Fear of falling remains one of the common modifiable risk factors. Among those without a fall history, the use of sedatives or tranquilizers increases the risk of falling. Regarding gender differences, ADL limitations and fear of falling appear to be stronger fall risk factors for men than for women. Among women, alcohol use and educational level are significant risk factors for falling, while loneliness is associated with recurrent falling. Men with fear of falling or ADL limitations are at higher risk to have a recurrent fall accident than women with these conditions. Having a visual impairment or living with someone is associated with recurrent falling among men. Our findings emphasize the importance of multifactorial fall interventions, taking into account a variety of subgroup characteristics such as gender and fall history.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of cold metal transfer welded aluminium/dual phase steel
Authors: Madhavan S. , Kamaraj M. , Vijayaraghavan L.
Published: August 2015

In this work, an attempt was made to join A6061-T6 aluminium alloy to Dual Phase 800 steel using AlSiMn filler by cold metal transfer (CMT) processes. The effect of process parameters on the microstructures and tensile strength of the joints are analysed. Microstructural analysis revealed the formation of the Fe–Al intermetallic (IM) layer. The IM layer thickness was found to be very small. Electron microscopy analysis revealed the presence of long plate shape (Al5FeSi) and fragmented particles in the IM layer. At the interface, ⊖-FeAl3 and η-Fe2Al5 phases were formed. Pulsed process resulted in better joint strength when compared to conventional CMT method. X-ray diffraction study revealed the formation of the Fe3Al and η-Fe2Al5 phases in the weld. The welding currents and arc length correction factor had significant effects on the joint strength. Tensile failure occurred at the heat affected zone.
Comparative assessment of several automatic CPAP devices' responses: a bench test study
Authors: Isetta Valentina , Navajas Daniel , Montserrat Josep M. , Farré Ramon
Published: August 2015

Automatic continuous positive airway pressure (APAP) devices adjust the delivered pressure based on the breathing patterns of the patient and, accordingly, they may be more suitable for patients who have a variety of pressure demands during sleep based on factors such as body posture, sleep stage or variability between nights. Devices from different manufacturers incorporate distinct algorithms and may therefore respond differently when subjected to the same disturbed breathing pattern. Our objective was to assess the response of several currently available APAP devices in a bench test.

A computer-controlled model mimicking the breathing pattern of a patient with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) was connected to different APAP devices for 2-h tests during which flow and pressure readings were recorded. Devices tested were AirSense 10 (ResMed), Dreamstar (Sefam), Icon (Fisher & Paykel), Resmart (BMC), Somnobalance (Weinmann), System One (Respironics) and XT-Auto (Apex). Each device was tested twice.

The response of each device was considerably different. Whereas some devices were able to normalise breathing, in some cases exceeding the required pressure, other devices did not eliminate disturbed breathing events (mainly prolonged flow limitation). Mean and maximum pressures ranged 7.3–14.6 cmH2O and 10.4–17.9 cmH2O, respectively, and the time to reach maximum pressure varied from 4.4 to 96.0 min.

Each APAP device uses a proprietary algorithm and, therefore, the response to a bench simulation of OSA varied significantly. This must be taken into account for nasal pressure treatment of OSA patients and when comparing results from clinical trials.
Genomic analysis of codon usage shows influence of mutation pressure, natural selection, and host features on Marburg virus evolution
Authors: Nasrullah Izza , Butt Azeem M , Tahir Shifa , Idrees Muhammad , Tong Yigang
Published: August 2015

Background

The Marburg virus (MARV) has a negative-sense single-stranded RNA genome, belongs to the family Filoviridae, and is responsible for several outbreaks of highly fatal hemorrhagic fever. Codon usage patterns of viruses reflect a series of evolutionary changes that enable viruses to shape their survival rates and fitness toward the external environment and, most importantly, their hosts. To understand the evolution of MARV at the codon level, we report a comprehensive analysis of synonymous codon usage patterns in MARV genomes. Multiple codon analysis approaches and statistical methods were performed to determine overall codon usage patterns, biases in codon usage, and influence of various factors, including mutation pressure, natural selection, and its two hosts, Homo sapiens and Rousettus aegyptiacus.

Results

Nucleotide composition and relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) analysis revealed that MARV shows mutation bias and prefers U- and A-ended codons to code amino acids. Effective number of codons analysis indicated that overall codon usage among MARV genomes is slightly biased. The Parity Rule 2 plot analysis showed that GC and AU nucleotides were not used proportionally which accounts for the presence of natural selection. Codon usage patterns of MARV were also found to be influenced by its hosts. This indicates that MARV have evolved codon usage patterns that are specific to both of its hosts. Moreover, selection pressure from R. aegyptiacus on the MARV RSCU patterns was found to be dominant compared with that from H. sapiens. Overall, mutation pressure was found to be the most important and dominant force that shapes codon usage patterns in MARV.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first detailed codon usage analysis of MARV and extends our understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to codon usage and evolution of MARV.
Adequate antibiotic therapy prior to ICU admission in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock reduces hospital mortality
Authors: Garnacho-Montero José , Gutiérrez-Pizarraya Antonio , Escoresca-Ortega Ana , Fernández-Delgado Esperanza , López-Sánchez José María
Published: August 2015

Introduction

In patients with severe sepsis and septic shock as cause of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, we analyze the impact on mortality of adequate antimicrobial therapy initiated before ICU admission.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study enrolling patients admitted to the ICU with severe sepsis or septic shock from January 2008 to September 2013. The primary end-point was in-hospital mortality. We considered two groups for comparisons: patients who received adequate antibiotic treatment before or after the admission to the ICU.

Results

A total of 926 septic patients were admitted to ICU, and 638 (68.8%) had available microbiological isolation: 444 (69.6%) received adequate empirical antimicrobial treatment prior to ICU and 194 (30.4%) after admission. Global hospital mortality in patients that received treatment before ICU admission, between 0-6h ICU, 6–12h ICU, 12–24h ICU and after 24 hours since ICU admission were 31.3, 53.2, 57.1, 50 and 50.8% (p<0.001). The multivariate analysis showed that urinary focus (odds ratio (OR) 0.20; 0.09–0.42; p<0.001) and adequate treatment prior to ICU admission (OR 0.37; 0.24–0.56; p<0.001) were protective factors whereas APACHE II score (OR 1.10; 1.07–1.14; p<0.001), septic shock (OR 2.47; 1.57–3.87; p<0.001), respiratory source (OR 1.91; 1.12–3.21; p=0.016), cirrhosis (OR 3.74; 1.60–8.76; p=0.002) and malignancy (OR 1.65; 1.02–2.70; p=0.042) were variables independently associated with in-hospital mortality. Adequate treatment prior to ICU was a protective factor for mortality in patients with severe sepsis (n=236) or in septic shock (n=402).

Conclusions

The administration of adequate antimicrobial therapy before ICU admission is decisive for the survival of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Our efforts should be directed to assure the correct administration antibiotics before ICU admission in patients with sepsis.
Advances in Risk Classification and Treatment Strategies for Neuroblastoma
Authors: Pinto Navin R. , Applebaum Mark A. , Volchenboum Samuel L. , Matthay Katherine K. , London Wendy B. , Ambros Peter F. , Nakagawara Akira , Berthold Frank , Schleiermacher Gudrun , Park Julie R. , Valteau-Couanet Dominique , Pearson Andrew D.J. , Cohn Susan L.
Published: August 2015

Risk-based treatment approaches for neuroblastoma have been ongoing for decades. However, the criteria used to define risk in various institutional and cooperative groups were disparate, limiting the ability to compare clinical trial results. To mitigate this problem and enhance collaborative research, homogenous pretreatment patient cohorts have been defined by the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group classification system. During the past 30 years, increasingly intensive, multimodality approaches have been developed to treat patients who are classified as high risk, whereas patients with low- or intermediate-risk neuroblastoma have received reduced therapy. This treatment approach has resulted in improved outcome, although survival for high-risk patients remains poor, emphasizing the need for more effective treatments. Increased knowledge regarding the biology and genetic basis of neuroblastoma has led to the discovery of druggable targets and promising, new therapeutic approaches. Collaborative efforts of institutions and international cooperative groups have led to advances in our understanding of neuroblastoma biology, refinements in risk classification, and stratified treatment strategies, resulting in improved outcome. International collaboration will be even more critical when evaluating therapies designed to treat small cohorts of patients with rare actionable mutations.
Osteosarcoma: Current Treatment and a Collaborative Pathway to Success
Authors: Isakoff Michael S. , Bielack Stefan S. , Meltzer Paul , Gorlick Richard
Published: August 2015

Osteosarcoma is the bone tumor that most commonly affects children, adolescents, and young adults. Before 1970, treatment primarily included surgical resection. However, the introduction of chemotherapy led to a dramatic improvement in prognosis for patients with localized osteosarcoma; long-term survival rates of less than 20% improved to 65% to 70% after the advent of multiagent chemotherapy regimens. Controversy concerning the ideal combination of chemotherapy agents ensued throughout the last quarter of the 20th century because of conflicting and often nonrandomized data. However, large cooperative group studies and international collaboration have demonstrated that the most effective regimens include the combination of high-dose methotrexate, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (MAP). The introduction of biologic agents such as muramyl tripeptide and the use of additional cytotoxic chemotherapy such as ifosfamide have not definitively improved the survival of patients with osteosarcoma. Collaborative efforts to increase understanding of the biology of osteosarcoma and the use of preclinical models to test novel agents will be critical to identify the path toward improving outcomes for patients. Once promising agents are identified, an international infrastructure exists for clinical trials. Herein, biologic, preclinical, and clinical trial efforts will be described along with future international collaborative strategies to improve outcomes for patients who develop this challenging tumor.
Collaborative Research in Childhood Cancer Survivorship: The Current Landscape
Authors: Bhatia Smita , Armenian Saro H. , Armstrong Gregory T. , van Dulmen-den Broeder Eline , Hawkins Michael M. , Kremer Leontien C.M. , Kuehni Claudia E. , Olsen Jørgen H. , Robison Leslie L. , Hudson Melissa M.
Published: August 2015

Survivors of childhood cancer carry a substantial burden of morbidity and are at increased risk for premature death. Furthermore, clear associations exist between specific therapeutic exposures and the risk for a variety of long-term complications. The entire landscape of health issues encountered for decades after successful completion of treatment is currently being explored in various collaborative research settings. These settings include large population-based or multi-institutional cohorts and single-institution studies. The ascertainment of outcomes has depended on self-reporting, linkage to registries, or clinical assessments. Survivorship research in the cooperative group setting, such as the Children's Oncology Group, has leveraged the clinical trials infrastructure to explore the molecular underpinnings of treatment-related adverse events, and to understand specific complications in the setting of randomized risk-reduction strategies. This review highlights the salient findings from these large collaborative initiatives, emphasizing the need for life-long follow-up of survivors of childhood cancer, and describing the development of several guidelines and efforts toward harmonization. Finally, the review reinforces the need to identify populations at highest risk, facilitating the development of risk prediction models that would allow for targeted interventions across the entire trajectory of survivorship.
Pediatric Brain Tumors: Innovative Genomic Information Is Transforming the Diagnostic and Clinical Landscape
Authors: Gajjar Amar , Bowers Daniel C. , Karajannis Matthias A. , Leary Sarah , Witt Hendrik , Gottardo Nicholas G.
Published: August 2015

Pediatric neuro-oncology has undergone an exciting and dramatic transformation during the past 5 years. This article summarizes data from collaborative group and institutional trials that have advanced the science of pediatric brain tumors and survival of patients with these tumors. Advanced genomic analysis of the entire spectrum of pediatric brain tumors has heralded an era in which stakeholders in the pediatric neuro-oncology community are being challenged to reconsider their current research and diagnostic and treatment strategies. The incorporation of this new information into the next-generation treatment protocols will unleash new challenges. This review succinctly summarizes the key advances in our understanding of the common pediatric brain tumors (ie, medulloblastoma, low- and high-grade gliomas, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, and ependymoma) and some selected rare tumors (ie, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor and CNS primitive neuroectodermal tumor). The potential impact of this new information on future clinical protocols also is discussed. Cutting-edge genomics technologies and the information gained from such studies are facilitating the identification of molecularly defined subgroups within patients with particular pediatric brain tumors. The number of evaluable patients in each subgroup is small, particularly in the subgroups of rare diseases. Therefore, international collaboration will be crucial to draw meaningful conclusions about novel approaches to treating pediatric brain tumors.
Impact of an Automatically Generated Cancer Survivorship Care Plan on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Routine Clinical Practice: Longitudinal Outcomes of a Pragmatic, Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Nicolaije Kim A.H. , Ezendam Nicole P.M. , Vos M. Caroline , Pijnenborg Johanna M.A. , Boll Dorry , Boss Erik A. , Hermans Ralph H.M. , Engelhart Karin C.M. , Haartsen Joke E. , Pijlman Brenda M. , van Loon-Baelemans Ingrid E.A.M. , Mertens Helena J.M.M. , Nolting Willem E. , van Beek Johannes J. , Roukema Jan A. , Zijlstra Wobbe P. , Kruitwagen Roy F.P.M. , van de Poll-Franse Lonneke V.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

This study was conducted to longitudinally assess the impact of an automatically generated survivorship care plan (SCP) on patient-reported outcomes in routine clinical practice. Primary outcomes were patient satisfaction with information and care. Secondary outcomes included illness perceptions and health care use.

Methods

Twelve hospitals were randomly assigned to SCP care or usual care in a pragmatic, cluster randomized trial. Newly diagnosed patients with endometrial cancer completed questionnaires after diagnosis (n = 221; 75% response), 6 months (n = 158), and 12 months (n = 147). An SCP application was built in the Web-based ROGY (Registration System Oncological Gynecology). By clicking the SCP button, a patient-tailored SCP was generated.

Results

In the SCP care arm, 74% of patients received an SCP. They reported receiving more information about their treatment (mean [M] = 57, standard deviation [SD] = 20 v M = 47, SD = 24; P = .03), other services (M = 35, SD = 22 v M = 25, SD = 22; P = .03), and different places of care (M = 27, SD = 25 v M = 23, SD = 26; P = .04) than the usual care arm (scales, 0 to 100). However, there were no differences regarding satisfaction with information or care. Patients in the SCP care arm experienced more symptoms (M = 3.3, SD = 2.0 v M = 2.6, SD = 1.6; P = .03), were more concerned about their illness (M = 4.4, SD = 2.3 v M = 3.9, SD = 2.1; P = .03), were more affected emotionally (M = 4.0, SD = 2.2 v M = 3.7, SD = 2.2; P = .046), and reported more cancer-related contact with their primary care physician (M = 1.8, SD = 2.0 v M = 1.1, SD = 0.9; P = .003) than those in the usual care arm (scale, 1 to 10). These effects did not differ over time.

Conclusion

The present trial showed no evidence of a benefit of SCPs on satisfaction with information and care. Furthermore, SCPs increased patients' concerns, emotional impact, experienced symptoms, and the amount of cancer-related contact with the primary care physician. Whether this may ultimately lead to more empowered patients should be investigated further.
Electronic Trigger-Based Intervention to Reduce Delays in Diagnostic Evaluation for Cancer: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Murphy Daniel R. , Wu Louis , Thomas Eric J. , Forjuoh Samuel N. , Meyer Ashley N.D. , Singh Hardeep
Published: August 2015

Purpose

We tested whether prospective use of electronic health record-based trigger algorithms to identify patients at risk of diagnostic delays could prevent delays in diagnostic evaluation for cancer.

Methods

We performed a cluster randomized controlled trial of primary care providers (PCPs) at two sites to test whether triggers that prospectively identify patients with potential delays in diagnostic evaluation for lung, colorectal, or prostate cancer can reduce time to follow-up diagnostic evaluation. Intervention steps included queries of the electronic health record repository for patients with abnormal findings and lack of associated follow-up actions, manual review of triggered records, and communication of this information to PCPs via secure e-mail and, if needed, phone calls to ensure message receipt. We compared times to diagnostic evaluation and proportions of patients followed up between intervention and control cohorts based on final review at 7 months.

Results

We recruited 72 PCPs (36 in the intervention group and 36 in the control group) and applied the trigger to all patients under their care from April 20, 2011, to July 19, 2012. Of 10,673 patients with abnormal findings, the trigger flagged 1,256 patients (11.8%) as high risk for delayed diagnostic evaluation. Times to diagnostic evaluation were significantly lower in intervention patients compared with control patients flagged by the colorectal trigger (median, 104 v 200 days, respectively; n = 557; P < .001) and prostate trigger (40% received evaluation at 144 v 192 days, respectively; n = 157; P < .001) but not the lung trigger (median, 65 v 93 days, respectively; n = 19; P = .59). More intervention patients than control patients received diagnostic evaluation by final review (73.4% v 52.2%, respectively; relative risk, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.25 to 1.58).

Conclusion

Electronic trigger-based interventions seem to be effective in reducing time to diagnostic evaluation of colorectal and prostate cancer as well as improving the proportion of patients who receive follow-up. Similar interventions could improve timeliness of diagnosis of other serious conditions.
From Protocols to Publications: A Study in Selective Reporting of Outcomes in Randomized Trials in Oncology
Authors: Raghav Kanwal Pratap Singh , Mahajan Sminil , Yao James C. , Hobbs Brian P. , Berry Donald A. , Pentz Rebecca D. , Tam Alda , Hong Waun K. , Ellis Lee M. , Abbruzzese James , Overman Michael J.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

The decision by journals to append protocols to published reports of randomized trials was a landmark event in clinical trial reporting. However, limited information is available on how this initiative effected transparency and selective reporting of clinical trial data.

Methods

We analyzed 74 oncology-based randomized trials published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, the New England Journal of Medicine, and The Lancet in 2012. To ascertain integrity of reporting, we compared published reports with their respective appended protocols with regard to primary end points, nonprimary end points, unplanned end points, and unplanned analyses.

Results

A total of 86 primary end points were reported in 74 randomized trials; nine trials had greater than one primary end point. Nine trials (12.2%) had some discrepancy between their planned and published primary end points. A total of 579 nonprimary end points (median, seven per trial) were planned, of which 373 (64.4%; median, five per trial) were reported. A significant positive correlation was found between the number of planned and nonreported nonprimary end points (Spearman r = 0.66; P < .001). Twenty-eight studies (37.8%) reported a total of 65 unplanned end points; 52 (80.0%) of which were not identified as unplanned. Thirty-one (41.9%) and 19 (25.7%) of 74 trials reported a total of 52 unplanned analyses involving primary end points and 33 unplanned analyses involving nonprimary end points, respectively. Studies reported positive unplanned end points and unplanned analyses more frequently than negative outcomes in abstracts (unplanned end points odds ratio, 6.8; P = .002; unplanned analyses odd ratio, 8.4; P = .007).

Conclusion

Despite public and reviewer access to protocols, selective outcome reporting persists and is a major concern in the reporting of randomized clinical trials. To foster credible evidence-based medicine, additional initiatives are needed to minimize selective reporting.
Collaborative Efforts Driving Progress in Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Zwaan C. Michel , Kolb Edward A. , Reinhardt Dirk , Abrahamsson Jonas , Adachi Souichi , Aplenc Richard , De Bont Eveline S.J.M. , De Moerloose Barbara , Dworzak Michael , Gibson Brenda E.S. , Hasle Henrik , Leverger Guy , Locatelli Franco , Ragu Christine , Ribeiro Raul C. , Rizzari Carmelo , Rubnitz Jeffrey E. , Smith Owen P. , Sung Lillian , Tomizawa Daisuke , van den Heuvel-Eibrink Marry M. , Creutzig Ursula , Kaspers Gertjan J.L.
Published: August 2015

Diagnosis, treatment, response monitoring, and outcome of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have made enormous progress during the past decades. Because AML is a rare type of childhood cancer, with an incidence of approximately seven occurrences per 1 million children annually, national and international collaborative efforts have evolved. This overview describes these efforts and includes a summary of the history and contributions of each of the main collaborative pediatric AML groups worldwide. The focus is on translational and clinical research, which includes past, current, and future clinical trials. Separate sections concern acute promyelocytic leukemia, myeloid leukemia of Down syndrome, and relapsed AML. A plethora of novel antileukemic agents that have emerged, including new classes of drugs, are summarized as well. Finally, an important aspect of the treatment of pediatric AML—supportive care—and late effects are discussed. The future is bright, with a wide range of emerging innovative therapies and with more and more international collaboration that ultimately aim to cure all children with AML, with fewer adverse effects and without late effects.
A Mixed Glucocorticoid/Mineralocorticoid Selective Modulator With Dominant Antagonism in the Male Rat Brain
Authors: Atucha Erika , Zalachoras Ioannis , van den Heuvel José K. , van Weert Lisa T. C. M. , Melchers Diana , Mol Isabel M. , Belanoff Joseph K. , Houtman René , Hunt Hazel , Roozendaal Benno , Meijer Onno C.
Published: August 2015

Adrenal glucocorticoid hormones are potent modulators of brain function in the context of acute and chronic stress. Both mineralocorticoid (MRs) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) can mediate these effects. We studied the brain effects of a novel ligand, C118335, with high affinity for GRs and modest affinity for MRs. In vitro profiling of receptor-coregulator interactions suggested that the compound is a “selective modulator” type compound for GRs that can have both agonistic and antagonistic effects. Its molecular profile for MRs was highly similar to those of the full antagonists spironolactone and eplerenone. C118335 showed predominantly antagonistic effects on hippocampal mRNA regulation of known glucocorticoid target genes. Likewise, systemic administration of C118335 blocked the GR-mediated posttraining corticosterone-induced enhancement of memory consolidation in an inhibitory avoidance task. Posttraining administration of C118335, however, gave a strong and dose-dependent impairment of memory consolidation that, surprisingly, reflected involvement of MRs and not GRs. Finally, C118335 treatment acutely suppressed the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis as measured by plasma corticosterone levels. Mixed GR/MR ligands, such as C118335, can be used to unravel the mechanisms of glucocorticoid signaling. The compound is also a prototype of mixed GR/MR ligands that might alleviate the harmful effects of chronic overexposure to endogenous glucocorticoids.
Cognitive and Disease-Modifying Effects of 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Inhibition in Male Tg2576 Mice, a Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Sooy Karen , Noble June , McBride Andrew , Binnie Margaret , Yau Joyce L. W. , Seckl Jonathan R. , Walker Brian R. , Webster Scott P.
Published: August 2015

Chronic exposure to elevated levels of glucocorticoids has been linked to age-related cognitive decline and may play a role in Alzheimer's disease. In the brain, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) amplifies intracellular glucocorticoid levels. We show that short-term treatment of aged, cognitively impaired C57BL/6 mice with the potent and selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitor UE2316 improves memory, including after intracerebroventricular drug administration to the central nervous system alone. In the Tg2576 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, UE2316 treatment of mice aged 14 months for 4 weeks also decreased the number of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques in the cerebral cortex, associated with a selective increase in local insulin-degrading enzyme (involved in Aβ breakdown and known to be glucocorticoid regulated). Chronic treatment of young Tg2576 mice with UE2316 for up to 13 months prevented cognitive decline but did not prevent Aβ plaque formation. We conclude that reducing glucocorticoid regeneration in the brain improves cognition independently of reduced Aβ plaque pathology and that 11β-HSD1 inhibitors have potential as cognitive enhancers in age-associated memory impairment and Alzheimer's dementia.
The Embarrassments of Restoration Panegyric: Reconsidering an Unfashionable Genre
Authors: Gallagher Noelle Dückmann
Published: August 2015

This essay reflects on the critical fortunes of Restoration panegyric. It argues that while panegyric literature held a prominent position in Restoration and eighteenth-century culture, its features—especially its frequent use of figures like apostrophe and prosopopoeia—have made it particularly ill suited to surviving the modern age of scholarship. Simply put, we find panegyrics embarrassing—and that embarrassment has prevented us from engaging with one of the central modes of late seventeenth- and early eighteenth-century literary culture.
Cytoophidium assembly reflects upregulation of IMPDH activity
Authors: Chang Chia-Chun , Lin Wei-Cheng , Pai Li-Mei , Lee Hsuan-Shu , Wu Shinn-Chih , Ding Shih-Torng , Liu Ji-Long , Sung Li-Ying
Published: August 2015

Cytidine triphosphate synthase (CTPS) and inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) can form fiber-like subcellular structures termed “cytoophidia” under certain circumstances in mammalian cells. Although it has been shown that filamentation of CTPS downregulates its activity by disturbing conformational changes, the activity of IMPDH within cytoophidia is still unclear. Most previous IMPDH cytoophidium studies were done under conditions involving inhibitors that impair GTP synthesis. Here we show that IMPDH forms cytoophidia without inhibition of GTP synthesis. Firstly, we find that an elevated intracellular CTP concentration or treatment with 3’-deazauridine, a CTPS inhibitor, promotes IMPDH cytoophidium formation and increases the intracellular GTP pool size. Moreover, restriction of cell growth triggers the disassembly of IMPDH cytoophidia, implying that their presence is correlated with active cell metabolism. Finally, we show that IMPDH forms cytoophidia in mouse pancreatic islet cells may respond to nutrient uptake of the animal. Collectively, our findings reveal that formation of IMPDH cytoophidia reflects upregulation of purine nucleotide synthesis, suggesting that the IMPDH cytoophidium plays a role distinct from that of the CTPS cytoophidium in controlling intracellular nucleotide homeostasis.
Zwitterionic Sulfonates as m/z Shift Reagents for 5-Methylcytosine Detection in Deoxyribonucleic Acids (DNA) Using Flow Injection Analysis and Electrospray Ionisation Mass spectrometry
Authors: Podjava Anton , Kistkin Svjatoslav , Ausekle Elina , Mekss Peteris , Zicmanis Andris
Published: August 2015

5-Methylcytosine (5-MC) is an important epigenetic modification of DNA. Abnormally high concentrations of this substance appear because of the hypermethylation of cytosine. Therefore, the measurement of the quantity of this compound in mammals is of great importance. Recently, we reported that several imidazolium-based zwitterionic sulfonates form complexes with 5-MC in solution, which can be studied by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). It is shown in this paper that such an association can be utilised for the detection of 5-MC in a DNA sample using high-throughput a flow injection analysis ESI-MS method. A variety of the sulfonate zwitterions have been tested as m/ z shift reagents to increase the selectivity of the analysis. It is shown that either of the zwitterions can be used without the loss of sensitivity. The performance of the method was tested in terms of linearity range, sensitivity, intra- and between-day precision and accuracy, matrix effect and carryover. The method described is characterised by simplicity, a good limit of quantitation (1 pg injected) and low run times (at least 50 injections per hour). In addition, high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry are not required. The possibility exists to widen the scope of the method to other amidine-containing compounds present in more complicated matrices.
Evaluation of Structural Responses on Artificial Fatigue Crack for Bulb Rib Orthotropic Deck
Authors: Kainuma S. , Ahn J.H. , Jeong Y.S. , Sugiyama H. , Iwasaki M.
Published: August 2015

An orthotropic steel deck is quite susceptible to fatigue cracking at its welded joints depending on the structural stiffness, occurrence of high-magnitude cyclic load stress, and complicated geometric details of the welded joints. This study experimentally and numerically investigated the structural behavior of an orthotropic steel deck with bulb ribs. The behavior of the deck was examined, particularly the warped deformations of the developed fatigue cracks and the uniform stress distributions against moving loads attributed to the deck's asymmetric bulb ribs. An artificial fatigue crack serving as an authentic model of a fatigue crack was developed in the longitudinal bulb rib of an orthotropic steel deck in actual service. The loading tests were conducted on an orthotropic steel deck with artificial fatigue cracks. The test results were evaluated based on the artificial fatigue crack length on the longitudinal bulb ribs and compared with a nonlinear full finite-element analysis model considering the nonlinear contact behavior of artificial fatigue cracks.
Empirical Modeling of Distortional Buckling Strength of Half-Through Bridge Girders via Stepwise Regression Method
Authors: Tohidi S. , Sharifi Y.
Published: August 2015

In the present paper, a developed stepwise regression (SR) model for predicting the member moment capacity of half-through I-section bridges girders has been presented. The reliable database (training and testing data) for SR-based model are generated by a developed Finite Element (FE) model which has been verified by related existing experimental investigations using software ABAQUS. Then based the SR modeling a practical formulae has been presented. To verify the accuracy of the proposed formulae, the FE results of specimens which have not been employed in the SR modeling process are used. The results indicate that SR-based model provide good predictions which are more accurate than those from other available methods. The proposed SR formulation can be used for predicting the RDB capacity of half-through I-section bridges girders with good accuracy.
Predicting Ductile Crack Initiation in Steel Bridge Piers with Unstiffened Box Section under Specific Cyclic Loadings Using Detailed and Simplified Evaluation Methods
Authors: Kang Lan , Ge Hanbin
Published: August 2015

Previous research has confirmed the detailed damage index-based evaluation method (DDIM) to be accurate for ductile crack initiation in steel structures under regular cyclic loading, and demonstrated its application to bridge piers and beam-to-column connections. To facilitate practical implementation of the method, two key issues of its calibration for steel structures under irregular cyclic loading are examined. The first pertains to validate the accuracy of DDIM through 4 cyclic tests under irregular cyclic loading. The second aspect involves the development of modified simplified damage index-based evaluation method (MSDIM) to directly determine ductile crack initiation life by fiber analysis, thus avoiding complex shell analysis, which adds expense and complexity. Accordingly, a modification factor is introduced to account for effects of strain concentration. Simplified fiber analyses that employ the MSDIM are shown to predict fracture with good accuracy across the specimen geometries and loading histories.
Modelling of Two Dimensional Reinforced Concrete Beam-Column Joints Subjected to Monotonic Loading
Authors: Long X. , Lee C.K.
Published: August 2015

Compared with experimental studies on reinforced concrete joints subjected to monotonic loading under progressive collapse, numerical predictions are much more economic, convenient and efficient. As a general-purpose finite element program, ABAQUS can be employed to simulate the deformation and failure behaviour of RC beam-column joints. When simulating different types of two dimensional beam-column joints, namely knee, exterior and interior joints, it should be noted that the accuracy of the material properties in the numerical models, especially for concrete, are crucial to the accuracy and the reliability of predictions. Therefore, in this study, appropriate specimens subjected to monotonic loading are selected from several series of experimental studies and simulated in ABAQUS. By comparing the predictions with corresponding experimental results, the required material parameters in ABAQUS are calibrated to provide a reference for future RC joint simulations of progressive collapse.
Fordlândia e Belterra: as cidades de Henry Ford na Amazônia
Authors: Duarte Jr. Antonio Marcos
Published: August 2015

Ao final de 1945, a Ford Motor Company apresenta sérios problemas de gestão. Nesse contexto, Henry Ford II precisa decidir o que fazer com Fordlândia e Belterra, as duas problemáticas cidades construídas por seu avô na Amazônia brasileira.O caso foi elaborado para utilização em disciplinas na área de finanças corporativas, abordando temas relacionados a análise econômica e de riscos presentes em projetos de investimento.  Pode ser interessante também em diferentes disciplinas que tratem de temas como cultura organizacional, tomada de decisão, gestão internacional de empresas, operações e liderança. Em um momento de internacionalização de várias empresas brasileiras, o caso ilustra alguns problemas que os gestores brasileiros podem enfrentar quando implantando projetos no exterior. DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv5n1c1http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv5n1c1
TV PinGuim: licenciamento de personagens no processo de internacionalização
Authors: Pinho Maria Luiza Carvalho de Aguillar , Rocha Angela Maria Cavalcanti da
Published: August 2015

O caso se propõe a discutir o potencial de negócio do licenciamento de personagens para uma empresa brasileira do ramo audiovisual.O caso visa proporcionar compreensão de como se dá o processo de internacionalização, estimular a reflexão sobre desafios enfrentados pelos executivos na utilização do licenciamento; e desenvolver a capacidade de avaliar quais as alternativas disponíveis para uma empresa em termos de licenciamento internacional e, em particular, os critérios de seleção de mercados de maior potencial para o licenciamento. DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv5n1c4http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv5n1c4
Lasso, o dilema da estratégia de crescimento (Notas de Ensino)
Authors: Mendes Gabriel Aguiar , Leitão Fernanda Gomes , Façanha Karine Forte , Forte Sérgio Henrique Arruda Cavalcante
Published: August 2015

DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv5n1n3http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv5n1n3
TV PinGuim: licenciamento de personagens no processo de internacionalização (Notas de Ensino)
Authors: Pinho Maria Luiza Carvalho de Aguillar , Da Rocha Angela Maria Cavalcanti
Published: August 2015

DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv5n1n4http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv5n1n4
Gozzipi: empresa familiar frente ao mundo globalizado (Notas de Ensino)
Authors: Frey Eduardo Henrique , Braz Paulo Henrique da Cruz , Cruz Marcia Rohr , Olea Pelayo Munhoz , Frey Marlete Vargas , Camargo Maria Emilia
Published: August 2015

DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv5n1n5http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv5n1n5
Instituto Anglicano: desafios para o desenvolvimento e a expansão da organização da sociedade civil (Notas de Ensino)
Authors: Chagas Gabriela Arenzano , Gomiero Guilherme Porto , Carvalho Luiza Gottschalk
Published: August 2015

DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv5n1n7http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv5n1n7
Sevoflurane
Authors: De Hert Stefan , Moerman Anneliese
Published: August 2015

Sevoflurane has been available for clinical practice for about 20 years. Nowadays, its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties together with its absence of major adverse side effects on the different organ systems have made this drug accepted worldwide as a safe and reliable anesthetic agent for clinical practice in various settings.
Viscoelastic Properties of Hyaluronan in Physiological Conditions
Authors: Cowman Mary K. , Schmidt Tannin A. , Raghavan Preeti , Stecco Antonio
Published: August 2015

Hyaluronan (HA) is a high molecular weight glycosaminoglycan of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is particularly abundant in soft connective tissues. Solutions of HA can be highly viscous with non-Newtonian flow properties. These properties affect the movement of HA-containing fluid layers within and underlying the deep fascia. Changes in the concentration, molecular weight, or even covalent modification of HA in inflammatory conditions, as well as changes in binding interactions with other macromolecules, can have dramatic effects on the sliding movement of fascia. The high molecular weight and the semi-flexible chain of HA are key factors leading to the high viscosity of dilute solutions, and real HA solutions show additional nonideality and greatly increased viscosity due to mutual macromolecular crowding. The shear rate dependence of the viscosity, and the viscoelasticity of HA solutions, depend on the relaxation time of the molecule, which in turn depends on the HA concentration and molecular weight. Temperature can also have an effect on these properties. High viscosity can additionally affect the lubricating function of HA solutions. Immobility can increase the concentration of HA, increase the viscosity, and reduce lubrication and gliding of the layers of connective tissue and muscle. Over time, these changes can alter both muscle structure and function. Inflammation can further increase the viscosity of HA-containing fluids if the HA is modified via covalent attachment of heavy chains derived from Inter-α-Inhibitor. Hyaluronidase hydrolyzes HA, thus reducing its molecular weight, lowering the viscosity of the extracellular matrix fluid and making outflow easier. It can also disrupt any aggregates or gel-like structures that result from HA being modified. Hyaluronidase is used medically primarily as a dispersion agent, but may also be useful in conditions where altered viscosity of the fascia is desired, such as in the treatment of muscle stiffness.
Null hypothesis significance testing: a short tutorial
Authors: Pernet Cyril
Published: August 2015

Although thoroughly criticized, null hypothesis significance testing (NHST) is the statistical method of choice in biological, biomedical and social sciences to investigate if an effect is likely. In this short tutorial, I first summarize the concepts behind the method while pointing to common interpretation errors. I then present the related concepts of confidence intervals, and discuss what should be reported in which context. The goal is to clarify concepts, present statistical issues that researchers face using the NHST framework and propose reporting practices.
The saprotrophic wood-degrading abilities of Rigidoporus microporus
Authors: Oghenekaro Abbot , Daniel Geoffrey , Asiegbu Fred
Published: August 2015

Saprotrophic wood-decaying abilities of (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) syn. and the structural alterations induced in wood blocks of Muell. Arg were studied. Mass loss of wood blocks was analyzed after 3 and 6 months respectively and the patterns of decay by pathogenic and endophytic isolates of this fungus were investigated using light microscopy. Effects of temperature on growth of the isolates on malt extract agar were also investigated. The isolated from a non- host caused the highest percentage mass loss (27.2% after 6 months), followed by isolates ED310 (21.1%) and M13 (15.7%), both collected from diseased plantations. The isolate initially identified as an endophyte showed very low saprotrophic wood decay capability (4.3% after 6 months). The optimal temperature for growth of the isolates was 30 Â°C; except for the endophytic isolate which showed highest growth at 25 Â°C. Wood samples degraded by the isolates showed simultaneous attack of wood cell walls, typical of white rot fungi. Results of the study indicate variability in the wood degrading abilities of the isolates and the potential differences in their physiology are discussed. Our findings further support the need for a taxonomical revision of the genus.Rigidoporus microporusRigidoporus lignosusHevea brasiliensisR. microporusH. brasiliensisH. brasiliensisR. microporusRigidoporus
Non- invasive technique using breath analysis for detection and classification of diabetes
Authors: Srinivasan Lekha , M. Suchetha
Published: August 2015

Diabetes, a metabolic disease that is characterized by high glucose level in the blood, is a major problem affecting millions of people today. This disease if left unchecked can create enormous implication on the health of the population. Among the various non-invasive methods of detection, breath analysis presents an easier, more accurate and viable method in providing comprehensive clinical care for the disease. This paper examines the concentration of acetone levels in breath for monitoring blood-glucose levels and thus predicting diabetes. The analysis uses the support vector mechanism to classify the response to healthy and diabetic samples. For the analysis, ten subject samples of acetone levels are taken into consideration and are classified according to three labels, which are healthy, type one diabetic and type two diabetic.
A new probability model for estimation of child mortality for fixed parity
Authors: Maheshwari Sonam , Singh Brijesh , Gupta Puneet
Published: August 2015

In demography, child mortality is useful as a sensitive index of a nationâ€™s health conditions and as guided for the structuring of public health schemes. In the present study, we proposed a probability model for the number of child loss among females for a fixed parity. The application of the model proposed in the paper is illustrated through its application to the data from Madhya Pradesh from National Family Health Survey-III (NFHS-III). Finally, we show that proposed model is better fitted than the Beta-Binomial model for the data.
¿Y yo qué soy?: imaginarios de género de docentes en formación de la Licenciatura en Pedagogía Infantil
Authors: Martinez Marisol Castiblanco , Durango Lara Ibeth Tatiana , Vargas Sánchez Natalia Lucía
Published: August 2015

Este artículo se presenta como producto de la investigación Imaginarios de género en los enunciados estéticos (gráficos y escritos) de las y los actuales docentes en formación de la licenciatura en pedagogía infantil de la UDFJC; cuyo objetivo principal fue identificar las tendencias de dichos Imaginarios, mediante la exploración de diversos procedimientos de expresión verbo-icónica implementados  al interior del trabajo pedagógico, con el fin de contribuir al abordaje de esta temática en el currículo de la Licenciatura en Pedagogía Infantil. El diseño metodológico se enmarca en la investigación cualitativa, bajo el enfoque de Investigación Acción, que permite la autorreflexión sobre la situación no sólo en los participantes sino también en las y los investigadores. los hallazgos que se resaltan  giran entorno a tres categorías: valoraciones conservadoras, renovadoras y ambiguas; que devela en primera instancia, una permanencia de los valores convencionales, heredados de la cultura patriarcal; la segunda demuestra un abierto auto-reconocimiento de carácter progresista que se está operando entre algunas muchachas acerca de su condición de mujeres y del nuevo papel que deben jugar como tales; y, finalmente,  la tercera orientación muestra una ambivalente identificación de las posibilidades de equidad entre ambos géneros, que no termina de ubicarse en valoraciones claramente progresistas, pero tampoco se pueden ubicar específicamente como consideraciones patriarcales.  