bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LRP2 mediates folate uptake in the developing neural tube
Authors: Kur Esther , Mecklenburg Nora , Cabrera Robert M. , Willnow Thomas E. , Hammes Annette
Published: March 2014

The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related protein 2 (LRP2) is a multifunctional cell surface receptor expressed in the embryonic neuroepithelium. Loss of LRP2 in the developing murine central nervous system (CNS) causes impaired closure of the rostral neural tube at embryonic stage (E) 9.0. Similar neural tube defects (NTDs) have previously been attributed to impaired folate metabolism in mice. We therefore asked whether LRP2 might be required for delivery of folate to neuroepithelial cells during neurulation. Uptake assays in whole embryo cultures showed that LRP2 deficient neuroepithelial cells are unable to mediate uptake of folate bound to soluble folate receptor 1 (sFOLR1). Consequently, folate concentrations are significantly reduced in Lrp2−/− embryos compared to control littermates. Moreover, the folic acid dependent gene Alx3 is significantly down regulated in Lrp2 mutants. In conclusion, we show that LRP2 is essential for cellular folate uptake in the developing neural tube, a crucial step for proper neural tube closure.
Utility of a rescue endovascular therapy for the treatment of major strokes refractory to full-dose intravenous thrombolysis
Authors: Vanicek J , Bulik M , Brichta J , Jancalek R
Published: March 2014

Objective:

Large artery occlusion (LAO) in patients with major stroke predicts poor revascularization by intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and more likely results in a poor outcome. We focused on the effects of intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) and endovascular mechanical recanalization (EMR) as rescue therapies in major strokes refractory to IVT.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of 87 patients (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale >20), who did not respond to full-dose IVT due to LAO, was performed based on their endovascular therapy status. IAT was performed as an intraclot infusion of alteplase, and EMR was provided by the Solitaire device™ (Covidien, Dubin, Ireland). The recanalization and 3-month outcome rates after IAT/EMR were correlated with a group of patients who were scheduled to receive endovascular treatment but who underwent only IVT.

Results:

We achieved successful recanalization by IAT and EMR in 68.7% and 76.1% of patients, respectively. Despite no significant differences in mortality between IAT and EMR, a trend towards better outcomes after IAT and a statistically significant increase for outcome-modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0–3 (45.7%) and mRS 0–2 (34.9%) after EMR was noted when compared with IVT. The degree of recanalization did not correlate with the functional results except for the good–moderate outcome after successful recanalization by EMR.

Conclusion:

EMR by the Solitaire device is a safe and beneficial method for the rescue treatment of patients with major stroke whose neurological status does not improve and who fail to recanalize the LAO after a 1-h full dose of IVT.

Advances in knowledge:

The article verifies efficiency of the Solitaire device in major strokes.
Assessment of the Central and Eastern Europe Economies in the Years 2007-2010 Based on the Model of the Macroeconomic Stabilization Pentagon
Authors: Żuchowska Dorota
Published: March 2014

The model of the macroeconomic stabilisation pentagon allows for a quick insight into the most important macroeconomic indicators of an economy in question. On the basis of this concept - comparing pentagrams for particular years - changes of the economic condition of countries can be examined. Moreover, the analysis of each of the adopted criteria allows for the evaluation of achievement of particular goals by a country in terms of its economic policy. The aim of this article is to describe the condition of Central and Eastern Europe countries in the years 2007-2010. The economies analysed were compared at two levels. The first level concerned the macroeconomic situation of all economies in particular years just before and during the global economic crisis. At the second level, the changes in the analysed indicators in particular economies of Central and Eastern Europe were compared. The results of the analysis shall contribute to the formulation of conclusions concerning the influence of the financial crisis upon the macroeconomic situation of the CEE countries.
Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles: A Biodistribution Study Using Xenopus laevis Embryos
Authors: Giannaccini Martina , Cuschieri Alfred , Dente Luciana , Raffa Vittoria
Published: March 2014

Various in-vivo biological models have been proposed for studying the interactions of nanomaterials with biological systems. Recently, there has been a significant increase in interest in the use of non-mammalian embryos, such as the frog Xenopus laevis as valid models for research in nanomedicine. In the present work, we demonstrate that X. laevis is a powerful model for the study of the biodistribution of superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPION), extensively used in biomedical field for cell separation, MRI diagnostics and magnetic drug-targeting.
10 nl of 25 mg/ml of SPIONs (nano-screen MAG/ARA 200 nm, Chemicell) were microinjected. The biodistribution of SPIONs, following cardiac or pronephros injection of anesthetized frog larvae at stage 37, was studied by both in-vivo florescence and by Prussian blue staining of paraffin sections of the larvae after 24, 48, 72 or 96 hours (at 14 °C). The study confirmed that SPIONs diffused from either injection site by blood stream to all larval organs, being still present after 96 hours of injection.
Roles of Nanotechnology in Diagnosis and Treatment of Tuberculosis
Authors: Cheepsattayakorn Attapon , Cheepsattayakorn Ruangrong
Published: March 2014

Nanotechnology has been believed for many years ago to offer new methods for both diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis which is globally infectious disease burden in many countries, especially in developing and under-developing countries. Nanotechnological diagnosis of tuberculosis is expected to cost cheaper than many currently available diagnostic tools. Many researches are currently ongoing in the field of synthetic carriers for antituberculosis chemotherapy both oral and inhaled routes while the potentially curative drugs are available for over 50 years.
Los agentes sociales y la política urbanístico-turística: percepción y performatividad. El caso de las Directrices de Ordenación del Territorio y del Turismo de Canarias
Authors: Rodríguez González Pablo , Santana Turégano Manuel Ángel
Published: March 2014

Los enfoques habituales acerca de la renovación de los destinos maduros tienden a asumir, de manera más o menos implícita, una racionalidad burocrática en el proceso. Desde esta perspectiva, las políticas de renovación surgen como consecuencia de la constatación, a través de un diagnóstico más o menos tecnocrático, de que un determinado destino turístico se encuentra en situación de estancamiento. A partir de aquí, y mediante el recurso a expertos supuestamente neutrales, se plantearían una serie de medidas orientadas a la reconducción del proceso. En este trabajo, desde un enfoque propio de la Sociología Económica, se parte de la idea de que las definiciones de la realidad socio- económica, como la situación “competitiva” de un destino turístico no son neutras, sino por el contrario performativas: al definir la realidad de una determinada manera contribuyen a que sea así. Por tanto, el análisis de la percepción de los principales agente implicados en las políticas de renovación (administración pública, asociaciones patronales, colectivos ecologistas y otros componentes de la sociedad civil organizada) es también el análisis de cómo la diferente posición de cada agente en el campo le permite influir para obtener una ley que vaya en el sentido más favorable a sus intereses. En este trabajo realizaremos un análisis de la ley de Directrices de Ordenación del Territorio y del Turismo de Canarias. Del análisis realizado se deduce que las políticas finalmente ejecutadas surgen como acciones estratégicas de determinados grupos para mejorar su posición, provocando un nuevo estado de la situación en el destino, con agentes que se ven perjudicados y beneficiados, lo que va a explicar su posición ante la misma.
Reseña del libro Impactos socioculturales en el turismo comunitario: Una visión desde los pueblos implicados (Selva Lacandona, Chiapas, México)
Authors: Almarcha Martínez Francisco
Published: March 2014

Reseña del libro "Impactos socioculturales en el turismo comunitario: Una visión desde los pueblos implicados (Selva Lacandona, Chiapas, México)" de Mª José Pastor y Domingo Gómez López, Alicante: Aguaclara, 2011.
Las fuentes de información empleadas por los turistas vacacionales en los destinos turísticos
Authors: Luna Cortés Gonzalo
Published: March 2014

En esta investigación se analiza el uso de las fuentes de información y su incidencia en distintas etapas del proceso de decisión, incidiendo en la búsqueda de información realizada por los turistas en destino. Los resultados muestran que tanto el número y tipo de fuentes de información  utilizadas, así como la intensidad de la búsqueda y las decisiones tomadas en destino, es muy diferente del que realizan los turistas antes de llegar a su destino vacacional. Basados en los resultados, como parte de las conclusiones, se exponen ciertas directrices de interés para la gestión empresarial, en relación a la utilización de fuentes de información en los destinos turísticos.
Perceived consequences of female labor-force participation: a multilevel latent-class analysis across 22 countries
Authors: Braun Michael , Glöckner-Rist Angelika
Published: March 2014

This paper investigates whether there are different patterns of traditionality in different countries with regard to a perceived negative impact of labor-force participation of mothers on their children and family life. For this purpose, individual-level traditionality subgroups and segments of countries with different traditionality patterns of their nationals were identified simultaneously by means of multilevel latent-class (ML-LC) analysis of the answers to three items of the Changing Family and Gender Roles module of the International Social Survey Program (ISSP). This module was fielded in 22 countries in the years 1994 and 2002. Six individual-level subgroups and five country segments can be discerned. The structure of individual-level subgroups is almost identical in both years. Four individual-level subgroups differ only quantitatively in their level of traditionality. Two further subgroups are characterized by a unique tendency to defend working mothers against criticism. From 1994 to 2002 the sizes of traditional subgroups decrease, and there is also some change in the composition of country segments. This paper investigates whether there are different patterns of traditionality in different countries with regard to a perceived negative impact of labor-force participation of mothers on their children and family life. For this purpose, individual-level traditionality subgroups and segments of countries with different traditionality patterns of their nationals were identified simultaneously by means of multilevel latent-class (ML-LC) analysis of the answers to three items of the Changing Family and Gender Roles module of the International Social Survey Program (ISSP). This module was fielded in 22 countries in the years 1994 and 2002. Six individual-level subgroups and five country segments can be discerned. The structure of individual-level subgroups is almost identical in both years. Four individual-level subgroups differ only quantitatively in their level of traditionality. Two further subgroups are characterized by a unique tendency to defend working mothers against criticism. From 1994 to 2002 the sizes of traditional subgroups decrease, and there is also some change in the composition of country segments.
Redes alternativas de comunicación, framing y la construcción del poder político
Authors: Martínez Avidad Mayra
Published: March 2014

El objetivo del presente artículo es analizar el papel de las redes alternativas de comunicación en la construcción del poder político a través del proceso de framing o enmarcado. En los últimos años, la capacidad del público para producir (nuestros) propios mensajes que potencialmente desafíen los encuadres fijados por la elite política se ha expandido enormemente con la llegada de Internet y las comunicaciones móviles. En este sentido, las redes virtuales son importantes porque pueden aumentar la capacidad de las masas para comunicarse entre sí transformando los marcos de referencia individuales en marcos interpretativos de carácter colectivo.
Generalized super-relaxed proximal point algorithms involving relative A-maximal relaxed accretive in Banach spaces
Authors: Alimohammady Mohsen , Kalleji Morteza K.
Published: March 2014

A general framework for a relaxed proximal point algorithm using the notion of
A network view of MNC embeddedness in a politically uncertain market: the case of Turkey
Authors: Alimadadi Siavash , Pahlberg Cecilia
Published: March 2014

Emerging markets are rapidly gaining importance in the world economy and many multinational corporations (MNCs) are taking advantage of this economic development by expanding their activities there. Due to the high level of perceived uncertainty and lack of formal institutions in these markets, firms cope by relying on network relationships with other organizational actors – including societal and political actors – in their environment. In these uncertain environments, where political and economic change is frequent, firms may have to negotiate their relationships frequently – building new ties and severing old ones. In this paper, findings from a case study of Turkey reveal that while the role of political actors in emerging markets should not be neglected, the value of political ties are contingent on the market environment and can change in the face of state policy change. Hence, MNCs tend to buffer the political hazards through their connections to the business and civil society organizations. Consequently, we suggest that researchers in this field might improve the explanatory power of their models by including consideration of the context that firms are embedded in. Then the focus needs to be shifted towards the interplay between different actors and the indirect impact of network ties along with the direct effects.
Lanthanides as substitutes for calcium ions in the activation of plant α-type phospholipase D
Authors: Dressler Lars , Golbik Ralph , Ulbrich-Hofmann Renate
Published: March 2014

Most types of phospholipase D (PLD) from plants contain a C2 domain and are activated by Ca2+ ions. In this study, other metal ions such as Mg2+, La3+, Ce3+, Tb3+ and Y3+ were examined as effectors of recombinantly produced α-type PLD from white cabbage. All the rare earth ions were able to substitute for Ca2+. The activation curves and displacement experiments reflect a 10- to 50-fold higher affinity of PLD for these ions than for Ca2+; however, the maximum activity attained only 36% of that in the presence of Ca2+. Mg2+ displaced Ca2+ without being able to activate PLD. All ions were bound to the substrate micelles consisting of phosphatidyl-p-nitrophenol, Triton X-100 and SDS (1:8:1, by mole). The affinity of rare earth ions to the micelles was 100-fold higher than that of Ca2+ and Mg2+. A conformational change of the enzyme induced by the low affinity but specific binding of Ca2+ ions is concluded to be essential for maximal PLD activity. As demonstrated by the measurement of Tb3+ fluorescence, the substitution of Ca2+ by rare earth ions provides a new avenue for studying the enigmatic role of Ca2+ ions in the modulation of PLD activity in plants.
Self-assembled polysaccharide nanostructures for controlled-release applications
Authors: Myrick James M. , Vendra Venkat Kalyan , Krishnan Sitaraman
Published: March 2014

Self-assembling polysaccharide nanostructures have moved to the forefront of many fields due to their wide range of functional properties and unique advantages, including biocompatability and stimulus responsiveness. In particular, the field of controlled release, which involves influencing the location, concentration, and efficacy of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), diagnostics, nutrients, or other bioactive compounds, has benefited from polysaccharide biomaterials. Nanostructure formation, stimulus responsiveness, and controlled-release performance can be engineered through facile chemical functionalization and noncovalent intermolecular interactions. This review discusses polysaccharide nanoparticles, designed for targeted and time-controlled delivery of emerging APIs, with improved
The Shadow Economy in Colombia: Size and Effects on Economic Growth
Authors: Schneider Friedrich , Hametner Bettina
Published: March 2014

Using the currency demand approach, size and development of Colombia’s shadow economy are estimated over the period from 1980 to 2012. The results show a great extent of shadow economic activity varying over time between 27 and 56% of GDP. The most important factors driving the shadow economy are indirect taxation and unemployment. Analyzing the interaction between shadow and official economy, the shadow economy has a negative effect on the official one. Average growth of real per capita GDP is 1.86% between 1980 and 2012, without shadow economy it would have been higher around 0.12 percentage points on average.
Sorption of metal cations on suspended bentonite: effects of pH, ionic strength and complexing anions
Authors: Verma Parveen Kumar , Pathak Priyanath , Mohapatra Prasanta Kumar
Published: March 2014

Batch sorption experiments have been carried out to understand the
interaction of different metal cations such as Am(III), Eu(III),
Sr(II), and Cs(I) with bentonite clay at varying pH (1–9). The
effects of other experimental parameters such as ionic strength
(0.01–1 M (NaClO4)), clay to metal ion
concentration ratio, and the presence of complexing anions such as
oxalic acid (ox), carbonate (CO3
2−),
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and humic acid (HA) on Eu(III)
sorption have also been investigated. The sorption of Eu(III) has been
found to be invariant with the change in ionic strength suggesting
inner-sphere complexation on the bentonite surface. Near quantitative
sorption of Eu(III) and Am(III) has been observed in the entire pH
range and there is marginal influence of the presence of
1 · 10
–4 M of ox and CO3
2− on the sorption
profile. However, the presence of 1 · 10
–4 M EDTA suppresses
the sorption of Eu(III) ion onto bentonite. Desorption studies of
Eu(III) loaded onto bentonite using varying concentrations of
HClO4 (0.01–1.0 M) solutions reveal that higher
acidity favors the process. The sorption of Eu(III) on bentonite
followed the Langmuir isotherm suggesting monolayer sorption
process. The data fitting to D-R isotherm suggested that the Eu(III)
sorption on bentonite follows ion exchange mechanism. The sorption
capacity of bentonite clay was determined to be
3.8(± 0.1) × 10−4 moles/g using Langmuir and D-R isotherms.
Potential biomarker of metformin action
Authors: He Ling , Meng Shumei , Germain-Lee Emily L , Radovick Sally , Wondisford Fredric E
Published: March 2014

Metformin is a first-line, anti-diabetic agent prescribed to over 150 million people worldwide. The main effect of metformin is to suppress glucose production in the liver; however, there is no reliable biomarker to assess the effectiveness of metformin administration. Our previous studies have shown that phosphorylation of CBP at S436 is important for the regulation of hepatic glucose production by metformin. In current study, we found that CBP could be phosphorylated in white blood cells (WBCs), and CBP phosphorylation in the liver and in WBCs of mice had a similar pattern of change during a fasting time course experiment. These data suggests that CBP phosphorylation in WBCs may be used as a biomarker of metformin action in the liver.
Effects of Sample Selection Bias on the Accuracy of Population Structure and Ancestry Inference
Authors: Shringarpure Suyash , Xing Eric P
Published: March 2014

Population stratification is an important task in genetic analyses. It provides information about the ancestry of individuals and can be an important confounder in genome-wide association studies. Public genotyping projects have made a large number of datasets available for study. However, practical constraints dictate that of a geographical/ethnic population, only a small number of individuals are genotyped. The resulting data are a sample from the entire population. If the distribution of sample sizes is not representative of the populations being sampled, the accuracy of population stratification analyses of the data could be affected. We attempt to understand the effect of biased sampling on the accuracy of population structure analysis and individual ancestry recovery. We examined two commonly used methods for analyses of such datasets, ADMIXTURE and EIGENSOFT, and found that the accuracy of recovery of population structure is affected to a large extent by the sample used for analysis and how representative it is of the underlying populations. Using simulated data and real genotype data from cattle, we show that sample selection bias can affect the results of population structure analyses. We develop a mathematical framework for sample selection bias in models for population structure and also proposed a correction for sample selection bias using auxiliary information about the sample. We demonstrate that such a correction is effective in practice using simulated and real data.
Predicting Discovery Rates of Genomic Features
Authors: Gravel Simon ,   National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) GO Exome Sequencing Project
Published: March 2014

Successful sequencing experiments require judicious sample selection. However, this selection must often be performed on the basis of limited preliminary data. Predicting the statistical properties of the final sample based on preliminary data can be challenging, because numerous uncertain model assumptions may be involved. Here, we ask whether we can predict “omics” variation across many samples by sequencing only a fraction of them. In the infinite-genome limit, we find that a pilot study sequencing 5% of a population is sufficient to predict the number of genetic variants in the entire population within 6% of the correct value, using an estimator agnostic to demography, selection, or population structure. To reach similar accuracy in a finite genome with millions of polymorphisms, the pilot study would require ∼15% of the population. We present computationally efficient jackknife and linear programming methods that exhibit substantially less bias than the state of the art when applied to simulated data and subsampled 1000 Genomes Project data. Extrapolating based on the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Exome Sequencing Project data, we predict that 7.2% of sites in the capture region would be variable in a sample of 50,000 African Americans and 8.8% in a European sample of equal size. Finally, we show how the linear programming method can also predict discovery rates of various genomic features, such as the number of transcription factor binding sites across different cell types.
Diarrhea in Preschool Children and Lactobacillus reuteri: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gutierrez-Castrellon Pedro , Lopez-Velazquez Gabriel , Diaz-Garcia Luisa , Jimenez-Gutierrez Carlos , Mancilla-Ramirez Javier , Estevez-Jimenez Juliana , Parra Minerva
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate whether daily administration of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 reduces the frequency and duration of diarrheal episodes and other health outcomes in day school children in Mexico.

METHODS:

Healthy children (born at term, aged 6–36 months) attending day care centers were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They received L reuteri DSM 17938 (dose 108 colony-forming unit; n = 168) or identical placebo (n = 168) by mouth, daily for 3 months, after which they were followed-up after a further 3 months without supplementation.

RESULTS:

Data from all children were included in the final analysis. L reuteri DSM 17938 significantly reduced the frequency and duration of episodes of diarrhea and respiratory tract infection at both 3 and 6 months (P < .05). Additionally, the number of doctor visits, antibiotic use, absenteeism from day school and parental absenteeism from work were significantly reduced in the L reuteri group (P < .05). A cost-benefit analysis revealed significant reductions in costs in the L reuteri-treated children. No adverse events related to the study product were reported.

CONCLUSIONS:

In healthy children attending day care centers, daily administration of L reuteri DSM 17938 had a significant effect in reducing episodes and duration of diarrhea and respiratory tract infection, with consequent cost savings for the community.
Military Health Care Utilization by Teens and Young Adults
Authors: Blankson Major Kwabena L. , Roberts Commander Timothy A.
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVES:

Adolescents and young adults are frequently uninsured (9.0% and 26.4%). Under the Affordable Care Act, the impact of insuring this population on health care utilization is unclear. We examined insurance records from >3.5 million non-pregnancy-related primary care visits in the Military Health System to describe health care utilization patterns among 467 099 non–active duty patients, aged 12 to 22, with access to free health care.

METHODS:

We described association of age and gender with primary care utilization rates, clinic type, and primary and secondary diagnoses.

RESULTS:

Adolescents and young adults were seen for 2.63 primary care visits per year. Use of Pediatric Clinics declined with age (51.6% to 1.8%) and increased for Family Medicine (45.5% to 91.1%). The top 3 diagnostic groups in our study were health maintenance (18.3%), health evaluation (17.3%), and respiratory/ear, nose, and throat (15.1%). Age-by-gender interactions had a significant association with health care utilization rates and diagnoses at primary care appointments. For example, the percent of all appointments accounted for by musculoskeletal injuries increased significantly (P < .001) with age for males (10.6%, 12–14 years; 12.8%, 15–18 years; 15.2%, 19–22 years) and decreased for females (10.3%, 9.2%, 7.5%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Unlike previous studies of adolescents and young adults, we show that this population, especially female young adults, does use health care when it is available and largely free. Extrapolating from our Military Health System data, we expect implementation of the Affordable Care Act will result in an increased demand for health care, particularly in the areas of reproductive health care, respiratory/ear, nose, and throat issues, and routine health maintenance.
Association Between Riding With an Impaired Driver and Driving While Impaired
Authors: Li Kaigang , Simons-Morton Bruce G. , Vaca Federico E. , Hingson Ralph
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the association between driving while alcohol/drug impaired (DWI) and the timing and amount of exposure to others’ alcohol/drug-impaired driving (riding while impaired [RWI]) and driving licensure timing among teenage drivers.

METHODS:

The data were from waves 1, 2, and 3 (W1, W2, and W3, respectively) of the NEXT Generation Study, with longitudinal assessment of a nationally representative sample of 10th graders starting in 2009–2010. Multivariate logistic regression was used for the analyses.

RESULTS:

Teenagers exposed to RWI at W1 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 21.12, P < .001), W2 (AOR = 19.97, P < .001), and W3 (AOR = 30.52, P < .001) were substantially more likely to DWI compared with those reporting never RWI. Those who reported RWI at 1 wave (AOR = 10.89, P < .001), 2 waves (AOR = 34.34, P < .001), and all 3 waves (AOR = 127.43, P < .001) were more likely to DWI compared with those who never RWI. Teenagers who reported driving licensure at W1 were more likely to DWI compared with those who were licensed at W3 (AOR = 1.83, P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

The experience of riding in a vehicle with an impaired driver increased the likelihood of future DWI among teenagers after licensure. There was a strong, positive dose-response association between RWI and DWI. Early licensure was an independent risk factor for DWI. The findings suggest that RWI and early licensure could be important prevention targets.
Boodlea composita (Harv.) F.Brand (Chlorophyta) no litoral nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Alves Aigara Miranda , Gestinari Lísia Mônica de Souza , Andrade Neilton Argolo de , Almeida Wellington Romualdo de , Moura Carlos Wallace do Nascimento
Published: March 2014

Este estudo relata a primeira ocorrência de Boodlea composita (Harv.) F.Brand (Chlorophyta) para o litoral nordeste do Brasil e o segundo registro para o litoral brasileiro. O material foi coletado ao longo do litoral da Bahia (08º20'07"-18º20'07''S e 30º20'37"-46º36'59"W). A distribuição de B. composita foi ampliada no litoral do Brasil, uma vez que esta era conhecida apenas para a região sudeste, especificamente para Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro. No Atlântico Americano, B. composita apresenta limite norte de distribuição nas Bermudas e limite sul, no Rio de Janeiro.
In Reply
Authors: Lenihan Daniel J. , Kowey Peter R.
Published: March 2014

A thorough description of cardiovascular events that might be noted with tyrosine kinase inhibitors would include a discussion of the pulmonary arterial hypertension but this focused review was intentionally limited to the most common cardiac events, including systemic hypertension, left ventricular dysfunction, and QT prolongation.
Dimensional stability of 1·4 nm tobermorite, jennite and other layered calcium silicate hydrates
Authors: Pourbeik Pouya , Beaudoin James J. , Alizadeh Rouhollah , Raki Laila
Published: March 2014

Length-change measurements of 1·4 nm tobermorite, jennite and calcium silicate hydrate preparations (with varying calcium/silicon ratio) subjected to drying from the 11% relative humidity condition are reported. The dimensional stability investigation is focused on the role of adsorbed and interlayer water as shrinkage mechanisms involving menisci effects in capillary pores are eliminated in this humidity range. Length change against mass loss curves and the corresponding d002 basal spacing change (obtained by X-ray diffraction) with mass loss are assessed and inferences drawn regarding nanostructural models for calcium silicate hydrates in hydrated Portland cement paste. Length changes of the pure phases were significantly greater than those for hydrated cement paste due to the restraining effect of unhydrated cement particles and calcium hydroxide crystals in the paste. The dimensional stability and the role of the removal of ‘structural water' from the systems studied are discussed in terms of its relevance to cement-based materials.
Advanced laboratory testing in research and practice: the 2nd Bishop Lecture
Authors: Jardine Richard James
Published: March 2014

This paper demonstrates the special capabilities and practical value of advanced laboratory testing, focusing on its application in advancing the understanding and prediction of how driven piles function and perform in sand. Emphasis is placed on integrating laboratory research with analysis and field observations, drawing principally on work by the author, his colleagues and research group. The laboratory studies include highly instrumented static and cyclic stress-path triaxial experiments, hollow cylinder and ring-shear interface tests and micro-mechanical research. Soil element testing is combined with model studies in large laboratory calibration chambers, full-scale field investigations and numerical simulations to help advance fundamental methods for predicting pile behaviour that have important implications and applications, particularly in offshore engineering.
Uterotonic Use at Childbirth in Ghana: A Qualitative Study of Practices, Perceptions, and Knowledge Among Facility-Based Health Care Providers and Community Members
Authors: Koski Alissa D. , Mirzabagi Ellie , Cofie Patience , Tripathi Vandana
Published: March 2014

PURPOSE: Uterotonic drugs, administered immediately after delivery, can prevent postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). As programs expand uterotonic access in settings of high maternal mortality, it is important to understand why and how these drugs are currently used. This qualitative study aimed to describe Ghanaian health care providers’ and community members’ knowledge, perceptions, and practices of uterotonic usage at or near labor and delivery.

METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted in 3 districts with 185 physicians, medical assistants, midwives, nurses, new mothers, mothers aged 50 years and older, traditional birth attendants, and chemists.

FINDINGS: Providers described using misoprostol most commonly for labor induction, oxytocin for labor augmentation and PPH prevention, and ergometrine for PPH treatment. Unsafe practices and knowledge gaps were identified regarding labor augmentation and uterotonic storage. Community members reported experience with uterotonics in facility deliveries. Community-based use of pharmaceutical uterotonics was rarely reported, except misoprostol for pregnancy termination; however, community members described use of herbal medicines for intended uterotonic effect. Across respondent categories, uterotonics were more commonly associated with accelerating delivery than PPH prevention.

CONCLUSION: Programs promoting facility childbirth and/or uterotonic coverage at home births should consider these underlying patterns of use and encourage safe practices through provider and community engagement.
A Schizophrenia-Like Psychotic Disorder Secondary to an Arachnoid Cyst
Remitted with Neurosurgical Treatment of the Cyst
Authors: Baquero G.A. , Molero P. , Pla J. , Ortuño F.
Published: March 2014

We describe a case of delusional psychosis that was terminated by neurosurgical removal of a large arachnoid
cyst. The patient was suffering his first psychotic episode and had symptoms typical of schizophrenia.

The case underscores the importance of considering that an arachnoid cyst can induce psychopathological symptoms,
even those of schizophrenia. Indeed, such symptoms may be the cyst's only clinical manifestation.

In addition, the case highlights the importance of doing a structural imaging test when confronted with a first episode of
psychosis, especially if the episode is relatively late in appearance. Such imaging may lead to a diagnosis that in turn can
enable a definitive neurosurgical resolution of the psychosis.
A Self-Guided Relaxation Module for Telepsychiatric Services: Development, Usefulness, and Feasibility
Authors: Malhotra Savita , Chakrabarti Subho , Gupta Aarzoo , Mehta Anurati , Shah Ruchita , Kumar Vineet , Sharma Minali
Published: March 2014

Objective:

A modified form of the standard autogenic relaxation exercise was developed as part of a telepsychiatry project, which aims to deliver mental healthcare to remote areas through the net, and through the agency of non-specialists. This study describes the development and evaluation of a brief and simpler form of a relaxation technique, the Self-Guided Relaxation (SGR).

Method:

SGR is a systematic technique to focus on muscle groups and feel the heaviness and relaxation through suggestions to induce relaxation in the body. The SGR was taught to 37 patients with different psychiatric disorders over two sessions a week apart. Measures of change used were scores on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and a visual analog scale. Its usefulness and feasibility was examined over a follow-up period of one month. Additionally a group of non-specialists was trained in SGR supplemented by audiovisual aids and printed instructions. These therapists rated the ease in learning and administering SGR in patients.

Results:

There was a consistent reduction in the HAM-A scores over the follow-up period among patients. Improvements were also noted in positive experiences, adherence, depth of relaxation achieved, perceived benefit, and patient satisfaction. Majority of the patients, relatives, and therapists reported that they could administer or practice SGR after having learned the technique in a single session lasting about 30 minutes. The use of audio-video aids and manual was helpful in making the process of learning easy.

Conclusions:

Preliminary findings of usefulness, feasibility, and acceptance of the SGR were encouraging. These findings pave way for larger, randomized controlled study and for testing applicability of the SGR as a net-based psychological intervention.
Analysis of interrelations between wheat protein fractions composition and its technological quality with combined multivariate and univariate statistics
Authors: Mastilovic Jasna , Horvat Daniela , Zivancev Dragan , Torbica Aleksandra , Kevresan Zarko , Djukic Nevena , Magdic Damir , Simic Gordana
Published: March 2014

Data on protein fractions proportion obtained with RP-HPLC and technological
quality parameters for 29 wheat cultivars grown in Serbia and Croatia were
used for studying of interrelations among wheat protein fractions with
different solubility and molecular weight properties by multivariate (PCA)
analysis. Obtained trends were used as the base for investigations related
to differentiation of technological quality among wheat cultivars with
different combination of protein fractions compositions using univariate
statistics (ANOVA followed by Duncan?s test) in order to draw out
information about interrelations between protein fractions proportion in
wheat cultivars and their technological quality. Analysis based on first
four PCA factors (89.04% of variability) pointed out at interdependences
between: (1) high content of albumins and globulins, low gliadins content
and gliadins/glutenins ratio, high ?-gliadins, LMW glutenins and low ?-
gliadins share in total protein with low water absorption, high energy and
high resistance to extensibility ratio, (2) high albumin and globulin
content and high proportion of ?-gliadins in total protein and low
extensigraph extensibility, (3) high share of high molecular weight
glutenins (HMW-GS) in total proteins, high extensigraph
resistance/extensibility ratio and (4) high ?-gliadins share in total
protein and low extensigraph resistance/extensibility ratio.
Study on Mg2+ removal from ammonium dihydrogen phosphate solution by an emulsion liquid membrane
Authors: Luo JianHong , Li Jun , Wang Bao
Published: March 2014

Mg2+is extracted from ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (NH4H2PO4) solution by an
emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) using mono-(2-ethylhexyl) 2-ethylhexyl
phosphonate (HEHPEHE)as a carrier, sulfonated liquid polybutadiene (LYF) as
a surfactant and kerosene as a solvent. To study the extraction efficiency
and advantages of the ELM process in the separation of Mg2+,the effects of
various operating conditions on the extraction -HEHPEHE volume fraction,
reaction temperature, treat ratio (emulsion phase / external phase), phase
ratio (membrane phase / internal phase), agitation speed, extraction time,
internal phase concentration, surfactant LYF concentration and initial pH of
NH4H2PO4 solution are experimentally investigated and discussed. The results
show that Mg2+ in NH4H2PO4 solution can be effectively removed by the ELM
process. An extraction efficiency of more than 83.1% is attained at the
optimized parameters and superior-grade NH4H2PO4can be obtained by two
levels of extraction.
Particularities of the therapeutic procedures and success in treatment of combat-related lower extremities injuries
Authors: Segrt Budimir
Published: March 2014

Background/Aim. In a combat environment the extremities continue to be the
most common sites of injury with associated high rates of infectious
complications due to initial contamination. The aim of this observational
study was to determine therapeutic procedures effective in a combat
environment and to assess functional outcomes of definitive care. Methods. A
total of 44 casualties with combat-related lower extremities fractures
sustained during combat operations in former Yugoslavia in a 2-year period
(1993-1994) were enrolled. Initial management of these injuries was performed
at battlefield (echelon I), surgical treatment was provided in the hospital
in Trebinje (echelon II) and definitive care was provided in the Orthopedic
Ward of General Hospital in Niksic (echelon III). Results. All combat
casualties received surgical treatment within 6-48 hours. Antibiotics were
administered during hospitalization in 37 (84%) of all the patients. In all
the cases fractures healed, while 15 (38.59%) of them developed complications
(most notably osteomyelitis in 3 of the cases, dysfunction in adjacent joints
in 3 of the cases and infection of the soft tissue around pins in 3 of the
cases). Follow-up period was a little bit over 2 years and reliable
conclusions regarding the therapy and the outcomes could be made. Good
functional outcomes were prevalent (63.63%), satisfactory were present in one
fifth and inadequate in 13.63% of all the cases. There were no amputations or
fatalities. Internal fixation was shown to be the method of definitive
surgical care of combat-related lower extremity fractures. Conclusion. The
management of combat- related lower extremity fractures is complex,
multidisciplinary approach through echelons is necessary and internal
fixation as the method of definitive surgical care is essential.
A novel framework for fluid/structure interaction in rapid subject specific simulations of blood flow in coronary artery bifurcations
Authors: Blagojevic Milan , Nikolic Aleksandar , Zivkovic Miroslav , Zivkovic Milorad , Stankovic Goran
Published: March 2014

Background/Aim. Practical difficulties, particularly long model development
time, have limited the types and applicability of computational fluid
dynamics simulations in numerical modeling of blood flow in serial manner. In
these simulations, the most revealing flow parameters are the endothelial
shear stress distribution and oscillatory shear index. The aim of this study
was analyze their role in the diagnosis of the occurrence and prognosis of
plaque development in coronary artery bifurcations. Methods. We developed a
novel modeling technique for rapid cardiovascular hemodynamic simulations
taking into account interactions between fluid domain (blood) and solid
domain (artery wall). Two numerical models that represent the observed
subdomains of an arbitrary patient-specific coronary artery bifurcation were
created using multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) coronagraphy and
ultrasound measurements of blood velocity. Coronary flow using an in-house
finite element solver PAK-FS was solved. Results. Overall behavior of
coronary artery bifurcation during one cardiac cycle is described by:
velocity, pressure, endothelial shear stress, oscillatory shear index, stress
in arterial wall and nodal displacements. The places where (a) endothelial
shear stress is less than 1.5, and (b) oscillatory shear index is very small
(close or equal to 0) are prone to plaque genesis. Conclusion. Finite element
simulation of fluid-structure interaction was used to investigate
patient-specific flow dynamics and wall mechanics at coronary artery
bifurcations. Simulation model revealed that lateral walls of the main branch
and lateral walls distal to the carina are exposed to low endothelial shear
stress which is a predilection site for development of atherosclerosis. This
conclusion is confirmed by the low values ??of oscillatory shear index in
those places.
Does Dividend Policy Drive Earnings Smoothing?
Authors: Liu Nan , Espahbodi Reza
Published: March 2014

SYNOPSIS

This paper examines the earnings-smoothing behavior of dividend-paying firms. We show that dividend-paying firms engage in more earnings smoothing than non-payers through both real activities and accrual choices. More specifically, dividend-paying firms with positive (negative) pre-managed earnings changes engage in more downward (upward) earnings management than non-payers. Additional tests suggest that the results are driven by dividend-related incentives and not the differences in the economic characteristics of dividend-paying firms, are robust to alternative measures of earnings management, and are not due to spurious correlation. We also show that earnings smoothing, in part, explains the higher earnings persistence of dividend-paying firms. These findings are consistent with a firm's dividend policy having an incremental impact on earnings-smoothing behavior.

JEL Classifications: M41; G35
Avoid Losing a Daubert Challenge: Some Best Practices for Expert Witnesses
Authors: Crumbley D. Larry , Cheng Christine C.
Published: March 2014

Accounting experts, like other experts hired for litigation cases, are subject to Daubert challenges. While the use of Daubert challenges was primarily in jury trials, a recent U.S. Tax Court case, Boltar LLC v. Commissioner, used the Daubert standards to discredit an “absurd” appraisal. To avoid the potential detrimental reputational and potential financial consequences and adverse effects on the clients, accounting experts must be aware of Daubert challenges and the standards by which their testimony will be judged. In this article, we discuss the Daubert challenge and the standards by which a judge will evaluate an expert's testimony in considering the admissibility of, or weight placed on, the expert's testimony. We also discuss some best practices and discuss the potential growing application of Daubert challenges in bench trials, as well as the potential that similar challenges may exist outside of the U.S. jurisdictions.
Cultivating conditions optimization of the anaerobic digestion of corn ethanol distillery residuals using response surface methodology
Authors: Gyenge László , Ráduly Botond , Crognale Silvia , Lányi Szabolcs , Ábrahám Beáta
Published: March 2014

This study investigated the individual and interactive effects of three factors — temperature, inoculum/substrate ratio (ISR) and inoculum typology — on the anaerobic digestion of corn ethanol distillery wastewater. Biochemical methane potential assays planned with factorial design with two independent quantitative variables on three levels (ISR: 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1; temperature: 30°C, 33.5°C, 37°C) and one independent qualitative variable (inoculum type: suspended, granular, mixed) have been performed. Response Surface Methodology has been used to study the effect of the factors with the aim of maximizing the specific methane yields (YCH4) obtainable with this substrate. The results show that all three investigated factors influence in a significant matter the YCH4, the ISR having the strongest effect on it. The temperature has significant influence on the YCH4 only in combination with high ISR values. The optimal conditions for the maximum YCH4 (551 mL CH4 g−1 VSadded) have been found at 37°C operating temperature, ISR=3:1 and using granular inoculum. These conditions gave rise to a 4-fold increase of YCH4 with respect to the worst combination of factors (YCH4=129 mL g−1 VSadded for the suspended inoculum type, at 30°C and ISR=1:1). The results improve the knowledge on the digestion of this substrate, providing information for successful process up-scaling.