bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IGFALS Gene Dosage Effects on Serum IGF-I and Glucose Metabolism, Body Composition, Bone Growth in Length and Width, and the Pharmacokinetics of Recombinant Human IGF-I Administration
Authors: Högler Wolfgang , Martin David D. , Crabtree Nicola , Nightingale Peter , Tomlinson Jeremy , Metherell Lou , Rosenfeld Ron , Hwa Vivian , Rose Stephen , Walker Joanna , Shaw Nicholas , Barrett Timothy , Frystyk Jan
Published: January 2014

Context:

Acid labile subunit (ALS) deficiency, caused by IGFALS mutations, is a subtype of primary IGF-I deficiency (PIGFD) and has been associated with insulin resistance (IR) and osteopenia. Whether patients respond to recombinant human IGF-I (rhIGF-I) is unknown.

Objective and Design:

This study determined the 14-hour pharmacokinetic response of free and total IGF-I and IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) to a single sc dose of rhIGF-I (120 μg/kg) in four ALS-deficient patients, compared with severe PIGFD, moderate PIGFD, and controls. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests, fasting blood levels, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, peripheral quantitative computed tomography, and metacarpal radiogrammetry were performed in the four patients and 12 heterozygous family members.

Results:

IGF-I and IGFBP-3 increased above baseline (P < .05) for 2.5 hours, returning to baseline 7 hours after rhIGF-I injection. Mean (SD) IGF-I Z-score increased by 2.49 (0.90), whereas IGFBP-3 Z-score increased by 0.57 (0.10) only. IGF-I elimination rates in ALS deficiency were similar, but the IGF-I increment was lower than those for severe PIGFD. Significant gene dosage effects were found for all IGF-I peptides, height, forearm muscle size, and metacarpal width. Bone analysis showed that ALS deficiency creates a phenotype of slender bones with normal size-corrected density. Abnormal glucose handling and IR was found in three of four patients and 6 of 12 carriers.

Conclusions:

These gene dosage effects demonstrate that one functional IGFALS allele is insufficient to maintain normal ALS levels, endocrine IGF-I action, full growth potential, muscle size, and periosteal expansion. Similar gene dosage effects may exist for parameters of IR. Despite similar IGF-I elimination compared with severe PIGFD, ALS-deficient patients cannot mount a similar response. Alternative ways of rhIGF-I administration should be sought.
Patient acceptable symptom states after total hip or knee replacement at mid-term follow-up
Authors: Keurentjes J. C. , Van Tol F. R. , Fiocco M. , So-Osman C. , Onstenk R. , Koopman-Van Gemert A. W. M. M. , Pöll R. G. , Nelissen R. G. H. H.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To define Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) thresholds for the Oxford hip score (OHS) and Oxford knee score (OKS) at mid-term follow-up.

Methods

In a prospective multicentre cohort study, OHS and OKS were collected at a mean follow-up of three years (1.5 to 6.0), combined with a numeric rating scale (NRS) for satisfaction and an external validation question assessing the patient’s willingness to undergo surgery again. A total of 550 patients underwent total hip replacement (THR) and 367 underwent total knee replacement (TKR).

Results

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves identified a PASS threshold of 42 for the OHS after THR and 37 for the OKS after TKR. THR patients with an OHS ≥ 42 and TKR patients with an OKS ≥ 37 had a higher NRS for satisfaction and a greater likelihood of being willing to undergo surgery again.

Conclusions

PASS thresholds appear larger at mid-term follow-up than at six months after surgery. With- out external validation, we would advise against using these PASS thresholds as absolute thresholds in defining whether or not a patient has attained an acceptable symptom state after THR or TKR. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:7–13.
La balearización global: el capital turístico en la minoración e instrumentación del Estado
Authors: Blázquez Salom Macià , Artigues Bonet Antoni Albert , Murray Mas Ivan
Published: January 2014

Se analiza la relación entre las cadenas hoteleras de matriz balear y el Estado, en el contexto del capitalismo neoliberal. Se presentan casos de estudio de minoración e instrumentación de la democracia y del Estado por parte de las mencionadas cadenas hoteleras: en las Islas Baleares, con la campaña política contra la ecotasa (1999-2003) y su corolario de regulación turística; y en su internacionalización turístico-inmobiliaria a partir de los años ’80, en el Sur Global. La articulación política del empresariado hotelero de las Islas Baleares contribuye a evidenciar el creciente dominio hegemónico del capital, sometiendo a la sociedad a su proyecto de clase, en una secuela de balearización global.
Educación y sociedad turística en Baleares: las políticas públicas educativas ante el impacto de la economía de servicios turísticos en el abandono escolar
Authors: Amer Fernández Joan
Published: January 2014

Las sociedades y economías turísticas presentan altos índices de abandono educativo post-enseñanza obligatoria. La costa mediterránea española y las Islas Baleares y Canarias son ejemplos de sociedades turísticas con esta problemática. La mayoría de las economías turísticas requieren un mercado de trabajo poco cualificado y ello ejerce de importante foco de atracción de mano de obra, también entre la población escolar mayor de 16 años. Este fenómeno es especialmente detectable entre la población de los municipios costeros o zonas turísticas. Se analiza el estado de la cuestión en Baleares, ejemplo o estudio de caso que contiene tintes paradigmáticos extrapolables a otras sociedades o economías turísticas. En primer lugar, se realiza un diagnóstico sobre las características del abandono educativo en Baleares y una aproximación al mercado de trabajo turístico isleño. En segundo lugar, se evalúan las políticas públicas educativas existentes para combatir el abandono y se analizan las propuestas de políticas para mejorar el diseño y la implementación de los programas contra el abandono. Los principales resultados apuntan a la necesidad establecer un marco para la definición, diseño e implementación de las políticas contra el abandono, que permita políticas a largo plazo, que incorpore la obligatoriedad de contratar personas tituladas, que facilite el aumento de la formación durante la crisis, y que incorpore actuaciones para que las familias estén en el centro del proceso educativo.
Del desarrollo de capacidades de aprendizaje a la satisfacción del cliente en una instalación hotelera: caso Hotel Tryp Cayo Coco, destino Jardines del Rey, Cuba
Authors: Carballo Cruz Edianny , Carballo Ramos Elme Emelio , Yera Toledo Raciel
Published: January 2014

La adecuada ordenación de los sistemas de aprendizaje y su alineación con los objetivos de la organización, requiere de un esfuerzo materializado en la introducción de criterios para decidir cuál es el conocimiento relevante que la organización debe poseer e identificar el que no está disponible en ella para incorporarlo y emplearlo allí donde sea requerido. En tal caso, poner los conocimientos y la innovación en función de un ágil e inteligente desempeño del personal, constituye una premisa de toda organización turística, sobre todo, si se aspira a posicionarse en el mercado con elevados índices de satisfacción. En esta investigación se describe, la incidencia del desarrollo de capacidades de aprendizaje en la satisfacción de los clientes externos en el proceso de Alimentos y Bebidas, (A+B) del Hotel Tryp Cayo Coco. Lo anterior se fundamenta teniendo en consideración la relación entre los conocimientos, los procesos de aprendizaje-innovación y los flujos de información en una organización hotelera. La investigación se realiza en una instalación de cuatro estrellas, perteneciente a la cadena Meliá y enclavada en el destino turístico Jardines del Rey, en Cuba. En el estudio, los resultados del desarrollo de capacidades de aprendizaje se expresan en la mejora del desempeño de los clientes internos del proceso en cuestión y en la introducción de nuevos y mejorados productos y servicios para la satisfacción de los clientes externos.
Análisis de conflictos socioambientales en el parque natural de Las Lagunas de Ruidera: la influencia de la agricultura de regadío sobre el turismo
Authors: Vázquez Rosa María Luz
Published: January 2014

Se presenta el análisis de intereses en el Parque Natural de las Lagunas de Ruidera y los conflictos socioambientales que surgen entre los mismos. Especialmente se tratan los conflictos que aparecen por el agua, por ser uno de sus valores más importante e imprescindible tanto para su conservación, como para el turismo, por la gran afluencia de visitantes que recibe atraídos por este recurso. También es un elemento muy valorado por el resto de actores interesados en el espacio y, sobre todo para la agricultura de regadío. En este sentido, se hace un análisis más exhaustivo de la influencia que tiene la agricultura de regadío sobre el turismo y los conflictos que surgen por el agua entre estas dos actividades. Finalmente se realiza un balance de las propuestas existentes para la solución de esos conflictos, destinado a la compatibilidad entre actividades económicas y, entre éstas con la conservación del espacio y, por tanto, tendentes a la sostenibilidad del mismo.
Atles del turisme a Catalunya. Mapa Nacional de l’oferta i els productes turístics. Barcelona, 526 pp. LÓPEZ PALOMEQUE, F. (Dir.); 2009
Authors: Pérez Morales Alfredo
Published: January 2014

Atles del turisme a Catalunya. Mapa Nacional de l’oferta i els productes turístics. Barcelona, 526 pp. LÓPEZ PALOMEQUE, F. (Dir.); 2009.
Investigation of the Effect of Outlet Structures on the Jet Flow Characteristics in the Circulating Jet Tank
Authors: Meng Hui-Bo , Wang Wei , Yu Yan-Fang , Wu Jian-Hua , Wang Yan-Fen , Wang Zong-Yong
Published: January 2014

A revised numerical model of circulating jet tank (CJT) was constructed by adding four momentum sources. The radial distribution tendency of total pressure predicted by large eddy simulation had a good agreement with experimental results. The axial velocities at the center of downcomers have parabolic attenuation tendency with the increasing axial positions. The inductive and restrictive effects of outlets on the jet flow performances were evaluated by the parameters, such as jet velocity decay, spreading rate and energy dissipation. The optimum factor of outlet structures was proposed based on the ratio of spreading rate to energy dissipation. Numerical results show that the downcomers equipped with four symmetrical rectangular outlets contribute more to reduce the decay of jet centerline velocity and make good use of the entrainment between the jet and bulk liquid to generate the largest spreading rate. Furthermore, a nearly plug flow pattern and the maximum value of optimum factor are attained compared with other types of outlets. The optimum factors of rectangular outlets firstly increase then decrease with the increasing ratios of width to diameter of the downcomers. Rectangular outlets induce the jet to expand and get the largest dimensionless jet length and spreading rate when the ratios of width to diameter w/D1 approach 0.08.
Risk Factors and Outcomes for Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteremia in the NICU
Authors: Tsai Ming-Horng , Chu Shih-Ming , Hsu Jen-Fu , Lien Reyin , Huang Hsuan-Rong , Chiang Ming-Chou , Fu Ren-Huei , Lee Chiang-Wen , Huang Yhu-Chering
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVES:

To assess the risk factors antibiotic therapy and outcomes of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) bacteremia in NICU patients.

METHODS:

Episodes of MDR GNB bacteremia were compared with a non-MDR GNB bacteremia group in an 8-year cohort study.

RESULTS:

Of 1106 bacteremias, 393 (35.5%) were caused by GNB. Seventy (18.6%) were caused by an MDR strain. The most frequent mechanism of resistance was extended-spectrum β-lactamase production (67.1%), mainly by Klebsiella pneumoniae (59.6%). Previous antibiotic exposure to third-generation cephalosporin (odds ratio [OR]: 5.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.37–15.08; P < .001) and carbapenem (OR: 3.60; 95% CI: 1.26–10.29; P = .017) and underlying renal disease (OR: 7.08; 95% CI: 1.74–28.83; P = .006) were identified as independent risk factors for MDR GNB acquisition. Patients with MDR GNB bacteremia more likely received inadequate initial antibiotic therapy (72.9% vs 7.8%; P < .001) had higher rates of infectious complication (21.4% vs 10.5%; P = .011) and overall case fatality +rate (28.6% vs 10.5%; P < .001). Independent risk factors for overall mortality were presence of infectious complications after bacteremia (OR: 3.16; 95% CI: 1.41–7.08; P = .005) and underlying secondary pulmonary hypertension with or without cor pulmonale (OR: 6.19; 95% CI: 1.88–20.31; P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS:

MDR GNB accounted for 18.6% of all neonatal GNB bacteremia in the NICU, especially in those with previous broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and underlying renal disease. The most frequent mechanism of resistance was extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production. Neonates with MDR GNB were more likely to develop infectious complications, which were independently associated with a higher overall case-fatality rate.
Six Children With Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Methylisothiazolinone in Wet Wipes (Baby Wipes)
Authors: Chang Mary Wu , Nakrani Radhika
Published: January 2014

Methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) is a combination preservative used in personal care and household products and is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Recently, MI alone, without MCI, has been increasingly used in consumer products in attempts to minimize allergic reactions. Wet wipes are extensively tested and traditionally believed to be innocuous. MI in wet wipes (“baby wipes”) has not been previously reported to cause ACD in children in the United States. Only 1 previous report of ACD in a child in Belgium has been recently reported. We report 6 children with chronic, perianal/buttock, and facial eczematous dermatitis, refractory to multiple topical and oral antibiotics and corticosteroids. All tested positive to MCI/MI on patch testing. None wore diapers. All patients had been using wet wipes containing MI (without MCI) to affected areas. Discontinuation of wipes resulted in rapid and complete resolution. This is the first report of pediatric ACD to MI in wet wipes in the United States, and the largest series to date. ACD to MI in wet wipes is frequently misdiagnosed as eczema, impetigo, or psoriasis. Wet wipes are increasingly marketed in personal care products for all ages, and MI exposure and sensitization will likely increase. Dermatitis of the perianal, buttock, facial, and hand areas with a history of wet wipe use should raise suspicion of ACD to MI and prompt appropriate patch testing. Rapid resolution occurs after the allergen exposure is eliminated. All isothiozolinones should be avoided in personal care and household products for these patients.
Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Childhood Obesity: Protocol Description
Authors: Forslund Anders , Staaf Johan , Kullberg Joel , Ciba Iris , Dahlbom Marie , Bergsten Peter
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

The prevalence of childhood obesity has risen considerably on a global scale during the past decades, and the condition is associated with increased risk of morbidity. The objective is to describe the Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Childhood Obesity (ULSCO) cohort, including some baseline data, and outline addressed research areas that aim at identifying factors implicated in and contributing to development of obesity and obesity-related diseases, including type 2 diabetes.

METHODS:

Severely obese and lean control subjects are examined at enrollment and at subsequent annual visits by using detailed questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, indirect calorimetry, and functional tests such as oral glucose tolerance tests. Some subjects undergo additional characterization with MRI, subcutaneous fat biopsies, frequent blood sampling, and hyperglycemic clamps. Biological samples are obtained and stored in a biobank.

RESULTS:

Active recruitment started in 2010, and standard operating procedures have been established. A high participation rate and annual follow-ups have resulted in a cohort exceeding 200 subjects, including 45 lean controls (as of October 2013). Initial research focus has been on traits of the metabolic syndrome, hyperinsulinemia and identifying risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS:

The ULSCO cohort serves as an important resource in defining and understanding factors contributing to childhood obesity and development of obesity-related diseases. Given the comprehensive characterization of the cohort, factors contributing to disease development and progression can be identified. Such factors are further evaluated for their mechanistic role and significance, and noncommunicable metabolic diseases are especially addressed and considered.
Human Rhinovirus and Disease Severity in Children
Authors: Costa Lourenço Faria , Queiróz Divina Aparecida Oliveira , Lopes da Silveira Hélio , Bernardino Neto Morun , de Paula Nayhanne Tizzo , Oliveira Thelma Fátima Mattos Silva , Tolardo Aline Lavado , Yokosawa Jonny
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate retrospectively human rhinovirus (HRV) infections in children up to 5 years old and factors involved in disease severity.

METHODS:

Nasopharyngeal aspirates from 434 children presenting a broad range of respiratory infection symptoms and severity degrees were tested for presence of HRV and 8 other respiratory viruses. Presence of host risk factors was also assessed.

RESULTS:

HRV was detected in 181 (41.7%) samples, in 107 of them as the only agent and in 74 as coinfections, mostly with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV; 43.2%). Moderate to severe symptoms were observed in 28.9% (31/107) single infections and in 51.3% (38/74) coinfections (P = .004). Multivariate analyses showed association of coinfections with lower respiratory tract symptoms and some parameters of disease severity, such as hospitalization. In coinfections, RSV was the most important virus associated with severe disease. Prematurity, cardiomyopathies, and noninfectious respiratory diseases were comorbidities that also were associated with disease severity (P = .007).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study showed that HRV was a common pathogen of respiratory disease in children and was also involved in severe cases, causing symptoms of the lower respiratory tract. Severe disease in HRV infections were caused mainly by presence of RSV in coinfections, prematurity, congenital heart disease, and noninfectious respiratory disease.
Measurement of the water uptaking capability of a thermal insulating paint
Authors: Lakatos Á. , Szigeti S. , Kalmár F.
Published: January 2014

These days, the investigations of the physical properties of the insulating materials are very important. In this paper we report the measured water uptaking capabilities of a thermal insulating paint. They can be found in liquid phase, but we measured dried solid samples. The thin thermal insulators (insulator coatings) are starting to spread on the market of the building materials. The proper understanding of sorption behavior of the materials is important from the applied building technology point of view. Moisture sorption and desorption measurements were carried out on two samples with different geometry by using climatic chamber method. After drying the samples at 90 °C for one hour in the Venticell 111 type drying equipment they were wetted with a Climacell 111 type climate chamber, where the relative humidity (RH) was varied from 25% to 90% at 293 K for 2 hours. The samples were wetted for 2 and 4 hours as well. Sorption and desorption as well as kinetic curves are presented in this paper.
Investigation of the energy poverty risk with building mechatronics
Authors: Tóth N. , Szemes P. T.
Published: January 2014

Nowadays, the problem of energy poverty occurs more and more frequently and its solution is a serious and urgent task. Energy poverty is closely related to the poor energy performance of residential stocks. Energy poverty is simultaneously an energetic and social question, due to involving households having bad energetic parameters. Because of bad efficiency, the energy costs are highly related to earnings. It is not able to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings. Financial supports for endangered layers should contain measures to increase energy efficiency and decrease energy consumption. However, the concept of energy poverty is applied to social groups, like families or communities. In this paper, we extended the concept of energy poverty to SME (small- and medium-sized enterprises). The paper introduces the concept and the risk of energy poverty and the technology of measuring those risks.
Renewable energy production and consumption in Hungary
Authors: Kiss J. T. , Kocsis I.
Published: January 2014

Energy efficiency measures and the enhancement of investments in renewable energy play important role in sustainable development and lead to advancement of competitiveness of national economies. The increase of renewable energy consumption and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are significant stages of the process to achieve the main purposes of sustainable development at global and national levels.

In this paper the change in the share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption and in the greenhouse gas emissions intensity in Hungary between 2004 and 2011 is investigated.

It is demonstrated that the share of the renewable energy in gross inland energy consumption increased during the examined period. The measure and the tendency of the change in Hungary show similarity to the EU 27 average.

The greenhouse gas emissions intensity of energy consumption decreased in Hungary between 2004 and 2011. According to the data, the decrease is the second largest among the European Member States.
Biogas utilization and its environmental benefits in Hungary
Authors: Fazekas I. , Szabó Gy. , Szabó Sz. , Paládi M. , Szabó G. , Buday T. , Túri Z. , Kerényi A.
Published: January 2014

The aim of our report is to refer on the actual state of small biogas power plants in Hungary summarising the increase in their number and capacity and their effects on climatic change. The above is based on the CO2 emission of the energetic utilization of biogas and the calculation of its ecological footprint that were compared to the environmental effects of natural gas energetic utilization. The aim of this paper does not include the complete life cycle analysis therefore the environmental benefits of the energetic utilization of biogas produced from various raw material are presented via only the direct CO2 emission of the production process.
EARLY FUNCTIONAL RESULTS OF BIOFEEDBACK AND ITS IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH ANAL INCONTINENCE
Authors: LEITE Fernando Rocha , LIMA Marcilio Jose Rodrigues de , LACERDA-FILHO Antonio
Published: January 2014

Context Biofeedback has been used successfully in the treatment of fecal incontinence, working mainly on rehabilitation of the sphincter muscle. However, there are few studies presenting objective results of biofeedback, in terms of functional results and those related to the quality of life. Objectives The aims of this study was to evaluate the immediate results of biofeedback in the treatment of fecal incontinence and its impact on the quality of life of patients by using validated questionnaires, correlating the results with those related to functional parameters of quality of life and clinical variables. Methods We analyzed and compared the results of biofeedback in 52 patients with fecal incontinence before the start of the sessions and immediately after the end of them, by applying validated questionnaires assessing the degree of intensity of fecal incontinence (FISI - Fecal Incontinence Severity Index) and evaluation of quality of life related to fecal incontinence (FIQL - Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale) as compared to clinical variables (age, onset of symptoms, etiology of the fecal incontinence, number of sessions of biofeedback and number and types of deliveries). Results The evaluation of the results of FISI showed a significant increase in the number of individuals who had low severity scores of symptoms before and after the biofeedback (from 48.1 to 65.4%) with P = 0.004. There was significant improvements in domains of the FIQL, behavior (P = 0.008), depression (P = 0.006) and embarrassment (P = 0.008) after biofeedback. There was no significant correlation between the improvement of functional parameters evaluated by FISI and the improvement of quality of life. Positive correlation was found between the improvements of the domains of FIQL. There was no significant correlation between the results obtained using the FISI and FIQL with clinical variables assessed. Conclusions Biofeedback has proven to be an effective therapy in the treatment of fecal incontinence, improving symptoms and/or quality of life for most patients, regardless of clinical presentation of this functional disorder.
LAPAROSCOPIC PANCREATIC RESECTION. FROM ENUCLEATION TO PANCREATODUODENECTOMY. 11-YEAR EXPERIENCE
Authors: MACHADO Marcel Autran Cesar , SURJAN Rodrigo Canada Trofo , GOLDMAN Suzan Menasce , ARDENGH Jose Celso , MAKDISSI Fabio Ferrari
Published: January 2014

Context Our experience with laparoscopic pancreatic resection began in 2001. During initial experience, laparoscopy was reserved for selected cases. With increasing experience more complex laparoscopic procedures such as central pancreatectomy and pancreatoduodenectomies were performed. Objectives The aim of this paper is to review our personal experience with laparoscopic pancreatic resection over 11-year period. Methods All patients who underwent laparoscopic pancreatic resection from 2001 through 2012 were reviewed. Preoperative data included age, gender, and indication for surgery. Intraoperative variables included operative time, bleeding, blood transfusion. Diagnosis, tumor size, margin status were determined from final pathology reports. Results Since 2001, 96 patients underwent laparoscopic pancreatectomy. Median age was 55 years old. 60 patients were female and 36 male. Of these, 88 (91.6%) were performed totally laparoscopic; 4 (4.2%) needed hand-assistance, 1 robotic assistance. Three patients were converted. Four patients needed blood transfusion. Operative time varied according type of operation. Mortality was nil but morbidity was high, mainly due to pancreatic fistula (28.1%). Sixty-one patients underwent distal pancreatectomy, 18 underwent pancreatic enucleation, 7 pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomies, 5 uncinate process resection, 3 central and 2 total pancreatectomies. Conclusions Laparoscopic resection of the pancreas is a reality. Pancreas sparing techniques, such as enucleation, resection of uncinate process and central pancreatectomy, should be used to avoid exocrine and/or endocrine insufficiency that could be detrimental to the patient's quality of life. Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy is a safe operation but should be performed in specialized centers by highly skilled laparoscopic surgeons.
Diploporite (Echinodermata, Blastozoa) thecal attachment structures from the Silurian of southeastern Indiana
Authors: Thomka James R. , Brett Carlton E.
Published: January 2014

Taxonomic descriptions of diploporites from the middle Silurian of eastern Laurentia have focused nearly entirely on thecal plating, with minimal description or figuring of attachment structures. A recently discovered hardground surface within the Wenlock-age (Sheinwoodian) Massie Formation that is encrusted by numerous well-preserved pelmatozoan holdfasts, including structures identifiable as diploporite thecal attachments, provides an opportunity to document the morphology of these rarely described structures. Moderately thin-walled structures with a parabolic, depressed central area composed of seven distinct marginal plates with prominent pores appear to represent thecal attachments of the broad-based trematocystinid holocystitidPaulicystis. Thick-walled, steep-sided structures composed of five to seven fused or partially fused plates with less prominent pores, a deep stelar depression, and radiating canals appear to represent thecal attachments of undetermined, possibly holocystinid or pentacystinid holocystitids. All diploporite holdfasts are cemented to fine-grained, well-sorted skeletal substrates on elevated crests of the hardground surface, but are not found on microbioherms.
Phosphatized acanthomorphic acritarchs and related microfossils from the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation at Weng'an (South China) and their implications for biostratigraphic correlation
Authors: Xiao Shuhai , Zhou Chuanming , Liu Pengju , Wang Dan , Yuan Xunlai
Published: January 2014

The Doushantuo Formation at Weng'an in Guizhou Province, South China, is best known for animal embryo-like microfossils preserved in phosphorites. However, this unit also contains a diverse assemblage of three-dimensionally phosphatized acanthomorphic acritarchs, which are useful in the biostratigraphic subdivision and correlation of the lower–middle Ediacaran System. These acritarchs can be studied using both thin sectioning and acid maceration techniques, thus have the potential to resolve taxonomic inconsistencies between acritarchs preserved in cherts and shales. This paper presents a systematic treatment of acanthomorphs (and related spheroidal microfossils) from the Doushantuo Formation at Weng'an. More than 40 distinct species are described, including the following new species:Asterocapsoides robustusn. sp.,Knollisphaeridium?bifurcatumn. sp.,Megasphaera cymbalan. sp.,Megasphaera patellan. sp.,Megasphaera puncticulosan. sp.,Mengeosphaera eccentrican. gen. n. sp.,Papillomembrana boletiformisn. sp.,Sinosphaera variabilisn. sp.,Tanarium victorn. sp.,Tianzhushania raran. sp.,Variomargosphaeridium gracilen. sp., andWeissiella brevisn. sp. The Weng'an microfossil assemblage is dominated byMegasphaeraandMengeosphaerabut shares some taxa that are characteristic of theTianzhushania spinosabiozone and theTanarium conoideum–Hocosphaeridium scaberfacium–Hocosphaeridium anozosbiozone recognized in the Yangtze Gorges area. It may represent a transitional assemblage between these two biozones. The Weng'an microfossil assemblage also shares some elements with Ediacaran acanthomorph assemblages from Australia, Siberia, and East European Platform, indicating at least partial biostratigraphic overlap with those assemblages. Among the taxa described here,T. spinosaandH. anozosemerges as easily recognizable and widely distributed acanthomorph species whose first appearance may be used to define acanthomorph biozones for regional and global biostratigraphic correlation of lower–middle Ediacaran successions.
The genusStruthiochenopus(Gastropoda, Aporrhaidae): new Miocene records from southern Chile
Authors: Nielsen Sven N. , Encinas Alfonso
Published: January 2014

The marine gastropod genusStruthiochenopusappears first in the late Cretaceous of the Antarctic Peninsula. Until the Oligocene only one or two species were extant at the same time. This changed drastically in the early Miocene when at least three species were living coevally in southern South America. A possible fourth early Miocene species,Struthiochenopussp., is known from Ipún Island, Chile, but its identification remains unclear. Another taxon,S. echtlerinew species, described from Neogene deposits of Mocha Island, Chile, has no precise age available but it is likely the latest survivor of the genus.
A complete reconstruction of the hyolithid skeleton
Authors: Martí Mus Mónica , Jeppsson Lennart , Malinky John M.
Published: January 2014

Hyolithids are a group of Paleozoic lophotrochozoans with a four-pieced skeleton consisting of a conch, an operculum, and a pair of lateral ‘spines' named helens. Both the conch and operculum are relatively well known and, to a certain extent, have modern analogues in other lophotrochozoan groups. The helens, on the other hand, are less well known and do not have clear modern analogues. This has hindered the knowledge of the complete morphology of the hyolithid skeleton, as well as other aspects of hyolithid biology, such as the organization of soft parts, and their ability to move. The material studied herein, consisting of disarticulated skeletal elements from the Silurian of Gotland, Sweden, illustrates a complete developmental sequence of a hyolithid species and includes the first complete, three-dimensionally preserved helens. Our material confirms that helens were massive skeletal elements, whose growth started proximally with the deposition of a central, coherent lamella. Further shell accretion took place around this lamella, but followed a particular accretion pattern probably constrained by the presence of marginal muscle attachment sites on the proximal-most portion of the helens. These muscle attachment sites were ideally located to allow a wide range of movements for the helens, suggesting that hyolithids may have been relatively mobile organisms.
A new archaeocete and other marine mammals (Cetacea and Sirenia) from lower middle Eocene phosphate deposits of Togo
Authors: Gingerich Philip D. , Cappetta Henri
Published: January 2014

Lutetian lower middle Eocene phosphate deposits of Kpogamé-Hahotoé in Togo yield new information about whales and sea cows in West Africa. Most specimens are individual teeth and bones, collected as isolated elements, but some appear to have been associated. Most are conservatively interpreted to represent a new 300–400 kg protocetid archaeocete, Togocetus traversei. This genus and species is distinctly primitive for a protocetid in retaining a relatively small mandibular canal in the dentary and retaining a salient metaconid on the lower first molar (M1), but it is derived relative to earlier archaeocetes in having large, dense, osteosclerotic tympanic bullae. Mandibular canal size and large dense bullae are not as tightly linked in terms of function in hearing as previously thought. Postcranially Togocetus traversei had many characteristics found in other semiaquatic protocetids: a relatively long neck, mobile shoulder, digitigrade manus, large pelvis, well-developed hind limbs, and feet specialized for swimming. Loss of a fovea on the head of the femur indicates loss of the teres ligament stabilizing the hip, which is a derived specialization consistent with life in water. Protocetid specimens distinctly smaller and larger than those of Togocetus traversei indicate the presence of at least three protocetids at Kpogamé. Sirenian vertebral and rib pieces indicate the presence of a protosirenid and a dugongid. Finally, a vertebral centrum and piece of humerus appear to represent a large land mammal. A diverse fauna of archaic whales and early sirenians inhabited the western margin of Africa and the eastern Atlantic Ocean as early as 46–44 million years before present, showing that both cetaceans and sirenians were widely distributed geographically by this time.
The degradation behavior of nanoscale HA/PLGA and α-TCP/PLGA composites
Authors: Ege Duygu , Cameron Ruth , Best Serena
Published: January 2014

The aim of this work was to prepare and analyze the degradation properties of pure PLGA, homogeneous α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP)/PLGA and hydroxyapatite (HA)/PLGA composites for potential bone replacement applications. α-TCP and HA powders were prepared in-house and 25 nominal wt% of calcium phosphate (CaP) powder was incorporated into commercially available PLGA pellets by twin screw extrusion. The degradation studies showed that pure PLGA had the fastest degradation rate followed by HA/PLGA and α-TCP/PLGA. Overall, it was found that α-TCP acted as a better buffering agent than HA, resulting in reduced acid group autocatalysis and hence a slower degradation rate.
Unambiguous nomenclature for cyclopean British dam building history
Authors: Holt Gary D.
Published: January 2014

The term ‘cyclopean’ appears frequently among the literature associated with British dam building history, especially that component which focuses on masonry and concrete dam variants. However, the term is sometimes used in different ways to describe different concepts or – it is proffered here even more confusingly – to describe an identical concept differently. This is not to suggest that this is ‘wrong’ per se, but rather that definitive usage of the term cyclopean is hard to discern, so ambiguity is encouraged. The primary aim of this discussion therefore, is to investigate the term ‘cyclopean’: initially in broad historical terms; and subsequently, regarding nomenclature of British dam building history specifically. The product of this exercise is a proposed unambiguous timeline of British masonry and concrete dam evolution (c. 1800–2000), with commensurate nomenclature for use of the term ‘cyclopean’ within that context. The practical benefits of this include provision of a more decisive basis, upon which to describe and discuss British masonry and concrete dam building history henceforth.
Use of CRT funnel glass in concrete blocks prepared with different aggregate-to-cement ratios
Authors: Ling Tung-Chai , Poon Chi-Sun
Published: January 2014

Managing huge quantities of cathode ray tube (CRT) glass waste has attracted much research interest since the last decade. A recycling process has been developed by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, to turn hazardous CRT waste glass into valuable resources (e.g. treated funnel glass (TFG)). However, finding a beneficial use for the recycled TFG remains an issue for the local waste management industry. In this study, the use of TFG to replace recycled fine concrete aggregates in concrete blocks prepared with different aggregate-to-cement (A/C) ratios was investigated. The experimental results show that the impermeable nature of TFG made concrete blocks more resistant to water penetration and have lower drying shrinkage. The use of TFG also increased the block density and improved the X-ray radiation–shielding performance. All the blocks demonstrated acceptable compressive strength and alkali-silica reaction behaviour, and a lower A/C ratio could maintain a better alkaline environment and stronger cement matrix structure to stabilize and solidify the TFG in the blocks to prevent lead leaching. On the basis of the findings, the authors concluded that it is feasible to utilize high per cent of TFG in concrete blocks if a proper A/C ratio and appropriate casting method are used.
Optimisation of coal wash–slag blend as a structural fill
Authors: Chiaro Gabriele , Indraratna Buddhima , Tasalloti S. M. Ali , Rujikiatkamjorn Cholachat
Published: January 2014

Coal wash (CW) and basic oxygen steel slag fines (BOS) are by-products of the coal mining and steel industries, respectively. Their effective reuse and recycling through large-scale geotechnical projects, such as port reclamation, is economically beneficial and environmentally sustainable. In this study, CW and BOS were blended in order to explore the possibility to obtain synthetic fills having geotechnical properties similar or superior to conventional fills, therefore suitable as a structural fill for the Port Kembla Outer Harbour reclamation near Wollongong City, Australia. A framework with four levels of acceptance is proposed in this paper to select granular waste as structural fill materials. This framework was used for optimising the CW-BOS blend. It was found that for the Port Kembla Outer Harbour reclamation, a CW-BOS blend with a BOS content between 30 and 45% can meet most geotechnical specifications (i.e. high shear strength and bearing capacity, low swelling and particle breakage levels, and adequate permeability) required for a suitable structural fill above the high tidal level.
The flame retardancy and thermal degradation behaviors of trivalent metal-alginate films
Authors: Liu Yun , Wang Junsheng , Zhao Jinchao , Zhang Chuanjie , Ran Jianhua , Zhu Ping
Published: January 2014

Alginate, one of the most abundant biodegradable and sustainable natural resources in the world, is an alternative to petroleum-based polymers (traditional plastics). The coordination structure, flame retardancy, thermal stabilities and degradation mechanism of aluminum alginate and iron alginate films were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), limited oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning (UL-94) and thermogravimetric analysis tests. The FTIR results showed that the coordination structures of aluminum alginate and iron alginate were correlated to the monodentate geometry and the bidentate chelating mode, respectively. The LOI values were 35·1 and 42·0 for aluminum alginate and iron alginate, respectively, and UL-94 of them achieved V-0 rating without any addition of other flame retardants, while the LOI value of sodium alginate was 24·5 with no UL-94 rating. The TG results showed that the addition of aluminum and iron cations catalyzed the decomposition of alginates in the lower-temperature zones, which exhibited the amounts of residues for aluminum alginate and iron alginate were less than that of sodium alginate. Compared thermal oxidative decomposition behaviors in air with those in N2, the oxygen in air did not take part in the thermal decomposition process in the lower temperatures.
Postglacial reorganization of a small‐mammal paleocommunity in southern Australia reveals thresholds of change
Authors: Macken Amy C. , Reed Elizabeth H.
Published: January 2014

Natural variation describes the normal fluctuations that occur in ecosystems over time in the absence of significant human‐driven disturbance, providing a buffer that facilitates ecological resilience. Long‐term data on ecosystems are useful in developing baselines of natural variation and identifying the limits to resilience within different ecosystems. Here, we examined two contemporaneous vertebrate fossil assemblages of the Naracoorte Caves in southern Australia to determine the magnitude and extent of natural variation and resilience exhibited by a small‐mammal paleocommunity through the last glacial cycle (c. 50–10 kyr BP). We also investigated the effect of sampling the assemblages at different timescales on observed patterns of variability and quantified sampling effects to test the robustness of the temporal trends. Our results show that the paleocommunity was structurally and compositionally stable through the early glacial period and last glacial maximum (LGM), with variability exhibited only in species abundances. Significant variability in species abundances, abundance ranks, and species richness during the post‐LGM deglaciation reveals paleocommunity reorganization and a loss of resilience to climatic change at this time. A nearby marine‐core record suggests that the paleocommunity reorganization was associated with sea‐surface temperatures warming past 16°C, postdating the onset of warming following the LGM by c. 1–3 kyr. This suggests that the paleocommunity was sensitive to specific temperature thresholds rather than shifts between warming or cooling trends per se. Our results also show that patterns of natural variability are sensitive to time‐averaging, which can smooth out rapid and short‐term changes and limit our capacity to temporally correlate faunal changes to their environmental or climatic drivers. The responses of the small‐mammal paleocommunity conform to models derived from other paleontological and modern assemblages in which changes in species abundances may not always lead to community restructuring.
On the performance of the M1,M2/G1,G2/1 retrial queue with pre-emptive resume policy
Authors: Boutarfa Leila , Djellab Natalia
Published: January 2014

Priority mechanism is an invaluable scheduling method that allows customers
to receive different quality of service. Service priority is clearly today a
main feature of the operation of any manufacturing system. We are interested
by an M1,M2/G1,G2/1 priority retrial queue with pre-emptive resume policy.
For model in question, we discuss the problem of ergodicity and, by using the
method of supplementary variables, find the partial generating functions of
the steady state system state distribution. Moreover, some pertinent
performance measures are obtained and numerical study is also performed.
The Impact of Principles-Based versus Rules-Based Accounting Standards on Auditors' Motivations and Evidence Demands
Authors: Peytcheva Marietta , Wright Arnold M. , Majoor Barbara
Published: January 2014

Auditing research has investigated the effects of different accounting standards on auditors' decisions to constrain aggressive reporting by clients. Missing from this literature is evidence on how the type of accounting standard influences auditors' cognitive motivations and demand for audit evidence. This study addresses this gap in the literature, which is important since the financial statements are the joint product of management's and the auditor's actions. An experiment was conducted with U.S. and Dutch auditors to examine the manner in which principles-based versus rules-based accounting standards influence auditors' process accountability, epistemic motivation, and demands for audit evidence. The study proposes and supports a theoretical model in which principles-based accounting standards increase auditors' process accountability—the expectation of having to justify to others the decision process used, regardless of the outcome of the decision (Markman and Tetlock 2000; Libby, Salterio, and Webb 2004). Greater process accountability in turn increases auditors' epistemic motivation—the desire to develop and maintain a rich and accurate understanding of the problem at hand (Kruglanski 1989). The heightened epistemic motivation induced by principles-based accounting standards then ultimately increases auditors' demands for audit evidence. Thus, the results suggest the important influence of accounting standards on auditors' motivations and consequent program planning decisions.
Internal Controls, Routine Activity Theory (RAT), and Sustained Online Auction Deception: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Nikitkov Alexei N. , Stone Dan N. , Miller Timothy C.
Published: January 2014

This paper adapts and extends routine activity theory (RAT) to investigate the co-evolution of eBay's controls with mundane crime in the rapidly growing auction market of 1997–2005. A suspected deceptive seller's eight-year account history indicates the presence of the three market characteristics that RAT identifies as essential for deception: (1) a motivated offender, (2) suitable targets, and (3) an absence of capable guardians (i.e., regulation and eBay controls). The results document the co-evolution of a deceptive seller's tactics with eBay's controls. The investigation introduces (1) a new market, i.e., the early online auctions, (2) a new theory, i.e., RAT, and (3) new data, i.e., of a long-term deceptive seller, to the accounting controls literature. Contributions include tracing the evolving eBay control system, considering eBay's feedback system as an emergent form of continuous monitoring, and investigating the potential of RAT as an alternative theory for understanding control violations and informing accounting control analysis and design.

Data Availability: The archival data are available from public sources. The primary data are available to scholars willing to sign agreements that protect the confidentiality of the sources.
Occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Mycobacterium peregrinum in ornamental fish
Authors: Guz Leszek , Grądzki Zbigniew , Krajewska Monika , Lipiec Marek , Zabost Anna , Augustynowicz-Kopeć Ewa , Zwolska Zofia , Szulowski Krzysztof
Published: January 2014

Systemic mycobacteriosis was diagnosed in a group of ornamental fish. Although a large number of acid-fast bacterial rods were identified in the kidneys, liver, and muscles of each fish, no granulomas were observed in internal organs. Mycobacterium peregrinum was identified using the GenoType Mycobacterium CM assay. This study illustrates a considerable risk of atypical mycobacteriosis in humans.