bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Liquid Volume in Stomach to Electrical Transfer Impedance Measurements Using FIM
Authors: Iquebal Masum , Rabbani K Siddique-e
Published: July 2014

The present work is directed to the measurement of the absolute volume of secreted acid in the stomach using 6-electrode FIM. Stomach acid is important because it has diagnostic applications in diarrhoeal diseases and in anaemia. Through a simplified resistance model this work has predicted that the variation in (Ze-Zs)/Ze with volume of liquid in stomach should be much greater than that of Zs/Ze . The simple resistance model has also predicted that the normalised change in measured transfer impedance (Ze-Zs)/Ze will be proportional to the volume of liquid in the stomach provided the resistivity of the liquid and the depth of stomach from the frontal skin surface is constant. Both these have been verified through real life measurement on two human subjects. This means that the measured transfer impedance change can indeed be related to the volume of saline in stomach. Together with depth information obtained using anatomical markers, it may be possible to obtain the absolute volume using FIM non-invasively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmp.v6i1.19761 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Physics Vol.6 No.1 2013 66-74
Phylogenomics of the carrot genus (Daucus, Apiaceae)
Authors: Arbizu Carlos , Ruess Holly , Senalik Douglas , Simon Philipp W. , Spooner David M.
Published: July 2014

• Premise of the study: We explored the utility of multiple nuclear orthologs for the taxonomic resolution of wild and cultivated carrot, Daucus species.

• Methods: We studied the phylogeny of 92 accessions of 13 species and two subspecies of Daucus and 15 accessions of related genera (107 accessions total) with DNA sequences of 94 nuclear orthologs. Reiterative analyses examined data of both alleles using ambiguity codes or a single allele with the highest coverage, trimmed vs. untrimmed homopolymers; pure exonic vs. pure intronic data; the use of all 94 markers vs. a reduced subset of markers; and analysis of a concatenated data set vs. a coalescent (species tree) approach.

• Key results: Our maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood trees were highly resolved, with 100% bootstrap support for most of the external and many of the internal clades. They resolved multiple accessions of many different species as monophyletic with strong support, but failed to support other species. The single allele analysis gave slightly better topological resolution; trimming homopolymers failed to increase taxonomic resolution; the exonic data had a smaller proportion of parsimony‐informative characters. Similar results demonstrating the same dominant topology can be obtained with many fewer markers. A Bayesian concordance analysis provided an overall similar phylogeny, but the coalescent analysis provided drastic changes in topology to all the above.

• Conclusions: Our research highlights some difficult species groups in Daucus and misidentifications in germplasm collections. It highlights a useful subset of markers and approaches for future studies of dominant topologies in Daucus.
El nuevo proyecto del Gran Canal en Nicaragua: más pesadilla que sueño
Authors: Wünderich Volker
Published: July 2014

El sueño del canal tiene raíces antiguas en Nicaragua y constituye una parte central del imaginario de la nación. El artículo presenta el actual proyecto canalero en el contexto de la historia nacional y articula algunas contradicciones que se imponen a primera vista. Primeramente, aunque éste se presenta como la realización de un sueño nacional, sería la concreción de una abusiva concesión que colocaría al país en una situación geopolítica complicada, fomentaría el distanciamiento con la República de Costa Rica, reviviría el autoritarismo del pasado y sería garantía de un desastre ambiental. Sin una discusión crítica de las ventajas y riesgos y sin un avance en la cultura política y participación popular, los planes traerán graves consecuencias. En su forma actual, el proyecto no solo fallará en sus grandes promesas. En caso de ser realizado, representaría una amenaza al futuro del país.
Promoviendo capacidades para la investigación: un esfuerzo en cadena
Authors: Bellanger Wendy
Published: July 2014

La creación de la Dirección de Investigación (DIRINV) en la Universidad Centroamericana, en 2001, respondió a la necesidad de potenciar la calidad y el impacto de las investigaciones que se realizan en la universidad. Desde entonces, la oficina ha venido consolidando una estrategia nacida principalmente de su contacto directo con profesores y estudiantes, de su ejecución de proyectos específicos financiados por la cooperación internacional, de su experiencia editorial como responsable de UCA Publicaciones, y de su vinculación con los esfuerzos comunes de toda la universidad, plasmados en el Plan Estratégico. A lo largo de trece años, la oficina ha podido diseñar, poner en práctica y evaluar, distintas iniciativas, lo que nos ha permitido ganar experiencia y perspectiva sobre los verdaderos retos que se deben enfrentar para hacer investigación en nuestro contexto.
Redefiniendo el videoarte: orígenes, límites y trayectorias de una hibridación en el panorama de la creación audiovisual española contemporánea.
Authors: García Aurelio Del Portillo , Gálvez Antonio Caballero
Published: July 2014

La consolidación del videoarte dentro del circuito artístico contemporáneo ha sido un revulsivo tanto para las artes visuales como para el uso tecnológico del vídeo. El paso del vídeo analógico al digital ha supuesto una explosión de formatos y tipologías en el ámbito de la creación audiovisual. Al mismo tiempo, la incorporación de la imagen digital a las pantallas comerciales nos obliga a replantear, dentro de nuestro imaginario cultural, los límites y fronteras impuestos tradicionalmente a la imagen audiovisual, como serían las categorías "cine/vídeo" o "ficción/documental". Realizamos un recorrido retrospectivo sobre los orígenes del vídeo como formato de experimentación creativa hasta su constitución como referente del circuito artístico español. Desde una perspectiva interdisciplinar, tratamos de conocer los elementos y propiedades intrínsecas que convierten al videoarte en un medio de imposible categorización dentro de las estructuras actuales que rigen la cadena de producción audiovisual.
El barrio y la comunidad vecinal como interfaz: Arte, tecnología y acción social
Authors: Calvo Isadora Guardia
Published: July 2014

La idea de barrio y comunidad vecinal surgida desde la Escuela de Chicago hasta la actualidad ha devenido en múltiples aportaciones e interpretaciones debido a la evolución y al desarrollo de las ciudades. Razones económicas, políticas, culturales y tecnológicas han modelado las relaciones interpersonales, intracomunitarias y la configuración del barrio como lugar.El contexto de crisis actual, delimitado principalmente en la primera década del s.XXI y consecuencia de políticas neoliberales en su máxima expansión, ha favorecido la reorganización de los barrios como interfaz. La aportación de los avances tecnológicos explorados como herramientas capaces de aportar un cambio ha provocado una renovación en las relaciones de la comunidad. Afectadas por modelos económicos como los actuales, las formas tradicionales de lucha y reivindicación social vienen reforzadas por propuestas creativas, artísticas y tecnológicas.La acción política, entendida como la construcción e intervención (de y sobre) la esfera pública, se lleva a cabo de una manera casi natural al surgir en forma de propuestas cercanas a la actividad cotidiana de la ciudadanía. En otras ocasiones proviene de la acción colectiva e interdisciplinar de instituciones académicas que acaban implicando a comunidades vecinales en el desarrollo de los proyectos.El barrio surge como interfaz en la producción artística como herramienta de lucha. Se trata del soporte y también del catalizador, actúa como una prótesis que permite construir procesos físicos y virtuales. En otros casos se advierte la función conectora de la comunidad. Las relaciones basadas en la proximidad y la acción local encuentran en el proceso tecnológico la diseminación y contagio a una globalidad hipertextual y viceversa.Producciones tan heterogéneas y alejadas en el mapa como las propuestas en la investigación ponen de manifiesto una organización local activa y consciente del derecho, no únicamente a la ciudad, sino a la capacidad de decidir sobre la transformación de su propio ser en relación al entorno.
Influences of surface processes on fold growth during 3‐D detachment folding
Authors: Collignon M. , Kaus B. J. P. , May D. A. , Fernandez N.
Published: July 2014

In order to understand the interactions between surface processes and multilayer folding systems, we here present fully coupled three‐dimensional numerical simulations. The mechanical model represents a sedimentary cover with internal weak layers, detached over a much weaker basal layer representing salt or evaporites. Applying compression in one direction results in a series of three‐dimensional buckle folds, of which the topographic expression consists of anticlines and synclines. This topography is modified through time by mass redistribution, which is achieved by a combination of fluvial and hillslope erosion, as well as deposition, and which can in return influence the subsequent deformation. Model results show that surface processes do not have a significant influence on folding patterns and aspect ratio of the folds. Nevertheless, erosion reduces the amount of shortening required to initiate folding and increases the exhumation rates. Increased sedimentation in the synclines contributes to this effect by amplifying the fold growth rate by gravity. The main contribution of surface processes is rather due to their ability to strongly modify the initial topography and hence the initial random noise, prior to deformation. If larger initial random noise is present, folds amplify faster, which is consistent with previous detachment folding theory. Variations in thickness of the sedimentary cover (in one or two directions) also have a significant influence on the folding pattern, resulting in linear, large aspect ratio folds. Our simulation results can be applied to folding‐dominated fold‐and‐thrust belt systems, detached over weak basal layers, such as the Zagros Folded Belt.
Prenatal testosterone of progenitors could be involved in the etiology of both anorexia nervosa and autism spectrum disorders of their offspring
Authors: Romero‐Martínez Ángel , Moya‐Albiol Luis
Published: July 2014

Objectives

High intrauterine testosterone (T) levels seem to play a role in the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), but their role in anorexia nervosa (AN) is controversial. Parents with masculinized 2D:4D ratios, a marker of the organizational effects of T, may have other relevant biological characteristics, in particular exposing their offspring to high T levels in the prenatal environment. This would increase the likelihood of their offspring developing these disorders.

Methods

The present study examined whether parents of offspring with AN (n=34; mean age= 51) and ASD (n=36; mean age=45) differ from control parents (n=40; mean age=43) in 2D:4D ratio, as well as by salivary T levels and its relationships.

Results

Our results revealed that AN and ASD parents (fathers and mothers) have masculinized 2D:4D ratios of the right hand compared to control parents. However, the difference compared to controls was larger in the ASD than the AN group. Furthermore, current salivary T levels were negatively related to the 2D:4D ratio in ASD and AN parents only.

Conclusions

Our data partially support the view of high prenatal masculinization as a potential intermediate phenotype to the development of these disorders in their offspring. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:863–866, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of 19‐Nor‐Vitamin D A‐Ring Synthons via Ring‐Closing Olefin Metathesis
Authors: Nagai Yu , Tanami Tomoe , Abe Junko , Nagai Hazuki , Hamamizu Toru , Kominato Kaichiro , Iida Keisuke , Nagasawa Kazuo
Published: July 2014

19‐Nor‐vitamin D A‐ring synthons were obtained from linear olefins by means of ring‐closing olefin metathesis followed by palladium‐catalyzed isomerization of the endocyclic olefin product to an exocyclic olefin.
Hochaufgelöste Visualisierung des Golgi‐Apparats in lebenden Zellen mit einem bioorthogonalen Ceramid
Authors: Erdmann Roman S. , Takakura Hideo , Thompson Alexander D. , Rivera‐Molina Felix , Allgeyer Edward S. , Bewersdorf Joerg , Toomre Derek , Schepartz Alanna
Published: July 2014

Wir berichten über eine Lipid‐basierte Strategie zur Visualisierung von Struktur und Dynamik des Golgi‐Apparats in lebenden Zellen mithilfe hochauflösender Mikroskopie. Die Methode basiert auf zwei neuen Reagentien: einem trans‐Cycloocten enthaltenden Ceramid‐Lipid (Cer‐TCO) und einem hoch reaktiven, Tetrazin‐markierten Nah‐IR‐Farbstoff (SiR‐Tz). Diese beiden Komponenten reagieren in einer extrem schnellen Tetrazin‐Klick‐Reaktion zu Cer‐SiR, einer sehr photostabilen Verbindung, welche die Visualisierung des Golgi‐Apparats sowohl mit 3D‐Konfokalmikroskopie als auch mit hochauflösender Mikroskopie über eine längere Zeitspanne ermöglicht. Cer‐SiR ist nicht toxisch bis zu einer Konzentration von 2 μM und stört weder die Mobilität von Enzymen innerhalb des Golgi‐Apparats noch den Transport von Fracht vom Endoplasmatischen Retikulum durch den Golgi‐Apparat zur Plasmamembran.
Super‐Resolution Imaging of the Golgi in Live Cells with a Bioorthogonal Ceramide Probe
Authors: Erdmann Roman S. , Takakura Hideo , Thompson Alexander D. , Rivera‐Molina Felix , Allgeyer Edward S. , Bewersdorf Joerg , Toomre Derek , Schepartz Alanna
Published: July 2014

We report a lipid‐based strategy to visualize Golgi structure and dynamics at super‐resolution in live cells. The method is based on two novel reagents: a trans‐cyclooctene‐containing ceramide lipid (Cer‐TCO) and a highly reactive, tetrazine‐tagged near‐IR dye (SiR‐Tz). These reagents assemble via an extremely rapid “tetrazine‐click” reaction into Cer‐SiR, a highly photostable “vital dye” that enables prolonged live‐cell imaging of the Golgi apparatus by 3D confocal and STED microscopy. Cer‐SiR is nontoxic at concentrations as high as 2 μM and does not perturb the mobility of Golgi‐resident enzymes or the traffic of cargo from the endoplasmic reticulum through the Golgi and to the plasma membrane.
Astrocyte‐like cells differentiated from a novel population of CD45‐positive cells in adult human peripheral blood
Authors: Li Heng , Li Jun , Sheng Wenhua , Sun Jinhao , Ma Xiaoli , Chen Xueran , Bi Jianfen , Zhao Yong , Li Xiaohong
Published: July 2014

We have previously reported a novel CD45‐positive cell population called peripheral blood insulin‐producing cells (PB‐IPCs) and its unique potential for releasing insulin in vitro. Despite the CD45‐positive phenotype and self‐renewal ability, PB‐IPCs are distinguished from hemopoietic and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) by some characteristics, such as a CD34‐negative phenotype and different culture conditions. We have further identified the gene profiles of the embryonic and neural stem cells, and these profiles include Sox2, Nanog, c‐Myc, Klf4, Notch1 and Mash1. After treatment with all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in vitro, most PB‐IPCs exhibited morphological changes that included the development of elongated and branched cell processes. In the process of induction, the mRNA expression of Hes1 was robustly upregulated, and a majority of cells acquired some astrocyte‐associated specific phenotypes including anti‐glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), CD44, Glutamate‐aspartate transporter (GLAST) and S100β. In spite of the deficiency of glutamate uptaking, the differentiated cells significantly relaxed the regulation of the expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA. This finding demonstrates that PB‐IPCs could be induced into a population of astrocyte‐like cells and enhanced the neurotrophic potential when the state of proliferation was limited by ATRA, which implies that this unique CD45+ cell pool may have a protective role in some degenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS).
The Influence of Interfacial Areas for Gas Absorption in the Presence of Solid Particles
Authors: Ablasser Cornelia , Hofmann Sebastian , Hinrichsen Olaf
Published: July 2014

The mass transfer is investigated for physical absorption of oxygen in water for varying interfacial areas as well as the influence of suspended glass beads and activated carbon. Under higher rotational speed, the volumetric mass transfer coefficient as well as the mass transfer coefficient values increase for all specific interfacial areas due to the changes in hydrodynamics. The configuration of the free gas‐liquid interface is of minor relevance. In the presence of glass beads, the mass transfer is reduced compared to physical adsorption, whereas an enhancement of the mass transfer can be observed in the presence of activated carbon. This indicates that the mobility of the gas‐liquid interface is the determining factor. The renewal of the fluid elements is increased by adsorption of surfactants on the surface of activated carbon, leading to an improved mass transport.
Breaking the Semi‐Quinoid Structure: Spin‐Switching from Strongly Coupled Singlet to Polarized Triplet State
Authors: Ravat Prince , Teki Yoshio , Ito Yoshikazu , Gorelik Elena , Baumgarten Martin
Published: July 2014

2,7‐TMPNO (4,5,9,10‐tetramethoxypyrene‐2,7‐bis(tert‐butylnitroxide)) was found to exist in semi‐quinoid form with unprecedented strong intramolecular magnetic exchange interaction of 2 J/kB=1185 K operating over a distance of 10 Å. Structural transformations with the activation energy of ΔEeq=949 K were observed by varying the temperature, from more quinoid structure at low temperature to more biradicaloid structure at higher temperature. Moreover, this molecule undergoes a transient spin transition from singlet to polarized triplet state upon photoexcitation revealed by TREPR spectroscopy. The spin Hamiltonian parameters were determined to be S=1, g=2.0065, D=−0.0112 cm−1, and E=−0.0014 cm−1 by spectral simulation with the hybrid Eigenfield/exact diagonalization method.
Notchia weugigen. et sp. nov.: a new short-headed arthropod from the Weeks Formation Konservat-Lagerstätte (Cambrian; Utah)
Authors: LEROSEY-AUBRIL RUDY
Published: July 2014

The Weeks Formation preserves a diverse, yet largely undescribed, exceptionally preserved fauna of late Guzhangian age. Here I describeNotchia weugigen. et sp. nov., a new arthropod characterized by a short cephalon, a trunk with 12 tergites and weakly differentiated into two morphological regions, and a spine-bearing rectangular telson. This combination of characters is incompatible with its assignment to any known groups. The new taxon also adds to examples of convergent evolution of ramified digestive glands in arthropods, possibly as an adaptation to infrequent feeding.
HTAI POLICY FORUM: KEEPING HTA ON TRACK
Authors: Longson Carole
Published: July 2014

The most recent discussions of the HTAi Policy Forum are being showcased in this issue of our Journal. The topic of adaptive approaches to technology management has been a policy area of continuing importance and relevance to health technology assessment agencies and policy makers as well as industry. The latest Policy Forum publication (Husereau et al., in this issue) demonstrates that the discussions at the meeting about this complex topic were very wide indeed.
Injectional anthrax at a Scottish district general hospital
Authors: INVERARITY D. J. , FORRESTER V. M. , CUMMING J. G. R. , PATERSON P. J. , CAMPBELL R. J. , BROOKS T. J. G. , CARSON G. L. , RUDDY J. P.
Published: July 2014

This retrospective, descriptive case-series reviews the clinical presentations and significant laboratory findings of patients diagnosed with and treated for injectional anthrax (IA) since December 2009 at Monklands Hospital in Central Scotland and represents the largest series of IA cases to be described from a single location. Twenty-one patients who fulfilled National Anthrax Control Team standardized case definitions of confirmed, probable or possible IA are reported. All cases survived and none required limb amputation in contrast to an overall mortality of 28% being experienced for this condition in Scotland. We document the spectrum of presentations of soft tissue infection ranging from mild cases which were managed predominantly with oral antibiotics to severe cases with significant oedema, organ failure and coagulopathy. We describe the surgical management, intensive care management and antibiotic management including the first description of daptomycin being used to treat human anthrax. It is noted that some people who had injected heroin infected withBacillus anthracisdid not develop evidence of IA. Also highlighted are biochemical and haematological parameters which proved useful in identifying deteriorating patients who required greater levels of support and surgical debridement.
Loading of PPy on the surface of transition metal coordination polymer modified polyoxometalate (TMCP/POM): a feasible strategy to obtain visible light active and high quantum yields POM based photocatalyst
Authors: Xu Xinxin , Gao Xin , Cui Zhongping , Liu Xiaoxia , Zhang Xia
Published: July 2014

PPy loaded TMCP/POM composite materials were fabricated successfully and display better photocatalytic activity than TMCP/POM under visible light irradiation.
Spin–orbit effects in square-planar Pt(ii) complexes with bidentate and terdentate ligands: theoretical absorption/emission spectroscopy
Authors: Gourlaouen Christophe , Daniel Chantal
Published: July 2014

Theoretical “spin-free” (in black) and “spin–orbit” (in red) absorption spectra of [Pt(tpy)Cl]+ and electronic densities characterizing the main intense bands MLCT/XLCT at 384 nm, and MLCT/LC at 326 nm and 250 nm (the experimental spectrum is shown in the inset).
Ultrafast electronic and vibrational relaxations in mixed-ligand dithione–dithiolato Ni, Pd, and Pt complexes
Authors: Frei Franziska , Rondi Ariana , Espa Davide , Mercuri Maria Laura , Pilia Luca , Serpe Angela , Odeh Ahmad , Van Mourik Frank , Chergui Majed , Feurer Thomas , Deplano Paola , Vlček Antonín , Cannizzo Andrea
Published: July 2014

Excitation of Pt, Pd, Ni dithione–dithiolates triggers fs solvation-driven charge redistribution and 6 ps ISC.
Inhibition of flavonoids on acetylcholine esterase: binding and structure–activity relationship
Authors: Xie Yixi , Yang Weijie , Chen Xiaoqing , Xiao Jianbo
Published: July 2014

Hydroxyl groups on the aromatic rings of flavonoids are favorable for inhibiting AChE, and the hydroxylation increases the affinities for AChE. However, methoxylation may decrease or increase the activities depending on the class of flavonoids.
Photoluminescence phenomena prevailing in c-axis oriented intrinsic ZnO thin films prepared by RF magnetron sputtering
Authors: Das Debajyoti , Mondal Praloy
Published: July 2014

The substantial amount of –OH groups attached to the Zn lattice has been correlated to the dominant c-axis orientation of the hexagonal ZnO crystals with wurtzite structure, which demonstrates two preferred first-order Raman peaks and also exhibits a distinct UV luminescence band due to the typical exciton emission or near-band-edge emission.
Electronic nose for toxic gas detection based on photostimulated core–shell nanowires
Authors: Wongchoosuk Chatchawal , Subannajui Kittitat , Wang Chunyu , Yang Yang , Güder Firat , Kerdcharoen Teerakiat , Cimalla Volker , Zacharias Margit
Published: July 2014

This device can detect and discriminate toxic and non-toxic gases in the ppb level at room temperature.
A solvent-resistant halogen bond
Authors: Robertson Craig C. , Perutz Robin N. , Brammer Lee , Hunter Christopher A.
Published: July 2014

In contrast to strong hydrogen bonds, strong halogen bonds are not disrupted by polar solvents.
Spin crossover in iron(II)-containing complex compounds under a pressure (Review Article)
Authors: Levchenko G. G. , Khristov A. V. , Varyukhin V. N.
Published: July 2014

The spin crossover phenomenon consists in switching between two spin states of the central ion of a transition 3d- metal in a molecular complex. The spin crossover can be induced and controlled by temperature, pressure, light radiation etc. The present review addresses all aspects of the effect of hydrostatic pressure on spin-crossover properties of iron(II) complex compounds. The applied hydrostatic pressure allows us to influence the crystal lattice, revealing the role of elastic fields in the cooperative interaction of spin-crossover complexes, and to change directly the volume characteristics of the complex molecules, the distances between the central ion and ligand atoms, and thus affect the strength of the crystal field. The experimental results for all types of iron(II)-containing spin-crossover structures are discussed in details, and the theoretical consideration of the observed effects is given. The physical principles of spin crossover at the molecular level are adequately described by the ligand field theory while the macroscopic properties are understood on the basis of electron–phonon coupling and elastic properties of the crystal lattice.
Walking the interactome for candidate prioritization in exome sequencing studies of Mendelian diseases
Authors: Smedley Damian , Köhler Sebastian , Czeschik Johanna Christina , Amberger Joanna , Bocchini Carol , Hamosh Ada , Veldboer Julian , Zemojtel Tomasz , Robinson Peter N.
Published: July 2014

Motivation : Whole-exome sequencing (WES) has opened up previously unheard of possibilities for identifying novel disease genes in Mendelian disorders, only about half of which have been elucidated to date. However, interpretation of WES data remains challenging.

Results : Here, we analyze protein–protein association (PPA) networks to identify candidate genes in the vicinity of genes previously implicated in a disease. The analysis, using a random-walk with restart (RWR) method, is adapted to the setting of WES by developing a composite variant-gene relevance score based on the rarity, location and predicted pathogenicity of variants and the RWR evaluation of genes harboring the variants. Benchmarking using known disease variants from 88 disease-gene families reveals that the correct gene is ranked among the top 10 candidates in ≥50% of cases, a figure which we confirmed using a prospective study of disease genes identified in 2012 and PPA data produced before that date. We implement our method in a freely available Web server, ExomeWalker, that displays a ranked list of candidates together with information on PPAs, frequency and predicted pathogenicity of the variants to allow quick and effective searches for candidates that are likely to reward closer investigation.

Availability and implementation : http://compbio.charite.de/ExomeWalker

Contact : peter.robinson@charite.de
The Lutz–Kelker paradox
Authors: Francis Charles
Published: July 2014

The Lutz–Kelker correction is intended to give an unbiased estimate for stellar parallaxes and magnitudes, but it is shown explicitly that it does not. This paradox results from the application of an argument about sample statistics to the treatment of individual stars, and involves the erroneous use of a frequency distribution in the manner of a probability density function considered as a Bayesian prior. It is shown that the Bayesian probability distribution for true parallax given the observed parallax of a selected star is independent of the distribution of other stars. Consequently, the Lutz–Kelker correction should not be used for individual stars. This result has important implications for the RR Lyrae scale and for the interpretation of results from Gaia and Hipparcos. The Lutz–Kelker correction is a poor treatment of the Trumpler–Weaver bias which affects parallax limited samples. A true correction is calculated using numerical integration and confirmed by a Monte Carlo method.
Faecal virome of cats in an animal shelter
Authors: Zhang Wen , Li Linlin , Deng Xutao , Kapusinszky Beatrix , Pesavento Patricia A. , Delwart Eric
Published: July 2014

We describe the metagenomics-derived feline enteric virome in the faeces of 25 cats from a single shelter in California. More than 90 % of the recognizable viral reads were related to mammalian viruses and the rest to bacterial viruses. Eight viral families were detected: Astroviridae, Coronaviridae, Parvoviridae, Circoviridae, Herpesviridae, Anelloviridae, Caliciviridae and Picobirnaviridae. Six previously known viruses were also identified: feline coronavirus type 1, felid herpes 1, feline calicivirus, feline norovirus, feline panleukopenia virus and picobirnavirus. Novel species of astroviruses and bocaviruses, and the first genome of a cyclovirus in a feline were characterized. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase region from four highly divergent partial viral genomes in the order Picornavirales were sequenced. The detection of such a diverse collection of viruses shed within a single shelter suggested that such animals experience robust viral exposures. This study increases our understanding of the viral diversity in cats, facilitating future evaluation of their pathogenic and zoonotic potentials.
A secure portable execution environment to support teleworking
Authors: James Peter , Griffiths Don
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This paper presents the design, development and trialling of the mobile execution environment (MEE), a secure portable execution environment designed to support secure teleworking. Teleworking is an established work practice, yet often the information security controls in the teleworking location are weaker than those in a corporate office. Security concerns also prevent organisations allowing personnel to telework.

Design/methodology/approach

– The design science research methodology was applied to develop the MEE, and this paper is structured using the process elements of the methodology.

Findings

– In this paper, the problem addressed and the design objectives are defined. The design and implementation is discussed, and the testing and trialling approach adopted to demonstrate the MEE is summarised. An evaluation of the demonstration results against the design objectives is presented.

Research limitations/implications

– The MEE is part of an ongoing research project using open source software; the structure and functionality of the software can limit or influence the direction of the research.

Practical implications

– The MEE provides a secure portable execution environment suitable for transaction-oriented work performed remotely; e.g. teleworkers performing customer support work.

Social implications

– The paper contributes to encouraging the implementation of teleworking.

Originality/value

– The MEE builds on the concept of a portable executable operating system that uploads onto a PC through an external port. The MEE extends this concept by providing a hardened secure computing environment that is uploaded from a secure storage device or a standard thumb drive (USB flash drive).
Cryptocurrencies: an unconventional challenge to the AML/CFT regulators?
Authors: Dostov Victor , Shust Pavel
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the article is to look closely at the phenomenon of the cryptocurrencies such as and bitcoin to identify their potential vulnerabilities to money laundering and financing of terrorism. It also explores their specific characteristics relevant to ML/FT risks.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using digicash and bitcoin protocols as primary cases for centralized and decentralized cryptocurrencies we analyse their characteristics against cash and cashless payments. We also draw on “bundle of attributes” that may define their attractiveness for common public or criminals.

Findings

– Our research shows that characteristics of the cryptocurrencies are unlikely to make them popular among the consumers, as demand for anonymity seems to be overrated. Cryptocurrencies can also be classified as payment instrument rather than private currencies; therefore their embededdness in the financial system minimizes the ML/FT risks.

Research limitations/implications

– Some decentralized cryptocurrencies operate within informal communities. Therefore, relations within these communities are constantly evolving and need to be monitored further.

Practical implications

– The paper provides an insight into the mechanics and classification of cryptocurrencies as payment instruments. Place of cryptocurrencies within the broader payment ecosystem defines their potential vulnerabilities to being abused by the criminals.

Originality/value

– The paper fills the gap in research on cryptocurrencies as payment instruments rather than private currencies and also provides an overview of their relevance for the Anti-money laundering and combating financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime.
Pharmacodynamic effects of oral oxymorphone: abuse liability, analgesic profile and direct physiologic effects in humans
Authors: Babalonis Shanna , Lofwall Michelle R. , Nuzzo Paul A. , Walsh Sharon L.
Published: July 2014

Oxymorphone is a semisynthetic μ‐opioid agonist, marketed as a prescription analgesic purported to be twice as potent as oxycodone for pain relief. Oral formulations of oxymorphone were reintroduced in the United States in 2006 and reports of abuse ensued; however, there are limited data available on its pharmacodynamic effects. The current study aimed to examine the direct physiologic effects, relative abuse liability, analgesic profile and overall pharmacodynamic potency of oxymorphone in comparison with identical doses of oxycodone. Healthy, non‐dependent opioid abusers (n = 9) were enrolled in this within‐subject, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 3‐week inpatient study. Seven experimental sessions (6.5 hours) were conducted, during which an oral dose of immediate‐release formulations of oxymorphone (10, 20 and 40 mg), oxycodone (10, 20 and 40 mg) or placebo was administered. An array of physiologic, abuse liability and experimental pain measures was collected. At identical doses, oxymorphone produced approximately twofold less potent effects on miosis, compared with oxycodone. Oxymorphone also produced lesser magnitude effects on measures of respiratory depression, two experimental pain models and observer‐rated agonist effects. However, 40 mg of oxymorphone was similar to 40 mg of oxycodone on several abuse‐related subjective ratings. Formal relative potency analyses were largely invalid because of the substantially greater effects of oxycodone. Overall, oxymorphone is less potent on most pharmacodynamic measures, although at higher doses, its abuse liability is similar to oxycodone. These data suggest that the published clinical equianalgesic estimates may not be consistent with the observed direct physiologic effects of opioids, results of experimental pain models or abuse liability measures, as assessed in the human laboratory.
Relative adrenal insufficiency in chronic liver disease: its prevalence and effects on long‐term mortality
Authors: Jang J. Y. , Kim T. Y. , Sohn J. H. , Lee T. H. , Jeong S. W. , Park E. J. , Lee S. H. , Kim S. G. , Kim Y. S. , Kim H. S. , Kim B. S.
Published: July 2014

Background

The relationship between relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) and chronic liver disease is unclear.

Aim

To determine the frequency with which RAI is observed in noncritically ill patients at various stages of chronic liver disease, and the correlation between RAI and disease severity and long‐term mortality.

Methods

In total, 71 non‐critically ill patients with liver cirrhosis (n = 54) and chronic hepatitis (n = 17) were evaluated prospectively. A short stimulation test (SST) with 250 μg of corticotrophin was performed to detect RAI. RAI was defined as an increase in serum cortisol of <9 μg/dL in patients with a basal total cortisol of <35 μg/dL.

Results

RAI was observed in only 13 (24.1%) of 54 patients with cirrhosis. Compared to those without RAI, cirrhotic patients with RAI had significantly higher Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh score (10.3 ± 1.7 vs. 7.1 ± 1.8, mean ± s.d., P < 0.001) and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score (14.5 ± 6.6 vs. 9.4 ± 3.7, P = 0.017). The cortisol response to corticotropin was negatively correlated with the severity of cirrhosis (P < 0.05). In addition, the mortality rate was higher in cirrhotic patients with RAI (69.2%) than in those without RAI (4.9%; P < 0.001) during the follow‐up period of 20.1 ± 13.5 months (range, 5.8–51.1 months). The cumulative 1‐year survival rates in cirrhotic patients with and without RAI were 69.2% and 95.0%, respectively (P = 0.05), while the corresponding cumulative 3‐year survival rates were 0% and 95.0% (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Relative adrenal insufficiency is more commonly observed in those with severe cirrhosis, and is clearly associated with more advanced liver disease and a shortened long‐term survival. This suggests that relative adrenal insufficiency is an independent prognostic factor in non‐critically ill patients with cirrhosis.
Evaluation of family‐centred services from parents of Chinese children with cerebral palsy with the Measure of Processes of Care
Authors: Wang M. , Petrini M. A. , Guan Q.
Published: July 2014

Background

Family‐centred service (FCS) has become essential to parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and professionals in Chinese paediatric rehabilitation services. FCS practice meets the unique needs of the child and family, through facilitation of optimal service provision delivered by professionals, and ensures service systems to be flexible, appropriate and actively responsive to the family needs. Parents used the Measure of Processes of Care 20 (MPOC‐20) questionnaire to evaluate and verify the efficacy of use in China. The aims of the present study were twofold: to assess the validity and reliability of the Chinese MPOC‐20, and investigate the range of parents' satisfaction with service provision in an FCS practice using the MPOC‐20.

Methods

The Chinese MPOC‐20 was selected to assess parent satisfaction with service provision of professionals in FCS practice. Participants were parents of children under 8 years of age with CP, who had received rehabilitation services between May 2012 and May 2013, and were receiving rehabilitation services in May 2013 at a hospital outpatient department and a rehabilitation centre.

Results

The reliability and validity of the Chinese MPOC‐20 were confirmed. Parents evaluated FCS practice with the MPOC‐20 survey. Respectful and supportive care was rated with the highest score and providing general information the lowest. Parents according to the data were dissatisfied with the lack of information.

Conclusions

Parents fairly evaluated service provision of professionals in FCS practice with the Chinese MPOC‐20. Professionals received feedback reports of parents, summaries of the inadequacy of service delivery, and developed and implemented ameliorated measures in the FCS policy to strive to provide exemplary service.
Improving delirium care for hospitalized older patients. A qualitative study identifying barriers to guideline adherence
Authors: van de Steeg Lotte , Langelaan Maaike , Ijkema Roelie , Nugus Peter , Wagner Cordula
Published: July 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

Guidelines are intended as a means of getting research evidence into practice and ensuring provided care is of sufficient quality. However, the effect of guidelines is hindered by limited guideline adherence. The aim of this study is to identify and classify barriers to adherence by nurses to a guideline on delirium care.

Methods

Open‐ended interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 63 research participants. The sample included 28 nurses, 18 doctors and 17 policy advisors working in 19 hospitals in the Netherlands. The interviews were conducted between June and September 2011. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Barriers to guideline adherence that were identified could be grouped into four themes: motivation and goals, knowledge and skills, professional role and identity, and context and resources. While the interviews with nurses, doctors and policy advisors produced similar views of the current situation, doctors and policy advisors placed a higher importance on education as a means of stimulating adherence.

Conclusions

This study illustrates that individual, social and organizational factors play a role in nurse's adherence to a delirium guideline. The potential benefits of following a guideline, both for patients and for nursing staff, need to be highlighted in order to motivate nurses. When formulating new guidelines, nurses' perceptions of their professional role and patient care need to be taken into account to ensure that policy makers and managers are realistic about guideline adherence and engage with nurses from a position of mutual respect and trust.
Affiliative and aggressive humour in leadership and their relationship to leader–member exchange
Authors: Pundt Alexander , Herrmann Felicia
Published: July 2014

In this study, we investigate the relationship between affiliative and aggressive humour of the leader and the quality of relationship between leader and follower in terms of leader–member exchange (LMX), assuming identification with the leader to mediate this relationship. We conducted a 2‐wave survey study with a time lag of 6 weeks (N = 152). We found affiliative humour of the leader rated at Time 1 to be positively related to LMX at Time 2, even after controlling for LMX at Time 1, whereas aggressive humour was negatively related to LMX at Time 2. Identification with the leader mediated the relationship between affiliative humour of the leader and LMX but did not mediate the relationship between aggressive humour and LMX. Our results contribute to the understanding of leader behaviours that contribute to a positive professional relationship between leader and follower as well as to the understanding of the relational processes that may explain the effects of humour in leadership.

Practitioner points

Leader humour may help establish high‐quality relationships between leaders and followers. Leaders could use affiliative humour and should avoid aggressive humour to improve the quality of leader–follower relationships.

Affiliative humour may be developed by an established humour training programme focusing on the so‐called humour habits. Aggressive humour could be prevented by establishing organizational non‐aggression norms.

Formal humour training for leaders should be used with care to prevent potential downsides such as emotional exhaustion.
Proposed Shade Guide for Attached Gingiva—A Pilot Study
Authors: Ito Masayasu , Marx David B. , Cheng Ansgar C. , Wee Alvin G.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of race, age, and gender on Commision Internationale de l’Eclairage Lab color space (CIELAB) values of attached gingival colors. The color coordinates of an optimal proposed attached gingival shade guide were also determined.

Material and Methods

Participants (n = 120) were recruited to fulfill the following stratification of five age groups: 18‐29, 30‐39, 40‐49, 50‐59, and 60‐85, with four racial categories (white, black, Asian, and others) and balanced for gender. Reflectance measurements of participants’ attached gingiva were made using a spectroradiometer and Xenon arc lamp with a 45/0 optical configuration. A stepwise discriminant analysis was carried out to identify gingival color contribution from race, age, and gender. A hierarchical clustering analysis was used to identify color groups that clustered together. The coverage error of the proposed shade guide was calculated to the original gingival color.

Results

The stepwise discriminant analysis showed a statistically significant difference in gingival color contribution from the factors evaluated. Significant influence was found for the race/gender factors (p < 0.05), but not for age. The cluster analysis results revealed three cluster centroids with mean L*a*b* as follows: (1 = 51.0 ± 4.2, 27.7 ± 4.7, 18.3 ± 3.2), (2 = 61.4 ± 4.5, 24.3 ± 4.3, 17.6 ± 2.3), and (3 = 36.1 ± 4.1, 21 ± 4.9, 16 ± 5.2). The coverage errors to the following racial categories were: Asian (ΔE = 6.0 ± 4.8), black (ΔE = 6.7 ± 3.9), others (ΔE = 5.8 ± 2.9), and white (ΔE = 4.6 ± 2.7).

Conclusions

The study showed that L*a*b* was significantly affected by race and gender. Clustering analysis was able to identify clusters in 120 participants for three gingival tones.
Pharmacokinetics of oral chlortetracycline in nonpregnant adult ewes
Authors: Washburn K. , Fajt V. R. , Plummer P. , Coetzee J. F. , Wulf L. W. , Washburn S.
Published: July 2014

The objectives of this study were to determine plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameters of feed‐grade chlortetracycline (CTC) in sheep after oral administration of 80 or 500 mg/head daily, divided into two equal doses given at 12‐h intervals for 8 days. These are the approved, and commonly used but unapproved, feed additive doses, respectively, in the United States for the prevention of ovine infectious abortion.

Blood samples were collected just prior to dosing at 0, 12, 24, 72, 96, and 192 h, as well as 4, 8, 12, 24, and 36 h after the last dose, and noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed to estimate elimination half‐life and area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC).

Mean observed maximum CTC concentrations (Cmax) were 20.0 ng/mL (80 mg dose) and 101 ng/mL (500 mg dose). Mean apparent elimination half‐life was 18 h (80 mg dose) and 20 h (500 mg dose).

Although published data do not exist to estimate plasma CTC concentrations necessary for the prevention of ovine infectious abortion, concentrations reached in our study suggest that either the FDA‐approved and FDA‐unapproved dosages are not high enough or that the pharmacodynamic parameter relating preventive dose to pathogen minimum inhibitory concentrations is yet to be determined.
Warming may not swamp islands
Authors: Pala Christopher
Published: July 2014

Studies suggest that atoll islands will rise in step with a rising sea.
Amikacin Resistance in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Isolated from Dogs
Authors: Gold R. M. , Cohen N. D. , Lawhon S. D.
Published: July 2014

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
is the most common microorganism isolated from canine pyoderma and postoperative wound infections. The prevalence of methicillin-resistant
S. pseudintermedius
(MRSP) has increased, and recently, isolates that are resistant not only to methicillin but also to other classes of antibiotic drugs, including aminoglycosides, have become common. A total of 422
S. pseudintermedius
isolates collected from 413 dogs were analyzed for amikacin and methicillin resistance using broth microdilution and disk diffusion testing. Methicillin-resistant isolates were significantly (
P
< 0.0001) more likely to be resistant to amikacin (37%, 31/84) than were methicillin-susceptible isolates (7%, 22/338). Additionally, resistance to non-β-lactam antibiotics was significantly associated with resistance to amikacin irrespective of methicillin resistance. Among the 422 isolates, 32 that tested positive for amikacin resistance by broth microdilution or disk diffusion testing were investigated further for the presence of aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes using multiplex PCR. Of these isolates, 66% (21/32) were methicillin resistant. In contrast to previous studies of
Staphylococcus aureus
, the most prevalent gene detected was
aph(3
′
)-IIIa
found in 75% (24/32) of isolates followed by
aac(6
′
)/aph(2
″
)
and
ant(4
′
)-Ia
in 12% (4/32) and 3% (1/32), respectively. Understanding the differences in antimicrobial resistance gene carriage between different species of
Staphylococcus
may improve antimicrobial drug selection for clinical therapy and provide insights into how resistance develops in
S. pseudintermedius
.