bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
4-1BB and the Epigenetic Regulations of This Molecule
Authors: Chu-Dinh Thien , Chu Dinh-Toi
Published: November 2014

4-1BB, a master regulator of our defense system, is present on several kinds of immune cells and has different functions in immune responses based on specific conditions. An expression of this molecule on T lymphocytes, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and pathogenic cells directs immune responses by a costimulatory signal of 4-1BB and its ligand, 4-1BBL. Under abnormal conditions, such as inflammation and hypoxia, 4-1BB and 4-1BBL are also induced on nonimmune cells including epithelial cells, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and cardiac myocytes. Recently, 4-1BB has been found on brite adipocytes; it is identified as a specific marker for this type of fat cells. An increase in acetylated histone by histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) leads to an elevation of 4-1BB and 4-1BBL expression and major histocompatibility complex expression on T-cell lymphoma and other tumor cell lines, which enhance the activities of APCs and cytotoxic T lymphocytes to improve antitumor immune responses. Conversely, 4-1BB signaling triggered by a soluble 4-1BB receptor or anti-4-1BB antibodies strengthens the anticancer effect of HDACi by regulating both effector and regulatory T cells. Therefore, further investigations into the epigenetic regulations of 4-1BB/4-1BBL interaction will give us more meaningful information to develop new methods to prevent disorders in human beings such as cancer, obesity, autoimmune and infectious diseases.
On the Use of Philosophical Frameworks of Subjective Time and Time Perception in the Neuroscientific Research
Authors: Debiec Jacek
Published: November 2014

The history of philosophical inquiry of time has been almost as long as the history of Western thought. Numerous concepts and ideas on the nature of time and time perception have been proposed over the centuries. Some of these ideas laid the groundwork for the psychological and neuroscientific studies of time processes. To this day, philosophical concepts inspire empirical research of time. In some cases, this interplay between philosophical ideas and neuroscientific studies of time processes occurs seamlessly. In other cases, however, attempts to directly apply philosophical concepts in the experimental research encounter impassable barriers. This commentary discusses two recent applications of philosophical frameworks of subjective time and time perception in the neuroscientific research.
Taxonomic revision of Pseudorhopalia Wilcox & Papavero, 1971 (Insecta, Diptera, Mydidae, Rhopaliinae), with description of a new species from the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Calhau Julia , Nihei Silvio Shigueo , Lamas CARLOS José Einicker
Published: November 2014

The previously monotypic genus Pseudorhopalia Wilcox & Papavero, 1971 is here revised, with description of a new species, Pseudorhopalia manauara, sp. n. The type-species, P. mirandai (d’Andretta & Carrera, 1951), is only found in northeastern Brazil, in the semiarid Caatinga biome. On the other hand, the new species is found in the humid Brazilian Amazonia, within dense ombrophilous forest and campina (scleromorphic scrub vegetation associated with white sand).
Re-Judaizing the Polish (Studies) Landscape
Authors: Underhill Karen
Published: November 2014

Taking as its starting point the radical transformation of the Polish cultural and historical landscape that has resulted from Poland’s post-1989 Jewish revival, this article presents a proposal for a substantial reconfiguration of nationally and philologically based university departments and programs in Central and East European Studies—one that reimagines Polish Studies, Russian Studies, and other Slavic Studies programs as inherently multilingual, culturally pluralistic spaces of encounter, and that effects changes to degree requirements and language requirements that reflect this post-national shift in perspective. Making reference to the concept of doikeyt or “hereness,” a cultural and political attitude promoted within the pre–World War II Jewish world, particularly within Bundist and Yiddishist discourse, that saw Jewish culture and languages as native to Eastern Europe—as belonging in Poland and in Russia—the author asks specifically whether Jewish languages (Yiddish and Hebrew) and courses in Yiddish culture, and by extension other “minority” languages and cultures, should have a place within the curriculum and course requirements that contribute today to a degree or a major in Polish Studies, Russian Studies, or other European literature and language programs traditionally structured around the study of one dominant language and culture.
Community-Augmented Meta-Analyses
Authors: Tsuji Sho , Bergmann Christina , Cristia Alejandrina
Published: November 2014

We present the concept of a community-augmented meta-analysis (CAMA), a simple yet novel tool that significantly facilitates the accumulation and evaluation of previous studies within a specific scientific field. A CAMA is a combination of a meta-analysis and an open repository. Like a meta-analysis, it is centered around a psychologically relevant topic and includes methodological details and standardized effect sizes. As in a repository, data do not remain undisclosed and static after publication but can be used and extended by the research community, as anyone can download all information and can add new data via simple forms. Based on our experiences with building three CAMAs, we illustrate the concept and explain how CAMAs can facilitate improving our research practices via the integration of past research, the accumulation of knowledge, and the documentation of file-drawer studies.
Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Agonist Attenuates Pain Related Behavior in Rats with Chronic Alcohol/High Fat Diet Induced Pancreatitis
Authors: Zhang Liping , Kline Robert H , McNearney Terry A , Johnson Michael P , Westlund Karin N
Published: November 2014

Background:

Chronic Pancreatitis (CP) is a complex and multifactorial syndrome. Many contributing factors result in development of dysfunctional pain in a significant number of patients. Drugs developed to treat a variety of pain states fall short of providing effective analgesia for patients with chronic pancreatitis, often providing minimal to partial pain relief over time with significant side effects. Recently, availability of selective pharmacological tools has enabled great advances in our knowledge of the role of the cannabinoid receptors in pathophysiology. In particular, cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) has emerged as an attractive target for management of chronic pain, as demonstrated in several studies with inflammatory and neuropathic preclinical pain models. In this study, the analgesic efficacy of a novel, highly selective CB2 receptor agonist, LY3038404 HCl, is investigated in a chronic pancreatitis pain model, induced with an alcohol/high fat (AHF) diet.

Results:

Rats fed the AHF diet developed visceral pain-like behaviors detectable by week 3 and reached a maximum at week 5 that persists as long as the diet is maintained. Rats with AHF induced chronic pancreatitis were treated with LY3038404 HCl (10 mg/kg, orally, twice a day for 9 days). The treated animals demonstrated significantly alleviated pain related behaviors after 3 days of dosing, including increased paw withdrawal thresholds (PWT), prolonged abdominal withdrawal latencies (ABWL), and decreased nocifensive responses to noxious 44°C hotplate stimuli. Terminal histological analysis of pancreatic tissue sections from the AHF chronic pancreatitis animals demonstrated extensive injury, including a global pancreatic gland degeneration (cellular atrophy), vacuolization (fat deposition), and fibrosis. After the LY3038404 HCl treatment, pancreatic tissue was significantly protected from severe damage and fibrosis. LY3038404 HCl affected neither open field exploratory behaviors nor dark/light box preferences as measures of higher brain and motor functions.

Conclusion:

LY3038404 HCl, a potent CB2 receptor agonist, possesses tissue protective and analgesic properties without effects on higher brain function. Thus, activation of CB2 receptors is suggested as a potential therapeutic target for visceral inflammation and pain management.
Applications of Geophysical Techniques to Evaluate Deep Formations at Asala-Samra Oil Field, East Bahariya, Egypt
Authors: Abd El Hafeez Th. H , Kadi Hassan H. El , Ghamry Mohammed N. El , Salam Ramy E. Abd El
Published: November 2014

Using the available seismic data, this study aimed at the evaluation of the prospectivity and hydrocarbon potentialities to the deep formations structure of the Asala-Samra area. The Asala-Samra area is located in the Western Desert of Egypt, south of the Northeast Abu Gharadig Concession and west of Qarun oil field. The 3D-Seismic data covers about (56 km2) which called East Bahariya Area. The acquisition of high quality 3D seismic data integrated with the well data resulted in accurate delineation of the structure traps and the different elements of the petroleum system in the study area. The interpretation results of the high quality seismic data contributed to in the understanding of the tectonic history of the study area. Evidences for the presence of Jurassic-Early Cretaceous rifting, Late Cretaceous rifting, Late Cretaceous-Early Tertiary inversion, and Late Tertiary (Miocene) rifting tectonics were documented from the interpretation of the seismic data. The main productive reservoirs of the study area are Abo Roash “G” member and Upper part of Bahariya Formation. This research focused on the deeper formations and structures from Early Cretaceous and Late Jurassic which didn't test as HC trap yet and aims to add new undiscovered zones. Many seismic leads of Early Cretaceous and Late Jurassic were recognized from interpreted seismic data. Most of them are four way dip closure to avoid the side sealing problem. The source rocks are working in the eastern part of the Abu Gharadig Basin. The regional top seals for the different reservoirs in the study area were evaluated through isopach maps. A reservoir evaluation of the Alam Elbueib and Safa sands has been also attempted.
Uncertainty Quantification of Channelized Reservoir Using Ensemble Smoother with Selective Measurement Data
Authors: Lee Kyungbook , Jung SeungPil , Shin Hyundon , Choe Jonggeun
Published: November 2014

Ensemble smoother (ES) assimilates all available dynamic data without iterations as global update. Therefore, ES is much faster than ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF), which uses recursive updates. Iterative concepts are introduced for ES to increase accuracy of history matching. However, they lose advantages of simulation time and cost over EnKF.

We propose ES with selective use of observation data in assimilation to improve history matching results and to keep simulation time short. Three methods, EnKF with all data, ES with all data, and the proposed, are applied to 2D synthetic channelized reservoirs with a nine spot waterflooding. Ensemble-based methods interpret the reason of reduced oil production rate after water breakthrough as low permeability. In this research, we suggest selective measurement data to manage misinterpretable data for the ensemble-based methods. As a logical choice, oil production rate before water breakthrough and water cut after water breakthrough are used for assimilation.

EnKF with all data cannot predict true performances of oil and water productions on each well. ES with all data shows severe overshooting and filter divergence problems, which are two typical problems in the ensemble-based methods. However, the proposed method overcomes the two problems and shows good history matching results. It provides reliable uncertainty quantification of reservoir performances for both each well production and field total productions. Simulation cost of the proposed method is about 2.2% of that of EnKF, which uses 45 times update. It has clear advantage over EnKF or iterative ES methods.
Geochemical Characterization of Jurassic Source Rocks from Cuba: 2. Constancia Formation in Onshore Varadero Oils Fields
Authors: González B. M. , Barrionuevo Simone , Peralba Maria do Carmo , Kalkreuth Wolfgang
Published: November 2014

Samples collected from the Upper Jurassic Constancia Formation in the Varadero oilfields, located in the Northern Marginal Basin of Cuba were analyzed to evaluate the type and origin of the organic matter and their source rock potential. This study is based on geochemical analyses of whole rock (total organic carbon content (TOC), Rock-Eval pyrolysis), petrographical analyses (vitrinite reflectance, spore colouration index (SCI), palynofacies) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Results obtained from 25 core samples collected from four petroleum exploration wells indicate that these rocks have organic carbon contents ranging from 0.13 wt% to high 5.84 wt%. The average hydrocarbon generation potential as determined by Rock-Eval pyrolysis potential (S2) is between 0.34–5 mg HC/g rock for samples with low TOC, suggesting good to excellent potential to generate oil and 5–49.9 mg HC/g rock for samples with high TOC.

Based on palynofacies analyses three organic assemblages have been identified. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of palynofacies show that the Constancia Formation of Jurassic age, represent oxic proximal and suboxic-anoxic/marine restricted environment. The Amorphous organic matter is the dominant element of the particulate organic matter in the assemblages I, followed by structured terrestrial organic matter and spores/pollen in the assemblages III. The results of Rrandom and SCI suggest a maturity level of the organic matter ranging from immature to marginally mature. The Constancia extract rock are immature to early maturity evaluated from the C29-αα20S/(S + R) and C29–20R ββ/(ββ + αα) sterane indices.
Robust Adaptive Fault Tolerant Pitch Control of Wind Turbines
Authors: Rezaei Vahid , Salmasi Farzad R.
Published: November 2014

Inaccuracy in linear modeling of wind turbines, effects of wind speed disturbance, and faults in components of the closed-loop system increase the need for advanced controllers in wind energy conversion systems. In this article, an adaptive pitch controller is developed to regulate the generator speed in region 3. Also, an adaptive feed-forward term is augmented to improve the generator speed regulation in presence of the wind speed disturbance. Parameters of the controller are adaptively adjusted based on the improved dead-zone modification rule that guarantees closed-loop stability and zero regulation error in presence of the unstructured modeling uncertainties, step-like wind speed disturbance, and faults in pitch actuator. Proposed controller is compared to the baseline proportional-integral controller for controls advanced research turbine. Simulation results confirm the improvement in closed-loop regulation performance with proposed robust adaptive controller.
Improvement of Fault Ride through Capability of Doubly-Fed Induction Generator Wind Turbines with Hysteresis Controller
Authors: Ling Yu
Published: November 2014

Much attention has been received by the fault ride through (FRT) capacity of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) wind turbines, due to its important influence on the large penetration of wind turbines into power system. Conventional control for a DFIG has tended to adapt a nested inner- and outer-loop control based on vector control techniques. In general, inner loop controller to regulate the rotor current is implemented by a proportional-integral (PI) regulator. In the paper, the PI regulator will be replaced with a hysteresis controller in order to improve the performance of FRT of DFIG wind turbines when they are subjected to a dip of grid voltage. Hysteresis controller has fast transient response, simple control structure, and robustness to the machine parameters variations and consequently the proposed scheme can significantly improve the FRT capacity of DFIG wind turbines. The FRT capability of DFIG-based wind turbines with the proposed scheme is validated by the simulation using the dedicated power system analysis tool PSCAD/EMTDC.
Fatigue Behaviour of Steel Elements Strengthened with Stand CFRP Sheets
Authors: Jiao H. , Phan H.B. , Zhao X.L.
Published: November 2014

CFRP sheets are extensively used to strengthen defected steel members through a wet layup process. Different techniques were used to control the quality of bonding, such as vacuum bags and rollers. Recently strand CFRP sheets were applied in the strengthening of steel elements with manufacturer suggested epoxy resin and a primary resin. This study investigated the fatigue behaviour of steel beams and double strap steel joints bonded with strand CFRP sheets. Eight beams were tested under four point bending and eight double strap steel joints were tested under axial tension. Comparisons were made on the failure modes and the fatigue life for specimens bonded with and without the primer epoxy resin. Results showed that the fatigue life of defected steel beams and double strap steel joints bonded with strand CFRP sheets are comparable to that of specimens strengthened with CFRP plates and other high modulus CFRP sheets, whereas a linear reduction in fatigue life was observed when the primer resin was applied on the steel surface of the samples.
Evaluation of Stress Intensity Factor for CFRP Bonded Steel Plates
Authors: Yu Q.Q. , Zhao X.L. , Xiao Z.G. , Chen T. , Gu X.L.
Published: November 2014

Recent studies on the application of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials to defected steel structures have demonstrated the potential for significant reduction of stress intensity factor (SIF) values at crack tips leading to extended fatigue lives. However, most of the previous research relied on experimental and numerical methods, which were either expensive or time-consuming. In this paper, the SIF values at crack tips of steel plates strengthened with bonded composite materials were evaluated using linear elastic fracture mechanics. The analysis was based on the classical solution of SIF values of plain steel plates, considering load share effect and geometry correction factor change resulted from the overlay patch. The effect of different parameters were demonstrated and compared with experimental results, including initial damage degrees of specimens, geometric and mechanical properties of retrofitting materials and bond locations. Good agreement with the experimental data indicated that this approach could conservatively predict the SIF values with reasonable accuracy. A parametric study on variables including the CFRP modulus, the bond width and bond length was conducted based on this method to further investigate their effect on the SIF values.
CFRP Strengthening of RC Beams with Multiple Openings Subjected to Static and Impact Loads
Authors: Oukaili Nazar K. , Al-Shammari Abeer H.
Published: November 2014

The provision of openings in serviceable reinforced concrete beams may result in a substantial decline in the beam's capacity and integrity, indicating the necessity of opening strengthening. The present study investigates the experimental response of reinforced concrete T-beams with multiple web-strengthened openings disposed in shear span to static and impact loads. Fourteen RC T-beams were tested in two groups, each of seven beams. The first group was tested under static loading up to failure, while the second group was tested under repeated impact loading until the width of shear cracks reached 0.3 mm. The residual static strengths of the beams subjected to impact loading were then determined. The test variables considered were: number of web openings, the method used to strengthen the member at openings and the height of drop during impact tests. All beams were simply supported with load applied at mid – span. Static results indicated that T-beams with four and six un-strengthened web circular openings whose diameter is 48% of the web depth have strength capacities less than those without openings by 30% and 41%, respectively. However, strengthening of webs results in an increase in the strength capacities ranging between 27% and 92%, depending on the type of strengthening. Impact results indicated that the beam with four openings did not show a remarkable increase in the maximum mid-span deflection compared with the solid beam, while that with six openings showed an increase in the maximum mid-span deflections by about 75% greater than the maximum mid-span deflection of the solid beam. Strengthening of specimens could overcome the increase in deflections.
Efficient Outdoor Sound Propagation Modeling with the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) Method: A Review
Authors: Van Renterghem Timothy
Published: November 2014

The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, solving the inhomogeneous, moving medium sound propagation equations, also referred to as the Linearized Euler(ian) Equations (LEE), has become a mature reference outdoor sound propagation model during the last two decades. It combines the ability to account for complex wave effects like reflection, scattering and diffraction near arbitrary objects, and complex medium effects like convection, refraction and (turbulent) scattering. In addition, it has the general advantages of a time-domain method. It is indicated that the numerical discretisation scheme should be chosen depending on the flow speed of the background medium. Perfectly matched layers, applicable to cases in presence of (non-)uniform flow, are state-of-the-art perfectly absorbing boundary conditions that are key in outdoor sound propagation applications, where only a small part of the unbounded atmosphere can be numerically described. Various ways to include outdoor soils are summarized, like time-domain impedance plane boundary conditions and explicitly including the upper part of the soil in the simulation domain. Approaches for long-distance sound propagation, including moving calculation frames and hybrid modeling are discussed. This review deals with linear sound propagation only.
On the Effect of Atmospheric Temperature Gradients and Ground Impedance on Sound
Authors: Campos L.M.B.C. , Serrão P.G.T.A.
Published: November 2014

The acoustic wave equation is solved exactly in a polytropic atmosphere over a flat impedance ground. The effects of atmospheric stratification on sound are presented as a correction to the amplitude and phase of a plane wave compared to a homogeneous medium corresponding to sea level conditions. It is shown that: (i) the direct effect of atmospheric stratification on sound amplitude is very small over the entire audible range 20Hz-20kHz, even for altitude ranges in excess of 1 Km: (ii) the atmospheric stratification causes significant phase changes relative to an homogeneous medium for frequencies above 500Hz even over altitude ranges of less than 100m; (iv) the phase changes due to atmospheric stratification can affect significantly interference between acoustic waves, for example in the case of multiple sound sources or multiple reflections by nearby obstacles. The exact solution of the wave equation for the acoustic potential specifies also the velocity and pressure perturbation that appear in the impedance boundary condition over flat ground. This specifies the amplitude and phase of the ground reflection coefficient and also the amplitude and phase of the total obsorption factor of the atmosphere plus ground. The amplitude and phase of the reflection coefficient are plotted as a function of the angle of incidence for a fixed altitude of propagation of the wave for a source above ground, such as an aircraft near an airport and several values of the ground impedance. The theory applies to wavelengths smaller, comparable or larger than the lenghthscales of variation of atmospheric properties, since it is based on an exact solution of the wave equation, without ray, parabolic equation, or any other approximations.
Numerical Modeling Technique for Tracking of Disposed Dredged Material in Offshore Area
Authors: Shukla Vikas Kumar , Nagendra T. , Sharma Nayan
Published: November 2014

The investigation in the present study for numerical simulation of the bed load movement and dispersion of the open water disposal of dredged material compares the results of the Radio Active Tracer (RAT) experiment near New Mangalore Port with the simulation of the same using MIKE-21 software module namely HD (Hydrodynamic) and MT (Mud Transport). In the modeling technique adopted the model input parameters have been modified to uniquely capture the dispersion of the dumped sediments and the results compare well with the in-situ RAT experiments. The present outcome of the modeling exercise is limited only to the dispersion pattern of the sediments vis-à-vis RAT experiment and thus is more qualitative and needs further studies for quantitative comparison.
Assessment of Kinetic Tidal Energy Resources Using SELFE
Authors: Behera Manasa Ranjan , Tkalich Pavel
Published: November 2014

An investigation is carried out to study the theoretical tidal stream energy resource in the Singapore Strait to support the search for renewable energy in the effort to reduce the carbon footprints in the Southeast Asia. The tidal hydrodynamics in the Singapore Strait has been simulated using a Semi-implicit Eulerian-Lagrangian Finite-Element (SELFE) model solving the 3D shallow water equations with Boussinesq approximations. Potential sites, with high tidal current (2.5 m/s) and suitable for Tidal Energy Converter (TEC) array installation to generate sustainable energy, have been identified. Further, various operational factors for installation of Tidal Energy Converters are considered before computing the theoretical power output for a typical TEC array. An approximate estimation of the possible theoretical power extraction from a TEC array shows an energy potential of up to 4.36% of the total energy demand of Singapore in 2011. Thus, the study suggests a detailed investigation of potential sites to quantify the total tidal stream energy potential in the Singapore Strait.
Transmission Performance of Submerged Semicircular Breakwaters for Different Radii and Submergence Ratios
Authors: Hegde Arkal V. , Naseeb S.M.
Published: November 2014

The paper presents the results of a series of laboratory experiments that were conducted in a 2D monochromatic wave flume of the department to evaluate the transmission characteristics of scaled down semicircular breakwater (SBW) physical models of different radii (R) for different submergence ratios (d/hc), where d is the depth of water and hc is the height of the breakwater crest from the sea bed. The radii of the breakwater models studied were 20 cm, 22.5 cm, 25 cm, and 27.5 cm and d/hc values used varied from 1.067 to 1.667. The wave climate along the Mangalore coast of India was used for arriving at the various wave parameters. Incident wave heights (Hi) used varied from 3 to 18 cm, wave periods (T) ranged from 1.2 s to 2.2 s with water depths (d) of 40 cm, 45 cm and 50 cm. The data collected was analyzed by plotting the non-dimensional graphs depicting the variation of transmission coefficient Kt (Kt = Ht/Hi, where Ht = transmitted wave height) with wave steepness Hi/gT2 for different R/Hi and d/hc values. It was found that transmission coefficient decreased as the incident wave steepness increased for different submergence ratios. Also as d/hc increased, it was found that Kt increased initially and then decreased.
Both seasonal and meaningful
Authors: Neville Sarah
Published: November 2014

When we teach children ‘British’ values, as we are now expected to do, we need to ensure they are meaningful for children, which is why taking a seasonal approach can work well.
Frost-filled ideas for winter days
Authors: Francis-Pester Dawn
Published: November 2014

How do you make the most of the season's weather? Ice, for example, can bring a magical sparkling touch to your setting, as well as a range of learning opportunities.
Mythical creatures – the unicorn
Authors: Hammond Paula , Lillie Stephen
Published: November 2014

This month, we continue our extended adventure around the alphabetical fruits and vegetables of the world, by taking a look at the tropical ‘miracle’ fruit – jackfruit.
Reflecting on blogs
Authors: Chinn Teresa , Foord David
Published: November 2014

This month, Teresa Chinn and David Foord consider the potential impact that reading and writing blogs can have on a health professional's practice.
News Analysis
Authors: Learner Sue
Published: November 2014

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has developed new guidance which urges care homes to consider the integral role of residents in administering medication
Managing ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
Authors: Cope Graham
Published: November 2014

Older people, especially those in care or residential homes, may need help in order to optimise their dietary requirements. Graham Cope provides an overview of different diets and how these can impact on debilitating disorders
Stroke rehabilitation: promoting physical recovery
Authors: Norman Louise
Published: November 2014

Care homes accommodate a significant number of people who have had a stroke. This article considers ways to promote physical recovery and minimise complications for this particular client group
How can your care home comply with the ‘responsive’ key question?
Authors: Frankova Helena
Published: November 2014

This fifth article in our series on preparing for the CQC's new-style comprehensive inspections focuses on the ‘responsive’ key question. What can you do to make sure your residential or nursing home can evidence good practice?
Unhappy holidays?
Authors: Stevens Mark
Published: November 2014

The issues surrounding holiday pay have proven to be contentious. In light of recent changes Mark Stevens highlights what this means to both employers and employees in the future
Preliminary Investigation of the Possibility for Implementation of Modified Pharmacopoeial HPLC Methods For Quality Control Of Metronidazole And Ciprofloxacin In Medicinal Products Used In Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Piponski Marjan , Bakovska Tanja , Naumoska Marina , Rusevska Tatjana , Serafimovska Gordana Trendovska , Andonoska Hristina
Published: November 2014

Quality control of veterinary medicine products containing two different frequently used antibiotics metronidazole and ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, was considered and performed, using modified pharmacopoeial HPLC methods. Three different HPLC systems were used: Varian ProStar, Perkin Elmer Series and UPLC Shimadzu Prominence XR. The chromatographic columns used were LiChropher RP Select B 75 mm × 4 mm with 5 μm particles and Discovery C18 100 mm × 4,6 mm with 5 μm particles. Chromatographic methods used for both analytes were compendial, with minor modifications made for experimental purposes. Minor modifications of the pharmacopoeia prescribed chromatographic conditions, in both cases, led to better chromatographic parameters, good resolution and shorter analysis times. Optimized methods can be used for: determination of metronidazole in gel formulation, for its simultaneous quantification with preservatives present in the formulation and even for identification and quantification of its specified impurity, 2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole; determination of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride in film coated tablets and eye drops and identification and quantification of its specified impurities. These slightly modified and optimized pharmacopoeial methods for quality control of metronidazole and ciprofloxacin dosage forms used in veterinary medicine can be successfully applied in laboratories for quality control of veterinary medicines.
Spillover Effects of Drug Safety Warnings on Preventive Health Care Use
Authors: Meltem Daysal N. , Orsini Chiara
Published: November 2014

We examine how new medical information on drug safety impacts preventive health care use. We exploit the release of the findings of the Women’s Health Initiative Study (WHIS) – the largest randomized controlled trial of women’s health – which demonstrated in 2002 the health risks associated with the long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We first show that, after the release of the WHIS findings, HRT use dropped sharply among post-menopausal women. We then estimate the spillover effects of the WHIS findings on preventive care by means of a difference-in-differences methodology comparing changes in preventive care use among 60 to 69 year-old women (who have high rates of HRT use) with the change among women aged 75 and above (who have much lower rates of HRT use). Using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for the period 1998–2007, we find that women aged 60–69 had statistically and economically significant declines in their annual mammography checks, checkups, cholesterol checks and blood stool tests, when compared to older women.
Nonlinear Phase Shift due to Stimulated Brillouin Scattering in Strong Saturation Regime for Different Types of Fibers
Authors: Al-Asadi H. A.
Published: November 2014

We have developed a theoretical model that analytically predicts the nonlinear phase shift, which is due to Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS) in two different types of optical fibers, a Standard Single-mode fiber (SMF) and a conventional Dispersion Compensating (DCF) fibre. Theoretical analysis based on the SBS effect yields a good description of the nonlinear phase shift of the output pump and Stokes wave characteristics in a strong saturation regime. A comparison of the two optical fibers is presented. With input pump power of 16 dBm, optical fiber length 11 km at the power ratio of 0.05, the predicted nonlinear phase shift of the output pump power and the Stokes power of SMF and DCF are about 79.58° and 97.92°, respectively. The nonlinear phase shift of the output pump power and of the Stokes power is higher when 11 km (6.7 km) DCF fiber length is used, as compared to the SMF of the same length. The nonlinear phase shift to the output pump power (the Stokes power) of DCF was less (more) than 8% (5%) for SMF at maximum input pump power.
Effect of Gain and Noise Figure on DPSK Modulated Long-haul Optical Communication System
Authors: Kaur Iqbal , Bhatia K. S.
Published: November 2014

In this paper, the transmission of signal with DPSK modulation with variation of duty ratio to 66% and 33% is demonstrated and performance of the system is analysed by varying the gain and noise figure value of an EDFA amplifier.
The social wasp community (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) in an area of Atlantic Forest, Ubatuba, Brazil
Authors: Togni Olga Coutinho , Locher Gabriela De Almeida , Giannotti Edilberto , Silveira Orlando Tobias
Published: November 2014

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is of great relevance to biological conservation, and is among the areas in South America with the highest levels of diversity and endemism. The aim of this study was to survey the social wasp species in the subfamily Polistinae in Ubatuba, São Paulo state, in southwestern Brazil. Collecting work was conducted from May 2007 to May 2008 using attractive PET bottle traps and active searching. Twenty-one species belonging to eight genera were found, among which some may be considered rare in southeastern Brazil such as Mischocyttarus parallelogrammus and Polybia catillifex. The most abundant species were Agelaia angulata (64.31%), Agelaia nr. centralis (10.08%) and Angiopolybia pallens (8.49%). A correlation between species richness and relative humidity (r = 0.6435; p = 0.0176) was observed. Values of species richness were a little higher in the super humid (Sm = 11) than in the less humid (Sm = 9) season. This suggests that this season may have more favorable environmental conditions for a greater richness of species to found colonies. Despite not having a very high species richness compared with other surveys, the collected species in this study can be considered rare in southeastern Brazil, emphasizing the complexity of the Atlantic Forest biome and its relation to the diversity of wasps.
Fish larvae from the Gulf of California to Colima, Mexico: an update
Authors: Avendaño-Ibarra Raymundo , Aceves-Medina Gerardo , Godínez-Domínguez Enrique , De Silva-Dávila Roxana , Jiménez-Rosenberg S. Patricia A. , Urias-Leyva Homero , Robinson Carlos J.
Published: November 2014

An updated taxonomic list of marine fish larvae from the Gulf of California to Colima, Mexico is presented. A total of 579 taxa belonging to 119 families, 256 genera, and 423 species were recorded. The list was compiled using 14 publications on fish larvae research (1974-2012), and the fish larvae identified from 315 samples collected with Bongo nets during 10 oceanographic cruises made from the Gulf of California to Bahía de Banderas, Mexico, from 2003 to 2007 (this study). The most important families in this study were the Myctophidae (28.3%), Engraulidae (25.0%), and Clupeidae (15.4%). The most abundant species were Cetengraulis mysticetus (18.2%), Benthosema panamense (13.9%), and Opisthonema libertate (12.7%). The compiled taxonomic list shows the addition of 296 new taxa to the previous list published 10 years ago, and also the need of an increase in the effort on the taxonomy of fish larvae forms not identified to species level.
Amphibians and reptiles from southeastern Goiás, Central Brazil
Authors: Santos Danusy Lopes , Andrade Sheila Pereira de , Victor-Jr. Edmar Pereira , Vaz-Silva Wilian
Published: November 2014

Even harboring a high diversity and many endemic species of amphibians and reptiles, the Cerrado biome has shown drastic changes due to the conversion of natural areas into pastures and plantations. Here, we present a checklist of amphibians and reptiles from southeastern state of Goiás, Central Brazil. This checklist was the result of collecting efforts of an inventory along the basin of the Piracanjuba and Peixe rivers carried out between September 2010 and January 2011. We recorded 39 amphibians and 40 reptiles. These results were also compared to other studies in the Cerrado biome. Our results showed that this region has a rich herpetofauna, despite the progress of anthropogenic activities in the region.
Butterflies of Alcatrazes Island, São Paulo State, Brazil (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea and Hesperioidea)
Authors: Francini Ronaldo Bastos , Ramos Renato Rogner
Published: November 2014

Islands are simplified and isolated ecosystems that have been used to study ecological and evolutionary process. An important study site is the The Alcatrazes Archipelago; its main island is forested and occupied by marine birds and endemic species of terrestrial vertebrates. Records of specie richness are useful to assess the degree of habitat isolation and resilience, both relevant to practical of conservation. The pioneering registers of Lüderwaldt and Fonseca in 1923 cited seven species of butterflies. We found only three of them and found eight and two new occurrences during 1993- 1994 and 2011 expeditions, respectively. Alcatrazes island has only 18 species of butterflies known against 538 species of continental coastline. This low richness is derived from hard physical conditions of island, hindering the colonization. The Alcatrazes butterflies have good power of flight dispersal and feed on plants of secondary vegetation near-coastal habitats; its populations and community changed in short time space.
Hypsiboas pugnax Schmidt, 1857 and Scinax ruber Laurenti, 1768 (Amphibia: Anura): Distribution extension in the Río Cauca Valley, Colombia
Authors: Mendez-Narvaez Javier , Ortiz-Navia José Omar , Bolívar-G. Wilmar
Published: November 2014

Scinax ruber and Hypsiboas pugnax are nocturnal and arboreal species, and can be found typically in open areas with human disturbance. Here, we present the first record of S. ruber and H. pugnax from the departments of Valle del Cauca and Cauca, Colombia, and the southernmost record in the Rio Cauca valley.
New distribution record of Phrynocephalus mystaceus Pallas 1776 (Sauria: Agamidae) from Iran
Authors: Molavi Farahnaz , Mohammadian-kalat Tooba , Kiabi Bahram Hasanzade , Kami Haji Gholi , Yazdanpanahi Morteza
Published: November 2014

The Toad-headed agama, Phrynocephalus mystaceus Pallas 1776, was described in 1999 from eastern Khorasan by Anderson. Seven specimen of The Toad-headed agama were collected in Khar Turan National Park during fieldwork from June 2008 to June 2009. The new locality of the species is situated about 900 km west of the type locality. This record indicates a wider distribution of Phrynocephalus mystaceus on the Iranian plateau than previously thought. Information on morphological characters and habitat is presented.
Contabilidade e Auditoria Ambiental como Forma de Gestão: um estudo de caso de um hospital
Authors: Vegini Danúbia , Pfitscher Elisete Dahmer , Nunes João Paulo de Oliveira , Rosa Fabrícia da Silva
Published: November 2014

A degradação do meio ambiente no contexto atual é decorrente do uso desenfreado dos recursos naturais pela sociedade. Diante disso, o governo passou a exigir uma política mais responsável das organizações. As empresas passaram a adotar medidas de gestão ambiental, sistemas de gestão ambiental, que gerem benefícios tanto para a organização quanto para a natureza. O presente atigo tem como objetivo analisar a contabilidade ambiental como instrumento gerencial, visando o desempenho e a sustentabilidade ambiental. A metodologia adotada é um estudo de caso em um hospital, utilizando-se de uma entrevista semi-estruturada com o responsável pela área ambiental da instituição. A trajetória metodológica divide-se em três fases, sendo a primeira: fundamentação teórica do meio ambiente, gestão ambiental, auditoria, contabilidade e controladoria ambiental. A segunda fase envolve o estudo de caso, onde são realizadas primeiramente as entrevistas com base em uma lista de verificação, divididas em critérios e subcritérios. Na terceira e última fase apresenta-se análise dos resultados; a sustentabilidade parcial e total, bem como o planejamento 5W2H. No final, como resultado da pesquisa, verificouse uma sustentabilidade global de 70,83%, considerada “regular”. Existem pontos fortes e fracos na gestão do meio ambiente, mas no geral ela apenas cumpre com a legislação.
Impacto da contabilização do arrendamento mercantil financeiro segundo a Lei 11.638/07 nas demonstrações contábeis das empresas aéreas brasileiras
Authors: Klann Roberto Carlos , Paton Claudecir , Cunha Jacqueline Veneroso Alves da , Toledo Filho Jorge Ribeiro de
Published: November 2014

Dado os custos das aeronaves para as empresas aéreas, estas normalmente se valem de contratos de leasing para sua aquisição. Dentre as inovações trazidas pela Lei 11.638, uma trata da contabilização de arrendamentos mercantis financeiros. Qual é o efeito desta norma nas demonstrações contábeis em empresas com altas somas de valores despendidos em contratos desta natureza é o problema de pesquisa. Neste sentido foi realizado um estudo no setor aéreo devido o uso significativo desses contratos pelas companhias aéreas para a aquisição de suas aeronaves. O artigo tem como objetivo descrever o impacto provocado no resultado e no valor do patrimônio líquido (PL) das empresas aéreas brasileiras, registradas na Bovespa, decorrentes da contabilização das operações de arrendamento mercantil financeiro, mediante as alterações promovidas pela Lei 11.638/07. Por meio de uma pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem quantitativa, baseada nos relatórios de 2007 e do terceiro trimestre de 2008, fornecido pelas empresas à Bolsa de Valores de Nova York (NYSE) e à Bolsa de Valores de São Paulo (BOVESPA), procurou-se analisar as variações no resultado e no valor do PL dessas empresas. Os resultados apontam que há variações, tanto no valor do lucro, como no valor do PL das empresas analisadas. Conclui-se de maneira geral, que a Lei 11.638/07 provocará modificações (positivas ou negativas) no resultado e no PL das empresas, decorrentes dos novos critérios de reconhecimento dos contratos de arrendamento mercantil.
Mensuração dos ativos intangíveis de empresas listadas na bmf&bovespa por setor de atuação
Authors: Miranda Jéssika Pereira , Schnorrenberger Darci , Gasparetto Valdirene , Lunkes Rogério João
Published: November 2014

O objetivo desta pesquisa consiste em mensurar o valor dos Ativos Intangíveis (AIs), por meio da diferença entre o Valor de Mercado e o Valor Contábil da empresa. Para o estudo foram analisadas 42 empresas de sete setores de atuação classificados pela Bolsa de Valores, Mercadorias e Futuros (BM&FBOVESPA), durante cinco anos – 2005 a 2009. O critério adotado para definição da amostra foram um mínimo de seis empresas por setor e os maiores valores de Patrimônio Líquido em 31/12/2009. Este estudo se caracteriza como sendo de natureza descritivo-exploratória, utilizando fonte secundária para coleta e tratamento dos dados, tendo abordagem quantitativa. Os principais resultados encontrados demonstraram que: i) Com exceção do setor de Fios e Tecidos, que apresentou índices negativos de AIs para todos os anos analisados, os demais setores tiveram reconhecimento significativo de seus AIs pelo mercado; ii) Os setores de Telefonia Fixa e Energia Elétrica tiveram as menores oscilações no período; iii) O setor de Material Rodoviário alcançou as maiores médias entre os setores, porém mostrou também as maiores variações no período; iv) Todos os setores sofreram com a crise de 2008, sendo os de Telefonia Fixa e Energia Elétrica os menos afetados e Siderurgia e Artefatos de Ferro os que mais oscilaram; v) Em 2009, apesar da maioria dos setores pesquisados apresentar boa recuperação, os de Material Rodoviário, Energia Elétrica e Fios e Tecidos permaneceram com queda em seus índices de AIs; vi) Os setores de Siderurgia e Petroquímicos foram os que mostraram a melhor recuperação em 2009.
Balanced Scorecard: uma abordagem voltada ao cliente na Cooperativa de Crédito de Livre Admissão de Associados - Sicoob Canoinhas/SC
Authors: Ferreira Veridiana , Lima Jr. Reinaldo de
Published: November 2014

Devido às constantes mudanças que estão ocorrendo no ambiente empresarial, existe a necessidade da implantação de ferramentas que auxiliem o processo de tomada de decisão de forma rápida e eficaz. Atualmente, a concorrência está fazendo com que as empresas direcionem sua atenção para a fidelização de seus clientes. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo tem como tema a satisfação dos clientes como indicador de desempenho em uma cooperativa de crédito, apoiando-se na metodologia do Balanced Scorecard, em que o objetivo principal é avaliar o nível de satisfação dos associados e não associados do SICOOB Canoinhas. A pesquisa, quanto aos objetivos, caracteriza-se como exploratória; quanto aos procedimentos, caracteriza-se como bibliográfica, estudo de caso e estudo de survey e, em relação ao problema, qualifica-se como quantitativa e qualitativa. No decorrer da pesquisa, foi possível identificar o nível de satisfação dos clientes da cooperativa por meio da aplicação de um questionário, que abordou as propostas de valor sugeridas pela perspectiva de clientes do Balanced Scorecard. Por meio dos dados obtidos pôde-se realizar uma comparação entre essas informações e os objetivos específicos da entidade para o segmento de clientes. Após a análise, elaborou-se um plano de melhorias, que foi encaminhado à administração da cooperativa, sendo que sua aplicabilidade pode ou não ser considerada nas tomadas de decisões.