bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of serum albumin level changes in acute ischemic stroke: the role of biological and analytical variation
Authors: Makris Konstantinos , Koniari Katerina , Spanou Loukia , Gialouri Eleni , Evodia Efimia , Lelekis Moyssis
Published: June 2015

Animal studies have shown a neuroprotective effect of human serum albumin (sAlb) in ischemic stroke (IS). Previous studies have shown an association of high sAlb with better outcome. Our aim is to investigate the kinetics of sAlb in acute IS and its possible correlation with outcome taking into account the analytical and biological variation of sAlb measurement.

In a prospective observational study, we enrolled 105 patients with acute IS. sAlb was measured upon admission, at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and Day 7 thereafter. Stroke severity was assessed upon admission and at 72 h, and functional outcome on Day 7. Patients were divided into two groups according to functional outcome on discharge. Calculation of reference change value was used to assess the clinical significance of sAlb changes and multiple logistic regression to assess the independent association between variables and outcome.

Fifty-one patients (48.6%) had poor outcome. Their sAlb levels exhibit a significant daily decrease until 72 h (35.9 g/L) compared to baseline (41.1 g/L) and remained low until Day 7 (36.0 g/L). These changes were clinically significant only from 72 h on. Among non-poor outcome patients a significant daily decrease until 72 h (40.9 g/L) was followed by recovery on Day 7 (41.2 g/L), but these changes were not clinically significant. sAlb was not independently associated with the functional outcome at any time-point.

This study shows that sAlb levels might change during the first days after an acute IS, but these changes although statistically significant are not clinically significant if we take into account the analytical and biological variation of sAlb.
HsOrc4-dependent DNA remodeling of the ori-β DHFR replicator
Authors: Tomic Branko , Kusic-Tisma Jelena
Published: June 2015

Replication of DNA in multicellular organisms initiates from origin of replication (ori) sequences, which significantly differ in length and complexity. One of the best characterized is hamster dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), which contains the ori-β sequence with several functionally relevant domains, such as an AT-rich region, dinucleotide repeat element (DNR), sequence-induced bend DNA (BEND) and a RIP60 protein-binding site (RIP60). Prior to initiation, ori sequences are recognized by origin recognition complex (ORC), which is a hetero hexamer complex that serves as the landing pad for proteins of the pre-replication complex. The function of each ORC subunit is still unclear. In this study, we analyze the function of subunit 4 of the human ORC complex (HsOrc4) in interaction with a plasmid bearing the ori-β DHFR sequence. We show that the topologically closed DHFR ori-β replicator contains a bubble-like structure within its AT-rich region and that it is reversibly modified in the interaction with HsOrc4. The non-canonical structure of the AT-rich region in the topologically closed ori sequence is recognized and changed by HsOrc4 using the energy of supercoiled DNA. These findings could help to further elucidate DNA replication and its possible association with human genetic diseases.
Judgment evidence for statistical preemption: It is relatively better to vanish than to disappear a rabbit, but a lifeguard can equally well backstroke or swim children to shore
Authors: Robenalt Clarice , Goldberg Adele E.
Published: June 2015

How do speakers know when they can use language creatively and when they cannot? Prior research indicates that higher frequency verbs are more resistant to overgeneralization than lower frequency verbs with similar meaning and argument structure constraints. This result has been interpreted as evidence for conservatism via entrenchment, which proposes that people prefer to use verbs in ways they have heard before, with the strength of dispreference for novel uses increasing with overall verb frequency. This paper investigates whether verb frequency is actually always relevant in judging the acceptability of novel sentences or whether it only matters when there is a readily available alternative way to express the intended message with the chosen verb, as is predicted by statistical preemption. Two experiments are reported in which participants rated novel uses of high and low frequency verbs in argument structure constructions in which those verbs do not normally appear. Separate norming studies were used to divide the sentences into those with and without an agreed-upon preferred alternative phrasing which would compete with the novel use for acceptability. Experiment 2 controls for construction type: all target stimuli are instances of the caused-motion construction. In both experiments, we replicate the stronger dispreference for a novel use with a high frequency verb relative to its lower frequency counterpart, but only for those sentences for which there exists a competing alternative phrasing. When there is no consensus about a preferred way to phrase a sentence, verb frequency is not a predictive factor in sentences’ ratings. We interpret this to mean that while speakers prefer familiar formulations to novel ones, they are willing to extend verbs creatively if there is no readily available alternative way to express the intended meaning.
The algebra of bounded linear operators\break on ℓ
p
⊕ ℓ
p
has infinitely many closed ideals
Authors: Schlumprecht Thomas , Zsák András
Published: June 2015

We prove that in the reflexive range

1
<
p
<
q
<
∞

{1<p<q<\infty}

, the algebra

ℒ
⁢

(

ℓ
p

⊕

ℓ
q

)

\mathcal{L}(\ell_{p}\oplus\ell_{q})

of all bounded linear operators on

ℓ
p

⊕

ℓ
q

{\ell_{p}\oplus\ell_{q}}

has infinitely many closed ideals. This solves
a problem raised by A. Pietsch [4, Problem 5.3.3]
in his book ‘Operator ideals’.
Wpływ właściwości fizykochemicznych stałych pozostałości z termicznego przekształcania osadów ściekowych na możliwość ich wykorzystania w ceramice czerwonej / The Influence of Incinerated Sewage Sludge Ashes Physical and Chemical Properties in Posibility of Usage in Red Ceramic
Authors: Stempkowska Agata , Kępys Waldemar , Pietrzyk Jacek
Published: June 2015

Streszczenie

Przedmiotem niniejszej pracy jest przedstawienie właściwości fizykochemicznych stałych pozo- stałości z termicznego przekształcania komunalnych osadów ściekowych w aspekcie wykorzystania ich w produkcji ceramiki czerwonej. Wykorzystanie tego rodzaju odpadów jest sposobem na ich zagospodarowanie, a ponadto może wpłynąć na redukcję kosztów produkcji cegieł, przy zachowaniu założonych parametrów użytkowych oraz walorów estetycznych. Określono skład chemiczny i mine- ralny stałych pozostałości, zawartość naturalnych izotopów promieniotwórczych, skład granulo- metryczny oraz wymywalność soli rozpuszczalnych, mogących stanowić potencjalne zagrożenie oraz powodować wady materiałowe.

Kwarc stanowi główny składnik fazowy analizowanych materiałów, a jego zawartość dochodzi do 43% wag. Ilość ta z punktu widzenia właściwości ograniczających nadmierną plastyczność, powodującą odkształcenia materiału podczas procesu suszenia i wypalania, jest korzystna a popiół może być wykorzystany jako materiał schudzający, czyli substytut piasku.

Jedną z najczęstszych wad materiałowych ceramiki budowlanej jest powstawanie wykwitów solnych podczas kontaktuz wilgocią. Wykwity te spowodowane są obecnością w surowcach rozpusz- czalnych w wodzie jonów siarczanowych, które podczas użytkowania wyrobów migrują w porach i krystalizują na powierzchni w postaci białych osadów. Popioły KN1 i LN1 charakteryzują się bardzo wysoką zawartością tych jonów, wynikającą z procesu oczyszczania spalin (stosowanie wodoro- węglanu sodu), mogą być poważnym utrudnieniem w technologii produkcji cegieł, wręcz wyklu- czającym ich stosowanie w tym kierunku.

Popioły zawierają w swoim składzie metale, które potencjalnie mogą stanowić zagrożenie śro- dowiska, szczególnie wysoką koncentrację zaobserwowano w przypadku kationów miedzi i cynku. Badania wykazały, że tworzą one związki nierozpuszczalne, a ich wymywalność jest znacznie niższa niż wartości graniczne, a więc nic ma zagrożeń migracji szkodliwych kationów do gleby i wód gruntowych.
Study on the calcination experiments of rare earth carbonates using microwave heating
Authors: Lin Guo , Zhang Libo , Yin Shaohua , Peng Jinhui , Li Shiwei , Xie Feng
Published: June 2015

The heating behavior and effect of experimental parameters like holding time, calcination temperature and microwave power on the weight loss of the mixed rare earth carbonate using microwave heating have been studied, also characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The results show the following: rare earth oxides are obtained at 850°C for holding 1 h; FT-IR analysis indicates that the vibration absorption peak of carbonate disappears after calcination using microwave, confirming the feasibility of microwave calcination for the rare earth carbonates; SEM shows that the rare earth oxides have the characteristics of better and finer particles, have better dispersion and have surface that is more loose and porous than that of products using conventional calcination; particle analysis indicates that average size (D
Stilbene impregnation retards brown-rot decay of Scots pine sapwood
Authors: Lu Jinrong , Venäläinen Martti , Julkunen-Tiitto Riitta , Harju Anni M.
Published: June 2015

Stilbenes are abundant in the heartwood of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and are known to have strong antifungal efficiency. In this study, Scots pine sapwood blocks were impregnated with crude heartwood extract containing the stilbenes pinosylvin (PS) and the pinosylvin monomethyl ether (PSM). Impregnated blocks were submitted to brown-rot fungi, Coniophora puteana, Gloeophyllum trabeum, and Rhodonia (Poria) placenta, and fungal growth test and decay test were performed. Both tests showed that the impregnation with a high concentration of stilbenes (60 mg g-1 dry wood) significantly suppressed the growth of fungi and slowed down the decay process of wood blocks, especially in case of G. trabeum. However, chemical analysis showed that PS and PSM were degraded by all the three types of fungi, obviously via modification to resveratrol and methylresveratrol. Rhodonia placenta displayed the fastest rate of degradation. Thus, impregnation with biodegradable stilbenes could be a viable alternative for wood preservation only in service situations with low or transient risk of decay.
Swelling, viscoelastic, and anatomical studies on ionic liquid-swollen Norway spruce as a screening tool toward ionosolv pulping
Authors: Abushammala Hatem , Pontes Jorge F. , Gomes Gustavo H. , Osorio-Madrazo Anayancy , Thiré Rossana M.S.M. , Pereira Fabiano V. , Laborie Marie-Pierre G.
Published: June 2015

To screen ionic liquid (IL) candidates for wood ionosolv pulping, swelling and viscoelastic studies on Norway spruce wood treated with ionic liquids have been conducted. In particular, the temperature dependency and kinetics of swelling in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acesulfamate ([BMIM]Ace) and in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([EMIM]OAc) were in focus. The kinetics of volumetric swelling in [BMIM]Ace yielded an E

a
of 54 kJ.mol-1 compared to 23 kJ.mol-1 in [EMIM]OAc. The viscoelastic behavior of IL-swollen wood was studied by dynamic mechanical analysis, and the lowest in situ glass transition temperature (T

g
) of lignin was ∼58°C and ∼65°C in [BMIM]Ace and in [EMIM]OAc, respectively. These T

g
values are lower than that found in water. Higher T

g
was calculated by the Gordon-Taylor equation, which means that swelling is not only due to the plasticizing effect of the ILs. SEM images showed that [EMIM]OAc has a stronger plasticizing effect than [BMIM]Ace. Overall, [EMIM]OAc is the most efficient agent for wood swelling, softening, and disintegration and, thus, it is the most promising candidate for ionosolv pulping.
On the Structure and Some Properties of LaCo Co-substituted NiZn Ferrites Prepared Using the Standard Ceramic Technique
Authors: Niu Xiaofei , Liu Xiansong , Huang Xin , Huang Kai , Ma Yuqi , Huang Feng , Lv Farui
Published: June 2015

Zn0.5Ni0.5-xCoxFe2-yLayO4 ferrites (with x=0, 0.02 and y=0, 0.02) were prepared by an industrial method using the standard ceramic technique and sintered at 1,250°C in air. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to obtain the phase formation of the NiZn ferrites. The microstructure of ferrites was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD reveals that lattice parameter (a) is decreased and a secondary phase (LaFeO3) is formed in the La–Co co-substituted NiZn ferrite sample, meanwhile, the grain size (D) of this sample decreased obviously by observing SEM photographs. Vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), B-H analyzer, impedance analyzer and electrometer were carried out in order to characterize some properties of the ferrites. This investigation indicates that, La–Co co-substituted NiZn ferrite sample has higher power loss (Pcv) than other samples at low frequency with an increase in coercive field (Hc) and magnetocrystalline anisotropy (K1), a decrease in initial permeability (μi) and saturation magnetization (Ms). However, at high frequency, the power loss of La–Co co-substituted sample is low, which is attributed to high resistivity (ρ), small grain size (D), less number of Fe2+ ions and low porosity (P).
Effect of Soaking Temperature and Steaming Time on the Quality of Parboiled Iranian Paddy Rice
Authors: Taghinezhad Ebrahim , Khoshtaghaza Mohammad Hadi , Minaei Saeid , Latifi Asefeh
Published: June 2015

Iranian paddy (Fajr) is the most popular rice for export and consumption in Iran but it has poor milling yield. To solve this problem, parboiling has been used for improving its milling quality. In this study, the effect of various parboiling conditions (soaking at temperatures of 55–75°C and steaming times for 2–10 min) on some quality properties of Fajr paddy was investigated. After parboiling, the physical properties (degree of milling, head rice yield, lightness and color value) and mechanical properties (rupture force) of parboiled rice were measured. Head rice yield and mean value of rupture force increased significantly (p < 0.05) from 50.10% to 62.11–67.05% and from 108.6 to 128.93–227.30 N, respectively. Also, the color value of parboiled rice increased significantly (p < 0.05) by increasing the length of steaming time. The milling degree of unparboiled rice (17.03%) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the parboiled rice (15.1–16.9% range). Soaking at 65°C and 4 min steaming time gave the highest values of head rice yield, lightness and rupture force. So, this treatment was found to provide the most desirable quality of Fajr parboiled rice.
Exploring Links Between Dynamic Capabilities Perspective and Resource-Based View: A Literature Overview
Authors: Wójcik Piotr
Published: June 2015

The dynamic capabilities view posits that a firm’s success is largely driven by its ability to adapt to a changing environment to secure value creating potential and, thus achieve a competitive advantage. The dynamic capabilities perspective has attracted much scholarly attention in the last two decades, as reflected in the proliferation of conceptual and research articles in the strategic management literature. Knowledge about the relationship between dynamic capabilities and other theoretical concepts within the strategic management field remains limited. This paper therefore synthesizes the literature and uses it to develop a more clear relationship between notions of dynamic capabilities, resources, assets, competencies and static capabilities. Potential areas of future research are also outlined.
Outlier Detection by means of Monte Carlo Estimation including resistant Scale Estimation
Authors: Marx Christian
Published: June 2015

The identification of outliers in measurement data is hindered if they are present in leverage points as well as in rest of the data. A promising method for their identification is the Monte Carlo estimation (MCE), which is subject of the present investigation. In MCE the data are searched for data subsamples without leverage outliers and with few (or no) non-leverage outliers by a random generation of subsamples. The required number of subsamples by which several of such subsamples are generated with a given probability is derived. Each generated subsample is rated based on the residuals resulting from an adjustment. By means of a simulation it is shown that a least squares adjustment is suitable. For the rating of the subsamples, the sum of squared residuals is used as a measure of the fit. It is argued that this (unweighted) sum is also appropriate if data have unequal weights. An investigation of the robustness of a final Bayes estimation with the result of the Monte Carlo search as prior information reveals its inappropriateness. Furthermore, the case of an unknown variance factor is considered. A simulation for different scale estimators for the variance factor shows their impracticalness. A new resistant scale estimator is introduced which is based on a generalisation of the median absolut deviation. Taking into account the results of the investigations, a new procedure for MCE considering a scale estimation is proposed. Finally, this method is tested by simulation. MCE turns out to be more reliable in the identification of outliers than a conventional resistant estimation method.
An Improved Between-Satellite Single-Difference Precise Point Positioning Model for Combined GPS/Galileo Observations
Authors: Afifi Akram , El-Rabbany Ahmed
Published: June 2015

This article introduces a new model for precise point positioning (PPP), which combines dual-frequency GPS and Galileo observations. Our model is based on the between-satellite single-difference (BSSD) linear combination, which cancels out some receiver-related biases, including receiver clock error and non-zero initial phase bias of the receiver’s oscillator. Two different scenarios are considered when forming BSSD linear combinations. In the first scenario, either a GPS or a Galileo satellite is selected as a reference for both GPS and Galileo observables. The second scenario, on the other hand, selects two reference satellites: a GPS reference satellite for the GPS observables and a Galileo satellite for the Galileo observables. Natural Resources Canada’s GPSPace PPP software is modified to enable a combined GPS/Galileo PPP solution and to handle the newly introduced biases. A total of 12 data sets representing two-day GPS/Galileo measurements at six IGS stations are processed to verify the developed PPP model. Precise satellite orbit and clock products from the IGS-MGEX network are used to correct both of the GPS and Galileo measurements. It is shown that using one reference satellite to form the BSSD linear combinations improves the precision of the estimated parameters by about 25 % compared with the GPS-only PPP solution. When two reference satellites are used, however, the precision of the estimated parameters improves by about 50 % compared with the GPS-only PPP solution. Additionally, the solution convergence time is reduced to 10 min for both BSSD scenarios, which represents about 50 % improvement in comparison with the GPS-only PPP solution.
Methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves improves glucose tolerance, glycogen synthesis and lipid metabolism in alloxan-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Olayaki Luqman A. , Irekpita Justice E. , Yakubu Musa T. , Ojo Opeolu O.
Published: June 2015

Background: Glucose-lowering effects of Moringa oleifera extracts have been reported. However, the mechanism for its hypoglycemic effects is not yet understood. This study investigated the effect of oral administration of methanolic extracts of M. oleifera (MOLE) on glucose tolerance, glycogen synthesis, and lipid metabolism in rats with alloxan-induced diabetes.

Methods: MOLE was screened for key phytochemicals and its total flavonoids and phenolic contents were quantified. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 120 mg/kg BW alloxan. Normal and diabetic control rats received saline, while rats in other groups received 300 or 600 mg/kg body weight of MOLE or metformin (100 mg/kg body weight of metformin) for 6 weeks. Food intake and body weight were monitored throughout the experiment. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance was assessed and serum glucose, insulin, and lipids were measured at the end of the experiment. Liver and muscle glycogen synthase activities, glycogen content, and glucose uptake were determined.

Results: Administration of MOLE did not affect food intake but inhibited weight loss, significantly (p<0.01) improved glucose tolerance, and increased serum insulin levels by 1.3–1.7-fold (p<0.01). MOLE treatment significantly (p<0.001) reduced serum concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and enhanced serum level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) by 2.4- to 3.2-fold (p<0.001). Glycogen synthase activities and glycogen contents were higher in MOLE-treated rats compared with rats receiving metformin or saline and the extract improved glucose uptake by 49%–59% (p<0.01).

Conclusions: These results showed that hypoglycemic effects of MOLE might be mediated through the stimulation of insulin release leading to enhanced glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis.
Aspects of the property R
∞
Authors: Fel'shtyn Alexander , Troitsky Evgenij
Published: June 2015

A group G is said to have the property
R
∞
if for any of its automorphisms, φ, the Reidemeister
number R(φ) is infinite.
We study the relationships between
the R
∞ property and nonabelian cohomology,
isogredience classes,
and representation
theory.
Multi-response Optimization in Machining of GFRP (Epoxy) Composites: An Integrated Approach
Authors: Verma Rajesh Kumar , Abhishek Kumar , Datta Saurav , Pal Pradip Kumar , Mahapatra S.S.
Published: June 2015

This paper investigates on optimization of process control parameters during machining (drilling and turning) of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) composites by considering multiple process performance yields. The main characteristic indices for evaluating drilling performance are thrust force, torque and delamination factor (at entry as well as exit); the corresponding machining parameters are drill speed, feed rate and diameter of the drill bit. The following process parameters viz. spindle speed, feed rate, and depth of cut have been considered to investigate multiple process responses viz. Material Removal Rate (MRR), surface roughness (Ra), tool-tip temperature (maximum temperature generated during machining at tool-tip) and resultant cutting force whilst turning of GFRP (epoxy) composite specimens. As traditional Taguchi method is unable to solve multi-objective optimization problem; to overcome this limitation; the study proposes Principal Component Analysis (PCA) along with fuzzy logic and finally Taguchi philosophy towards multiple-objective optimization in machining of GFRP composites. Analysis of the solutions for the multi-objective optimization by aforesaid approach has been depicted through two case experimental researches. It has also been observed from drilling experiments that PCA-fuzzy (integrated with Taguchi method) has provided better result as compared to WPCA (Weighted Principal Component Analysis) based Taguchi method. The proposed PCA-Fuzzy based Taguchi method can fruitfully be applied for continuous quality improvement and off-line quality control of the process/product.
Survivin and Vegf as Novel Biomarkers in Diagnosis of Endometriosis/ Survivin i vegf kao novi biomarkeri u dijagnostici endometrioze
Authors: Acimovic Milena , Vidakovic Snezana , Milic Natasa , Jeremic Katarina , Markovic Milos , Milosevic-Djeric Ana , Lazovic-Radonjic Gordana
Published: June 2015

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of peripheral blood markers as additional diagnostic tools to transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) findings in the diagnosis of endometriosis.

Methods: This study included 40 patients undergoing laparoscopy for suspected endometriosis from January to December 2012. Preoperative levels of serum CA125, CA19-9, CEA and mRNA expression levels for survivin and VEGF were obtained. Real-time PCR was used to determine relative gene expression. A new diagnostic score was obtained by deploying the peripheral blood markers to the TVU findings. Statistical methods used were Chi-square, Fisher’s, Student’s t-test or the Mann - Whitney test.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference in serum CA125, survivin and VEGF levels in patients with endometriosis and those without endometriosis (p<0.001, p=0.025 and p=0.009, respectively). False negative TVU findings were noted in 3/13 patients (23.1%) with peritoneal endometriosis without ovaries involvement. High sensitivity (93.3%), specificity (90.0%), PPV (96.6%), NPV (81.8%) and accuracy (92.5%) were obtained for a diagnostic score based on TVU and significant peripheral blood markers (CA125, survivin and VEGF).

Conclusions: Determination of serum CA125, mRNA expression levels for survivin and VEGF along with TVU can contribute to higher accuracy of the noninvasive diagnostic tools for endometriosis.
Variance Estimation of Change in Poverty Rates: an Application to the Turkish EU-SILC Survey
Authors: Oguz Alper Melike , Berger Yves G.
Published: June 2015

Interpreting changes between point estimates at different waves may be misleading if we do not take the sampling variation into account. It is therefore necessary to estimate the standard error of these changes in order to judge whether or not the observed changes are statistically significant. This involves the estimation of temporal correlations between cross-sectional estimates, because correlations play an important role in estimating the variance of a change in the cross-sectional estimates. Standard estimators for correlations cannot be used because of the rotation used in most panel surveys, such as the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) surveys. Furthermore, as poverty indicators are complex functions of the data, they require special treatment when estimating their variance. For example, poverty rates depend on poverty thresholds which are estimated from medians. We propose using a multivariate linear regression approach to estimate correlations by taking into account the variability of the poverty threshold. We apply the approach proposed to the Turkish EU-SILC survey data.
ReGenesees: an Advanced R System for Calibration, Estimation and Sampling Error Assessment in Complex Sample Surveys
Authors: Zardetto Diego
Published: June 2015

ReGenesees is a new software system for design-based and model-assisted analysis of complex sample surveys, based on R. As compared to traditional estimation platforms, it ensures easier and safer usage and achieves a dramatic reduction in user workload for both the calibration and the variance estimation tasks. Indeed, ReGenesees allows the specification of calibration models in a symbolic way, using R model formulae. Driven by this symbolic metadata, the system automatically and transparently generates the right values and formats for the auxiliary variables at the sample level, and assists the user in defining and calculating the corresponding population totals. Moreover, ReGenesees can handle arbitrary complex estimators, provided they can be expressed as differentiable functions of Horvitz-Thompson or calibration estimators of totals. Complex estimators can be defined in a completely free fashion: the user only needs to provide the system with the symbolic expression of the estimator as a mathematical function. ReGenesees is in fact able to automatically linearize such complex estimators, so that the estimation of their variance comes at no cost at all to the user. Remarkably, all the innovative features sketched above leverage a particular strong point of the R programming language, namely its ability to process symbolic information.
Dwelling Price Ranking versus Socioeconomic Clustering: Possibility of Imputation
Authors: Fleishman Larisa , Gubman Yury , Tur-Sinai Aviad
Published: June 2015

In order to characterize the socioeconomic profile of various geographic units, it is common practice to use aggregated indices. However, the process of calculating such indices requires a wide variety of variables from various data sources available concurrently. Using a number of administrative databases for 2001 and 2003, this study examines the question of whether dwelling prices in a given locality can serve as a proxy for its socioeconomic level. Based on statistical and geographic criteria, we developed a Dwelling Price Ranking (DPR) methodology. Our findings show that the DPR can serve as a good approximation for the socioeconomic cluster (SEC) calculated by the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics for years when the required data was available. As opposed to the SEC, the suggested DPR indicator can easily be calculated, thus ensuring a continuum of socioeconomic index series. Both parametric and nonparametric statistical analyses have been carried out in order to examine the additional social, demographic, location, crime and security effects that are exogenous to SEC. Complementary analysis on recently published SEC series for 2006 and 2008 show that our conclusions remain valid. The proposed methodology and the obtained findings may be applicable for different statistical purposes in other countries which possess dwelling transactions data.
Big Data as a Source for Official Statistics
Authors: Daas Piet J.H. , Puts Marco J. , Buelens Bart , Hurk Paul A.M. van den
Published: June 2015

More and more data are being produced by an increasing number of electronic devices physically surrounding us and on the internet. The large amount of data and the high frequency at which they are produced have resulted in the introduction of the term ‘Big Data’. Because these data reflect many different aspects of our daily lives and because of their abundance and availability, Big Data sources are very interesting from an official statistics point of view. This article discusses the exploration of both opportunities and challenges for official statistics associated with the application of Big Data. Experiences gained with analyses of large amounts of Dutch traffic loop detection records and Dutch social media messages are described to illustrate the topics characteristic of the statistical analysis and use of Big Data.
Sentiments and Perceptions of Business Respondents on Social Media: an Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Torres van Grinsven Vanessa , Snijkers Ger
Published: June 2015

The perceptions and sentiments of business respondents are considered important for statistical bureaus. As perceptions and sentiments are related to the behavior of the people expressing them, gaining insights into the perceptions and sentiments of business respondents is of interest to understand business survey response. In this article we present an exploratory analysis of expressions in the social media regarding Statistics Netherlands. In recent years, social media have become an important infrastructure for communication flows and thus an essential network in our social structure. Within that network participants are actively involved in expressing sentiments and perceptions. The results of our analysis provide insights into the perceptions and sentiments that business respondents have of this national statistical institute and specifically its business surveys. They point towards the specific causes that have led to a positive or a negative sentiment. Based on these results, recommendations aimed at influencing the perceptions and sentiments will be discussed, with the ultimate goal of stimulating survey participation. We also suggest recommendations regarding social media studies on sentiments and perceptions of survey respondents.
Measuring Disclosure Risk and Data Utility for Flexible Table Generators
Authors: Shlomo Natalie , Antal Laszlo , Elliot Mark
Published: June 2015

Statistical agencies are making increased use of the internet to disseminate census tabular outputs through web-based flexible table-generating servers that allow users to define and generate their own tables. The key questions in the development of these servers are: (1) what data should be used to generate the tables, and (2) what statistical disclosure control (SDC) method should be applied. To generate flexible tables, the server has to be able to measure the disclosure risk in the final output table, apply the SDC method and then iteratively reassess the disclosure risk. SDC methods may be applied either to the underlying data used to generate the tables and/or to the final output table that is generated from original data. Besides assessing disclosure risk, the server should provide a measure of data utility by comparing the perturbed table to the original table. In this article, we examine aspects of the design and development of a flexible table-generating server for census tables and demonstrate a disclosure risk-data utility analysis for comparing SDC methods. We propose measures for disclosure risk and data utility that are based on information theory.
Statistical Metadata: a Unified Approach to Management and Dissemination
Authors: Signore Marina , Scanu Mauro , Brancato Giovanna
Published: June 2015

This article illustrates a unified conceptual approach to metadata, whereby metadata describing the information content and structure of data and those describing the statistical process are managed jointly with metadata arising from administrative and support activities. Many different actors may benefit from this approach: internal users who are given the option to reuse information; internal management that is supported in the decision-making process, process industrialisation and standardisation as well as performance assessment; external users who are provided with data and process-related metadata as well as quality measures to retrieve data and use them properly. In the article, a general model useful for metadata representation is illustrated and its application presented. Relationships to existing frameworks and standards are also discussed and enhancements proposed.
Defining the “Local” in Local Content Requirements in the Oil and Gas and Mining Sectors in Developing Countries
Authors: Nwapi Chilenye
Published: June 2015

This paper examines how the term “local” has been understood in the definitions of “local content” in selected jurisdictions in developing countries. The paper critiques the centralist approach adopted by these countries that defines local content in terms of first consideration being given to their “nationals.” Little or no thought is given to the local populations who live in the area where the resource extraction takes place. The paper argues that if policymakers do not pay close attention to how “local” is defined, the benefits of local content requirements (LCRs) may be captured by “outsiders.” A bottom-up approach that recognizes the local populations where the extractive activities take place can help developing countries to prevent or douse resource conflicts. Community frustration resulting from seeing lucrative jobs given to “outsiders” can stir up conflicts. Given that revenues from extractive resources are managed by national governments in most jurisdictions, LCRs can provide a mechanism to meet the demands of subnational stakeholders, such as local governments and communities. This will in turn enable companies to obtain the social license to operate.
Journal of Politeness Research: Introduction
Authors: van der Bom Isabelle , Grainger Karen
Published: June 2015

This issue marks the 10
Organomonophosphines in PtP2Cl2 derivatives: structural aspects
Authors: Melník Milan , Mikuš Peter
Published: June 2015

In this review, 260 monomeric Pt(II) complexes are summarized and analyzed in which the inner coordination sphere is built up by a pair of organomonophosphines and two chlorine atoms (PtP2Cl2). These complexes are crystallized in four crystal systems: tetragonal (x17)<orthorhombic (x31)<triclinic (x90)<monoclinic (x122). The square-planar environments have cis- and trans-configurations. The former by far prevails. The mean Pt-L bond distances (cis- vs. trans-configurations) are 2.347 Å (Cl, trans to P) and 2.230 Å (P, trans to Cl) vs. 2.307 Å (Cl, trans to Cl) and 2.320 Å (P, trans to P). There are two types of isomerisms: cis-, trans- and distortion. In general, the derivatives with a cis-configuration are somewhat more distorted than that with a trans-configuration.
Current status and distribution of diurnal raptor species in the south-eastern Anatolia Region, Turkey
Authors: Karakaș Recep
Published: June 2015

The status and distribution of diurnal raptor bird species were analysed in the south-eastern part of Turkey based on studies and records between 1994 and 2014. Our information about raptor species is very limited in the south-eastern Anatolia Region. The study showed that of 42 diurnal raptor species listed in Turkey, 37 of these species were found in the studied region; 9 of them are certainly, 4 probably and 1 possibly breeding in the area - according to the breeding criteria of the EBCC - while 17 of them were transitory migrating or wintering birds for the region, and the breeding/migratory status of 6 is unknown. Habitats lost and fragmentation related to agricultural intensification together with pesticide applications are the main hazards threatening wildlife including raptors in the region. So as to increase knowledge on raptors in south-eastern Anatolia and evaluate their populations, a coordinated education and research program is essential.
Das Vermögen der Familie des Mannum-mēšu-liṣṣur
Authors: Meinhold Wiebke
Published: June 2015

The family of Mannum-mēšu-liṣṣur belongs to the wealthy and well known families from Old Babylonian Nippur. This article will trace the development of its property through the eight documented generations spanning 150 years in total (Lipit-Enlil d to Samsu-iluna 29, ca. 1871–1721 B. C.). The study is based on 30 legal documents mentioning members of the family, and thus forming the archive of Mannum-mēšu-liṣṣur. Special attention will be paid to the inheritance documents.
Violence ritualisée en Anatolie hittite
Authors: Mouton Alice
Published: June 2015

À travers l’étude des attestations des verbes walḫ- « frapper » et ḫatt- « percer, transpercer » dans les textes religieux hittites, plusieurs pratiques de violence ritualisée seront mises en évidence. Celles-ci consistent principalement en bastonnades, flagellations ou percements de chair auto-infligés ou dispensés par d’autres en vue d’une purification, d’une oblation et/ou d’une mortification.
The ternary system Tm–Ni–In at 870 K
Authors: Tyvanchuk Yuriy B. , Lukachuk Maryana , Pöttgen Rainer , Szytuła Andrzej , Kalychak Yaroslav M.
Published: June 2015

The isothermal section of the Tm–Ni–In system at T = 870 K was constructed. Nine ternary compounds: Tm10Ni9In20, TmNi1–0.60In1–1.40, Tm2Ni2In, Tm2Ni1.78In, Tm5Ni2In4, Tm11Ni4In9, Tm4.83Ni2In1.17, Tm6Ni2In and Tm14Ni3In3 exist in the system at the temperature of investigation. Solid solutions with In/Ni and Tm/In mixing were noticed for numerous compounds. A broad substitution of Ni for In was observed for TmNi1–0.60In1–1.40, and of Tm for In for the TmNi2–TmNi4In section. An interstitial solid solution Tm
x
NiIn, based on binary equiatomic NiIn, extends up to 8 at.% Tm (x = 0.17). The magnetic properties of TmNiIn, Tm2Ni2In and Tm5Ni2In4 are also reviewed.
An Opening Chapter of the First Generation of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: The First Rutgers AIM Workshop, June 1975
Authors: Kulikowski C. A.
Published: June 2015

The first generation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Medicine methods were developed in the early 1970’s drawing on insights about problem solving in AI. They developed new ways of representing structured expert knowledge about clinical and biomedical problems using causal, taxonomic, associational, rule, and frame-based models. By 1975, several prototype systems had been developed and clinically tested, and the Rutgers Research Resource on Computers in Biomedicine hosted the first in a series of workshops on AI in Medicine that helped researchers and clinicians share their ideas, demonstrate their models, and comment on the prospects for the field. These developments and the workshops themselves benefited considerably from Stanford’s SUMEX-AIM pioneering experiment in biomedical computer networking. This paper focuses on discussions about issues at the intersection of medicine and artificial intelligence that took place during the presentations and panels at the First Rutgers AIM Workshop in New Brunswick, New Jersey from June 14 to 17, 1975.
Patient-Centred Coordinated Care in Times of Emerging Diseases and Epidemics
Authors: Cummings E. , Dexheimer J. W. , Gong Y. , Kennebeck S. , Kushniruk A. , Kuziemsky C. , Saranto K. , Weber J. , Takeda H. , Borycki E.
Published: June 2015

Objectives: In this paper the researchers describe how existing health information technologies (HIT) can be repurposed and new technologies can be innovated to provide patient-centered care to individuals affected by new and emerging diseases.

Methods: The researchers conducted a focused review of the published literature describing how HIT can be used to support safe, patient-centred, coordinated care to patients who are affected by Ebola (an emerging disease).

Results: New and emerging diseases present opportunities for repurposing existing technologies and for stimulating the development of new HIT innovation. Innovative technologies may be developed such as new software used for tracking patients during new or emerging disease outbreaks or by repurposing and extending existing technologies so they can be used to support patients, families and health professionals who may have been exposed to a disease. The paper describes the development of new technologies and the repurposing and extension of existing ones (such as electronic health records) using the most recent outbreak of Ebola as an example.
Prenatal Risk Factors and Outcomes in Gastroschisis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: D’Antonio Francesco , Virgone Calogero , Rizzo Giuseppe , Khalil Asma , Baud David , Cohen-Overbeek Titia E. , Kuleva Marina , Salomon Laurent J. , Flacco Maria Elena , Manzoli Lamberto , Giuliani Stefano
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Gastroschisis is a congenital anomaly with increasing incidence, easy prenatal diagnosis and extremely variable postnatal outcomes. Our objective was to systematically review the evidence regarding the association between prenatal ultrasound signs (intraabdominal bowel dilatation [IABD], extraabdominal bowel dilatation, gastric dilatation [GD], bowel wall thickness, polyhydramnios, and small for gestational age) and perinatal outcomes in gastroschisis (bowel atresia, intra uterine death, neonatal death, time to full enteral feeding, length of total parenteral nutrition and length of in hospital stay).

METHODS:

Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched electronically. Studies exploring the association between antenatal ultrasound signs and outcomes in gastroschisis were considered suitable for inclusion. Two reviewers independently extracted relevant data regarding study characteristics and pregnancy outcome. All meta-analyses were computed using individual data random-effect logistic regression, with single study as the cluster unit.

RESULTS:

Twenty-six studies, including 2023 fetuses, were included. We found significant positive associations between IABD and bowel atresia (odds ratio [OR]: 5.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1–9.8), polyhydramnios and bowel atresia (OR: 3.76, 95% CI 1.7–8.3), and GD and neonatal death (OR: 5.58, 95% CI 1.3–24.1). No other ultrasound sign was significantly related to any other outcome.

CONCLUSIONS:

IABD, polyhydramnios, and GD can be used to an extent to identify a subgroup of neonates with a prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis at higher risk to develop postnatal complications. Data are still inconclusive on the predictive ability of several signs combined, and large prospective studies are needed to improve the quality of prenatal counseling and the neonatal care for this condition.
Umbilical Cord Milking Versus Delayed Cord Clamping in Preterm Infants
Authors: Katheria Anup C. , Truong Giang , Cousins Larry , Oshiro Bryan , Finer Neil N.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Delayed cord clamping (DCC) is recommended for premature infants to improve blood volume. Most preterm infants are born by cesarean delivery (CD), and placental transfusion may be less effective than in vaginal delivery (VD). We sought to determine whether infants <32 weeks born by CD who undergo umbilical cord milking (UCM) have higher measures of systemic blood flow than infants who undergo DCC.

METHODS:

This was a 2-center trial. Infants delivered by CD were randomly assigned to undergo UCM or DCC. Infants delivered by VD were also randomly assigned separately. UCM (4 strippings) or DCC (45–60 seconds) were performed. Continuous hemodynamic measurements and echocardiography were done at site 1.

RESULTS:

A total of 197 infants were enrolled (mean gestational age 28 ± 2 weeks). Of the 154 infants delivered by CD, 75 were assigned to UCM and 79 to DCC. Of the infants delivered by CD, neonates randomly assigned to UCM had higher superior vena cava flow and right ventricular output in the first 12 hours of life. Neonates undergoing UCM also had higher hemoglobin, delivery room temperature, blood pressure over the first 15 hours, and urine output in the first 24 hours of life. There were no differences for the 43 infants delivered by VD.

CONCLUSIONS:

This is the first randomized controlled trial demonstrating higher systemic blood flow with UCM in preterm neonates compared with DCC. UCM may be a more efficient technique to improve blood volume in premature infants delivered by CD.
Neoliberales y empresarios en la emergencia de la descentralización en la Bolivia de los 90
Authors: Restrepo Botero Darío Indalecio
Published: June 2015

El gobierno de Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada (1993-1997) lideró un audaz proceso de descentralización en Bolivia en alianza con el primer vicepresidente aymara, Víctor Hugo Cárdenas. El próspero empresario minero, y conductor político del ajuste estructural de 1986, ofreció superar la época de los sufrimientos mediante la creación de cientos de municipios dotados de recursos a los que podrían acceder representantes indígenas y campesinos, hasta ahora carentes de derechos cívicos y políticos. “El gobierno del Gony y del indio” realizó a la vez una enorme privatización de cinco de los seis grandes monopolios estatales bajo el nombre de capitalizaciones. La hipótesis aquí defendida es que la descentralización y el reconocimiento indígena no fueron meras monedas de cambio para legitimar la segunda fase del ajuste macroeconómico neoliberal. Por el contrario, la arquitectura descentralizada del Estado hizo parte también del ideario programático institucional de los neoliberales, a la vez que era exigencia de los prósperos empresarios del Oriente que la necesitaban para ejercer un control estratégico sobre sus territorios.
Editorial. Tema Abierto
Authors: Ramírez Bacca Renzo , Jimenez Patiño Hernan David
Published: June 2015

El Vol. 7, No. 14 (Julio-Diciembre, 2015) de HiSTOReLo. Revista de Historia Regional y Local, propone artículos de autores nacionales e internacionales en una secuencia cronológica que se inicia con el siglo XVIII y el texto de Luis Rincón Rubio, quien con cierta innovación metodológica, derivada del Análisis de Redes Sociales, analiza la creación de vínculos personales, la distribución del capital social y las estrategias de reproducción social en una comunidad rural de la provincia de Maracaibo (Venezuela). Pasamos luego al caso mexicano trabajado por Yuritzi Hernández Fuentes y Alexander Betancourt Mendieta, quienes llaman la atención sobre la gestión de las fuentes hídricas por parte del gobierno del Estado y la Municipalidad de la ciudad de San Luis Potosí (México) para atender las necesidades de abastecimiento de agua entre 1831-1887 en una perspectiva propia de Historia Ambiental.