bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interferences and Limitations in Blood Glucose Self-Testing
Authors: Erbach Michael , Freckmann Guido , Hinzmann Rolf , Kulzer Bernhard , Ziegler Ralph , Heinemann Lutz , Schnell Oliver
Published: April 2016

In general, patients with diabetes performing self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) can strongly rely on the accuracy of measurement results. However, various factors such as application errors, extreme environmental conditions, extreme hematocrit values, or medication interferences may potentially falsify blood glucose readings. Incorrect blood glucose readings may lead to treatment errors, for example, incorrect insulin dosing. Therefore, the diabetes team as well as the patients should be well informed about limitations in blood glucose testing. The aim of this publication is to review the current knowledge on limitations and interferences in blood glucose testing with the perspective of their clinical relevance.
It takes two to tango: Offenders’ involvement in decisions regarding sanctions, measures and conditions in light of the ERCSM and the ERProb. A Dutch case study
Authors: Ansems Lisa , Braam Ingeborg
Published: April 2016

This article examines the question to what extent offenders are involved in decisions regarding the sanction, measure and/or conditions that have been imposed upon them. More specifically, the article focuses on the offender’s involvement in the stage of implementation (or enforcement) of a conditional sentence or measure. It analyses Dutch legislation and practice on this point and evaluates them in light of the relevant provisions of the European Rules on Community Sanctions and Measures and the European Probation Rules. The research shows that Dutch legislation and practice are generally in conformity with these European instruments; all interviewed probation officers realise the importance of involving offenders and act upon this belief. However, on some points a higher level of offender involvement could be reached, and promoting the European rules amongst probation workers – who are mostly unaware of the existence of these rules – might contribute to this.
Dimension reduction and shrinkage methods for high dimensional disease risk scores in historical data
Authors: Kumamaru Hiraku , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Glynn Robert J. , Setoguchi Soko , Gagne Joshua J.
Published: April 2016

Background

Multivariable confounder adjustment in comparative studies of newly marketed drugs can be limited by small numbers of exposed patients and even fewer outcomes. Disease risk scores (DRSs) developed in historical comparator drug users before the new drug entered the market may improve adjustment. However, in a high dimensional data setting, empirical selection of hundreds of potential confounders and modeling of DRS even in the historical cohort can lead to over-fitting and reduced predictive performance in the study cohort. We propose the use of combinations of dimension reduction and shrinkage methods to overcome this problem, and compared the performances of these modeling strategies for implementing high dimensional (hd) DRSs from historical data in two empirical study examples of newly marketed drugs versus comparator drugs after the new drugs’ market entry—dabigatran versus warfarin for the outcome of major hemorrhagic events and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor (coxibs) versus nonselective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsNSAIDs) for gastrointestinal bleeds.

Results

Historical hdDRSs that included predefined and empirical outcome predictors with dimension reduction (principal component analysis; PCA) and shrinkage (lasso and ridge regression) approaches had higher c-statistics (0.66 for the PCA model, 0.64 for the PCA + ridge and 0.65 for the PCA + lasso models in the warfarin users) than an unreduced model (c-statistic, 0.54) in the dabigatran example. The odds ratio (OR) from PCA + lasso hdDRS-stratification [OR, 0.64; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.46–0.90] was closer to the benchmark estimate (0.93) from a randomized trial than the model without empirical predictors (OR, 0.58; 95 % CI 0.41–0.81). In the coxibs example, c-statistics of the hdDRSs in the nsNSAID initiators were 0.66 for the PCA model, 0.67 for the PCA + ridge model, and 0.67 for the PCA + lasso model; these were higher than for the unreduced model (c-statistic, 0.45), and comparable to the demographics + risk score model (c-statistic, 0.67).

Conclusions

hdDRSs using historical data with dimension reduction and shrinkage was feasible, and improved confounding adjustment in two studies of newly marketed medications.
Transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells expressing elastin alleviates pelvic floor dysfunction
Authors: Jin Minfei , Chen Ying , Zhou Yun , Mei Yan , Liu Wei , Pan Chenhao , Hua Xiaolin
Published: April 2016

Background

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a group of clinical conditions including stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The abnormality of collagen and elastin metabolism in pelvic connective tissues is implicated in SUI and POP.

Methods

To reconstitute the connective tissues with normal distribution of collagen and elastin, we transduced elastin to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC). Elastin-expressing BMSCs were then differentiated to fibroblasts using bFGF, which produced collagen and elastin. To achieve the sustained release of bFGF, we formulated bFGF in poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NP).

Results

In an in vitro cell culture system of 7 days, when no additional bFGF was administrated, the initial PLGA-loaded bFGF NP induced prolonged production of collagen and elastin from elastin-expressing BMSCs. In vivo, co-injection of PLGA-loaded bFGF NP and elastin-expressing BMSCs into the PFD rats significantly improved the outcome of urodynamic tests. Together, these results provided an efficient model of connective tissue engineering using BMSC and injectable PLGA-loaded growth factors.

Conclusions

Our results provided the first instance of a multidisciplinary approach, combining both stem cell and nanoparticle technologies, for the treatment of PFD.
Reconsidering first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Rotenberg Brian W. , Vicini Claudio , Pang Edward B. , Pang Kenny P.
Published: April 2016

Background

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is typically recommended as first line therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, but the adherence rate of CPAP is problematic. This study's objective was to systematically review the literature relating to CPAP as first line therapy for OSA and compare it to surgical literature on the same topic.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, examining Medline-Ovid, Embase, and Pubmed databases. The primary search objective was to identify all papers reporting the results of (1) randomized clinical trials (RCT) of CPAP for the treatment of adults with OSA; and (2) both randomized and non-randomized clinical trials and case series on the surgical treatment of OSA in adults. A PhD-level biostatistician first screened papers, and then those that met study criteria were retrieved and analyzed using standardized forms for each author. The primary outcomes were adherence rates of CPAP.

Results

A total of 82 controlled clinical trials for CPAP and 69 controlled and non-controlled surgery trials were identified for analysis. Variation in CPAP use within reported RCT trials were identified, and the majority of patients in the studies would eventually be considered non-adherent to CPAP.

Conclusions

When considering the numerous patient-related factors that come into play when CPAP is prescribed, the concept of CPAP as gold-standard therapy for OSA should be reconsidered. In many cases surgery can provide a better overall outcome. This study's results suggest that certain patients with OSA may be managed more effectively with surgery than CPAP, without confounding issues of treatment adherence.
Future of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Incidence in the United States Forecast Through 2030
Authors: Petrick Jessica L. , Kelly Scott P. , Altekruse Sean F. , McGlynn Katherine A. , Rosenberg Philip S.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence rates have been increasing in the United States for the past 35 years. Because HCC has a poor prognosis, quantitative forecasts could help to inform prevention and treatment strategies to reduce the incidence and burden of HCC.

Methods

Single-year HCC incident case and population data for the years 2000 to 2012 and ages 35 to 84 years were obtained from the SEER 18 Registry Database. We forecast incident HCC cases through 2030, using novel age-period-cohort models and stratifying by sex, race/ethnicity, and age. Rates are presented because absolute numbers may be influenced by population increases.

Results

Rates of HCC increased with each successive birth cohort through 1959. However, rates began to decrease with the 1960 to 1969 birth cohorts. Asians/Pacific Islanders (APIs) have had the highest HCC rates in the United States for many years, but the rates have stabilized and begun to decline in recent years. Between 2013 and 2030, rates among APIs are forecast to decline further, with estimated annual percentage changes of −1.59% among men and −2.20% among women. Thus, by 2030, Asians are forecast to have the lowest incidence rates among men, and Hispanics are forecast to have the highest rates among men (age-standardized rate, 44.2). Blacks are forecast to have the highest rate among women (age-standardized rate, 12.82).

Conclusion

Although liver cancer has long had some of the most rapidly increasing incidence rates, the decreasing rates seen among APIs, individuals younger than 65 years, and cohorts born after 1960 suggest that there will be declines in incidence of HCC in future years. Prevention efforts should be focused on individuals in the 1950 to 1959 birth cohorts, Hispanics, and blacks.
Scoring System Prognostic of Outcome in Patients Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Authors: Shaffer Brian C. , Ahn Kwang Woo , Hu Zhen-Huan , Nishihori Taiga , Malone Adriana K. , Valcárcel David , Grunwald Michael R. , Bacher Ulrike , Hamilton Betty , Kharfan-Dabaja Mohamed A. , Saad Ayman , Cutler Corey , Warlick Erica , Reshef Ran , Wirk Baldeep Mona , Sabloff Mitchell , Fasan Omotayo , Gerds Aaron , Marks David , Olsson Richard , Wood William Allen , Costa Luciano J. , Miller Alan M. , Cortes Jorge , Daly Andrew , Kindwall-Keller Tamila L. , Kamble Rammurti , Rizzieri David A. , Cahn Jean-Yves , Gale Robert Peter , William Basem , Litzow Mark , Wiernik Peter H. , Liesveld Jane , Savani Bipin N. , Vij Ravi , Ustun Celalettin , Copelan Edward , Popat Uday , Kalaycio Matt , Maziarz Richard , Alyea Edwin , Sobecks Ron , Pavletic Steven , Tallman Martin , Saber Wael
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To develop a system prognostic of outcome in those undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo HCT) for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

Patients and Methods

We examined 2,133 patients with MDS undergoing HLA-matched (n = 1,728) or -mismatched (n = 405) allo HCT from 2000 to 2012. We used a Cox multivariable model to identify factors prognostic of mortality in a training subset (n = 1,151) of the HLA-matched cohort. A weighted score using these factors was assigned to the remaining patients undergoing HLA-matched allo HCT (validation cohort; n = 577) as well as to patients undergoing HLA-mismatched allo HCT.

Results

Blood blasts greater than 3% (hazard ratio [HR], 1.41; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.85), platelets 50 × 109/L or less at transplantation (HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.61), Karnofsky performance status less than 90% (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.28), comprehensive cytogenetic risk score of poor or very poor (HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.80), and age 30 to 49 years (HR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.35) were associated with increased hazard of death and assigned 1 point in the scoring system. Monosomal karyotype (HR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.65 to 2.45) and age 50 years or older (HR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.36 to 2.83) were assigned 2 points. The 3-year overall survival after transplantation in patients with low (0 to 1 points), intermediate (2 to 3), high (4 to 5) and very high (≥ 6) scores was 71% (95% CI, 58% to 85%), 49% (95% CI, 42% to 56%), 41% (95% CI, 31% to 51%), and 25% (95% CI, 4% to 46%), respectively (P < .001). Increasing score was predictive of increased relapse (P < .001) and treatment-related mortality (P < .001) in the HLA-matched set and relapse (P < .001) in the HLA-mismatched cohort.

Conclusion

The proposed system is prognostic of outcome in patients undergoing HLA-matched and -mismatched allo HCT for MDS.
Haploinsufficiency of SF-1 Causes Female to Male Sex Reversal in Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Xie Qing-Ping , He Xue , Sui Yi-Ning , Chen Li-Li , Sun Li-Na , Wang De-Shou
Published: April 2016

Steroidogenic factor-1 (Sf-1) (officially designated nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 [NR5A1]) is a master regulator of steroidogenesis and reproduction in mammals. However, its function remains unclear in nonmammalian vertebrates. In the present study, we used immunohistochemistry to detect expression of Sf-1 in the steroidogenic cells, the interstitial, granulosa, and theca cells of the ovary, and the Leydig cells of the testis, in Nile tilapia. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9) cleavage of sf-1 resulted in a high mutation rate in the F0 generation and a phenotype of gonadal dysgenesis and reduced steroidogenic cells in XX and XY fish. Sf-1 deficiency also resulted in decreased cytochrome P450, family 19, subfamily A, polypeptide 1a, forkhead box L2 expression, and serum estradiol-17β in XX fish. In XY fish, Sf-1 deficiency increased cytochrome P450, family 19, subfamily A, polypeptide 1a and forkhead box L2 expression but decreased cytochrome P450, family 11, subfamily B, polypeptide 2 expression and serum 11-ketotestosterone levels. 17α-methyltestosterone treatment successfully rescued the gonadal phenotype of Sf-1-deficient XY fish, as demonstrated by normal spermatogenesis and production of F1 mutants. In contrast, estradiol-17β treatment only partially rescued the gonadal phenotype of Sf-1-deficient XX fish, as demonstrated by the appearance of phase II oocytes. Furthermore, both sf-1+/− F1 XX and XY mutants developed as fertile males, although spermatogenesis was delayed and efferent duct formation was disordered. Our data suggest that Sf-1 is a major regulator of steroidogenesis and reproduction in fish, as it is in mammals. Sf-1 deficiency resulted in gonadal dysgenesis and feminization of XY gonads. However, unlike in mammals, Sf-1 deficiency also resulted in female to male sex reversal in 8.1% of F0 and 92.1% of sf-1+/− F1 in XX fish.
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) Regulates the Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Thyroid (HPT) Axis via Type 2 Deiodinase in Male Mice
Authors: Egri P. , Fekete C. , Dénes Á. , Reglődi D. , Hashimoto H. , Fülöp B. D. , Gereben Balázs
Published: April 2016

The hypothalamic activation of thyroid hormones by type 2 deiodinase (D2), catalyzing the conversion of thyroxine to T3, is critical for the proper function of the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. Regulation of D2 expression in tanycytes alters the activity of the HPT axis. However, signals that regulate D2 expression in tanycytes are poorly understood. The pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) increases intracellular cAMP level, a second messenger known to stimulate the DIO2 gene; however, its importance in tanycytes is not completely characterized. Therefore, we tested whether this ubiquitously expressed neuropeptide regulates the HPT axis through stimulation of D2 in tanycytes. PACAP increased the activity of human DIO2 promoter in luciferase reporter assay that was abolished by mutation of cAMP-response element. Furthermore, PAC1R receptor immunoreactivity was identified in hypothalamic tanycytes, suggesting that these D2-expressing cells could be regulated by PACAP. Intracerebroventricular PACAP administration resulted in increased D2 activity in the mediobasal hypothalamus, suppressed Trh expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, and decreased Tshb expression in the pituitary demonstrating that PACAP affects the D2-mediated control of the HPT axis. To understand the role of endogenous PACAP in the regulation of HPT axis, the effect of decreased PACAP expression was studied in heterozygous Adcyap1 (PACAP) knockout mice. These animals were hypothyroid that may be the consequence of altered hypothalamic T3 degradation during set-point formation of the HPT axis. In conclusion, PACAP is an endogenous regulator of the HPT axis by affecting T3-mediated negative feedback via cAMP-induced D2 expression of tanycytes.
VEGF-A isoforms program differential VEGFR2 signal transduction, trafficking and proteolysis
Authors: Fearnley Gareth W. , Smith Gina A. , Abdul-Zani Izma , Yuldasheva Nadira , Mughal Nadeem A. , Homer-Vanniasinkam Shervanthi , Kearney Mark T. , Zachary Ian C. , Tomlinson Darren C. , Harrison Michael A. , Wheatcroft Stephen B. , Ponnambalam Sreenivasan
Published: April 2016

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) binding to the receptor tyrosine kinase VEGFR2 triggers multiple signal transduction pathways, which regulate endothelial cell responses that control vascular development. Multiple isoforms of VEGF-A can elicit differential signal transduction and endothelial responses. However, it is unclear how such cellular responses are controlled by isoform-specific VEGF-A–VEGFR2 complexes. Increasingly, there is the realization that the membrane trafficking of receptor–ligand complexes influences signal transduction and protein turnover. By building on these concepts, our study shows for the first time that three different VEGF-A isoforms (VEGF-A165, VEGF-A121 and VEGF-A145) promote distinct patterns of VEGFR2 endocytosis for delivery into early endosomes. This differential VEGFR2 endocytosis and trafficking is linked to VEGF-A isoform-specific signal transduction events. Disruption of clathrin-dependent endocytosis blocked VEGF-A isoform-specific VEGFR2 activation, signal transduction and caused substantial depletion in membrane-bound VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 levels. Furthermore, such VEGF-A isoforms promoted differential patterns of VEGFR2 ubiquitylation, proteolysis and terminal degradation. Our study now provides novel insights into how different VEGF-A isoforms can bind the same receptor tyrosine kinase and elicit diverse cellular outcomes.
Two classes of short intraflagellar transport train with different 3D structures are present in Chlamydomonas flagella
Authors: Vannuccini Elisa , Paccagnini Eugenio , Cantele Francesca , Gentile Mariangela , Dini Daniele , Fino Federica , Diener Dennis , Mencarelli Caterina , Lupetti Pietro
Published: April 2016

Intraflagellar transport (IFT) is responsible for the bidirectional trafficking of molecular components required for the elongation and maintenance of eukaryotic cilia and flagella. Cargo is transported by IFT ‘trains’, linear rows of multiprotein particles moved by molecular motors along the axonemal doublets. We have previously described two structurally distinct categories of ‘long’ and ‘short’ trains. Here, we analyse the relative number of these trains throughout flagellar regeneration and show that long trains are most abundant at the beginning of flagellar growth whereas short trains gradually increase in number as flagella elongate. These observations are incompatible with the previous hypothesis that short trains are derived solely from the reorganization of long trains at the flagellar tip. We demonstrate with electron tomography the existence of two distinct ultrastructural organizations for the short trains, we name these ‘narrow’ and ‘wide’, and provide the first 3D model of the narrow short trains. These trains are characterized by tri-lobed units, which repeat longitudinally every 16 nm and contact protofilament 7 of the B-tubule. Functional implications of the new structural evidence are discussed.
By land or by sea: a modified C-start motor pattern drives the terrestrial tail-flip
Authors: Perlman Benjamin M. , Ashley-Ross Miriam A.
Published: April 2016

Aquatic C-start escape responses in teleost fishes are driven by a well-studied network of reticulospinal neurons that produce a motor pattern of simultaneous contraction of axial muscle on the side of the body opposite the threatening stimulus, bending the fish into the characteristic C, followed by a traveling wave of muscle contraction on the contralateral side that moves the fish away from the threat. Superficially, the kinematics of the terrestrial tail-flip resemble the C-start, with the anterior body rolling up and over the tail into a tight C shape, followed by straightening as the fish launches off of the caudal peduncle into ballistic flight. We asked if similar motor control is used for both behaviors in the amphibious mangrove rivulus, Kryptolebias marmoratus. Fine-wire bipolar electrodes were percutaneously inserted into repeatable paired axial locations in five individual fish. Electromyograms synchronized with high-speed video were made of aquatic C-starts, immediately followed by terrestrial tail-flips. Tail-flips took longer to complete than aquatic escapes; correspondingly, muscles were activated for longer durations on land. In the tail-flip, activity was seen in contralateral posterior axial muscle for an extended period of time during the formation of the C shape, likely to press the caudal peduncle against the ground in preparation for launch. Tail-flips thus appear to be produced by modification of the motor pattern driving the aquatic C-start, with differences consistent with the additional requirement of overcoming gravity.
The influence of nasal airflow on respiratory and olfactory epithelial distribution in felids
Authors: Pang Benison , Yee Karen K. , Lischka Fritz W. , Rawson Nancy E. , Haskins Mark E. , Wysocki Charles J. , Craven Brent A. , Van Valkenburgh Blaire
Published: April 2016

The surface area of the maxilloturbinals and fronto-ethmoturbinals is commonly used as an osteological proxy for respiratory and olfactory epithelium, respectively. However, this assumption does not fully account for animals with short snouts in which these two turbinal structures significantly overlap, potentially placing fronto-ethmoturbinals in the path of respiratory airflow. In these species, it is possible that anterior fronto-ethmoturbinals are covered with nonsensory (respiratory) epithelium instead of olfactory epithelium. In this study, we analyzed the distribution of olfactory and nonsensory, respiratory epithelia on the turbinals of two domestic cats (Felis catus), and a bobcat (Lynx rufus). We also conducted a computational fluid dynamics simulation of nasal airflow in the bobcat to explore the relationship between epithelial distribution and airflow patterns. The results showed that a substantial amount of respiratory airflow passes over the anterior fronto-ethmoturbinals, and that contrary to what has been observed in caniform carnivorans, much of the anterior ethmoturbinals are covered by nonsensory epithelium. This confirms that in short-snouted felids, portions of the fronto-ethmoturbinals have been recruited for respiration, and that estimates of olfactory epithelial coverage based purely on fronto-ethmoturbinal surface area will be exaggerated. The correlation between the shape of the anterior fronto-ethmoturbinals and the direction of respiratory airflow suggests that in short-snouted species, CT data alone is useful in assessing airflow patterns and epithelium distribution on the turbinals.
MANAGING THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN CAPITAL IN TERMS OF INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION
Authors: Тугускина Галина , Tuguskina Galina
Published: April 2016

In article the role of the human capital in innovative development of economy is considered. Indicators of innovative development on the example of the Penza region are analyzed. The structure and level of investments into the main components of the human capital are considered. The conclusion that the development and management of the human capital directed on the solution of a problem, actual for Russia connected with transition to formation of innovative economy demands systematic investments is drawn.
APPLICATION OF CLASSIFICATION TREE METHOD ON SEGMENTATION OF CORPORATE CLIENTS IN THE INDUSTRIAL MARKET
Authors: Изакова Наталья , Izakova Natalya , Капустина Лариса , Kapustina Larisa
Published: April 2016

Рассматривается возможность применения статистического анализа методом деревьев классификации при сегментировании корпоративных клиентов на промышленных рынках как наиболее универсальный и информативный метод. Проанализированы основные теоретические подходы к использованию методов статистического анализа с целью сегментирования рынков. Приведены результаты сегментирования рынка профилей из поливинилхлорида для изготовления оконных и дверных блоков методом де- ревьев классификации с помощью программного комплекса Statistical Package for the Social Science. Дана характеристика профиля целевого сегмента крупных корпоративных клиентов. Разработаны рекомендации по формированию маркетинговой программы для работы с потребителями данного сегмента.
Optimal Consumption Until Ruin for an Endowment Described by an Autonomous ODE for an Infinite Time Horizon
Authors: Grandits Peter
Published: April 2016

We give an algorithmic solution of the optimal consumption problem [Formula: see text], where Ct denotes the accumulated consumption until time t, and τ denotes the time of ruin. Moreover, the endowment process Xt is modeled by [Formula: see text]. We solve the problem by showing that the function provided by the algorithm solves the Hamilton-Jacobi (HJ) equation in a viscosity sense and that the same is true for the value function of the problem. The argument is finished by a uniqueness result. It turns out that one has to change the optimal strategy at a sequence of endowment values, described by a free boundary value problem.

Finally we give an illustrative example.
Fundamental Theorem of Asset Pricing Under Transaction Costs and Model Uncertainty
Authors: Bayraktar Erhan , Zhang Yuchong
Published: April 2016

We prove the fundamental theorem of asset pricing for a discrete time financial market where trading is subject to proportional transaction costs and the asset price dynamic is modeled by a family of probability measures, possibly nondominated. Using a backward-forward scheme, we show that when the market consists of a money market account and a single stock, no-arbitrage in a quasi-sure sense is equivalent to the existence of a suitable family of consistent price systems. We also show that when the market consists of multiple dynamically traded assets and satisfies efficient friction, strict no-arbitrage in a quasi-sure sense is equivalent to the existence of a suitable family of strictly consistent price systems.
Carotenoids and Antioxidant Enzymes as Biomarkers of the Impact of Heavy Metals in food Chain
Authors: Andrianos Vangelis , Stoikou Vasiliki , Tsikrika Konstantina , Lamprou Dimitra , Stasinos Sotiris , Proestos Charalampos , Zabetakis Ioannis
Published: April 2016

Antioxidant enzymes (catalase and peroxidase) and carotenoids lutein and β-carotene are often used as biomarkers of metal contamination of water and agricultural soils. In this study, the effects of heavy metals present in irrigation water on the aforementioned carotenoids of potatoes Solanum tuberosum L. and carrots Daucus carota L., cultivated in a greenhouse and irrigated with a water solution including different levels of Cr(VI) and Ni(II) were investigated. These results were compared to the levels of the same metabolites that had been assessed in market-available potato and carrot samples. The findings indicated that the levels of the examined metabolites on the treated with Cr and Ni samples, resemble the levels of the same parameters in the market samples, originating from polluted areas. Therefore, the antioxidant enzymes, catalase and peroxidase, and the carotenoids, lutein and β-carotene, could be handled as indicators of heavy metal pollution.
Exploring the community nurse role in family-centred care for patients with dementia
Authors: Dening Karen Harrison , Hibberd Penny
Published: April 2016

A diagnosis of dementia can have a significant effect, not only on the person diagnosed, but also on the person's family. Drivers within national policy and strategy to raise awareness and promote education have improved the understanding of dementia across professional groups, as well as within the wider population. However, families living with dementia still struggle to find information and support. This paper explores the common issues faced by families, and focuses on a relationship approach to care. The role of the community nurse can be central to supporting people with dementia and their families to live well in their own communities. The paper uses a casestudy approach to discuss three scenarios commonly raised by family carers and people with dementia: (1) seeking help and support at point of seeking diagnosis, (2) knowing the ‘right time’ to seek help and advice, and (3) when symptomatic changes affect wellbeing and relationships.
In praise of appraisals
Authors: Bissett Julie
Published: April 2016

Considered by many of us as a necessary evil, isn't it about time we embrace the process in a bid to raise our professional standing?
6 ways to teen-proof your practice
Authors: Bissett Julie
Published: April 2016

They may appear incredibly confident, but young adults are often the ones that are most in need of your chairside reassurance…
Opportunities for paramedic practice-based education
Authors: Jennings Kath , Rae Alison
Published: April 2016

The current shortage of paramedics presents particular challenges for paramedic educators in the field of practice learning. However, Kath Jennings and Alison Rae argue this may present new opportunities for student paramedics to develop their knowledge, skills and attributes within other healthcare settings alongside the traditional ambulance service placement.
The diagnosis and management of acute cluster headache in the out-of-hospital environment
Authors: Crawley Kerry , Brady Mike
Published: April 2016

Cluster headaches are the most painful form of primary headache and the most common of a group of headaches known as trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) ( Imai, 2013 ). It is estimated that 25 million days are lost from work or school because of migraine each year ( National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2013 ), and a potential cost of £956 million to health services due to service use, and £4.8 billion due to lost employment each year ( McCrone et al, 2011 ).

Given the burden upon health services and the wider economy, a number of strategic drivers for enhancing general management of headaches have been produced with explicit aims of reducing inappropriate referrals and admissions.

This article reviews the current literature and discusses the appropriateness of non-specialist clinicians working in out-of-hospital, and in primary, urgent and emergency care, such as paramedics, safely diagnosing and managing cluster headaches in the community, while also considering the balance of possible risks and fiscal benefits in doing so.

It concludes that community practitioners could safely manage recurrent episodes of cluster headaches within the community, with good referral and consultation pathways being put in place. However, caution should be paid to discharging those patients presenting with first bout of cluster headache without specialist clinical assessment. Furthermore, while there is some evidence to suggest that this community management may be cost effective, this conclusion cannot be definitely drawn without the authors undertaking a full cost–benefit analysis, which was not within the scope of this paper.
Review: The diversity of local cattle in Indonesia and the efforts to develop superior indigenous cattle breeds
Authors: SUTARNO SUTARNO , SETYAWAN AHMAD DWI
Published: April 2016

Sutarno, Setyawan AD. 2016. The diversity of local cattle in Indonesia and the efforts to develop superior indigenous cattle breeds. Biodiversitas 16: 275-295. Cattle breeding are regarded indigenous to Indonesia. In the country, there are three types of cattle breeds: zebu (Bos indicus),Â Bali cattle (Bos javanicus),Â and taurine (Bos taurus). These breeds are farmed for their meat, milk, leather, and their power for agricultural work. Zebu was introduced by the Indians in the beginning of the first century. Bali cattle are indigenous breeds that have been domesticated from wild bantengs (Bos javanicus) in Java and Bali for hundreds of years. Several breeds of taurine were imported in early eighteenth century to be used as dairy cattle. Zebu and taurine are the major cattle breeds of the world; whereas in Indonesia, the major cattle breeds are Bali cattle, Ongole crossbred, and Madura cattle, which is a crossbred of the former two. Primary breeding between species in the genus Bos will result in sterile male and fertile female offspring. However, secondary breedingÂ with a crossbred female will result in fertile offspring. In Indonesia, there are several local cattle breeds of zebu that have adapted to the local condition, for example Ongole crossbred, Aceh cattle, Pesisir cattle, Sumba Ongole, and, the less commonly found, Galekan cattle of Trenggalek. In addition, there are many hybrids between zebu and Bali cattle such as Madura cattle, Jabres cattle of Brebes, Rancah cattle of Ciamis, and Rambon cattle of Bondowoso, Banyuwangi, and the surrounding areas. A crossbreeding of zebu and taurine produces Grati dairy cattle. In 1970s, an Artificial Insemination program was conducted in a large scale using male cattle and semen from several breeds of zebu (Brahman, Brahman Cross)Â and taurine (particularly Simmental, Limousin, Holstein Friesians). The program resulted in more complex genetic mixes. Crossbreeding conducted directly in the field causes a concern since it may threaten the purity of the native species and decrease the cattleâ€™s potential for adaptation, reproduction, and productivity. It is better to conductÂ crossbreeding programs privately in research centers or corporate/large farmers, of which the result can be distributed to smaller farms. â€œOngolizationâ€ program that was introduced in the early twentieth century should be a lesson to learn, because it had led to the extinction of Javanese cattle, while the produced offspring, the Ongole Crossbred, are considered unsatisfactory so that they still have to be crossbred with other species of cattle, particularly taurine.
Exploratory portals of research data in education
Authors: Di Blas Nicoletta
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a powerful tool to enhance research in education: ‘exploratory portals’, supporting effective storage, sharing and exploration of large sets of research data. The workflow is the following: data are gathered by a research group; they are then classified according to a taxonomy (the one that best fits the group’s research interest); once uploaded in the portal, they can be ‘explored’ via a combination of faceted search (enriched by Boolean operators) and data mining techniques. The system can thus answer in a few seconds to sophisticated user’s queries that otherwise would require hours; it can save a session’s results and materials for sharing with other scholars or for further investigation. The paper presents a case study of exploratory portal, dealing with data on (technology-based) education. The portal has effectively been used by five different research groups, to run complex investigations of data about technology integration into schools.
Helicobacter pylori Infection, Gastric Cancer and Gastropanel
Authors: Loor Alexandra , Dumitraşcu D.L.
Published: April 2016

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most widespread types of cancer worldwide. Helicobacter pylori infection has been clearly correlated with gastric carcinogenesis. At present and in the near future, the most important challenge is and will be the significant reduction of mortality due to GC. That goal can be achieved through the identification of higher-risk patients, such as those with atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia. In this review we intend to discuss the importance of diagnosing H. pylori infection and chronic atrophic gastritis in preventing gastric cancer, using a new non-invasive test called GastroPanel. This test is a classification algorithm including four biochemical parameters pepsinogen I and II (PGI and PGII), gastrin-17 (G17), and anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies (Ig G anti-Hp) measured in fasting sera, which allows to classify patients as having atrophic or non-atrophic gastritis and to find whether gastritis is associated or not with H. pylori infection. GastroPanel is not a “cancer test”, but it can and should be used in the screening and diagnosis of subjects with a high cancer risk; still, a careful diagnostic made by superior digestive endoscopy is compulsory to find possible precancerous or cancerous lesions at an early and curable stage.
Betreuungsrecht und Betreuungspraxis
Authors: Ackermann Annelen , Medjedović Irena , Witzel Andreas
Published: April 2016

Der Beitrag berichtet über einen unseres Wissens ersten fundierten empirischen Nachweis über die Wirkungszusammenhänge der Entwicklung einer Kostenexplosion im Betreuungswesen, die eine zwar staatlicherseits erwartete, aber in dieser Höhe kritisierte und zunehmend unerwünschte Folge einer Reform des alten Rechtsinstituts der Entmündigung darstellt. Wachsende Akzeptanz des Betreuungsrechts in der Bevölkerung, zahlenmäßige Ausdehnung und zunehmende Hilfebedürftigkeit der Klientel bei gleichzeitigem Abbau sozialer Hilfen führen zu erhöhten Absolutzahlen der Betreuung und einer Intensivierung des individuellen Betreuungsaufwandes. Das Primat der Kostensenkung durch Einschränkung auf eine rein rechtliche Betreuung in der Rechtsreform von 1999 erhöht das Spannungsfeld zwischen den Gesetzesansprüchen der Rehabilitation und rechtlicher Betreuung. Dieses manifestiert sich in den differierenden Rollen von Rechtspflegern, Richtern und professionellen Betreuern mit entsprechenden institutionellen Reibungsverlusten. Die betreuungsbedürftige Klientel gerät in die Kostenzange zwischen Kostensenkungsbemühungen in den Bereichen Sozialwesen und rechtlicher Betreuung.
Anmerkungen zum Verhältnis von Wirtschaftswissenschaft und Weltwirtschaft
Authors: Lee-Peuker Mi-Yong
Published: April 2016

Dieser Artikel befasst sich mit dem Verhältnis zwischen moderner Wirtschaftstheorie, die den Anspruch hat als Handlungstheorie universal zu sein, d.h. unabhängig von etwa kulturellen Bestimmungen wirtschaftliches Handeln hinreichend erklären zu können, einerseits und realem wirtschaftlichen Handeln andererseits. Im ersten Abschnitt des Aufsatzes wird die moderne ökonomische Theorie in ihren Grundideen, Hauptthesen und in ihrer Vorgehensweise vorgestellt. Im Anschluss daran wird die Perspektive der modernen Wirtschaftswissenschaften exemplarisch einer qualitiv-empirischen Studie wirtschaftlichen Handelns in Südkorea gegenübergestellt. Eine wesentliche Rolle bei dieser Gegenüberstellung spielt dabei der Rechtsbegriff in der koreanischen Wirtschaft, der auf die konfuzianische Tradition Koreas zurückzuführen ist und der sich wesentlich auf Geschäftsverhältnisse und Verträge auswirkt.
Finanzmarktregulierung und Wissenspolitik
Authors: Strulik Torsten , Kussin Matthias
Published: April 2016

War Finanzmarktregulierung bislang vorrangig eine Angelegenheit marktkorrigierender Regulierungspolitik, so zeichnet sich gegenwärtig eine Schwerpunktergänzung ab. Vor dem Hintergrund aktueller Debatten zur Wissensgesellschaft wird sichtbar, dass die strategische Gestaltung von Innovationen zu einer wichtigen Zielsetzung von Ökonomie, Politik und Recht wird. Damit erweitert sich die traditionelle Perspektive einer Vermeidung oder Begrenzung unerwünschter Marktexternalitäten um die Ermöglichung und Flankierung von Innovationsprozessen. Ausgehend von dieser Diagnose und angeleitet durch konzeptionelle Überlegungen zu den Merkmalen einer Wissenspolitik und den Potentialen kollektiver Intelligenz zielt der Beitrag auf eine empirische Analyse der aktuellen Empfehlungen des Baseler Ausschusses für Bankenaufsicht, deren Umsetzung in nationales Recht für Anfang 2007 vorgesehen ist. Im Mittelpunkt steht die Frage, ob und inwieweit der neue Aufsichtsansatz Bedingungen für eine gemischt öffentlich-private Form der Risikosteuerung schafft, welche den wachsenden Anforderungen an die Erzeugung von Stabilität und Innovation Rechnung trägt.
Streitregelung in der Zivilgesellschaft
Authors: Trenczek Thomas
Published: April 2016

Streitkultur und Rechtswesen in einer Gesellschaft sind eng mit ihrer kulturellen, politischen, sozialen und ökonomischen Entwicklung verknüpft und haben in der Geschichte erhebliche Wandlungen vollzogen. Seit den 80er Jahren sind sog. „alternative“ Verfahren zur einvernehmlichen Regelung von Konflikten, insbesondere die Mediation, auch in Deutschland auf ein immer stärker werdendes Interesse gestoßen. Starke Unterstützung erhält diese Entwicklung in den letzten Jahren durch den Leitbegriff der Zivil- oder Bürgergesellschaft, mit dem das Verhältnis von Staat und Bürger wieder neu definiert wird. Der Beitrag stellt die Charakteristika und Wechselwirkungen dieser Entwicklungen dar und beschreibt die Chancen und Hindernisse der Weiterentwicklung der „alternativen“ Konfliktbearbeitung in Deutschland.
Unterstellte Rechtsnähe
Authors: Kölbel Ralf
Published: April 2016

Der „Abstand“ zwischen Laien und Recht stellt für die Rechtsdogmatik einen problembehafteten Gegenstand dar, insbesondere bei der Auslegung des so genannten „Verbotsirrtums“ (§ 17 StGB). Die Juristen behelfen sich hier mit einem argumentativen Kunstgriff. Sie produzieren Literatur - und fingieren das Rechtswissen der Laien. Auf diese Weise lassen sich zahlreiche Begründungsprobleme lösen. Den Standards der juristischen Methodenlehre werden die juristischen Autoren und Leser aber nicht gerecht.
“Because We Are Refugees” – Utilizing a Legal Label
Authors: Inhetveen Katharina
Published: April 2016

The contribution challenges and differentiates the debate on neo-institutionalism with an empirical analysis from the core of the international refugee regime. The central point of reference for this comprehensive institutional regime is the legal label ‘refugee.’ To understand processes of proliferation, cultural adoptions, and bypasses of such institutional concepts and rules, it is crucial to study their varying interpretations and uses on the micro-level. This is done here in the case of refugee camps, which represent an organizationally and culturally heterogeneous setting, while its elements are all part of the international refugee regime. Emic modes of interpreting and utilizing this label on camp level are analyzed. Empirically, the contribution is mainly based on research material from a six months field study in two Zambian refugee camps, conducted in 2003.

The use of the refugee label as a legal concept equipped with specific rights is only one possibility of employing the concept. It is interpreted in the frame of ‘legalism,’ reasoning that being a refugee, and thus vulnerable, implies certain rights, the fulfillment of which is then claimed. Secondly, camp inhabitants also utilize the refugee label in the interpretative frame of ‘compassionism.’ Applying to the cultural connection between refugees and suffering, they expect to evoke compassion and to receive a pittance. Beside these two utilizations of the ‘refugee’ label, there are also perspectives that do not relate to this institutional concept. In a third interpretation, the situation of encampment in a country of refuge is seen as being a guest, which allows for a temporary acceptance of limitations. Fourthly, some camp inhabitants see the camp not as temporary and extraordinary refuge, but as permanent home, whereby the ‘refugee’ concept becomes largely irrelevant in daily life.

Interpreting the results in the realm of the sociological neo-institutionalism, the international refugee regime can be seen as a ‘world polity’ domain. The respective theoretical approach helps to explain where institutionalized figures like the ‘refugee’ come from. However, there are great variations in the ways in which these institutional concepts and rules are employed on the micro-level. Here, ‘world polity’ research leaves an explanatory desideratum. The plurality of interpretations and utilizations of the ‘refugee’ label indicates an active and refractory functioning of the micro-level, rather than an isomorphic enactment of the legal elements of ‘world culture.’
Forscher als Normbrecher: Das Experiment als empirischer Zugang der Rechts-, Raum- und Sozialforschung
Authors: Klamt Martin
Published: April 2016

Der Beitrag geht einem oftmals unberücksichtigten Aspekt der sozialen Wirklichkeit von Normen nach, deren räumlicher Dimension. Es wird also danach gefragt, wo man etwas darf oder soll und wo nicht. Sind Normen und der alltägliche Umgang der Nutzer städtischer Räume mit diesen Normen folglich „verortet“? Zur empirischen Untersuchung dieses Zusammenhanges wird auf der Grundlage eines qualitativen Forschungsverständnisses eine ebenso aufschlussreiche wie selten praktizierte Methode eingesetzt: das Experiment. Der Vergleich des experimentellen „normbrechenden“ Verhaltens des Verfassers in fünf unterschiedlichen städtischen Räumen, das im Verweilen auf einem Liegestuhl besteht, fördert interessante Ergebnisse und Interpretationen zu Tage. Schließlich kann ein Zusammenhang zwischen Norm und Raum nachgewiesen werden, wobei sich das Experiment als gewinnbringende und ausbaufähige empirische Methode erweist.
Körperzwang im Konzentrationslager
Authors: Lautmann Rüdiger
Published: April 2016

Wer in eines der nationalsozialistischen Konzentrationslager geriet, erlitt dort einen totalen Rechtsverlust. Den Häftlingen widerfuhr ein ‚juristischer Tod‘ (anders als der physische Tod in den Vernichtungslagern). Mit gezielten Gewaltakten wurde dies perfekt bewerkstelligt. Die Rechtswirkung konnte in bloßen Körperprozeduren herbeigeführt werden. Die zwölf Jahre hindurch und millionenfach geübte Praxis hat das Inventar der Rechtsformen nicht unberührt gelassen. Das Verhältnis von Körper und Recht sowie die Wege gewaltsamer Legitimation bedürfen daher einer neuen Bestimmung
Schutz nationaler Minderheiten und das Prinzip der Selbstbestimmung der Völker: Zeitbindung durch Recht oder Risiko?
Authors: Nichelmann Rolf , Paquée Alexander
Published: April 2016

Instrumente rechtlichen Minderheitenschutzes, vor allem die so genannten Autonomiemodelle, werden häufig vor dem Hintergrund des völkerrechtlichen Prinzips der Selbstbestimmung der Völker interpretiert. Es fungiert juristisch zugleich als Rechtfertigung und als Bezugsgröße, von der man sich dogmatische Führung - und das heißt insbesondere eine Klärung des Volks- beziehungsweise des Minderheitenbegriffs - verspricht. Die juristische Argumentation läuft sich jedoch in der eigentümlich tautologischen Struktur des Volksbegriffs („Gemeinsamkeitsglauben“) und dem zirkulären Bestimmungsverhältnis von Volk und Selbstbestimmung fest. Auf der Basis systemfunktionalistischer Theoriemittel soll gezeigt werden, dass in demokratischen Ordnungen das Problem nicht in Verletzungen des Diskriminierungsverbots zu suchen ist, sondern die dogmatischen Aporien eine Konsequenz der Tatsache sind, dass ethnische Semantiken auf Gefahrenattribution im politischen System verweisen. Das Rechtssystem wird mit einer alternativen Zeitbindungsform infiziert, die innerhalb von Konditionalprogrammen nicht mehr ohne weiteres eingefangen werden kann.