bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Purification and Characterization of a Novel Cold-Active Lipase from the Yeast Candida zeylanoides
Authors: Čanak Iva , Berkics Adrienn , Bajcsi Nikolett , Kovacs Monika , Belak Agnes , Teparić Renata , Maraz Anna , Mrša Vladimir
Published: January 2016

Cold-active lipases have attracted attention in recent years due to their potential applications in reactions requiring lower temperatures. Both bacterial and fungal lipases have been investigated, each having distinct advantages for particular applications. Among yeasts, cold-active lipases from the genera Candida, Yarrowia, Rhodotorula, and Pichia have been reported. In this paper, biosynthesis and properties of a novel cold-active lipase from Candida zeylanoides isolated from refrigerated poultry meat are described. Heat-sterilized olive oil was found to be the best lipase biosynthesis inducer, while nonionic detergents were not effective. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity using hydrophobic chromatography and its enzymatic properties were tested. Pure enzyme activity at 7°C was about 60% of the maximal activity at 27°C. The enzyme had rather good activity at higher temperatures, as well. Optimal pH of pure lipase was between 7.3 and 8.2, while the enzyme from the crude extract had an optimum pH of about 9.0. The enzyme was sensitive to high ionic strength and lost most of its activity at high salt concentrations. Due to the described properties, cold-active C. zeylanoides lipase has comparative advantages to most similar enzymes with technological applications and may have potential to become an industrially important enzyme.
Non-Maternal Infant Handling in Wild Formosan Macaques of Mount Longevity, Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Minna J. , Lin Shu-I , Lin Jin-Fu , Lin Tai-Jung , Agoramoorthy Govindasamy
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we present quantitative data on how the social network and sex of infants influence allomothering behaviour among wild Formosan macaques, Macaca cyclopis. Using long-term field data collected from the Mount Longevity study site in Kaohsiung (Taiwan), we have tested relevant hypotheses incorporating data on age, rank and reproductive state of infant handlers, and the relationship between handlers and infants. The results support 2 major hypotheses, i.e. those of reciprocity and alliance formation. Nevertheless, neither could account for the observed occurrences of unrelated infant handling by dominant females.
Fixed Drug Eruption due to Achiote Dye
Authors: Tattersall Ian , Reddy Bobby Y.
Published: January 2016

Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is a localized type IV sensitivity reaction to a systemically introduced allergen. It usually occurs as a result of new medication, making identification and avoidance of the trigger medication straightforward; however, in a rare subset of cases no pharmacological source is identified. In such cases, the causative agent is often a food or food additive. In this report we describe a case of a FDE in a 12-year-old girl recently immigrated to the United States from Ecuador who had no medication exposure over the course of her illness. Through an exhaustive patient history and literature review, we were able to hypothesize that her presentation was caused by a dietary change of the natural achiote dye used in the preparation of yellow rice to a locally available commercial dye mix containing tartrazine, or Yellow 5, which has previously been implicated in both systemic hypersensitivity reactions and specifically in FDE. This report adds to the small body of available literature on non-pharmacological fixed hypersensitivity eruptions and illustrates an effective approach to the management of such a presentation when history is not immediately revealing.
Use of statins and reduced risk of recurrence of VTE in an older population
Authors: Eberg Maria , Kahn Susan , Azoulay Laurent , Tagalakis Vicky
Published: January 2016

We aimed to determine whether statin use is associated with a decreased risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in older patients. We used a pre-assembled cohort of patients at least 65 years of age diagnosed with incident VTE between January 1, 1994 and December 31, 2004 in the province of Québec, Canada and followed until December 31, 2005. Time-dependent Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) of recurrent VTE associated with current and past use of statins, compared with non-use. The cohort included 25,681 patients with incident VTE. During a mean follow-up of 3.0 years, there were 2343 recurrent VTE events (rate: 3.1 per 100 personyears). Compared with non-use, current use of statins was associated with a decreased risk of VTE recurrence (rates: 1.55 vs 3.47 per 100 per year, respectively; HR: 0.74, 95 % CI: 0.61–0.89), while no association was observed with past use (HR: 0.98, 95 % CI: 0.76–1.25). In a secondary analysis, longer durations of statin use were associated with greater risk reductions (0–6 months, HR 0.82, 95 % CI: 0.67–1.01; 6–12 months, HR 0.62, 95 % CI: 0.43–0.90; ≥ 12 months, HR: 0.50, 95 % CI: 0.33–0.74; p-value for trend ≤ 0.001). The use of statin was associated with a decreased risk of recurrent VTE in older patients. This study supports the need for randomised controlled trials to assess the efficacy and safety of statins in the long-term treatment of VTE.
The SAME-TT2R2 score predicts the quality of anticoagulation control in patients with acute VTE
Authors: Antonucci Emilia , Lip Gregory , Testa Sophie , Guazzaloca Giuliana , Falanga Anna , Pengo Vittorio , Poli Daniela , Palareti Gualtiero ,   for the START-Register Participants
Published: January 2016

The SAMe-TT2R2 score has recently been proposed to predict the quality of vitamin K antagonist (VKA) anticoagulation control in patients with atrial fibrillation. We aimed at investigating whether the score is effective also in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). Patients included in the START-Register because started VKA therapy for a recent VTE episode and with > 3 months follow-up were analyzed. The score was calculated using the baseline patient’s characteristics present in the electronic database of the registry, where all INR results were also available and analysed to calculate the time in therapeutic range (TTR). A total of 1308 patients (53.4 % female, median age 68 years) were analysed. During 998 patient-years followup, the median TTR was 63 %. The maximum score in the patients was 4, with 70 % of them having 0–1. INR controls within range (2.0–3.0) were significantly less prevalent in patients with score ≥ 2 vs 0–1 score (58.5 ± 20 % vs 61.5 ± 19 %, respectively, p = 0.046). Patients with score ≥ 2 vs 0–1 had a highly significant lower TTR during the first 3 months of therapy (53 ± 26 % and 61 ± 26 %, respectively; p=0.0001), difference mainly due to more time spent below 2.0 INR (38 ± 28 % vs 31.3 ± 26.7 %, respectively; p=0.0001). In conclusion, the study proved, for the first time, that the SAMe-TT2R2 score is useful to predict among VTE patients those who will have good (score 0–1) or less good (score ≥ 2) VKA anticoagulation control. The score can help decision-making in everyday clinical practice, especially when choosing between VKA and non-vitamin K antagonists direct anticoagulants.

Note: The review process for this paper was fully handled by Christian Weber, Editor in Chief.
Comunicação e cuidados paliativos em demência: revisão de 5 anos
Authors: Peixoto Lucas Perez Raposo , Koyama Leonardo Kenji Sakaue , Forte Daniel Neves , Souza Heraldo Possolo de
Published: January 2016

Dementia is a increasingly prevalent disease in the world’s population. We reviewed the last 5-years articles in communication and palliative care in patients with dementia, their families and their caregivers. Our objective was to summarize the main strategies of communication in this specific population, in order to understand their desires and needs
Demências: da investigação ao diagnóstico
Authors: Parmera Jacy Bezerra , Nitrini Ricardo
Published: January 2016

Atualmente, define-se demência como condição na qual ocorre decréscimo cognitivo comparado a um nível prévio do indivíduo, com comprometimento de suas funções sociais e funcionais. Na avaliação em um paciente com comprometimento cognitivo e com uma possível síndrome demencial, a anamnese clínica e o exame neurológico são de extrema importância, e os exames complementares. Com o avanço dos biomarcadores, novas técnicas de diagnóstico evoluíram proporcionando maior acurácia na avaliação, contudo a indicação destas ainda está restrita a casos específicos e no âmbito das pesquisas científicas.
Experiências espirituais de um idoso sob cuidados paliativos: relato de caso
Authors: Ferreira Alberto Gorayeb de Carvalho , Silva Arthur Fernandes da , Carvalho Maria Valéria Gorayeb de , Bezerra Mirella Rebello
Published: January 2016

Objetivo: Relatar as experiências espirituais de uma idosa internada em uma enfermaria de cuidados paliativos. Método: As informações foram estruturadas a partir de revisão de prontuário, entrevista com a paciente e acompanhante e revisão de literatura. Conclusão: O caso relatado sinaliza a importância de maior discussão sobre a atenção aos aspectos espirituais dos pacientes no fim da vida. Neste caso, por apresentar-se de forma controlada, positiva e com insight presente, entende-se o exposto como uma experiência espiritual, livre de psicopatologia. Logo, observa-se a necessidade de pesquisas futuras que objetivem o incremento da abordagem espiritual com o intuito de instrumentalizar o profissional para a sua prática.
Diagnóstico molecular na prática clínica: visão do endocrinologista
Authors: Ferraz-de-Souza Bruno
Published: January 2016

Endocrinology is one of several medical specialities that have been gradually transformed by a deeper understanding of the molecular bases of disorders. Genetic testing with the purposes of defining a precise molecular diagnosis has increasingly gained space in the routine assessment of patients with endocrinopathies, and the advent of massive parallel sequencing (MPS) is boosting the incorporation of molecular information in the clinic. The main benefit of genetic testing is diagnostic precision, resulting in improved and individualized care for patients and family members, and better disease prevention. However, genetic tests are not infallible and may bear several potential risks, being thus indicated when clinical suspicion is strong and the benefit of determining a molecular diagnosis is unambiguous. In this review, these evolving concepts and current indications for molecular diagnosis in endocrinology will be explored. Molecular tools will be revised and contextualised, including those aimed at identifying changes in gene dosage (karyotpe, FISH, MLPA, aCGH, SNParray) or in the DNA nucleotide sequence (allele-specific PCR, RFLP, Sanger sequencing, MPS or NGS). Finally, matters surrounding the complex attribution of biologically relevant functional impact to identified DNA variants will be explored, together with the challenges brought by high throughput molecular analysis. These are exciting times for molecular endocrinology, and hopefully soon a translation to multiple benefits for patients will be self-evident.
Cortesia verbal e ensino de língua: reflexões sobre competência comunicativa, jogo interpessoal e normatividade
Authors: Fávero Leonor Lopes , Andrade Maria Lúcia C. V. O.
Published: January 2016

A partir de uma perspectiva pragmática, este capítulo busca refletir sobre a necessidade de se trabalhar  a cortesia verbal no ensino de língua portuguesa, em suas modalidades oral e escrita, observando  como se instaura o jogo interpessoal em contextos sociais diversos. Torna-se evidente  a necessidade de discussão dos fatores sociais implicados na expressão da cortesia, bem como da capacidade de expressar e interpretar as funções comunicativas e o conhecimento das normas. O trabalho examina a cortesia em interações orais e escritas (registro formal/semiformal), tendo como objeto de análise textos do século XX, a saber, entrevistas de televisão, entrevistas posteriormente impressas, bem como cartas pessoais (trocadas entre amigos ou familiares)  e publicadas em coletâneas de estudos literários. Também faz parte deste capítulo uma breve reflexão sobre o tratamento da oralidade  e da escrita no  ensino de língua portuguesa, visando a sugerir aos professores de ensino fundamental e médio como trabalhar  a cortesia verbal  nas atividades cotidianas (conversas, entrevistas, cartas, bilhetes), contribuindo para que o aluno possa desempenhar seu papel social adequadamente por meio de variadas práticas discursivas.
Nota prévia
Authors: Leite Marli Quadro , Silva Luiz Antônio da , Corrêa Manoel Luiz Gonçalves
Published: January 2016

A Comissão Editorial da revista, visando contemplar a área pulsante dos estudos do texto, atende, neste número, à oportuna contribuição do Grupo de Trabalho Linguística do Texto e Análise da Conversação da Associação Nacional de Pós-graduação em Letras e Linguística (ANPOLL) para dar a público um conjunto de estudos sobre a relação fala e escrita, com ênfase nos textos falados, buscando suprir a carência de trabalhos no que se refere ao tratamento do texto falado no ensino de língua materna.

Desejamos uma boa leitura.

A Comissão Editorial
A conversação na entrevista de perfil na mídia escrita: uma questão para o ensino
Authors: Dias Ana Rosa Ferreira
Published: January 2016

A entrevista de perfil é um evento conversacional frequente na mídia. No ensino, como objeto de estudo, vem favorecer o desenvolvimento de uma percepção crítica da interação verbal que ocorre na comunicação social. Neste artigo, procedemos à análise de uma entrevista  publicada na Revista Veja, na seção Páginas Amarelas, em 20/10/2004, visando à discussão das estratégias textuais-discursivas de produção do gênero. Preceitos da Análise da Conversação e da Sociolinguística Interacional darão suporte às reflexões.
A Oralidade Em Sala De Aula De Língua Portuguesa: O Que Dizem Os Professores Do Ensino Básico
Authors: Azevedo Josilete Alves Moreira de , Mamede Galvão Marise Adriana
Published: January 2016

Esta pesquisa teve como foco central uma discussão acerca da modalidade oral e ensino de Língua Portuguesa no nível fundamental de escolarização.  Como ponto de partida, ressaltamos a necessidade de os indivíduos desenvolverem competências linguístico-discursivas por meio de diferentes gêneros de textos nas interações da vida cotidiana, tanto nas mais espontâneas quanto nas mais ritualizadas. Buscamos, assim, contribuir com o conhecimento acadêmico-científico na direção de que aos alunos do ensino básico sejam dadas oportunidades de produzir textos orais quer sejam em interações informais, quer sejam naquelas com maior controle e regulação na produção e recepção. Orientamo-nos pela questão: os textos orais estão sendo utilizados como objeto de ensino no desenvolvimento das práticas comunicativas dos alunos em sala de aula? Definimos, como objetivo, investigar acerca da oralidade em sala de aula de Língua Portuguesa com o propósito de descrever, analisar e interpretar o que dizem os docentes acerca do ensino, identificando as concepções de oralidade apontadas por eles e os gêneros textuais orais constitutivos das atividades didáticas propostas em sala de aula. Adotando os postulados da pesquisa qualitativa, buscamos interpretar questões específicas do dizer de professores por meio de 12 entrevistas semiestruturadas, gravadas (em áudio) e posteriormente transcritas. Baseamo-nos teoricamente, entre outros, nos trabalhos de Marcuschi (1986, 2001a e 2001b, 2002, 2005); Castilho (1998); Fávero, Andrade e Aquino (1999); Schneuwly, Dolz e colaboradores (2004); Cavalcante e Teixeira (2007); Gomes-Santos (2012); Leal e Gois (2012). As análises dos dados revelaram que os docentes ainda não têm clareza das noções teóricas sobre a oralidade que os possibilitem realizar ações didáticas canalizadas para a formação de alunos linguisticamente competentes.  Dessa forma, no trabalho com a oralidade, os professores precisam privilegiar os aspectos linguísticos, extralinguísiticos, paralinguísticos e cinésicos, propiciando aos alunos vivências em atividades pedagógicas que lhe sirvam de subsídios nas práticas sociais da vida cotidiana.
Apresentação
Authors: Fávero Leonor Lopes , Silva Luiz Antonio Da , Galvão Marise Adriana Mamede
Published: January 2016

Apresentação do volume.
Uma revisão histórica do planejamento do setor elétrico brasileiro
Authors: Mercedes Sonia Seger Pereira , Rico Julieta A. P. , Pozzo Liliana de Ysasa
Published: January 2016

The Brazilian electrical power sector has been going through successive reviews and reforms in the past 30 years. Although those reforms have, in theory, always been meant to better and more extensively meet the needs of society, in practice that result has not always been given top billing. Even though guarantee of security of supply has been given a top priority rating, it has been changed throughout that string of changes in the management model for the sector. Currently, in a scenario of expansion planning and operation of high complexity, that criterion features the character of the Brazilian singularity in face of the international scenario, and a persistent threat of a “crisis” in the provision of electric energy hovers over society. With that as a background, this article draws a historical picture of the planning process of the electrical power sector as it concerns to the importance ascribed to security of supply.
O estado atual do setor elétrico brasileiro
Authors: Goldemberg José
Published: January 2016

In this article, an analysis is made of the evolution of the electric energy production system, whose grid was until recently mostly based on hydroelectric power, and which served well the needs of the country up to the end of the 20th century. Shifting away from the building of big reservoirs to keep pace with the growth in generation has rendered the system vulnerable to climate changes and pluvial precipitation, and that has led to an increasing use of coalfired power by the system, which now boasts thermal power stations accounting for about 30% of all energy production. The expansion of generation of electricity using renewable energy sources (biomass, wind, solar) is advanced as one solution to this problem.
Bacterial Suspensions Deposited on Microbiological Filter Material for Rapid Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Identification
Authors: Malenfant Dylan J. , Gillies Derek J. , Rehse Steven J.
Published: January 2016

Four species of bacteria, E. coli, S. epidermidis, M. smegmatis, and P. aeruginosa, were harvested from agar nutrient medium growth plates and suspended in water to create liquid specimens for the testing of a new mounting protocol. Aliquots of 30 µL were deposited on standard nitrocellulose filter paper with a mean 0.45 µm pore size to create highly flat and uniform bacterial pads. The introduction of a laser-based lens-to-sample distance measuring device and a pair of matched off-axis parabolic reflectors for light collection improved both spectral reproducibility and the signal-to-noise ratio of optical emission spectra acquired from the bacterial pads by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. A discriminant function analysis and a partial least squares-discriminant analysis both showed improved sensitivity and specificity compared to previous mounting techniques. The behavior of the spectra as a function of suspension concentration and filter coverage was investigated, as was the effect on chemometric cell classification of sterilization via autoclaving.
The Influence of Detailed Offender Characteristics on Consecutive Criminal Processing Decisions in the Netherlands
Authors: Wermink Hilde , Johnson Brian D. , de Keijser Jan W. , Dirkzwager Anja J. E. , Reef Joni , Nieuwbeerta Paul
Published: January 2016

Recent scholarship on sentencing disparity emphasizes the need to consider multiple decision-making points, to incorporate more detailed information on offender background characteristics, and to examine disparity in broader international contexts. This study investigates both pretrial and final sentencing decisions, incorporating a broad array of theoretically relevant offender characteristics. It combines rich survey data with official sentencing data. This data collection is part of a larger project, the Prison Project, in which 1,904 Dutch pretrial detainees were interviewed. Results indicate that several different offender characteristics exert important independent effects over criminal processing decisions and that pretrial release exerts a powerful influence over final sentencing decisions. These findings contribute to ongoing scholarly debates over the key determinants of criminal punishment in international context.
Mapping Self-Guided Learners’ Searches for Video Tutorials on YouTube
Authors: Garrett Nathan
Published: January 2016

While YouTube has a wealth of educational videos, how self-guided learners use these resources has not been fully described. An analysis of search engine queries for help with the use of Microsoft Excel shows that few users search for specific features or functions but instead use very general terms. Because the same videos are returned in response to different search terms, they may represent a relationship between two searches and can be used to create relationship maps. As a result, YouTube videos could be used to create maps for a range of topic, which may be useful for novice users. Overall, content for informal learners should align with user search strategies.
An Investigation of Students’ Acceptance of Moodle in a Blended Learning Setting Using Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Yeou Mohamed
Published: January 2016

Moodle and other web-based learning systems have become very popular in higher education. Their success will not be achieved if students fail to use such systems. The present study investigates university student’s attitudes regarding the use of Moodle. Forty-seven students from a Moroccan university were involved in the study. The students attended a course in a blended learning environment. The technology acceptance model was used to assess their acceptance of the e-learning system. Structural equation modeling was employed with SmartPLS program to explain the students’ acceptance of the system. Data showed that technology acceptance model is still a solid theoretical model whose validity can extend to blended learning settings. The results point to the significant importance of computer self-efficacy and perceived usefulness in accounting for attitude and Moodle usage. Implications of the findings and limitations along with future research directions are also discussed.
On Estimating the Poverty Gap and the Poverty Severity Indices With Auxiliary Information
Authors: Muñoz J. F. , Álvarez-Verdejo E. , García-Fernández R. M.
Published: January 2016

Many poverty measures are estimated by using sample data collected from social surveys. Two examples are the poverty gap and the poverty severity indices. A novel method for the estimation of these poverty indicators is described. Social surveys usually contain different variables, some of which can be used to improve the estimation of poverty measures. The proposed estimation methodology is based on this idea. The variance estimation and the construction of confidence intervals are also topics addressed in this article. Real survey data, extracted from the European Union Survey on Income and Living Conditions and based on various countries, are used to investigate some empirical properties of our estimators via Monte Carlo simulation studies. Empirical results indicate that the suggested methods can be more accurate than the customary estimator. Desirable results are also obtained for the proposed variances and confidence intervals. Various populations generated from the Gamma distribution also support our findings.
Paul's Letters as Artifacts: The Value of the Written Text among Non-Literate People
Authors: Johnson Lee A.
Published: January 2016

Paul's letters were composed in an era when the vast majority of the population could not read the correspondence delivered by Paul's couriers. This article explores why Paul might have written instead of merely sending messengers to present his greetings to his churches and how Paul's non-literate communities may have reacted to his written documents. An examination of the use of written texts by non-literate cultures in a variety of cultures reveals that written texts hold a place of honor and are recognized, in some instances, as sacred, mystical objects that are imbued with power because of their indecipherability. In light of the human tendency to revere writing, the long-held position in biblical scholarship that Paul operated under a marked disadvantage and diminished authority due to his necessary reliance upon letters rather than a personal visit is called into question. This article argues that Paul's written messages to largely non-literate churches functioned as sacred artifacts that contributed to Paul's successes with his churches, that the potent legacy of his written words bolstered Paul's apostolic authority even in absentia.
‘The ICECAP-SCM tells you more about what I’m going through’: A think-aloud study measuring quality of life among patients receiving supportive and palliative care
Authors: Bailey Cara , Kinghorn Philip , Orlando Rosanna , Armour Kathy , Perry Rachel , Jones Louise , Coast Joanna
Published: January 2016

Background:

The ICECAP-Supportive Care Measure is a self-complete questionnaire developed to aid economic evaluation of supportive care interventions.

Aim:

To determine the feasibility of completing ICECAP–Supportive Care Measure alongside EQ-5D-5L and ICECAP-A (generic measures used in economic evaluation) among patients receiving hospice care, close persons and healthcare professionals.

Design:

Participants were asked to ‘think aloud’ while completing ICECAP-Supportive Care Measure and two other generic measures used in economic evaluation, EQ-5D-5L and ICECAP-A, and then participate in a semi-structured interview. From verbatim transcripts, five raters identified the frequency of errors in comprehension, retrieval, judgement and response. Qualitative data were analysed using constant comparison.

Setting/participants:

Eligible patients were identified from one UK hospice by a research nurse. Close persons and healthcare professionals were identified by the patient. In all, 72 semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients ( n = 33), close persons ( n = 22) and healthcare professionals ( n = 17).

Results:

Patients and close persons reported that the ICECAP-Supportive Care Measure was most appropriate for measuring their quality of life. It appeared more meaningful, easier to complete and had fewest errors (3.9% among patients, 4.5% among close persons) compared to EQ-5D-5L (9.7% among patients, 5.5% among close persons). Healthcare professionals acknowledged the value of the ICECAP-Supportive Care Measure but had fewer errors in completing the EQ-5D-5L (3.5% versus 6.7%). They found it easier to complete because it focuses on observable health states.

Conclusions:

The ICECAP-Supportive Care Measure is feasible to use and perceived as appropriate for evaluating palliative care interventions. Healthcare professionals with limited knowledge of the patient who act as proxy completers may find the measure difficult to complete.
Crisis protests in Germany, Occupy Wall Street, and Mietshäuser Syndikat: Antinomies of current Marxist- and anarchist-inspired movements and their convergence
Authors: Vey Judith
Published: January 2016

The theoretical and practical narrowings and possibilities of the cross-fertilisation of current Marxist- and anarchist-inspired movements are the subject of this paper. The main arguments are illustrated by an analysis of the crisis protests in Germany in 2009-2010 and the Occupy Wall Street movement in the USA. The German apartment-house syndicate (‘Mietshäuser Syndikat’) functions as an example showing how the different strategies of the two political strands can be combined in practice.
A convergent genealogy? Space, time and the promise of horizontal politics today
Authors: Kiersey Nicholas , Vrasti Wanda
Published: January 2016

While the surge in horizontalist activism of the last few years has drawn upon both Marxist and anarchist traditions, post-Marxist literature offers a useful guide for evaluating the strategic opportunities available to the movements today. Focusing on the camp and the event as its conceptual reference points, this article contrasts the relative merits of the spatial and chronological strategies of the movements, concluding ultimately in favour of a longer-term strategy of withdrawal, or ‘exodus’, for its ability to sustain parallel forms of community and provide longer-term support for radical politics. We conclude with a brief commentary applying these arguments to the predicaments faced today by movements in Spain and Greece.
Are funds true to label? A note on matching qualitative and quantitative information
Authors: Chen Zhe , Gallagher David R , Schmidt Camille H
Published: January 2016

Our contribution to funds management research is in matching qualitative information sourced from the fund manager with their own quantitative data concerning what assets they own, how they trade and how their portfolios are managed. We find that survey responses are informative of characteristic values relative to other funds, for example funds that declare higher maximum tracking errors tend to have higher tracking errors. Furthermore, self-declared number of stocks held and turnover are less indicative of future fund characteristics than actual past measures. Overall, our study suggests that the questionnaire responses do contain some information value when used by asset consultants to compare funds.
Recent developments of intumescent fire protection coatings for structural steel: A review
Authors: Mariappan Thirumal
Published: January 2016

Intumescent paints are specially formulated reactive coatings designed to swell or expand into thick foamed char upon exposure to heat, protecting the substrates against fire by insulation and providing a protective barrier to heat and mass transfer. The present review describes some recent work related to the development of intumescent fire protective coating that is suitable for the protection of non-flammable substrates, such as structural steel, against fire. The key factors in the intumescent formulations, binders, flame retardants, fillers, modifiers, nano-dimensional additives, and weathering that affect the properties and performance of intumescent coatings are described. An attempt has also been made to describe different fire protection methods and testing characterizations involved in the fire protection of structural steel using intumescent fire-resistant coatings.
Synthesis and properties of (A2+B4)-type hyperbranched polyimides with different terminal groups
Authors: Liu Shanyou , Zhu Shiyang , Wang Xueping , Tan Haiwei , Guan Shaowei
Published: January 2016

To investigate the effect of terminal groups on the properties of hyperbranched polyimides (HBPIs) for potential optical applications, a series of HBPIs bearing different terminal groups have been synthesized through a novel aromatic CF3-containing tetra-amine, 4,4′-di[3,5-di(2-trifluoromethyl-4-aminophenoxy)phenoxy] sulfone, and a long chain dianhydride, 2,2-bis[4-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane, via a two-step polycondensation procedure. The synthesized HBPIs could form flexible and tough polyimide (PI) films, which exhibit good thermal stability with the glass transition temperatures of 191–234°C for differential scanning calorimetry measurement, the 5% weight loss temperatures of 533–610°C, and residual weights of 45.8–58.6% at 800°C under nitrogen atmosphere. The PI films have favorable mechanical properties with tensile strengths of 77–92 MPa, elongation at break of 3.55–7.99%, and initial modulus of 2.05–2.86 GPa. The films also exhibit the good transmittance of higher than 80% at 800 nm. The average refractive indices ( nav) and in-plane/out-of-plane birefringence (Δ n) measured at 632.8 nm are in the range of 1.5539–1.6022 and 0.0065–0.0077, respectively. The good transmittance in the visible region, tunable nav, and low Δ n are very suitable for optical applications.
Corporate Social Responsibility in Skilling
Authors: Ghosh Namrata
Published: January 2016

Skilling is an important agenda for India in the coming few years. To meet the demands of the growing industry, skilled manpower is required. The existing skill training institutes especially for technical skills are not well equipped in terms of capacity and manpower to handle the growing demand for skills. Alternative training models need to be promoted–private or public-private partnerships. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is one way in which skill training needs of the population can be met.

In this article we explore how lack of credible certification in skill training can lead to adverse selection in the labour market. This is shown through findings from a study of students trained in ITIs and those trained by a corporate as part of their CSR.
Effects of RAAS Blockers on Atrial Fibrillation Prophylaxis
Authors: Chaugai Sandip , Meng Wen Yeng , Ali Sepehry Amir
Published: January 2016

Background:

Impact of atrial fibrillation on clinical outcomes is well recognized, and application of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers for the prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a theoretically appealing concept. However, clinical trials have yielded inconsistent results.

Methods:

A pooled study of 26 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of RAAS blockers on AF prophylaxis was performed.

Results:

A total of 28 reports from 26 randomized controlled trials enrolled 165 387 patients, with an overall 24% reduction in the incidence of AF (odds ratio [OR]: 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68-0.85], P = .000). Forty-nine percent reduction in the incidence of AF (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.30-0.85, P = .010) in systolic heart failure was observed, whereas no significant effect was observed in patients with diastolic heart failure, postmyocardial infarction, and high cardiovascular disease risk. There was a 19% (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67-1.00, P = .037) reduction in new-onset and 54% (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.33-0.62, P = .000) reduction in recurrent AF in hypertensive patients with 39% (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.44-0.84, P = .003) risk reduction against calcium blockers and 41% (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.44-0.80, P = .001) risk reduction against β blockers. Angiotensin-receptor blocker appeared marginally superior to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor in primary and secondary prevention.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that RAAS blockade effectively suppresses AF in systolic heart failure, and hypertensives derive greater benefit against new-onset and recurrent AF compared to β blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.
High-resolution myelin water imaging in post-mortem multiple sclerosis spinal cord: A case report
Authors: Laule Cornelia , Yung Andrew , Pavolva Vlady , Bohnet Barry , Kozlowski Piotr , Hashimoto Stanley A , Yip Stephen , Li David KB , Moore GR Wayne
Published: January 2016

Background:

Loss of myelin in the spinal cord in multiple sclerosis (MS) is likely an important, and early, contributor to atrophy and associated disability. In vivo measurement of myelin is possible using myelin water fraction (MWF) imaging, but MWF has never been assessed in MS along the entire length of the spinal cord in vivo or in post-mortem tissue.

Objective:

To assess the feasibility of measuring the distribution of MWF along the entire length of the spinal cord in post-mortem MS tissue using high-field MRI.

Methods:

One formalin-fixed spinal cord from a female with secondary progressive MS (age: 78 years, disease duration: 25 years) was cut into 104 5-mm-thick cross sections along the entire length of the spinal cord from the cervico-medullary junction to the conus medullaris and imaged using a 64 echo T2 relaxation experiment at 7T.

Results:

Myelin water maps showed cord anatomy in superb detail, white matter demonstrating a higher MWF than the grey matter. Anatomical variation in myelin distribution along cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions was observed. Lesions demonstrated myelin loss.

Conclusion:

Post-mortem myelin water imaging of formalin-fixed MS spinal cord is feasible.
Beyond geopower: earthly and anthropic geopolitics in The Great Game by War Boutique
Authors: Ingram Alan , Forsyth Isla , Gauld Nicola
Published: January 2016

This article reconsiders the nature of art and geopolitics and their interrelations via a discussion of The Great Game, an artwork by War Boutique dealing with successive British military interventions in Afghanistan. As we discuss, The Great Game is richly suggestive in terms of the earthly materials and forces at work in geopolitics, or geopower. The main goal of our discussion, however, is to show how pursuing such concerns leads us back towards a consideration of the anthropic and thus beyond geopower. We argue that framing art and geopolitics in terms of the earthly, the affective and the inhuman is suggestive but underplays much of what art is otherwise taken to be, sometimes even within accounts framed in earthly terms. To develop this argument, we first provide an extended discussion of the The Great Game, in which we consider its entanglement of earthly and anthropic dimensions of geopolitics. We then bring this discussion to bear on work that rethinks geopolitics and art through geopower to highlight the continuing need to contend with the anthropic. Third, we discuss how our understanding of art and geopolitics is enhanced by reflection on what makes artistic engagements with geopolitics artistic, considering how The Great Game has moved through a series of artworlds. In conclusion, we underscore the extent to which art is suggestive as an onto-epistemological form of inquiry into geopolitics as well as an aesthetic–political practice with regard to it and reflect on some of the wider stakes of the discussion.
On the Role of Race Outcome Uncertainty in the TV Demand for Formula 1 Grands Prix
Authors: Schreyer Dominik , Torgler Benno
Published: January 2016

This study analyzes 400 broadcasts of Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Formula One (F1) World Championship Grands Prix between 1993 and 2014 in order to explore the question of whether race outcome uncertainty affects the TV demand for F1 racing in Germany. The results reveal that demand is shaped by race outcome uncertainty as proxied by performance differences between those drivers with the best performances during the qualifying as well as additional factors primarily related to Grand Prix circuit and scheduling. From a TV demand perspective, FIA, therefore, is well advised to keep the competition among F1 teams balanced.
Concussion Incidence in Professional Football
Authors: Nathanson John T. , Connolly James G. , Yuk Frank , Gometz Alex , Rasouli Jonathan , Lovell Mark , Choudhri Tanvir
Published: January 2016

Background:

In the United States alone, millions of athletes participate in sports with potential for head injury each year. Although poorly understood, possible long-term neurological consequences of repetitive sports-related concussions have received increased recognition and attention in recent years. A better understanding of the risk factors for concussion remains a public health priority. Despite the attention focused on mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in football, gaps remain in the understanding of the optimal methodology to determine concussion incidence and position-specific risk factors.

Purpose:

To calculate the rates of concussion in professional football players using established and novel metrics on a group and position-specific basis.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Athletes from the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 National Football League (NFL) seasons were included in this analysis of publicly available data. Concussion incidence rates were analyzed using established (athlete exposure [AE], game position [GP]) and novel (position play [PP]) metrics cumulatively, by game unit and position type (offensive skill players and linemen, defensive skill players and linemen), and by position.

Results:

In 480 games, there were 292 concussions, resulting in 0.61 concussions per game (95% CI, 0.54-0.68), 6.61 concussions per 1000 AEs (95% CI, 5.85-7.37), 1.38 concussions per 100 GPs (95% CI, 1.22-1.54), and 0.17 concussions per 1000 PPs (95% CI, 0.15-0.19). Depending on the method of calculation, the relative order of at-risk positions changed. In addition, using the PP metric, offensive skill players had a significantly greater rate of concussion than offensive linemen, defensive skill players, and defensive linemen ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

For this study period, concussion incidence by position and unit varied depending on which metric was used. Compared with AE and GP, the PP metric found that the relative risk of concussion for offensive skill players was significantly greater than other position types. The strengths and limitations of various concussion incidence metrics need further evaluation.

Clinical Relevance:

A better understanding of the relative risks of the different positions/units is needed to help athletes, team personnel, and medical staff make optimal player safety decisions and enhance rules and equipment.
Combining regenerative medicine strategies to provide durable reconstructive options: auricular cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Jessop Zita M. , Javed Muhammad , Otto Iris A. , Combellack Emman J. , Morgan Siân , Breugem Corstiaan C. , Archer Charles W. , Khan Ilyas M. , Lineaweaver William C. , Kon Moshe , Malda Jos , Whitaker Iain S.
Published: January 2016

Recent advances in regenerative medicine place us in a unique position to improve the quality of engineered tissue. We use auricular cartilage as an exemplar to illustrate how the use of tissue-specific adult stem cells, assembly through additive manufacturing and improved understanding of postnatal tissue maturation will allow us to more accurately replicate native tissue anisotropy. This review highlights the limitations of autologous auricular reconstruction, including donor site morbidity, technical considerations and long-term complications. Current tissue-engineered auricular constructs implanted into immune-competent animal models have been observed to undergo inflammation, fibrosis, foreign body reaction, calcification and degradation. Combining biomimetic regenerative medicine strategies will allow us to improve tissue-engineered auricular cartilage with respect to biochemical composition and functionality, as well as microstructural organization and overall shape. Creating functional and durable tissue has the potential to shift the paradigm in reconstructive surgery by obviating the need for donor sites.
Genomes and virulence difference between two physiological races of Phytophthora nicotianae
Authors: liu Hui , Ma Xiao , yu Haiqin , Fang Dunhuang , Li Yongping , Wang Xiao , Wang Wen , Dong Yang , Xiao Bingguang
Published: January 2016

Background

Black shank is a severe plant disease caused by the soil-borne pathogen Phytophthora nicotianae. Two physiological races of P. nicotianae, races 0 and 1, are predominantly observed in cultivated tobacco fields around the world. Race 0 has been reported to be more aggressive, having a shorter incubation period, and causing worse root rot symptoms, while race 1 causes more severe necrosis. The molecular mechanisms underlying the difference in virulence between race 0 and 1 remain elusive.

Findings

We assembled and annotated the genomes of P. nicotianae races 0 and 1, which were obtained by a combination of PacBio single-molecular real-time sequencing and second-generation sequencing (both HiSeq and MiSeq platforms). Gene family analysis revealed a highly expanded ATP-binding cassette transporter gene family in P. nicotianae. Specifically, more RxLR effector genes were found in the genome of race 0 than in that of race 1. In addition, RxLR effector genes were found to be mainly distributed in gene-sparse, repeat-rich regions of the P. nicotianae genome.

Conclusions

These results provide not only high quality reference genomes of P. nicotianae, but also insights into the infection mechanisms of P. nicotianae and its co-evolution with the host plant. They also reveal insights into the difference in virulence between the two physiological races.
Draft genome of the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: Song Linsheng , Bian Chao , Luo Yongju , Wang Lingling , You Xinxin , Li Jia , Qiu Ying , Ma Xingyu , Zhu Zhifei , Ma Liang , Wang Zhaogen , Lei Ying , Qiang Jun , Li Hongxia , Yu Juhua , Wong Alex , Xu Junmin , Shi Qiong , Xu Pao
Published: January 2016

Background:

The Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, is one of the most studied and economically important crustaceans in China. Its transition from a swimming to a crawling method of movement during early development, anadromous migration during growth, and catadromous migration during breeding have been attractive features for research. However, knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanisms that regulate these processes is still very limited.

Findings:

A total of 258.8 gigabases (Gb) of raw reads from whole-genome sequencing of the crab were generated by the Illumina HiSeq2000 platform. The final genome assembly (1.12 Gb), about 67.5 % of the estimated genome size (1.66 Gb), is composed of 17,553 scaffolds (>2 kb) with an N50 of 224 kb. We identified 14,436 genes using AUGUSTUS, of which 7,549 were shown to have significant supporting evidence using the GLEAN pipeline. This gene number is much greater than that of the horseshoe crab, and the annotation completeness, as evaluated by CEGMA, reached 66.9 %.

Conclusions:

We report the first genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation of the Chinese mitten crab. The assembled draft genome will provide a valuable resource for the study of essential developmental processes and genetic determination of important traits of the Chinese mitten crab, and also for investigating crustacean evolution.
Knowledge and risk perception of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer among non-medical university students
Authors: Osazuwa-Peters Nosayaba , Tutlam Nhial T.
Published: January 2016

Background

To assess non-medical university students’ knowledge and perceived risk of developing oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among non-medical students of a private Midwestern university in the United States in May 2012. Questionnaire assessed demographic information and contained 21 previously validated questions regarding knowledge and perceived risk of developing oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer. Knowledge scale was categorized into low and high. Risk level was estimated based on smoking, drinking, and sexual habits. Bivariate associations between continuous and categorical variables were assessed using Pearson correlation and Chi-square tests, respectively.

Results

The response rate was 87% (100 out of 115 students approached). Eighty-one percent (81%) had low oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer knowledge; and only 2% perceived that their oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer risk was high. Risk perception was negatively correlated with age at sexual debut, r (64) = −0.26, p = 0.037; one-way ANOVA showed a marginally significant association between risk perception and number of sexual partners, F(4, 60) = 2.48, p = 0.05. There was no significant association between knowledge and perception of risk; however, oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer knowledge was significantly associated with frequency of prevention of STDs ( p < 0.05). Although 86% had heard about oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer, only 18% had heard of oral mouth examination, and 7% of these reported ever having an oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer exam.

Conclusions

Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer knowledge and risk perception is low among this student population. Since oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer incidence is increasingly shifting towards younger adults, interventions must be tailored to this group in order to improve prevention and control.