bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlação tomográfica da técnica de magerl para artrodese C1-C2 na artrite reumatoide
Authors: Marchese Luiz Roberto Delboni , Bonadio Marcelo Batista , Letaif Olavo Biraghi , Cristante Alexandre Fogaça , Oliveira Reginaldo Perilo , Barros Filho Tarcísio Eloy Pessoa de
Published: August 2013

OBJETIVO: Utilizar a análise tomográfica das vértebras C1 e C2 para avaliar a possibilidade do emprego da técnica de Magerl nestes pacientes. Outros objetivos foram obter dados anatômicos para a escolha da técnica cirúrgica de modo geral, estabelecer parâmetros de segurança e obter dados epidemiológicos da população em questão. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados, retrospectivamente, tomografias de 20 pacientes com artrite reumatoide do ambulatório do Grupo de Coluna do IOT-HCFMUSP. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente para obtenção dos valores médios e da variação de cada medida: do comprimento do pedículo de C2 até a massa lateral de C1, da espessura do pedículo e do ângulo de ataque do parafuso no istmo de C2 com a horizontal. RESULTADOS: Os valores médios encontrados foram respectivamente: lado direito 23,08 mm e esquerdo 23,16 mm; direito 6,46 mm e esquerdo 6,50 mm; direito 44,50O e esquerdo 44,95O. DISCUSSÃO: Os principais fabricantes de parafusos dispõe de implantes compatíveis com as medidas anatômicas encontradas neste trabalho. Considerando a ampla difusão e domínio da técnica de Magerl em nosso meio e no mundo todo, esta é uma opção cirúrgica segura e mecanicamente estável. CONCLUSÃO: A técnica de Magerl, segundo análise tomográfica, pode ser empregada nos pacientes com artrite reumatoide. Nível de Evidência IV. Série de Casos.
Cuidados paliativos: entre la humanización y la medicalización del final de la vida
Authors: Alonso Juan Pedro
Published: August 2013

El artículo analiza la atención de pacientes terminales en servicios de cuidados paliativos, explorando las tensiones entre la humanización del cuidado y el avance de la medicalización en el final de la vida. La investigación en que se apoya el artículo sigue una estrategia metodológica cualitativa, basada en entrevistas con profesionales y pacientes y en observaciones etnográficas en un servicio de cuidados paliativos de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. El artículo describe la configuración de un cuidado personalizado e integral, base de la propuesta de la disciplina de brindar una atención más "humana" en el final de la vida. Asimismo, se analiza la forma en que éstas prácticas están mediadas por el avance de procesos de medicalización, en las que el cuidado es considerado menos un aspecto "no profesional" de la práctica médica que un área de atención sobre la que se afirman habilidades y saberes técnicos específicos. El artículo evidencia cómo las lógicas del cuidado y de la medicalización, más que lógicas opuestas, funcionan de forma complementaria.
O trabalho de cuidar de pacientes terminais com câncer
Authors: Kappaun Nádia Roberta Chaves , Gomez Carlos Minayo
Published: August 2013

Estudo realizado na unidade de cuidados paliativos do Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva (INCA), com o objetivo de compreender as características do trabalho e suas repercussões na saúde dos profissionais. Adotou-se abordagem de cunho qualitativo, com base em observação participante e entrevistas individuais semiestruturadas com profissionais do setor de internação hospitalar. A maioria das profissionais é do sexo feminino e desconhecia a proposta dos cuidados paliativos quando começou a trabalhar na unidade. O trabalho em equipe é muito valorizado pelas profissionais que envolvem a família nas ações de cuidado e incentivam a participação de pacientes e familiares na tomada de decisões. As trabalhadoras vivenciam elevado desgaste emocional ao conviverem com o sofrimento de pacientes e familiares e desgaste físico pela grande demanda provocada pela rotina cotidiana e pela dependência da maioria dos pacientes: é elevado o número de licenças que recebem por doenças osteomusculares e psiquiátricas. Há necessidade de programas destinados a promover a saúde dessas profissionais e que estejam alertas a cuidados cotidianos para evitarem os desgastes. Entretanto, suas sugestões de melhoria das condições de trabalho e saúde foram enviadas apenas à instituição para que tome providências.
Procedimentos para lidar com o tabu da morte
Authors: Pereira José Carlos
Published: August 2013

A morte, por mais estudada que seja, continua sendo um mistério. Lidar com ela não é algo nada fácil e por essa razão ela assusta tanto. Todos os medos do ser humano estão, no fundo, relacionados com o da morte. Tudo isso por ela ser um mistério do qual pouco ou nada sabemos, embora seja natural. À vista disso, as religiões dão a este tema o seu principal enfoque. Assim sendo, procuro neste artigo tratar o tabu da morte, refletindo temas relacionados a ele. Temas que estão presentes na vida das pessoas, sobretudo quando passam pela experiência da perda de alguém do seu círculo familiar ou de amizade. Dentre eles, abordo a Unção dos Enfermos, as Exéquias, a Missa do Sétimo Dia e a tradição de rezar pelos mortos. Temas que ajudam a lidar com o tabu da morte ou a perda de um ente querido.
Uma releitura da obra de Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Authors: Afonso Selene Beviláqua Chaves , Minayo Maria Cecília de Souza
Published: August 2013

Este artigo apresenta uma releitura de parte da obra de Elizabeth Ross, uma das autoras mais citadas sobre a questão da terminalidade da vida, do luto e do morrer. Sua obra tem sido de grande contribuição tanto para os profissionais de saúde como para pais, mães, filhos, parentes, leigos e religiosos que vivenciam o luto. Também tem sido alvo de controvérsias relacionadas a questões éticas e quanto a seu rigor científico. Os livros aqui comentados são: On death and dying (Sobre A morte e o morrer, de 1969); Questions and answers on death and dying (Perguntas e respostas sobre a morte e o morrer, de 1971); Living with death and dying(Vivendo com a morte e os moribundos, de 1981); On children and death (Sobre as crianças e a morte, de 1983); On life after death (Sobre a vida depois da morte, de 1991) e Life lessons (Lições de vida, de 2000).
Creep strains on reinforced concrete columns
Authors: Madureira E. L. , Siqueira T. M. , Rodrigues E. C.
Published: August 2013

A concrete element when kept under sustained load presents progressive strain over time, associated to the creep. In reinforced concrete columns, such deformations cause the stress increase in the steel bars of the reinforcement and may induce the material to undergo the yielding phenomenon. The pioneering formulations about the creep effect, developed on the base of creep coefficient, are applicable, especially, when the stress magnitude remains constant. Its application to reinforced concrete members, which exhibits change in stress magnitude, requires simplifications of which result the memory models, which have the disadvantage of requiring the storage of the stress history. To overcome the difficulties related to the excessive demand for computer memory, State models have been developed that dispense such robustness of storage. The subject of this work is the analysis of creep deformations in reinforced concrete columns on the base of a state model fixing its physical parameters from results obtained through the NBR 6118/07 formulation. The results showed that, in the elapse of the phenomenon, occurs stresses transfer from the concrete mass to the reinforcement steel bars which, in turn, have the effect of restrain the creep strains, confirming, in some cases, an imminent material yielding condition.
Chloride accelerated test: influence of silica fume, water/binder ratio and concrete cover thickness
Authors: Pereira E. , Resende A. , Medeiros M. H. F. de , Meneghetti L. C.
Published: August 2013

In developed countries like the UK, France, Italy and Germany, it is estimated that spending on maintenance and repair is practically the same as investment in new constructions. Therefore, this paper aims to study different ways of interfering in the corrosion kinetic using an accelerated corrosion test - CAIM, that simulates the chloride attack. The three variables are: concrete cover thickness, use of silica fume and the water/binder ratio. It was found, by analysis of variance of the weight loss of the steel bars and chloride content in the concrete cover thickness, there is significant influence of the three variables. Also, the results indicate that the addition of silica fume is the path to improve the corrosion protection of low water/binder ratio concretes (like 0.4) and elevation of the concrete cover thickness is the most effective solution to increase protection of high water/binder ratio concrete (above 0.5).
Adjuvant Therapy With Zoledronic Acid and Menopausal Status
Authors: Zheng Ya Yuan , Zhu Jian Hong
Published: August 2013

Zoledronic acid as adjuvant therapy in breast cancer patients has been shown to have a beneficial effect on OS. Adjuvant treatment with clodronate also may improve OS in patients with early breast cancer. Further study with analysis of subgroups by age or menopausal status should be performed to investigate adjuvant therapy with bisphosphonates in breast cancer patients.
Role of Zoledronate in Aromatase Activity Should Be Considered in Future Studies
Authors: Ghobadifar Mohamed Amin
Published: August 2013

Considering the additive effect of zoledronate on aromatase activity, plasma estrogen levels should be investigated or controlled for in future trials that seek to elucidate the mechanisms and components responsible for the recently reported effects of zoledronate in women with breast cancer.
Tailoring properties of cast Mg10Gd by alloying Nd and heat treatment
Authors: Maier Petra , Mendis Chamini , Tober Gerhard , Hort Norbert
Published: August 2013

Magnesium-rare Earth alloys receive growing interest for medical applications as implant material due to their non-toxicity, high specific strength with moderate corrosion rate and elastic modulus comparable with bone. In this study, the corrosion properties of cast Mg10Gd modified with neodymium have been investigated by potentiodynamic measurements. Adding neodymium to Mg10Gd improves mechanical properties, but the influence on the corrosion behavior was rarely investigated. The heat treatment of Mg10Gd1Nd and Mg10Gd2Nd, especially T6, increased strength due to precipitation of prismatic plate precipitates. In most magnesium alloys, the degradation of α-Mg matrix preferentially due to the cathodic response of precipitates, the influence of type and distribution of the precipitates on the nature and dynamics of the corrosion process is discussed. The temperature increase from room to body temperature accelerates the corrosion processes. However, an extended repassivation is observed at higher temperatures.
Development of a quaternized chitosan with enhanced antibacterial efficacy
Authors: Khaira Gurpreet Kaur , Kumariya Rashmi , Chibber Manmohan , Ghosh Moushumi
Published: August 2013

The antibacterial activity of a water-soluble chitosan derivative prepared by chemical modification to quaternary ammonium compound N,N,N-trimethylchitosan (TC) was investigated against four selected waterborne pathogens: Aeromonas hydrophila ATCC 35654, Yersinia enterocolitica ATCC 9610, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19111 and Escherichia coli O157:H7 ATCC 32150. An inactivation of 4 log CFU/ml of all waterborne pathogens was noted for the quaternized chitosan as compared with chitosan over a short contact time (30 min) and low dosage (4.5 ppm) at ambient temperature. A marked increase in glucose level, protein content and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was observed concurrently in the cell supernatant to be a major bactericidal mechanism. The results suggest that the TC derivative may be a promising commercial substitute for acid-soluble chitosan for rapid and effective disinfection of water.
Optimal pH in chlorinated swimming pools – balancing formation of by-products
Authors: Hansen Kamilla M. S. , Albrechtsen Hans-Jørgen , Andersen Henrik R.
Published: August 2013

In order to identify the optimal pH range for chlorinated swimming pools, the formation of trihalomethanes, haloacetonitriles and trichloramine was investigated in the pH-range 6.5–7.5 in batch experiments. An artificial body fluid analogue was used to simulate bather load as the precursor for by-products. The chlorine-to-precursor ratio used in the batch experiments influenced the amounts of by-products formed, but regardless of the ratio the same trends in the effect of pH were observed. Trihalomethane formation was reduced by decreasing pH, but haloacetonitrile and trichloramine formation increased. To evaluate the significance of the increase and decrease of the investigated organic by-products at the different pH values, the genotoxicity was calculated based on literature values. The calculated genotoxicity was approximately at the same level in the pH range 6.8–7.5 and increased when pH was 6.7 or lower. An optimal pH range for by-products formation in swimming pools was identified at pH 7.0–7.2. In the wider pH range (pH 6.8–7.5), the effect on by-product formation was negligible. Swimming pools should never be maintained at lower pH than 6.8 since formation of both haloacetonitriles and trichloramine increase significantly below this value.
Water shortages and extreme events: a call for research
Authors: Carmichael Catriona , Odams Sue , Murray Virginia , Sellick Matthew , Colbourne Jeni
Published: August 2013

Water shortages as a result of extreme weather events, such as flooding and severe cold, have the potential to affect significant numbers of people. Therefore, the need to build robust, coordinated plans based on scientific evidence is crucial. The literature review outlined in this short communication was conducted as part of a joint Drinking Water Inspectorate and Health Protection Agency (now Public Health England) report which aimed to review the scientific evidence base on extreme events, water shortages and the resulting health impacts. A systematic literature review was undertaken to identify published literature from both peer-reviewed and grey literature sources. The retrieved literature was then assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network quality assessment. The authors found very few scientific studies. However, a great deal of valuable grey literature was retrieved and used by the research team. In total, six main themes of importance that were identified by the review and discussed included health impacts, water quantity and quality, alternative supplies, vulnerable groups, communication with those affected and the emergency response. The authors conclude that more research needs to be conducted on health impacts and extreme events water shortages in order to build the future knowledge base and development of resilience.
Examination of an Estuarine Fish Assemblage Over an Inshore Artificial
Reef
Authors: Simonsen Kirsten A. , Cowan Jr James H. , Fischer Andrew J.
Published: August 2013

The perceived value of oyster reefs as fish habitat has led to many restoration projects in areas of historically
high oyster populations. This study evaluated fish usage of a limestone cobble mimic oyster reef in Barataria Bay, Louisiana,
as compared to a mud-bottom reference site. Emphasis was given to species of economic and ecological importance,
including spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus), and bay anchovy (Anchoa
mitchilli). There were no observed differences in community structure or catch per unit effort (CPUE) between habitats,
likely due to high variability in the data, though seasonal differences were observed. CPUE of spotted seatrout, Atlantic
croaker, and bay anchovy did not differ between habitats. Seasonal differences in abundance were detected, with significantly
higher CPUE of spotted seatrout in summer, of Atlantic croaker in spring and summer, and of bay anchovy in winter.
Spotted seatrout and Atlantic croaker were both significantly larger over the artificial reef, while bay anchovy were
significantly larger over the mud bottom. Spotted seatrout, a prized recreational fishing species in Louisiana, appeared to
be the only species that showed higher biomass, determined by numbers and size, at the the artificial reef. This is important
in the context of managing habitat enhancement projects. While the reef did not increase numbers or species richness
of the overall fish community, it did have an effect on one recreationally important species. Therefore, the success of such
projects is based as much on the intended purpose, as its affect on the overall community.
Susceptibility of Acanthamoeba to multipurpose lens-cleaning solutions
Authors: Aguiar Ana , Oliveira Silveira Caroline , Todero Winck Mari , Rott Marilise
Published: August 2013

The present study investigated the susceptibility of Acanthamoeba spp. trophozoites to two multipurpose systems for cleaning and maintenance of contact lenses. Three strains of trophozoites from the ATCC (A. castellani T4, A. castellani Neff, and A. polyphaga) and two Acanthamoeba isolates obtained from swimming pools (PT5 and PO1) were placed in monoxenic culture. To test their survival in cleaning solutions for contact lenses, the trophozoites were exposed for 4 and 24 h to two multipurpose solutions (A and B), and were then inoculated into a new monoxenic culture. Amoebic growth on the plates was observed after 72 h of incubation. Trophozoites from all three ATCC strains and one isolate from a swimming pool (PO1) grew in all plates after 4 h of exposure to solutions A and B. After 24 h, the ATCC strains and the PO1 isolate showed growth in most of the plates treated. Only the PT5 isolate showed susceptibility to both solutions over the time intervals tested. The two solutions were not completely effective against most strains and isolates over the time intervals tested. These results are important, since species of Acanthamoeba are widely distributed in the environment and are potential agents of eye pathologies.
Redescription of Caligus serratus Shiino, 1965 (Copepoda: Caligidae) parasitic on eleven fish species from Chamela Bay in the Mexican Pacific
Authors: Morales-Serna Francisco , Hernández-Inda Zaira , Gómez Samuel , León Gerardo
Published: August 2013

Caligus serratus Shiino, 1965 (Copepoda: Caligidae), a parasite on 11 fish species caught in Chamela Bay off the Pacific Coast of Mexico, is redescribed based on material found on Pacific agujon needlefish Tylosurus pacificus (Steindachner, 1876). Caligus serratus can be distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: i) short abdomen (approximately 0.2 times as long as cephalothorax), ii) pointed posteromedial process on the first segment of the antenna, iii) sternal furca with bluntly pointed, diverging tines, and iv) leg 4 exopod bearing 3 unequal, distal spines (the shortest 0.2 times the length of the longest). Microphotographs of female and illustrations of both female and male are provided. The redescription of this species might be useful given its low host specificity.
Energy-related Chemical Research at the Universities of Applied sciences
Authors: Riedl Wolfgang , Fischer Fabian , Marti Roger , Brühwiler Dominik
Published: August 2013

An overview of current activities in the field of energy-related chemical research at the Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences is presented.
‘A Noble Empire in the West’: Young Ireland, the United States and Slavery
Authors: Delahanty Ian
Published: August 2013

Young Ireland nationalists conciliated slaveholding and proslavery Americans in the mid-1840s by situating Irish debates over American slavery within a broader discussion of Ireland's status in the British Empire. As Irish nationalists sought to redefine Ireland's political relationship to Great Britain, many came to see material and rhetorical support from the United States as indispensable to their efforts. Unlike Daniel O'Connell, Young Irelanders proved willing to overlook slavery in the United States because they believed that an Irish-American alliance could be mobilised to critique British imperialism and potentially to gain greater autonomy for Ireland. Debates among Irish nationalists over accepting aid from slaveholding and proslavery Americans, therefore, bring into focus where O'Connell and Young Ireland differed with regard to Ireland's sufferings under the Union and involvement in the Empire.
Beckett'sEmbersand the Modernist Ovid: a Tiresian Poetic?
Authors: Sandison Garry
Published: August 2013

This paper interprets the second Beckett radio play, Embers, as a miniature epic that reworks numerous myths from Ovid's Metamorphoses. Paradoxically exploiting an aural broadcast medium, Beckett thus creates, in the listener's imagination, a mythical series of interlocking visual ekphrases. Comparison of the earliest extant versions, the MS THR 70.3 holograph and MS 4664 typescript, also suggests that Beckett's Embers – after Eliot's The Waste Land – dramatises the revelatory afflatus of Orphico-Dionysiac ritual initiation. Though caricatured in Plato's parable of the cave, such mystical gnosis was later celebrated in Ovid's interwoven myths of Echo, Narcissus, and the blind shaman Tiresias.
Thomas Reid on Common Sense and Morals
Authors: Lehrer Keith
Published: August 2013

Reid's philosophy of the moral faculty must be interpreted in the context of his philosophical theory concerning the human faculties and their connection with truth. One purpose of this paper is to offer an account of the development of our moral concepts that accords with a proposal of Esther Kroeker (Kroeker 2010) and also my own ( Lehrer 2010 ). Another is to explain how Reid combines an account of the objectivity of moral judgments with the denial of the existence of moral properties, the affirmation of a necessary connection of the moral judgments with sentiment and the accommodation of moral disagreement.
Characteristics of a Canine Distemper Virus Outbreak in Dichato, Chile Following the February 2010 Earthquake
Authors: Garde Elena , Pérez Guillermo , Acosta-Jamett Gerardo , Bronsvoort Barend
Published: August 2013

Following the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Chile in February 2010, residents of Dichato reported high morbidity and mortality in dogs, descriptions of which resembled canine distemper virus (CDV). To assess the situation, free vaccine clinics were offered in April and May. Owner information, dog history and signalment were gathered; dogs received physical examinations and vaccines protecting against CDV, and other common canine pathogens. Blood was collected to screen for IgM antibodies to CDV. In total, 208 dogs received physical exams and vaccines were given to 177. IgM antibody titres to CDV were obtained for 104 dogs. Fifty-four dogs (51.9%) tested positive for CDV at the cut off titre of >1:50, but a total of 91.4% of dogs had a detectable titre >1:10. Most of the positive test results were in dogs less than 2 years of age; 33.5% had been previously vaccinated against CDV, and owners of 84 dogs (42.2%) reported clinical signs characteristic of CDV in their dogs following the disaster. The presence of endemic diseases in dog populations together with poor pre-disaster free-roaming dog management results in a potential for widespread negative effects following disasters. Creation of preparedness plans that include animal welfare, disease prevention and mitigation should be developed.
Review of the Risks of Some Canine Zoonoses from Free-Roaming Dogs in the Post-Disaster Setting of Latin America
Authors: Garde Elena , Acosta-Jamett Gerardo , Bronsvoort Barend
Published: August 2013

In the absence of humane and sustainable control strategies for free-roaming dogs (FRD) and the lack of effective disaster preparedness planning in developing regions of the world, the occurrence of canine zoonoses is a potentially important yet unrecognized issue. The existence of large populations of FRDs in Latin America predisposes communities to a host of public health problems that are all potentially exacerbated following disasters due to social and environmental disturbances. There are hundreds of recognized canine zoonoses but a paucity of recommendations for the mitigation of the risk of emergence following disasters. Although some of the symptoms of diseases most commonly reported in human populations following disasters resemble a host of canine zoonoses, there is little mention in key public health documents of FRDs posing any significant risk. We highlight five neglected canine zoonoses of importance in Latin America, and offer recommendations for pre- and post-disaster preparedness and planning to assist in mitigation of the transmission of canine zoonoses arising from FRDs following disasters.
Development of an Antibody for Detection of Rhamnolipids Characterized as a Major Bacterial Virulence Factor
Authors: Giagkas Dimitrios , Choli-Papadopoulou Theodora , Pantazaki Anastasia
Published: August 2013

Rhamnolipids (RLs), the glycolipidic biosurfactants found initially as exoproducts of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are characterized as virulence factors contributing to its pathogenesis infections. However, RLs are also produced by various bacterial species. They consist of a gluconic part, usually containing one or two rhamnoses, and a lipid part, containing one or two hydroxy-fatty acids. In this study, we present both the isolation of RLs from bacterial cultures of the non-pathogenic bacterium Thermus thermophilus as well as the development of the rabbit antibody directed against them. The antibody was titrated and evaluated, in respect of its recognition selectivity. Between both RLs constituents, it specifically recognized only the hydroxydecanoic acid between the fatty acids tested, contrary to rhamnose. The potential of the antibody to recognize both purified RLs and RLs present in crude extracellular media produced by T. thermophilus and Escherichia coli cultures, is evidenced by Dot Blot immuno-reaction. The development of this antibody is addressed in detail, as the sensitive analytical technique, and its potential use would facilitate the implementation of rhamnolipids’ detection, or may be a useful and promising tool for determining these microbial secondary metabolites and virulence factors secreted in extracellular culture media or in biological fluids during infections.
Capillary-Seeding Crystallization and Preliminary Crystallographic Analysis of a Solvent-Tolerant Elastase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain K
Authors: Ali Mohd , Said Zatty , Rahman Raja , Chor Adam , Basri Mahiran , Salleh Abu
Published: August 2013

Seeding is a versatile method for optimizing crystal growth. Coupling this technique with capillary counter diffusion crystallization enhances the size and diffraction quality of the crystals. In this article, crystals for organic solvent-tolerant recombinant elastase strain K were successfully produced through microseeding with capillary counter-diffusion crystallization. This technique improved the nucleation success rate with a low protein concentration (3.00 mg/mL). The crystal was grown in 1 M ammonium phosphate monobasic and 0.1 M sodium citrate tribasic dihydrate pH 5.6. The optimized crystal size was 1 × 0.1 × 0.05 mm3. Elastase strain K successfully diffracted up to 1.39 Å at SPring-8, Japan, using synchrotron radiation for preliminary data diffraction analysis. The space group was determined to be monoclinic space group P1211 with unit cell parameters of a = 38.99 Ǻ, b = 90.173 Å and c = 40.60 Å.
Genetic Factors and Host Traits Predict Spore Morphology for a Butterfly Pathogen
Authors: Sander Sarah , Altizer Sonia , De Roode Jacobus , Davis Andrew
Published: August 2013

Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) throughout the world are commonly infected by the specialist pathogen Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE). This protozoan is transmitted when larvae ingest infectious stages (spores) scattered onto host plant leaves by infected adults. Parasites replicate internally during larval and pupal stages, and adult monarchs emerge covered with millions of dormant spores on the outsides of their bodies. Across multiple monarch populations, OE varies in prevalence and virulence. Here, we examined geographic and genetic variation in OE spore morphology using clonal parasite lineages derived from each of four host populations (eastern and western North America, South Florida and Hawaii). Spores were harvested from experimentally inoculated, captive-reared adult monarchs. Using light microscopy and digital image analysis, we measured the size, shape and color of 30 replicate spores per host. Analyses examined predictors of spore morphology, including parasite source population and clone, parasite load, and the following host traits: family line, sex, wing area, and wing color (orange and black pigmentation). Results showed significant differences in spore size and shape among parasite clones, suggesting genetic determinants of morphological variation. Spore size also increased with monarch wing size, and monarchs with larger and darker orange wings tended to have darker colored spores, consistent with the idea that parasite development depends on variation in host quality and resources. We found no evidence for effects of source population on variation in spore morphology. Collectively, these results provide support for heritable variation in spore morphology and a role for host traits in affecting parasite development.
Financial Distress Comparison Across Three Global Regions
Authors: Platt Harlan , Platt Marjorie
Published: August 2013

Globalization has precipitated movement of output and employment between regions. We examine factors related to corporate financial distress across three continents. Using a multidimensional definition of financial distress we test three hypotheses to explain financial distress using historical financial data. A null hypothesis of a single global model was rejected in favor of a fully relaxed model which created individual financial distress models for each region. This result suggests that despite other indications of worldwide convergence, international differences in accounting rules, lending practices, managements skill levels, and legal requirements among others has kept corporate decline from becoming commoditized.
China’s Stock Market Integration with a Leading Power and a Close Neighbor
Authors: Yi Zheng , Heng Chen , Wong Wing-Keung
Published: August 2013

Current integration and co-movement among international stock markets has been boosted by increased globalization of the world economy, and profit-chasing capital surfing across borders. With a reputation as the fastest growing economy in the world, China’s stock market has continued gaining momentum during recent years and incurred growing attention from academicians, as well as practitioners. Taking into account economic and geographical considerations, the US and Hong Kong are considerably the most comparable stock markets to China. The usual vector error correction model (VECM) could overlook the long memory feature of cointegration residual series, which can in turn exert bias on the resulting inferences. To overcome its limitations, we employ a fractionally integrated VECM (FIVECM) in this paper to investigate the long-term cointegration relations binding China’s stock market to the aforementioned stock markets. In addition, by augmenting the FIVECM with multivariate GARCH model, the return transmission and volatility spillover between market return series were revealed simultaneously. Our empirical results show that China’s stock market is fractionally cointegrated with the two markets, and it appears that China’s stock market has stronger ties with its neighboring Hong Kong market than with the world superpower, the US market.
Soybean Futures Crush Spread Arbitrage: Trading Strategies and Market Efficiency
Authors: Mitchell John
Published: August 2013

This paper revisits the soybean crush spread arbitrage work of Simon (1999) by studying a longer time period, wider variety of entry and exit limits, and the risk-return relationship between entry and exit limits. The lengths of winning and losing trades are found to differ systematically, with winning trades significantly shorter on average than losing trades. Exiting trades near the 5- day moving average is shown to improve trade performance relative to a reversal of sign and magnitude from the entry spread. These results lead to trading rules designed to prevent lengthy trades; however, the profitability of trading rules is found to be unstable.
A Mean-Variance Diagnosis of the Financial Crisis: International Diversification and Safe Havens
Authors: Eptas Alexander , Leger Lawrence
Published: August 2013

We use mean-variance analysis with short selling constraints to diagnose the effects of the recent global financial crisis by evaluating the potential benefits of international diversification in the search for ‘safe havens’. We use stock index data for a sample of developed, advanced-emerging and emerging countries. ‘Text-book’ results are obtained for the pre-crisis analysis with the optimal portfolio for any risk-averse investor being obtained as the tangency portfolio of the All-Country portfolio frontier. During the crisis there is a disjunction between bank lending and stock markets revealed by negative average returns and an absence of any empirical Capital Market Line. Israel and Colombia emerge as the safest havens for any investor during the crisis. For Israel this may reflect the protection afforded by special trade links and diaspora support, while for Colombia we speculate that this reveals the impact on world financial markets of the demand for cocaine.
A Pseudo-Bayesian Model for Stock Returns In Financial Crises
Authors: Fung Eric , Lam Kin , Siu Tak-Kuen , Wong Wing-Keung
Published: August 2013

Recently, there has been a considerable interest in the Bayesian approach for explaining investors' behaviorial biases by incorporating conservative and representative heuristics when making financial decisions, (see, for example, Barberis, Shleifer and Vishny (1998)). To establish a quantitative link between some important market anomalies and investors' behaviorial biases, Lam, Liu, and Wong (2010) introduced a pseudo-Bayesian approach for developing properties of stock returns, where weights induced by investors' conservative and representative heuristics are assigned to observations of the earning shocks and stock prices. In response to the recent global financial crisis, we introduce a new pseudo-Bayesian model to incorporate the impact of a financial crisis. Properties of stock returns during the financial crisis and recovery from the crisis are established. The proposed model can be applied to investigate some important market anomalies including short-term underreaction, long-term overreaction, and excess volatility during financial crisis. We also explain in some detail the linkage between these market anomalies and investors' behavioral biases during financial crisis.
Periodically Collapsing Bubbles in Stock Prices Cointegrated with Broad Dividends and Macroeconomic Factors
Authors: Fu Man , Bidarkota Prasad
Published: August 2013

We study fluctuations in stock prices using a framework derived from the present value model augmented with a macroeconomic factor. The fundamental value is derived as the expected present discounted value of broad dividends that include, in addition to traditional cash dividends, other payouts to shareholders. A stochastic discount factor motivated by the consumption-based asset pricing model is utilized. A single macroeconomic factor, namely the output gap determines the non-fundamental component of stock prices. A resulting trivariate Vector Autoregression (TVAR) model of stock prices, broad dividends, and the output gap shows evidence of cointegration in the DJIA and S&P 500 index data. Nonetheless, a sup augmented Dickey-Fuller test reveals existence of periodically collapsing bubbles in S&P 500 data during the late 1990s.
Natural Pyrrhotite as a Catalyst in Prebiotic Chemical Evolution
Authors: De Aldecoa Alejandra , Roldán Francisco , Menor-Salván César
Published: August 2013

The idea of an autotrophic organism as the first living being on Earth leads to the hypothesis of a protometabolic, complex chemical system. In one of the main hypotheses, the first metabolic systems emerged from the interaction between sulfide minerals and/or soluble iron-sulfide complexes and fluids rich in inorganic precursors, which are reduced and derived from crustal or mantle activity. Within this context, the possible catalytic role of pyrrhotite, one of the most abundant sulfide minerals, in biomimetic redox and carbon fixation reactions was studied. Our results showed that pyrrhotite, under simulated hydrothermal conditions, could catalyze the pyruvate synthesis from lactate and that a dynamic system formed by coupling iron metal and iron-sulfur species in an electrochemical cell could promote carbon fixation from thioacetate esters.
Secosteroids and Norcembranoids from the Soft Coral Sinularia nanolobata
Authors: Tseng Yen-Ju , Wang Shang-Kwei , Duh Chang-Yih
Published: August 2013

Two new 9,11-secosteroids, 22α-acetoxy-24-methylene-3β,6α,11-trihydroxy-9, 11-seco-cholest-7-en-9-one (1) and 11-acetoxy-24-methylene-1β,3β,6α-trihydroxy-9, 11-seco-cholest-7-en-9-one (2), as well as two known norcembranoids, 5-epi-sinuleptolide (3) and sinuleptolide (4), were isolated from the soft coral Sinularia nanolobata. The structures of these metabolites were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. The anti-HCMV (human cytomegalovirus) activity of 1–4 and its cytotoxicity against selected cell lines were evaluated.
1H NMR-Based Metabolomic Analysis of Sub-Lethal Perfluorooctane Sulfonate Exposure to the Earthworm, Eisenia fetida, in Soil
Authors: Lankadurai Brian , Furdui Vasile , Reiner Eric , Simpson André , Simpson Myrna
Published: August 2013

1H NMR-based metabolomics was used to measure the response of Eisenia fetida earthworms after exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in soil. Earthworms were exposed to a range of PFOS concentrations (five, 10, 25, 50, 100 or 150 mg/kg) for two, seven and fourteen days. Earthworm tissues were extracted and analyzed by 1H NMR. Multivariate statistical analysis of the metabolic response of E. fetida to PFOS exposure identified time-dependent responses that were comprised of two separate modes of action: a non-polar narcosis type mechanism after two days of exposure and increased fatty acid oxidation after seven and fourteen days of exposure. Univariate statistical analysis revealed that 2-hexyl-5-ethyl-3-furansulfonate (HEFS), betaine, leucine, arginine, glutamate, maltose and ATP are potential indicators of PFOS exposure, as the concentrations of these metabolites fluctuated significantly. Overall, NMR-based metabolomic analysis suggests elevated fatty acid oxidation, disruption in energy metabolism and biological membrane structure and a possible interruption of ATP synthesis. These conclusions obtained from analysis of the metabolic profile in response to sub-lethal PFOS exposure indicates that NMR-based metabolomics is an excellent discovery tool when the mode of action (MOA) of contaminants is not clearly defined.
3-Bromo-1-Hydroxy-9,10-Anthraquinone (BHAQ) Inhibits Growth and Migration of the Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB231
Authors: Abu Nadiah , Akhtar M. , Ho Wan , Yeap Swee , Alitheen Noorjahan
Published: August 2013

Breast cancer is becoming more prominent in women today. As of now, there are no effective treatments in treating metastatic breast cancer. We have tested the cytotoxic and anti-migration effects of BHAQ, a synthesized anthraquinone, on two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB231. Anthraquinones are an interesting class of molecules that display a wide spectrum of biological applications, including anticancer properties. Cellular inhibition was tested through a MTT assay, double acridine orange/propidium iodide staining and FACS cell cycle analysis. Inhibition of migration was tested by the wound healing method, and migration through a Boyden chamber. BHAQ was cytotoxic towards both cell lines in a dose dependent and possibly cell-dependent manner. Additionally, BHAQ also inhibited the migration of the highly metastatic MDA-MB231 cell line.
Current Trends in Sensors Based on Conducting Polymer Nanomaterials
Authors: Yoon Hyeonseok
Published: August 2013

Conducting polymers represent an important class of functional organic materials for next-generation electronic and optical devices. Advances in nanotechnology allow for the fabrication of various conducting polymer nanomaterials through synthesis methods such as solid-phase template synthesis, molecular template synthesis, and template-free synthesis. Nanostructured conducting polymers featuring high surface area, small dimensions, and unique physical properties have been widely used to build various sensor devices. Many remarkable examples have been reported over the past decade. The enhanced sensitivity of conducting polymer nanomaterials toward various chemical/biological species and external stimuli has made them ideal candidates for incorporation into the design of sensors. However, the selectivity and stability still leave room for improvement.
Proteomic Workflows for Biomarker Identification Using Mass Spectrometry — Technical and Statistical Considerations during Initial Discovery
Authors: Orton Dennis , Doucette Alan
Published: August 2013

Identification of biomarkers capable of differentiating between pathophysiological states of an individual is a laudable goal in the field of proteomics. Protein biomarker discovery generally employs high throughput sample characterization by mass spectrometry (MS), being capable of identifying and quantifying thousands of proteins per sample. While MS-based technologies have rapidly matured, the identification of truly informative biomarkers remains elusive, with only a handful of clinically applicable tests stemming from proteomic workflows. This underlying lack of progress is attributed in large part to erroneous experimental design, biased sample handling, as well as improper statistical analysis of the resulting data. This review will discuss in detail the importance of experimental design and provide some insight into the overall workflow required for biomarker identification experiments. Proper balance between the degree of biological vs. technical replication is required for confident biomarker identification.
Cattle Breeds: Extinction or Quasi-Extant?
Authors: Bett Rawlynce , Okeyo Mwai , Malmfors Birgitta , Johansson Kjell , Agaba Morris , Kugonza Donald , Bhuiyan A.K.F.H. , Filho Anibal , Mariante Arthur , Mujibi Fidalis , Philipsson Jan
Published: August 2013

Uniquely selected breeds bred over thousands of years of domestication in a wide range of environments have been declared extinct over the last century. Still more breeds are at risk of becoming extinct and the rate continues to accelerate. Assessing the current status and possible future dynamics of livestock breeds is therefore a critical step in the management of Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR). This study applies a qualitative approach to comprehensively analyze cattle genetic resources in selected countries in order to better understand the risk status of cattle breeds and those that need to be considered extinct and/or quasi-extant. The status of each breed, i.e., not at risk, critical, endangered and extinct, was verified using information available at the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS) web site, as well as cattle statistics (where available) and a breed survey. In most examples, breeds listed as extinct have played important roles in the development of new breeds, and should not be classified as extinct, unless proven otherwise, given that even breeds existing in vivo are developing. Therefore, a new risk status quasi-extant for this category of cattle breeds is suggested. In addition, based on the findings of this study, the concept of breed needs to be questioned as relates to it being a good measure of genetic diversity. Further investigations of the situation of cattle breeds (and other livestock species) in more countries/continents using similar categories are deemed necessary.
A Sparse Representation-Based Deployment Method for Optimizing the Observation Quality of Camera Networks
Authors: Wang Chang , Qi Fei , Shi Guangming , Wang Xiaotian
Published: August 2013

Deployment is a critical issue affecting the quality of service of camera networks. The deployment aims at adopting the least number of cameras to cover the whole scene, which may have obstacles to occlude the line of sight, with expected observation quality. This is generally formulated as a non-convex optimization problem, which is hard to solve in polynomial time. In this paper, we propose an efficient convex solution for deployment optimizing the observation quality based on a novel anisotropic sensing model of cameras, which provides a reliable measurement of the observation quality. The deployment is formulated as the selection of a subset of nodes from a redundant initial deployment with numerous cameras, which is an ℓ0 minimization problem. Then, we relax this non-convex optimization to a convex ℓ1 minimization employing the sparse representation. Therefore, the high quality deployment is efficiently obtained via convex optimization. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed camera deployment algorithms.
“I’ll Be Home for Christmas”: The Role of International Maasai Migrants in Rural Sustainable Community Development
Authors: Archambault Caroline
Published: August 2013

While the Maasai have to be among sub-Saharan Africa’s most mobile population due to their traditional transhumant pastoral livelihood strategy, compared with other neighboring ethnic groups they have been relatively late to migrate in substantial numbers for wage labour opportunities. In the community of Elangata Wuas in Southern Kenya, international migration for employment abroad has been very rare but promises to increase in significant numbers with the dramatic rise in education participation and diversification of livelihoods. Drawing on long-term ethnographic research and the specific experiences of the few international migrant pioneers in Elangata Wuas, this paper explores how community members assess the impacts of international migration on community sustainable development. It appears that international migration facilitates, and even exacerbates, inequality, which is locally celebrated, under an ethic of inter-dependence, as sustainable development. Particular attention is paid to the mechanisms of social control employed by community members to socially maintain their migrants as part of the community so that these migrants feel continued pressure and commitment to invest and develop their communities. Such mechanisms are importantly derived from the adaptability and accommodation of culture and the re-invention of tradition.