bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INNOVATION AS A CONDITION OF LONG-TERM STABILITY OF THE RUSSIAN INDUSTRY
Authors: Trachuk А. V.
Published: March 2015

The state of national innovation systems of Russia and EU countries in the context of these systems elements interaction with industrial enterprises is analyzed in the article. It is determined that it is necessary to significantly increase the role of enterprises in the national innovation system and the enterprises should keep to the proactive innovation policy for the long-term stable development of the Russian economics.
DUAL NATURE OF BUSINESS AND ITS EFFICIENCY ASSURANCE
Authors: Shcherbakov V. N. , Anokhin S. А.
Published: March 2015

Dual nature of the entrepreneurship development is stipulated by its cost and usefulness. It is shown that the entrepreneurship efficiency should be assessed on the basis of its target direction and taking into account both cost and usefulness interests.
ANTITRUST REGULATION OF THE ACTIVITIES OF INSURANCE COMPANIES
Authors: Nasyrova G. A.
Published: March 2015

Current problems of the antitrust regulation in the insurance industry are regarded. Contradictions and conflict of interest of antitrust authorities and subjects of insurance activities are revealed on the basis of the analysis of the current legislation and existing practice. The necessity of taking into account industry characteristics in the course of formation of antitrust legislation is substantiated.
FINANCIAL DIAGNOSTICS OF INTENTIONAL BANKRUPTCY
Authors: Kalvarsky G. V. , Lvova N. A.
Published: March 2015

The challenges associated with the financial diagnostics of intentional bankruptcy are investigated, suggests ways of their possible solutions are suggested. The official order of diagnostics in the bankruptcy process is critically analyzed. Financial characteristics of intentional bankruptcy are determined, including ones related to with the changes in the financial statements of the debtor. Methodological approaches to the diagnostics of intentional bankruptcy are settled considering its financial mechanism, and the most common financial schemes.
THE ANTI-CRISIS RESTRUCTURING OF THE ORGANIZATION IN A JUDICIAL REGIME: A METHODOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PLAN TO RESTORE SOLVENCY
Authors: Kochetkov E. P.
Published: March 2015

The method of developing a rehabilitation plan of insolvent company used in the course of judicial business restructuring in bankruptcy proceedings is offered. It's justified the need to develop such plan as a key factor in improving rehabilitation bankruptcy procedures and the role of tactics restore the solvency in frame of overall strategy of the organization. The definition of the recovery process solvency of the organization ensuring the preservation of its business from destruction is made.
CRISIS MANAGEMENT AND PROJECT APPROACH
Authors: Yurieva Т. V.
Published: March 2015

The development of the new economy in terms of strategic changes may be accompanied by the appearance the unstable and crisis situations. These can be effectively controlled through the use of crisis management mechanism and project management methods. This approach allows developing and implementing of anti-crisis strategy, to obtain the necessary economic results in conditions of limited parameters (resources, time, etc.).
OPTIMIZATION OF THE ENTERPRISE CAPITAL STRUCTURE AS AN INSTRUMENT OF THE CRISIS MANAGEMENT
Authors: Saakova E. B. , Saakov А. S. , Bartkova N. N.
Published: March 2015

The problems of the business entities’ economic instability have been studied and the ways of their solution have been considered. Показано, что crisis mechanisms of the capital financial stabilization allow predicting the future financial state of an organization. The role of management in the organization solvency recovery has been defined on the basis of its capital structure optimization by using the system of targets and criteria of the processes effectiveness within the crisis management system. The scheme of interrelation and interaction of the balance allocation has been drawn up based on which the directions of the capital structure transformation of a certain enterprise have been defined.
THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL BACKGROUND TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF COUNTERCYCLICAL POLICY
Authors: Butorina О. V.
Published: March 2015

The theoretical model revealing the nature of cyclic processes in economy is constructed on the basis of the specified treatment of the interphase recurrence property concept. According to it, the directions of anti-cyclic management taking into account the contents and features of course of each phase of a business cycle are revealed. The author's concept of a state policy of regulation of economic development taking into account its phase is offered.
7. IVAN ILITCH E WITTGENSTEIN: UMA ANALOGIA PRAGMÁTICA
Authors: NUNES DA CONCEIÇÃO Celso Augusto
Published: March 2015

A leitura dualista de Ivan Ilitch a respeito do ser lógico e do ser sensível suscitou a analogia com os dois Wittgenstein: o primeiro e o segundo. A metodologia apresentada para isso parte da narração de Leon Tolstoi e a coteja com esses dois momentos da filosofia a partir dos aportes silogistas e contextuais. São muitas as inferências surgidas a cada confronto estabelecido, assim como argumentos baseados nos jogos da linguagem desse filósofo, que contrariou a sua teoria formalista a partir da aplicação das atividades linguísticas e não linguísticas fundamentadas nas relações contextuais. Essas duas ciências predominantes, Lógica e Pragmática, sustentam este artigo até o final,  tanto na analogia como nas inferências provocadas no leitor.
2. DE LA INTERPRETACIÓN JURÍDICA A LA HERMENEÚTICA CONSTITUCIONAL: EL CRITERIO DE LA INTERPRETACIÓN EVOLUTIVA DEL TRIBUNAL CONSTITUCIONAL ESPAÑOL
Authors: MARTÍN Nuria Belloso
Published: March 2015

 
La interpretación jurídica en general y la hermenéutica constitucional en particular, están adquiriendo un renovado protagonismo en la medida en que la justicia que no se consigue a través de la aplicación de la norma, acaba buscándose en las sentencias judiciales. Ello hace que los ciudadanos vuelvan la mirada al Poder Judicial, del que esperan  tanto la plasmación de un constitucionalismo sustantivo (y no, meramente formal) como mutaciones de las normas, para ir adecuándolas a la evolución social. En el ámbito del debate sobre la reforma constitucional y las cláusulas pétreas, la autora destaca que, con la intención de no tener que reformar la Constitución, el Tribunal Constitucional realiza una lectura “evolutiva” de la Constitución y realiza, con su sentencia, un ajuste “evolutivo” del texto constitucional. Ello puede interpretarse como una invasión de las funciones que corresponden al Poder Legislativo convirtiendo al Tribunal Constitucional en un legislador positivo. Debe extremarse el cuidado en la utilización de la denominada “interpretación evolutiva” porque, de lo contrario, se corre el peligro de acabar pervirtiendo el texto constitucional. A partir de las sentencias interpretativas del Tribunal Constitucional, la autora analiza el criterio de interpretación evolutiva que utiliza el Tribunal Constitucional en el Recurso de inconstitucionalidad presentado en relación a la ley que constitucionaliza el matrimonio a cualquier pareja que quiera casarse, con independencia de su orientación sexual
12. PROCESSO DE EXECUÇÃO: A PRESCRIÇÃO INTERCORRENTE COMO PARADIGMA DE UTILIDADE E EFICIÊNCIA PROCESSUAL
Authors: MACEDO Elaine Harzheim , MACEDO Carla Herzheim
Published: March 2015

O tempo é elemento que se faz sentir no direito, atuando diretamente sobre as relações jurídicas e sobre o processo nas mais diversas facetas. Um desses aspectos se traduz pelo instituto da prescrição cujo escopo é a estabilidade e paz social, não representando locupletamento ao devedor nem punição ao credor. A prescrição, como regra de direito material, atua também diretamente no processo de conhecimento, configurando causa de resolução de mérito, em decisão que se qualifica pela coisa julgada. Mas é no processo de execução, sem embargo da flagrante omissão legislativa, que sua incidência causa maior impacto, especialmente na hipótese de sua ocorrência incidental, configurando a chamada prescrição intercorrente, instituto que pode ser útil para combater a eternização de execuções que se mostram infrutíferas, não resolvidas pela suspensão ou extinção do processo por razões formais, vindo ao encontro da própria definição do processo como movimento teleológico e de seus princípios vetores, como sua utilidade e eficiência.
1. LA EVOLUCIÓN JURISPRUDENCIAL RECIENTE SOBRE LA EXIGIBILIDADE DE LOS DERECHOS ECONÓMICOS, SOCIALES Y CULTURALE EN EL SISTEMA INTERAMERICANO: ALGUNAS IMPLICACIONES DE LA SENTENCIA DE LA CORTE E EL ASUNTO ACEVEDO BUENDÍA
Authors: GARCIA Carlos Teijo
Published: March 2015

Los DESC han sido objeto tradicionalmente de un nivel de protección inferior a los derechos civiles y políticos, tanto en el plano interno constitucional como en el internacional. Los instrumentos jurídicos básicos del sistema interamericano, como el Convenio de San José de 1969, han participado de esta tendencia, al regular sólo los derechos de primera generación. Sin embargo, la adopción de normas específicas más recientes como el Protocolo de San Salvador ha permitido avanzar en la defensa de los derechos de contenido prestacional. El control de las obligaciones estatales en esta materia se ha intensificado particularmente en la última década a través del desarrollo de mecanismos específicos de seguimiento, así como mediante el avance de la jurisprudencia interamericana en la que se observa una orientación hacia el incremento de la tutela por vía indirecta de los DESC. A partir de la sentencia en el asunto Acevedo Buendía, sin embargo, se ha abierto la vía para el control judicial del artículo 26 del Convenio. En este artículo se analizan las distintas dimensiones del proceso de inserción de la tutela de los DESC en el sistema interamericano, en los ámbitos del desarrollo normativo, la creación de nuevos mecanismos de control y la evolución jurisprudencial. 
10. GARANTÍSMO (CONSTITUCIONALISMO GARANTÍSTA) Y DERECHOS SOCIALES.
Authors: LEIVA José Ignacio Núñez , PRAMBS Carolina Meza
Published: March 2015

La insularidad del Derecho es una fantasía. ¿Qué duda cabe? Los sistemas jurídicos revelan relaciones de poder y diferentes configuraciones del Contrato Social. En tal contexto, pocas discusiones resultan tan hipócritas e infructuosas como la que en algunos países se desarrolla en torno a la naturaleza jurídica de los denominados Derechos Sociales. 
7. EL ESTATUTO JURÍDICO DE LOS DERECHOS SOCIALES
Authors: SANTAGATI Claudio Jesus
Published: March 2015

  El presente artículo analiza algunas contradicciones que se derivan de la clásica diferenciación entre derechos humanos, derechos fundamentales, derechos sociales, civiles, económicos, etc.,  y el tipo de obligaciones correlativas que se le imponen a los Estados con relación a los mecanismos de protección y garantía que éstos deben proveer.Se procura demostrar aquí la insuficiencia de este modelo clasificatorio y su aplicabilidad en el seno  de la actual  sociedad plural y multicultural. En efecto,  el paradigma de  una estructura societal homogénea basada en la igualdad ante la ley se ha visto superado por la emergencia de una sociedad que presenta una composición diversa y compleja y que, en el orden de ello,  requiere formas diferenciadas y específicas de protección de derechos y modalidades más dinámicas de intervención del Estado a las que hemos llamado: obligaciones sistémicas.           
9. DINÁMICAS Y TENDENCIAS DE LOS ESPACIOS COMUNES DE COOPERACIÓN UNIVERSITARIA EN IBEROAMÉRICA
Authors: LOPEZ Jorge Quindimil
Published: March 2015

Abordaré en primer lugar desde una perspectiva integrada los espacios comunes de cooperación universitaria de naturaleza o alcance iberoamericanos -esto es, el EIC, ENLACES y ALCUE-, configurándose así Iberoamérica como la región más fértil en esta materia. A continuación, me centraré, en segundo lugar, en los que tienen una dimensión propiamente iberoamericana tratando además de justificar, en mi opinión, que son los que están en mejores condiciones de partida para concretarse en el medio plazo. Me refiero en particular al EIC, en fase de consolidación, y al ENLACES, en fase creciente, frente a un ALCUE en fase menguante.
8. DERECHOS HUMANOS: LA PROTECCIÓN CONSTITUCIONAL Y PENAL DE LOS NIÑOS FRENTE A LA PORNOGRAFIA INFANTIL
Authors: RIQUERT Marcelo , RIQUERT Fabian
Published: March 2015

En el presente trabajo trataremos sólo un aspecto de un problema mayor que  se encuentra trasvasado a partir de la  utilización de las  nuevas tecnologías y que tiene principalmente  como víctimas a  los niños, ya sea  utilizando sus imágenes tomadas mediante fotografías o por vía de filmaciones, fenómeno que es conocido como  “pornografía infantil”.
A partir de la recepción de los Derechos del Niño  en la Constitución Nacional y  en instrumentos internacionales, observaremos en qué medida se encuentra receptada en la legislación interna esta problemática
Plant–soil feedbacks shift from negative to positive with decreasing light in forest understory species
Authors: Smith Lauren M. , Reynolds Heather L.
Published: March 2015

Net pairwise plant–soil feedbacks (PSF) may be an important factor structuring plant communities, yet the influence of abiotic context on PSF is not yet understood. Abiotic factors such as light availability can alter plant–soil interactions, potentially resulting in strong context dependence of PSF. Here, we present an experiment in which we measured whole‐soil net pairwise feedbacks amongst six common forest understory species across a gradient of light availability. Light treatments were imposed throughout both phases (the conditioning phase and the response phase) of the feedback experiment. Across the plant community, PSF shifted from negative at high light availability to weakly positive under low light (P = 0.013). Differences in the biomass of plants during the conditioning phase did not fully explain light‐imposed differences in feedbacks, indicating that reduced light availability qualitatively changes the nature of PSF rather than simply weakening feedbacks by reducing plant growth. Results indicate that abiotic context can fundamentally alter the role of PSF in structuring plant communities.
Efficacy of Locally Delivered 1.2% Rosuvastatin Gel To Non‐Surgical Treatment of Patients With Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Pradeep A.R. , Karvekar Shruti , Nagpal Kanika , Patnaik Kaushik , Guruprasad C.N. , Kumaraswamy K.M.
Published: March 2015

Background: Chronic periodontitis (CP) is an inflammatory condition affecting tooth‐supporting tissues and alveolar bone that surround the tooth, leading to formation of a deepened gingival sulcus that is highly prone to pathologic changes and, ultimately, bone resorption and tooth loss. In the literature, several pharmacologic agents have been administered via local delivery routes directly into diseased sites, affirming improvement in periodontal status. Therefore, this study aims to determine the clinical effectiveness of subgingivally delivered 1.2% rosuvastatin (RSV) gel incorporated into a methylcellulose vehicle for its controlled release into intrabony defect (IBD) sites as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) for treatment of patients with CP.

Methods: Sixty‐five patients were categorized into two treatment groups: group 1, SRP plus 1.2 mg RSV; group 2, SRP plus placebo. Clinical parameters, including modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL), were recorded at baseline (before SRP) and at 1, 3, 4, and 6 months. Radiologic assessment of IBD fill was analyzed at baseline and after 6 months using software.

Results: There was significant improvement in both study groups. At 6 months, there was a greater decrease in mSBI scores in group 1 (3.71 ± 0.24) compared to group 2 (1.48 ± 0.33). The mean decrease in PD from baseline to 6 months was 4.04 ± 0.34 and 1.31 ± 0.24 mm in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Mean CAL gain from baseline to 6 months was 4.2 ± 0.17 and 1.4 ± 0.15 mm in groups 1 and 2, respectively. In group 1, there was a greater decrease in mean IBD (2.23 ± 0.32 mm, 48.58%) compared to group 2 (0.46 ± 0.02 mm, 10.02%). All patients tolerated the drug without any adverse reaction.

Conclusion: Rosuvastatin in situ gel (1.2%), when delivered locally into IBD/pocket sites, showed a greater reduction than placebo in PD and gingival index, along with increased gain in CAL.
Association Between Assisted Reproductive Technology Conception and Autism in California, 1997–2007
Authors: Fountain Christine , Zhang Yujia , Kissin Dmitry M. , Schieve Laura A. , Jamieson Denise J. , Rice Catherine , Bearman Peter
Published: March 2015

Objectives. We assessed the association between assisted reproductive technology (ART) and diagnosed autistic disorder in a population-based sample of California births.

Methods. We performed an observational cohort study using linked records from the California Birth Master Files for 1997 through 2007, the California Department of Developmental Services autism caseload for 1997 through 2011, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National ART Surveillance System for live births in 1997 through 2007. Participants were all 5 926 251 live births, including 48 865 ART-originated infants and 32 922 cases of autism diagnosed by the Department of Developmental Services. We compared births originated using ART with births originated without ART for incidence of autism.

Results. In the full population, the incidence of diagnosed autism was twice as high for ART as non-ART births. The association was diminished by excluding mothers unlikely to use ART; adjustment for demographic and adverse prenatal and perinatal outcomes reduced the association substantially, although statistical significance persisted for mothers aged 20 to 34 years.

Conclusions. The association between ART and autism is primarily explained by adverse prenatal and perinatal outcomes and multiple births.
“When You’re in a Crisis Like That, You Don’t Want People to Know”: Mortgage Strain, Stigma, and Mental Health
Authors: Keene Danya E. , Cowan Sarah K. , Baker Amy Castro
Published: March 2015

Objectives. We analyzed experiences of stigmatization, concealment, and isolation among African American homeowners who were experiencing mortgage strain.

Methods. We conducted semistructured interviews between March 2012 and May 2013 with 28 African American homeowners in a northeastern US city who were experiencing mortgage strain. We coded all of the transcripts and reviewed data for codes relating to stigma, sharing information, social support, social isolation, and the meaning of homeownership.

Results. Our data showed that mortgage strain can be a concealable stigma. Participants internalized this stigma, expressing shame about their mortgage situation. Additionally, some participants anticipated that others would view them as less worthy given their mortgage trouble. In an effort to avoid stigmatization, many concealed their mortgage trouble, which often led to isolation. This stigmatization, concealment, and isolation seemed to contribute to participants’ depression, anxiety, and emotional distress.

Conclusions. Stigma may exacerbate stress associated with mortgage strain and contribute to poor mental health, particularly among upwardly mobile African Americans who have overcome significant structural barriers to home ownership. Reducing stigma associated with mortgage strain may help to reduce the health consequences of this stressful life event.
The Influence of Provider Communication Behaviors on Parental Vaccine Acceptance and Visit Experience
Authors: Opel Douglas J. , Mangione-Smith Rita , Robinson Jeffrey D. , Heritage John , DeVere Victoria , Salas Halle S. , Zhou Chuan , Taylor James A.
Published: March 2015

Objectives. We investigated how provider vaccine communication behaviors influence parental vaccination acceptance and visit experience.

Methods. In a cross-sectional observational study, we videotaped provider–parent vaccine discussions (n = 111). We coded visits for the format providers used for initiating the vaccine discussion (participatory vs presumptive), parental verbal resistance to vaccines after provider initiation (yes vs no), and provider pursuit of recommendations in the face of parental resistance (pursuit vs mitigated or no pursuit). Main outcomes were parental verbal acceptance of recommended vaccines at visit’s end (all vs ≥ 1 refusal) and parental visit experience (highly vs lower rated).

Results. In multivariable models, participatory (vs presumptive) initiation formats were associated with decreased odds of accepting all vaccines at visit’s end (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.04; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.01, 0.15) and increased odds of a highly rated visit experience (AOR = 17.3; 95% CI = 1.5, 200.3).

Conclusions. In the context of 2 general communication formats used by providers to initiate vaccine discussions, there appears to be an inverse relationship between parental acceptance of vaccines and visit experience. Further exploration of this inverse relationship in longitudinal studies is needed.
Loneliness as a Public Health Issue: The Impact of Loneliness on Health Care Utilization Among Older Adults
Authors: Gerst-Emerson Kerstin , Jayawardhana Jayani
Published: March 2015

Objectives. We aimed to determine whether loneliness is associated with higher health care utilization among older adults in the United States.

Methods. We used panel data from the Health and Retirement Study (2008 and 2012) to examine the long-term impact of loneliness on health care use. The sample was limited to community-dwelling persons in the United States aged 60 years and older. We used negative binomial regression models to determine the impact of loneliness on physician visits and hospitalizations.

Results. Under 2 definitions of loneliness, we found that a sizable proportion of those aged 60 years and older in the United States reported loneliness. Regression results showed that chronic loneliness (those lonely both in 2008 and 4 years later) was significantly and positively associated with physician visits (β = 0.075, SE = 0.034). Loneliness was not significantly associated with hospitalizations.

Conclusions. Loneliness is a significant public health concern among elders. In addition to easing a potential source of suffering, the identification and targeting of interventions for lonely elders may significantly decrease physician visits and health care costs.
Friends Matter: Protective and Harmful Aspects of Male Friendships Associated With Past-Year Sexual Aggression in a Community Sample of Young Men
Authors: Jacques-Tiura Angela J. , Abbey Antonia , Wegner Rhiana , Pierce Jennifer , Pegram Sheri E. , Woerner Jacqueline
Published: March 2015

Objectives. We extended past research on sexual violence etiology by examining the impact of perceived pressure to have sex by any means and the types of objectifying and egalitarian language that friends used when discussing women.

Methods. We examined a community sample of young single men interested in dating women (n = 423) who completed audio computer-assisted self-interviews at baseline (spring/summer 2008) and 1 year later (spring/summer 2009). We used hierarchical logistic regression analyses that controlled for baseline sexual aggression.

Results. Approximately one quarter of participants (n = 108) reported that they made a woman engage in some type of sexual activity during the past year when they knew she was unwilling or unable to consent. Past-year perpetrators perceived more pressure from their friends to have sex by any means, felt less comfortable with their friends making egalitarian statements about women, and used more objectifying statements when describing how their friends talked about women compared with nonperpetrators. Seventy-eight percent of men were correctly classified by these predictors.

Conclusions. Men’s discussions with each other about women could foster an environment that encourages or discourages sexual violence. We discussed future research and prevention implications.
Advancing Suicide Prevention Research With Rural American Indian and Alaska Native Populations
Authors: Wexler Lisa , Chandler Michael , Gone Joseph P. , Cwik Mary , Kirmayer Laurence J. , LaFromboise Teresa , Brockie Teresa , O’Keefe Victoria , Walkup John , Allen James
Published: March 2015

As part of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Task Force, a multidisciplinary group of AI/AN suicide research experts convened to outline pressing issues related to this subfield of suicidology. Suicide disproportionately affects Indigenous peoples, and remote Indigenous communities can offer vital and unique insights with relevance to other rural and marginalized groups. Outcomes from this meeting include identifying the central challenges impeding progress in this subfield and a description of promising research directions to yield practical results. These proposed directions expand the alliance’s prioritized research agenda and offer pathways to advance the field of suicide research in Indigenous communities and beyond.
Medicaid Expansion Under the Affordable Care Act: Potential Changes in Receipt of Mental Health Treatment Among Low-Income Nonelderly Adults With Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Han Beth , Gfroerer Joe , Kuramoto S. Janet , Ali Mir , Woodward Albert M. , Teich Judith
Published: March 2015

Objectives. We designed this study to examine differences in receipt of mental health treatment between low-income uninsured nonelderly adults with serious mental illness (SMI) who were eligible for Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and their existing Medicaid counterparts. Assessing these differences might estimate the impact of the Medicaid expansion efforts under the ACA on receipt of mental health treatment among uninsured nonelderly adults with SMI.

Methods. We examined data from 2000 persons aged 18 to 64 years who participated in the 2008 to 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, had income below 138% of the federal poverty level, met SMI criteria, and either were uninsured (n = 1000) or had Medicaid-only coverage (n = 1000). We defined SMI according to the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration Reorganization Act. We used descriptive analyses and logistic regression modeling.

Results. In the 28 states currently expanding Medicaid, the model-adjusted prevalence (MAP) of receiving mental health treatment among Medicaid-only enrollees with SMI (MAP = 71.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 65.74%, 76.29%) was 30.1% greater than their uninsured counterparts (MAP = 54.8%; 95% CI = 48.16%, 61.33%). In the United States, the MAP of receiving mental health treatment among Medicaid-only enrollees with SMI (MAP = 70.4%; 95% CI = 65.67%, 74.70%) was 35.9% higher than their uninsured counterparts (MAP = 51.8%; 95% CI = 46.98%, 56.65%).

Conclusions. Estimated increases in receipt of mental health treatment because of enrolling in Medicaid among low-income uninsured adults with SMI might help inform planning and implementation efforts for the Medicaid expansion under the ACA.
The Longitudinal Joint Effect of Obesity and Major Depression on Work Performance Impairment
Authors: Nigatu Yeshambel T. , Reijneveld Sijmen A. , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Schoevers Robert A. , Bültmann Ute
Published: March 2015

Objectives. We examined the longitudinal effect of obesity, major depression, and their combination on work performance impairment (WPI).

Methods. We collected longitudinal data (2004–2013) on 1726 paid employees from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety at baseline and 2-, 4-, and 6-year follow-up. We defined obesity with body mass index and waist circumference. We diagnosed major depression with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview 2.1. We assessed work performance impairment with a questionnaire for illness-associated costs. We used generalized estimating equations for modeling, and estimated interaction on the additive scale.

Results. Obesity, abdominal obesity, and major depression were longitudinally associated with increased risk of high WPI. The combinations of obesity and major depression, and of abdominal obesity and major depression were associated with increased risk of high WPI (odds ratios of 2.36 [95% confidence interval = 1.61, 3.44] and 1.88 [95% confidence interval = 1.40, 2.53], respectively), but the relative excess risks attributable to interaction were nonsignificant.

Conclusions. The longitudinal joint effect of obesity and major depression on high WPI implies that obesity intervention may be more beneficial for individuals with major depression than those without regarding risk of high WPI, if confirmed in a large, representative sample.
Ebola Crisis of 2014: Are Current Strategies Enough to Meet the Long-Run Challenges Ahead?
Authors: Gimm Gilbert , Nichols Len M.
Published: March 2015

The outbreak of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) in 2014 mobilized international efforts to contain a global health crisis. The emergence of the deadly virus in the United States and Europe among health care workers intensified fears of a worldwide epidemic. Market incentives for pharmaceutical firms to allocate their research and development resources toward Ebola treatments were weak because the limited number of EVD cases were previously confined to rural areas of West Africa. We discuss 3 policy recommendations to address the long-term challenges of EVD in an interconnected world.
Braided rivers: structure, types and hydrological effects
Authors: Chalov Sergey R. , Alexeevsky Nikolay I.
Published: March 2015

Braided rivers have been intensively analyzed mostly by geomorphologists. In the present study the approach to recognize braided channel types and effects with the special emphasis on flow partitioning has been applied. It is assumed that each braided channel represents the reach which is initiated with dividing of the single channel and completed below the confluence of the total multiplicity of channels. Proposed indices of braided channel structure and water discharges ratio which have been proposed and applied to 200 braided reaches of 40 rivers in Russia, China, and the USA enable the description of the origin and types of the observed rivers and further analysis of hydrological effects of braided channels. The latter represent physical, hydrochemical, and ecological conditions of stream along braided reaches caused by flow distribution among branches in relation to braiding intensity. Structure and braided channel pattern types impact on hydraulics, sediment transport, water temperatures, and stream communities are of primary interest in the present study.
Streamflow prediction in ungauged basins through geomorphology-based hydrograph transposition
Authors: de Lavenne A. , Boudhraâ H. , Cudennec C.
Published: March 2015

Geomorphology-based rainfall–runoff models are particularly helpful for predicting hydrology in ungauged basins. The robustness, generality and flexibility of the modelling approach make it able to deal with a wide variety of processes, events and scales. It allows a rainfall–runoff transfer function to be estimated for any basin without needing to measure discharge. The aim of this study is to transpose hydrological observations from gauged to ungauged basins to predict streamflow hydrographs. It considers pairs of nested and neighbouring basins, the first one providing information for the second ungauged one. A time-series of the donor basin's discharge is deconvoluted by inverting its geomorphology-based transfer function to assess the time-series of net rainfall. The latter is then transposed to the receiver basin, where it is convoluted with the reciever basin's transfer function to predict the hydrograph therein. The methodology was implemented with virtual and real rainfall–runoff events on a set of basins in temperate Brittany, France. Different time scales and spatial configurations were tested. Goodness-of-fit of model predictions varied by basin pair. High prediction accuracy was observed when transposing hydrographs between nested basins differing greatly in size. Several ways to improve the approach are identified by relaxing simplifying assumptions.
Soil erosion in the riparian zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China
Authors: Bao Yuhai , Tang Qiang , He Xiubin , Hu Yunhua , Zhang Xinbao
Published: March 2015

The riparian zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) has experienced substantial erosion that may severely deteriorate the reservoir ecosystem. To calculate soil erosion characteristics, field investigations have been conducted in the TGR area and 12 erosion-monitoring transects have been set in the middle TGR. The results showed that the dominating drive forces are water wave, gravity and surface runoff. In summer when the reservoir ran at lower water levels, wave erosion led to bank instability and bank collapses. Simultaneously, due to a number of heavy storms, surface runoff erosion was also severe. In other seasons when the reservoir ran at relative higher levels reaching the highest level in winter, water wave prevailed due to the wide range of water surface and heavy waterway transportation. Soil erosion was the most severe in the mainstream where higher frequency and intensity of waves occurred. The rates of wave erosion were around 37 mm/year with the highest being 53 mm/year, and surface runoff erosion was up to 15 mm/year in the main stream riparian zone.
Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Behavior of Semi-Rigid Composite Joints Loaded along the Minor-Axis
Authors: Chen Shizhe , Wang Zhan , Zhou Chao , Chen Panyuan
Published: March 2015

Today’s design of spatial steel frames requires beam-to-column connections to be checked in the direction of the minor-axis of inertia of beam section. The mechanical behavior of minor-axis connections for bare steel joints and composite joints has been investigated by experiments. A comparison of the experimental results between the bare steel joints and composite joints shows that the mechanical behavior of the minor-axis composite joint is obviously effected by the reinforcing concrete slab, which is transversely reinforced for bending and is connected to the steel beam via shear studs, this is more in line with the mechanical behavior of the frame joint. The investigation indicates that: (1) Minor-axis joints with flush end-plate connections and seat angle with double web angles connections are all typical semi-rigid joints. The bearing capacity and the rotation ability of the joints cannot be ignored in the design. (2) Due to the composite effects of the reinforcing concrete slab, sagging moment and hogging moment must be taken into consideration when the mechanical model is established using component method.
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Effects on Behavior in Switzerland The Swiss Heart Foundation HerzCheck®/Cardio-Test®
Authors: Freund Niclas , Friedli Bernhard C. , Junker Therese , Zimmermann Martin , Zellweger Michael J.
Published: March 2015

Background:

“CardioTest®” is a tool for cardiovascular risk assessment. The aim of this study was to evaluate if this test used in Swiss pharmacies provides risk stratification and if it had impact on individual behaviour.

Methods:

Individuals were evaluated (blood pressure, body waist circumference, random blood samples and coronary artery disease risk factors). The cardiovascular risk was calculated (AGLA Risk Score (ARS) a modified PROCAM Score) and participants were informed about their result. One year after the initial testing individuals were followed up by questionnaire with respect to the action they had taken based upon the ARS results. The relation between ARS results and events during follow-up were assessed. Events were defined as cardiovascular events due to chest pain, myocardial infarction or stroke.

Result:

A total of 1415 individuals were contacted for follow-up, 746 (53%) with a mean age of 62.7 (±12.8) years (60% were male) returned their questionnaire. The cardiovascular risk throughout the study-population turned out to be low: 73.9% had a low ARS <10%, 21.7% an intermediate ARS 10-20% and 4.4% had a high ARS >20%. Significantly more participants with ARS >20% consulted their family doctor (46.2%) than those with ARS 10-20% (25.2%) and ARS <10% (10.4%), respectively (p<0,01 for both comparisons). Sixty-four individuals (9%) suffered a cardiovascular event. The event rates increased as a function of ARS.

Conclusion:

The overall cardiovascular risk of individuals participating in a pharmacy based risk assessment program seems to be low. CardioTest ® provided risk stratification with respect to future cardio-vascular events. CardioTest ® seems to have impact on individual behavior and lifestyle modification. Other settings and locations for screening might be considered to reach higher risk individuals at an earlier stage.
Age differences in the irrelevant sound effect: A serial recognition paradigm
Authors: Schwarz Helene , Schlittmeier Sabine , Otto Annette , Persike Malte , Klatte Maria , Imhof Margarete , Meinhardt-Injac Bozana
Published: March 2015

In adults, the disrupting effect of irrelevant background sounds with
distinct temporalspectral variations (changing-state sounds) on short-term
memory performance was found to be robust. In the present study, a verbal
serial recognition task was used to investigate this so-called Irrelevant
Sound Effect (ISE) in adults and 8- to 10-year-old children. An essential
part of the short-term memory impairment during changing-state speech is due
to interference processes (changing-state effect) which can be differentiated
from the deviation effect of auditory distraction. In line with recent
findings (Hughes et al., 2013), our study demonstrates that the
changing-state effect is not modulated by task difficulty. Moreover, our
results show that the changing-state effect remains stable for children and
adults. This suggests that the differences in the magnitude of the ISE as
reported by Elliott (2002) and Klatte et al. (2010) are most likely related
to the increase in attentional control during childhood.
Optical Microstructures Fabricated with Direct Laser Writing Technique
Authors: Kowalczyk M. , Nawrot M. , Zinkiewicz L.
Published: March 2015

Three-dimensional photolitography, also known as Direct Laser Writing (DLW), is a powerful technique for fabrication of photonic microstructures. In this paper we present the basics of the relevant technology and discuss some features of the fabrication process. We also describe the experimental setup designed for making colour filters based on diffraction gratings, fibre-tip-integrated lens and anti-reflective coating designed for telecom wavelength (1550 nm). The results obtained demonstrate the DLW technique to be a promising fast prototyping fabrication method that may allow manipulating the properties of optical materials.
Spontaneuos and Parametric Processes in Warm Rubidium Vapours
Authors: Dąbrowski M. , Parniak M. , Pęcak D. , Chrapkiewicz R. , Wasilewski W.
Published: March 2015

Warm rubidium vapours are known to be a versatile medium for a variety of experiments in atomic physics and quantum optics. Here we present experimental results on producing the frequency converted light for quantum applications based on spontaneous and stimulated processes in rubidium vapours. In particular, we study the efficiency of spontaneously initiated stimulated Raman scattering in the Λ-level configuration and conditions of generating the coherent blue light assisted by multi-photon transitions in the diamond-level configuration. Our results will be helpful in search for new types of interfaces between light and atomic quantum memories.
Nanotechnologies in Latvia: Commercialisation Aspect
Authors: Geipele I. , Staube T. , Ciemleja G. , Ekmanis J. , Zeltins N.
Published: March 2015

The authors consider the possibilities to apply the nanotechnology products of manufacturing industries in Latvia for further commercialisation. The purpose of the research is to find out the preliminary criteria for the system of engineering economic indicators for multifunctional nanocoating technologies. The article provides new findings and calculations for the local nanotechnology market research characterising the development of nanotechnology industry. The authors outline a scope of issues as to low activities rankings in Latvia on application of locally produced nanotechnologies towards efficiency of the resource use for nanocoating technologies. For the first time in Latvia, the authors make the case study research and summarise the latest performance indicators of the Latvian companies operating in the nanotechnology industry.
Choanal and cloacal aerobic bacterial flora in captive green iguanas: a comparative analysis
Authors: Romero Silvia Barazorda , Čížek Alois , Masaříková Martina , Knotek Zdeněk
Published: March 2015

The aims of this study were to characterize the choanal and cloacal aerobic bacterial flora in healthy captive green iguanas and to compare it with the bacterial flora of the biofilm present in the water container of each terrarium. Samples were collected from the choana and the cloaca of 20 healthy captive adult green iguanas and from the biofilm of 15 water containers. The final identification of aerobic bacteria was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.Salmonellapositive samples were serotyped. The most common strains observed at each test location were from 1) choanae:Staphylococcusspp.,Enterobacter cloacaeandComamonas testosteroni; 2) cloacae:Citrobacterspp.,Salmonellaspp. andCorynebacteriumspp.; and 3) biofilms:Pseudomonasspp.,Salmonellaspp. andAcidovoraxspp. We showed that apart fromSalmonellaspp., the choanal and cloacal bacterial flora differed from the microorganisms present in the biofilm of the animal’s water container. These data revealed that healthy captive adult green iguanas harbored several aerobic bacterial strains that in immunosuppressed reptiles may act as opportunistic pathogens. Also, several of the aerobic bacteria identified in samples are potential zoonotic agents. Characterization of the normal background flora in captive reptiles and their environment can contribute to an understanding of the spread of bacterial contamination and the risk of potential zoonotic diseases for people in contact with these animals.
Self-sampling for analysis of respiratory viruses in a large-scale epidemiological study in Sweden
Authors: Plymoth A , Rotzén-Östlund M , Zweygberg-Wirgart B , Sundin C G , Ploner A , Nyrén O , Linde A
Published: March 2015

Viral diagnosis of respiratory tract infections has so far required sampling by health professionals, hampering large-scale epidemiological studies of virus-specific disease outcomes. As part of a population-based, prospective study of work-related risk factors for transmission of viral infections (SWEDE-I), we developed a scheme for self-sampling with nasal swabs. Random selection from the gainfully employed population of a medium-sized town in central Sweden resulted in a study cohort of 2,237 men and women aged 25 to 63 years. From September 2011 through May 2012, the cohort reported all instances of respiratory tract infection or gastroenteritis and participants concomitantly sent self-sampled nasal swabs for analysis using regular mail. Diagnosis of 14 viruses was performed. A total of 1,843 samples were received. The week-wise average delay between disease onset and arrival of the specimens at the laboratory varied between four and six days, and the corresponding median delay was between 3.5 and six days. In line with previous community-based studies, picorna- and coronaviruses dominated in specimens obtained from the self-sampling scheme. The results of self-sampling were contrasted to those from contemporaneous routine clinical sampling, on the same age group, in the adjacent Stockholm county. Although higher proportions of positive samples for respiratory syncytial virus and influenza were observed in the clinical sampling scheme, estimations of seasonality for influenza A and picornaviruses derived from both schemes were similar. Our findings show that nasal self-sampling is feasible in large-scale surveillance of respiratory infections and opens new prospects for population-based, virologically verified research on virus spread, burden of disease, and effects of environmental factors or interventions.
The effects of Metformin Use on Body Mass Index: A Prospective Study
Authors: Tiwari Sanjeev , Bhattarai Aseem , Acharya Ramesh Prasad , Prasad Pratap Narayan
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND: Limited number of studies has compared metformin with other Oral Hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) for reducing BMI and few of the results are controversial. Perhaps, this is of clinical importance because the Nepalese population presents different dietary habits in comparison with the European population. The objective of this study was to study the comparative evaluation of metformin with other OHAs influence on Body Mass Index (BMI) in Nepalese patients with diagnosed type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)). METHODS: A prospective cross sectional database of patients treated at diabetic clinic, TUTH, was analysed. Patients (N = 115) with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and with complete BMI and HbA1c and treated with metformin and other OHAs, for at least three visits were included. Analysis of BMI and the type of oral agent was performed. Individuals were categorized as ideal weight, overweight, or obese (BMI <25, 25–29.9, and >30 kg/m2, respectively). RESULTS: There were differences between the values of BMI at presentation, the third, the sixth and the ninth months, between the metformin-treated groups compared to other OHAs treated groups. Metformin was given to 48 patients and OHAs to other 57 patients. In the metformin group, mean BMI decreased significantly during the treatment time, from 29.93±5.7 to 28.95±5.2 (<0.001). The obese the patients, the lower their BMI levels at the end of the analysis period. The mean BMI dropped by 0.9±1.18 in metformin group (from 29.93±5.7 to 24.83±3.6kg/m2; p<0.001). It was found that the patients who had BMI higher than 30 kg/m2 were significantly more likely to lose weight during the metformin therapy (p<0.05). However, the baseline change in body weight observed during metformin treatment correlated with the baseline metabolic control or its improvement during the analysis period. CONCLUSION: Metformin use is associated with a significant decrease in body weight and BMI over long periods of time and it should remain a first choice drug for newly diagnosed T2DM patients, even more so for patients that are overweight or obese. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/acclm.v1i1.12309 Ann. Clin. Chem. & Lab. Med. 1(1) 2015: 16-20